Kitchens are where holiday memories are often made. Create one that serves up joy

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Lighting that feels good in the morning while you’re making coffee or preparing lunches for the day is different than how you might want to feel while you’re making a late-night mug of ice cream or on a relaxed Sunday evening preparing dinner with a loved one,” she says. "There’s nothing better than fresh cut dill or basil,” she says, “but my favorite is the aroma from mint added into a Moroccan dish.” Her kitchen now features tagines, North African earthenware pots. An art lover, Penfield has modern prints and sculptural pieces on display, including a vibrantly colored piece by Belgian painter Luc Lebon: “He’s known for his cheerful, optimistic works.” She wrapped the kitchen in earthy green terracotta tiles reminiscent of ones she saw on her trip. “After all, the kitchen is the real ‘living room’ in the house, so treat it that way!” ___ New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press.