You've probably heard, "The kitchen is the heart of the home." Indeed, the kitchen tends to be a gathering space where you talk to and connect with family members and friends. There are also plenty of ways to make the kitchen feel even more cozy and inviting. Here are a few ideas our real estate agents are excited to share.

• Adopt an Open Concept
  Many newer homes have large, open kitchens that tie into the living room or great room. But even if you have an older home, you may be able to open the kitchen up quite easily. If the wall between a kitchen and dining room is not load-bearing, it will be pretty easy for a contractor to remove. Or, you could create a window between your kitchen and dining or living room to open up the space visually.
  
  An open-concept kitchen makes it easier for more people to gather and spend time together in the space. Some people can sit in the living or dining room area and not be entirely cut off from others in the kitchen.
  
  
• Add Some Area Rugs
  Kitchens usually have hard floors, which are functional and easy to clean but not all that cozy. A few area rugs can make a huge difference. You can easily remove the rugs for cleaning if someone spills on them.
  
  Choose rugs with longer fibers that feel soft underfoot and look soft to the eye. If your kitchen is otherwise neutral, this is a good chance to add a few pops of color!
  
  
• Carry Hardware Through the Space
  To make your kitchen and dining room feel more like one space, try using the same hardware in both rooms or areas. This may mean replacing your cabinet hardware, but that's an easy way to freshen up your kitchen. Most hardware on dining room furniture, like buffets and credenzas, can be replaced.
  
  
• Create a Manager's Kiosk
  Has your kitchen accumulated a lot of household management items, such as calendars, mail, and pens? Create a kiosk where you keep these things. This will keep your kitchen more organized and tidy.
  
  This is a great way to repurpose an old dresser. You can hang a calendar or tablet on the wall behind it. Place a few decorative cups on top to hold pens and pencils, and sort your bills and other paperwork in the drawers. You can even paint the dresser to match your kitchen.
  
  
• Keep the Island the Focal Point
  If your kitchen has an island, it is probably the place where people tend to gather and converse. Lean into this. Place your wall art and other decor in a way that draws more attention to the island. Make sure the seating is comfortable, and place things on your island that make it easier for people to "live" in the kitchen.
  
  Some items to place on your island would be a candle, hand lotion, a bowl of mints, and a jar of pens. This way, when you and others are sitting at the island, you can reach for these items without having to get up. And that makes for a more cozy, home-like space.

The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, and with these tips, yours should feel more like it. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're still looking for Franconia homes for sale or Holderness homes for sale. Our knowledgeable real estate agents can help you find the perfect, cozy place.