Jewelry for the Kitchen

Faucets

To begin your kitchen accessorizing, start with the area where you spend most of your time -- the sink. Changing out a sink might be more than you’re willing or able to do. Instead, consider installing a new faucet. An elegant and well-designed faucet can set the tone for the whole kitchen.

Faucets today come in a wealth of designs, from weathered antique looks to sleek contemporary styles. One of the most popular styles is the graceful and elegant high arc faucet. Besides their good looks, these faucets offer enhanced functionality. They’re more practical for such tasks as filling up large pots and watering plants, and their prominence makes them a design focal point.

If you think a new faucet isn’t in your “accessorizing” budget, think again. Many high-quality faucets are available for reasonable prices at home improvement centers. Moen, for instance, recently introduced a high arc, single-handle faucet exclusively at Lowe’s. The traditional style faucet, with a swiveling spout, is available in chrome or stainless finishes. It’s a perfect upgrade to give your kitchen bejeweling appeal.

Colorful Textiles

To a simple necklace, add a dazzling gem. To a simple kitchen, add dazzling color! If you have a window in your kitchen, start your color palette with curtains. Find color inspiration from the floor tiles, countertops or wallpaper. Coordinate the curtains with dishtowels, potholders and area rugs. The splash of color will enliven the area and bring a unifying theme to the room.

Decorative Dispensers

Your favorite dish soap might clean well, but its bright orange color might not match your forest green décor. The same goes for your hand soap, dishwasher detergent and hand lotion. Invest in a set of dispensers in chrome or stainless to match your appliances or a color to match the fabrics. Or try using decorative glass decanters with cork stoppers. These come in an array of colors and shapes to fit any décor.

Show Off Your Cookware

Hanging framed artwork is a good way to liven up bland kitchen walls. But you can also use your pots and pans as art -- and maximize storage space at the same time. Use a wall-mounted rack for hanging cookware. Instead of an island or countertop, use an overhead ceiling mount. To create your own, try this trick: Install hooks on an old crib railing or strong deck lattice along with four eye hooks in the corners. Then mount eye hooks to the ceiling and connect to your new cookware hanger with chains. For maximum effect, paint the railing or lattice to match cabinets or other kitchen accessories.

Replace Old Hardware

To refresh the look of your cupboards without a lot of work or money, replace tired, out-of-date hardware with interesting knobs or pulls in hot finishes, like wrought iron or stainless, to coordinate with your appliances. Many unique styles range in price from $1 to $3 each. For a more personalized look, try stenciling a pattern onto flat handles to match your backsplash or wallpaper pattern. Think of it as earrings for your cabinets!