While you probably thought your kitchen decor was beautiful when you first designed it, after a few years it begins to get a bit old and dull; you’re ready for a change, but you don’t have the money for a complete remodeling job.  In this article, you will discover some great tips for transforming your kitchen without draining your budget.

Brighten up the kitchen and create an airy look for summer

Summer is just around the corner, and you want a kitchen that is fresh, light and appealing.  To achieve an open, bright look place mirrors on the walls in your dining room to reflect the light from the windows.  Place the mirrors directly across the room from windows or in a corner on the wall adjacent to the wall with a window for the most reflected light.

Rearrange the kitchen furniture to create a “summer arrangement”.  You could move the furniture into a diagonal pattern; take a leaf out of the table to create more space, even remove dark colored or heavily patterned table runners and chair pads, replacing them with bright colored cotton fabrics for an airy effect.

Freshen up the walls

Painting the walls is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look of a room.  In the kitchen, bright colors offer a cheerful atmosphere.  While you may like white, try light shades of apricot, sage green or butter yellow.

Texturing techniques can add drama, and are easy to do.  Learn how to sponge, rag roll or feather dust a wall to create intricate patterns that are much like textured wall paper or stucco walls.

Bring the outdoors inside with plants

Real or silk, plants add life to any room.  Sit live or silk plants in window sills in ceramic or copper planters; hang a larger plant from the ceiling to dress up a bare corner.  If you have an open area above your kitchen cabinets, arrange several plants of various sizes for an appealing look.

Rugs – the solution to a variety of problems

Do your floors lack color?  Are they worn in areas where traffic is heavy?  A new floor can cost a great deal of money, but rugs can give your kitchen a whole new look and add color and warmth to a room.

If you have a country kitchen, add brightly colored sunflower rugs in high traffic areas or in front of the sink.  Bold, bright patterns work well in a modern kitchen. For a bistro-style or French country kitchen, large oriental rugs make a dramatic impact.  Today, you can find rugs in any style, shape, size or color to suit your decorating needs – and they’re great for covering up worn areas, burn marks and more!

Look around to see what might work for you.  There are lots of simple ideas you can find in home decorating magazines, on television, even online.  Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re just browsing around with nothing specific in mind.

Put these ideas to work in your kitchen – you will be amazed at how much appeal you can add to your kitchen with a minimum of money or effort.

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive projects you can take on in your home.  In fact, having a professional complete the renovations can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on what you have done.

You can do much of the renovation yourself and save a bundle of money.  For about 1/2 or less of what you would pay a professional, there are some things you can do that will give your kitchen a whole new look, and greatly add to the value of your home.

In the sink area

A tile backsplash adds color and pizzazz to your kitchen, and pullout faucets offer a modern look while making your sink more functional.

For about $4 per square foot, tile can brighten the room and add interest.  Consider a checkerboard pattern or alternating colors that lend to the decor of the room.  Also keep in mind that tiles do not have to match counter tops; a contrasting look is interesting and adds depth.  You can find floral and abstract patterned tiles, even tiles with fruit motifs.

A pullout faucet can be purchased for around $250, and offers a variety of looks, from traditional to sleek and contemporary.  Not only can you find chrome finishes, today’s pullout faucets are available in brushed stainless steel and copper as well.

The look of new cabinets

Having cabinets built is one of the most expensive aspects of remodeling your kitchen, but you can reface or refinish them yourself if the structure is still good for about 1/2 the price of new cabinetry.

If you decide to refinish your cabinets, this will require stripping the finish and then staining or painting the surface.  For re-facing, you will need to remove cabinet and door fronts and replace them with matching veneers.  Changing the hardware on your drawers and cabinets will also give them an updated new look.

Jazz up the walls

Bland colored walls are becoming a thing of the past.  One of the quickest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen a new look is to paint, stencil or wallpaper the walls using vibrant colors and appealing designs.

