Often we say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. So much of our daily lives happen right in our kitchens, from family discussions to cooking daily meals, to entertaining friends and family.
The way we set up, display and arrange functional and decorative pieces can all make a difference in the way we feel about our kitchen.
Kim from Nutrition L'Ecuyer is joining me to share her favorite ways to set up your space in practical and functional ways that will not only keep you organized in the kitchen, but also inspire you to create your best meals.
Kim is a Registered Holistic Nutrition consultant who's passionate about food, health and prevention. Teaching clients to love the foods that will love them back is her motto and her purpose.
Keep reading to discover our best tips...
KIM'S TIP: Keep a jar of spoons handy for tasting
Learning to love the foods that will love you back means working at making your healthy food delicious. That means tasting your creations often and tweaking the seasonings until you get it just right.
I like to keep a jar of spoons on the counter near my cooking area so that I can taste my creations without double dipping.
KIM'S TIP: Jot down those delicious creations
I like to keep a spiral notebook near my cooking area so that I can jot down any inspiration that I get from cooking shows, Instagram or magazines.
I also like to keep notes on especially great meals and menus that I’ve created so that I can turn to my scribbles when I'm not feeling especially inspired.
KIM'S TIP: Keep good markers and labels handy
Making your own healthy food must be doable and sustainable. For most folks that means batch cooking.
It’s just as easy to make a double or triple batch of something (in the spirit of squirreling some away for later) as it is to make a single portion.
Make sure you always have plenty of containers, sticky labels and markers handy to clearly identify your delicious creations that are bound for the deep-freeze. Green painting tape works great and is easy to remove.
ANIKA'S TIP: Create a place of inspiration
Potted herbs displayed in your kitchen add a touch of life to your space and it also can inspire your meals.
Display your favorite cookbooks on your counter, in a open shelf or pick a favorite family recipe and have it framed and displayed on your counter as part of your decoration.
ANIKA'S TIP: Keep counters clean and simple
When decorating your counters it's important to remember less is more. Display everyday staples on your counter in canisters.
Everyday items such as oil, salt and paper and butter can be corralled in a tray. Having all your go-to items together clears up the counters, making your kitchen look clean and inviting.
ANIKA'S TIP: Select Natural & easy to clean materials
A separative hand towel and tea towel should be placed in a convenient spot. I recommend linen, a beautiful natural material that's highly durable, stain resistant and also dries quickly. Cotton is also a great absorbent material that leaves little lint behind.
A small runner centered on the floor can be a great final touch. An easy to clean material is a must! A runner adds a decorative and personal element to your kitchen, completing the space and making it feel yours.
Designing your kitchen is personal. I think that it's important to test and figure out what works best for you, the way you use your space. Always remember to make it feel like home, whatever that means to you.
I hope these tips from Kim and I can help you set up your kitchen in a way that's thoughtful and that can make your life easier, and also most importantly, that can inspire you to create your best meals.
Nutrition L'Ecuyer
Holistic nutrition: Eating for your mind, body and soul. Discover more about Kim’s natural approach to nutrition and her consultation services.