While there are features contributing to cozy kitchens that feel warm and welcoming that we can’t easily add (think: natural light, historic architecture, shape), there remain plenty of ways to creatively get there. So if you feel as though your kitchen lacks cozy, we’ll devote a bit of thoughtful consideration exploring common and even uncommon ideas. (Designing a kitchen from scratch or renovating? Make sure to peek at my Pinterest Kitchens Board.)
![Rustic yet elegant kitchen with cabinets painted BM Light Breeze and checkered wood floor (photo by Haris Kenjar). #benjaminmoorelightbreeze](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-light-breeze-on-cabinets-haris-kenjar-photo-landed-interiors-and-homes-kitchen-checkered-floor.jpg)
Cozy Kitchens: 9 Ideas Inspired by Lovely Designs
What Makes a Kitchen Feel Cozy?
There’s just something about feeling welcome, at ease, and at home in a cozy kitchen. Quite often, they aren’t those large luxurious designs with soaring ceilings and commercial grade appliances. And cozy and modern style frequently seem to be at odds. But there are oodles of exceptions, and no one design genre can claim to be queen of cozy. (Except those Cotswold cottage kitchens! They are always cooooozzzzy!)
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
I cozied up our former kitchen when I created a work cart with a vintage steel cart and white quartz. In addition to the addition of much needed work space, it provided character, age, and an unfitted element.
![White roses in vintage ironstone pitcher on an industrial steel cart in my serene white kitchen - Hello Lovely. #whitekitchens #modernfrench #farmhousekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hello-lovely-studio-white-Shaker-kitchen-industrial-cart-white-roses.jpg)
American kitchens are famous for wall to wall cabinets–uppers and lowers–with built-in appliances and seamless everything. Part of cozy factor is a more relaxed approach. Vintage or antique pieces in the mix add a layer of authenticity and originality in addition to a more laid back mood.
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
When we renovated our current kitchen, I shifted existing cabinetry around and only kept one upper. (The rest of the upper cabinets moved into an adjacent laundry room.) Everything feels so much less formal and uptight now!
Here’s my idea of a super cozy timeless kitchen that I would want to LIVE in:
![Traditional and elegant white farmhouse kitchen with grey and brass accents - The Fox Group. #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #traditionalstyle #classickitchens #thefoxgroup #beadboard #greykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/white-grey-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-the-fox-group-salazar-photo.jpg)
And now we’ll explore a few specific decorating ideas that may resonate with you if you’re collecting cozy kitchen inspo.
![Get the look - add cozy factor to a white kitchen. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchens #kitchendesign #designinspiration #kitchendecor #kitchendecoratingideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/get-the-look-add-cozy-factor-to-white-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
1. Turn Down the Formality With Two-tone Cabinets
Even when you choose colors with low-contrast for your kitchen cabinets…for example, in this Lisa Furey kitchen, the island is BM Pashmina and the cabinets are BM White OC-151, it’s a soothing subtle contrast rather than a jolt to the eye.
![Kitchen. Board and batten coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff with modern farmhouse interior design by Lisa Furey.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/coastal-cottage-kitchen-lisa-furey-light-grey-island.jpg)
Here’s another example of a low contrast accent for the island:
![Serena & Lily cozy white kitchen with Balboa counter stools in natural. #serenaandlily #whitekitchen #modernfarmhouse #counterstools #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/serena-lily-balboa-counter-stool-natural-white-kitchen.jpg)
Light wood on an island with white cabinets is another way to cozy things up, not to mention wood on the ceiling!
![Modern farmhouse white kitchen with beautiful wood ceiling detail and breathtaking architectural design - The Fox Group. #modernfarmhouse #thefoxgroup #kitchendesign #woodceiling #traditionalkitchens #twotonekitchen #zinchood #whitekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-fox-group-white-modern-farmhouse-coastal-kitchen-scott-davis-photo.jpg)
![Midlife feminist quote from Hello Lovely Studio about letting go of need for approval when you're over age 50. #over50life #over50quotes #feministquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/feminist-over-50-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
2. Warm it Up With Natural Wood
There’s something about the combination of a beautiful, natural, character-rich wood with painted cabinets in a kitchen. Wood floors, cutting boards, butcherblock countertops, floating shelves, and wood work tables or islands can warm an otherwise sterile environment.
