I Asked Two Designers Their Trick to Make Any Kitchen Feel Instantly Cozy — Here’s What They Said

published Oct 20, 2024
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Galley kitchen with white countertops in Brooklyn kitchen.
Credit: Erin Derby

Summer is finally over, and autumn is officially here — and, of course, with cooler weather you may feel the need to do some redecorating and rearranging of your home to give it the cozy fall vibes you know and love. In your kitchen, it’s particularly important to make the space as inviting as possible since you’ll probably spend more time in there for holiday prep, baked goods galore, and soup season (who’s ready?!).

To help prep your home for the season, I spoke to a handful of interior design experts on how to make your kitchen look and feel more homey and welcoming, and here’s what they said to add:

Credit: PhotoJuli86/Shutterstock

1. Fall Scents and (Tasteful) Decor

Angie Kreller, an interior designer at Yabby, spoke about her love of fall-scented candles and fall-themed towels in the kitchen. “To make the kitchen feel in touch with the seasons, you should try to bring seasonal designs into the kitchen to make it feel more current,” Kreller says. “You can do this by using decorative pumpkins in fall, or nice scented candles in the winter. This will help match the indoors with the outdoors, making the home more comfortable, particularly in the cold.”

2. Warm Metals

When it comes to hardware, Kreller shares just how much warmer tones in your kitchen can make a difference. “Warm metals like brushed brass, copper, or bronze can add a touch of coziness to your kitchen because of their warmer tones. It’s a small change, but updating your cabinet hardware or fixtures can make a big difference in making the kitchen look more inviting.” 

Credit: Erin Derby

3. Homey Textiles

Another way to make your kitchen extra cozy this autumn? Adding homey textiles to your space. Angelica Ferguson VonDrak, a real estate agent and designer for Homes In The Wild, tells me why this is such an easy and inexpensive way to warm up your kitchen. “A runner rug or cushioned mats in warm tones can make the space feel softer and more inviting. If you have seating in the kitchen, think about adding cushions or a cozy throw over a chair to bring in some extra comfort. Personally, I love using sheepskins on my counter stools and dining chairs — there’s literally nothing cozier.”

4. Natural Elements

VonDrak also recommends using natural or neutral elements around the kitchen. “Incorporating natural elements is also a great idea for the fall. Wooden cutting boards, stoneware, or wicker baskets add a touch of warmth and texture,” she says. And it’s easier than it looks! “Fresh herbs in pots or a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter can bring a little bit of life and color to the space, making it feel more homey.”

And there you have it! It’s time for fall, y’all, and your kitchen is officially ready for its cozy makeover. 

This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: I Asked 2 Designers Their Trick to Make Any Kitchen Feel Instantly Cozy, and Their Advice Was Brilliant