Simple Decorating: Adding Color To A Kitchen and Dining Room

Hello Blogland Friends,

Today I wanted to show you how a monochromatic, plain kitchen can be brought to life by adding a few pops of color. For the past few months I have been helping a wonderful client stage her home to live in and to sell later on. Her home suffered some damage from the last hurricane we had and the whole house had to be fixed and repainted. Her kitchen was very nice with the crisp white cabinetry and the newly painted grey walls but it needed a little livening up.

Grey is a popular color in decorating right now, I happen to love it, but it can be a bit cold, especially in a kitchen where adding layers of texture can be a challenge. My client loves color and I knew I could have some fun here.

Her kitchen table and chairs is actually an outdoor patio set. It is pretty sturdy but the pale dark green ironwork was not doing much for this kitchen.

I started by recovering the seat cushions in a vibrant cotton duck fabric. It really brightens up the set.

I set the table with a bright lime green fabric tablecloth, a colorful silk floral arrangement and some new dishes. Above the table I hung a vibrant canvas painting rich in color.

This eating area is now full of life and color.

The counter tops also needed a little pizzazz.

I removed the clutter and added some really cheerful, colorful kitchen accents.

Aren’t these owl canisters a “hoot”? I purchased them at Kirkland’s and I think they are a great touch.

By adding just a few colorful accessories this kitchen is now warm and welcoming.

Once the main kitchen space was completed we turned our attention to the adjoining dining room. It needed some help as well.

I added a collection of beautiful lime green and aqua blue plates to the wall flanking the china cabinet, balancing the other side with a large nautical themed wreath.

When I saw these dishes while shopping for my client I knew they would be perfect for the room and would add color to the wall.

To dress up the table I created a runner from the same vibrant fabric I used on the kitchen chairs. Instead of a traditional floral centerpiece I created a vignette with colorful candles and an aqua blue owl. He actually started out as a distressed white owl but I gave him a makeover when I brought him home. Now when you walk into the room you are greeted by color and whimsy.

A few simple decorating changes can really make a difference. Adding color to a kitchen and dining room can really give them a whole new look and feel. You don’t always have to whip out the old paintbrush and roller to give a room a new look. Adding color to a kitchen, dining room or any room does not have to be expensive or permanent. Everything I added could be easily swapped out or changed. The grey on the walls is a nice neutral which can be important if you plan on putting your house on the market. Everything else can be packed up and brought right along with you to your new home!