The Plentiful Platter Store

With the hustle-bustle lifestyle of today, families are finding it more and more difficult to get any time together, much less "quality" time. Families with soccer and tennis and two working parents and longer school hours and band and longer commutes and-on-and-on find themselves passing one another in the hall or in the driveway. About the only time that the family members can all get together for a few minutes to catch up on what everyone is doing is in the kitchen for a quick meal.

Since this room winds up being the gathering spot for the family, it would make sense to have it as cheerful and welcoming and as open as possible. Some kitchens that have not been updated in a while, have an image problem-they seem cluttered and dark and un-styled. A total kitchen makeover would be very expensive with new everything--appliances, sink, drapes, flooring, cabinets, lighting, etc. But getting a "new look" doesn't necessarily mean new everything and a big expense.

One of the quickest and least expensive fixes is a new paint job. Choose bright, expansive colors to open up the room. Paint the ceiling a color rather than white to give the perception of more space. Countertops can be refinished if wood. Old, scarred wood countertops can be replaced with granite or marble "look-a-likes" at a reasonable price. Backsplashes can be painted in contrasting colors, which will give the appearance of depth. Or tile pieces can be cemented to the wooden backsplashes to give a totally different look. Maybe a talented family member or a friend of the family could paint murals across the backsplashes to create a point of interest and increase the horizon of the room.

Replace old and worn-out countertops. Organize the things in the kitchen by utilizing containers. If a space permits, perhaps another cabinet can add storage for the things and utensils that are usually strewn around. Accessorize with jars full of spices and bowls of fruits. Place a vase with colorful flowers on the counter or kitchen table.

Take notice of the kitchen window and give it some love. A new curtain with a complementing color for the room will make the kitchen more attractive. If you're not big on fabrics, use a valance or blinds instead, but one with color to further brighten up the space.

The addition of area rugs is must-do in decorating. The immediate impact a single area rug can do to a living space makes up for the lack of accessories or colors. Imagine then what multiple rugs can do. A big area rug can be placed under the table and chairs set. Smaller rugs can be positioned in areas where your feet can benefit the most - in front of the sink and the cooking area. The area rugs will also protect the floor from the oil, stain and grease that usually accompany cooking and washing the dishes.

Spending time with the family will be more fun with a new kitchen. As you have just read, major renovation work is not necessary. Essential decorating items on hand and a good color in mind can transform the space. Who knows, the few minutes in the kitchen can eventually turn to hours of hanging out in there. Welcoming friends and guests can also be spent in the kitchen for a change. It'll be nice to sit around the kitchen table and munch on cookies without having to worry of crumbs on the sofa. What a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

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