![Vivi et Margot waffle weave kitchen hand towel in pink on white Ilve range in a French kitchen with cabinets painted Green Smoke (Farrow & Ball). #vivietmargot #frenchkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vivi-et-margot-kitchen-green-smoke-pink-dishtowel-ilve-range-copper-pots.jpg)
This breathtaking kitchen design below proves wood pocket doors and a knotty hardwood floor can bring.
![Breathtaking classic country kitchen with farm sink, wood tone pocket doors, steel windows, and putty cabinets - Rachel Halvorson. #countrykitchens #pocketdoors #kitchenarchitecture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/beautiful-country-kitchen-putty-cabinets-pocket-doors-farm-sink-steel-window-rachel-halvorson.jpg)
Here is another example of how the simplicity of natural wood open shelves can relax the mood and offer surface area to decorate for even more cozy factor.
![@annamalmbergphoto - beautiful kitchen of a stylist and photographer's breathtaking Stockholm apartment with rustic textured warmth, serene beauty, and soulfully considered design. #stockholmapartment #scandiinterior #modernrustic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-stockholm-apartment-annamalmbergphoto-kitchen-sink.jpg)
Here’s another cozy kitchen (designed by Leanne Ford) with cozy wood shelves, wood floors, and wood countertops:
![Farm sink, subway tile backsplash, and open shelving in a modern farmhouse kitchen by Leanne Ford. #restoredbythefords #leanneford #modernfarmhousekitchen #farmsink #modernrustic #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/001-leanne-ford-warm-minimalism-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-2-alexandra-ribar.jpg)
3. Add Pattern for Interest & Warmth
Bet you’ve noticed that checkered patterns and gingham are enjoying wild appeal these days. And why shouldn’t these classics?
![Green kitchen with French country style by Amy Chalmers (MaisonDecor) featured in Nora Murphy's Country House Book! #frenchcountrykitchen #greenkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/amy-chalmers-maisondecor-French-country-kitchen-work-table-nora-murphy-country-house.jpg)
They cozy things up like nobody’s business. Did you see my post on checkered floors?
![Nora Murphy's charming country kitchen in her Connecticut farmhouse with checkered floors and primitives. #noramurphy #countrykitchen #checkeredfloor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-kitchen-checkered-floor-2.jpg)
As you can see above and below, there isn’t a particular color story for “cozy!”
![Whimsical scalloped range hood in a kitchen designed by Alison Kandler with blue range (photo by Mark Lohman). #customrangehood #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alison-kandler-kitchen-blue-range-checkered-floor-scalloped-hood-countryliving-mag-mark-lohman-photo.jpg)
4: Add Warm Natural Textures
This isn’t one of those earth shattering innovative ideas; however, think beyond the usual placemats, bamboo blinds, and market baskets for kitchen accents.
![Luxurious Old World green kitchen with large island and pot rack - designed by Shannon Bowers for Milieu Showhouse 2020. #oldworldstyle #shannonbowers #europeancountry #kitchendesign #potrack](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/3736-del-monte-houston-green-kitchen-mirador-milieu-showhouse-kitchen-shannon-bowers.jpg)
Maybe an assorted basket collection could join the pots on your pot rack or weathered wood stools could be brought into service even if you don’t have an island.
Psst. There’s something so cozy about a vintage looking farmhouse stool near the kitchen sink…
![The Scullery is one of the three rooms that make up the downstairs of the Millhouse showrooms at Cotes Mill, itâs a very simply furnished room and of all the spots to see this Classic English range, itâs the most humble. You see the piece of furniture, solid hardwood, handmade and hand-painted, itâs not a modular kitchen cupboard that needs another one next to it, itâs a whole cupboard all-encompassing. 10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL. #deVOLKitchens](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/37/cf/2c/37cf2c1318ce88b240b95a9683a1a16c.jpg)
or tucked beneath a wee work table (below).
