Thursday 1 January 2009

Decorating Kitchen

A Beautiful Blend

An eclectic mix of American and Mediterranean styles, this sophisticated kitchen features decorative arches, a chocolate-brown tile backsplash, and Saltillo floor tiles. Brown balances the off-white cabinets. Arches add a touch of whimsy to the traditional moldings.

A Well-Crafted Kitchen

Midnight blue counters are a bold contrast to this kitchen's salvaged Douglas-fir cabinetry. The kitchen opens onto the living room, making for easygoing entertaining. The sink "window" overlooks the foyer.

Amish-Style Kitchen

Natural wood cabinets and a painted floor achieve a timeless look in this kitchen that is reminiscent of an Amish country farmhouse. An island and tall cupboards demarcate the working half of the kitchen from the dining half.

Arched with Style

Stylish with a purpose, the long arch over the range actually conceals a lowered ceiling under a stairway. Centered in the room, a large butcher-block-topped island easily seats a crowd and is well lit as well. Warm gold on the walls makes the room feel cozy.

Blue Islands

An addition to this home made room for a second island and an eating area. The walkway between the islands is aligned with the refrigerator and freezer to make cold storage accessible. Matching light fixtures bring light to the island work areas.

Breezy White Kitchen

A blue-and-white palette, heavy on the white, is the key to this kitchen's breezy cottage look. White plank floors, white-painted cabinetry, and plenty of recessed lighting make the kitchen feel bright and inviting. Built-ins add convenience, and touches of blue in the tile and accents add fun color.

Cabin Casual

The centerpiece of this kitchen is the 5-1/2 x 5-1/2-foot island which serves as the main food-prep area. Thanks to a generous 15-inch overhang on each side, the island can also seat up to eight guests for casual meals.

California Dreaming

Although this kitchen enjoys seaside views, its cool, contemporary style would be beautiful in any setting. To keep the room thoroughly modern, it is loaded with stainless-steel finishes, sleek lines, and lots of bright white.