For those of us who enjoy spending time in our home kitchen preparing healthful meals for ourselves or our families, it’s important that we feel good inside this space. The kitchen is considered the hearth after all, and provides nourishment on many levels - body, mind and soul. Over the years, I have experimented in my home environment by turning down the volume on certain factors that had previously caused me distress and instead focused on the tenets of mindful simplicity, resourcefulness, and comfort.
The benefits have been incredible: my flow, creativity and joy are at their peak and working with ingredients provides sensory delight at every stage. The culinary artist in me is thriving!
I've shared 11 tips that you, too, can implement to design a calm, grounded home kitchen and truly savor the process of cooking without the overwhelm.
1. reduce visual clutter
Keep surfaces clear and only display what you consider essential and beautiful. The rest can be stored behind cabinets or in drawers to be accessed when needed.
2. focus on functionality
Consider your intuitive flow in the kitchen. Can you reach cookware and ingredients easily? Are the items you need to work at the stove stored nearby, but away from the heat? ie. pans, utensils, oils, spices
3. bring the natural world in
Fully embrace the concept of ‘Biophilic Design’ which promotes the harmonious benefits of nature in our indoor environment. So go ahead and display plants, cut flowers, potted herbs or dried bundles, and bowls of fresh produce. Open a window, feel the breeze and the energizing effect of natural sunlight.
4. comfort is key
Set the mood with instrumental music, a podcast or pure silence if you can manage! I prefer headphones to tune out any outside distractions. Light an unscented candle or dim the lights and then put on your favorite apron and cozy slippers.
5. notice your mindset
Take a few deep breaths and shake out your body to release any negative emotions and come to a neutral state. Think about transferring love and intention into the meal to nourish those who will savor it. Food is energy after all.
6. create a plan
Know what you are creating - a new recipe, improvised dish, or something familiar - and how long it will take so that you can work at a relaxed pace and serve everything at the right temperature. Make sure to fully read a recipe in advance.
7. gather ingredients
Incorporate seasonal and whole foods where possible for the most benefits to your health. If you are missing a particular ingredient, consider a substitution to use up what you have on hand. Perhaps even ask a neighbor and bring back a sense of community.
8. evaluate your equipment
A little less, a little better. Multi-purpose where you can and care for what you already own. A single baking sheet, mixing bowl or cast-iron pan have a multitude of creative uses.
9. start with a sharp knife
A dull blade is more likely to cause frustration and even injury. Sharpen your chef’s knife professionally as needed.
10. "mise en place"
As the French say, everything in its place. Prep all ingredients before turning on the heat. Your cutting board will resemble a splendid work of art.
11. wash dishes as you go
You can sit down to eat with peace of mind and truly savor the entire experience.
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