Archive for June 12th, 2009

When it comes to decorating your kitchen, there are so many fun things you can do! Think of it in terms of two parts – there is the décor – the parts of the kitchen decorating  that costs more and is more permanent, and there are the décor accessories in your kitchen. The “décor accessories” of a kitchen are the more flexible, more fluid, more easily changed with the seasons, holidays, and your mood.

The Decor….

Before you can consider kitchen décor accessories, you need to have your décor finished, or at least well planned (to finish as your budget allows).

First, look at your flooring. Flooring in a kitchen is a costly expense, if you want to change it. Many people decide to work with the flooring they have, in order to cut expenses. The type of flooring you have will make a difference in the type of kitchen décor you choose.

Next, try to complete any wall treatments that you plan to do – paint, wallpaper, paneling, or perhaps a chair rail.

Lighting is also something to consider early on, whether futuristic or retro, it should tie in well with the other décor you’ve already completed.

What about your furniture? Having wooden, sturdy, “Early American” syle of furniture is vastly different from something sleek and shiny and European. Furniture is not a simple, cheap expense, so be sure you are getting furniture you will want to live with for a while.

Finally, your curtains or blinds can be considered a part of the décor, though some think of them as accessories. They can be costly to replace, and shouldn't need to be changed with the seasons, though some like to do so.

The Accessories….

Once the décor is established, think about accessories to complement your kitchen décor.  There are so many things that you can buy or make that can be changed seasonally or as you desire, giving your kitchen a little change her and there.

Many of the best kitchen decorating accessories are the ones that would go on your counter top. They can be chosen as a set, designed to go together, or you can find them and add them as you come across them. These types of kitchen décor accessories are containers to hold baking ingredients like flour, sugar, and salt, a spice rack, a cookie jar, and a container to hold wooden spoons. You can also get a spoon rest to match the coloring in your kitchen.

As for your table, the place where people spend much of their time, think about getting a nice tablecloth and place settings. These can be easily changed with the seasons, yet still tie in with the basic décor of the kitchen. Accessories like a vase for the table are also a terrific idea.

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Wine theme kitchen decor can add a touch of the rustic Mediterranean to your home. It can make your kitchen look stylish and upscale, especially if you do it in a way that works well. If you are going to remodel then you may wish to consider wine theme kitchen decor if it is something that would be in keeping with your character and personal taste.

It is easy to find kitchen decor accessories and accent pieces that have a vineyard theme. You can purchase such items at the stores in your municipality or via the internet. However, making the wine theme kitchen decor work well is a little trickier. As with every other room that is decorated with a particular theme you can easily make things look excessively garish if you don’t put some thought into what you are doing.

Start With The Basics

If you choose wine theme kitchen decor it is best to start with the basics before you buy any accent pieces or accessories that are reminiscent of vineyards. Begin by choosing materials and paint colors. Natural rustic materials such as stone, marble and granite tend to compliment wine theme kitchen decor. You should also choose paint colors that are in keeping with your vineyard theme. For instance, warm yellow, oatmeal, terra cotta, leaf green and a light reddish-purple that is similar to the color of grapes could work very well in such a kitchen. Once you have chosen your materials and colors you will then be in a position to choose matching wine theme kitchen decor accent pieces and accessories.

Keep It Simple

When you are searching for wine theme kitchen decor accessories try not to go over the top. If you insist on making sure that every picture, bowl, plate, table cloth, dish towel and window dressing has a vineyard theme then the overall effect will be course and excessive. It is better to limit the number of wine theme kitchen decor items. The idea here is to suggest rather than insist. Stick a wine rack or two, some decorative bottles, a few ceramics, a candle holder and a couple of prints that have a vineyard theme.

If you don’t want your kitchen to look too complicated you had best avoid tablecloths, drapes, place mats and wall clocks with a wine theme, especially if they clash with the rest of the decor. By keeping it simple your kitchen will look classy and chic. If you have made it work well your guests will be reminded of elegant country homes in the heart of rural Italy rather than the latest discounts on offer at their local liquor store.

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Wine theme kitchen decor can transform the look of your home if you are prepared to put a little work into your project and plan everything carefully before you begin. In fact this kind of theme can lend your kitchen an air of elegance and rustic charm if you don’t overdo it. If this kind of theme interests you then do not overlook wine bottle kitchen decor because it offers an inexpensive and practical way of making your home look fantastic.

Racks And Holders

Just looking at a bottle of wine is sufficient to make one think of style and sophistication. Therefore wine bottle kitchen decor can look great. It is especially stylish when the bottles are stored on some high end wrought iron wine racks. Fortunately there is a lot of choice when it comes to wrought iron wine racks because they come in a wide range of different designs. There are also some very innovative looking individual bottle holders that can provide a unique touch to any kitchen. If you also invest in a good quality wine bucket and some fine crystal glasses then your kitchen will look fantastic and you will be able to crack open a bottle whenever you have guests or if you simply feel like relaxing. Therefore wine bottle kitchen decor has two distinct purposes.

