For Radhi Devlukia, 'wellness' is more than a checklist of daily rituals. In the kitchen, it is a physical reaction that begins the moment you look at your surfaces. While conventional design advice often calls for minimalist countertops, the author takes a different approach.

'It sounds a bit counterintuitive, but keeping beautiful produce out on the kitchen countertops,' she explains, is one of the easiest ways to bring warmth into the room.

Rather than hiding fresh food in her pantries, she designates specific display spots, from a low fruit bowl to sweet potatoes on open shelves. Beyond adding natural color, having seasonal ingredients in clear view serves as a grounding reminder of the current time of year.

'There's something really beautiful and calming about being able to see what you're going to cook and have it out there as a reminder. It adds so much color to your kitchen,' she says.

'It also reminds you what season it is, and I think that really helps you connect with nature, which I feel is a huge part of feeling calm in the kitchen.'

The same rule applies to favorite ceramics. 'I think so much of calm and peace starts from your eyes,' she says. 'Our nervous system really changes as soon as you see something that feels pleasant to your eyes.'

Leaving items out, however, does not mean letting clutter take over. Radhi keeps surface chaos in check with a strict three-appliance limit.

'I really disliked the feeling of having to go to a cupboard and trying to find the equipment that I'm looking for,' she says.

To solve this, she created a dedicated zone with power outlets for three core tools, including her blender and toaster. The third spot rotates with the seasons; a soup maker takes priority in the colder months, then heads into storage over summer.

By confining appliances to one dedicated corner, the rest of the kitchen remains open and clear.

Scent plays an equally practical role in setting the tone. Radhi places essential oil diffusers throughout the house, reserving specific scents for specific tasks. She says that peppermint belongs in her home office for focus, while the kitchen usually smells like citrus, sage, and lavender.

'I feel like having opposing scents can end up confusing you in the kitchen,' she notes. Sticking to clean, food-friendly aromas acts as an instant signal to the body that it is time to slow down, cook, and reset.

The same focus on grounding routines extends to daily technology. For Radhi, stepping away to grab a glass of water is often the only pause in a busy schedule, turning essential hydration into an opportunity for calm.

It's the thinking behind her work with KitchenAid and the MindFULLness Fridge. Designed to simplify routine kitchen tasks, the appliance features smart auto-fill that uses sensing technology to deliver a hands-free (and splash-free) pour into almost any container, without spills.

For Radhi, who admits she often leaves taps running until cups overflow, the automation takes away a small irritation while encouraging a brief mental pause. Instead of rushing, lighting and chimes guide a slower breathing rhythm.

'Why not give yourself an opportunity and rewire your nervous system for like 30 seconds while you're doing it?' she says. 'It's another place where you can find a moment of calm in your day.'

Homeowners can bring that same setup into their own spaces through the MindFULLness Fridge sweepstakes, which runs from October 19 to November 15. Entrants can win a MindFULLness Fridge and some of the coolest drinkware on the market.

Behind the kitchen cabinet doors, Radhi relies on clear organization to keep daily movement frictionless. She labels everything, keeping three dedicated drawers filled with glass spice jars and grouping ingredients into clear zones for beans, lentils, and flours.

Items used every morning, like mugs and plates, live on open shelving within arm's reach. Pieces used only occasionally stay on high upper shelves. Knowing exactly where every pot sits prevents the frustration of jammed drawers and searching through deep cupboards.

For those who want to change the feel of their kitchen without taking on major structural work, she points to one straightforward update: A tin of paint.

'Having a fresh set of paint on your walls can make such a difference,' she says. 'Whether it's adding in a color or a wallpaper, I think it can change the whole space so easily, and not necessarily that expensive either.'

By treating the kitchen not as a utilitarian workspace, but as an intentional sanctuary for the senses, even the busiest room in the house can become the one that grounds you most. Take it from Radhi, who has already made this mindset a part of her everyday.

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