by Anna Wrightburn
Whether the kitchen in your apartment is large or small, it can always be enhanced by selecting complimentary accessories as accents.
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.
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!