![White French kitchen with Lacanche range, island and rustic wood farmhouse stools - The French Nest Co Interior Design. #whitekitchen #kitchendesign #frenchkitchens #lacanche #frenchcountry #interiordesign #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/french-nest-interior-design-co-white-kitchen-lacanche.jpg)
One of my favorite kitchens of all time, this Provence custom masterpiece of a design (below) includes copper pans that increase the warm and cozy meter!
![Light blue French kitchen in Provence with copper pans - Le Mas des Poiriers (photo: @brunorezza). #frenchkitchen #provencepoiriers](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-brunorezza-mas-des-poiriers-shauna-varvel-blue-french-kitchen-copper-pans.jpg)
The gorgeous European country inspired kitchen design, and the English Country beauty below it include woven shades on the island pendants.
![No. 3. This deVOL kitchen project (Cotswold Barn) was designed by wonderful interior designer @susie_atkinson. Flooring: polishd concrete. 10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL.](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ec/de/e9/ecdee94c5271d04df64f240aeec59c7d.jpg)
Seating can also be a way to bring natural woven materials into the mix.
![Simple yet sophisticated white modern farmhouse kitchen with wood topped island and rattan stools - Park and Oak. #kitchendesign #classickitchen #whitekitchen #coastalkitchen #whiteoak #modernfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/park-and-oak-elmhurst-kitchen-white-shaker-cabinets-knotty-rustic-hardwoods-1.jpg)
5. Comfy Cozy Kitchen Floors
In my neck of the woods, it seems every homeowner was adding white square ceramic tile to their kitchen floor in the 90s, a look that can sometimes be cozied with rugs but not ideal for a cozy kitchen.
![Country French kitchen with farm table, large lanterns, custom range hood, and Chicago brick statement wall - a new home with Old World style in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/001-brit-jones-Rustic-French-farmhouse-kitchen-with-wood-beams-and-hanging-lanterns.jpg)
Hardwood floors are hard to beat when you’re after that homey, timeless, feel-good design that feels great underfoot and has no grout to clean.
If the expense or trouble of installing hardwoods is not an option, there are plenty of lookalike options these days too.
![SW Alabaster on kitchen cabinets in a gorgeous timeless kitchen with Holborn lanterns over island - Thompson Construction. #swalabaster #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #kitchencabinets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sw-alabaster-white-kitchen-thompsondb-construction-island-lanterns-2.jpg)
Stone flooring can also be warm and cozy:
![Simple open shelving and beautiful neutral colours, kitchen bliss #deVOLKitchens. Come be inspired by 11 White Kitchen Design Ideas Adding Warmth! #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #kitchenideas #interiordesignideas #whitekitcheninspiration](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/30/d0/50/30d05023723a17fd9e3de75f8e88c13c.jpg)
![Funny pet quote about dog on Hello Lovely Studio. #doghumor #dogquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-funny-quote-dog-follows-sofa-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
6. Add Traditional Style Touches
Whether it’s shiplap on the walls, beadboard on a backsplash, or wood planks on a ceiling, adding age, warmth, and texture is a smart way to turn up the casual and cozy factor while dialing down the “precious.”
While this is a fantasy level kitchen, it remains an example of incorporating the old in a new space. the modern island is cozied with those old lanterns and ancient wood beams.
![Rustic wood beams and antique street lights from Barcelona in Pale and serene French interiors in a luxurious Houston home built with authentic European materials and bespoke finishes. #timelessdesign #interiordesign #frenchcountry #europeancountry #antiques #oldworldstyle #modernfrench #frenchkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/722-friar-tuck-lane-houston-french-country-kitchen-breakfast-bar-antique-mantel.jpg)
It may not be an obvious traditional detail, but the board and batten above the subway tile is a simple stroke of genius in this Leanne Ford cozy kitchen.
