Cheer Up Your Kitchen

By Leslie Barrie
December 14, 2010
Credit: Corbis
Create a brighter vibe in the heart of your home with these tips from design guru Jonathan Adler, author of Happy Chic Accessorizing and Happy Chic Colors.
Start Slideshow

1 of 6

Expert advice

Create a brighter vibe in the heart of your home with these tips from design guru Jonathan Adler, author of Happy Chic Accessorizing and Happy Chic Colors.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 6

Don’t fear patterns

Credit: Corbis

If you adore a print, go ahead and use it in more than one place. "It instantly helps the room come together and, of course, adds a bit of playfulness," Adler says.

3 of 6

Bring on the bouquets

Credit: Corbis

"Flowers add instant joy," Adler says—but manyof us forget to put ’em in the kitchen. He prefers tight clusters of a single bloom. Cut the stems off so only the buds pop out of the vase.

Advertisement

4 of 6

Add pieces that pop

Credit: Corbis

Vibrant shades like bold blue and citrus green can perk up your space. You don’t have to paint: Neutral walls and cabinets make an ideal backdrop for bright dishes, towels, pottery, etc.

5 of 6

Use edible arrangements

Credit: Corbis

Lemons and limes (or oranges and grapefruit) make a cheery, colorful centerpiece. But if you only use a few, they’ll look like leftovers, so follow Adler’s rule: "More, more, more!"

6 of 6

Look down (and up!)

Credit: Corbis

Most of us decorate at eye level, but adding surprising touches like a patterned tray to shelves down below or nooks up above makes a room look completely lived-in and finished.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Leslie Barrie