Interior Decorating With a Pendant Kitchen

Pendant lights are frequently used over peninsulas and islands in an open kitchen.

A kitchen with pendant lighting poses special design challenges, because pendant lights are typically used with cathedral ceilings or over an open island or peninsula. These soaring ceilings and open spaces may be pleasing aesthetically, but the decorating challenge is to make all the rooms that surround the kitchen complement each other in color, style and fixtures.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Paint rollers and brushes
• Accessories

Instructions

Determine your kitchen's style

1. 

   Colorful Fiesta Ware mugs and coordinating plates can be your design starting point.

   Since the kitchen is the hub around which all the other rooms in an open floor plan revolve, this should be the first room you look at. Open the cupboards and pantry and step back. Pretend that you can only take one thing with you and put your hands on your choice. If it's your grandmother's tea pot, you are comfortable in a homey setting. If it's your collection of Fiesta Ware, perhaps an updated '50s look is best for you. If you've got your hand on a sleek Danish kitchen table, your decor should have modern elements. Whatever you've chosen, display it proudly in your kitchen, and incorporate that look into the adjoining spaces.

2. 

   Grandma's prized tea pot can be your inspiration.

   Choose a way to display your chosen item. If it's a collection of fine English bone china or colorful Fiesta Ware, mount a display rack at the closed end of the peninsula and fill it with your collection. Take your paint-color cues from your collection, using different shades of the same color, or a complementary color, in the adjoining rooms.

3. 

   Consider changing your pendants if they don't match your decor.

   Pendant lights come in all styles, shapes, and intensities. Consider changing out your pendants if they don't match your style, or install dimmer switches to change the mood from task lighting to that of a gentler ambiance.

4. 

   Lots of pillows add that designer touch.

   Place accessorizing items of the same color as your kitchen inspiration in the adjoining rooms, in moderate doses. Throw pillows, colored jars or a bold table lamp are just a few of the ways you can add an accent color to a room.

5. 

   Bring the screen door in from the front porch and make it the focal point of your kitchen.

   Add the wow factor. If you are lucky enough to have a pantry in your kitchen, consider removing the solid door and replacing it with a brightly colored reproduction Victorian screen door. Not only does it promote circulation, but you can add a collection of unusual storage containers for interest and texture. Plus, it forces you to keep the pantry neat!

Tips & Warnings

• Use salvaged materials to create visual interest.

• Make planters out of a set of vintage coffee cans or an old water bucket.

• Regardless of your decorative style, adding texture creates interest and warmth.

References

• Pendant Lighting
• Pendant Kitchen Lighting
• Simply Pendant Lighting
• The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Decorating