Family-Friendly Kitchen
“"Cook-Up
Creative Ideas"
Author: Bob Taylor,
Appease
your appetite for a flavorful kitchen and breakfast room.
Chock-full of delicious color and tastful touches, it's a
treat for the senses. The not-so-secret ingredients in most
homeowners' creative cookbooks are paint, fun finds, and a
gotta-try-it attitude. "Remember, it's only paint. If
it's not right, just slap some more on top."
Window Dressing
A stained
glass remnant hangs from simple hooks to add color to the
transom window above the doorway. Above the sink, another
stained glass piece is beautifully backlit on sunny days.
Its diamond pattern echoes that of the faux rug painted on
the floor. Shop flea markets and antique stores to find salvaged
stained glass.
Add Some Seasoning
Like salt and pepper, it's the extra dash that often makes
the mix work so well. Add plenty of fun touches to the rooms.
Paint a built-in cabinet in sunny shades of yellow and orange.
The doors can be embellished with hand-painted flowers and
chickens. More ideas you'll want to consider: a window basket
that hangs inside and holds cookbooks, a row of wood lockers
and a large chalkboard to keep the family organized, rustic,
colorful chairs.
Trompe L'oeil Triumph
This paint technique is named for the way it tricks the eye,
but it's no illusion that you can be a wiz with a paintbrush.
Give flat molding around the door between the kitchen and
the breakfast room a stunning tranformation. Now it will look
like detailed millwork. A piece of stained glass could add
sparkle and is the perfect topper. Perhaps, a rug in the center
of the kitchen needs no pad to keep it in place. Painted directly
on the floor, this is a good option for the older floors that
need some work. If you don't have the confidence to paint
freehand, use stencils.
Spell It Out
Sometimes it's not enough to know what you want. You also
need the patience to pull together. While on multiple shopping
expeditions, simply engage in alphabet hunting. Use wooden
painted letters to spell out message to your kids. For example,
"CLEAN YOUR ROOM" in wooden letters above their
bed is a perfect way to repeat your message. Kids can't claim
they didn't get the message when it's displayed so prominently
above the windows.
A Finely Aged Feel
The walls can get a textured look with a rag rolling technique. To get a similar look use two neutral shades. Paint a base coat, allow it to dry, and then apply a second color with a crumpled cloth. Press the rag against the wall several times before you dip it in the paint again. Re-crump the rag to vary pattern as you go.
