I’m sure most of us spend lots of time in the kitchen. Cooking and mixing and baking and sauteing and kneading and whipping- there’s a lot going on! But let us not forget one part of the kitchen that gets almost as much time as anything else- the kitchen sink.

I’ll be honest- I absolutely hate doing dishes. It’s my least favorite part of cooking. I have no problem cooking and baking all day long- but the dishes can be overwhelming to say the least! But I’ve also realized that the atmosphere surrounding your kitchen sink can make a world of difference. This past couple weeks, my husband and I bought several trees and we’ve been planting them throughout our backyard. My kitchen sink faces the backyard, and where there used to just be grass, I can now see a couple beautiful weeping white spruces, a Galaxy Magnolia, a Pacific and Paperbark maple, and a Red Pygmy Japanese maple. I can’t put into words how much joy I get from looking out my window and seeing so much beauty! It’s definitely made the view from my kitchen window so much more pleasant. I can’t wait until we finish planting all our bushes and flowers to complete the landscape. I’ll have my own little nature oasis to gaze at as I scrub all the dishes. Your kitchen window view can make all the difference!

You may not have a window right above your kitchen sink, and planting trees is definitely not an option for everyone. But there are so many other ways to add beauty and joy to the mundane task of washing dishes!

1. Add your own beauty through flowers or succulents. If you can’t plant a tree, you can probably fit a few small potted succulents or flowers to your window sill! Adding green makes such a difference! If you don’t have a window, find a picture that gives you peace and fills you with joy, whether it be a rolling landscape or an intriguing modern piece. No one wants to stare at a blank wall or a yard of dirt- add some beauty to your kitchen sink view!
   
   
2. Add an uplifting or funny sign. If words speak more to you, then maybe find a sign that lifts your heart or makes you chuckle. There are so many inspiring quotes out there- hang one up that cheers you and motivates you! And of course- humor is always a great way to speed things up! You could get a simple frame that easily lets you change what quote/picture is hanging. Maybe switch it up every week so you don’t get bored!
   
   
3. Put a CD player or speaker next to your kitchen sink. That way you can play your favorite CD, audiobook, or podcast as you do dishes! Nothing makes time go fast like a good book. I remember one book in particular had me so enthralled that I looked forward to doing dishes so that I could keep listening to my book! Definitely a great way to make a chore fun!
   
   
4. Keep a phone/tablet stand nearby. My husband loves to watch documentaries and comedians while he does dishes. He sets up his phone and then he can watch his shows while helping his wife (now there’s a smart man ;) ). If you’re not into audiobooks or podcasts, find a good show to keep you occupied when it’s your turn to do dishes!
   
   
5. Get a nice mat. Comfort can make a huge difference as well! Standing on a hard floor versus standing on a plushy mat, or something specifically designed to provide back/knee support can help the dishes not feel so daunting!
   
   
6. Get a cute dish apron. Who says you can’t feel cute while doing dishes? Invest in a darling apron that makes you happy and wear it only when you do dishes. Make it a special occasion!
   
   
7. Do them with someone. Having someone to keep you company makes many things more pleasant. Doing it side-by-side with your loved one or children can help teach life skills and encourage relationship building as you talk with one another. And it makes it go faster ;).

What do you like to do to make dishes a more pleasant experience? I’d love to hear your ideas! Share with us in the comments below!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com