Earth tones foster comfort and warmth in the kitchen

(NC)—Even in the most contemporary home, there's an argument to be made to go a little warmer when designing the kitchen. As the most popular gathering place in the home for family and friends, the kitchen is considered by many to represent the heart of the home.

It's also the one room in the home that is generally available to all family members at any time, day or night. While the family room might occasionally be monopolized for gaming or television, it's generally accepted that the kitchen is not to be monopolized by any one person or group. We wander in and out at all times of the day, say a few words to one another and maybe fix a meal or cup of tea for someone in the family.

Here are some simple ways to ensure the kitchen stays warm and inviting that work for even a contemporary décor.

• Switch from stainless steel appliances or countertops which foster a commercial look or use them minimally. Coloured appliances, whether one of the new bronze finishes or even old-fashioned white, always looks homier. Used sparingly however, stainless steel will not detract from a warm atmosphere. Small appliances or even stainless steel backsplashes, work well. The key is to avoid it for large surfaces where it dominates the room.

• Use natural materials in warm colours wherever you can. Wood or warm tile floors and granite sinks and faucets add instant warmth. “One of our most popular colours in our line of natural granite sinks is called Silgranit Cognac,” says Alexandra Marshall, director of marketing for premium-sink manufacturer Blanco. “We introduced Cognac, a warm rich coppery colour, over a year ago,” says Ms. Marshall, “and it's been a pleasant surprise success. I think that not only are consumers attracted to the rich metallic colour that goes well with many of the new granite and quartz countertops today but they love how it enriches the room and adds a touch of luxury in a very cost-effective way.” Blanco Silgranit sinks are also available in other warm terra colours including café, biscotti and stone biscuit, in addition to a line of cooler colours.

• Instead of a chrome faucet consider either a softer metal like stainless steel or a coloured faucet. Blanco coloured faucets are made to match their Silgranit sinks and are available in 7 rich colours. But they also can be paired with a stainless steel sink and matched to countertop, appliances or backsplash for a touch of warmth.

• Cabinetry pulls in matte versus shiny finishes also warm up the room, even if the hardware is a metal. Rather than a shiny metal select from bronze, wood or matte metal finishes.

• Keeping walls painted in a light colour and windows uncovered so that lots of warm natural light pours into the room, will help keep everyone feeling warm and comforted in the kitchen.

• Finally, comfortable and casual seating is conducive to conversation and a great way to encourage late night chats with otherwise uncommunicative teenagers. Use wood or warm colours for seating and tables and cushioned seats. Casual bar seating is ideal instead of more formal table seating which should be reserved for the formal dining area.

With just a few changes to add warmth and comfort to your kitchen, you may find more happy memories created at the kitchen counter than in front of the electronics in the family room. Another good reason to keep things warm in the kitchen.

- News Canada