Increasingly, the kitchen has become more than simply a place where food is prepared. In many households it is where the family gathers for the evening meal, and where parents can spend some quality time with their children. Great care should be taken when it comes to decorating this space to ensure that more than just the room’s functional side is represented.
Lighting and flooring
Whether you are aiming to aspire to the giddy heights of Michel Roux Jnr. or simply trying to follow some wonderful Delia Smith recipes, the place where you actually prepare and cook food has to be useful, practical, and easy to clean. One of the most important aspects to get right is the lighting. Small halogen ceiling lights will concentrate the illumination over your work surfaces and help to keep you and other family members safe when using sharp utensils. Most modern hobs are fitted with overhead lights and these are not only useful but can also produce a pleasant glow that will light up the whole cooking area.
Marble, granite, or even ceramic tiles are excellent for the floor surfaces of the cooking area; they are hygienic, and also very easy to maintain. One interesting look to try is having a dark coloured floor surface to complement a pastel wall colour scheme. Alternatively, a light coloured floor can help to create an optical illusion of space. These materials can also be used in the construction of the work surface.
Useful decorating suggestions
The right colour scheme and furniture can really help to enhance your cooking area. The best idea is to choose your colour scheme based on the amount of natural light the room gets; if the room doesn’t get much sun you will probably find light colours to be best, though a dramatic dark wall colour can look stunning, especially if you use this room as a dining area. Circular dining table sets are an excellent idea for the kitchen area, and far more adaptable than the more conventional rectangular model. Fixing a pendant light over the table will really help to make it a focal point of the room.
There are many different types of cookers on the market these days, from some quite frightening looking multi-hob ranges to the more conventional models. No matter what you choose, you can always brighten up the surrounding areas with painted tiles or pictures that will help to provide the space with life and colour. Tiles are easy to keep clean, which is always a bonus.
Most people collect numerous recipe books and magazines, and many modern fitted kitchens incorporate a book cupboard into their designs. Even in the current ‘paperless society’ you will still need to find somewhere to keep your printed out recipes; one idea is to convert one of your existing cupboards and replace the plain frontage with glass, which will prove to be both functional and attractive.
Herbs on the windowsill are also a great idea; not only are these plants vital in the preparation of many dishes but they will also provide some greenery in your kitchen.
However you choose to decorate your cooking area, always make certain that it remains free of clutter. This part of the kitchen has to be easy to use, and you don’t want to move ornaments and decorative items every time you prepare a meal. Make sure that your gadgets, including coffeemakers, kettles, and teapots are easily accessible, and store all sharp utensils and toxic substances well out of the reach of small children.