Primitive kitchen decorating brings to mind years past, when life was less complicated.  Even though times were tight, family members relaxed and enjoyed themselves in the kitchen; the atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming.  Today, many people choose to decorate their own kitchen using a primitive theme, whether it resembles country decor or shabby chic.  This article offers tips and ideas for creating your own primitive kitchen.

When it comes to color there are no rules

In primitive kitchen decorating, draw out the colors of the accessories you plan to use.  Apples, baskets, and farm animals are common accessories used in country style primitive decor.  Consider painting walls and window sills sage green, soft blues or yellow.

Colors are washed and worn looking; you want furnishings and accents to have a worn, weathered look.  This is why sage green and country blue tones work so well with this style of decor.

Furniture – buy new, or “re-do” what you already have

Furnishings in primitive decorating take on a well-used appearance as well.  You can buy furniture today that has an old-fashioned primitive appeal.  If you cannot afford to buy a new dining room suit, distress the one you have!  This can be accomplished with a sander, some paint and a few crackling techniques.

All you need to do is paint your wood furniture with the shade you have chosen, then sand lightly around areas that would naturally “wear” over time.  If you really want to do a professional job, sand the old finish off before you start.  Paint chairs and cabinets; replace hardware on drawers and cabinet doors with hardware that has a more primitive look.

Rugs, Curtains, Accents – The small things make the biggest difference

In primitive decorating, choose rugs and curtains that are made of natural fabrics.  Cotton, hemp, and linen – these fabrics offer a light, natural look that lends itself to the room.  A unique idea for the windows is to hang cotton material or even dish towels from a wire stretched across the top of the window; secure the dish towels with wooden clothes hangers for a look that is original and appealing.

When it comes to accents for your kitchen, the older they look the better!  Set an old cast iron kettle on a back burner to resurrect old memories; for the walls, consider rolling pins and old metal or tin signs.  A hanging pot rack, some old jars of various sizes lined up above the cabinets, flour sifters and pastry cutters bring the primitive look together.

As you can see, decorating your kitchen in a primitive theme doesn’t have to cost a fortune; in fact, it can be accomplished for practically nothing!  Shop flea markets, antique and thrift stores and estate sales to find things that are “old” but will bring a whole new appeal to your kitchen!  Take your kitchen (and your mind) back to a time when life was meant to be enjoyed – it’s easy.

Decorating your kitchen in a retro diner theme is perfect for those who love the old-time appeal of diners from the 50′s and 60′s.  If you’re tired of the way your kitchen looks and want to do something dramatic, this is your chance!  Friends and family will love gathering in your retro-style kitchen to visit, play cards and enjoy a milkshake, just like the good old days.

Decide on a color scheme first

Before just jumping into everything, first choose the color scheme you want to use in the kitchen.  Consider using colors like red, turquoise, and pink; bright flamboyant colors are perfect for this retro look.  Of course, black and white work as great accents for any of these choices.  Many times you will see an old fashioned diner use red and white checkered table cloths and decorations.  No matter what colors you choose, make sure there is plenty of chrome!  Shiny accents further enhance the appeal of a retro kitchen.

Prepare to paint

Before you begin painting walls or cabinetry, take the time to tape off trim, door frames, window sills and other areas you aren’t going to paint.  Tarps are great for protecting countertops, cabinets and floors from paint splatters, so that you don’t spend more time cleaning up and touching up than necessary.

When you have chosen the primary color for your kitchen, paint at least one wall to infuse the room with bright color.  If your cabinets are currently stained or painted, sand them to remove most of the surface paint or finish.  You can then re-paint them any color of your choosing – and don’t forget the hardware!  This is the perfect time to include a little of that chrome we were talking about earlier.  Buy spray paint in a chrome finish, and give your drawer pulls, cabinet door knobs and other small accessories that retro “shine!”  If you painted one wall red or turquoise, you may want to consider painting your cabinets black or white to contrast.

