5 Resolutions for a Happier Kitchen in the New Year

Whether you typically make resolutions or not, the new year brings with it a sense of hope, a renewed energy, and that unique, clean-slate feeling.

That’s why we think it’s the perfect time to give your kitchen a fresh start, too.

That doesn’t necessarily mean a remodel or renovation. There are small things you can do and little habits you can start to make your kitchen the sparkling, happy, organized heart of your home.

Here are the kitchen resolutions that you’ll thank us for throughout the year:

Resolution #1: Keep the kitchen clean. (easier said than done)

A clean and organized living space can help keep your mind clear and your home happy. To ensure you stick to this resolution, don’t put your cleaning supplies away! We know it might sound counterproductive to leave things out, but having supplies close will make a quick sweep of the counters easier, and being able to see the cleaning supplies will remind you to take a minute to tidy up.

Buy a decorative basket to corral all the cleaning supplies in one place and to create a more attractive storage solution that still leaves them visible, or purchase cleaning supplies with bottles that are worthy of display, like these gorgeous Method cleaners.

Transitional White Kitchen designed by Gail Bolling

Resolution #2: Prioritize greenery.

Whether it’s fresh cut flowers, succulents, or spider plants, prioritize having living plant life in your kitchen this year. Why? Because it’s good for the air, and proven to be good for your mood.

Flowers provide a gorgeous pop of color and freshness but need to be replaced more often, so if you don’t want to add fresh flowers to your weekly grocery list, try an orchid. They last a long time and bloom every year. If greenery is more your style, succulents are a low-maintenance choice-- and they range from simple to a little zany in their appearance, so you can find one that fits your style. Aloe plants and Christmas cactus are other easy options (and yes, you can use that aloe plant on your sunburns next summer!).

Traditional Gray and White Kitchen in Cheshire, CT

Resolution #3: Organize those cabinets.

Cooking becomes a lot easier when you know where everything is...and when reaching for an ingredient doesn’t cause five other ingredients to come tumbling out of the cabinets. If you really want to love your kitchen this year, get organized.

One of the biggest offenders is the spice cabinet-- it’s a space that often gets packed to overflowing. Take some time to clean out what you don’t need, and remind yourself of long-forgotten spices you rarely use. This little organization session won’t take long, and it will give you fun flavors to play with all winter long. If you don’t already have a drawer or cabinet that provides a way to organize your spices, a rack (like this or this) will help you stay organized.

The same goes for your pantry. Take some time to clean out any expired foods and create a system for organizing. Grab a label maker and some containers and you’ll have the organized pantry you’ve always wished you had-- plus a way to maintain it.

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Resolution #4: Create your happy space.

Does your kitchen make you smile? We think it should. Making small changes that make you happy are the stepping stones to major life changes that make you even happier. So while you’re working toward that kitchen remodel, find a way to create a kitchen space that makes you feel good.

Here are some make-you-smile ideas:

• Hang a chalkboard that you decorate each season or add positive quotes to each week

• Display your favorite collection of mugs

• Switch out old light fixtures for ones that fit your style and brighten up the space

• Frame and hang your children’s artwork

• Buy that painting you’ve been eyeing and make it the room’s focal point

• Add family vacation photos to the decor (so you can remember those gorgeous days at the beach, even in the middle of a snowy winter day)

• Buy a delicious-smelling candle or essential oils to diffuse

• Create a small seating area where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning

• Repaint the room in a cheery color

Bright Open Kitchen in Cheshire, CT

These kitchen resolutions don’t require much time or effort, but they will have a lasting impact on how you experience the daily rush from breakfast to dinner. Which brings us to the most important resolution of all:

Resolution #5: Enjoy this time in your life.

This is perhaps the easiest resolution to have, but one of the hardest to keep. Find ways to make your kitchen work for you, keep that dream kitchen in your mind, and enjoy what you have along the way.

Happy New Year from all of us at The Kitchen Company.

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P.S. Do you have any kitchen resolutions this year? Share them with us over on Facebook, or in the comments below.