Check out these cool features for the kitchen

Sensor-Operated Faucets

Gone are the days of stubborn, stiff handles on your faucets – simply wave at the fixture and it will magically stream at your command! Brands like Delta and Pfister offer touchless sensor faucets that are easy to use for all the family.

Water Softener System

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll know the toll it can take on your hands when washing up and the bitter taste it has. Install a water softener system beneath your kitchen sink to get fresh, filtered, softened water flowing straight from the tap. Filter out potentially harmful chemicals and hard deposits from your home’s water supply and enjoy smooth, great tasting tap water.

Coffee Machine with Timer

The dream of having a hot, steaming cup of real filter coffee waiting for you when you wake up has ARRIVED. All the classic kitchen appliance brands (Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards) now offer very affordable filter coffee machines featuring a timer that you can set for the best wakeup call ever. Nothing will have you jumping out of bed at 7am quite like it!

Smart Speaker

We’re seriously considering placing a pre-order for Apple’s new HomePod smart speaker – simply ask Siri to play any song in the world and have it fill the room in seconds, in amazing hi-fi sound quality, completely hands-free. This is especially great in the kitchen so that you can prep and chop food without pausing to fiddle with buttons to play music. Ask Siri to play your favorite playlist and dance around the kitchen as you cook! You can also ask it questions – what step comes next in the recipe you’re making? Alternatives to Apple’s latest gadget include the Google Home and Amazon Echo.

Boiling Water Tap

Another faucet-related tip: get instant boiling water from your faucet. Imagine making an instant brew after a hard day’s work and halving the time it takes to boil potatoes on the hob. These contraptions are available from all kitchen retailers nowadays, and customers who’ve installed them never look back.

Pull-Out Table

When living in a small space, like a bedsit or cozy apartment, utilizing space is key. Where you don’t have room for a dining table, consider a pull-out. It can be neatly tucked away inside a cupboard or otherwise out of sight when not in use, leaving you more space to prepare dinner. When it’s done, whip out your table and enjoy a sit-down meal.

Magnetic or Blackboard Wall

Kids especially will find these fun feature walls a highlight of the house. Stick up photos, lists, and your children’s artwork with colorful magnets for proud display; or scribble important notes, messages and doodles in chalk on your funky blackboard wall.

Kitchen Terrarium

Not a gadget or device, but a cute feature that will bring a little joy every time you see it. Terrariums have become the houseplant-come-décor of choice in modern homes, and you can make them yourself quickly and easily. Buy a few succulent plants from a garden store (available for just a few dollars each), a terrarium frame (you can even make these out of picture frames), and some decorative pebbles. Make at home for a fun activity.

Breakfast Master

Behold this feat of 21^st century engineering: these amazing all-in-one cookers fry your eggs, toast your bread, and make coffee at the same time! The microwave-sized contraptions fit on your countertop and ensure your food and beverages are perfectly cooked and ready to eat at exactly the right time. A range of manufacturers have begun to offer them, like Product Box in the UK and Elite Cuisine available from Amazon US. At just $30, you can’t really refuse.

The post 9 Modern Features You Need in Your Kitchen appeared first on .

Before you do anything, sit down and work out exactly what you need from your kitchen. For example, some people only use a kitchen for cooking, while others need it to double as a laundry. If this is the case, ask yourself whether you can configure the kitchen so that a separate, smaller area leads from it, where you can accommodate a washing machine, other laundry appliances, and items like an ironing board. If you are one of those people—or families—who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, eating or even socializing there, your approach will be quite different. You will need space for a freestanding table or, at the very least, a built-in counter with bar stools where you can eat.

Once you have decided on the function, you can move on to the approach you are going to take. This involves fundamental issues ranging from the basic layout of the kitchen to any style you may want to follow. From here, you can start costing items and deciding whether you are going to employ a professional kitchen company to do the work for you or whether you will tackle the hard work yourself. A compromise would be to get a professional company (or manufacturing outlet) to make custom units and for you to install them yourself. This can work well, provided you have the necessary skills. If you are going to employ the services of a company or individual specializing in kitchen installations, it is still a good idea to know what you want before you get quotations.

Exploring Ideas and Establishing Your Budget

If you’re stuck for ideas and really don’t know where to start, have a look at websites (like this one) that show photographs of different kitchens. You can also look for magazines and books that are well-illustrated, with up-to-date ideas. You’ll probably find that you instinctively like some ideas and not others. Another good option is to visit show houses and showrooms where you can see and touch what’s available. Try to gauge prices so you know what to expect and whether you can realistically afford what you think you want. It is essential to have a clear idea of your budget from the start, so you can ensure your new kitchen fits within it. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to decide whether you can increase your budget or find ways to cut costs.

Once you have established your personal priorities and have a fairly clear picture of what you want, it’s time to work out the costs. This is a vital part of planning a new kitchen. To do this, you’ll need to decide which appliances you need to buy and how you are going to fit out the kitchen. This means establishing the type of fittings—such as cupboards, cabinets, or open shelves—and their finish, as well as how many of each you’ll need.

At this point, it’s back to the drawing board. If you’re using a professional company for the kitchen—or even just getting quotations—they should give you a preliminary plan of what the kitchen will look like based on your requirements. If you’re fitting the kitchen yourself, either from scratch or with knock-down units, you’ll have to draw your own plan. If you use common sense and follow basic design principles, you shouldn’t find this difficult.

