How to Decorate a Modest Kitchen

Modest kitchens should understand the allotted apace they’ve been given. They’re all about a clean, crisp look. This doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your personality within the space. Just be aware of the space limitations you are working within.

Neutral colors continue to win over the hearts of homeowners. They’re the perfect choice for smaller kitchens as they create the illusion of more space. We love the look of white cabinets which help extend the height and width of your walls. For your minimal accessories, try incorporating greens, browns and grays into the space. Choose black accents and outlines to pop against the white. Also, a burst of red will add a refreshing, modern feel.

If you’re looking to create a contemporary feel, then stainless steel appliances are the way to go. These appliances give a sleek look that’s sharp and clean. What’s so great about stainless steel is how well they blend into neutral kitchens.

Now, our favorite design feature for a modest kitchen is the backsplash. Serving as the focal point of the entire space, kitchen backsplashes are a great decorating element for small spaces since they are clutter free. There are numerous material options to select from, including tile, wood, stone, granite and porcelain. We love the burst of color and shine that comes from a chic glass backsplash, or a creative mosaic made from tiny tile pieces.

4 Things Every Kitchen Should Have

If you’re planning to design the kitchen of your dreams, be sure to keep our designers’ essentials in mind.

Kitchen Island

When space allows, having an island in the kitchen is essential. Not only is it the social center of your space, but also an area to prep food, eat, serve or complete tasks. Islands can also provide additional storage and functionality for maneuvering within zones in the kitchen.

Diverse Cabinetry

Cabinets play an important role in the kitchen for storing dishware, pots, pans, appliances and more. However, you don’t want your kitchen to have only top and bottom closed cabinetry. Add some flavor to the heart of your home with glass door cabinets and open shelves. These features are great for showcasing your favorite items in the kitchen.

A Hook

Every kitchen should have a hook that ties the room together and pulls you in. This could be a backsplash, an ornate oven hood or even a fancy chandelier over the island.

Friends and Family

No kitchen is complete without the people who matter most. Whether you invite your neighbors over for a glass of wine or enjoy a delicious meal with your family, it’s because of them we build memories that last a lifetime!

Anna’s Favorite Things for the Kitchen

You may not know it, but our designer Anna has a background in historic preservation. With each of her designs, she mixes that background with her passion of the fine arts. Together, she designs a space that is truly spectacular. Below, see what a few of Anna’s favorite things are in the kitchen.

La Cornue French Cooker Range

If you ever want to perfect Boeuf Bourguignon, this is the one range you will want. La Cornue is an unrivaled French range that is still only produced to order, and is individually hand-made with patience and pride. With only a few hundred produced a year, you’ll appreciate the quality use of cast iron, steel, solid brass, nickel and enamel used to build longevity into the range. You’ll also love the charm and the power of these gorgeous and luxurious French ranges.

Light and Dark Cabinetry

Many of today’s kitchens have homeowners selecting a mix of both white and dark colors within the space. For Anna, she recommends to incorporate dark islands, furniture pieces and accents into your white cabinet design. The white cabinets create an elegant and clean feel while the dark woods are rich and traditional.

Large Kitchen Windows

The use of sunlight in the kitchen is as essential as the refrigerator. Incorporate huge windows that will flood the room with light. Also, a huge window will allow the space to open up and not feel confined.

Chippendale Mullion Glass Inserts

The use of glass door cabinets in kitchens makes a space feel more open and spacious. They also reflect the light within the room while adding a bit of luxury and style. If using glass doors in your kitchen design, incorporate Chippendale style mullions. These mullion glass inserts provide a sense of 19th century furniture and a classic timeless feel. For a slightly less formal version, keep the windows divided with a basic “X” mullion.

Statuario Marble Backsplash

There’s nothing more decadent that having a solid marble backsplash behind oven ranges. Keep the look luxurious and frame within a large mantel hood. What Anna loves about Statuario marble is the gorgeous striking vein pattern that becomes an instant focal point.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s article to see what Amy recommends for the bathroom!

-Laura