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Furniture Arranging and Kitchen
Accessorizing
Whether
the kitchen in your rental is large or small, it can always be enhanced by
selecting complimentary accessories as accents or improving fixtures to personalize the space.
The
key to making your accessories work for you instead of against you will be in
deciding the quantity and overall theme of your space. Knowing your decorating style
will help you in selecting the specific type of accessories to be placed on
counters and walls. Refer to your folder of magazine clippings to
help you decide. Don't limit yourself to the ordinary take the time to be creative. Some
of the most pleasing kitchens are sometimes the most unusual!
Start
with a clean palette
To
begin, clear off the counters, walls and refrigerator,
leaving yourself a clean visual palette. Living a couple of days in a stark kitchen can
help you to notice your living habits and which spaces you use
most often. Have NOTHING on your counter smaller than a
microwave and NOTHING on your floors. This will help you to see things clearly when it's
time
to re-place your accessories.
The
selection table
You
probably have a good idea of the types of features your style incorporates. Put
all your accessories together and group them on a table (if
they are larger than the table just have them in the same general area).
Be sure you categorize them by color, size or style. This will give you a birds-eye view of your choices to see how they work
together. You may find that objects you thought worked great -
really don't ! This can also give you an idea of what you may still need
to purchase.
Putting
it all together
Since
you have lived in your space without accessories for a few days, you will notice every addition you make to your walls, floors and counters. Start with
the largest pieces first. After placing an accessory, step back and look. You may
want to walk out of the room and re-enter to get your initial reaction.
How does it feel ? Is it at the right eye level ? Will it be in the way
when I cook ? How does the color match ? If you are not satisfied,
try moving the piece to another place. Keep doing this until you have
found the right place for it or if you have decided not to include it in your kitchen.
Do this process with each item working from largest to smallest.
Safety Tip - Be sure to check your smoke detectors and get new water filters when cleaning and arranging your space. These small expenses will keep you safe and healthy.
Don't
Over Do !
One
of the biggest mistakes people make is over accessorizing. More is not always
better, sometimes it's just more. Start sparingly and work up, being
prepared to stop at anytime. Don't feel that all the accessory choices you have on your
selection table must be used in your kitchen ( or any other room for that
matter).
When
you have finished placing your accessories you will be amazed at how much you
enjoy working in your kitchen. It will become a special place of warmth
and enjoyment because you took the time to create it !
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