The size of the kitchen and its shape will determine, to a large degree, how you will lay it out. Typical configurations include galley kitchens (long and narrow with units on opposite walls), U-shaped kitchens (using three walls), and L-shaped kitchens (with units along two walls that meet at right angles). The open-plan approach, where the kitchen becomes part of the general living space, can work with both U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens. Or, the entire kitchen can become a living room of sorts.

Most efficiently designed kitchens incorporate a work triangle, which involves a logical interrelationship between the cook’s three main aids:

1. stove,
2. refrigerator, and
3. sink.

All this really means is that whoever is working in the kitchen needs to be able to move between these three “aids” easily. They won’t always form a perfect triangle, however. For example, a sink and refrigerator may be positioned along the same wall with the stove on the other. In the case of a kitchen along a single wall, all three would be in a line, but not right next to each other. If your kitchen includes an island unit, it might be best to incorporate either the sink or a hob into the triangle for it to be effective.
Just remember that the stove and refrigerator should never be positioned right next to each other. This is because one is made for heating and the other for cooling, and placing them together will prevent them from operating at maximum efficiency. Also, it’s best to have some working surface on either side of both the stove and the sink.

Corners can be a particular challenge, especially when two cabinets meet at a corner, making it difficult to reach the space. Investigate what space-saving fittings are available, such as those that rotate.

Other factors to consider when planning a new kitchen include:

• making sure there is enough space for people to walk through the kitchen easily (even with a central island),
• positioning tall units at the ends of ordinary counters,
• checking the direction in which cupboard and cabinet doors open so they don’t get in the way of one another and open easily,
• making use of all possible wall space, either by hanging cupboards, using open shelving, or incorporating taller units or freestanding furniture like dressers,
• planning your work surfaces carefully so you have sufficient space for every task, and
• ensuring that essential services related to plumbing, electrics, and gas are correctly installed and in the right place.

The post Planning a New Kitchen – Cabinets, Sinks and Floors appeared first on .

For the purposes of this article, we are going to assume that you are starting with an empty shell of a room. You will need to work with the room’s dimensions, as well as all the other physical aspects, including the position of windows and doors.

If you are revamping a kitchen, you can still follow these very same guidelines, though you may be able to utilize some existing items, such as kitchen cabinets and lighting.

The first step will be to decide what type of kitchen you want, both in terms of style and decor, and what it will offer you in practical terms. An excellent way to assess this is to make a list or several lists. Here’s an example:

• lots of storage space behind closed doors,
• a dedicated cupboard for brooms and cleaning equipment,
• a dedicated cupboard for foodstuffs,
• easy-to-clean countertops with a marble-topped section large enough for rolling pastry,
• a built-in wooden chopping block,
• a double sink as well as a prep bowl,
• wall-hung plate rack for drying (wooden cottage style),
• an electric eye-level oven,
• centre island with a gas-powered hob,
• built-in microwave oven,
• combination refrigerator-deep freeze,
• above-counter lighting as well as general lighting,
• tiled floors (terracotta to fit the style),
• tiled splashback (maybe feature tiles in yellow and blue),
• all other walls painted with a good quality paint that provides a surface that can be scrubbed (pale lemon),
• pretty blinds,
• open shelving for the recipe book collection, and
• enough space for a small freestanding table for family meals (look for colonial-style or bentwood chairs to fit the cottage style).

Remember that this is your list, so you can change anything if you wish. For example, you might find some glorious old red and green tiles for the sink splashback and then decide that a stone-washed wall color will be better than pale lemon. You might also decide that the style you first thought would work doesn’t, and opt for another look completely. The point is that you need a starting point from which to begin working on designing your kitchen on a budget.

Once you have a good, basic idea of where you are going, you can start concentrating on specifics. Since storage is at the top of the list here, an important priority will be to find cupboards or cabinets that fit within your design scheme. Your budget will largely determine what you choose. If you can do a lot of the work yourself or persuade family or friends to help you, then you will save a lot of money by buying separate elements and assembling them yourself. You will need to establish the correct sizes (based on the basic dimensions of the room) and make sure that you have everything from hinges to handles. A slightly more expensive option will usually be to buy knock-down units that you assemble yourself. Here, the manufacturer will have included everything you need in the pack, but you will have to do much of the work yourself.

Whichever route you take, you will need to ensure that you meet your own needs, such as a broom cupboard and food cupboard. To do this, you need to decide on a suitable layout for the kitchen as a whole. The sink units will need to be plumbed in, so this is one of the first considerations. Electricity and gas supplies are equally important. Draw a layout to scale on graph paper that shows where these supplies and services are, and also show where all the door and window openings are. Make absolutely sure that the measurements you take are accurate. Mistakes can be extremely costly. Then make templates of the units you want and play with them on your layout. Don’t forget to include wall-hung units as well as those that will be fixed to the floor. Also, include freestanding items (table and chairs) and open shelving like that required for recipe books.

Maximizing Space and Efficiency in a Budget Kitchen

When you are designing a kitchen on a budget, be sure to remember the kitchen triangle. This is an extremely simple concept that links three main service areas:

1. cold storage (your refrigerator and deep freeze),
2. wash-up (your sink), and
3. cooking area.

