The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, functioning as much more than just a cooking area. It’s a space where you want to welcome guests, engage in meaningful conversations with family, and feel at ease. However, an unwelcoming kitchen can deter this atmosphere. According to Erika Dale, Onions Australia’s interior design expert and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, cold finishes might be contributing to an uninviting feel. She explains, “When used exclusively, cold finishes can make a kitchen feel unwelcoming, lifeless, sterile, and industrial.”
But what exactly are cold finishes, and why do they create an unwelcoming atmosphere? Dale clarifies, “Cold finishes in a kitchen include those with cool undertones, such as chrome and stainless steel, as well as hard surfaces like countertops or painted areas in cool, desaturated colors like gray or stark white.” These elements can make a kitchen appear dull and industrial. Thankfully, Dale offers advice on how to avoid this and create a more inviting kitchen space.
Cold finishes can make your kitchen feel uninviting
Understanding why cold finishes can make a kitchen feel uninviting involves knowing the difference between warm and cool colors in design. Warm colors—like gold, orange, beige, and pink—evoke the sun and a sense of coziness, often perceived as “happier” colors. Conversely, cool tones—such as blue, purple, green, and magenta—tend to remind us of water or wintry weather, which might not evoke the same joy. Erika Dale emphasizes that too many cold finishes can detract from a kitchen’s welcoming feel, explaining, “Because they are unbalanced on the cool side of the spectrum, the result can quickly be drab and standoffish. Anything too manmade will also give an artificial vibe, adding to the issue.” If your kitchen is dominated by stainless steel or chrome fixtures, or features solid gray and white cabinets and countertops, it might not feel as inviting as you’d like.
Ways to transform a cold kitchen into a welcoming one
If cold finishes are making your kitchen feel unwelcoming, don’t worry—there are solutions. In an exclusive interview with Onions Australia, Erika Dale suggests both major and minor changes to transform your space. “If you can replace cold finishes, consider swapping out chrome or stainless lighting or plumbing fixtures for warm metallics like brass, copper, or rose gold,” she advises. If a new countertop is within reach, Dale recommends materials like natural stone granite or quartzite, or even a wooden butcher block with a warmer tone. “By choosing materials with warmer undertones and natural elements, you can create the cozy, welcoming kitchen of your dreams,” she adds.
Even if a costly kitchen remodel isn’t feasible, you’re not doomed to an uninviting space. Dale offers budget-friendly solutions that don’t require a full renovation. “To balance out cold finishes that you cannot remove, bring in neutral or warm finishes where possible. This includes incorporating colors and natural materials with warm undertones, such as natural wood, brass, and copper, as well as warm paint tones,” she suggests. Depending on your budget and DIY enthusiasm, there are various ways to incorporate warm colors into your design. “This could involve a larger change like a coat of paint on walls or cabinets, or a smaller update like new cabinet hardware, accessories, or artwork.”
