Don't Forget Originality in the Kitchen

All too often, the average kitchen’s appearance is brought down by the lack of originality. Cabinets in the same color and finish, appliances that look all too similar, a wall color that picks up on the flecks in the countertop, all of which flows into an adjacent eating area that completely matches from the chairs to the china cabinet.

Are you one of many who are utterly stuck in this scenario? If your kitchen could use a makeover, here are some ideas for implementing some unique personality that will feel different but can all work together.

#1: Know What to Mix and What to Match
Knowing which colors and shades to bring to the room can be a huge factor in its overall originality and success.  Remember that you don't have to stick to any one style, color or even era, but try to connect different items with a single common thread. If you mix modern and traditional patterns for your dinnerware, for example, link them with a common color.

In the image above, the wooden countertop on the island picks up the brown wall treatment and floor without matching them perfectly. At the same time, it works nicely with the white countertop used elsewhere in the kitchen, adding another layer of interest rather than using the same countertop material everywhere.

#2: Keep an Eye on Geometry
If your kitchen feels monotonous, it may be in the lines. Look around at the surfaces of countertops, appliances, and the table. Is everything square-edged, or is it all curves? If either case is true, there is nothing to stand out or make the room unique.  To fix this issue, select an accent piece and mix up the monotone appearance of the room.  This will surely give a new, fresh addition to the space. For example, if the breakfast bar is rectangular, opt for stools with rounded or even whimsically shaped backs. If the table is round, try a square glass vase as the centerpiece or a boxy light fixture overhead.  These are simply ideas, but any combination of differing shapes and designs can work great.

#3: Free Upper Cabinets From Lower Ones
If you've been eyeing a change but don't have the budget to replace all your kitchen cabinets, consider going halfway. If you have dark wood cabinets, replace a bank of the upper cabinets with metal, white or glass versions for a dramatic new look. Or replace the doors only on the lower ones for another budget-minded update.

The same goes for countertops — a granite island topper in a contrasting color from all the other countertop material can dress up the old look without redoing the entire space, making it much easier to fit into your budget.

#4: Separate Your Table and Chairs
There's no rule that says these have to match or that you have to keep a set together. A dark table, for example, can look amazing with white painted chairs. If you have a great table and chair set you don’t want to part ways with, you don’t have to. You can pair the different chairs with the kitchen table, and find areas around the house to arrange the original chairs to add to the general theme of the home.

Even in formal eating areas, you can get away with the old switcheroo when you might not expect it. Remove just the end chairs and replace them with  upholstered versions for the luxurious look of chairs with tailored slipcovers to add to the elegance of the room.

#5: Finish Off the Identical Finishes
The very simplest kitchen update can be a swap of cabinet knobs and pulls. Try mixing modern shapes for upper cabinets with more traditional versions in a similar finish for the lower ones.  The new fixtures on traditional cabinets will give your room an updated modern feel, while traditional fixtures on modern cabinets will give it the classy look regardless of industry trends.  Either way you want to go, it can be done the right way.  Just make sure it’s your way and you should be happy with the outcome!