Give the floor “retro” appeal with black and white

Ceramic tiles are perfect for a retro themed kitchen, but if it’s easier on your budget vinyl will work as well.  Black and white tiles fit right in with the theme; they add further depth and interest to the room.  You can also use black and red if you really want the room to pop, but make sure that the bold color won’t wear out its welcome too soon.  Before you purchase your flooring, make sure to measure the room so that you don’t end up with too many tiles (costly) or too little flooring to cover the area.

Rev up the retro with accessories

Now that you have the biggest part of the work completed, it’s time for those accessories that really help bring out that retro diner appeal.  Anything that is shiny or chrome will work; the dining room table should have chrome accents, and vinyl upholstery really contributes to the vintage look.  A large neon clock or flashing sign will bring to mind the old diners of the 50′s and 60′s.  Flea markets, online auctions and vintage shops are the perfect places to find these accessories, usually at a great price!

You can be sure that when you transform your traditional kitchen in to a “retro diner” it will bring a bit of nostalgia and old-time enjoyment to the room.  Everyone who enters your home will be envious of a kitchen that is warm, welcoming and totally unique!

If you often visit a local coffee shop, you may find that the atmosphere is relaxing, calming and enjoyable.  Do you sometimes wish you could recreate that atmosphere in your own home?  If you love all things coffee and the ambiance a coffee shop offers, you should consider decorating your kitchen like a coffee shop.  Not only will it bring warmth to your home, it will set a calming mood and will be very welcoming to visitors.

Rich, warm colors are inviting

When considering how to decorate your kitchen to mimic the feeling of a coffee shop, think about the colors that many coffee shops use in their decor. Some of these include chocolate browns, deep purples, oranges and deep reds.  These warm tones are what lend to the warm, relaxing atmosphere.  An eggshell color will add lighter tones to the room and bring the look all together.

Decorating is the second key thing to consider when adding coffee shop appeal to your kitchen.  Expand your display area by hanging shelves on bare walls; use cherry wood or black shelves to create extra storage and add a bit of your own unique personality to the room.  Also, put your teapot or coffee mug collection on shelves or just display them on the counter.  Put other coffee related antiques on display as well; this will bring that coffee shop feel to the area, and also be a great conversation starter with visitors.  Your kitchen should have a coffee or espresso maker that is up-to-date, as well as matching kitchen appliances such as a new toaster oven.

Choosing artwork for the walls

Coffee themed artwork is perfect for the walls; this can include coffee cup images or other rendered works of art related to java or mocha.  Create groupings on one wall for a cozy themed corner. You may also want to consider mixing coffee artwork with modern abstract prints for an eclectic look that is bold and striking.  Old-fashioned coffee shops often use chalkboards for advertising the daily specials or to promote a new menu item.  You can steal this idea by hanging a large chalkboard in your kitchen to write down grocery needs, to-do items or a weekly meal menu!  This adds a charming and unique touch to your kitchen.

You may also want to add a “conversation” area to the kitchen where you can visit with guests and enjoy coffee and a muffin.  In one corner of the room, use overstuffed chairs and a small occasional table flanked by a floor lamp with a metallic base and brightly colored shade.

The small accents often make the biggest impact!  If you use packaged coffee, display it in baskets on your counter tops or kitchen table.  Plants, a magazine rack, and a few modern hanging sconces for subtle lighting complete your coffee shop kitchen.

With a little creativity and the ideas above, you can transform a normal kitchen into one with all of the ambiance of your favorite coffee shop – and save money by making your own cuppa joe!

Are you growing tired of the appearance of your kitchen and just want a little change without spending a lot of money?  Have you ever considered simply redoing the cabinets in your kitchen to help spice things up a bit?  It may sound expensive, but depending on which method you choose it can be quick and extremely affordable.  This is a great project for those husbands who want to show their wife how special she is.

There are several different ways to give your kitchen cabinets a makeover.  If you don’t have any problems with the layout or design of your kitchen cabinets, you can make them a bit more modern by changing their surface appearance.  Simply replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and cover the frames with a matching veneer.

