Home Improvement Kitchen Designing

Every homemaker's pride is her kitchen, and the decision to give it a makeover is to balance its functionality with visual appeal. Kitchens are no longer unseen corners of activity as they were many years ago, but are a subtle statement, and can be transformed from tired to terrific in a few simple ways.

Walls and floors

A simple change of colour on your walls can bring in a whiff of freshness to dull, lifeless surroundings. Try pastel shades of yellow and green or experiment with a contrasting shade on a single wall. In case you plan to include a snack counter in a corner, try deep shades of orange. "Brick orange is said to enhance appetite," says Uttam Singh, a local restaurateur, "but can seem a little too overwhelming if the kitchen is small. Stick to light shades that make the room look bigger." You can also make the kitchen feel airy by introducing more light. If the location doesn't allow much natural light to come in, introduce a ceiling panel or soft yellow wall lights. A kitchen floor should be easy to clean and maintain, and less expensive options include vinyl and mosaic. Maximise your floor space by keeping your furniture to the bare minimum and hanging all your cabinets on your walls or placing them under the counter.

Cabinets and counters

Indians need a lot more storage space as compared to our western counterparts, thanks to the innumerable vessels that characterise our style of cooking. Organise your vessels neatly into storage spaces and avoid clutter on the kitchen counter. Cabinets can be transformed in a jiffy with paint or laminates, or by changing hinges, knobs, and doors. Try hanging a few colourful coffee mugs or wooden spoons over your counter. An attractive spice holder or a colourful clock can make all the difference. Bring in colourful borders or motifs made out of chipped glass or ceramic over your cabinets. Replace your old handles and knobs with more ornate ones to spruce up your cabinets and enhance their look.