Create a “You-nique” Kitchen
By Haskell Matheny, ASID, CAPS, LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE | Photo by Med Dement
Four Easy Ways to Personalize Your Space
In today’s home, a boring, beige kitchen doesn’t make the cut. The kitchen is the heart of the home— your home—so make it reflect what makes you special. By applying a few “you-nique” principles, you can make your kitchen a truly one-of-a-kind space, reflecting the lifestyle, look, and things you love most. Consider these four easy ways to personalize your space.
Pick a You-nique color
Honey oak cabinets with beige walls and tan floors just won’t do for your kitchen. Think about your favorite color and use it as wall paint. Select a vibrant backsplash tile for a nice jolt of color. Or look at your dinnerware for inspiration in painting an island or hutch piece. Still not sure? Look to your wardrobe—you’re probably wearing colors that you love. The point is to surround yourself with shades that make you happy.
Select a You-nique material
Mixing in an unusual material can say a lot about your style and personality. Try an exotic wood, like bamboo or lyptus, or copper accents for a vintage feel. Cork on the floor and recycled glass countertops are other current trends that are different and special. Look around your home and garden for materials and products that speak to you. Then find ways to incorporate them into your kitchen’s design.
Create You-nique solutions
There is no such thing as a one-size-fitsall kitchen. Make a list of the activities you perform in the kitchen and any special requests you may have. Those special functions or solutions are what can make your kitchen you-nique. Like coffee and tea? Design a special area for all your coffee and tea needs. Like to bake? Create a special lowered marble counter for rolling dough, complete with drawers designated for all your baking items including rolling pins, dough cutters and pastry bags. By designing your space to fit your lifestyle and needs, you are creating that one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Focus on You-nique details
Sometimes, the small things can have the greatest impact on setting your kitchen apart from the rest. Pay attention to light fixtures. Countertop edges. The fabric on your chair bottoms. The style of your faucet or cabinetry hardware. These little things can speak volumes about who you are and the message you want to send.
And just like accessories and jewelry can “make or break” an outfit, so can the items you select. Are they fussy or clean? Modern or traditional? Attention grabbing or quiet and reserved? The devil is in the details, and the details will make all the difference in your kitchen.
By using the principles above, you too can create a kitchen that reflects your you-nique lifestyle and personality, and one that truly captures the heart of your home.
