A few simple additions to your kitchen can create a room that will be welcoming to guests and make you feel more at home while there. Kitchens are very basic rooms so a little goes a long way in sprucing them up.

First consider the windows. If you have a kitchen window over the sink, consider a light colored set of curtains. Select a shade that will match the paint or wallpaper but will also stand out. A subtle print is usually a nice choice. It can be a pattern that is kitchen related, like little spatulas or pots and pans. Or you can go with a theme that you personally like, such as cows or gingham. You will want to choose a light fabric to allow sunlight to come through. Bold prints or dark shades will darken the room.

For a larger window, such as one near the kitchen table, check into a thin set of Venetian blinds. Whether or not you have blinds, you can add curtains to these windows as well. A simple pair that sits on either end of the window will add class. Tie them at the center to add style. For multiple windows in the kitchen, use the same material for the all.

A set of towels to match the drapes and wallpaper are a good touch. This will be a pair that isn’t used to dry anything. They will just be a nice accent that is strictly for show. Hang two over the oven door. Or hang one over the door along with a matching potholder. Potholders can also be left out on a counter top or hung on a wall to add to the decor. Don’t ever use these and get them dirty; use a different set that is kept in a drawer.

As for floor mats, again you want to go with a light color. Lighter colors will reflect sunlight, making the kitchen a brighter place. Don’t select one that is too big. For larger kitchens, maybe put one in front of the sink and one in front of the stove. If your kitchen is smaller, try just one bigger one that can be centered in the room.

Adding little things will give the extra touch that truly personalizes your kitchen. Refrigerator magnets can be cute. A few cows to go with your cow theme or a couple of other carefully selected magnets to match any other themes will be nice. Don’t stick too many on there or it will look like a cluttered mess. An empty wall can be a good place for a nice calendar or whiteboard for messages. Set out a fruit basket or small plant to add to empty spaces. Put it where it will be seen but not in your way when cooking.

And to really make kitchens nice, find a home for everything! Don’t let your kitchen counters become storage areas. A few appliances that you use every day can stay out, like a toaster, coffee maker. If you don’t use the blender a lot, stick it in a cabinet. And definitely have the ‘junk drawer.’ This is where you can put all the things you want in the kitchen but don’t really have a home. Bottle openers, pens, recipes, chip clips and all those goodies can be kept in one place to keep the kitchen tidy and looking nice.

Amy Stevens is an expert in home design. If you want further information about types of kitchens or are looking for a reputable kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com