In the Kitchen: In the Kitchen: Going Natural

By Lisa Marie Blair

If you live in the Midwest, there is a good chance that you have a fond appreciation for the great outdoors and all of the beauty that mother nature provides. Incorporating organic materials into your home is the ideal way to bring the outdoors, inside. Since we spend so much time in our home kitchens, it is the perfect place to start.

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current home, you can create a grounded and timeless look in your new space. Natural wood grain cabinets add subtle dimension and texture to a room. Esthetic materials like white oak and walnut can encapsulate your kitchen with its natural beauty which helps keep decorating to a minimum. You can also elevate your space to another level by borrowing a color from nature and painting some cabinetry a serene shade of green. Two-toned kitchens that embrace natural hues will bring the outdoors in.

New cabinetry, usually comes with new countertops and backsplash. However, it is possible to have one new without the other. Getting everything brand new is not always the answer and not always in the budget. Perhaps your cabinets just need new door and drawer fronts, or a new paint color to liven up your current countertops? Sometimes changing up the backsplash is all that’s needed to refresh the space. If you’re updating the countertops, consider using sustainable materials such as stone or butcher block. Zellige tiled backsplashes are currently trending, and it is easy to see why as they are naturally stunning. Zellige is a handcrafted clay tile that originates from Morocco and is known for its unique variations.

If a new home or full kitchen remodel is not in your near future, you can still incorporate natural materials into your current design. Updating your lighting for something that has organic elements can go a long way. Consider trading out your current lighting for hand-woven basket lighting. There is a wide range of materials available such as cane, rattan, wicker, and bamboo. The different styles and materials available when it comes to natural lighting are plentiful. It is breathtaking how just changing the lighting can make a difference in how a room looks and feels.

An easy way to change the look and feel of your kitchen and dining spaces is to update your seating. Chairs and bar/counter stools with wood frames and rattan seats add so much warmth to the heart of the home. Another great material to incorporate into this space is leather. Cognac leather stools and woven leather dining chairs have grown in popularity as they’re both great options when it comes to adding warmth and texture to your kitchen and dining rooms.

If you love natural elements but the above options are not doable, consider leaning a wood cutting board against your kitchen backsplash, displaying wooden spoons in a stoneware crock, or placing a natural jute rug in front of the sink. The options are unlimited when it comes to incorporating nature and natural materials into your home, whether that be by building an entirely new kitchen or just adding some finishing décor pieces. Keep in mind that sustainable materials are better for the environment, and they will also last a lifetime. n