October 3, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 23 (ARA) We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized, and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home’s activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen. Warm up the walls. Changing the color and texture of walls is an easy way to add spice to any kitchen. Paint the walls a deep red or blue for a dramatic look, or make the space feel light and airy with a coat of sunny yellow or subtle taupe. Feel free to experiment with decorative painting techniques, such as stripes, geometric patterns, or textured finishes. After freshening up the color and texture of the walls, express your personal style through a few carefully selected accessories. An antique clock or shelves with colorful canisters are decorative and functional. Liven up basic cupboards by switching the hardware. This is a simple way to give existing cabinets a whole new look. Use crystal knobs for a vintage touch, or add stainless steel handles for an ultra-modern, sleek appearance. Remember the functional aspect of the cupboards, and install shelf liner to ensure cabinets stay clean and well-maintained. Shelf liner protects cabinet shelves and drawers from wear and tear, prevents scratches, and keeps spills or drips from How to cook up a new look for your kitchen damp dishes from causing damage to surfaces. “I recommend using shelf liner in any kitchen renovation project,” said Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford television series. “It’s simple for any homeowner to install and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or thrown in the washing machine. My favorite is Easy Liner from Duck brand: It offers an array of non-adhesive and adhesive shelf liners that are stylish and practical for use in any kitchen.” The most popular variety, Smooth Top Easy Liner, has a smooth surface that catches messes and spills, making cleanup a breeze, while the non-slip, gripped underside keeps the liner firmly in place. Transform your table. Create a delightful dining space with a few changes to the kitchen table. Use a staple gun and a bright fabric to recover the chairs, making items you already own look like new additions. You can even create a new tablecloth using the leftover fabric. Then, design coordinating placemats using Smooth Top Easy Liner for a decorative touch that’s easy to wipe clean -- and to replace. Make sure to add a chic centerpiece, such as a vase of fresh flowers, a glass bowl filled with fruit, or a collection of candlesticks to create a focal point for guests as they enter the room. Brighten the basics. Adding color from floor to ceiling is a great way to improve the overall feel of a kitchen. To start, try adding accessories to areas of your kitchen that feel blasé. Bring in color at the highest points of the kitchen by adding faux plants or interesting knickknacks to the space above cabinets. Then, look low and consider the floor. Placing a colorful area rug beneath the table can bring additional interest and color to the kitchen, while also protecting the floor against scratches. Window treatments are another effective, eye-catching way to make any kitchen pop. Consider adding new valances, cornices, or even long panels. When choosing fabrics, make a statement with bright colors, or choose an unexpected, bold pattern for a contemporary approach. Sophisticated stripes, pretty plaids, or fun florals are also good choices for kitchens. Follow these tips for a chic kitchen chic and you will be sure to create a flavorful design that will look good enough to eat.