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Decorate Your Kitchen?
by Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
Description: Tips for decorating your kitchen.
You know, until I became addicted to all those home-decorating shows
on television, it never really occurred to me that people
actually "decorate" their kitchens. I mean, I've seen other people's
kitchens, like my mother in laws. It's beautiful; looks just like it
came out of a magazine. But so does the rest of her house. Me? I
have blue and white towels and potholders. That's it. No, really!
I thought that was all there was to it. Good thing I like a
challenge!
As I was searching the net looking for clues, the one thing that
every kitchen seemed to have in common is a theme of some kind.
Sometimes this is based on a collection of things you may have (like
cows, or ducks) or the colors you have carried throughout your house
(like the plum color used by my mother-in-law), or simply colors you
really like. (Okay! I got this part!) Once you have decided on a
theme, it's time to think about paint - the easiest was to change the
look of a room. And it's not just the walls that can use a coat of
paint. Think about the cabinets, doorframes, and baseboards, etc.
Paint one or all or even none! Not only is paint an inexpensive way
to spruce up a room, but it is simple to change if you don't like it
or just want an update. You need to make sure you take into account
your appliances before you paint anything. You don't want one to
overpower the other.
If you can afford it, changing or updating your appliances can give
an instant lift and a whole new look to the kitchen. However, there
are now custom made covers that can be attached to the front of many
appliances. While they are not exactly cheap, they are infinitely
less expensive than buying new ones. Plus, you can even get them to
match your cabinets or even your floor.
Speaking of the floor, what can you do with it? Putting down new
tile flooring is great, but not really in the budget for some. For
those who are listening, I have two words for you - floor rugs! Not
only can they cover up an old or unattractive floor, they can be the
whole inspiration for the room. Everyone has seen the little rugs
that people throw in front of their sink or stove. But have you ever
thought about using an actual area rug? Not an expensive one (since,
if you cook like I do, it's likely to get stained), but one with
colors you love. Finding it can be a little tricky, but believe me,
it will be worth it. Even small kitchens like mine could benefit
from this idea. (A word of caution here - area rugs are not made to
put on top of kitchen floors. So make sure you put down a non-skid
surface to lay the rug on. This will keep the rug from sliding
around and you from getting hurt!) Find a rug that inspires you. It
could match the colors you have chosen or even go with a particular
theme. Be sure to Scotch guard it (against the inevitable spills
that will occur) and toss it on the floor!
Now, if you collect things, you can use these to actually decorate.
But if you don't, then pictures can easily come to your rescue.
There are plenty of places to pick them up (even from other rooms
around your home). This can be a great opportunity to bring some
contrasting colors into the room. A frugal alternative to buying
pictures is to make them. Find something you like in a book or
magazine. Then take it and have color copies made, put it in a mat
and/or frame and viola! Instant decorations! Using this idea will
also allow you to frequently change the look of your kitchen without
breaking the bank. - something we all can relate to! An added bonus
if that you will be able to afford to change your pictures as often
as the seasons, if you want.
As you can see, there are actually many options available to you when
it comes to decorating your kitchen. Even if you are domestically
challenged as I am, this is one room that's going to be easy to Spice
Up! (Get it? Kitchen = spice? Oh, never mind!)
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a moderator and community leader at
http://www.BabyUniversity.com and lives in Texas with her husband and two
children. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, with her
main focuses being home improvement & decorating, saving money, being
a SAHM and general home care. Currently she is the Co-Editor of the
At Home with Baby University Newsletter.
