Throughout the day, we spend different times in the kitchen cooking, eating, working, or simultaneously. I spend tons of time in the kitchen, especially on weekends when I prepare my meals and snacks for the work week. This is also where I eat breakfast to start my day. The kitchen is an integral part of my routine which is why I like to keep it clean and organized. It is sparsely decorated enough to brighten the space and not hinder daily activities. In this post, I will discuss different steps in decorating kitchens that could hopefully put a smile on your face when walking into it.
There are numerous ways to decorate and improve the kitchen even though most elements are built-in – kitchen counter, cabinets, sink, and most appliances are heavy to move.
DECORATING KITCHENS THROUGH PAINT
IN LIGHT COLORS
A good starting point are the walls and ceiling. The kitchen can be brightened or dramatized with a fresh coat of paint. Since the kitchen is full of tasks and precise jobs, I would choose light colors such as off-white, lemon yellow, or pastel. You would want to see those vegetables properly when slicing, and light colors help bounce off light.
These colors work well with light wood furniture, white countertops, and flush cabinets. Be wary that stains are more visible in light colors, so select finishes that are easy to clean. For walls, use semi-gloss paint as it has a bit more gloss so it won’t easily absorb the stains.
IN DARK COLORS
It can be challenging to paint a dark color in a kitchen, but if done correctly, it can make a room look richer. Use it as an accent color or paint the whole space in dark shades. Ensure that the light is sufficient since dark surfaces tend to absorb it. If you prefer black, I recommend using charcoal black color as it has the depth of black and it won’t look flat. Cool or warm grays can work as well depending on the overall look and finishes of the kitchen.
One of the interior design forecasts this year is the use of rich browns as room colors. Painting the kitchen in brown especially paired with terracotta tiles would create a warm, homely look.
If neutral colors don’t speak to you, jewel tones are great. Emerald green or sapphire can be a bold choice but it can easily upgrade the look of the kitchen.
Chalkboard walls in the kitchen were a trend back then. It was meant to be a fun, creative way to stay organized, and for kids to doodle into. But the thing is, I don’t want those chalk dusts flying to the food being prepared. Consider using whiteboard surfaces or your phone if you need something to write into.
SPRUCE UP THE CABINETS
If the walls and ceilings will be painted, might as well paint the kitchen cabinets and ledges. It is another simple way to update the kitchen, which can have a huge impact. Make sure that the cabinets and drawers are compatible with the paint that will be used. Paint the cabinets the same color as the walls for a monochromatic look, or use different colors for variety.
Add depth by painting the cabinets in different shades of one color – paint the overhead cabinets in lighter tones while the lower cabinets are in darker shades. As a general rule: apply lighter colors on overhead elements and darker colors at the bottom so it will feel grounded and won’t look visually heavy.
If you feel adventurous and it matches your style, use multiple colors or add patterns. Colorful cabinets can be fun but they can look like preschool lockers. Plan to avoid the cabinet looking like an arts and crafts project. Limit the colors from 2 to 3 and preferably sit next to each other in the color wheel. Mock up the colors using craft paper to cover the cabinets to visualize how multiple colors would look.
For easier cleaning, choose a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. Matte and satin finishes arguably look more upscale but can be more challenging to clean.
REPLACE THE PULLS
While you are at it, replace the pulls! There was a time when onion-shaped floral motif gold-accented knobs were a thing. It looked chunky but it has a lot of personality and handmade quality.
If the cabinets have existing screw-in pulls and you plan to replace them, measure the distance of the hole/s to know if the new set of pulls will match the holes of the previous ones. You wouldn’t want a cabinet with exposed holes in it. For cabinets with glass panels, consider placing a frosted sticker or a fluted glass-patterned sticker to “cover” its contents.
Add cove lighting below the overhead cabinets or ledge to properly illuminate the counter if provisions are available. Select daylight for the bulb temperature.
DECORATING KITCHENS WITH WALLPAPER ON CEILING
I’d love to use wallpaper in the kitchen, even peel-and-stick ones, but I don’t recommend it because the kitchen is prone to spills and stains. A possible workaround is to install it in the ceiling. It will be a surprise element in the kitchen, and it may serve as an anchor for the entire room.
Wallpaper from Wallpaper Direct (not to scale)
FUNCTIONAL ITEMS THAT ARE ALSO DECORATIVE
Similar to the dining rooms, select functional objects that are also decorative. Add fun touches or help create a theme by using kitchen towels that are patterned and textural. A simple striped waffle hand towel paired with blue paint and light wood cabinets can help achieve a coastal vibe. I used to collect Marimékko towels with red and white floral patterns on matching plates, making the kitchen dainty.
Replace the liquid soap dispenser or dish with something that aligns with your aesthetic.
Rugs are great options in decorating kitchens. Consider using indoor-outdoor rugs usually made from polypropylene and come in antislip backings for easy maintenance. To make the room more interesting, select a design that matches the space’s appearance or something completely different.
PERSONALIZE IT
One way to fully decorate your kitchen is to curate your ref magnets. Seriously, no. The one thing I wouldn’t mind being messy is the refrigerator doors. Though it can be cheesy, magnets from travels or party giveaways make the kitchen more personal. Even though it is overlooked on a busy day, it is a daily reminder of memorable experiences or inspirations on why we are even starting our day.
SIMPLE CLEANING
Cleaning or polishing appliances is an easy way to refresh the kitchen. There are spots in kitchen appliances that are sometimes left uncleaned which results to dirt build-up. I recently deep-cleaned our toaster oven after months of hardened splatters, and funny enough, it never fails to put a smile on my face every time I see it. Be it a simple polishing or deep cleaning, clean appliances, and equipment can make a kitchen look fresh.
Another way to spruce up the kitchen is to organize it regularly.
Dinnerware, lunch boxes, and cutlery tend to pile up without us noticing it (at least for me) because we have this feeling that it will be used in the future, but it rarely does. Sometimes the pile overflows the cupboard, and there’s not enough room for essential stuff. Regularly dispose of or recycle accumulated containers or dinnerware so it won’t accumulate over time.
DECORATING KITCHENS WITH WINDOW TREATMENTS
Kitchen windows tend to have smaller windows, and some setups have a gas range which makes full-height drapes not ideal. Go for wood blinds and shades as these don’t usually easily absorb smell. If you still plan to use curtains, select a material that is lightweight, fire-retardant, and machine washable.
MOBILE FURNITURE
If the kitchen has more space, add a mobile counter that can serve as an additional surface when cooking food or doubles as a dining desk. When not in use, tuck it away in a corner and place a vase of fresh flowers.
Another option is a bar trolley where drinks, dry food items, or small appliances can be stored. As I mentioned in a previous post, I love condiments. We have a dedicated trolley where condiments, spices, and other dry herbs can be accessed while we eat.
Utilize the trolley for your lifestyle needs. A coffee lover? Make it a mobile coffee bar with an espresso machine and cups. Select a trolley where the casters have locks so it would not roll away.
DECORATING KITCHENS WITH PRINTS AND ARTWORKS
One of the last places you’d expect to see a gallery wall is in the kitchen, but there are plenty of opportunities for hanging art like nooks and awkward angles. Layer framed prints around dishes or other food staples to add height and interest in an open shelving. I recommend selecting cheap ones that you don’t mind getting dirty, or pieces with glass or acrylic covers for easy cleanup.