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CASACOR
Decoration

7 solutions to make your kitchen beautiful and much more practical

Discover how to transform your kitchen with solutions that combine beauty and functionality with these practical tips

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Aug 5, 2025, 12:00 PM

05 min de leitura
Thais Alves - Refuge of the Indigenous Chef. Do you know what biophilia is? Its concept is clear: to connect people to nature to promote physical and emotional well-being. It was from this that Thaís Alves created this delicious refuge, inspired by a very special character. Kalymaracaya, from the Terena people, one of the first recognized Indigenous chefs in Brazil. “I wanted someone truly connected to nature. So I created a refuge for her, a little piece of her former home, so she can have contact with her 'land' in the middle of the big city.” To compose the new home, Thaís used clay brick cladding and Velvet (Coral) texture in the color Greek culture, generating a welcoming atmosphere. Most of the objects were made by artisans – the woven hammock made from carnauba fiber is one of the stars of the space, just like Anne Twiggy's macramé (Namacrê Design), which dominates the bedroom. “In addition to conveying tranquility, biophilic design can reduce stress, increase productivity and creativity, among other benefits for those who live or frequent these projects.”

Thais Alves - Refuge of the Indigenous Chef. Do you know what biophilia is? Its concept is clear: to connect people to nature to promote physical and emotional well-being. It was from this that Thaís Alves created this delicious refuge, inspired by a very special character. Kalymaracaya, from the Terena people, one of the first recognized Indigenous chefs in Brazil. “I wanted someone truly connected to nature. So I created a refuge for her, a little piece of her former home, so she can have contact with her 'land' in the middle of the big city.” To compose the new home, Thaís used clay brick cladding and Velvet (Coral) texture in the color Greek culture, generating a welcoming atmosphere. Most of the objects were made by artisans – the woven hammock made from carnauba fiber is one of the stars of the space, just like Anne Twiggy's macramé (Namacrê Design), which dominates the bedroom. “In addition to conveying tranquility, biophilic design can reduce stress, increase productivity and creativity, among other benefits for those who live or frequent these projects.” (Felipe Araújo)

The kitchen is one of the most important projects in the house, not only for its essential function but also for being increasingly integrated into the social area. With the growth of open concept projects and the habit of cooking at home, this space has gained more prominence in decoration and in organizing the routine. Therefore, thinking about solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality is essential to ensure practicality in day-to-day life and a project that reflects your lifestyle. In small kitchens or large, it is possible to adopt strategies to make the space more beautiful, organized, and functional. From smart choices of furniture to small organizing tricks, every detail makes a difference. Below, check out seven solutions that help enhance your kitchen, bringing more practicality and beauty at the same time. 1. Invest in planned cabinets Choosing planned cabinets is one of the most efficient ways to optimize kitchen space and ensure a more harmonious look. This type of furniture is custom-made, considering every available centimeter, which is especially useful in small kitchens or with irregular layouts. Additionally, it allows you to choose finishes and styles that integrate with the rest of the house's decoration. Another advantage is the internal customization of cabinets: you can include organizers, dividers, and drawers with specific compartments for spices, utensils, containers, and appliances. This makes it easier to keep everything in place and avoid clutter, contributing to a cleaner and more functional aesthetic. 2. Invest in strategic lighting A good lighting completely transforms the project, making it more welcoming and practical. In the kitchen, it is ideal to combine different types of light: overall lighting with ceiling flush mounts or spots and direct light points over work areas, such as preparation counters, sinks, and stoves. In addition to functionality, lighting can also be used as a decorative element. LED strips embedded under cabinets, pendant fixtures over the counter or island, and dimmable lights add charm and sophistication. The important thing is to ensure that each area is well-lit to facilitate daily tasks without compromising the aesthetics of the space. 3. Organize with niches, shelves, and supports Using niches, shelves, and supports is an excellent way to keep objects organized and within reach while decorating the project. These open structures can be installed above the counter, next to the stove, or even on walls that would otherwise remain unused. You can use these elements to display beautiful dishes, spices, utensils, cookbooks, or even pots with fresh herbs. This makes the kitchen more functional and imparts personality to the space. It is vital to avoid excess to prevent a cluttered look — the secret lies in balancing functionality and aesthetics. 4. Use built-in appliances Built-in appliances help create a cleaner and more organized look in the kitchen. Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers can be integrated into cabinets, being discreetly fitted into the structures, favoring visual continuity and facilitating cleaning. Additionally, built-in models are ideal for optimizing space usage, especially in compact kitchens. By eliminating gaps between appliances and furniture, it prevents dirt buildup and improves circulation. It is worth noting that installation requires prior planning; thus, it's best to think about this feature from the early stages of the project. 5. Choose easy-to-clean finishes The aesthetics of the kitchen largely depends on the choice of finishes, which need to be beautiful but also functional. Tiles, mosaics, porcelain tiles, and even natural stones are options that can bring color, texture, and style, as long as they are chosen with practicality in mind. The ideal is to opt for materials with low porosity and easy to clean, especially in areas near the stove and sink. Finishes with a satin or matte shine tend to disguise splatters and daily dirt, keeping the project looking fresh for longer. Also, invest in stain-resistant grouts to make maintenance easier. 6. Invest in a multifunctional island or countertop If there is available space, including a island or multifunctional countertop is an excellent solution to expand the work area and integrate the kitchen with the other projects. This structure can serve as support for food preparation, space for quick meals, and even a gathering area for friends and family. In addition to functionality, the island can be the focal point of the decoration. It can be personalized with contrasting colors, special lighting, or even designer stools. Another tip is to incorporate cabinets or drawers at the base of the island to further increase the utility of the space. 7. Use colors and finishes that enhance the project The colors and finishes have a significant impact on the perception of the space. In small kitchens, light tones help to visually expand the project, while dark or vibrant colors create sophisticated and striking atmospheres when used in balance. You can use color on cabinets, walls, countertops, or decorative details. Finishes such as wood, stainless steel, glass, and stone contribute to a more modern and cozy look while bringing interesting textures. For a beautiful and practical kitchen, aim to balance visual elements with functionality: easy-to-clean surfaces, moisture resistance, and durability are essential in choosing the materials.