The Simplest Way To Give A Boring Kitchen A Burst Of Life

Oftentimes, functionality beats aesthetics, but it shouldn't always be the case. In your kitchen, you can equally focus on creating a well-equipped space with convenient touches without forgetting about the whole look and feel by playing with color. It even has its fair share of advantages; colors can affect a person's mood and decision making, so it doesn't always make sense to put it on the back burner. Instead, you can take advantage of it to enhance your kitchen if it feels to plain and boring.  

A quick kitchen upgrade you can make without any renovations to utilize the power of color is adding a colorful rug. Chowhound exclusively spoke with Brandy Rinehart of Rinehart Design Group Inc. about the importance of a rug in a kitchen. Rinehart advises, "A rug can anchor a kitchen visually, defining the cooking zone or adding softness to a sea of hard surfaces. Beyond comfort underfoot, it can set the tone — whether that's a cozy farmhouse vibe with a braided weave or a sleek modern edge with a geometric print."

Although functionality is paramount in a kitchen, Rinehart suggests that efficiency and personality should go hand in hand to create a pleasing balance in the space. "Task zones make the work easier; design details make the space yours," she says. Something as simple as adding a rug can instantly elevate your kitchen and allow all the design elements to come together into one cohesive look that would delight your guests — and you, of course.

Don't overthink it — that's how Brandy Rinehart explains choosing the perfect rug. And it's such a helpful tip, especially if designing isn't your forte. She adds another insight to make it a whole lot easier, saying to "look for colors already present in your kitchen — cabinet finish, wall color, or a favorite dishware tone — and echo one of them in your rug." Reaching for those with patterns can help a lot if you're someone who cooks plenty, as they don't show signs of wear and tear or any filth and stains as easily as something single-colored. And just in case the time comes when your rugs need a little TLC after they have seen plenty of action, remember that ice cubes are the cure for kitchen rugs with deep indents in them.

Rinehart further recommends keeping in mind the materials for a kitchen mat that keep you comfortable while cooking without sacrificing style. Polypropylene, PET, or even washable cotton blends are best choices for a place like the kitchen, as these are built to withstand spills and heavy use. They are also easier to keep clean, which is a win when it comes to choosing a rug for the kitchen.