As old-fashioned as some people consider this to be, it does work. But it isn’t always as simple as a three-point (triangular) plan. Go back to your list and you will see that there are three cooking appliances required, as well as two sinks. The refrigerator and freezer could be separate appliances. But the important thing is to make them work together. Also, it is never a good idea to locate cold storage next to cooking appliances—the one heats and the other cools, so they don’t work well right next to one another. Keep cooking units close to each other, but don’t worry too much about the other appliances. For instance, a freezer can be located away from the main working area, and a prep sink can be closer to the living area than a sink used for washing dishes.

You will also need to accommodate the required marble slab and chopping block within whatever countertops you choose. If this isn’t possible, you can always use loose slabs or blocks. Shop around for off-cuts and remember that someone else’s throwaways can be bought for a song! For example, some people install marble counters throughout the kitchen, and there will often be slabs left over. Otherwise, look for what suppliers call seconds—items with scratches and dents or dings that aren’t likely to worry you since you are designing your kitchen on a budget.

It is also possible to find appliances that have been marked down because they are shop-soiled. Remember, you don’t have to compromise on quality. A scratch down the side of a refrigerator won’t matter if it is going to be lodged between cupboards.

Another basic element will be the floor tiles, and you can save a bit of money here too by looking for special offer goods at cheaper prices. You shouldn’t be tempted to buy lesser quality products, but end-of-range or special promotion products can help you cut your budget considerably.

Once you have worked out all the basics, start looking at other details. The best way is to work progressively through your lists until you achieve a finished product you will be happy with. Do as much as you can yourself, and enjoy the challenge.

The post Designing a Kitchen on a Budget – How to Keep Costs Down appeared first on .

One of the easiest ways to begin decorating your kitchen is by choosing a theme. Decide what inspires you. Do you prefer a contemporary look with lots of stainless steel, or does a country kitchen with a butcher block feel more like home? Are you drawn to a French bistro style with specialty bottles of wine and grapes, or does a colorful Southwest theme with brightly colored chili peppers seem right? Do antiques appeal to you, or are you more drawn to modern designs? You don’t need a large budget to decorate your kitchen, but you will need a big dose of creativity. By answering these simple questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful masterpiece.

Bringing Your Kitchen Theme to Life

Long gone are the days when every room in your home must match in theme. The key to decorating your kitchen is to simply love what you choose and choose what you love. Don’t worry about pleasing the neighbors or your friends. Decorating should be an extension of who you are. Surrounding yourself with the things you love will inspire a more creative version of yourself.

After deciding on the style of kitchen you prefer, consider the different areas you’ll be decorating. These might include walls, floors, windows, counter space, cabinets, furniture, and seating upholstery, just to name a few. Window-shop online for ideas of what you like, study fabric samples at your local upholstery shop, and browse through the paint color samples at your home improvement store to see how colors will work together. Visit the fabric section at your local department store to get ideas for curtains, aprons, or matching napkins. With so many options available, no matter what theme you choose, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pieces to accent your kitchen.

Once you decide on a theme, consider what to do with the walls in your kitchen. Maybe they are fine as they are, or perhaps you’ll want to paint or wallpaper them. Will you go with a solid color, or would two colors create a better finished product? Many people have found that using satin or semi-gloss paint gives beautiful results. Be sure to put down a drop cloth to protect your flooring if you decide to paint. Will you use a chair rail between two paint colors or between a paint color and wallpaper? Be adventurous! Don’t settle for drab—remember, this is a reflection of who you are.

Will you keep your existing floor tile, or maybe you have a wonderful wooden floor? It’s usually better not to place carpeting around the sink and stove areas in case of spills. Consider using simple throw rugs instead. These rugs add warmth, texture, and color, and most can be laundered or spot-cleaned. Sometimes, all it takes to spruce up your kitchen is a few floor rugs with complementary accent colors.

Depending on your theme, your kitchen curtains can help pull the look together. You have many options for window treatments: valances and sheers, drapes, mini blinds, or café curtains. The amount of privacy and light you want will help you choose the best style. The color of the curtains should pick up accent colors from the rest of the room. Once you’ve made your choice, give your windows a good cleaning—nothing feels better than placing new curtains on a sparkling clean window. And remember, allow the paint on your walls to dry before hanging your new window coverings.

Unless you’re doing an actual remodel, you’ll likely keep your existing countertops. Give them a good cleaning, and then set out a few special items such as a vase of fresh flowers and a scented candle. Add a few cookbooks, and if your canister set is old or chipped, consider replacing it with a fresh set that matches your theme or color scheme. The key is to keep your countertops uncluttered. Home decorators often say, “Less is best.” You want a clean, fresh look, not a cluttered mess. Store your small appliances in cabinets and leave space on the countertop for preparing meals and treats.

Once again, if you’re not remodeling your kitchen, chances are you will keep your cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, as can adding new cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. This is an inexpensive way to modernize your kitchen. Before painting, scrub the fronts of your cabinets with a good cleaner that cuts through grease. This will ensure the paint adheres well to a clean surface. If you have space above your cabinets, consider using that area to store beautiful woven baskets or silk plants. This will draw the eye upward and create an appealing look. Adding greenery will bring life into the room, and it’s always nice to bring the outdoors inside. Another idea is to install a pot rack, if space allows. This frees up cabinet space and lets you show off that new pot and pan set you’ve been eyeing.

If you’re keeping your table and chairs, consider painting them for a fresh look. Many people find that having a rocking chair in the kitchen is a great addition. Since so much activity happens in the kitchen, a rocker gives family and guests a place to sit and chat while you prepare meals. It also provides a perfect spot to calm a fussy infant. Keep in mind that darker furniture tends to make a space feel smaller, while lighter furniture creates the opposite effect.

