The kitchen is the heart of our home. We spend a huge amount of time in there, cooking, eating, and socializing with friends and family. Not surprisingly, we want a kitchen we can be proud of rather than a space we prefer not to show off because it is an embarrassment.
Kitchen design is a complex process. There is a lot to think about, from cabinet styles and choice of appliances, to what type of flooring is going to best suit your room and whether you want to go ‘traditional’ or ‘contemporary’. There is also the question of whether you can afford to rip the whole lot out and start again. For many people, the only option is to make do with that is there and use a few simple techniques to improve the look of old cabinets.
Whilst a complete renovation is the more desirable option as it allows you to create your perfect kitchen, you don’t have to start from scratch. There are lots of things you can do to breathe life into your kitchen and give it the ‘wow’ factor. Here are some great ideas to get you started.
Kitchen Lighting
Lighting is a good way to add the ‘wow’ factor to your kitchen. LED spotlights instantly give a plain kitchen a more contemporary feel. Fitting lights under kitchen cupboards is also a quick and easy way to transform a kitchen at night.
Under cupboard lighting or kickboard lighting is relatively inexpensive these days. You can even select colored lights so your kitchen looks like a groovy bar after dark. These are not difficult to fit, but if you want to connect new lighting to an existing circuit, call in an electrician.
Feature lighting is another way to lift your kitchen’s decorative scheme. A beautiful chandelier will look amazing over a dining table or why not invest in some stylish glass globe lights for the breakfast bar? Take a look at Dutton Brown chandeliers if you need inspiration.
A Feature Wall
Many modern kitchens are small and compact, which means every wall has fitted cupboards or kitchen furniture. However, if you are lucky enough to have a spare wall, turn it into a feature by painting it with a strong color or buying designer wallpaper. Alternatively, have your very own art gallery in the kitchen: hang a selection of artwork or photographs. It will create an interesting talking point when guests come over.
Contemporary Splashbacks
New splashbacks are a great way to introduce color into a kitchen. Tiles are a traditional choice, but there are plenty more options to choose from. Glass or acrylic splashbacks work exceptionally well in a contemporary kitchen. You can pick any color under the sun, from raspberry to lime green. Bright colors look fabulous when paired with neutral kitchen cabinets, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Use bold colors and contemporary lighting to create the ‘wow’ factor in your kitchen. If you do a good job, you will definitely add value to your home.
