When designing a kitchen, functionality matters; this is the hard-working center of the home. As you plan your remodel, don't forget to inject personality into the space. Here are ten ideas for putting your own stamp on a kitchen.

1. Introduce Color

Personalization is huge with bold colors, patterns, and textures available across kitchen design. Experiment with contrast and pops of color. Or go for multiple shades of white, a contemporary dark kitchen, or two-tone cabinets. Combining colors gives depth and dimension and provides more scope for including your favorite shades.

2. Hang Your Favorite Art

Open-plan kitchen and living areas have plenty of wall space for art. Choices should reflect your home's overall style and influence the kitchen design from color scheme to formality. Show a piece of art you love to your designer or take it into a showroom and let it inspire the new kitchen.

3. Layer Your Lighting

A good kitchen has both task and ambient lighting. Task lighting should be bright and targeted at work zones; other lighting should be more atmospheric and layered to add dimension. Decorative fixtures can serve either purpose while adding personality. An antique lamp in a dark corner, a contemporary chandelier over the dining table, or metallic pendants over the island all bring character.

4. Get a Handle on It

Cabinet hardware is available in a wide array of materials, colors, and styles. Unusual and ornate choices, or contrasting materials like leather or glass, give an element of surprise and uniqueness to cabinetry.

5. Embrace Nature

Accents of nature work well. Plants and flowers bring life and color hanging in corners or sitting on counters. Bring an herb garden inside, in sunken troughs in the counters or hanging on a wall. Earth-toned terracotta and shades of green are at the center of color trends.

6. Make Your Table the Centerpiece

Choose a fabulous table at the start of the design process. Pick one that reflects your personality and serves as the focal point for memorable meals. Let the design work around the table, with accents complementing its material or color.

7. Open Shelving

Displaying colorful ceramics or glassware on open shelving or in glass-front cabinets adds personality to a neutral color scheme. If you want to keep wall cabinets, hang shelving on empty wall space with hooks underneath for cheerful mugs.

8. Vintage

One of the best things about planning a kitchen is the bespoke cabinetry, but there's always room for freestanding and vintage furniture. Use open shelves or glass-front cabinets to display vintage glasses or dishes inherited from family or found at a thrift store.

9. Throw Down a Rug

Rugs add color, texture, and personality, and designate areas of the kitchen. Rugs under the table or alongside cooking areas provide pattern. Smaller contrasting rugs jazz up any space, especially in a white kitchen.

10. Designer Appliances

Appliances come in a huge range of colors and finishes: metallics for edginess, retro candy hues, pastels. Wood-paneled appliances match cabinets for a classic look; stainless reads sleek and contemporary; bold feature colors create a retro vibe. Even something as small as an orange food mixer can add real personality.

Talk through your kitchen with a designer

If you're planning a kitchen and want to talk through how to bring your own style into it, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881