At the top of many good lists of kitchen decorating ideas are the same key words: clean, uncluttered and simple. Decorating does not always have to mean dramatic color pallets and million dollar makeovers. A few tasteful changes here and there throughout the room can go a long way to creating a pleasing room decor.
While cleaning isn’t one of the most exciting kitchen decorating ideas, it is probably the most important followed closely by de-cluttering. A clean kitchen just looks nice, no matter what your color combo or decorative style. Crumbs are not a kitchen fashion accessory, and neither are dirty dishes, grease stains or coffee circles on the counter.
Another kitchen décor detractor is clutter. One of the top kitchen decorating ideas is to de-clutter the counters and cabinets. Of course the kitchen needs to be functional, but every cooking utensil, pot and pan does not need to be displayed on the counter top. And if you don’t use it, throw it out or pack it away. The kitchen is not the place to keep knick-knacks or collectibles. Save that for the shelves in the den.
Creating decorative storage options addresses a number of kitchen decorating issues, including cleanliness, clutter and appearance, not to mention boosting efficiency. Be creative with storage by using decorative accents wherever you can to mask function. Using a colorful vase or decorative piece of pottery is an effective and attractive way to store kitchen utensils on the counter.
Get a few pretty baskets and put them on top of the fridge to hold the mail that has a tendency to pile up on the counter. Then once a week go through the basket and purge. Put bins and baskets inside the drawers and cabinets to keep things organized and tidy. Add a color punch with some matching storage containers. In a neutral kitchen, a brightly colored basket or storage bin may be just the right thing to kick things up a notch.
Be careful with color in the kitchen. Too much can be overwhelming, especially if the room is not large and open. Feel free to make a bold color statement by painting the walls, but don’t follow that up with cups, dishes, pots, pans and appliances to match. Stainless steel appliances – small and large – enhance any kitchen color pallet and are durable and easy to keep clean as well. The same is true for basic black and white. While that orange coffee pot may look nice in the store, it could be a bit much on the kitchen counter. Remember to keep things simple while decorating the kitchen, and it will never feel half-baked or overdone.