In designing a room, a few small, well-conceived changes can go a long
way, especially in the kitchen. Before you begin, give some thought
to your design goals: Are you looking for more space? A better light
source? A new color palette? Whatever your fancy, here are a few budget-friendly
ideas to get you started.
Cabinets
When you think of cabinets, normally high expense and extensive construction
comes to mind. This doesn’t have to be the case. Consider just
painting them a different color. Bill recommends keeping colors understated
as cabinets are usually focal in any kitchen. Another great way to express
personal style is to select interesting hardware. Knobs, hinges or pulls?
Ornate, vintage or modern? You decide.
Fixtures
Much like interesting cabinet hardware, faucets can also enrich the
appearance of your kitchen. Though chrome has always been popular, many
other options exist: polished nickel, brass or copper with various finishes
such as satin, brushed or elegant patina.
Walls
Here you need to think beyond just paint. Use wallpaper, fabric
or both. Wallpaper has had a renaissance lately with endless borders,
hand stenciling and vivid graphics now available to enhance your space.
Try mixing textures to make your space seem more expansive, deeper or
more intimate.
Accents
Take a note from Bill and explore nearby flea markets, vintage
boutiques and consignment shops. A weekend browse might unearth a one-of-a-kind
fruit bowl that can be used as a centerpiece in your home. Or how about
repurposing a lemonade pitcher to hold utensils? Find items that add
a practical and/or decorative touch to your space. Bill’s kitchen
shelves hold a collection of old glass medicine bottles next to his
collection of cookbooks. Make it fun and get creative.
More Space
There are several things you can do to make a smaller room feel more
open and spacious. The right color on the wall and a few strategically
placed mirrors can work wonders. Remember, clean lines and simple shapes
that flow together are best. Select a few items you love like a painting
or unique vase to be the focus of the room. Nothing makes a room feel
claustrophobic than clutter. If you simply can’t part with all
the treasured items in the room, try mounting them on the wall. Don’t
be afraid to use dark colors for walls and accents. Smart storage is
key. Find a place you can install built in drawers and try to utilize
generally unused space, such as shelving that reaches all the way to
the ceiling.
Light Source
Proper lighting can make or break a room. When possible, install dimmers.
Dimmers are the most cost-effective way to drastically improve lighting
in any room. Diffusing light is also a great way to create a soft effect
that’s easy on the eyes. You can diffuse light with paper screens
or lanterns, as well as with a favorite piece of fabric. Recessed lighting
is sophisticated and useful in a number of different contexts. There
are even trends in lightbulbs now. Check out environmentally friendly
compact fluorescent lamps or CFL’s, or for a truly unique look,
try carbon filament clear light bulbs in a clear glass fixture. And
don’t forget candles! Everything looks better by candlelight.
Color Palate
Sticking to a well thought-out color palette makes a room of any scale
feel chic and inviting. Love the ocean? Find your perfect shade of blue
and make a room your sanctuary. Never discount an entire color family;
it just might work if you find the right context. Need a grounding influence?
Try earth tones. Want energy and warmth? Try muted reds and yellows.
See what catches your eye and have fun! |