Are you bored or uninspired with your home furnishings? If you are, there are always easy ways to breathe new life into your space without blasting a hole in your budget. Sometimes changing one small thing can make a big difference. Your kitchen décor should do all the functional stuff you expect and also offer something unexpected to wow you and your guests. In today's article we are dealing with what some might call the "heart of the home", the kitchen.

Create a colourful centre piece with fruits

Brighten your kitchen tables or counters with a large bowl of fresh fruit, which we have a lot of in this country. Not only will the wonderful colours make the space look bright, they will also encourage you and your family to choose a healthy snack. If you can, buy seasonal fruit from your neighbourhood markets, supermarkets and vendors. Oh, and remember to support our local farmers by consuming locally grown fruits. 

Herb kitchen garden

Another great idea for brightening and bringing more of the green to your kitchen is by starting a herb garden. They do well indoors or on your window sill in beautifully painted window and plant boxes. You could plant anything from spanish thyme and rosemarie to chadon beni, chives and more. It adds colour, and scents your kitchen as well as your cooking. yum!

Fresh flowers

A large bunch of fresh heliconias or ginger lilies are simple, quick and easy ways to bring some sunshine and joy to your kitchen and home. Flowers also alter the way you feel, having a positive psychological effect.

Tea pots and ceramics

Arrange a collection of teapots or decorative ceramics canisters, brightly painted in different sizes, on the top of empty kitchen cupboards to bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen.

Coloured glasses and plates

Turn you kitchen into an exotic oasis with a modern take using jewel toned glasses and plates. They add colour and are gorgeous to look at and use.  They add a luxurious feel to any kitchen. 

Paint

This is the most popular suggestion when it comes to brightening your kitchen, because it works every time (as long as you pick the right colour). It is one of the cheapest and simplest ways of changing the look of a room.  Plus a new coat of paint gives a room an overall feeling of freshness.

Rugs

Our kitchen floors need love too. A big bright rug adds interest and is an irresistible focal point to a room. When used in the kitchen, make sure that they come with the non-skid backing, which adds a splash of colour and comfort to work areas in front the sink and stove. They also come in a variety of sizes, and are machine washable.

Kitchen window

Most kitchen windows are small so you can use stronger colours in your window treatments. The treatment should be made in materials that are easily cleaned and can be changed as desired. The fabric colours should add fun and excitement to your kitchen, adding a refreshing splash of colour in an otherwise neutral space.

Hand a bulletin board

Instead of letting shopping lists, receipts and recipes gather in messy piles, organise and display your odds and ends on the board. Use one which uses push pins or magnets for a great look, which will also help keep you organized. You can include business cards and delivery menus from your favorite restaurants, bars and fast food outlets.

Dish towels and placemats

These are functional yet fantastic ways to add colour and beauty to your kitchen.  There is so much variety available that you can either make or purchase that would not cost a fortune.  You can stock up on adorable placemats and towels, and you can switch them every week, which will encourage you to do your laundry more often (that's my motivation).

Remember, with a few simple changes any kitchen can be brought to life. Enjoy!