Kitchens are the heart of your home but it’s easy to overlook the design of your kitchen when you’re busy cooking or entertaining. However, it’s important to take some time to consider how you can make your space feel more inviting and functional. We’ve gathered together 12 kitchen design ideas that will brighten any home.

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#1 The first of Kitchen Design Ideas: Add a New Backsplash

A backsplash made of tile or stone will give your kitchen a more modern look than just painted walls would. Plus it helps protect those surfaces from spills and splatters!

Kitchen Remodel Ideas & Designs | ProSource Wholesale

#2 Adorn Your Walls With Artwork

Art is an easy way to make your kitchen more inviting. Paintings and prints can be hung on walls or placed above kitchen islands to add color, style, and personality to the space.

Hang artwork that’s meaningful to you, or find something that fits in with your kitchen decor scheme. You can also use artwork as a focal point for other design elements in the room. This could be a large piece of art on one wall with smaller pieces surrounding it.

Find artwork through The Art Concierge.

#3 Invest in Stainless Steel Appliances

Another kitchen design idea is to replace old appliances with stainless steel ones. Stainless steel appliances will last longer than their counterparts made from other materials, so you’ll have fewer repairs over time! This is especially true if you have children who like to play with appliances (but don’t tell them we told you that). Bringing up a great point, looking into fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliances is an excellent idea for any kitchen.

canadian appliance source – Search (bing.com)

#4 Evaluate Your Lighting for Your Kitchen Design

Incorporate plenty of natural light using windows and skylights wherever possible so you can enjoy natural light without having to turn on any overhead lights which saves money on electricity costs over time too.

Gerrie Lighting And Fan Studio (gerrielightingstudio.ca)

#5 A Large Kitchen Island or Countertop

Install a marble countertop in your kitchen. Marble can be found in many colors, so it’s easy to find one that fits your style and complements your cabinets or other kitchen décor. You can also add built-in seating, which will allow you to have more guests over for dinner, or you can add a space for your kids to do their homework while they’re waiting for dinner to finish cooking. Install a new countertop in your kitchen. There are many products that can be found in many colours, from eco-conscious materials like recycled glass, bamboo, and reclaimed wood to quartz, granite, or marble. It’s easy to find one that fits your style and complements your cabinets or other kitchen décor.

AyA Kitchens | Canadian Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry Manufacturer | Kitchen Design Professionals – AyA Galleries – Kitchens, Bathrooms, Closets, Laundry Rooms, Built-ins, Office and Libraries

#6 Paint Your Cabinets

White cabinets are a classic choice in many homes; however, if they get dingy over time, they can look dated and drab. Painting them is an inexpensive way to update them without spending too much money on new ones. You can also paint them any color of your choice! If you’re feeling adventurous, try painting them one color per wall for an interesting effect.

How To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets in 5 Easy Steps (sherwin-williams.com)

#7 Open Shelving

Open shelving is great for displaying artwork, plants, or other decorative items that you want to show off.

Kitchen Paint Colors | Sherwin-Williams

#8 Add Some Plants

Plants add life to any space—especially kitchens because they help purify the air in your home! They’re also great at catching dirt and dust particles that might otherwise settle on counters or cabinets (which is why they’re often used as decoration).

6 Kitchen Colour Ideas & Inspiration to Elevate Your Kitchen | Benjamin Moore

#9 Add built-in storage

You can’t have enough shelves and drawers in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for more space for pots and pans or just want a way to keep cleaning supplies handy, built-in storage is the perfect solution for any sized kitchen.

AyA Kitchens | Canadian Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry Manufacturer | Kitchen Design Professionals – AyA Galleries – Kitchens, Bathrooms, Closets, Laundry Rooms, Built-ins, Office and Libraries

#10 A farmhouse sink

A farmhouse sink is a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen. These sinks are typically made from cast iron, and can be found in both double and single bowl designs. They are perfect for families who love to cook and entertain at home, as well as homes that have an exposed brick feature.

#11 Flooring

Start by choosing a floor that’s going to be durable enough for the job. Tile is great for kitchens because it’s easy to clean, but if it gets damaged, it can be replaced easily!

On the other hand, wood floors are definitely not for everyone, but if you want a rustic look with lots of character and personality, wood floors are hard to beat. Plus, many wood floors come with built-in stain protection so they’ll last longer than other materials like ceramic tile or laminate flooring.

#12 Open up your kitchen 

Remove any unnecessary walls between it and another room in your home so that it feels bigger than it really is. This can make any room feel open without taking away from its functionality as an eating area or workspace where you do all of your cooking tasks throughout each day.

There are so many ways to brighten up your kitchen, and you can do it without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little creativity and some inspiration from these 12 kitchen design ideas. Whether you’re looking to add some color or spice up your space with a little bit of whimsy, we hope these ideas will be helpful as you think about how to bring more light into your home.

Written by the DDA National Office