Making Your Large Kitchen Feel Cosy

If your kitchen is so big that it echoes when you’re friends are round having a laugh, then you’re very lucky to have such a sizeable heart of the home to cook, eat and entertain in, but you might not feel so lucky when you have to decorate the place especially if you want it to feel like the cosy heart of the home it should be, right?

But, don’t perry because it is totally possible to make the hugest of kitchens feel cosy. Here’s how:

1. Centre Stage: The Dining Table

A substantial dining table isn’t just for Christmas dinner; it’s the heart of your kitchen. So, check out quality dining tables, find one you love, and then position it strategically – maybe basking in the glow of natural light or under a statement chandelier. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a hub for homework, heart-to-hearts, or plotting your world domination (all over a bowl of cereal). Choose a table that’s robust and welcoming, the kind that says, “Yeah, I’ve got room for your elbows.”

2. Rug It Up

Nothing says cosy like stepping onto a soft, plush rug. Introduce a large rug under your dining table or in a central area of your kitchen. It’ll soften the acoustics (no more echo!) and add a splash of texture and colour. Just make sure it’s easy to clean because, let’s face it, spaghetti happens.

3. Lighting: Set the Mood

Harsh lighting can make a large kitchen feel like an operating room. Opt for layered lighting to create warmth. Start with an array of pendants – dimmable, if possible – add some under-cabinet lighting for task areas, and don’t forget a floor lamp or two in the corners to dial up the ambience. It’s all about soft glows and no shadows.

4. Colour Me Cosy

While light colours make a space feel bigger, rich, deep colours bring warmth and cosiness. Paint a feature wall in a bold hue, or if you’re adventurous, go for dark cabinetry balanced with lighter walls. These colours will pull the walls visually closer, making a large space feel more intimate.

5. Furniture: The More, the Merrier

In big kitchens, don’t skimp on furniture. A cosy armchair in the corner, a sofa near the window, or a well-placed sideboard can transform your kitchen from a food factory into a living space. It’s about creating zones – a place to cook, dine, relax, and entertain. Each piece should invite you to come and linger a while.

6. Warmth Underfoot

If you’ve got stone or tile floors, they can be chilly underfoot. Consider heated floors to add literal warmth, or layer those floors with mats and runners. Not only will they keep your toes toasty, but they also add colour and pattern to your décor.

7. Bring in the Baking

Nothing makes a kitchen feel cosier than the smell of baking. It’s a sensory delight that says home in every language. Even if you’re not a baker, a bread maker can fake it till you make it. Let the aroma of freshly baked bread be your constant companion.

8. Accessorise Thoughtfully

Finally, accessorise with items that reflect your personality – artworks, pottery, vintage finds, or even your grandparent’s old clock. These pieces add layers of visual interest and history, making the space feel lived-in and loved.

Transforming your vast kitchen into a cosy haven, as you can see, is not only possible, but actually pretty easy, so time to make that heart of the home truly heart-warming!