Summery kitchen ideas for a quickie refresh

If sunshine and blue skies have you thinking about a simple spruce-up and introducing a breath of fresh air, it could be time for a kitchen makeover.

Especially with longer, warmer days, and promise of throwing open the windows to embrace indoor-outdoor living… and getting organised ahead of al fresco season and summer socials.

Here are some pointers to get a head start…

Add plants, flowers and a herb garden

“Now is the perfect time to bring more greenery into your kitchen,” says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, who has more than 20 years’ experience of helping people plan and source the perfect kitchen.

“Vases of freshly cut flowers instantly brighten the space and make it feel more welcoming; and choosing those similar to what’s flowering outside creates a lovely connection between your kitchen and garden.”

When it comes to herbs, she says you have plenty of options. “If you have a garden, summer is the ideal time to grow them outside – they thrive in the warmth, and you’ll have a far greater yield.”

“If you’re short on outdoor space, a dedicated herb planter inside the kitchen is a stylish and practical alternative.”

Either way, having fresh herbs to hand makes a real difference when cooking and entertaining, says Grossman.

“Think mint added to a jug of Pimm’s, or fresh basil torn over a salad,” and she suggests planting hardy herbs which are easy to grow, and work in the light available.

It’s time to declutter

A seasonal sort-out makes a surprising difference, highlights Grossman. “Pack away the slow cooker, heavy casseroles and winter staples and free up your cupboard space for the things you’ll actually be reaching for.”

She suggests: “Salad bowls, serving platters, outdoor crockery and barbecue kit. If you have a pantry, the upper shelves are perfect for storing bulky items you won’t need again until autumn.”

Moreover, she says “a well-organised summer kitchen is simply one where everything you need is easy to grab, and nothing is getting in the way.”

“It’s a small change, but makes the kitchen feel lighter and more functional almost immediately.”

Fill fruit bowls with seasonal fruit

Summer fruit means bright colours and citrus scents.

“Fill your fruit bowls with lemons, limes, oranges and mangoes,” suggests Grossman.

“No one ever wants to be without a slice of lemon or lime when making summer drinks, so having them ready to go will keep your drinks prepped and your kitchen smelling wonderful.”

She continues. “And don’t forget ice! It sounds obvious, but running out of ice is really irritating.

“Keep your ice cube trays filled up… if you don’t have a fancy fridge with an in-built ice dispenser, it’s one of those small things that’s very easy to stay on top of.”

The power of a lovely summer scent

Switching out your cosy winter scents of cinnamon and nutmeg for more citrus or garden fragrances will work well in a summer kitchen, she advises.

“There’s a huge range of beautiful reed diffusers, room sprays and scented candles that will help to change the mood of your kitchen.

“It’s worth taking your time to find a scent you genuinely love, rather than just grabbing something off the shelf,” she adds. “A good reed diffuser or room spray can be with you all season.”

Vanilla is an interesting one, suggests Grossman. “It feels warm and cosy in winter, but in summer it reads completely differently… with scents of ice cream and sun lotion.”

Swap over your tea towels and oven gloves

It sounds minor, but Grossman says changing your tea towels and oven gloves is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to brighten up a kitchen.

“If your kitchen is light or neutral, citrus yellows, greens and oranges work brilliantly.

“For warmer-toned kitchens, softer pastels – sage green, cornflower blue, dusty pink tend to work better – it’s such a simple change, but one of the first things you see in a busy kitchen.”

Matching your small accessories will also help bring everything together, she suggests.

“But don’t be afraid to mix and match… just because your toaster, kettle and bread bin are all cream, doesn’t mean your soft furnishings can’t complement them with a different shade or colour.”

Cushions and seat pads

And don’t overlook cushions…

“Having different cushion covers for the different seasons can be an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a quick refresh.”

Depending on your budget, she says you can always keep the same cushion pad inside, “so whipping off the covers and switching them out for something more summery is a great way to add colour and a bit of interest.”

“These always look great on a banquette or bench seating,” adds Grossman.

At the end of the day, the kitchen expert says none of these changes needs to cost much or take long.

“But together they add up to a kitchen that feels fresh, functional and genuinely ready for summer.”