A few simple additions to your kitchen can create a room that will be welcoming to guests and make you feel more at home while there. Kitchens are very basic rooms so a little goes a long way in sprucing them up.
First consider the windows. If you have a kitchen window over the sink, consider a light colored set of curtains. Select a shade that will match the paint or wallpaper but will also stand out. A subtle print is usually a nice choice. It can be a pattern that is kitchen related, like little spatulas or pots and pans. Or you can go with a theme that you personally like, such as cows or gingham. You will want to choose a light fabric to allow sunlight to come through. Bold prints or dark shades will darken the room.
For other kitchen windows, such as by a kitchenette table, consider thin Venetian blinds. You may also want to add a decorative curtain on each end for an accent. These curtains do not need to ever be closed and can just rest on edges of the windows. If you have the sink window too, you can use the same material as you do for that window.
Matching kitchen towels are a nice touch. A pair of towels that go with your theme can hang on the oven door. These can be strictly for show and not used. Often, when looking for a towel set, you'll find a pot holder or two to the go with them. Potholders can also be left out for decoration on open counter space. If there is no spare space, look for a place on a wall where you can hang them. Use a different set of potholders for cooking so you don't ruin the decorative ones.
Floor mats can also be selected to match the theme. Again pick something light to keep the kitchen bright. Don't overdo it with mats. Two little ones for the areas in front of the stove and the sink are sufficient. Or, if you have a small kitchen, pick a slightly larger one to go right in the center.
Little touches can make all the difference. A few magnets on the fridge are nice. If they can go with your theme, great. Don't stick too many on there or it will just look messy. A whiteboard for messages or a calendar will be good on an empty wall. A plant or fruit basket can be set out. Just make sure it is somewhere convenient where it is easily seen but not in the way when you're trying to make dinner.
And to really make kitchens nice, find a home for everything! Don't let your kitchen counters become storage areas. A few appliances that you use every day can stay out, like a toaster, coffee maker. If you don't use the blender a lot, stick it in a cabinet. And definitely have the 'junk drawer.' This is where you can put all the things you want in the kitchen but don't really have a home. Bottle openers, pens, recipes, chip clips and all those goodies can be kept in one place to keep the kitchen tidy and looking nice. - 33383
First consider the windows. If you have a kitchen window over the sink, consider a light colored set of curtains. Select a shade that will match the paint or wallpaper but will also stand out. A subtle print is usually a nice choice. It can be a pattern that is kitchen related, like little spatulas or pots and pans. Or you can go with a theme that you personally like, such as cows or gingham. You will want to choose a light fabric to allow sunlight to come through. Bold prints or dark shades will darken the room.
For other kitchen windows, such as by a kitchenette table, consider thin Venetian blinds. You may also want to add a decorative curtain on each end for an accent. These curtains do not need to ever be closed and can just rest on edges of the windows. If you have the sink window too, you can use the same material as you do for that window.
Matching kitchen towels are a nice touch. A pair of towels that go with your theme can hang on the oven door. These can be strictly for show and not used. Often, when looking for a towel set, you'll find a pot holder or two to the go with them. Potholders can also be left out for decoration on open counter space. If there is no spare space, look for a place on a wall where you can hang them. Use a different set of potholders for cooking so you don't ruin the decorative ones.
Floor mats can also be selected to match the theme. Again pick something light to keep the kitchen bright. Don't overdo it with mats. Two little ones for the areas in front of the stove and the sink are sufficient. Or, if you have a small kitchen, pick a slightly larger one to go right in the center.
Little touches can make all the difference. A few magnets on the fridge are nice. If they can go with your theme, great. Don't stick too many on there or it will just look messy. A whiteboard for messages or a calendar will be good on an empty wall. A plant or fruit basket can be set out. Just make sure it is somewhere convenient where it is easily seen but not in the way when you're trying to make dinner.
And to really make kitchens nice, find a home for everything! Don't let your kitchen counters become storage areas. A few appliances that you use every day can stay out, like a toaster, coffee maker. If you don't use the blender a lot, stick it in a cabinet. And definitely have the 'junk drawer.' This is where you can put all the things you want in the kitchen but don't really have a home. Bottle openers, pens, recipes, chip clips and all those goodies can be kept in one place to keep the kitchen tidy and looking nice. - 33383
About the Author:
Amy Stevens is an expert in kitchen improvement. If you want further information about types of kitchens or are looking for a trusted kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com
