We have more options than ever in kitchen products and styles. Stainless steel appliances, rich wood cabinetry and granite countertops are on everyone’s wish list. Once you get the big features in place and you have a kitchen that is efficient, organized and easy to maintain, it’s time to enhance the look with decorative features.
Whether your kitchen is brand spanking new or space that has welcomed cooks for generations, there are ways to spice things up and make the space more inviting and conducive to cooking.
Look to the style of your cabinetry, lighting fixtures, faucets and countertops for ideas on where to begin. For instance, if you have an old-fashioned kitchen with white appliances and white painted cabinets, go with the flow and bring in a retro look. If it’s an eat-in kitchen you can search for a 1950’s style table with vinyl chairs. Use dishtowels from the same era to keep the color theme going. If you have glass-fronted or open cabinets, drape them from a shelf for a punch of color and whimsy. Even little things like the toaster and salt & pepper shakers can carry the theme.
The theme in your kitchen could pick up on the surrounding local. A rustic lodge atmosphere works in a wooded setting and a kitchen in a beach house looks ship-shape with a nautical theme.
Here are some specific areas where you can add some personal touches.
Backsplash
A backsplash is a necessity in a kitchen because food prep and clean up can wreck havoc on the walls. A backsplash will protect the walls and it can be easily wiped down. Go with easy-to-clean tile in ceramic, glass or stone. Be wary of tile or stone with lots of recesses as debris can get trapped in the crevices. Many decorated tiles are available; they can be used as trim, as random accents, or to make a mural in the space above your cooktop. Your backsplash can coordinate with your countertop or you can choose a contrasting color.
Art Decor
When it comes to decorating kitchen walls, the options are almost limitless: Paintings, metal wall art, plates, baskets, ceramics and pottery. Everyday items like cooking utensils and spice racks add personality to bare walls. Wrought iron pot holders are an attractive way corral a collection of pots and pans. Shop home goods stores, antique shops and online sources for items that tie in with your colors and theme.
Painted Cabinetry
Older, outdated cabinetry can get an instant update with fresh paint. A paint roller makes the job go quicker and results in a smoother finish; remove doors and paint them on a table or sawhorse. If you like, you can add a stenciled or free hand design to your cabinets. New cabinet knobs and pulls are a quick way to refresh the décor.
Display Food & Flowers
Decorate with food! A bowl of lemons or a basket of fresh fruit looks great on a counter. Tiered dishes are a classic way to display fruit, vegetables or pastries. Show off your collection of fine wine in a Tuscan metal wine rack. Old fashioned mason jars with lids can make a country kitchen cozy: pour several layers of different colored dried beans or rice into jars, screw on the lids and you have a unique accent for countertops or shelves. Fresh flowers in pitchers always look great on your countertop or table.
Article #4
Southwestern Wall Décor – Inspired by Nature
Native Americans, who inhabited the United States long before the first Europeans came, developed a society that was closely attuned to nature. Hunter-gatherers who lived off the land, their homes, food, clothing, and tribal society were intertwined with their dependence and respect for the earth and her creatures. Their art, called Native American or Southwestern, is renowned for its naturalistic simplicity and beauty.
Native Americans believed that everything had a spirit; this was true for humans, animals, plants, fire, water and all elements of the earth. Their art was an expression of these beliefs and a testament to their connection to all of nature.
Native American art was expressed through hieroglyphs instead of an alphabet. Each hieroglyphic symbol told a story, such as the details of a successful hunt or the death of a revered tribal leader. Hundreds of years later, we are still intrigued by the spirit and beauty of Native American art.
Here are some tips on decorating with a Native American influence.
1. When choosing color for your walls, think in terms of the geographical southwestern United States: The soft pastels of a New Mexican sunset, the textured walls of an adobe, with undertones of umber and brown. You can contrast the bright pop of blues, greens, reds and yellows against a more neutral base. Think of the vivid painted tile that you’d find surrounding a fireplace in Taos. Those are your accent colors.
2. For a distinctive accent, search online for hieroglyphs that appeal to you. Have an artist recreate them on a soffit, pillar, or above a doorway or large window. If you have a large wall, the hieroglyphs can be arranged randomly. Just remember that a little bit goes a long way.
3. Traditional Native American wall hangings such as animal skins or colorful striped rugs create instant Southwestern drama. If using real animal skins doesn’t appeal to you, many realistic reproductions can be found in furniture and home goods stores.
4. Similarly, bear skin rugs were an authentic part of Native American culture as were animal trophies such as the heads of deer or bear. You can opt for just the antlers of deer if you prefer. There are shed naturally and can be found in woods and fields that are frequented by deer.
5. Southwestern pottery is a stunning accent. You can hang plates directly on a wall or place pottery on a mantel or wall shelf. Hieroglyphs are usually a dominant feature of this pottery.
6. A stone fireplace is a natural focal point in a Southwestern room. Many home improvement stores now offer a pre-fabricated stone product that is flat on one side and can be installed over an existing fireplace front.
7. Naturalistic paintings of woods, valleys, mountains and rivers are an obvious choice in Southwestern wall art. Rough-hewn frames help carry the theme.
8. Bring in texture with faux-animal skin pillows and throws, colorful rugs, and natural wood tables and accents. An unexpected accent, like a pair of authentic moccasins set upon the fireplace hearth, lends an air of mystery.
In need of additional decorating ideas that include tropical wall decor or fleur de lis wall dеcor? Article author and senior staff writer Alyssa Davis provides many more free and unique ideas at Metal-Wall-Art.com.
