A Kitchen Face Lift

Many hours are spent in the Kitchen and, for this reason, we feel that it is really important to make that space not only very practical, but also comfortable, and cheerful.  We are firm believers in the fact that things can be both practical and beautiful at the same time.  One is not exclusive to the other – in fact, one doesn’t do well without the other, in our minds! A great way to give a Kitchen a new look without being very expensive, is to repaint!  Make sure, when you are choosing paint colors, that they go with the rest of the palette in your home.  It is important that your colors flow from room to room, including your Kitchen.  That does not mean that the Kitchen has to be the same wall color as the adjoining room but it does mean that the colors should compliment each other, should not jar the eyes when one first sees them.  The paint finish in  your Kitchen should be able to withstand scrubbing.  Ask, at your paint store, which paint they recommend for the Kitchen.  The finish will be different, most probably, from the rest of your home, except for your Bathrooms.  Before you set about to paint your Kitchen you need to know what type of paint is already on the wall.  If you painted it, then you know. There are kits that you can buy that will allow you to test the type of paint on your walls.  This is important because you can not paint latex paints over oil based paints.   So, you will want to paint over with the same type of paint or prime the walls out in preparation for the new paint.  I made the mistake, one time, of not doing this and then just had a flaky mess that had to be totally re-done by a professional.

“Let there be light” is a motto I use for Kitchens.

Obviously, this can be created quite nicely with electricity but natural light is the best kind.   Fun fixtures add a lot of charm to a kitchen ~ perhaps a chandelier over the eating area or a pot hanger with lights over a butcher block.

I absolutely adore fabric and tend to use yards and yards of it wherever and whenever I can.  I love the softness it brings to a space ~ makes it look inviting.  So, in a Kitchen, I love to see fabric at the windows, on the chair seats, on the breakfast table.  There are so many wonderful fabrics on the market.  Shop around in your area.  Here in the Los Angeles area, we are fortunate enough to have the fabric district downtown.  I can often be found rolling my way down the 110 Freeway into downtown to my beloved Michael Levine or one of the other wonderful little shops down there.  If you are going to add fabric to your Kitchen as well as re-paint, you will want to choose the fabric first as paint colors are very easy to tweak.  Chose a fabric that makes you happy for your Kitchen.  It is bound to make everyone else happy too!

Try to de-clutter your Kitchen.  Nothing looks nicer than clear counter tops.  Obviously, there are certain things that have to be on the counter top but, where you are able, find a home for things inside a cupboard or drawer.  Much more inviting.

While giving your Kitchen a facelift, small or large, take this opportunity to buy yourself a new set of kitchen towels.  Choose some pretty ones, that will add to your décor and not just be practical.

A fun mat in front of your sink is a great idea.  It is more comfortable to stand on whilst at the sink plus it adds another little touch of warmth.

In short, make your Kitchen a cheery place where you love to be.  You will find that your family and friends will love it too!