Easy Tips to Refresh Your Kitchen Decor

Looking for change with your kitchen decor, but not quite ready to call an interior designer? You can make small improvements now that will not only help you love your kitchen again, but will determine what your next steps need to be when you are ready to call in the professionals.

Let’s face it, we all get caught in the day to day routine and it shows in our kitchen. Keys, mail, homework, coupons, sale flyers, shopping lists and all kinds of crazy things end up piled on our kitchen counters. Begin by creating a place for all of these items so they will be easier to locate when you need them. Additionally it will reduce the visual clutter that makes you want to reach for the phone and call for take-out.

Use a small basket to collect car keys so that they are easily accessible as you walk out the door. Put an under-used decor item to use, such as the decorative canister set or cookie jar, by using it as a place to collect coupons and store your shopping list. Don’t forget about the refrigerator surface too. Take down all those mismatched magnets and outdated report cards and you will be surprised how a clear refrigerator door could have such an impact to the overall visual appearance of your room.

“Many professionals today are recommending built-in appliance garages,” says Kelly Spewock, academic department director for interior design at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. “You can replicate the effect by eliminating small countertop appliances you rarely use.”  Do you really use your can opener or bread machine every day? If not, it might be time to clear out some space in the upper kitchen cabinets or nearby hall closet shelf to store these appliances so that they are still accessible, but out of sight. According to Spewock, clear and open counter space will give you more room to work and make your kitchen look bigger overall.  

Consider simplifying your accessories or selecting functional items that are still stylish. Try replacing the old ceramic canister set with a clear glass set and use them to store pasta, cereals, and small snack foods. This can free up some storage space in your kitchen cabinets and make the food items easier to access.  

“We tend to collect treasured items and gifts over the years and display them in our kitchens,” says Spewock. “Instead of displaying all of them, try swapping your accessories out with the seasons to give your kitchen a new look and set the tone for family meals and holidays.” Group items together to create pockets of empty counter space to create visual interest and keep your eyes moving around the space evenly.    

Don’t forget your furry family members. Many of our pets occupy some space within our kitchens so plan accordingly. Organize treats, food and medicines in decorative canisters or baskets near your pet's feeding area. Use water and food dishes that match your decor and don’t forget to place a mat underneath to catch drips from sloppy eaters and protect your floors from stains and wear.

Ready for a bigger challenge? Changing the paint color in any room can make a world of difference. Properly preparing your kitchen wall surfaces for new paint is particularly important to ensure a good paint job. Since grease, food splatters and other food particles can get stuck on the wall surfaces, even in the cleanest of kitchens, it is important to take the time to wipe down all of the wall and ceiling surfaces prior to painting.  

Also consider adding under-cabinet lighting. This is a really nice way to add task lighting at the counter surface and create a warm accent light during the evening hours. There are many options available and many do not require a hard-wire electrical connection.  

Does your kitchen double as a homework area? This is common in most families. Allow the eat-in area of your kitchen to be twice as functional by painting one of the walls nearby with chalkboard paint. Your kids will love working out their math problems or practicing their spelling lists using this simple learning tool and you might even be able to cook dinner and help with homework at the same time.  

One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning any room within your home is function. “Homeowners want to make their homes look fabulous, but don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality, especially in the kitchen,” says Spewock. Making small changes with organization tricks, smart accessories, lighting and even color can help you realize the potential of your room.  

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.  

Courtesy of ARAcontent