If the chairs or bench seating in your kitchen are upholstered, it’s usually simple to change the fabric to match your new theme. If you’d prefer, you can have a professional upholsterer do the work for you. You might even find fabric that matches your curtains or drapes. Choose a pattern and design that looks like it was made specifically for your kitchen.

As you began your decorating adventure, all your senses helped you make wise choices. Don’t forget to hang a pretty apron on a nearby hook and place a charming table runner or placemats on your table. If there’s space, hang a mirror in the area. Nothing is worse than receiving unexpected guests with flour on your nose or your hair in a mess. Hang a few related items, like theme pictures, on your walls. It’s been a fun project, and you should be proud of your hard work as you sit back, relax in the rocking chair, and enjoy the beauty of your efforts.

The post Decorating a Kitchen – Cabinets, Floors and Colors appeared first on .

If you’ve ever had to prepare and cook meals in a cramped, poorly designed kitchen, you know frustration firsthand. Poor kitchen counter and cabinet layouts are the primary culprits in these situations. The most influential factor in the successful layout and design of your kitchen is the size and shape of the space itself.

Some kitchens are inherently difficult to make efficient. Narrow spaces, low ceilings, and overly large floor plans can all impede the effective functionality of your primary food prep, cooking, and dishwashing areas.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen or designing a new one, this article will help you understand how to make the most of your kitchen’s layout by utilizing the entire space with effective counter and cabinet principles.

Space and the Classic Work Triangle

The successful design of a functioning kitchen is based on what many refer to as the basic work triangle. It’s such a well-established concept that it’s often called the classic work triangle. The three primary points of this triangle are the refrigerator, the sink, and the cooking area, which typically consists of a range or a stovetop and oven.

These areas are separated by space, typically ranging from a minimum of four feet to a maximum of nine feet. The center of the triangle needs to remain open, allowing the cook to move smoothly from one station to the next. The total perimeter of your triangle should be no more than 26 feet.

The idea behind the triangle is simple: you can take food items from the refrigerator, prepare them at the sink, and then transfer them to the stove. After cooking, pots, pans, and other cooking elements can be moved to the sink for washing, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.

Your counters are placed along the walls that connect these three points. The more counter space, the better. Once you’ve established these three main areas, you’ve created the foundation for the rest of your kitchen layout.

Your Counters—the Conversion Factor

Kitchen counters that hold small appliances, trash, and general clutter—and need to be cleared in order for you to perform tasks—are simply inefficient. If you constantly have to move items around to make space for cooking, you’re wasting time and energy.

The time it takes to transform a cluttered counter into a clean cooking space is known as the conversion factor. The most efficient kitchen counters have the lowest conversion factor. Your goal should be to have a zero conversion factor, meaning the space is always clear and ready for use.

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure a nil conversion factor, such as confining all small appliances to one area, ensuring they don’t obstruct the flow of the work triangle. Appliances that are rarely used should be kept in a handy cabinet, out of the way but still easily accessible.

If you have a dishwasher, make sure it’s within three feet of the sink. This will allow for easy transfer of dishes from the sink to the dishwasher, reducing clutter after meals. There should be about 21 inches of space between the side of the dishwasher and surrounding cabinets.

Plan the locations of your waste receptacles, including space for recyclables. These containers should be near the sink but not obstruct the work triangle. A built-in trash compactor and a recycling bin under the sink can be a non-invasive, convenient way to manage waste.

Another way to keep counters clear is by installing two sinks—one for food prep and another for cleanup. Separate sinks allow two people to work simultaneously and enable quick cleanup.

Avoid storing clean dishes, pots, or pans on the counter. Put everything away. Don’t throw your mail, computer, purse, jacket, car keys, or anything else on the kitchen counter. Keep canister sets, knife blocks, and spice racks in the back areas of the food prep zone. This will allow easy access and still give you plenty of space for cooking.

Cabinet Access—Location and the Reach Factor

A common mistake when designing a kitchen is poor cabinet accessibility. The two main errors are improper location and inappropriate height or depth. Cabinets are often placed in hard-to-reach areas or at heights that are difficult to access. When planning your cabinet layout, consider the three points of your work triangle and the kitchenware, ingredients, and utensils you’ll need in those areas.

Insufficient drawer and cabinet space near the stove and oven often results in unnecessary walking. Installing a drop-top stove allows you to store cooking utensils in a drawer right below it. If you opt for a range, be sure to include adequate space for utensil storage on either side of the cooking area.

Pots and pans should be stored near the food prep area, along with certain utensils and small appliances used specifically for food prep. Large pull-out drawers for pots, pans, and small appliances help reduce the reach factor. If a cabinet is too deep or too high, making it difficult to reach items, cooking becomes harder. With certain small appliances, a tough reach factor may even discourage you from using them. The basic rule of thumb in a kitchen is that if you can’t easily access something, you probably won’t use it.

This issue can be resolved by ensuring you have enough reachable cabinet space for all your small appliances, cookware, and tools. Utilize pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and carefully analyze the steps and flow of your cooking process.

How to Get Started

Designing your kitchen counter and cabinet layout requires precision. Start by creating a scaled ground plan that includes all elements. You can do this manually with graph paper, a ruler, and a pencil, or you can use a computer drafting program or a free online layout and design tool. Many computer and online programs allow you to create a bird’s-eye view of your layout, as well as a 3D walkthrough of the kitchen. Both are incredibly useful for understanding how your layout will function.