Instead of a white or off-white wall, consider bold colors such as green, blue and rustic red.  Soft yellow is nice if you have a small kitchen that needs a bright color; trim out the walls in contrasting or complementary colors to really set off the walls.  Stenciling and sponging techniques allow you to give the walls texture and added design.

Update appliances

Sure, a new refrigerator or stove is expensive – but you don’t have to buy a new one if the one you have now still works well.

If your appliances look a bit outdated or don’t really blend well with your new decor, consider painting them with appliance paint.  You can also buy new panels to put on your appliances so that they blend with your cabinets and lend to the new look of your kitchen.

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create your dream kitchen!  Update the windows with new window treatments; consider a porcelain or stainless steel sink.  There are dozens of budget-friendly ways you can transform the look of your kitchen.

While some decorating themes go out of style, many come back in with a vengeance!  Today, a retro 1950′s style kitchen is back and better than ever.  Known for a clean look and bright colors, the look brings to mind those old diners like those featured in the television show Happy Days and the movie American Graffiti.  If you are looking to give your kitchen a vintage look, the tips and ideas below will help.

First things first

Before you get down to the details, your retro style kitchen should be open, bright and airy so you want to avoid clutter.  Remove those things you do not use on a regular basis, and put the knick-knacks away.

Instead of wooden cabinet doors, replace them with glass fronts so that you can put your old or vintage dishes on display.  A checkerboard pattern on the floor designed with black and white tiles is appealing and adds to the retro look.  Consider adding a mezzanine so that one area of your kitchen is elevated, complete with two or three steps for easy access to that level.

The dining room is plain and simple

The dining furnishings used in a 1950′s setting are simple and often crafted of vinyl, Formica and chrome.  If you have a bar area suitable for eating, add red vinyl stools for sitting.  A Formica topped table flanked with vinyl seating and chrome tube legs adds further authenticity to the look.  The look is modern and clean.  If you want to cover the table with a tablecloth, vinyl in a checked red and white pattern or solid color adds to the look.  Top with a white vase filled with red and white flowers, and an old-style chrome napkin holder.

Appliances may be hard to find, but don’t despair

Finding those appliances that were actually made in the 1950′s may prove a difficult task, and it would be especially hard to find them in condition to work and that you can depend upon.

There are plenty of vintage-style pieces you can find that were made in recent years but designed to look like those from the 50′s.  To really accomplish the retro look, find stoves and refrigerators in bright colors such as red or yellow.

Decorate the walls to complete the look

For the walls, nothing is better for achieving a retro 1950′s look than a chalkboard, complete with the menu for the day.  Old tin signs add further to the appeal; find some large black and white photographs or prints and frame them in black or chrome.

Accessorize your kitchen with a vintage inspired toaster, blender and canister set.  Display clear milk shake glasses in your cabinets, along with a few clear glass coffee mugs on a hanging rack.  If you have the money, go all the way and invest in a juke box!

Always keep in mind that black, white and red are the basic colors when it comes to giving your kitchen a 1950′s retro look.  Have fun with it!

If you love the look and ambiance which a European bistro or cafe has to offer, you can incorporate the look in your own kitchen.  The atmosphere is sophisticated while warm and exquisite.  If you’re tired of the current decor in your kitchen and dining room, these tips and ideas will help you create a whole new look that will have guests clamoring to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine.

Select the base colors first

Before you begin purchasing any furniture, textiles or accents, decide what colors you will use.  Buttery yellow, soft tan, and orange and red hues are typically found in a bistro setting, along with black wrought iron accents and furnishings.  Wine tones also work well, as you may decide to use wine bottles, grapevines and grapes in the decor.

For the walls, consider a dusty tan or soft yellow.  These colors are delicate and add to the ambient atmosphere.  Since they are lighter in tone, they will also help prevent the room from looking too dark or small.

Choose seating next

The next biggest feature in the room besides the wall color is your furniture.  Bistro style seating will add further to the appeal of the room; think wood or wrought iron in black or white.  Most bistro style sets are designed on a smaller scale.  A round table that seats two to four people offers an authentic look.  Of course you will want to take the size of your dining room in to account when making this decision.

