Your kitchen is the most frequently used room in your home and it truly is the heart of the home. Besides filling the utilitarian function of cooking, it is the place where the family gathers, the kids do their homework, and friends drop in for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Your kitchen may have beautiful cabinetry and gleaming appliances, but it could still be need of your finishing touches to make it seem warm and welcoming. Here are some tips on bringing your kitchen décor up to speed.

1. Balance form and function.

From refers to beauty and is aesthetically pleasing. Function has to do with practical purpose and utility. Space planning is essential in a kitchen for efficiency. For example, for efficient clean-up you want the dishwasher next to the sink not across the room.

If you are installing a new kitchen take advantage of free design services offered by home improvement and kitchen design stores where you are buying your cabinetry and fixtures. These are professional kitchen design experts who will design your kitchen in a 3-D computer program. This is critical for space planning, ordering material and visualizing how the space will work for you. It’s not enough that a kitchen looks beautiful. It has to work for you and meet your needs as well.

2. Choose colors and materials

Keep appliances and fixtures uniform. For example, don’t bring a stainless steel dishwasher into a kitchen with all white appliances unless you are planning to upgrade everything to stainless steel over time. Don’t mix brass faucets with chrome or polished nickel; stick to one type of finish and style throughout the kitchen.

Choose wall colors that will complement your cabinetry. Accent colors can be used in backsplash tiles, countertops, sinks and fixtures. The material you choose for your countertop will add texture as well as color. Add a counterpoint to high gloss finish of granite countertops with a backsplash of stone or glass tiles. Personalize with a stencil or painted wall mural that ties in with your theme. For example, a wine-theme mural would be perfect in a Tuscan style kitchen.

3. Accentuate with accessories and wall decor

The same owner of that same Tuscan kitchen may be drawn to grapevine leaf metal wall art. Abstract wall art would be a nice focal point in a sleek minimalist style kitchen. Metal wall art is a wonderful choice in the eating nook or as a focus on a wall away from your workspace. Keep it away from cooking zones where debris and greasy buildup could turn your piece into a tiresome maintenance issue.

Other wall decorating ideas include metal plate hangers to display a favorite collection, ceramic wall plaques and framed prints with a fruit and vegetable theme.

4. Accent color and add texture with fabric

Window treatments, place mats, table covers and runners, and dishtowels all present another opportunity to enhance your color theme and bring detail to the room. Checks and strips work well in traditional or country kitchens. Simple roll up bamboo shades can add texture to a kitchen with tropical or nautical flair.

Add a warm, inviting feeling with a small countertop lamp, pottery, candles, fresh flowers and baskets full of fresh fruit and vegetables. Bring in the comfort of home to the dining nook with an area rug and seat cushions. Add the final touches in your choice of colorful everyday dishes and quality cookware.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Sagaponak Kitchen 5" courtesy of kitchendesigner .