If you feel overwhelmed by the process, many home improvement stores and contractors offer these design services. The key takeaway is that this is a detailed procedure and not an exercise in improvisation.

By planning your counter and cabinet layout with the principles outlined above, you’ll benefit every time you prepare a meal, clean dishes, and store utensils and cookware in your well-designed kitchen. Make sure to utilize every area of your kitchen to its fullest potential. The result will be a pleasurable cooking experience each time you prepare a meal.

The post Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Layout appeared first on .

Once you are happy with the general plan, including fitted cupboards, shelves, and so on, and the kitchen is up and working, you can add decorative finishes that will give it character and create the kind of ambiance you prefer.

Decorating Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

There are usually three main work or activity areas in the kitchen: one for cooking, one for washing up dirty dishes or rinsing fresh foodstuffs, and the other for food storage, specifically cold food storage. If you are planning a kitchen from scratch, you will need to ensure that these three areas work together. They need to be reasonably self-contained (in that everything you need should be in that particular space) but also logically related to one another, so that whoever is doing the cooking can move from one area to the other easily. These three work areas primarily relate to appliances, namely:

1. stoves, hobs, and ovens,
2. refrigerators and deep freezers, and
3. sinks, which might incorporate a dishwasher and/or a waste disposal unit.

Apart from this, while some kitchens feature freestanding furniture, including tables, chairs, and dressers, the rest of the room is more commonly fitted with various cupboards and cabinets. These are designed for storing just about everything from pots and pans, crockery and cutlery, to foodstuffs that don’t need to be stored in a refrigerator.

Because we also need work surfaces, particularly for food preparation, kitchen cupboards commonly come in both floor-standing (tall or counter-height) and wall-hung designs. Of course, this means that the upper surface of counter-height kitchen units instantly becomes a work surface. But it also means that there will be a section of wall space between counter-height, floor-standing, and wall-hung cupboards, and more often than not, an awkward bit of wall between the top of the wall-hung cupboards and the ceiling. So, when it comes to decorating, you’ll have to decide how to finish both the top and middle sections of exposed wall.

When it comes to decorating above cupboards in the kitchen, you won’t necessarily follow the same process as the area between wall-hung and floor-standing cupboard units. This is because many people choose to tile between units to make the backing behind the work surface easy to clean. However, tiling above wall-hung cupboards is usually unnecessary. Apart from anything else, this area is too difficult to access daily for cleaning.

So, what are your options?

Painting this area is probably the most obvious choice. Choose a color that will match the rest of the room or tone with it. Then, if you want to add some decoration, consider stenciling a pretty border pattern just under the ceiling or the cornice, if there is one.

Wallpaper is another option, but it’s only suitable if there are other larger wall areas that are wallpapered. Otherwise, this touch may seem out of place. You could, however, paste a wallpaper border under the cornice, which can look quite attractive. Just choose a color and pattern that complements other colors and patterns in the room, such as for blinds, curtains, or even tablecloths and other table dressings.

Otherwise, you could hang plates above the units to add color and interest. However, this space is usually not suitable for pictures.

Another possibility for decorating above cupboards in the kitchen is to use the upper surface of wall-hung cupboards to display interesting or decorative items. These could range from baskets to attractive pots of pickles, preserves, and jams. If you enjoy making pickles and jams, this approach can be both functional and decorative, as these foodstuffs often need to sit for a while before they can be consumed.

You could also use the tops of wall-hung cupboards to double as a more conventional storage space—provided what you store looks attractive, such as shining copper or stainless steel pots, teapots, or jugs. However, there is an obvious downside to this: anything stored out of cupboards will accumulate dust and grime fairly quickly. This means you’ll need to be diligent about dusting and cleaning.

If you prefer a clean, streamlined kitchen, you should avoid drawing attention to the space above wall-hung or tall floor-standing kitchen cupboards. Instead, stick to the basics and paint the wall the same color as the rest of the painted walls. If all other exposed wall areas are tiled, then paint it the same color as the ceiling or the cupboards themselves.

Remember that when decorating above cupboards in the kitchen, you should not think of this area as a separate entity. Ultimately, you should aim for a look that works for the whole room in terms of style, theme, and colors. It doesn’t matter which approach you take, as long as it works for you and your family.

Finally, you’ll also need to think about spaces above your appliances, depending on their height. You may be able to mount cupboards or shelves above a refrigerator, and you can often install a microwave oven within special units. But sinks and other cooking appliances can be trickier to deal with. Look at photographs of kitchens in magazines, books, and online for inspiration, and don’t be afraid to use your own creativity.

The post Decorating above Cupboards in the Kitchen appeared first on .

There are several ways to create a focal point in your kitchen. For example, you might want to display a collection of old plates or antique gadgets, or you might prefer to highlight a space where you and your family will gather to eat or relax.

Creating a focal point through design typically involves establishing a main area of interest, such as a dining table, a central island with a hob or sink, a simple working surface, or even open shelving. Shelving can be used to display neatly packed groceries, homemade jams and pickles (or store-bought jams decanted into glass jars), or attractive herbs and spices. A good-looking hob or a multi-function cooking arrangement along one of the walls can also serve as a striking focal point.

Decorative Ways to Enhance Your Kitchen’s Focus

If you’re planning a new kitchen, consider the layout to create a focal point. There will always be multiple options, and creativity will help you make the most of the space.

