Slow Living in the Kitchen: 5 Ways To Bring the Laid-Back Lifestyle Movement Into the Heart of Your Home

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy. But if it isn’t easy, then we hope your normal pace of life has at least slowed down a whole lot.

To help you lower your daily grind a notch, let us remind you of our favorite design trend as of late—slow living, a decor style that’s far more about the lifestyle it creates than the way it looks.

While we’ve covered ways to re-create the slow living movement in other parts of your home, there’s one space we haven’t addressed yet: the kitchen.

You might not think of the busy heart of the home as a place where anything can slow down (especially if you have many mouths to feed), but we’d beg to differ. A slow kitchen means more time with loved ones over meals, spending time trying out new recipes, or simply sitting in your cozy space alone—ahhh.

All of these things encourage an easier, more nature-inspired pace of life, and we’re here for it. Here are five looks from the design world of Instagram that will help you get started at your own hopefully slow pace.

1. Cutest coffee corner

If you want to start creating a ritual of more intentional mornings, a decked-out home barista bar like this one from @av.home might be just the thing.

“The coffee corner has become extremely popular because people are taking more time to enjoy the little moments in their day,” says Jodi Peterman, designer and CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs. “This concept works because, instead of hiding away all the odds and ends to make the perfect cup of coffee, people are making them enjoyable and aesthetic.”

Get the look: Start creating your perfect easy, breezy routine and coffee setup with this scallop woven tray.

2. Spacious island

You can never have enough counter space, and that’s especially true if you plan on spending more time in the kitchen. Fortunately, this look from @kitchens_of_insta provides the inspiration needed to create a perfect space for spreading out, sipping a glass of wine, and hosting friends while you finish making dinner.

“The kitchen island has quickly become an item on everyone’s kitchen must-have list,” says Peterman. “Not only does it add in opportunities for additional storage, but it has also become a main gathering space in the home.”

Get the look: Don’t have a built-in island? Try an extra-large table instead.

3. Nordic-inspired lighting

We tend to associate bright lights with being busy and productive, which is why having a few low-light options around the kitchen—like these Nordic-inspired ones from @nordiskakok—can be the perfect antidote.

“Nordic lighting and design, in general, breathe simplicity, functionality, and natural elements into any space,” says lead interior designer Anna Tatsioni of Decorilla. “Nordic designs have a way of looking modern without losing their warmth, so they create a very serene atmosphere that invites you to take your time.”

Get the look: Place a few of these rechargeable LED lights around your kitchen to replicate that Scandinavian glow.

4. Rosy hues

There’s nothing quite like the unexpectedly soft range of pastels to make a space feel relaxing, and that’s definitely true of this rosy kitchen by @devolkitchens.

“Rose-colored everything has been a thing for a couple of years now, but infusing it in kitchens feels a bit more trendy as people seek to add warmth and personality into this space,” says Tatsioni. “This palette exudes joy and liveliness without being in your face, so it’s a mix of feeling energized yet relaxed.”

Get the look: Reimagine your kitchen with this shade of Cinder Rose.

5. Little library

A final way to create a slow-living aesthetic in your kitchen? By incorporating elements that encourage you to wind down, like this little kitchen library from @athomewithfran.

“Homeowners are using their creativity to create design moments that blend room vibes,” says designer Julie Taylor, of FLOOR360. “Adding coffee-table books, a desk lamp, and a botanical print in the kitchen makes it feel more comfortable and not just a utilitarian space for making food.”

Get the look: Combine your favorite coffee-table books with this Harrison table lamp to make your kitchen feel more cozy and comfortable.