Interior Design Meets Functionality in the Kitchen

When most people think of interior design, they picture paint, rugs, and decorations. For the most part this is an accurate depiction; but what about your kitchen? As a focal point in your home, you should consider the look, convenience, and functionality of the space when designing or redesigning.

As with any room in your home, the finish, color, and layout of your appliances can be chosen to fit the feel and style of the room. Stainless steel appliances are quite popular because they fit well in several styles and with several colors. Aesthetics aside, here are a few items you don't want to forget when you are planning your kitchen layout.

1. Water Filtration Systems- I believe that one of the first things your home needs is a water filtration system. Contrary to popular belief, your city water supply is not perfect and in a number of places it contains a variety of contaminants that I am certain you and your family do not want to consume. Be a smart consumer, order a water report from your city and find the right filter to keep your home and family healthy.

2. Dishwasher- I don't know about you but I certainly do not like doing dishes. If you do not have a dishwasher or yours has been on the fritz for any length of time, I am sure you can relate. Adding a dishwasher to your kitchen will give you more time to spend with your family, which is a valuable and limited resource. Consider the look and feel you are going for in your kitchen and you should have no problem finding the perfect dishwasher to match your home.

3. Dual Ovens- If you can afford and fit this item into your kitchen, you would be crazy not too. Even better, you can now get standards size stoves that offer split ovens. If you like to cook then this will be well worth the investment as it will allow you to make multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously. It really is one of the best investments I have made and I am pretty sure you will feel the same way.

4. Garbage Disposal - If you have ever forgotten to take the trash out and walked into your kitchen the next morning, you can relate to this. Avoid the "oh-my" look and dump your scraps down the disposal instead. Aside from keeping an unwanted odor from hitting you in the face, it can also save a lot of time picking up trash that animals decided to tear open for a snack. Garbage disposals are cheap and easy to install so don't skimp on this item.

5. Multiple Light Sources- Sometimes you may want your kitchen to look like an aisle at Wal-Mart and other times you may want to have dimmer lighting, like when you are making a midnight snack. Combining recessed lighting, drop lighting, and under cabinet lights are a great way to make sure you always have light when and where you need it.

Remember, your kitchen is a very important room in your home . A great kitchen can make your life easier, boost the resell value, and finish off an otherwise lovely home.

Using Colors in Interior Design

What mood do you want to set when you are redesigning your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, office, or indoor porch area? 

Understanding the power of color and how color can affect the mood in an active, neutral, or passive way can determine what will work best for each room. Color can rock your decor

And... before you say: "how in the world am I going to get those colors into my home" 

Do not forget about your windows. Almost every room in your home has a window in it and that is the PERFECT place to add some much need pop to the room. Regardless of the size or number of your windows, opting for some custom designed curtains is a great way to add some SNAP, CRACKLE, and WAPOW to any room. While you are at it, adding some custom covers to existing furniture wouldn't hurt in most cases either. Now here is what colors promote.

Blue. The color blue is the quintessential hue to use to promote calmness and serenity for the bathroom or the bedroom.  Blue is considered a balancing color, pleasant, even therapeutic, as studies show that it can lower one’s blood pressure. However, it is wise to stay away from darker blues, as that may add to depression. So, adding “blue” to a room rather than the “blues” is a peaceful choice for a comfortable living space.

Green.  Although blue is a calm and serene color, green is considered the easiest color on the eyes. Like blue, green has a calming effect as it is a symbol of fertility and nature. Green is also great for the bedroom as it promotes restfulness. The color green equates with no-stress and relaxation. Perhaps that would explain why there is a “green room” in theatres or in television. You can create your own green room at home.

Neutral Colors. Black, brown, gray, and white are designer staples in decorating a room. Black is glamorous, serious, sophisticated, and pairs up well with other neutrals. Brown is considered a reliable and safe color. Gray is calm, elegant, modern, and popular. The color of sophistication, gray is an intellectual color used often in architecture. Gray is also the color of wisdom. White will make a room look larger and cleaner.  Neutral tones also contrast well with natural wood. If in doubt, start with neutrals and add color to liven a room.

Orange. Considered an energizing color, orange is a color that is great for workout rooms and offices. Because orange is a stimulating color, it is not recommended for bathrooms or bedrooms.

Pink. This is the ultimate color of affection and femininity. Pink, especially the lighter tones, is gentle, peaceful, yet warm. Pink is a great color for a bathroom.

            Purple.  The color purple is considered the hue of royalty, as purple is considered creative, elegant, majestic, and sophisticated. Purple also goes well with silver.  Lighter purples such as lavender are calming for the bedroom.

            Red. The color red is powerful, as it activates and stimulates emotions such as courage, love, passion, and rage. Red also stimulates the appetite, and would be good for the kitchen. Red is not advisable for bathrooms or bedrooms, as they stimulate aggression.

            Yellow.  The color of sunshine and the symbols of communication and spirituality, yellow is a positive power color. Yellow is also considered an energizing color, so it would be a great color for an office or porch.

            Choosing the right color will make a positive difference in creating the perfect living space for you. If you are ready to take you design to the next level you should consider enlisting the help of a design expert.