Decorating Your Kitchen
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.