Finishes

There are three types of finishes to pick from; plastic laminate, wood veneer and RTF.  This will save you money because you can resurface kitchen cabinets for a third of what it costs to replace them.  To make the room look better, replace a few of your cabinet doors with stained, etched or leaded glass.  This will give your kitchen a fresh, modern look and take away the outdated appearance you may feel your kitchen has.

Paint and save a ton of money

If you don’t have the money to buy new kitchen cabinet doors, or you like the design but just want a small change, think paint.  A little paint can dramatically change the look, not only of your cabinets, but your entire kitchen!  Make sure you choose paint that can withstand the temperature fluctuations in the kitchen.  Oil based paints are the best; they grip better, and they offer a longer lasting, more durable finish than acrylic paints.

Consider removing the cabinet doors completely

The most cost-effective way to renovate the look of your cabinets is to remove the doors altogether.  If you are someone who loves order and has no clutter inside your cabinets, this is a perfect solution.  Open-faced cabinets offer a country appeal as long as you keep your items well organized.  Should you choose to go this route, just clean up the outside framework and add a fresh coat of paint to the framework as well as inside the cabinets.  You may want to use a shade of paint that complements the rest of the decor in your kitchen.

Making the room look brand new is easily accomplished by simply changing the knobs, pulls and hinges on the cabinets.  Pick from several different finishes, like wrought iron, nickel, brass, or even stainless steel.  Whatever you choose for your cabinets, this is a very affordable way to renovate your kitchen without spending more than your budget allows.

Whichever ideas you try, little changes can make a huge difference.  If you’re a little bored with the way your kitchen looks, give it a little “face-lift” using some of the tips above!  Your kitchen will take on an entirely different feel, and you won’t spend more than you can afford in the process.

Love the idea of decorating your kitchen with a fruit based theme, but don’t want it to look like every other kitchen?  You can incorporate fruit in to your kitchen decor in a way that is completely unique and stunningly beautiful.  Below, you will learn a few tricks that will help you in creating a kitchen that is fresh, colorful and inspiring.

Build your decor around one specific fruit

Most people who decorate their kitchens with a fruit theme use the entire basket – in other words, apples, bananas and grapes are all included in accents and accessories.  To give your kitchen a look that is unique and appealing, stick with a single fruit such as apples or grapes.

Think of the colors you normally see in an apple; golden yellow, deep red and green.  When decorating your kitchen with apples, incorporate those colors in your walls as well.  A mellow yellow wall trimmed out in deep red is stunning; paint your bakers rack, dining room table and chairs as well as other accents with the green, red and yellow tones found in the apples.  You might also want to consider stenciling an apple pattern around the top edge of the ceiling to take your motif even further.  When choosing the colors for your kitchen, also consider the various shades a piece of fruit goes through during the ripening process.

Artwork makes the decor “pop”

When selecting artwork for the walls of your kitchen, you may be able to find framed paintings or prints that contain the colors you are using for the room.  Even if you cannot find something that suits your needs, you can create your own whether you have an artistic flair or not!  Take a good, clear photo of the fruit you have displayed in a bowl or basket on your kitchen table and then have it blown up so that you can hang the “art” on a wall near the table.  The exact image of your table centerpiece hanging on a wall will definitely spark conversation.

Another idea you can use is to search for photos in magazines that are suitable for your decor and use them as artwork.  Frame a single page or create a collage using various photos of your chosen fruit.

Accents

To complete the look, add accents that further incorporate your fruit theme.  Canisters, tea pots and cookie jars that are decorated with various fruit designs can be purchased.  Additionally, you can find dish towels, place mats and napkins to match the style you have chosen.  Consider painting your paper towel and napkin holders a bold red or green to take things even further.

Put these ideas to work in your kitchen, and you will have a room that is packed with cheer and color!  As you can see, you don’t have to go the traditional route when it comes to decorating your kitchen in a fruit theme; a little imagination goes a long way.

