Remember, you aren't a ship's galley slave; the kitchen must be pleasant as well as functional. This means, for instance, that you should design your kitchen with lovely windows that look out at a beautiful view. Large windows keep the kitchen from becoming claustrophobic. If the view is nothing special, use window boxes to create a garden view that will obstruct the view of anything ugly.
If your kitchen is dark and the light from the windows has a blue quality to it, use yellow or orange filmy gauze curtains to create a warm sunny glow; it will improve your mood, motivation, and the look of most food. Your artificial lighting should be warm colored as well. Now available are energy saving florescent light bulbs with a warm soft light that doesn't flicker.
Decorate your walls with just a few sparsely placed pieces of art that add splashes of color. This will not shrink or crowd the room visually, and yet it will make the kitchen more homey and personal.
Finally, avoid the ultra modern kitchen designs where every surface is metallic. Those were developed for easy sterilization, but are alienating and harsh when you sit in them. You aren't running a hospital cafeteria. Give your chairs cloth covered cushions in beautiful colors , and use a pretty potted plant or flower as a focal point for the table. Use bamboo or polished stone counter tops , both of which are strong and easy to sterilize, but give the room an earthier feel and a splash of color.
When your kitchen is both lovely and practical, the food will taste and look better. Your happiness and comfort will affect your cooking.