This year has been a year of change. Some of these changes, such as Olympic records broken and our newest President, have been positive. Others, such as the unemployment rate, housing market and current economy, have room for much improvement. Remaining consistent with this year's theme, why not change your kitchen designs? Just like any other aspect of life, the current trends in home renovation are changing, as well. The past few years, style guides and magazines decreed that stainless steel was the way to go. Nowadays, kitchen remodel ideas are changing-but to a more traditional approach.
It's All French To Me
While Americans like to pride themselves on being innovators and originators, we've borrowed more than a few concepts from our French friends. In addition to greasy, fried comfort food, French country-inspired kitchen renovations are, well, hot. The French style is open, warm and friendly, achieved through well matched colors, architecture and textures. But don't worry; even beginner kitchen remodel families can mimic this cozy design with a few simple guidelines.
Begin with Furniture
A kitchen remodeling project can easily become overwhelming, exhausting and emotionally, physically and financially draining. By literally starting with the largest home hardware elements first, you'll stay on track to achieve this fresh country design quickly-without the headache. French-styled kitchens have the same focal point as most European designs. Can you guess what it is? The kitchen table.
Of course, gathering friends, family or even strangers to enjoy a meal together is of the utmost importance. Replacing or updating your kitchen table, therefore, should be at the top of your "to do" list. Generally, French tables are made of heavy woods such as pine or walnut and come with thick, heavy benches, high-backed chairs and kitchen cabinet hardware. While this may seem cumbersome, it illustrates that the focus of the kitchen is on togetherness at the table.
Get the Right Goods
No matter what style kitchen, the minor details can easily make or break the overall design. Keep the theme consistent. If you are going to employ a French theme, also include French country cabinet knobs. Cabinets and drawer pulls are most often made of solid wood that matches the kitchen table. Shy away from shiny cabinet knobs in chrome and nickel and keep the finishes muted instead of satin.
If you want to add color but don't want to buy loud kitchen cabinet handles, express yourself with ceramic tiles or pottery. Similar to the kitchen table, the French style incorporates a natural, rustic feel. For budget-conscious renovators, simply try hanging a few copper pots and pans (make sure they shine!) over your backsplash or above your island. Adding a few artistic elements to your own kitchen such as homemade artwork a inherited antique will continue the theme of a natural gathering place deeply rooted in history.
Touch of Class
As mentioned, French country styles also incorporate a smorgasbord of textures to evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Walls are typically of textured plaster, adorned with handmade tin accessories that glisten in the sun. Wood materials -including the kitchen table-retain their natural color, feel and finish, so you won't have to bother with sanding or staining your existing or new furniture.
While most of the textures and colors seem to be muted, do not hold back when it comes to fabrics. Curtains, seat cushions and even hand towels are often in a variety of bright, bold colors. The color palette matches the summer sun: deep, rich reds, bright oranges and stark whites suggest a fresh, vivacious feeling. Imagine pairing these colors with a dark cherry wood table. It doesn't take a home remodeling professional to tell you that strong, competing elements equal a makeover disaster. Allow the color to really accent all other areas of your kitchen.
Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of French country cabinet knobs to help you create a French Country feel to your kitchen, or bathroom. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com
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