Sexy your Kitchen

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There is absolutely nothing sexy about a kitchen that is engulfed by chunky neutral tile countertops coated with dark grout; supporting these outdated tiles is large overbearing dark oak wood cabinetry, sitting on a surface of laminate fake-wood. The look and feel is dreary and over-dramatized by the yellowing shadows of the florescent lighting boxes and floral kitchen curtains. Sorry to say it, but you have an ugly kitchen that lacks any sort of appeal. I can only conjure what meals are being prepared in this sort of kitchen … lots of casseroles, I can only guess.

It’s time to spice it up! The new sexy kitchen can make even the smallest galley kitchen look patented and textured with glitter and sheen and can make a large open kitchen look fresh and clean enough for the messiest of chores.

The newest allure for the modern kitchen is focusing on surface materials that are sleek and flat and cabinetry that has clean lines; bamboo is the new wood floor of the millennium. Recessed lighting and under cabinet accent lighting is a great way to show off that new sexy kitchen.

You don’t have to deplete your entire investment portfolio to get an exciting kitchen. By just updating the surface areas and finishing with fresh paint and hardware, you can have a gorgeous kitchen that will turn heads. The kitchen is truly the heart of every home and it is money well spent to make your nucleus appealing. Not to mention how much more fun it will be to create meals in a shiny new space. You might even get some added affection for cooking up a new recipe or two, inspired by the new space.
Visualize! The first step to get that kitchen that you’re dying for is to visualize colors and textures. What will work well together? There are so many cool materials to choose from today, some that are ‘green’ and completely recycled product, and others that come from stone. Just try to steer clear of inexpensive laminates, products that require heavy grouting and too much suspended overhead lighting that will cause shadows and depress the room. The goal is brighten up the space with light, reflection, texture and luster while allowing a simple look that is surprisingly easier to clean. Not only is the kitchen the center of the home, but it’s also a very functional work center.
Go to a kitchen design center for some ideas and help from the designers. I can share with you some of the nifty materials that I have seen in kitchen designs that make my mouth water.
I’ve seen some beautiful, clean counter surfaces made from natural stone (Granite, soapstone, silestone), recycled product such as glass (ThinkGlass), Corian, Zodiaq, Hi-Macs to mention a few.
For your Floor surface I highly recommend bamboo; bamboo grows wild and is in abundance. It is a wonderful ‘Green’ product and bamboo is a fraction of the cost compared to oak, cherry and other hard wood materials; it is a great product for high traffic areas. I’ve also seen some beautiful engineered wood core floors, and cork flooring. If you like the look and feel of a colder surface, decorative concrete, travertine and slate tile is a beautiful choice.
Oak cabinets make me squirm. Don’t try to paint those 1980 oak cabinets white, or try to update them with modern hardware; it doesn’t work. It’s like putting makeup on a pig! Replace them with a nice maple cabinet; or if you have a little more budget, natural cherry is a beautiful façade and very sexy.

If you can squeeze some extra money, the modular look is sexy! Appliances should be built-in and flushed with the cabinetry. Stainless steel is the perfect choice for a sexy kitchen as it creates shine and reflection.

Don’t forget the details. Finish off your kitchen with an attractive backsplash: Glass, mosaic tiles is a gorgeous new trend. I’ve seen pebbletile that really works well for an earthier look, or a simple stone surface such as granite is always timeless. Simple hardware and sink appliances will finish off the look.

I’d love to see your sexy kitchen! Send me some before and after photos of your recent kitchen remodel and I’ll share them. The best sexy remodel will be posted online and the winner will get a complementary delicious, full-bodied alluring wine from the Grapevine, Willow Glen.