Once the enthusiasm of your new year health kick has waned, it can be tricky to make space and time for health and wellbeing. That’s why kitchens should encourage healthy habits rather than hinder them. But how do you create a kitchen that promotes health and wellbeing?

Firstly you want your kitchen to feel like an oasis of calm as soon as you walk into it. Earthy and muted colours on the walls and floors along with the use of natural materials such as wood and stone are key.

Keep the kitchen light and airy by using minimal window coverings and feeding extra light in through rooflights and lanterns. And use lighting that mimics natural daylight. This will help the kitchen feel like a more inviting and positive space to spend time in.

The kitchen should promote healthy rituals, such as taking time for a proper breakfast. You do need somewhere to sit and eat in comfort, so you’re not simply wolfing a bowl of cereal down on the hoof. Banishing TVs and mobile devices is a good move if you want to keep breakfast time peaceful and stress free.

But the right technology can also boost our health and wellbeing in the kitchen. Filtered water taps can improve the taste and purity of water, making it a more pleasant experience to drink and less of a struggle to meet our daily intake. And some fridges now have improved climate control, to keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.

Ergonomics play a vital role in keeping our bodies free from strains. That’s why more people are opting to do away with difficult-to-reach wall cupboards and are paying close attention to worktop heights and hob and oven positioning.

Good hygiene plays just as important a role in our health and wellbeing. So, the cleanability of surfaces does matter. Choose worktops, sinks and cupboard handles that are easy to wipe clean. And if you install a wooden or stone worktop, be mindful that it needs regular maintenance such as oiling and sealing to keep it hygienic and cleanable.

Of course a cluttered kitchen is one that’s almost impossible to keep clean. So, making sure there’s ample, organised storage is incredibly important. An uncluttered space is also far more convenient to work in and ensures the process of cooking from scratch is a positive one.

Contributor link:Myjobquote.co.uk
Kane Hughes - Interior designer: Kane has over ten years' experience in the interior design sector, with a specific focus on kitchens and bathrooms. He works as a consultant expert with MyJobQuote while also focusing on his house flipping projects across Wales.