Kitchens are a space where so much gets done – from just hanging out to studying, dining to even gathering for family discussions and get-togethers with friends.
Now since this makes the kitchen such a popular room it is important to make it the centre point of attraction in the home apart from making it function to maximum capacity.
The trinity - First consider all the activities you and your family performs in the kitchen. Once that is established plan these activities carefully, remember a golden rule the perimeter of the work triangle between the refrigerator, sink and the cooking range should not exceed 26 feet and not less than 12 feet. This triangle should not have any cabinets or other interruptions.
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Collector’s Paradise
Since this is a family room and an entertaining space display your collections in the kitchen. If you have a country style kitchen displaying decorative bottles and jars with colorful relishes, oils, herbs and pickles would add to the rustic look or maybe some rustic teapots used as planters or aged, tole-painted furniture and accessories. Yellowware, blueware or majolica plates look equally pleasing country.
Lighting up
Harsh fluorescent lighting in the kitchen can kill the atmosphere. Consider soft lighting that gives a warm glow. Ventilation is equally important in the kitchen and it also lets in natural light. Make sure you have a window above the cooking area and check the orientation and circulation of the doors and windows for light and air.
Keep in mind that light also affects the colors in the kitchen. If there is less natural light in the kitchen use lighter colors to make up for the loss. Dramatic lighting near the cooking area and workspace or concealed lighting in the hood can create an interesting play of light and shadows.
Signature Stencils
You can draw a design of your choice matching with your theme or readymade and easy to use stencils are readily available. A repetitive motif can be used to create a harmonious pattern. The repetition of some elements can hold the overall design together.
By varying the length of the interval or changing the shape while preserving the similarity a formal interest can be created. A monochromatic color scheme can be made more interesting by using stenciled motifs in complementary colors or the shades and tints of the same color.
The tiled effect
The backsplash or tile dado can be the single element that splashes the space with color. You can use the wide variety of tiles available in varying styles and colors. Mirrored tiles are also a good option for creating interest and reflecting light.
A little snip here and a pull there
Cabinetry, ceiling, floor and window coverings and curtains, moldings and trim, designer lights, knobs and pulls, hanging plates and pot racks can all be replaced at a fraction of the cost it would take to redo the whole kitchen. Just by changing or adding a few of these design elements you can have a brand new look.
Countertop Ideas
There is a whole array of materials from soapstone to stainless steel that are being used as countertops (that depends on the look you are going for). An ideal countertop must be sturdy, must not react with things cooking/spilling in the kitchen and must be good in appearance.
Just by replacing the countertop the whole kitchen can be given a facelift. Coupling this with an alteration in the flooring that complements the countertop will be a very wise investment for your home.
Apart from all this maintain your kitchen and keep it sparkling clean to transform it into a place everybody will enjoy gathering in.
by Manuel Kupka
