We’re keeping things low-key by easing into the festive season with these kitchen additions…
December has arrived and we are firmly easing our way into festive mode. If you have yet to put up the Christmas tree, hang a wreath on the door or deck the halls with garlands (fresh or dried) you might like a few subtle interior updates to refresh your home for the winter season. Starting in the kitchen, incorporate little touches like adding bunches of winter foliage, making use of candlelight and introducing earthy textures. These elements can create a calming effect in the space, making it warm and inviting. They can also be a way to ease us into the chaos of the festive season. We spend so much of our time in the kitchen when we’re at home, especially at this time of year when friends and family come to visit, so it should be a safe space to make us sit back, relax and celebrate. Decorate it in the way that suits you – here’s some inspiration …
BRING IN NATURE
Bringing natural materials in will bring a sense of calm into the room. Some hanging tree sprigs work nicely, or even bringing in a little basket of chopped wood. Some holly or eucalyptus laid in the centre of the table is always beautiful. These little touches reflect the outside in a most harmonious way. www.devolkitchens.co.uk
PARED BACK WREATH
In a similar vein, a subtle wreath hanging inside is a lovely nod at Christmas time without being too much. This decoration made with nature isn’t garish, it’s gorgeous. This gypsophila wreath is a subtle take on the traditional decoration, it is pared back and will be beautiful against a window, interior door, or even in the centre of your table for mealtimes, filled with some pillar candles. www.neptune.com
COSY LIGHTING
Ambient lighting makes all the difference around this time of year. The effect of creating layered lighting through little additions like candles, tea lights, candle lanterns and small lamps paired with little bunches of wintertime foliage is a match made in heaven and makes the home feel entirely cosy. www.britishstandardcupboards.co.uk
TEXTURES
Adding layered textures will cosy up your space for winter and bring it all together. A rug, lovely linen tablecloths, candles, natural materials it all comes together to ready your space for winter, without fully committing to the Christmas paraphernalia. www.elleihome.com
MIXED METALS
Brass, copper, chrome and silver additions (through light fixtures or cupboard handles) help to decorate a space all by themselves. In the dark winter afternoons and evenings, they make the room sparkle; illuminated by the layered lighting incorporated in the kitchen. www.newcastledesign.ie
COOKING WITH SIEMENS SENSOR PLUS
At this time of year, when we’re cooking and entertaining at home, a sophisticated regulation system is undeniably helpful. The Siemens cookingSensor Plus and fryingSensor Plus means you will be able to easily obtain the optimal cooking temperature for each dish and be able to track the unique moment when food releases its full flavour. It attaches to your pan and signals to the hob when the right temperature is achieved and maintains it at that exact temperature. It uses modern Bluetooth technology to make your Siemens induction hob even smarter. This is a seriously helpful addition for your winter cooking and could be one for the Christmas wish list! Learn more about it here… www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com