If your kitchen is already designed and you’re not planning to remodel, you can still make a big visual impact with decorative touches. Dramatic displays and collections are especially effective. You might also consider adding a hand-painted mural on a wall (if you have artistic skills), placing herbs in pots on a windowsill, hanging dried herbs from a beam, or arranging items on a countertop or table.

The main goal when creating a focal point for your kitchen is to draw attention to a specific area or space. Conversely, it can also help divert attention away from less attractive features, such as sinks or appliances that can’t be hidden away.

Color can be a great tool for highlighting areas of interest. For example, you could paint one wall a different color, or paint cabinet doors to make them stand out against white or pale walls.

Before deciding what to focus on, consider what you already have to work with and what your needs are. There’s no point in taking up space with a table if your family eats in the dining room or living room instead of the kitchen. However, if you spend a lot of time cooking and enjoy having people around while you do so, you might want to create an area that becomes the hub of your home. Many people achieve this by adding a bar-height counter with stools, which can quickly become the focal point of the room.

If you already have a kitchen, assess how you can improve its appearance. What catches your eye when you first walk into the room? Are there views from windows you could enhance? Could you paint or decorate any walls?

While kitchens can be difficult to reorganize without remodeling built-in units, small changes—like a splash of paint or new hardware—can improve the room’s overall focus.

A window can also become a focal point, even if the view isn’t spectacular. Consider enhancing the window coverings with a classy blind or charming café curtains. If privacy isn’t an issue, you might like the idea of installing glass shelves across the window to display easy-to-grow herbs such as parsley, thyme, marjoram, and sweet basil. Not only will you create a focal point, but you’ll also have instant access to fresh flavor for your cooking.

Furniture can also be a great way to create a visual focal point. If you have the space for a Welsh dresser or something similar, you can use it to display items while also providing valuable storage.

If you’re interested in displaying items, take a look at what you already have. For example, if you own three or four versions of a particular item, you’re on your way to creating a collection. Plates, whether hand-painted ceramic, stenciled enamel, or antique, are perfect for this. Look for uniformity in color or style, and group them together, or hang them around the room just below the ceiling cornice. Botanical prints or other pictures can also work well in a group display.

Other collections that can become focal points include old tins, wicker baskets, antique farm or household implements (old carpet beaters are especially great and can be mounted on the wall), cast iron or copper pots, stainless steel utensils, or a mix of old and new wooden utensils. Scales, particularly old metal ones made from cast iron and brass, are also highly collectible.

Even minimalist kitchens can have a focal point; it’s all about deciding what that focal point will be and how to draw attention to it.

To prevent unattractive areas from becoming the focal point, keep them clean and tidy. Avoid drawing attention to them with decorative items.

The post Creating a Focal Point for your Kitchen appeared first on .

Whatever lifestyle you favor, the kitchen is typically the most frequently used room in the home. For this reason, it deserves special care and attention, especially when defining your kitchen style.

For many, the kitchen is the heart or hub of the home, often with a distinctive style of its own. Not everyone adopts a specific style for their home and garden, preferring instead to incorporate individual design elements in their own way. However, if you’ve chosen a particular style for the rest of your home, ensure your kitchen complements that look. If you haven’t, consider renovation projects to define your kitchen’s style. These could involve repainting, redecorating, or completely transforming the space by refitting cupboards and cabinets. Carefully consider all options before starting work or purchasing items.

Choosing a Kitchen Style

Numerous well-defined decorative styles exist, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Adopting a specific style and drawing inspiration from others’ interpretations provides a solid starting point for your new-look kitchen and home. From there, you can add your personal touch.

If your house suggests a style, even if your décor doesn’t reflect it, that’s another starting point. Consider the physical characteristics, such as floors and walls. For example, a high-tech, modernistic kitchen pairs well with sleek ceramic tiles rather than rustic quarry tiles or stone. Conversely, a country cottage with rough walls won’t suit that genre.

While kitchens require practical, safe, and durable surface finishes, the room’s character and style don’t need to be modern and streamlined. For instance, a farmhouse or cottage kitchen can feature safe, practical surfaces while maintaining a charming rustic look.

The kitchen’s style is also influenced by its size, shape, and functions. A spacious kitchen with room for a table where family and friends can gather naturally leans toward an authentic farmhouse look. A long, narrow kitchen may require a more contemporary or modernistic approach. For open-plan kitchens, ensure the style aligns with the rest of the house.

Here are a few ideas to help define your kitchen style:

Cottage

Unlike cottage-style gardens, rooted in 19th-century Britain, the cottage-style interior lacks historical origins and isn’t widely recognized by professional designers, likely due to its “cheap and cheerful” nature. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts with smaller homes who prefer a fresh, romantic look, cottage-style kitchens are cozy and adaptable to various shapes and sizes, provided furnishings and surfaces suit the style. Pastel colors work well for paint and pretty curtains or blinds. If space allows, cover a small table with a colorful tablecloth and place a vase of flowers on top. Instead of storing fresh fruit and vegetables in cupboards or the refrigerator, display them in a large wooden or pottery bowl.

Avoid excessive clutter, but a touch of bric-a-brac on shelves and old (not necessarily valuable) china plates displayed on walls are acceptable. Choose a color and pattern theme, and enjoy adding to it over time.

