Great Decorating Ideas
Kitchen Hints and Tips

Make your kitchen work for you!

Consider these practical aspects to your kitchen plans.

As well as looking at the overall plan and layout, there are a few other practical aspects to think about when considering your kitchen decorating ideas.

Kitchen planning demands that you think about practicalities and function in your design.

I think you will find these are all really useful considerations:

The Sink

• Position the sink first


• It should be close to the water supply


• Make sure there is enough work surface on either side for dishes and food preparation


• Lots of people (I am one of them - are you?) like to position the sink under a window - it's one of the best decorating ideas for kitchen areas, and nice to enjoy a view of the garden whilst washing up


• If you are right handed, choose a sink with the bowl on the left, and draining board on the right.


• If you have a dishwasher as well as a sink, it should still be positioned on the same wall as the sink, to cut down on plumbing

Oven and Hob

• If possible, position the oven on an outside wall - ventilation will be easier and more efficient


• Fit a hob hood/extractor fan - it will remove nasty smells - particularly good if you are considering open plan decorating ideas for kitchen diners.


• Position the hob and oven together - and make sure you can put hot pans and dishes on a heat proof surface nearby.


• If possible, try not to place the hob or cooker in a corner, or at the end of a line of units


• Don't position the hob under a window
  • - you might get burnt opening the window
  • - if you have curtains, they might be a fire risk
  • - if you use gas, the draught from an open window could easily extinguish your pilot light


• Make sure your hob and oven are not accessible to small children - hot things can be very dangerous

Fridge and Freezer

• Position the fridge and freezer away from the oven, so that they work more efficiently.


• Keep the fridge and freezer (if separate units) close together for ease of use.


• But, if you don't use your freezer that often, consider housing it in a separate utility room, or garage - to save space.

Washing and Drying

• Position a washing machine on the same wall as the sink, to make the plumbing easier.


• A tumble dryer may need to be on an outside wall for ventilation - or, at least, ventilated outside by means of a long plastic pipe (not overly attractive).


• Newer tumble dryers may have an inbuilt water storage area, so can be positioned anywhere suitable.


• In larger houses a distinct laundry room (or utility room) would be ideal - or even a separate laundry cupboard like we have. It's a great decorating idea for kitchens that you want to keep tidy. Most people will probably need to incorporate washing machines and dryers into their main kitchen design.

Seating and Eating

• A seating area is really nice in a kitchen - it makes it into a real friendly, family area.


• If you have a very large kitchen, consider a sofa, or other comfortable seating. You can relax after a meal, or you can have company while you cook.


• A dining area in the kitchen will increase its value - so, if you can squeeze one into a corner, definitely try.


• If you don't have the space for a full table and chairs, try a wall-mounted or freestanding folding table and folding chairs.


• Another of the best decorating ideas for kitchens is to try a 'dining nook'. Build a small table with storage benches into your kitchen design.


• Consider a breakfast bar if space is tight - with tall stools which can store underneath. Breakfast bars do tend to be more for informal eating and snacks. I find they always have an 'eat-up-and-move-on' feel. They can look very smart and modern though, and are great decorating ideas for kitchen areas.

Storage

• Adequate storage is vital in your kitchen.


• Make a list of everything you need to find a place for in your kitchen. Try to allocate a space for every item. If you can also build in extra space for future purchases, that would be fantastic.


• Fit in as much storage space as you can. Use all the little gaps between cupboards and at the end of units for wine racks, spice racks, or even an integrated ironing board.


• Use the corners created by two unit rows fitted together wisely. A carousel or pull-out shelf is a good idea, and will store large items well.


• b>Deep pan drawers are a very useful addition to consider.


• Make sure your largest plate fits into the cupboard you want to put it in. Make sure tall items, such as bottles or cereal packets, fit where you want them to. (It's very annoying having to fold down the tops of all your cereal packs before they fit into your cupboard ...... I know!)


• Open shelving can make your kitchen feel more spacious - as well as putting all your most attractive items on display. But if you are a bit messy (like me ....sorry!) or would rather visitors didn't get an eyeful of your crockery or your food purchases - stick to enclosed cupboards. Try frosted glass doors for a lighter and more spacious feel - while keeping your cupboards' interior (reasonably) private.



• Consider using wall mounted storage - usually stainless steel bars, mounted to your tiles. You can then hang various items off - including spatulas, serving spoons and ladles - also spice racks, paper towel and tin foil holders, and small storage shelves, to hold condiments and other bits and bobs.


• Think about putting your food items (such as pasta, rice or lentils) into large clear storage jars. These are available quite cheaply, look attractive, and can be left on display on top of your work surface.

I hope you found these decorating ideas for kitchen rooms helpful.

There are a few more vital statistics you should know before you start your kitchen decorating project.

Have you looked at the section on layout and the work triangle yet?

Please check out the section on decor and design in your kitchen for more useful and stylish decorating ideas for kitchens.

Do you want a cheap and easy kitchen makeover? Click here.

Have you chosen a style for your kitchen yet? Try this new look for kitchens, ultra-modern and stylish.

Or try bringing a little bit of the Mediterranean atmosphere into your home - decorate your kitchen Tuscany style.

What about a timeless kitchen, with universal appeal? Consider a country kitchen decorating theme.

Return to the main kitchen decorating tips page.

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