Relax in a kitchen designed for mindfulness
There’s been plenty in the media lately about mindful living, but what exactly is mindfulness? And, how does it fit into our everyday lives? According to Psychology Today, mindfulness refers to a state of open attention to the present, observing thoughts, feelings and things around you, and living in the moment.
How does this translate to design? The use of natural neutrals has often been considered a way to create a mentally and physically calming environment, one in which where mindfulness thrives. However, neutral living goes beyond colour, particularly in the kitchen, which is the heart of the home. So, it’s time to explore how natural neutrals, in all of their forms, facilitate a more mindful way of life for you and your family.
Create a mentally and physically calming environment, one in which where mindfulness thrives with neutral tones.
Creating of a kitchen space that evokes mindfulness begins with neutral adjustments: small things that when changed have an impact on your life. A mindful kitchen reboot can begin simply with adjusting the position of furniture, like a dining table. Moving it to a more social area of the kitchen can make a considerable change. These changes could also be as easy as ridding yourself of unnecessary clutter. First, get rid of anything you have that you’re keeping only out of obligation, like bad gifts. Another neutral upgrade is the addition of new hardware to cupboards and drawers. This subtle upgrade is more luxurious if the hardware is made of a metallic material in a muted matte finish.
A neutral upgrade is the addition of new hardware to cupboards, drawers and even placemats.
Of course, the power of colour is an indispensible tool in the creation of the mindful kitchen and a natural neutral colour palate can be soothing and energizing in equal measure. It just depends on the neutrals you select. Fawn beige, eggshell white, champagne, honey brown, or butter yellow are naturally occurring shades designed to let you let go of worldly concerns.
Floors in natural materials such as hardwood, bamboo or cork are mindful additions of neutral and natural background details. (c) kmldesign.dk
Complementing a neutral colour palate with natural design features is another layer of the mindful design story. Floors in natural materials like hardwood, bamboo or cork, topped off with a rug made of natural fibres like rush, coir or grass, create a kitchen floor that keeps you grounded. It is also an ergonomically sound choice as they are easy on the limbs, back and joints.
The final ingredient of the mindful kitchen is the addition of neutral and natural background details: ones that are not at all obvious until you take the time to consciously appreciate them. After all, mindfulness isn’t just about what we see. It appeals to all of the senses. For example, delight the ears with the right neutral sounds. Music like Bossa Nova, or piano jazz is a cultural option, but wind chimes or a fountain placed just outside a kitchen window can also add an enticing new dimension to your dinner preparations.
Get ready to appreciate kitchen life in an entirely new and uplifting way.