Country

Inspired by English, French, or American country styles, this timeless look is more sophisticated than cottage style, with a slightly shabby, elegantly faded aesthetic. Ideally, a country-style kitchen is large, with flagstone or quarry tile flooring. Blue and yellow are popular colors, introduced through wall tiles or paint. Large windows with patterned curtains complement the style. Kitchen units can be modern, perhaps lime-washed wood, but avoid cottagey pine or veneer.

Limit clutter, but copper kettles or horse brasses add visual appeal. Fresh flowers in large glass vases on countertops or tables enhance charm and vibrancy.

Mediterranean

Best suited for warmer coastal regions with a Mediterranean-like climate, this style fits spacious homes with open-plan kitchens, creating a light, airy feel that emphasizes outdoor living. Ceilings may be plain or fitted with reeds, and floors look authentic with terracotta quarry tiles or simulated stone. Shuttered windows are ideal; otherwise, use bamboo or slatted blinds, as curtains may look out of place.

Colors are simple yet vibrant, with white-washed walls and a touch of blue or dusky Grecian green on window frames. A central island and open shelves with plastered brick and baskets work well. Avoid clutter, but display fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers as natural decorations, even incorporating fresh food as decorative accessories.

Farmhouse

Similar to the country kitchen, a farmhouse-style kitchen is friendly, informal, and lived-in, welcoming animals and children without concern for muddy paws or sticky fingers. This style shines in the kitchen, with fresh herbs in pots, dried herbs, and flowers hung from wooden beams. A wooden dresser or wall-mounted shelves filled with preserves, pickles, homemade jams, and decorated with pretty china or stenciled enamel plates enhance the look.

A separate pantry stocked with baskets, preserves, and essential appliances is ideal. Colors should be fresh but subtle, avoiding the brightness of country kitchens. Include informally arranged, freshly picked (preferably homegrown) flowers in jugs or vases. A wooden table is essential, serving as a gathering place for meals or where children can do homework, making this kitchen the true hub of the home.

Victorian

Perfect for period homes, this style draws from existing surfaces like pressed steel or tongue-in-groove ceilings, wooden strip or mosaic tile floors, and wood-paneled or tiled walls. Victorian-era tiles are distinctive, but walls can also be wallpapered or painted.

Clutter defines a successful Victorian-style kitchen, with bric-a-brac, old kitchen gadgets, Chinese vases, ginger jars, and pots with herbs or ferns on display. Deep reds and greens, popular in the mid-Victorian era, can be accented with stenciled designs below the cornice or at dado height. Books with Victorian-style stencils are available, or you can create your own based on well-known designs.

Since electricity wasn’t available in the mid-Victorian era, gas stoves or a wood-fueled Aga are ideal for authenticity.

High-Tech

A high-tech kitchen embraces minimalism with clean lines, few colors, and no clutter, emphasizing stainless steel. Appliances like the stove, refrigerator, toaster, and kettle take center stage, with a metallic steel finish preferred, though black or white can work.

This style draws inspiration from Le Corbusier, the Swiss architect who championed functional design in the Modern Movement of the early 1930s, viewing the house as “a machine” for living. The kitchen embodies this philosophy more than any other room.

The post Define your Kitchen Style appeared first on .

Designing a kitchen is a significant challenge because it must be practical, attractive, and inviting. Decorating a kitchen is equally demanding. A poorly decorated kitchen can become a magnet for clutter, from shopping bags to unopened mail. However, a well-planned décor can encourage tidiness and enhance the space’s appeal.

With careful planning and a clear vision of your needs and desired aesthetic, decorating a kitchen can be an enjoyable process. When considering decorating ideas for a new kitchen, focus on elements that add beauty and establish a distinct style. This includes wall and floor finishes, cupboard fronts and handles, window coverings, a cohesive color scheme, and focused lighting. Only after these are in place should you consider finishing touches like knick-knacks, ornaments, pictures, plants, or other display items.

The key difference between designing and decorating a kitchen is that design encompasses all foundational elements, while décor focuses on enhancing their appearance. A well-thought-out kitchen design must come first—you can’t (or shouldn’t) plan wall art until you know the placement of appliances and cupboards. Establish the basics, then embellish the exposed surfaces and spaces to reflect your personal taste, which offers ample opportunity to infuse individuality and character.

Key Elements of Kitchen Décor

Color Schemes

Color is a critical decorative factor that must align with the kitchen’s overall design. The choice of color affects everything, from walls and floors to cupboards, appliances, and finishing touches. While white and stone colors are safe choices, they can show dirt quickly. Bold colors like yellow create a cheerful atmosphere, while red can be exciting but tiring over time. Cool blue or soft green hues are soothing. You can mix colors using tiles, paint, accessories, and soft furnishings. Tiles, being a permanent element, are a great starting point. You don’t need to match their exact color but can opt for a complementary tone.

Wall and Floor Finishes

Floor finishes are typically chosen first, as they are integral to the kitchen’s structure. Houses may have suspended wooden floors or concrete floors that can be tiled, carpeted, or finished with laminate. Kitchen floors don’t need to match the rest of the house. For example, you might tile the kitchen and bathroom while carpeting other areas. Choose a finish that aligns with your preferred decorative style.

Moving upward, consider wall surfaces. Tiling above sinks or between floor-standing and wall-hung units is practical, but paint is often more cost-effective and versatile, especially with broken finishes. Creative options like stencils or murals can elevate the design. While murals require artistic skill, stencils are simple and effective. Explore books by British author and decorative painter Jocasta Innes for inspiration on stunning kitchen effects.

