9 things that immediately make your kitchen look unwelcoming – and the pro-recommended ways to change the ambiance

A kitchen should feel like a space family, friends, and you want to spend time in. Sadly, though, sometimes the design creates the opposite effect and interiors pros say it’s often because of the things that immediately make your kitchen look unwelcoming.

They’re the signals given off by kitchen ideas such as its color palette, layout, and lighting that – however subtly – have an off-putting effect but that you might not even realize are compromising the room’s ambiance.

For interior designers, though, these errors are easy to see and, so you can, too, we’ve asked them to identify the things that make the room unwelcoming right off the bat. What’s more, they’ve shared what to do instead.

1. Clutter

You knew that, right? But in your own home it’s easy to stop seeing clutter when it’s a permanent feature. Look at the room with fresh eyes, though, and you might be surprised.

‘Clutter can make for an unwelcoming kitchen – whether it’s dishes in the sink or an overcluttered countertop,’ says Kara Adam at Kara Adam Interiors. ‘Everything should have a place. We always consider how our clients use their kitchen, and design storage to work for their specific needs. Things like integrating an appliance garage or a coffee bar will keep clutter off the counters.’

If you’re not remodeling, there are still ways to deal with the unwelcoming sight. ‘Drawer organizers are an easy way to stay clutter free in the kitchen and are a simple way any homeowner could make their space feel custom and luxe,’ says Aileen Warren at Jackson Warren Interiors. ‘These are available anywhere from the Container Store to Rev-A-Shelf.’

‘Open kitchen shelves are a great way to add personality and warmth to a kitchen by displaying decorative or often-used items,’ she adds but cautions, ‘Just try to keep it tidy!’

2. Cold finishes

Think about the materials you’ve used in your kitchen as they could be responsible for a less than ideal ambiance.

‘A kitchen feels unwelcoming when it lacks warmth and personality,’ says Ginny Padula, owner of Town & Country Design Studio. ‘Sterile, glossy finishes can make the space feel more clinical than cozy. Incorporating warm wood tones on the island and kitchen flooring instantly softens the space, creating an inviting and timeless atmosphere.’

3. Bright, cold overhead lighting

Like materials, kitchen lighting can also create all the wrong impression. ‘The number one thing that will chase anyone out of a kitchen is bright, cold overhead lighting,’ says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors.

‘Replace recessed can lights or overhead fixtures with warmer light LED light bulbs with 2,700K color temperature. If you have pendant lights over an island, consider adding a dimmer switch to enjoy cozier low light while encouraging lingering.’

4. Lack of an island

Go without a kitchen island and the room isn’t going to offer the welcome it should, according to Stacey Dobrovolny, owner and principal designer at Two Navy Lane.

‘An island in the kitchen is not only functional for food prep, food serving and storage but also a place for people to gather around and help with the cooking process, enjoy time talking to the chef or socializing at get-togethers,’ she says.

And adding an island is possible. ‘While older homes may not have been set up this way or have the space, we have taken some of these homes and made them into the kitchens of our clients’ dreams,’ she adds.

5. Absence of personal touches

A kitchen that’s all about function is an unwelcoming one, says Hattie Sparks Collins of Hattie Sparks. Although a kitchen needs to be a very functional space, it shouldn't be without character. Kitchens are used for so much more than just cooking nowadays, they are often the social hub of the home, so just like your living room or bedroom you want them to reflect your style and personality.

And there are plenty of easy ways to do this. 'I see clients sometimes skip on personal touches in a kitchen, choosing functionality over everything,’ she says. ‘Things like art, a small lamp, a plant, or a decorative fruit bowl, can make your kitchen feel soulful and cozy.’

6. Oversized or hard seating

If the seating in your kitchen isn’t right, the room will definitely have the wrong vibe. ‘Seating is, of course, the epitome of comfort in a kitchen,’ says Los Angeles interior designer Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors.

‘For counter stools, make sure you’re looking for something that is comfortable and easy to access. Counter stools that are too large for their area can make them hard to pull out. And stools that are hard metal or wobbly also can make guests or you feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.’

7. Poor layout

Fail to respect the rules of kitchen layout and the golden rules of kitchen measurements and no one will feel at ease in the room.

‘A kitchen that doesn’t feel welcoming is also normally a kitchen that has poor space planning and flow,’ says head of design at Nieu Cabinet Doors Teri Simone. ‘Think about the kitchens you’ve made the best memories in,’ she says. ‘They are normally a space where people can gather, cook together, and be in the same space comfortably. A kitchen that has awkward peninsula placement or too-tight clearances for walkways will keep guests out, and make the space feel unwelcoming.’

8. All-white designs

White kitchens are enduringly popular, but white everywhere doesn’t create the right atmosphere. White can appear cold and uninviting, especially in the kitchen when there's so many hard lines and surfaces.

‘All white kitchens with no wood or color accents can feel sterile and unwelcoming,’ says Jennifer Jones. ‘Consider painting the island a contrasting color to add dimension and interest. Not ready for a painting project? Introduce warm wood tones such as walnut with barstools or tabletop accessories,’ she suggests.

9. Missing connection to other spaces

Cut-off kitchen? That definitely doesn’t feel welcoming – and nor does it make anyone prepping there happy.

‘A kitchen that doesn’t flow well or lacks connection to adjoining spaces can feel isolating,’ explains Ginny Padula. ‘Adding French doors leading to the outdoor area, paired with a beautifully set dining table, creates a natural extension of the kitchen, encouraging gatherings and enhancing its welcoming vibe.’

Remedies to unwelcome kitchens range from kitchen remodels to quicker solutions like clearing clutter. Whichever approach you take, adding warmth and personality and boosting comfort are reliable ways to solve the issue.