If you’re considering painting the ceramic tiles in your home but aren’t exactly sure how to go about it, you will find some great tips in this article.  There are several things to consider when painting ceramic tiles.  A few precautions should be taken, but they are quite minor.  Additionally, if you decide to paint your ceramic tile, be aware that it may take several weeks for them to dry completely.  With these tips and tricks, you can easily make your home take on a different look and feel.

Precautions

There are some precautions that everyone needs to be aware of to make sure the paint adheres well and does not peel off.  If you have a lot of traffic through the area that you intend to paint, make sure you cover it with a decorative rug.  In doing so, there will be less risk of dirt or shoes marring the paint or causing it to peel.   You will also want to avoid painting tiles around a shower or sink, as the moisture will likely causes the paint to peel.

You must be patient in order for the newly painted tiles to last; when you let them dry completely, they will be extremely durable.   When you prepare properly and take necessary precautions, you will be very pleased with the result.  Painting ceramic tiles will give your home a modern, clean look.  Sometimes it’s the little changes such as this one that make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your home, and helps to increase its value as well.

Painting tips

When painting ceramic tile there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind.  For exceptional results, only paint ceramic tile that is on vertical surfaces or countertops, this can almost guarantee that your artistic endeavors will last longer.  Select a top-quality 100% acrylic semi-gloss primer and paint, the results will be beautiful and you will save yourself time and money in the future, because touch ups won’t be necessary for years.  Make sure the primer and paint are slightly thin, and apply several light layers so that the finish lasts.  Some of the tools you will need to complete this project include high quality urethane, rags, sponges, clean water, rubber gloves and paint brushes.

Have patience

Painting ceramic tiles requires a good deal of patience, but once the tiles dry thoroughly and you see the finished results you will be ecstatic!  This project may not be for you if you have no patience or if will find it difficult to refrain from walking on or using the surface for a couple of weeks.  If you do decide to paint your ceramic tiles yourself, use the tips above for professional, beautiful results.  When you see the results of your efforts, you will be glad that you took precautions and followed directions!  Today, nearly any surface can be painted to update the look of your home, and ceramic tiles are no exception.

Do you want your kitchen to have a Tuscany theme to it, but have no idea where to begin?  Thinking of a Tuscany style kitchen normally creates images of dark colors and cozy furniture in your mind.  Whether or not you are decorating on a budget, you can easily have this style of kitchen, and it won’t take very long to achieve.

Redecorating can be managed at minimal cost, as many of the things you will use for this style of decorating can be found at flea markets and discount stores.  You can create a kitchen that looks like you spent a fortune on a shoe string budget – and your guests will love the cozy, welcoming atmosphere they experience when they walk into your kitchen.

Dark colors add atmosphere and ambiance

In order to create a Tuscany style kitchen you will want to use darkly toned colors in furniture, walls and accents.  Terra cotta, deep red and rich browns offer a look that is warm, relaxing and totally welcoming.  If you prefer, orange, yellow and green work as well as long as you stick to darker hues.  A great way to enhance these colors is to add natural textures.

Don’t be afraid to use textures such as stone, aged wood, iron and copper; use them on the walls as well, but be careful not to over-do it. These types of textures are great for the floors.  Hardwood floors are the perfect touch in a Tuscan style kitchen, or you may decide that vinyl flooring with a faux stone look is best for your needs.

Furniture and accessories

To achieve the look and atmosphere you are striving for, select a few pieces of appropriate furniture and accessories.  You can often find old or distressed furniture at flea markets and garage sales, so you won’t necessarily have to spend much money.  Some pieces of furniture to look for are old style cabinets, sideboards, and even a big farmhouse type dining room table.

Tuscan decor is based around food and nature, so think of these things while decorating.  Terra cotta pots filled with fresh herbs or baskets with brightly colored fruit are great for this style of decorating.  Large or tall glass bottles filled with vegetables, peppers and olives make perfect accents as well.  You may already have a few empty bottles or terra cotta pots setting around the house which you can use for this purpose.