Cupboard Fronts and Hardware

Kitchen cupboards can be as plain or ornate as you like. Wooden or laminate cupboards may feature moldings or decorative elements. You can paint them with solid colors or use specialized techniques like lime- or color-washing. Ready-sprayed cupboard doors are available, or you can have existing doors professionally sprayed during renovations.

Hardware, though small, significantly impacts the kitchen’s look. Specialized companies offer a wide range of options for cabinet hardware, catering to both DIY installers and those seeking custom solutions. When planning decorating ideas for a new kitchen, hardware is a key checkpoint for coordinating color and style.

Window Coverings

Window coverings can either stand out with vibrant colors or blend subtly into the room, significantly shaping the kitchen’s decorative theme. Blinds are popular for their neat appearance and ease of cleaning, with many options available. Wooden shutters are low-maintenance and ideal for Mediterranean or Caribbean-style kitchens, looking striking when folded back or closed to block light. Café curtains offer a colorful, decorative alternative but ensure they align with your desired aesthetic.

Finishing Touches

Not everyone chooses to add decorative details, but many enjoy personalizing their kitchens. Most finishing touches can be changed easily, allowing flexibility if they don’t work as planned. Decorating ideas for a new kitchen’s finishing touches include:

• Displaying treasures, from ceramic pots to collectible teaspoons.
• Adding plants and flowers for vibrancy.
• Growing herbs in pots on the windowsill for light and accessibility.
• Showcasing antique or stylish contemporary utensils as a display.
• Lining up glass jars filled with pasta, jam, or preserves.
• Keeping recipe books on a shelf for visibility and use.

The post Decorating Ideas for a New Kitchen appeared first on .

If you’ve never chosen a granite kitchen counter before, you may have concerns regarding the process, including how to pick the right color and pattern, where’s the best place to shop for a counter and tips on exactly what to consider when you’re making this important choice. Here are four steps to utilize in choosing granite kitchen counters.

How to Begin Your Search for Kitchen Counters

There are a few smart things that you can do prior to going on the road to check out possible granite countertops. This part of the process probably won’t bring you to any conclusions, but it will raise numerous questions that you’ll be able to ask your contractor or the salesperson.

• Go to building sites on the Internet and look at examples of granite countertops.
• You also want to surf some home improvement sites and check out what they have on the subject.
• Home magazines can be very useful in garnering information.
• Check with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to see if they have recently added granite countertops to their kitchen. Ask questions and go and see what their kitchens look like.
• Talk to contractors or, if you’ve chosen one, your contractor about choosing a granite kitchen counter.
• Go to YouTube.
• A professional designer may also be helpful in your search.

At this point, you are looking for information in the form of images, personal experience and expert advice. All of this will help you make a sound, informed choice when picking your countertop.

Which Comes First: The Countertop or the Floor?

If you are building a home or remodeling your kitchen from the floor up, it’s a good idea to choose your countertop first. Even of you’re going with tile or hardwood in your kitchen, the fact is the most unique element is going to be that granite kitchen counter. Thus, coordinating the floor around it will be a lot easier than trying to match and contrast the counter to the existing floor. If the flooring surface already exists, you want to be sure to include it when you are choosing a granite counter.

Colors and Patterns

Granite comes in a range of colors and various patterns. Even amongst granite slabs of the same color, you’ll find subtle variations that have been put there by Mother Nature. You may be amazed to discover that granite comes in browns, greys, whites, reds, blues, greens and black. The good news is that such diversity of color assures that you will find a color and tone that will work nicely with your cabinets, floor and appliances. Here are a few tips when it comes to choosing color.

• Narrow choices down by using samples.
• Don’t, however, make your final choice based on a sample.
• Colors that contrast with other elements can look good.
• If you have a monochromatic kitchen a colorful granite countertop may be the way to go.
• Also consider how bright or dark your kitchen is and what the color will do to enhance or minimize the effect.

Once you’ve got some ideas, your next stop is a granite warehouse that will offer hundreds of countertops from which you can choose.

Shopping

In choosing granite kitchen counters, consumers always want to go to a warehouse where they can hand pick the countertops that will reside in their kitchens. Remember that granite kitchen counters are not mass-produced. They are wrought by the natural elements and your vision of “red” actually comes in array of tones and patterning that’s difficult to imagine. When your granite kitchen counter arrives at your home and you see it, you don’t want your reaction to be, “That’s not the right color!” So go to the source or, at least, as close to the source as you can get.

When you travel to a warehouse, you should be armed with any questions you may still have and be prepared to spend hours looking around. Bring samples of your cabinetry and flooring. Comparing them to the actual slab of granite that may become your kitchen counter can certainly help to give you an idea of how they may be coordinated.

You may want to visit a few places to check on pricing and selection. If you can’t make up your mind, it’s not a bad idea to take a video of some pieces that you like. Be sure to copy the reference number so you can find that same slab again and remember that particular counter that you like may not still be there when you come back.

Start Choosing that Granite Countertop

When choosing granite kitchen counters you want to be sure to take into consideration all of the other visual elements in your kitchen. Granite countertops are quite striking and balancing a granite slab’s color, patterning and polished look with your entire kitchen will help to bring that room together in terms of design and style. Enjoy the search. In the end, you’ll have a granite countertop unlike any other in this world.

The post Choosing Granite Kitchen Counters appeared first on .