Happy spring day everyone. I hope you all enjoy a beautiful Sunday and a magical September filled with sunshine, flowers and maybe a little rain.
Designing and decorating a kitchen
Kitchens were often overlooked in bygone days but now they are the centre of the home and the most used area of all.
Obviously, depending on the size of your home, the kitchen space will differ, but however small or large, the kitchen can be made into a welcoming part of the house.
Smaller kitchens vs large
Homes are definitely becoming smaller, with townhouses and clusters very popular, especially with the younger set.
Large standalone homes offer fabulous space and usually big gardens but are more expensive to upkeep and decorate.
If you have a small kitchen opt for one colour on the walls or two shades of one colour.
Buttercup yellow is “big” this year, also duck egg blue and navy. To be honest, whatever colour you like will work, but don’t go for too bright colours. You run the risk of getting tired of them very quickly.
A neutral colour will look good for ages and you can choose an accent colour to take centre stage. I quite like tiles as the splashback for the stove top and behind the sink but not as an all over feature.
Although painted splashbacks are a super-easy way to update your colour scheme, make sure you choose a special kitchen paint so it can be wiped clean.
The lighter the walls the darker colour you can choose for the kitchen cupboards and vice versa.
For flooring I’d definitely say tiles are best or wooden flooring which can stand a splash or two.
Granite counters have become popular in recent years and there are a few colour choices. Kitchen counters are where everything happens, so to speak. Make sure you choose one which can take lots of knocks and will still look great.
Lighting up the kitchen
There’s no getting away from it. A brighter light is good in the kitchen so you can see what you are doing but down lights under top kitchen cupboards make the kitchen look warmer, especially if you eat at the kitchen counter.
I always have a candle or two around as well. A true romantic that I am!
Kitchen appliances
I love Smeg appliances but they are a tad expensive. You could choose a less expensive brand for the bigger items (fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer etc,) and then have the Smeg kettle and toaster, to give your kitchen a wow factor. Russell Hobbs also have some really nice appliances.
Accessories
A plant, whether real or faux, is a must or choose herbs in small pot for your windowsill. If you like kitchen utensils handy, keep them in wooden, ceramic or stainless steel containers and try and have a matching breadbin.
Choose funky tea towels in coordinating colours. I still think Woolworths has the best quality, then @Home followed by MRPHome.
A wine rack can look stylish and to save space on the kitchen counter, attach one to the side of a kitchen cupboard which will hold about six bottles of wine.
Choosing crockery, cutlery and glasses
A good dinner service in white or ivory will always be a great buy. You can add on to it easily and whatever tablecloths, placemats or serviettes you choose will fit in.
If you like colourful crockery, there are lots around and some sets are less expensive, great for everyday use.
Buying cutlery, I’d choose an 18/8 set, slightly better quality than ordinary stainless steel sets and they’ll probably last you longer.
Purchasing drinking glasses I’d choose ordinary inexpensive glassware for everyday use and something a little more upmarket for special occasions.
A larger kitchen – my dream
Go mad! I’d choose a centre island, a cosy couch corner with a small side or coffee table and definitely a dining table and chairs/benches.
I’d even have a desk in one part, just a small one, and certainly a bookcase, filled with all my cookery books.
I think if you have small children, a large kitchen is a real winner and will probably be the most used room in the whole house.
A wall TV could work well and a table or desk where they could do their homework while you are cooking. Sliding or opening doors onto a garden patio is also a good idea.
The sky’s the limit and with a good budget your kitchen will be the heart of your home.
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop!
Julie
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