Wine and grapes are huge in Italian decor.  Whether it is grape leaves, grape vine wreaths, or even wine bottles and glasses, these are essential accessories in the Tuscan kitchen theme.  Using a small iron wine rack and filling it with bottles, even empty ones, can change the whole look of a kitchen in a heartbeat.  Since sunflowers are very popular in Tuscany, use them here and there to help brighten the room a bit.  Whatever you decide to use for your Tuscan style kitchen, keep in mind dark colors and a variety of textures are the key to achieving authentic Tuscan style decor.

Most people really don’t stick to a centralized theme when decorating the kitchen; often, you find those items that you simply love placed here and there with no rhyme or reason.  One item may be traditional, while another is modern or country-themed.  Today, decorating in an eclectic style is completely acceptable, even recommended, if you do it right.  Below you will find many tips and ideas for incorporating several home decorating themes in to one kitchen that looks amazing.

Metal wall art helps create a focal point for the kitchen

Every room needs a focal point; this is a specific area of the room where the eye is immediately drawn when someone enters the room.  For the kitchen, metal wall art can make an amazing focal point.  Flowers, butterflies, musical notes, trees and abstract designs are just a few of the hundreds of choices you will find in metal wall art.

If you have one large wall, consider hanging a very large metal wall art piece surrounded by smaller accents in the same or similar design.

Candle wall sconces and wall planters add further interest

Wall planters look spectacular when placed around windows and doors and they can be filled with ivy, silk flowers, hanging vines, daisies or any other plant of your choosing.  If you have several windows place wall planters on both sides of each casement for a look that is totally charming.

Wall mounted candle sconces can be placed with your metal wall art, on both sides of a large clock or print, or anywhere else you decide they add to the décor of the room.  Use candles scented in those aromas you would usually find in a kitchen, such as spice, vanilla, and pumpkin to create a warm atmosphere.

A touch of wrought iron adds elegance

Love the almost romantic appeal of an arched door way?  You can accomplish many things with wrought iron.  If your door is a common rectangle shape, consider hanging a half-moon shaped wrought iron accent directly above the door to give the appearance of an arched doorway.  You might also decide that you like the idea of wrought iron wall sconces, or perhaps a pot rack hanging over the island displaying your best cookware.

An eclectic look makes it much easier for you to shop for and decorate your kitchen, because you can mix and match those accents and accessories that really stand out for you, without feeling that you must stick to one theme.  This allows you to give your kitchen a special personalized, comfortable appeal that just makes it feel like home.

When it comes to your kitchen, consider this rule:  There are no rules!  If you love tin signs, wooden baskets, metal wall art and wrought iron, use every one of them to your heart’s content.  Not only will you love relaxing over a cup of tea at the kitchen table, your guests will be amazed at your unique sense of style.

Nothing is quite as warm and inviting as a big country kitchen filled with accents and accessories that provide that “down home” appeal.  Today, many families and their guests spend a good deal of time in the kitchen, sharing stories and indulging in goodies as they relax after a long day at work.  In this article, you will find some great tips and ideas for adding the charming look and atmosphere that only a country style kitchen can offer.

Incorporate warm colors

For the country theme, it is essential that you use those colors that create a warm, relaxing environment.  Rust red, country blue, green and yellow are often used in this style of décor to create a colorful yet warm atmosphere.  Consider painting the walls a relaxing shade of country blue, complemented by baseboards and trim work in cream or antique white.

Perk up the walls

While painted walls are fine, you may want to consider bead board paneling, wall paper or even stencils you paint on yourself.  A wallpaper or stenciled boarder around the top of the wall adds further charm and appeal when you use a pattern that includes roosters, teapots, sunflowers or fruit.

Today, you can also create interesting walls yourself using paint and a few techniques that add texture such as stenciling, sponging, and rag-rolling.  Using these techniques allows you to create a look that is original and all your own!  It also adds a personal touch that will make you proud.

Lighting and windows

In a country style kitchen, the lighting you use and the window treatments you select can make all the difference.  Consider light fixtures that are made of wood, wrought iron or tin; curtains designed in gingham checks or plaids or those with stenciled borders give your windows that country fresh appeal.

