Modern, country, traditional, Victorian—there’s no shortage of design themes when it comes to kitchens. But with so much to choose from, it’s still easy to run out of kitchen ideas for your home. That’s why a lot of people end up with kitchens that are either mismatched, poorly equipped, or simply not in tune with their tastes. But just because you don’t have that creative touch doesn’t mean you have to settle for an average kitchen.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few minor tweaks to turn your kitchen from blah to beautiful.
Think about it: how would your kitchen look if you changed the walls to your favorite color, or replaced your old counter with a shiny new marble top? Most “designer” kitchens are stylish but lack that personal touch that makes it feel like your own. That’s why it’s often the little quirks that set a kitchen apart. A little change can go a long way—if you know where to put it. Here are some simple things you can do to give your kitchen that instant makeover.
Create a feng shui kitchen
Feng shui is a traditional Chinese art wherein household items are arranged to encourage the flow of positive energy into the home. But these beliefs aside, feng shui has many other benefits. Experts have observed that feng shui kitchen design is also a combination of easy function and visual appeal. So whether or not you subscribe to this school of thought, it won’t hurt to follow the rules—at the very least, you’ll have a nice-looking kitchen that’s still very much usable.
There are literally thousands of rules in feng shui, but you don’t need to know all of them. The key concept is to keep everything simple, bright, and open. For instance, you should keep gadgets to a minimum, keeping only the ones you really need. Avoid all forms of clutter and make sure the kitchen is well-lit at all times. Try to bring in natural elements wherever possible by using more wood, stone, or indoor plants.
Take it outdoors
Here’s another idea from the Asians: bringing the kitchen outdoors. Asian design tends to blur the line between indoor and outdoor areas, so you never really know where one starts and the other ends. Because of its busy nature, the kitchen is the ideal place to implement this style. An outdoor kitchen not only leaves you more floor space but gives you a more open, comfortable place to work. Most of the items can easily be moved outdoors, and the added space makes it easier to rearrange.
The main problem with outdoor kitchens is the harsher environment it’s exposed to. Everything from the counter to the pots and pans should be able to withstand the elements. If you get extreme temperatures or frequent rains, you may want to put up a small shelter to protect your bigger appliances. Invest in heavy-duty basics such as stainless steel sinks, cast iron cookware, and efficient outdoor storage for all the little pieces.
Start an herb garden
Green living is all the rage these days, and what’s a better way to do that than growing your own ingredients? Many people are getting into gardening as a way to reduce their carbon footprints and cut down on spending at the same time. Herb gardening is especially popular because it’s fast, cheap, and doesn’t require a lot of space. Fresh herbs not only spice up your cooking, but they also add a nice aroma to your kitchen throughout the day.
If you don’t have outdoor space or only have a small kitchen, you can start with a couple of small pots and just work your way up from there. Put the pots close to your window or hang them from the top, so that they can get adequate sunlight. Water them regularly to make sure they grow well. If properly placed and maintained, they can add a fresh, breezy look to the room and even become your kitchen’s focal point.
Throw in some area rugs
Kitchen floors get more abuse than most people notice. Besides the constant foot traffic, there’s also the occasional spill, dropped pans, or muddy shoes from outdoors. If you don’t have the time or budget to replace your flooring, you can at least protect your existing one with kitchen area rugs. Manufacturers are now offering protective rugs designed for the kitchen environment, but the same styles and designs are seen in living room rugs.
Synthetic rugs usually work best for the kitchen because they’re easy to maintain and keep their color quite well. One of the most popular materials is polypropylene, a plastic-based fiber made to look like natural fibers, such as wool and cotton. Its main advantage is the variety of colors available, which lets you match your rug with your kitchen’s theme. Just pick one that goes with your current colors and you’ve got the perfect finishing touch for your kitchen.
