The Very First Thing People Notice in Your Kitchen, According to Psychologists
Whether you’re throwing a get-together or trying to sell your home, first impressions happen fast — and according to psychologists and designers, they can shape how welcoming (and stylish!) your kitchen feels. But what actually stands out first in your space, and how can you use that to your advantage?
To get some answers, I talked to design experts and behavioral specialists who shared their insights on what makes a kitchen more comfortable, tasteful, and memorable — plus, what leaves a bad taste in guests’ mouths. Here’s what they had to say.
The Very First Thing People Notice in Your Kitchen
Every kitchen (and every person) is different, so what catches someone’s attention first really depends on the design and overall vibe. “From a psychological perspective, the first thing that catches the eye in a kitchen is often associated with sensory markers and emotions,” explains psychologist and program director at AToN Center, Dr. Leslie Sanders. “This would usually relate to how clean and organized the countertops are.” That makes sense, as countertops tend to be a kitchen’s natural focal point. Cabinet Now kitchen designer Alecia Taylor agrees, adding, “If a counter is messy, it can make you second-guess whether you even want to eat there.”
Additionally, smell is a big part of what makes a kitchen feel inviting. A whiff of fresh coffee, bread, or cookies can instantly create a cozy vibe. Scents like these can stimulate good memories — whether it’s lazy weekend mornings or family dinners. “Such markers recall positive memories and allow a person to feel warm and comfy,” says Sanders.
2 Things Making Your Kitchen Unappealing on First Glance
Bad Lighting
Lighting can have a huge impact on the overall feel of a kitchen, and it’s not always in a good way. “Bad lighting — particularly that awful, glaring fluorescent stuff — can suck the warmth out of a kitchen in a heartbeat,” says Justin Miller, co-founder & CEO of Showplace HQ. Harsh lighting can really kill the vibe and make the space feel cold and unwelcoming, even if everything else looks great.
Basic White Kitchens
The design trends, they are a-changing (as they always do). “For a long time, people thought the safest choice was white cabinets, white countertops, and a white backsplash,” explains Taylor. “But now, that just looks like the default kitchen in a new build — bland and uninspired. A kitchen should feel personal and lived-in, not like a blank slate.” To avoid falling into the trap of a boring, overly minimalist space, try incorporating elements that reflect your style. A mix of textures, a bold backsplash, or even some vibrant accessories can bring personality to the kitchen without overwhelming the space.
6 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Inviting
Making a kitchen feel more welcoming really only takes a few key design elements that balance both style and function. First, clean and clutter-free countertops are essential to making a space feel open and inviting. “Kitchens evoke different emotional responses depending on how much they impact a person’s mood,” says Sanders. “For example, clean and organized open spaces are less stressful and more relaxing than cluttered and closed spaces.”
Smart Storage Solutions
On that note, consider using storage solutions like appliance garages or sleek cabinets to keep items tucked away but easily accessible. “When I see drawers everywhere in a kitchen, I know it’s going to be easy to find things, and that makes the whole space feel functional and stress-free,” says Taylor. “On the other hand, clutter and disorganization can make a kitchen feel chaotic before you even start cooking. Depending on the client, I sometimes avoid open shelving for this reason — not everything we use in the kitchen is aesthetically pleasing, and it’s OK to have things tucked away but still easy to grab.”
Layered Lighting
Lighting also plays a big role, as ambient and accent lighting can brighten a space and set the right mood. “I’ve watched clients add strips of under-cabinet LED lighting as a simple but surprising way to make a place feel warm — especially in quarters that don’t have much natural daylight,” adds Justin Miller, co-founder & CEO of Showplacehq.com. “I once advised a seller to replace all the overhead fluorescent lights with softer LED fixtures, and the renewed brightness projected a cozy, welcoming vibe that kept buyers lingering in the kitchen.”
Small touches like dimmers can instantly change the vibe — in the morning go for bright lights, and at night you can easily dial it down for a more relaxed feel.
Small Aesthetic Changes
In that vein, sometimes it’s the small tweaks that make the biggest difference. “Refinishing cabinet faces with new paint or hardware is a game-changer, dramatically upgrading the look without the need for a complete renovation,” says Miller. Even a small touch like adding some greenery, whether it’s a small plant or succulent, can bring a splash of life to any space. Swapping out outdated faucets or adding tiles to the backsplash can also work wonders. Small but mighty, these updates can make a kitchen feel brighter, cooler, and much more inviting.
Color Is Key
When it comes to choosing the best colors for your kitchen, Melissa Kite, principal and founder of Melissa Kite Designs, suggests that people consider their own personal favorite colors and how much natural light is coming into the room. “Color evokes emotion in our brain chemistry; be sure the colors you select elicit nurturing emotions,” she says. Warm neutrals like soft beige, creamy whites, and warm grays create a timeless and inviting atmosphere, which make the kitchen feel open and airy. Lighter tones also help smaller kitchens appear larger and more spacious, which is great for maximizing natural light.
For those looking to add more personality to their space, earthy greens, soft blues, and muted terracottas bring warmth and depth without overwhelming the space. If a bold, dramatic look is the goal, deep navy, forest green, or charcoal can add sophistication — especially when paired with brass or gold hardware. “If you want dark, deep colors in your kitchen, consider an accent wall or the cabinetry, or stone — but not all three — and certainly if it’s a small kitchen, supplement the richness of dark colors with light and glass,” Kite says. “Color is deeply personal and there are no specific colors that will work for everyone; the way color is lit and balanced with other colors and materials is what makes color itself and the space welcoming.”
How to Create a More Inviting Kitchen, According to Psychologists
“With regard to the psychology of space, achieving a comforting atmosphere in the kitchen can be as simple as implementing effective, practical changes,” Sanders explains. These changes could be as simple as reducing countertop clutter, which make the space feel less chaotic. You might also bring in some natural elements, like plants or wooden accents, to add warmth and make the kitchen feel more grounded.
“A strategically placed and organized kitchen can improve certain routines in daily life,” she says. “If a kitchen is easy to access, is handy, and is calming to the eye, there are greater chances an individual will feel at ease, which improves mental well-being and in turn is more likely to encourage family interaction and healthy living.”
Are there any changes you want to make to your kitchen to make it more inviting? Let us know in the comments below!
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: The Very First Thing People Notice in Your Kitchen, According to Psychologists
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