Brady also considers modern pendant lights, chandeliers, and under-cabinet lighting to improve the aesthetic and functionality of the space. Both designers point out that whether you need more light for food prep or want the perfect mood lighting for a dinner party, installing dimmer switches lets you control the ambiance of your kitchen.
Open for display
Adding extra storage is never a bad idea, especially when you're considering options for displaying knick-knacks and unique pieces. Replacing some of your upper cabinets with open shelves can add a custom feel, says Steffi Ohm, principal of San Francisco-based design studio Alter Interiors. Adding more open shelves can also make your kitchen feel larger and more airy, adds Haslegrave. They give you easy access to the items you use most, and you can add personality by displaying your favorite dishes, glassware, and décor.
Raise the roof
In addition to cleaning up your walls and cabinets, consider covering your ceiling in a contrasting or complementary color. Painting your kitchen every surface, including the ceiling, the same color can create a cozy cave-like effect, while a contrasting color can add drama. “There isn't always enough wall space in the kitchen, so it's important to think of the ceiling as a fifth wall,” explains Sandra Lucas, a designer at Houston-based Lucas/Eilers Design Associates. For a bigger effect, she recommends painting or wallpapering the ceiling.
Laying the tiles
Tile is often used as a backsplash accent to bring color and personality to a kitchen. Rather than tiling the area behind the stove, consider covering an entire wall with tile or combining two types of tile to create an eye-catching look. “High-quality fixtures, hardware and attractive tile always make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a space,” says Oehm. “Laying tile up to the ceiling behind open shelving enhances this effect, creating a stylish visual effect with a relatively small amount of tile.”
Don't just paint, plaster your walls
While a lick of paint might be your first defense against a drab kitchen, Haslegrave reminds us that plaster, a durable, moisture-regulating material, offers an attractive and practical alternative. “Plaster walls add texture and depth to a kitchen, creating a rich, artisanal finish that paint just can't replicate,” says Haslegrave, who favors a neutral color palette to highlight plaster's natural beauty.