Lights And Decorations

Wine bottle kitchen decor is about more than wrought iron racks, posh ice buckets and crystal glasses. Wine bottles can also be used in various craft projects because they come in a variety of different shapes, colors and sizes. You can put candles in the opening of a wine bottle to create rustic looking lights for your kitchen benches. You can also use paints and fabrics to decorate wine bottles so that they match the color scheme in your kitchen. The only limitation when it comes to wine bottle kitchen decor is the boundary of your own imagination.

Avoid Excesses

If you are interested in wine bottle kitchen decor it is important to keep things simple if you want your home to look rustic and charming rather than gaudy and overly complex. Try not to include too many wine related accent pieces or accessories. A wrought iron wine rack and some bottle candle holders can make any kitchen look better. However if your drapes, table cloth, place mats, apron and ceramics all have a wine bottle pattern or design your kitchen will look somewhat ridiculous and your guests will surely wonder what goes on in your head. Therefore it is important to avoid excesses when it comes to wine bottle kitchen decor, especially if you are hoping to achieve an elegant and sophisticated look.

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If you hear somebody mention wine kitchen decor perhaps it makes you think of the kind of kitsch accent pieces and accessories an eccentric elderly aunt would choose. If you get it wrong wine kitchen decor can easily look outlandish and way over the top. We have all seen those kitchens that are chock full of cockerels or fat chefs and wondered if the owner of that particular home was entirely sane.  However, if you know what you are doing wine kitchen decor can actually look very tasteful and attractive.

What To Avoid

How can you avoid getting wine kitchen decor terribly wrong? The secret is not to go over the top. Wine kitchen decor does not mean that every accessory, apron, plate and table cloth must have a bunch of grapes or a wine bottle on it. Four or five grape or wine bottle kitchen decor items will suffice.  It is also important to make sure that everything in your kitchen matches. Resist the urge to purchase wine bottle drapes and a grape table cloth, especially if the patterns and colors clash. Remember that less is always more when it comes to themes and each item must match with everything else.

Make It Elegant

You can make your kitchen remind people of vineyards in a way that is subtle and elegant rather than excessive. A painting of a vineyard or a tasteful wall tapestry combined with a full wrought iron wine rack and some pottery with a grape motif is enough. You may also wish to add a grape motif candle holder, wine bottle holder or wine bottle shaped salt and pepper cellars. Always remember that wine kitchen decor does not mean that every last thing in the room should make you think of vineyards and chardonnay.

Wine kitchen decor matches very well with natural materials such as stone, marble and granite. It also looks good with Mediterranean paint colors such as rich green, rustic yellow and terra cotta. Your wine kitchen decor should not make a recovering alcoholic want to reach for a bottle. Instead it should make your guests think of rustic homes that are surrounded by vineyards in southern France or Italy.

Getting Ideas

If you are interested in wine kitchen decor you may wish to consider perusing the web or reading home improvement magazines to get some ideas. This will help you to choose colors, accessories and materials that match without taking things to extremes. You can also purchase wine themed accessories and accent pieces online. Alternatively you could visit department stores in your local area to see what is available.

Go here for more about kitchen decorating ideas and interior design tips.

There are few things more inviting than a room filled with wine kitchen décor, and this theme is an easy one to add to your own home. One of the first elements to include to a wine country theme is grape vine kitchen décor that will provide a color and style scheme for the entire room. There are plenty of options when decorating in this style, from wrought iron accents that offer aesthetic beauty and practical storage to a rambling vine that circles the entire room. You can create your own vine in your grape vine kitchen décor with a bit of paint and a grape vine stencil.

How to Stencil

Adding a stencil to a wall border is one of the easiest and least expensive decorating tricks around. Most homeowners find that the easiest way to stencil a wall is by using a paint designed just for this purpose, and a stencil that can be purchased at any home improvement or craft store. To apply the paint, some people prefer to use a soft sponge, while others swear by the round stencil brushes. You can try both to see which offers the effect you are looking for.

To begin your grape vine kitchen décor project, make sure your walls are clean and dry. Tape the stencil securely to the wall in the area that you want to begin your border. Put a bit of the stencil paint onto your brush or sponge and dab off the excess. The key with a successful stenciling project is to never use too much paint all at once. If your stencil comes out too light, you can always go over it again. However, if you start out too dark or intense, it will be much harder to correct the effect.

If you are using a brush, go over the open area on the stencil with round motions to work the paint into the wall. If you are working with a sponge, simply tap the sponge onto the wall until you have the right amount of color. Work one area completely before moving onto the next. It is important to make sure that your stencil is secure each time before you begin painting to avoid smudging. You can do this with masking or painter’s tape, or you can use a spray adhesive designed for this purpose. It will take some time and patience, but it will be worth the effort when your grape vine kitchen décor project is complete.