Accessories complete the look

While most other styles of decorating a kitchen advise you to keep things simple and sleek, country decorating is just the opposite; you want charming accents anywhere and everywhere!  A wrought iron pot rack hanging from the ceiling is the perfect place for those iron skillets.  Cinnamon and apple pie scented candles can be placed on counter tops, a baker’s rack, or any other flat surface.

The kitchen table can be made of any type of wood, as long as the look is a bit worn or distressed.  A large braided rug placed directly under the table adds charm, as does a country-style throw rug for the area in front of your sink.  Wooden or tin country signs, baskets, cookbooks and canisters finish the look and bring everything together.

Not everyone’s idea of country decorating is the same; some like Americana, while other prefer hearts, cows, roosters, gingerbread men or even sunflowers.  To make your home as comfortable as possible, always use those items that are your favorites.  A country home feels lived in; those who visit your home know they are welcome, and that you are in no hurry for them to leave.  Make your home the most inviting on the block by adding the old-fashioned charm of country décor.

Remodeling a kitchen can cost a fortune, but you can make a few easy (and cost-effective) changes yourself that will give your kitchen an entirely new look.  If your kitchen is beginning to look a little drab and needs livening up a bit, this article will give you some inspirational ideas that will help you “do it yourself” – and give you a kitchen you will once again love sitting in while enjoying a cup of hot coffee as the sun rises over the horizon.

Give drab windows an overhaul

If you’ve been using mini blinds or curtains that are out of date, consider hanging a curtain rod and folding fabric napkins or placements over it at a diagonal.  This will add a bold splash of color and a unique design!

Switch out your handles and drawer pulls

Instead of brass or wood knobs that are plain, get a little creative.  You can easily replace your knobs and handles with unique patterns available today such as vegetables, fruit, teapots and abstract styles that add an unusual touch to cabinet doors and drawers.

Get the look of new appliances

Have appliances that work like new, but the colors are outdated?  You can easily change colors by using appliance paint.  Simply remove handles and tape off any areas you don’t want painted with masking tape.  Apply the color of your choice, and enjoy appliances that look new and modern.

Nothing breathes new life like a fresh coat of paint

Just painting your walls in itself can give your kitchen a fresh new look.  Try some of the easy techniques such as sponging, stamping, rag-rolling and feather dusting to create a beautiful, rich texture.  Consider painting baseboards and trim a contrasting color to really make the walls “pop.”

Do-it-yourself floors

If your floors are stained or worn out, it can be expensive to have new ceramic tile or wood floors installed.  Today, there are beautifully patterned self-adhesive vinyl tiles you can easily install yourself, and they are far less costly than having other types of floors installed.  The quality has also improved drastically over the years.

Give your cabinets a new finish

It’s fairly easy to strip the old finish off of your cabinets and replace it with new.  Citrus-based strippers are now available that let you easily remove the old finish with greater safety.  Just layer it on, let it set for a few minutes and then rub off with rags.  Once you remove the old finish, you can create an antiqued, worn look by painting and then sanding the edges, or apply a combination of polyurethane and stain for a fresh new look.

Clear the clutter

Nothing makes a kitchen look as messy as too much clutter.  When you have small appliances, mail, dishes and other things scattered all over your counter tops, the look is nothing but cluttered.  Put small appliances under the counter or in a pantry.  Remove everything except the absolute necessities, and you will see that your kitchen instantly has a more spacious, clean look.

Add a few embellishments

If you really want to spruce up your kitchen, try some of the new do-it-yourself crown molding at the top of your cabinets or even around the ceiling.  Consider placing a chair rail around your entire dining room to dress it up a bit.  These additions will give your kitchen a dressy, elegant appeal.

The ideas mentioned above are all affordable, and most are easy to accomplish yourself.  A complete remodel would cost tens of thousands of dollars if you were to buy new cabinets, new floors, and new counter tops.  By doing these things yourself, you potentially save thousands – and have a brand new kitchen you will absolutely love.