Add depth to the walls

There are many ways you can go when it comes to the walls in your bistro kitchen.  Generally speaking, you will find artwork depicting wine, cheese, grapes and grapevines; any type of canvas artwork or tin/metal signs with food or coffee work well in this environment.

You may want to consider a small wrought iron wine rack that hangs on the wall; chalkboards offering up the day’s menu also offers an authentic touch.

Accents pull the look together

To finish off the look, consider candleholders, lamps and fruit baskets.  A small table lamp with a dark toned, beaded lampshade adds a romantic, soft look to the room.

Design a beautiful centerpiece for the table by using a basket or glass bowl in an amber shade.  Add plenty of real or artificial fruit which include plenty of plump grapes gracefully spilling out over the edge.

Baskets filled with fresh bread, wine motifs, food, cheese, candles, and cafe style curtains – all of these things meld together to create an atmosphere that is intimate, warm and inviting.  As far as flooring goes, stone, ceramic tile in earthy tones or natural wood floors add to the natural appeal.  Even linoleum is suitable if you use natural, earthy colors and patterns.

Decorating your kitchen in a European bistro style is fairly easy, and will give the room an entirely new look and atmosphere.  Look through magazines and online to get even more ideas, and have fun creating your new kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of many homes; it’s where families enjoy meals and time together.  Guests also tend to congregate in the kitchen, so you want it to be as beautiful and inviting as possible.  If your kitchen/dining area has had the same old look for a while and you’re ready for a change, this article offers some helpful tips and ideas.

Start with a fresh coat of paint

Your walls and ceiling are the “canvas” of your kitchen.  Before you do anything else, freshen them up with a coat or two of paint.

Ceilings look best when painted in a flat white.  This makes the room appear airy and open.  For the walls, choose any color that suits the decorating theme you have in mind.  Always remember that dark colors absorb light, so if your kitchen is on the small side you may want to stick to light paint colors.

You don’t have to use white of off-white for the walls; in fact, a bright cheery yellow, soft orange or sage green may be perfect, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Keep the cabinets in mind

If your cabinets are wood, keep their color in mind when shopping for paint for the walls.  The last thing you want to do is paint the walls a color that will clash with the cabinets.

The cabinets can be given a makeover as well if you cannot afford new ones.  If they’re wood, simply sand the varnished layer off, paint with white wood primer, and then finish with any color you like.  Adding new knobs and hardware will also freshen up the look of your cabinets.

If you like a rustic, worn look then simply sand around the edges after painting your cabinets.  Focus upon those areas where they would naturally “wear”.

Dress up the floors

Kitchen flooring can be expensive, but if you can afford it the beauty added to your home is priceless.  There are all kinds of options from ceramic and stone tiles to hardwoods, laminates and vinyl.  If you can install it yourself, you will save about half of the total cost.

If you cannot afford to replace your kitchen floor, consider painting it instead!  Not many people realize it, but you can paint old linoleum or vinyl.  Give it two or three coats of paint, then add about 3 layers of a protective top coat.  You can even stencil “patterns” on the floor before you add your top coat; just paint those patterns in colors to match your decor.

Once you have completed your remodeling project, clear out the clutter.  Clutter makes rooms look messy.  Clear the counter tops of any small appliances that you don’t use often.

Add an accent rug by the door if you have an entrance in your kitchen, and one in front of the sink area.  Decorate the walls, add a fresh new centerpiece to the dining room table and you’re done!  You have an entirely new kitchen, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

The nice thing about using blue and white to design a kitchen is that these colors can be incorporated in many different stylistic themes.  Whether you prefer a country look, contemporary or Americana appeal, you can achieve nearly anything you like with these fresh colors.

Here are a few ideas that will help you create a kitchen that is beautiful, comfortable and inviting.

