Keep Kitsch out of the Kitchen

The time has finally come to ditch the harvest gold hue that adorn the walls of your kitchen, and replace faded—and often temperamental—coffee pot and blender your parents gave you when you first left for college. You’ve waited for this day for years, and have scouted out the aisles of the local big-box hardware store so many times the front-door greeter knows you on a first name basis. One question remains prevalent, however, in the quest to bring your kitchen into the twenty-first century: how to keep the kitchen contemporary? There are several important aspects of a kitchen remodel, but for many, the overall aesthetics—coupled with the practical use of space—top the list. You want your kitchen to “wow,” and if the day comes to sell, you do not want the kitchen to be deal breaker. Kitchens are often the second most common remodel of the new-homebuyer, and even if you plan to stay put for several years, you want a space you can continue to be proud of. The first thing to consider is layout. Single-line, l-shaped, u-shaped, galley, and island layouts are the five most common designs of the modern kitchen; however, the layout you select is largely based on the way you plan to use your kitchen. Single-line, l-shaped, and island layouts are optimal for the social kitchen scene, allowing for ample movement within the kitchen, as well as an area separate from the prep space where guests can mingle and socialize. Galley and u-shaped kitchens provide greater counter space in close proximity, making it easier to jump from one cook station to the next, allowing them to be more suited for higher capacity culinary preparation. Lighter is better when it comes to kitchens, regardless if the space is for hosting or purely for food preparation. Take the time to determine which lighting scenario will work best for you. Focus on what elements or decorative aspects of the kitchen you wish to highlight, and what overall mood you are working to create. Warm, cozy light is best achieved with incandescent bulbs, where halogen lights can be used to direct light in a very specific way. Florescent light is efficient and long lasting, but is limited in its ability to create mood. As far as color is concerned, keep things neutral. Bold, stark colors may have more personality, but can become dated fast. Certain colors also have a tendency to create mood and sensation. Colors on the red end of the spectrum are often stimulating and can increase the appetite, whereas cooler colors, such as blue and indigo, are seen as more relaxing colors, and can reduce appetite. Try visiting a local coffee shop or restaurant, and give special attention to how you react to the different color schemes. Remain open, and remember that color can always be altered later down the road. Appliances are a key attention grabber, and are indicative of a modern kitchen. Principally, select appliances that match the theme of the kitchen. Stainless is always a safe option, and the appearance of these appliances evokes a feeling of reliance and durability. Energy efficient machinery can save you money in operating costs, and easy to operate appliances—such as easy to grip stove knobs, or accessible refrigerator controls—will keep you calm when the in-laws arrive early. The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, and for this reason it is important for you to be happy in the space you are in. Take the time to really think about what you want out of your kitchen, and do what works best for you. Walls can be repainted, and appliances can be replaced; but the pride you hold in you kitchen can have a strong impact on the food you prepare, like framed art, it represents something special.