Kitchen Decorating Tips
Style, Design and Decor

Once you have done all the hard work in planning the layout and positioning of your kitchen, now consider the style, theme and precise details.

Take a little time to choose your fittings, finishes, style and colors. Browse the kitchen styles on this website, in magazines, and in your local kitchen and DIY stores, for lots of ideas.

Try to think about the following kitchen decorating tips, while you make your choices.

• If you have a small kitchen, choose pale colors to maximise the space. Try a streamlined, minimal design and incorporate lots of space-saving ideas.


• Larger kitchens can take brighter or darker colors. Try including color contrasts between different parts of the design. Choose pale units with a dark counter top and tiles, and a mid range color for the walls - or choose your own variation, which suits your own tastes.


• Find colors that work for you, are suitable for your room, and create the right mood or atmosphere.


• If you have a kitchen/diner, try splitting off the areas for cooking and dining. Use a row of units, a change of flooring, a change of wall color or wallpaper. You may wish to decorate the dining area in a color that makes you feel more relaxed and sociable, and choose ambient, mood lighting for this area.


• Darker colors will be good if the dining will mostly take place during the evening. Add some soft textures such as rugs, carpets, curtains, cushions or wall hangings - to soften and relax the mood of the dining area.


• Consider the color and design of the tiles. Pale and cool colors tend to recede. Dark and warm colors come forward. Small tiles or mosaic tiles look good used in small rooms, but can look jumbled and fussy in large rooms. Large scale tiles look better in large rooms.


• Modern tiles come in all colors, shapes, textures and materials - including glass and stone. You can get some really unusual and stunning tile designs, but make sure you choose something you will be able to live with longterm. I always like to choose a fairly neutral tile color, that will give me lots of options for changing the wall colors in the future.


• Consider the use of patterned tiles - I advise to use these sparingly, unless the design is very simple. Try and stick to the guidelines on using pattern.

  Easy DIY Tiling Guide



• Alternatives to tiles might be traditional tongue-and-groove panelling (we are planning on putting this in our kitchen very soon), or modern stainless steel or glass panels. You can now buy wall panels to match your work surfaces, for a modern, streamlined effect.


• Here are some more kitchen decorating tips - on choosing your kitchen work surface to meet your needs. Consider durability, maintenance and cost - as well as good looks.


• Wood, or butcher's block looks great in a modern or traditional setting - and you can choose a variety of wood finishes. If you choose wood, make sure you are prepared to take the time to treat and oil it every few months - to stop it drying out, and keep it in tip-top condition.


• Granite, marble and stone (or stone effect) look luxurious and sophisticated - but cost lots. They need to be kept super shiny to look great.


• 'Composite' work tops are made from a mixture of minerals and resins. They look good and are really tough too. They are a lot cheaper than the genuine article, but are really good look-a-likes.


• You can also get granite worktops which fit on top of your existing work surfaces - cutting the price considerably. Find out more, here... (UK)


• 'Corian' is a practical man-made material that comes in a huge choice of colors. It can be joined together almost seamlessly, and adds a real touch of luxury to the modern kitchen.


• For many people, a simple laminate covered board is a pleasingly adequate work surface. It is not too pricey at all, and is perfectly functional and hard wearing. It also comes in loads of different colors and effects - to suit your chosen style.

  Easy DIY Guide to installing your kitchen countertop



• Modern kitchens may include a lot of shiny glossy finishes - stainless steel, glass and high gloss cupboards. This gives your kitchen a minimalist, clean, hygienic look, and is very practical, as it can be wiped clean easily.


• Wood and wood effect is still a very popular choice for the kitchen. It is good for a modern kitchen, but is an ideal kitchen decorating tip to use in a traditional or country kitchen. Wood gives a warm, natural, friendly feel - and comes in many different colors and finishes.


• Enhance your wood, by keeping to the warm feeling - use more warm colors in other elements of your kitchen design. Or, contrast the warm wood against a cool color. This is what I have done in my kitchen at home - chocolate oak cupboard doors, contrasted against against pale blue walls, and mixed with pale blue blinds with pink flowers in a retro '50's pattern - mmmm - I love it!

Save money on your kitchen by buying the kitchen cabinets yourself online - it is a great idea, and gives you the oportunity to think about what you really want and need for your kitchen. You can fit them yourself, or get a local fitter to do it for you.

Watch this video clip for some quick kitchen decorating tips for replacing cabinets...

Just click on the picture to find out more...

Try an ultra-modern, sophisticated kitchen design. It really is the 'must-have' kitchen choice of the season.

Bring the tranquility of the Tuscan landscape into your home with a Tuscan inspired kitchen design.

Learn how to create a timeless kitchen with universal appeal, with a country kitchen decorating theme.

Look at some cheap and easy kitchen makeover ideas.

Look at more practical aspects to designing your kitchen and positioning your appliances.

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