My Top 3 Design Tips For Your Kitchen

I just added a few finishing touches to my kitchen, and that got me thinking about the things that make my kitchen feel fresh, clean, put-together, and well-designed.  I came up with a list of 3 things that will add a POW to any kitchen, can easily be implemented, and ultimately are easy on the waistline, I mean wallet.  And don't get me wrong, there are WAY more than 3 things, but I really feel good about these 3.

 1.  Fresh Fruit.  I love fruit.  Plain and simple.  It's pretty and yummy, and it adds the best practical/functional touch to any kitchen.  And when I say functional, what's better than a kitchen with a nice bowl of delicious, crisp apples (with a little Biscoff spread on the side)?  It really adds a welcoming touch.  Really, what says 'wonderful kitchen' better than sending the message that 'you can eat in here' with tons of fresh fruit.  And with lemons and limes at $.25, you can feel pretty good about over-flowing bowls of them.  Plus, you won't have any shortage for your morning, warm lemon-water.

2.  Greenery.  Plants.  Nature.  Fill a small pot with basil, rosemary, or lavender.  It always brings out the best in any kitchen, and it might even make you feel like a gourmet cook.  The main design element I just brought into my kitchen was a dwarf lime tree, and it's adding the happiest/freshest vibe.  It's like a sweet little smile in my kitchen.  I got mine for only $40 dollars, and if I do things right, it could be a long-term relationship.  I read up on what it needs to survive, and it needs sunshine and tender care (fingers crossed).  I also love to have mint in the kitchen since it adds the yummiest garnish to desserts and drinks.  There's also nothing like having a little lavender plant close by to rub off some of its essence.  Lavender is just so beautiful, so it really just does its own thing.

3.  Blue China.  It is just so pretty in the kitchen, and all you need is a tiny bit to make a statement.  You could, of course, do a lot and go that route, but one pretty little bowl or vase freshens up a space quite a bit.  On the other hand, I have a completely unhealthy amount of blue china, too much to reasonably display at one time.  That whole functional/practical concept doesn't always resonate with me.  And well, the description that 'I'm a hoarder trapped in a minimalist's body' (or is it the other way around?) sometimes applies to me.  

There are a lot of places that have incredible Blue China, and they're usually a lot of money.  I'd prefer to save that type of money for other things, or just buy one special piece.  But I am going to share a HUGE secret:  I have bought almost all my Blue China from Ross.  Yes, Ross!  My mom likes Ross, and I never used to go there, but then a few years ago I went with her, and BOOM!  Blue China everywhere.  I have gotten two sets of giant, matching vases, and all of my Blue China planters are from there.  The large pot in the pictures posted here is from Ross, and it was only $7.99!  Run to Ross, I hope you find some!  Either way, add a touch of Blue China, your kitchen will be whistlin' another tune.

Have fun with these 3 tips. Make them simple, practical, and enjoyable.

This whole blogging thing has almost gotten out of hand, and I've blogged more in the last few months than I ever have (minus all the documenting I've done for our family).  But it's fun for me, and it's a place for me to share some of my interests, and pursue the thing that matters most to me; creating.  

xoxo