Shades of blue for any design

The wonderful thing about decorating with blue is that there are so many shades of the popular color.  From gray-blue or country blue to navy or royal blue, you can use those colors that best suit your decor theme.

A country kitchen looks comfortable and rustic when white and country blue shades are used for walls, textiles and other accents.  Navy and white create a look that is modern and dramatic. If you really want to put your creative genius to work, consider a nautical theme for your kitchen!

Creating an Americana kitchen

Today, many people love decorating themes that create a relaxed, worn and nostalgic feel.  With an Americana theme, you can add splashes of red that not only give the room bold color, but create the patriotic feel you desire.

Think about including hand-painted signs, a U.S. flag on one wall, coffee mugs and other crafted items that lend to the look.  Patriotic symbols and decorative plates add to the appeal.

Country charm

Love a country kitchen that brings grandma’s house to mind?  Blue and white are perfect for achieving the look.  Shades of gray-blue or country blue are perfect for counter tops or cabinets.

Hand-woven baskets, daisies, roosters, tin signs for the walls – there are many accents that are perfect in the country kitchen.  White ceramic canisters, white floors and walls and a white tablecloth offer a bright contrast to the blue.

Love a look that is modern or contemporary?

Bold shades of blue contrast with clean white sections to create spaces that are dramatic and make an impact.  White cabinets, marble counter tops and white appliances blend together to create a look that is clean and crisp, yet modern.

Add touches of bold or navy blue through the use of window treatments, a center piece for the table, even a dramatic wall hanging.  A blue glass vase filled with periwinkle, larkspur or white roses adds a punch of color and interest to the room.  Dish towels may be solid blue or patterned in a blue and white design.

As you see, there are many ways that blue and white can be combined to create a kitchen that oozes style and charm.  If you love the look of blue and white, there is no limit to what you can achieve!

Your kitchen is the room where the family gathers to share the day and enjoy delicious meals.  It’s also where guests and extended family members tend to congregate.  If you’re growing tired of the same old look, there are many things you can do to give your tired kitchen a fresh, appealing new look.

The first thing you need to do before you begin is to decide on a theme that you like.  Whether you desire a look that is modern and ultra sleek or warm and rustic, the ideas below will help you create a kitchen that will be your favorite room in your home.

Ideas for a Tuscan themed kitchen

If you love the colors derived from nature such as yellow, red, green and brown, Tuscan is the perfect theme.  Stucco texture for the walls, striped and checked patterns, copper, wood furnishings – all of these elements combine to create a look that is warm and rich.

Rich patterns and texture can be added through curtains, table cloths, napkins and the other fabrics in the room.

Spanish style kitchen theme ideas

Warm colors, such as yellow, orange, red and copper can be blended to create a Spanish style kitchen which contains all the ambiance of an authentic Mexican restaurant.

Terracotta floor tiles, iron hardware adorning wood furnishings, copper and a mixture of painted tiles for the counter tops add plenty of color and rustic appeal.  Wrought iron chairs placed around the table add a true Spanish flair to the room.

A French country kitchen is cozy and warm

French country combines soft colors and the elements of nature.  An earthy granite material is perfect for kitchen counter tops while copper and wrought iron add a warm ambiance to the room.  Walls may be off-white or butter yellow; cabinets are weathered and worn.  A chandelier adds to the atmosphere, while stucco texture for the ceilings gives an authentic look.

The modern kitchen – sleek and polished

Those who prefer a clean, polished look that is free from clutter will enjoy a modern kitchen.  Colors you may want to consider include black and white, lavender, aqua blue and silver.  A smaller kitchen looks best when a monochromatic color theme is used; white and off-white give the room a more spacious look.

Larger kitchens can accommodate more color.  For instance, a large modern kitchen would look great with pale lavender-white walls accented with black appliances.  If your current cabinets do not match appliances, consider giving them a coat of paint to help establish a continuous color theme.

