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The first step towards creating a unifying look for your kitchen is to select a theme. This may reflect a certain time period, a favorite food, a geographical area, or a simple combination of colors.
For example, the classic country style kitchen may include a blue, yellow, and red palette, checkered fabrics and hardwood floors with warm braided rugs.
A juicy fruit such as strawberries or apples could also set the theme for your kitchen. Greens and reds combined with a border and curtains depicting your favorite fruit would bring this look together.
Geographical themes could include French country, Italian, or rustic Mexican. -
A quick kitchen makeover can be accomplished by giving the walls a new look. A new coat of paint can do wonders. In a kitchen where cabinets and appliances take up most of the wall space, a brighter color can be incorporated without looking too overwhelming.
If you have enough room above the cabinets, consider adding a themed border as well.
The wall above the stove and sink can be brightened with a decorative backsplash. Glass tiles are ideal for this purpose. The designs on these tiles are painted on the back, so the surface is easy to clean without affecting the color of the tiles. -
Kitchen windows can quickly become a focal point of your décor. Sunshine pouring into the room really brightens things up, so avoid covering the whole window. A colorful valance is a great place to start. A multifaceted prism hung in the window will cast rainbows around the kitchen when the sun hits it.
Take advantage of the windowsill to place a few small potted herbs in the window---decorative and functional! -
Cabinets take up most of the wall space in most kitchens. If your cabinets are an attractive wood that complements your décor, you may be able to leave them as is. Otherwise, take control and give them a makeover.
You don't need to install new cabinets to get a new look. One option is the remove the doors from some of your cabinets. Cover the holes from the hardware with decorative wood banding. These open cabinets are the perfect place to display matching sets of dinner plates, bowls and mugs.
You can store food items in decorative wicker baskets. If you prefer to keep your cabinet doors, consider painting them to match your other décor. New knobs and handles on your cabinets will give them a new look. -
The many appliances and storage items in a functional kitchen can help further your decorative theme. You can find everything from blenders and toasters to bread makers and slow cookers in a variety of colors to accentuate your décor. Salt shakers and napkin holders come in many shapes and sizes.
You can also use jars, canisters and other storage containers to decorate. If you are artistic, pick up pieces unfinished at a craft store and paint them yourself. These small items provide the finishing touch to a warm and welcoming kitchen.
