More than just a space for cooking and eating, the kitchen is where all the action in the home takes place. We LIVE in our Kitchens. From entertaining guests to gathering together on Saturday mornings as family, it’s the true heart of the home.

Perhaps the most fundamental shift in home design over the past 25 years has been the Open Concept Kitchen. In the past, kitchens were relegated to one, disconnected room, generally in the back of a home. Now, kitchens open up into the living space, a trend that isn’t going anywhere soon. The kitchen has firmly established itself as the centre of the home making it the most renovated room in any home.

A kitchen must first be functional by correctly placing appliances, sink and storage. The kitchen must be comfortable for those sharing the household too. Think about kids and appliances. You probably don’t want young kids to use the stove, but they can use the microwave, so the microwave should be placed lower than the counter. Whether you’re renovating, redecorating or simply updating the space, consider how you live before making any changes. Get inspired to transform this area with my 10 extremely practical, budget friendly and easy-to-steal decorative touches.

1. GREAT ROOM

A Kitchen that opens up into the main living area can be an extremely exciting space to decorate. A generously sized table is ready to accommodate holiday dinners, game nights or even intense science projects. Keep the vibe modern, casual and cool by laying rugs and hanging over-sized drum shades.

2. ISLAND SETTING

A sleek, modern kitchen needn’t feel cold. If you’re starting with a black-and-white-foundation, infuse it with some colour, like the muted Walnut on the overhead cabinets. Add texture by layering a striped rug over a seamless floor. Rather than recessed lighting, hang a pair of chandeliers from the ceiling for an unexpected twist.

3. SPLASH OF COLOUR

Cherry details can give a spare, modern room a more bright lived-in feel. Choose strategic spots for working in bright bursts of color; overhead lighting, bar-stools, counter-top accessories. A really great stove can transform a kitchen. For a nice pop of color, consider a pretty splash-back like a Dark Seagreen glass. To make a kitchen homey and high-functioning, hang storage racks from the ceiling for frequently used pots and pans. Line your Shelves- This is a simple solution to dingy cabinetry. It keeps them neat and chic, injects pops of color and personality into your space- understated or brazen according to your taste. Select from a range of wallpapers and adhesive coverings. 

4. KITCHEN PANTRY

What everyone needs in a kitchen is STORAGE, preferably a well-stocked pantry that is neatly organised so when you are cooking, you can easily find what you are looking for. There are several different approaches to creating the perfect pantry design to fit your needs. You may want it to be a walk-in where you can add doors to make it look like it is a built-in cabinet to create uniformity in your kitchen. A pantry can also be a large cabinet with everything labelled inside for organisation. Built-in, butlers, walk-in, freestanding, or a combination- storage is never in short supply when a well designed kitchen pantry is just steps away. A pantry optimises your kitchen layout by consolidating everything in one handy location and is even more convenient if it is located at or near the area where food is prepared. It does not necessarily have to be in the kitchen, but it should definitely be in an adjacent area. A pantry with good visibility and accessibility is one in which everything is immediately visible and easily reached and removed.

5. IF ITS PRETTY SHOW IT OFF

Kitchens are not typically thought of as really beautiful spaces, but why not create one that you’re willing to show off? Instead of hiding your expensive ceramic platters, flower vases, fine bone china in cupboards, put them out to display.  

6. SPLASH-BACKS & GLASS PANELS

Glass is one of the most versatile materials used in homes today. Coloured glass panels look stunning as cupboard doors, flooring, steps, shelves, walls, bench-tops or internal doors. Glass splash-backs can be applied as cut tile or full sheets and are available in any colour you desire. Another very exciting splash-back can be a simple fixed glazing. Apart from letting the light in it opens up the kitchen and you don’t have to stare into a blank wall while cooking! 

7. BENCH-TOPS

When designing your new kitchen, it is important to consider the subtle details about your bench-top to create the beautiful and seamless design. Elements such as edge details, sink mounting choice and draining grooves can contribute significantly to the overall look of a  kitchen. Include an overhang top of six inches or more and you’ve got an eating ledge for your early morning breakfast rush. Perfect to park your bar stools here too! 

8. KITCHEN SHELVING & STORAGE

Open Shelving is suited to both classic and contemporary schemes- it can look fantastic in modern kitchens. It serves more than just a way to find needed items quickly. Make it work hard by including accessories such as a hanging rail, task lighting and utensils holders. In a busy family kitchen, storing crockery and cutlery in baskets is a great way to stay organised and still keep your space looking neat and tidy. It does take a little more work to organise and keep neat but its worth it to keep your favourite items visible and accessible. 

9. GROUP LIKE THINGS TOGETHER

I love an eclectic mix of pieces on my shelves, but a safe styling tip is to group like items together.  For an organized look, group plates, bowls and cups on one shelf, organize baking supplies in attractive containers on another. If you have any odd-ball pieces that don’t look right or don’t fit, put them in a close cabinet. Open storage offers a decorative purpose to every day items. And if you still don’t like open shelving there is NOTHING wrong with all closed storage. Do what makes YOU happy!  

10. POT DRAWERS/ KITCHEN DRAWERS

Drawers, unlike static cupboards allow you to pull their contents right out in the open for easy access. In my kitchen for example, I use the top drawer to store cutlery, the secondary for frequently used utensils and a third drawer for the less popular or heavier POTS. More than ever I have seen people beginning to install large pull out drawers in the bottom compartment of the kitchen. Believe me, a large pot drawer is a life-saver!  

Hope these TIPS & TRICKS for decorating help you design the SOUL of your home, your reno or designing a new one from scratch ! Not too taxing on the grey matter I hope. Happy Renovating! It makes it worthwhile.

See you all with the next post soon! Please leave any comments/ thoughts that might have crossed your mind or if you think you would have done things differently.