Country kitchen – there’s nothing else like it

The most inviting and warm kitchen is often the one decorated using a country theme.  Worn wood, rooster or sunflower accents, wrought iron pot racks, gingham curtains and tablecloths; the elements of country are taken straight from the days of decades ago, when grandma’s house was the most comfortable and relaxing place you could find yourself.

These are just a few ideas to help get your creative thoughts moving in the right direction.  Consider the decor in the rest of your home, and which elements you truly love, which make you and your family feel most at home.  Changing the look of your kitchen is easy once you decide on the perfect theme!

Do you love all things western?  Your kitchen is the “hub” of your home.  It’s where you share meals and the activities of the day with family, entertain guests and congregate during holidays and other special times.  A western-themed kitchen is one that is colorful, warm, richly textured and inviting.  If you are at a loss for ideas with which to transform your kitchen, the tips below will help you design a warm western kitchen that is beautiful and comfortable.

Decide on a theme

There are several western themes you may want to consider when decorating your kitchen.  Do you prefer a Native American or Southwestern theme, a country western theme, or something along the lines of Spanish colonial?

Once you determine which style is best for you, you can continue by choosing furnishings, colors and patterns that will work to create the look you are after.

Native American/Southwestern decorating

If you choose this style of decor, think all things natural.  The elements of Native American/Southwestern decorating incorporate stone, ceramic, terracotta, wood and plants.

The colors most often used in this decorating style include turquoise, orange, rusty or brown red shades, golden yellow and other colors found in nature.  Bold, geometric shapes and vibrant striped patterns blend to create a look that is rich in both color and texture.

Spanish Colonial

If you decide to go with this decorating theme, think about kitchen and dining  furnishings and accents that are relevant to those regions in the west, such as California.  The Spanish colonial style of decorating incorporates a bit of Native American and Mexican or Spanish elements, including ceramics, copper and terracotta.

Think of colors like blue, yellow, white, clay and beige.  Clay pots, terracotta floors, tiles in earth tones, copper cookware and wall decor; all of these things blend to create a look that is rich and appealing.

Country western

Are you looking for that true “old west” feel?  This is one of the most popular styles of western decorating.  A country western theme incorporates things that conjure scenes from old western movies.  Copper, lots of rustic wood, warm shades of reddish browns, tan, forest and turquoise lend to the authentic look.

Many people choose animals as a theme in a country western kitchen.  Roosters, cows, and other animals you would normally find on a farm can be the basis of your decorating theme.  Heavy textures and rugged finishes add to the ambient atmosphere.

Cacti, horses, wagon wheels, old iron skillets – all of these things lend a look that is rich in nostalgia and welcoming.  The key to an inviting country western kitchen is all things “down home”.  Dish towels, curtains, western-themed knickknacks, rustic knobs and drawer-pulls; the smallest elements are essential in creating the look.

Now you have a better idea of what is needed to transform your kitchen into one with a relaxed, comfortable western flair.  This is a look that is unpretentious, welcoming all who enter your home!  Your kitchen will be the most popular room in the house.

A Tuscany style kitchen offers old-world appeal, rich colors and natural elements that blend to create a room that is beautiful, elegant and warm.  If you enjoy a look with an Italian flair which incorporates shades of wine, golden pears, olive greens and Mediterranean Sea blues, this look is perfect for your kitchen.

Today, many people use their kitchen as much, if not more, than the living room.  This is a room where you prepare family meals and entertain guests, play cards or just enjoy a good discussion.  You want it to be beautiful, inviting and comfortable.

Start with the basics

If you are building a new home or renovating an older home, there are several factors that should be considered in the Tuscany style decor.  A terracotta tile floor, arches, tall windows and wood shutters lend a genuine taste of the Italian countryside to the room.

Earthenware, ceramics, stone, brick and wood are some of the elements you should include when designing your Tuscany style kitchen.

Color – a huge aspect of creating the look

As mentioned, golden pear shades, wines, rich blues and olive greens create a room with depth and dimension.  Cabinets may be terracotta or dark gold shades; walls and floors also look rich when designed in these colors.  The palette is inspired by natural elements that you find outdoors in the mountains, forests and landscapes.

