How to add character to your kitchen

Kitchens are considered to be the heart of the home and yet they can often feel a little impersonal and lack the character found in other rooms in the home and I think that's because convention has taught us that the kitchen needs to functional, practical and utilitarian. And although I'm allergic to the word 'practical' I of course acknowledge it is vital to have a practically laid-out kitchen in any busy household BUT I refuse to allow functionality override style and personality!

I love the more informal feel you see in Mediterranean-style kitchens and for our own kitchen I wanted to avoid upper cabinetry and built-ins so I added open shelving either side of the Spanish style cooker hood. You can also prevent it from having a traditional "fitted kitchen-feel" by adding a wall-mounted vintage hutch or having reeded or clear glass-fronted cabinets or a standalone dresser if you have the space.

1. Add vintage or thrifted pieces to your styling. 

I suggest this when styling any room in the home as a vintage piece will instantly add soul. When you mix thrifted finds in with contemporary pieces it feels more interesting, layered and curated. When everything is shiny and new it can feel flat. If you have open shelves, this is where you can let your personality shine. Here I've styled out our shelves (which I change around all the time) with thrifted finds mixed in with contemporary pieces including a vintage wooden coffee grinder, vintage tin tea caddies and a collection of vintage jugs; our favourite mugs from the shop; cookbooks and a favourite framed photo.

2. Add some art that tells your story

Add in some art that sparks a memory or that you're simply drawn to. Anything can be art - you don't have to overthink it and it doesn't have to be expensive. Here in the centre is part of a menu I saved from a restaurant we loved on a birthday trip to Positano; to the left is a postcard I bought in a little place in Venice and the little one on the right I found at a flea market on a family trip to Florence. Each of these remind me of the loveliest memories (without wanting to sound too soppy!)

3. Add an armchair or sofa to your kitchen

This of course is not always possible but if you have the space, adding a comfy chair adds so much warmth and homeliness to a kitchen. It encourages someone to come in and chat while you cook. 

4. Add your personality

Do you love collecting vintage teapots? quirky ornaments? vintage bread boards? Why not display them?! A shelf above the sink is home to my collection of vintage blue bottles! Underneath is a reclaimed window panel I found at the Frome flea market. 

Some styling touches to add character to your home 

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