Kitchen Decorating

When beginning any kitchen decorating project, whether small or large, there are a several steps you can take to ensure a beautiful, functional kitchen.

Declutter

Before adding new elements to your kitchen, a primary step is to purge your kitchen of things that are outdated, unneeded, unused, or simply don't belong in your kitchen. Although kitchens are often warm and inviting, serving as hubs of the home, this also means they end up as the repository for miscellaneous items. Decluttering doesn't have to be done all at once. In fact, some home organization experts recommend doing this in small increments when you're already in the kitchen, such as waiting for the pasta to boil for dinner or the coffee to finish brewing on the morning.

Objectives

After you've cleared some space on your kitchen, you'll be better able to assess the objectives for your kitchen decorating project. Are you tired of your kitchen's theme and want to go for a new style? Do you need to update small or large appliances? Is your kitchen space too dark and you want to brighten it up with a lighter or brighter color? Do you need to enhance your kitchen with functional décor that will make it more streamlined and efficient? Determining what you want from your decorating project right from the start will make sure you end up with the results you want.

Planning It Out

Once you've established your objectives, you may want to plan a time estimate for getting the decorating completed, the amount of money you are able to spend, and the styles and/or themes you are considering. Depending on how elaborately you want to decorate your kitchen, you may also want to create a planning notebook to keep track of prices, magazine clippings of favorite styles, and contact information for contractors if you are doing any remodeling.

Function and Style

With all the exciting choices of kitchen décor and accessories on today's market, from new cabinet hardware

to toaster covers, it's easy to get carried away. One way to avoid over decorating is to combine function and style. You can do this whether your style is Victorian, country French, modern, eclectic, or some other approach. Not sure how to combine function and style in your kitchen decorating? Here are a few ideas to get your imagination rolling.

• Stylish Small Appliances: Update your kitchen's look with a new style of frequently used small appliances. Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look, or try colored appliances to brighten up the counter space.
• Details Make a Difference: For a simple way to spruce up your cooking space, go for a new theme or color on accessories like utensil holders, spoon rests, hand towels, pot holders, salt and pepper shakers, paper towel holders, breadboxes, and more.

• Spice It Up: If you frequently use herbs and spices when cooking, invest in a spice rack ample enough to hold all your favorites in a new or intricate design. Or add some potted herbs to your window sill to immediately liven up your kitchen.

• Classic Collections: If you have a nice set of dishes, coffee mugs, etc., find a way to display them to add charm or elegance.

• Functional Furnishings: For an open kitchen or if you need more storage or eating space, consider a freestanding island or breakfast bar that can be moved if or when necessary.