A kitchen is the focal point and heart in most homes where a lot of activity takes place. For example, it is the hub when it comes to preparing and cooking meals, baking, cleaning dirty dishes and a place where the family and friends can catch up over a cup of coffee. It is therefore surprising to find kitchen valances that add a sense of style and depth to the kitchen are often overlooked by decorators.
Many homeowners building a new home spare no expense by fitting the kitchen out with the most up to date gas ovens, bench tops, oven hobs, fridges and range-hoods. The kitchen will undoubtedly look classy and sophisticated with all the ultra modern equipment, but may be missing that charming homely feel of the country kitchen you were raised with.
For a kitchen to have a warm and inviting feel it can be just a simple matter of dressing and decorating it with the right balance of color and fabric. Alternatively, if you want your kitchen to project a chic elegant look, then rich pastel colors and fabrics made of silk or satin would be the better option.
Decorating a kitchen can be like filling in a blank canvas and to many in the process of decorating, a lot of planning and thought is required because the kitchen is often looked upon as a personal place where a lot of time is spent.
The kitchen is therefore often used by some people to reflect their taste and individuality. So if you are redecorating, building a new home or just intend to replace existing fittings or fabrics in your kitchen, then it is the perfect chance for you to let your imagination run wild and to create your own fresh vibrant look.
For example, by applying a coat of paint to the walls and simply replacing old worn out curtains in the kitchen with smart colorful kitchen valances, you can quickly lift the look of a dreary kitchen at little expense. This of course will depend on the quality and style of fabric you choose.
These day’s retail merchants and specialty curtain shops have a wide variety of different fabrics, colors and styles of kitchen valances available for consumers. It is therefore advisable before buying your fabric to make your kitchen valance to have a good look around to see what is available before making a decision.
The following are 5 tips to help with selecting kitchen valances –
1. Ensure you decorate your kitchen to match other parts of your home. Try to find a nice fabric with a pattern or print that blends in with the rest of the kitchen color scheme.
2. If your kitchen is a classical style choose a traditional two-piece valance as this will allow you to look for patterns and colors to suit your taste
3. If your kitchen has a country theme have a look at different swag valances. For example denim set off by a gingham swag in a shade to match the kitchen color.
4. Ensure the fabric is lightweight and washable such as silk, sheers, lace, polyester or cotton.
5. Don’t be afraid to add vibrant color to lift a bland looking kitchen. For example consider hanging a colorful green and red valance if the kitchen is painted a neutral sand color.
6. If your kitchen has wooden blinds consider adding a sense of style by using a basic cotton valance rather than the conventional kitchen valance.
7. If you prefer privacy then kitchen valances may not be the best option. Have a look at a café style curtain that covers the bottom half of your window.