How to Add a Splash of Color to Your Kitchen

The kitchen. Long has it been the most used room in any home, the kitchen is also the one of the easiest to spruce up. While tile, flooring and appliances all entail a serious amount of time, money and energy to change, these helpful ideas will allow you to add exciting splashes of color to this space for very little cost. And best of all, when you get tired of it, you can always change it again!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Vinyl tablecloths make great shelf liners.

   Use Vinyl tablecloths to line your kitchen shelves. Available in a wide range of colors and designs, this is probably the easiest way to dress up your kitchen easily. Simply empty out your shelves, measure both the length and depth of it, then cut an appropriately sized piece of cloth. I recommend using pinking scissors if possible to avoid fraying edges later. Place the cloth on the shelf and replace the items. This is a great way to keep your cabinets clean as well as providing a non-stick, non-slippery surface for your dishes.

2. 
   Sponge paint your cabinet doors for a new look.

   Painting is another fast and easy way of changing your kitchen area. However, that doesn’t mean you have to paint the entire room. Add a splash of color by painting your kitchen cabinet doors. Pick colors that are complimentary to the tile and tone of your décor. You also have a choice on how to paint them. There is no unwritten rule that states all the doors have to be the same. Paint them different colors or sponge paint them. To do this, paint a darker color on the door first. Then, using either a sponge or a scrunched up garbage bag, apply a lighter color over the dark. You will get a great marble-like effect that is easily painted over later.

3. 
   Window vases attach with suction cups.

   If you don’t have the time, but want the results, add a window flower vase to your kitchen. These small vases usually hold only one stem, and attach to windows, mirrors and refrigerator doors with a suction cup. You can fill with water and use real flowers, or place a silk flower in it to add a quick splash of color.

4. 
   Antique door plates accent this narrow wall area.

   Make the most of your wall space. Collect interesting painted tiles, antiques or photos to mount on the walls. For an even better effect, decide where you are going to place an item then, using a level, draw a square or rectangle on the wall that is about 1 ½ inch larger than your hanging. Paint this area a darker color, then mount your hanging centered in the painted space. It will add a 3D effect to the artwork and make your kitchen walls more interesting.

5. 
   Add a narrow shelf to show off your collectibles.

   Add a molding or shelf to the upper section of your wall or above a window. What better place to add color without taking away any current storage. Moldings will need to be attached to the wall with wood glue and nails, but it can hold plates or photos. A narrow shelf can be attached with brackets strategically placed and will allow you to display colorful pots and other objects.

6. 
   Glass shelves float on the wall.

   Add glass shelves in strategic places. Be creative. These shelves come in narrow widths and various lengths so you can create a non-linear space for display. Since they appear to float on the wall, they are easy to stagger in interesting formations of horizontal and vertical placements. The glass allows for that see-through effect that works well with candles and oil lamps.