| With most southern families, the kitchen is the | | | | rugs in the kitchen. Be sure to measure the space |
| heart of the home and the most popular room in | | | | so that you purchase the right size. Rugs used |
| the house. At least, that is the way it was when I | | | | under the kitchen table should be large enough to |
| was growing up. We gathered around the kitchen | | | | accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out. |
| table often to have family discussions and we | | | | · Use cookbooks to decorate your |
| always had interesting discussions as we sat | | | | counter tops. This makes a useful and interesting |
| together to have meals. The kitchen area of the | | | | counter top accessory. |
| home was the central area for every member of | | | | · Bring life to your kitchen by adding |
| the family. Everyone moved in and out of the | | | | green plants to bare areas of the room. For areas |
| kitchen throughout the day. The kitchen was used | | | | that are hard-to-reach, use silk plants instead of |
| not only for eating, but also for studying, planning, | | | | real ones but be sure to use a good quality |
| and even sitting with friends to talk and gathering | | | | arrangement that looks realistic. |
| for social parties. Even today the kitchen area of | | | | · Use accessories to change the look of |
| American homes is a vital part of the home | | | | your kitchen counter tops. A few carefully placed |
| setting. Since it is such a focal point of every | | | | accessories such as matching napkin holder and |
| home, shouldn't it be decorated to fit your | | | | paper towel stand, wrought iron wine rack, |
| personal style and just as beautiful as the rest of | | | | coasters, and canister set can dramatically change |
| your living area? | | | | the look of your kitchen. |
| Here are some ideas to keep in mine as you | | | | · Decide on the cabinets and how to |
| make plans to decorate your kitchen: | | | | make them a vital part of the kitchen decor. The |
| · Decorate your kitchen to reflect your | | | | cabinets should match with the floor covering. |
| personality, but blend the decor with the rest of | | | | · Coordinate the kitchen back splash with |
| the home. A rustic, western kitchen would not | | | | the counter tops, as it will enhance the whole |
| blend if the rest of the house is filled with | | | | room. Choose from materials such as glass, tin, |
| antique-looking shabby elegance decor. | | | | stone and/or wood. In a country style kitchen, |
| · Choose a particular theme or style | | | | try using a wooden back splash to add a very |
| before making any purchases. Get great ideas | | | | stylish look to your kitchen. |
| from magazines, books, websites, catalogs and/or | | | | There are many more touches you could add to |
| television home improvement shows to give you | | | | your kitchen to make the "heart of your home" |
| inspiration and ideas. Look for accessories and | | | | even more inviting for your family and friends. |
| designs that you would like in your kitchen and | | | | Placing a vase of freshly cut flowers on a table in |
| think about how you can copy the same look to | | | | any room always gives a feeling of enjoyment, |
| your home. | | | | comfort and welcoming. |
| · Add a splash of color by placing area | | | | |