Once your stencil project is finished, you can correct any smudges or marks by painting over them with a bit of the wall paint. Your stencil will remain on your wall for a very long time; probably until you are ready to paint over it and switch to a new them in your kitchen. This stencil project will be an easy, inexpensive way to add some grape vine kitchen décor to your kitchen. Happy painting!

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The kitchen more often than not becomes the gathering place for the home, so it is worth the time and effort to make this room an inviting, beautiful space. Grape and wine kitchen décor can do just that, by creating an aura of hospitality that begs for good food, drink and friends. The good news is that grape and wine kitchen décor is a popular style today, so it is easy to find plenty of options to round out your kitchen theme. We have a few ideas to help you add style and sophistication to your home with this theme.

Color Ideas

When you think about good wine, what colors come to mind? The rich burgundies of a good Merlot, or the pale gold of a Chardonnay. You can bring those hues into your grape and wine kitchen décor, by painting the walls pale gold and adding burgundy or plum accents for warmth and depth. When you think of grapes, deep green vines also come to mind, so green shades are another good option for this style. An Old World look for grape and wine kitchen décor will often include wall texturizing as well, to make the walls look weathered and so European. You can find texturizing kits at your local hardware store that can be mixed with the shade of your choice for a truly unique look to your kitchen.

Windows and Floors

Window coverings in grape and wine kitchen décor should be light and airy to allow in as much sun as possible. Stick with solid colors in coordinating shades, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of beads or fringe for extra pizzazz. Include tiebacks that will allow you to keep the windows open and sunny during the day, but can be drawn at night for additional privacy if you have neighbors nearby. You can also opt for a border on your window coverings that will stick with the grape and wine kitchen décor. Many stores offer just such a style or you can stencil your own using a solid colored curtain, fabric paint and a stencil for some grape vine kitchen decor.

Floors can be accented with throw rugs in the grape and wine kitchen décor, whether you go for braided rugs in a deep burgundy shade or decorative rugs that follow the same theme. These accents will look lovely on ceramic tile, wood and vinyl flooring alike, and will help to hide flooring that you are less than thrilled with. Because of the popularity of grape and wine kitchen décor, you can find rugs bordered with fruit or a Mediterranean theme that will make a lovely backdrop to the rest of the room.

Grape and wine kitchen décor is a perfect solution to warming up a drab space and creating a warm, inviting gathering spot for family and friends. With deep, rich hues and plenty of options in accessories, it is no wonder why grape and wine kitchen décor has become one of the most popular styles around.

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The kitchen is a popular spot for a decorating theme, whether you choose cheerful sunflowers or apples galore. One theme that has become quite popular in recent years is a grape kitchen décor, which lends itself to warm hues and can go from homey to elegant with ease. Grape kitchen décor can encompass a complete fruit ensemble or go Mediterranean, with a wine and grape style. The colors are rich and accessory possibilities are nearly endless with the popularity of this style today. If you are considering “going grape” in your kitchen, we have some ideas to get you started.

Color Combinations

A grape kitchen décor is all about rich shades of plum and green, but you can also add accents of gold or taupe to provide an elegant back drop. In some cases, wall texturing is a popular finish for the walls in a soft gold or terracotta to pave the way for the Old World charm that is to come. If a complete fruit theme is the direction you are taking, try a pale green on the walls to provide a soft backdrop for the grapes, apples and pears that will fill up the room. You can choose a color scheme that will be to your liking, whether you like deep, rich jewel tones in a grape and wine kitchen décor or soft pastels.

Other Wall Décor

Grape kitchen décor can begin with a wallpaper border of green vines and lush, purple fruit or dangling wine bottles and glasses. Another option is to cover one wall in bright, cheerful wallpaper that will tie into your grape kitchen décor. If you prefer, add your own artistic flair with a stencil around the top of your walls or along the top of the backsplash. Prints of wine, grapes and fruit are easy to find, and come in all sizes, shapes and price ranges. Hang a few prints on the wall to warm up the space and add interest to the background.

Accessories

Wrought iron looks lovely with grape kitchen décor, whether it is an ornate wine rack or a practical bakers rack in the corner. The black metal provides a nice contrast to the rich colors, and offers storage and organization possibilities to boot. Try an oversized wire basket as the centerpiece of the table, and fill it with fruit or greenery for an inviting touch. Plants also work well with grape kitchen décor, whether it is a line of silk plant atop the cabinets, or a few African violets on a wrought iron stand in front of the window.

Keep in mind that themed rooms can lend themselves easily to overkill, so if you opt for grape themed dishes, you might want to keep the rest of the table neutral in coordinating linens and stemware in a single shade. By the same token, if you fill your walls with grape covered wallpaper, provide a break from the pattern with solid-colored window coverings and rugs.

Go here for more about kitchen decorating ideas and interior design tips.