![Farm sink, subway tile backsplash, and open shelving in a modern farmhouse kitchen by Leanne Ford. #restoredbythefords #leanneford #modernfarmhousekitchen #farmsink #modernrustic #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/leanne-ford-warm-minimalism-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-3-alexandra-ribar.jpg)
Could your kitchen use a pretty crown molding? If your cabinets lack architectural detail or crown, would your kitchen’s ceiling height accommodate a riser and crown for a more cozy fit to the ceiling?
![10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL. deVOL kitchen's South Wing Kitchen. You can't go wrong with Trinity Blue cupboards, especially when they're paired with smooth pale worktops, walls and floors - what a beautifully simple and peaceful combination. Notice these cupboards are fitted away from the walls too, this created the bespoke and freestanding feel to the room that the customers really wanted but it was all done using standard sized cupboards from our Shaker range. #deVOLKitchens](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/43/fd/87/43fd879379795a678ddb60f142e9298b.jpg)
7. Include Collections & Personal Touches
Things feel cozy when they feel personal and reflective of the home’s inhabitants. If you collect white ironstone, is there a way for you to display and enjoy seeing it every single day?
Have a shelf in the kitchen where a favorite piece of framed art or a photo could rest?
![Light green accents in a rustic French farmhouse kitchen by Desiree Ashworth Design. #frenchkitchen #frenchfarmhouse #openshelves #subwaytile](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/french-country-kitchen-green-subway-tile-rustic-wood-ceiling-open-shelves-desireeashworth-decor-de-provence.png)
8. Curves Can Soften Hard Edges
So many kitchens are rectangle or square boxes so if there’s an opportunity to introduce round, oval, add softened curves, the balance may feel more welcoming to you. In our former kitchen which we gutted and remodeled, oval backed counter stools, a round ceiling medallion, chandelier with scrolls, and a round dining table add gentleness.
![White kitchen with serene, timeless, European inspired decor by Hello Lovely Studio. Come be inspired by 11 White Kitchen Design Ideas Adding Warmth! #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #kitchenideas #interiordesignideas #whitekitcheninspiration](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-00030.jpg)
Even with the rugged character from the wood ceiling and huge range hood, the curves of the architectural column, counter stools, and lamp cozy this bespoke kitchen.
![Timeless kitchen architecture and design by Atlanta-based Jeffrey Dungan who mixes rustic with elegant in luxury home design. #architecture #luxuryhome #jeffreydungan #timelessdesign #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jeffrey-dungan-timeless-interior-design-atlanta-homes-and-lifestyles.jpg)
9. Charming Sinks
There are so many options for kitchen sinks beyond the stainless double bowl, so if you’re remodeling or building new, do explore the possibilities since you’ll be spending so much time using it.
One of the reasons I love living with a country farm sink is they add so much character with their nod to the past and their inherent informality.
![Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kitchen-fall-farm-sink-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
They look great in a variety of kitchen designs beyond modern farmhouse.
![French country kitchen with seaglass greens and open shelving - Decor de Provence.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/desiree-ashworth-french-country-chateau-033.jpg)
And if you have never lived with a deep single bowl kitchen sink, there are all sorts of lovely options with them including space for oversized platters, large pots, infants, and small dog breeds.
![Patina Farm kitchen by Giannetti Home and Brooke Giannetti - OKL. #patinafarm #frenchfarmhouse #farmhousekitchen #whiteoakcabinets #farmsink #lanternpendant #brookegiannetti](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/patina-farm-kitchen-farm-sink-brooke-giannetti-okl-1.jpg)
I hope this gallery gave you plenty of inspiring ideas beyond those discussed.
![Timeless kitchen design and architecture (look at that nook!) by Atlanta-based Jeffrey Dungan who mixes rustic with elegant in luxury home design. #architecture #luxuryhome #jeffreydungan #timelessdesign #sophisticateddesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jeffrey-dungan-timeless-interior-design-011.jpg)
So many cozy details to note within this English country kitchen:
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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