Saturday
Oct042008
Cozy Kitchens!
Maybe it's the start of cool
weather, the recent economic uncertainty surrounding us or another
hidden reason, but, I've had this soft mantra in my head saying "cozy
kitchen" for a couple of weeks now, knowing I need to share this subject with you.
I'd say with certainty that a cozy kitchen is in the eye of the beholder. To me, a cozy kitchen is about individuality, whatever the style. It's about your personality shining through, not the replication of a catalog kitchen. Can you get inspiration from a kitchen you see, elsewhere, that you love? Yes, but then you have to make it your own, which is how the soul of your space will eventually emerge. Bring in the antique lighting, the books, the collections, the old, wooden shoe mold on the counter, whatever.
So, then, CAN one define a cozy kitchen? Not easily. Following are familiar descriptions of what a cozy kitchen might look like. Soon, I will show you the "alternative" cozy kitchen...modern, fresh, and definitely cozy. Images are from Chris Madden's classic book, "Kitchens." Classic means timeless, the real definition, in my mind, of "cozy."
A Cozy Kitchen is...
a space with texture of various types, proportions and colors
often seen with more matte than shiny surfaces
an arrangement of personal items on display
colors and finishes that blend rather than match
soft - softness in furnishings, curtains, pillows, rugs
wonderfully imperfect, and a work in progress
informal OR formal
I'd say with certainty that a cozy kitchen is in the eye of the beholder. To me, a cozy kitchen is about individuality, whatever the style. It's about your personality shining through, not the replication of a catalog kitchen. Can you get inspiration from a kitchen you see, elsewhere, that you love? Yes, but then you have to make it your own, which is how the soul of your space will eventually emerge. Bring in the antique lighting, the books, the collections, the old, wooden shoe mold on the counter, whatever.
So, then, CAN one define a cozy kitchen? Not easily. Following are familiar descriptions of what a cozy kitchen might look like. Soon, I will show you the "alternative" cozy kitchen...modern, fresh, and definitely cozy. Images are from Chris Madden's classic book, "Kitchens." Classic means timeless, the real definition, in my mind, of "cozy."
A Cozy Kitchen is...
a space with texture of various types, proportions and colors
often seen with more matte than shiny surfaces
an arrangement of personal items on display
colors and finishes that blend rather than match
soft - softness in furnishings, curtains, pillows, rugs
wonderfully imperfect, and a work in progress
simple/clean or cluttered
informal OR formal
I'll be talking more about cozy kitchens! In the meantime, what is a cozy kitchen to you?
Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 09:18AM
Reader Comments (7)
I love this post! These kitchens are SO cozy ... they are understated just enough but still have balance of design elements. I am getting tired of seeing the huge kitchens... all the granite....etc... these pics are just lovely! makes me want to go bake some cookies!
They also seem smaller. More intimate. Less is more kind of kitchen.
HI Susan - welcome back!! I've been missing you. Love, love the top photo with the b/w floor! It's exactly what I want my teeny kitchen to look like! And I agree with Pamela - loving that they are smaller - much more homey and personal. Hopefully, this will be a new trend.
Well warm colors, definitely!
I am loving the fourth picture.
A cozy kitchen, to me, is a kitchen that I know not only will I be comfortable in it, but my guests as well. It is more personal. In a cozy kitchen, you get the impression that someone does live and cook in the area - whether they really do or not.
Your post reminds of the "cocooning" trend that started in the last recession.
I think cocooning in a cozy kitchen is JUST the way to get through these difficult economic times.
Peggy
I agree with Linda, I absolutely LOVE that floor in the first photo. That is the exact floor I want for my kitchen, but I don't know if I can afford it. Might have to get as close as I can with ceramic.