BY AMANDA BLOYE, FW Writer

There are fewer rooms in a home that generate
more traffic than the kitchen. Whether it’s a
quick bite to eat on your way out, a nice sit-down
meal with family or friends, or a place to read,
work and study, the kitchen is the go-to living
space in any home. Here, FW has compiled a
few tips on how to style your space and retain
maximum efficiency without breaking your back
or your wallet.

The Eco-Eatery
Throughout the last few years it seems as though
everyone is making the move towards a greener
lifestyle. While some are doing their part by
composting, recycling and replacing all existing
bulbs with energy efficient ones, others are
testing out the extremes that green living has to
offer.

If a full eco-makeover is in your plans than
cabinets, lighting and appliances are all areas
that need to be fully researched and taken
into consideration. A great place to start is
the LA-based site Low Impact Living (www.
lowimpactliving.com). They offer an extensive
list of eco-friendly appliances from refrigerators to dishwashers to solar paneled ovens. The
products offered work to be energy efficient,
water efficient and beneficial for the environment
and are ENERGY STAR qualified or approved.

Another way to make your kitchen ecofriendly
is to use recycled materials for cabinets
and floors. According to www.kitchens.
com, materials to consider for flooring include
bamboo, cork and eucalyptus as they mature in
about half the time it takes for hardwood.

For countertops consider stained concrete
or indigenous stone as they are non-toxic
as well as stain and water resistant. For
more information on greener kitchens visit
www.kitchens.com/design-green-home.
aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_246_934_btnlink.

Big Ideas, Small Space
Another reason for redesign is to try and expand
the look and areas kitchens have to offer.
Often with a small kitchen space isn’t properly
utilizedand individuals end up either bumpinginto each other or searching through the
cupboard for days looking for a certain pan or
utensil. According to www.kitchens.com, the key
to expanding the size of any small (or seemingly
small) kitchen is to create the illusion of space.

“The National Kitchen and Bath Association
[NKBA] defines a small kitchen as one that’s
150 square feet or less,” kitchens.com explains.

“The NKBA recommends using unique
storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient
lighting, choosing appliances wisely, and adding
personalized touches.”

The simplest way to help your kitchen grow
is to increase the amount of storage you use. By
expanding cabinets to the ceiling, incorporating
bins and baskets, and upping your drawer count,
you are able to fit much more.

Another method of expanding kitchen space
is to tidy and organize. The more cluttered a
countertop is the less space it will look like you
have. Try organizing cookbooks, mail and odds
and ends into a certain cupboard or drawer so
they are out of sight. Or eliminate the square
footage a full table may take up by installing an
island bar as an efficient way to serve meals.

For more ideas and tips on saving kitchen
space visit www.kitchens.com/Design/Lifestyles/
Small_Kitchens.aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_252_
0_4318_6 or search through IKEA’s plethora of
kitchen styles and shapes to get inspired (www.
ikea.ca).

If you can’t afford a full out kitchen
makeover, try painting or adding candles and
unique decorations to create an entirely new
ambiance. Even adding a little natural light can
make a big difference. If you’ve been saving and
are sure this is something you’re ready for then
enlist the aid of professionals. Listen to their
opinions and ideas while still bringing your style
to the table. In the end, having a great kitchen is
all about doing what’s right for you. So head into
that high traffic area armed and ready to create
an efficient space that’s styled to reflect who you
really are.