The real “pop” comes when using accent colors in the kitchen.  Tiles, trim and baseboards are often painted in shades of antique whites, tomato red, olive green and golden yellow. A vibrant burnt orange adds additional interest to the room.

The look is rustic

When decorating your kitchen in Tuscany style, try to avoid accents or furnishings that look modern or contemporary.  The look is rustic or rugged, with plenty of wood, marble, and wrought iron and other natural finishes.

An old antique-looking kitchen table adds to the warm, ambient atmosphere.  If you have a wood table that looks too new, just use some of the techniques available today to give furniture a “shabby” look.  Sand the areas where the furniture would normally wear, or apply a coat of paint before sanding.

Accents complete the look

The accents are what really bring a Tuscany style kitchen to life and complete the look.  Artwork for the walls may be anything from grapevines and greenery to prints of wine bottles, grapes and wine racks.

Pictures framed in rustic wood or wrought iron also add to the appearance.  Consider a hanging wrought iron pot holder, earthenware pottery, cracked ceramic pitchers and fruit bowls filled with grapes, oranges, bananas and other brightly colored fruits.

As you can see, creating a Tuscany themed kitchen is easy.  Just remember that elements of nature prevail, and rich, rustic colors set the mood.  Look through magazines for Italian designed photos, or search online to get more ideas for creating your new kitchen.

This is a beautiful style that will offer a warm welcome to all who enter your home, including family members, guests and good friends.

Peach and blue are two colors, that when combined, create a soft and ambient atmosphere.  Whether your kitchen is designed using a country theme or a contemporary theme, you can incorporate these colors for a kitchen that is colorful, warm and welcoming.

In this article, we will describe how to inject the colors peach and blue in to your kitchen design, creating an entirely new look.

Work with your current kitchen design

When peach and blue are combined they lean more toward a feminine, country motif, but they can work well in a contemporary setting as well.  In country decorating, use the colors through delicate floral arrangements and pictures.  Prints for the walls, dish towels, and other fabrics or surfaces may depict a calming countryside or a placid lake.

In a contemporary theme, peach and blue are used in a different way.  Modern, abstract prints and hard angular lines are commonly found in this decorating style, so use the shades in more modern elements in your kitchen.  A table runner in an abstract design along with geometric shapes in pictures, vases and other accessories adds soft color while keeping with the modern look.

Color the walls

The walls are the basis of any room, and help set the overall mood.  In a country themed kitchen, choose shades of peach and blue that are a light to medium.  Peach shades can range from a pastel peach to a richer peachy-tan hue.  Country blue or gray blue complement the peach colors perfectly.

A contemporary kitchen can look beautiful with darker, bolder shades of peach and blue.  In this style of kitchen, think sea blue, deep blueberry and darker peach shades.

In either situation, the perfect accent for trim is a soft cream shade.  Use it as an accent on the walls, around trimmed out doors and windows.  In contemporary decorating, it is particularly important to choose a light shade for accenting to prevent the room from looking too dark.

Accents pull the look together

In a country setting, you want to avoid using a floral pattern that includes both peach and blue flowers.  Choose one dominant color so that the look is not too busy.  The second color can be incorporated through solids, stripes, checks and other patterns that may be used for curtains, chair upholstery, a table runner, etc.

Designing a contemporary kitchen with these colors proves a bit more challenging, but the completed look is well worth the effort.  Since you want to use very few accents to keep the look clean and uncluttered, use a few items in peach and blue that make bold statements.  This may be in the form of a centerpiece for the table, or a single large print for a wall.  Carved soapstone is a great way to bring your peach color into your space, as it is naturally shaded in a peach tone and injects a simple, modern touch.

These colors are beautiful when paired together; the atmosphere is soft yet rich, comfortable and appealing.  Use the tips above to create a kitchen in which you will want to spend all of your time!