DEB'S TOP THREE: BARSTOOLS

Buying bar stools for your kitchen can take some thought. The style should be in line with the look of your kitchen and there are a lot of different stools available. Also, the function and comfort are very important depending on how you use the space – for example, is this an area where people will be sitting for hours or is it a temporary perch. Another important element is the overall height required; they come in two sizes: counter height to fit a 36" standard counter or bar height, to fit a higher counter.

You'll want to think about other functional aspects: do you want a back or arms on the stools? Do you want fabric or leather seats or something more durable with wood or metal? Do you want a modern look or something traditional?

Here are three classic and stylish options.

1.  Tolix stool from Design Within Reach

2. Vienna black stool from Crate & Barrel

3. Bentwood counter stool from West Elm

BEFORE & AFTER: AFFORDABLE, DIY KITCHEN

In this kitchen update, the only material I used was paint and that was the only cost involved! This is what I would call a true paint makeover. Here are a few BEFORE pictures:

And a few more of the AFTER pictures. I painted 8 different surfaces in this kitchen, can you spot the changes?

Painted surfaces included:

1. The fridge: in black chalkboard paint, probably my favourite part of this transformation and was so easy to do!

2. Upper Cabinets: white

3. Lower Cabinets: F & B, mouses back

4. Counter

5. Backsplash: you might be able to see in the 'before' the backsplash had a dated flower motif throughout the tiles

6. Hardware: spray painted all the old hardware silve

7. Range hood: it was an 'almond' colour before and didn't match the white stove

8. Dishwasher front: painted in lower cabinet colour to blend in

SHOULD I USE A RUG IN MY KITCHEN?

Over the last few years there has been a trend towards rugs in kitchens. I like the look, it can add colour and pattern to the space. Of course it can also make it more comfortable for standing. I remember seeing a picture of this kitchen several years ago, and I think it was one of the first that jumped out with the rug – and was at the beginning of the trend towards dark lower cabinets.

Here are a few other recent kitchens showing the rug trend. Even in very different styles of kitchens.

And a shot of my own kitchen with the rug. In my experience the kitchen rug with colour and pattern shows almost no dirt or spills. I think it adds a lot of warmth and personality.

Kitchen images: 1. Deb Nelson Design 2. Lonny magazine 3-6. Domino magazine 7. Deb Nelson Design

USING GREY & GOLD IN THE KITCHEN

There is still a huge trend happening with gold or antique brass finish in kitchens. There are many kitchens showing up with the hardware and faucets in a warm metal. Also still seeing lots of kitchens cabinets that go from light grey to dark/grey or black. Personally I'm enjoying the lighter grey with gold these days. Here are a few that have caught my eye!

This one is my personal favourite, the wooden accents add some warmth to this sleek, grey kitchen.

Sources: top two photos unknown, middle Domino magazine, bottom House & Home magazine