The kitchen is the last place in your mind to choose as a hangout place for your family or friends. But why not change that? So that next time you’re not watching TV or not huddled tweaks over your phones, you and your friends or family can bond over preparing that family dinner together.

Below are just some simple things that you can do to give your kitchen cozy and more inviting ambiance.

1. Opt for a warm wall color

It may be the last thing on your mind but never tweaks underestimate the importance of wall colors. Colors can instantly transform a room, from dull to vibrant, from weak to invigorating.

Warm colors like yellow, orange or even red can instantly transform a drab kitchen. Red is believed to stimulate appetite. If it is too bold or striking for you, you can always go for a lighter, washed-out shade that won’t be too overwhelming. Or if you want a more cozy color, brown tones can also work.

If you’re still unsure what color works best for your kitchen, look for decorating books and magazines, read blogs and websites for ideas. Play around with colors until you find that perfect fit for a cozy kitchen.

2. Rethink your lighting

Just like your wall color, changing the lighting can do wonders for any room in your house. Warm and natural-looking light can make your kitchen brighter and more inviting.

One light bulb might not bring enough light to your kitchen. Consider under-cabinet lighting for those hard-to-reach areas of the kitchen.

And don’t just settle for the usual overhead LED fixtures. Consider chandeliers or pendants like this Caravaggio pendant that can create ambiance while adding tweaks more style to your kitchen.

3. Declutter

A cluttered space drives people away. Do a spring cleaning to create a more spacious kitchen where your family can hang out.

You can start by evaluating your appliances. Downsize your pots, pans, and tableware. Get rid of those with duplicates. Donate or sell those that you don’t need especially the big ones to free up more space.

If you frequently host dinner tweaks events and need that many tableware, stack them in a labeled box and store them in a storage space. And bring them out only when needed.

4. Upgrade your kitchen fixtures

If it had been ages since you’ve owned that stained oven or old coffeemaker, consider changing them now. You’ll be surprised how much appeal new and elegant looking appliances can do to your kitchen.

Add touch to your cabinets and counters. They’re one of the most noticeable features of your kitchen that upgrading them can change the overall ambiance of your kitchen. You don’t have to replace the whole fixture. A simple change of the cabinet doors and countertops or a splash of paint will do the job.

5. Clean your sink

Your sink is the most used item in your kitchen so keeping them clean is a must on your to-do list for a more inviting kitchen.

Merely letting the water run down over your kitchen sink won’t drive tweaks the germs and bacteria down the drain. Depending on what type of sink you have, there are many ways to quickly clean it with simple household items from baking soda to hot water.

You’ll find that a clean and nice-smelling kitchen sink can keep people lingering even longer.