Expert Tips for French Country Kitchen Décor on a Budget

Redecorating on a budget can be a challenge, especially when you want to create a room that reflects a specific design style. A LoveToKnow Interior Design reader writes, "My kitchen has really dark wood and not much light, and it doesn't really fit in with the French country style of the rest of my house. I want to redecorate it so fits in better, but I can't afford to replace the black appliances. Any ideas?"

Kimberly M. Stone, owner of the interior design firm Adore Your Décor and author of the FabJob Guide to Become a Home Stager or Redesigner, believes that you don't need to spend a lot in order to have a stylish home. She has generously offered to share some of her strategies for completing a budget-friendly French country kitchen makeover.

Working with the Current Color Palette

Ms. Stone's first tip for creating the French country look on a budget is to work with your current color palette. "In addition to using the warm yellows and terracotta reds characteristic of a French country room, try bringing in other rich hues like deep blue or dark green to balance the dark wood," she said. "Wrought iron is also part of this rustic style, so displaying a decorative iron pieces or light fixtures will complement the black appliances. Try a wrought iron curtain rod above a window or add cabinet hardware like black fleur-de-lis or scroll knobs. Also, there are stylish fabrics on the market which feature reds, yellows, and blacks together in classic French country motifs - picture sunflowers, roosters, black olives, and floral patterns. Highlight dark tones with natural materials like slate, brick, stone, and granite for flooring or backsplash areas."

Refinishing Cabinets and Appliances

Instead of purchasing new cabinets, try painting or refinishing the cabinetry that is already in place. This requires patience, but can give the room a completely different look. "For a dramatic look, use a black undercoat with a red or yellow crackle finish on top," Ms. Stone. "The wood tone of the cabinets could also be changed to a lighter, golden color. It's always a good idea to do a test board before starting a major refinishing project like this, or you may want to bring in a decorative painter."

You can also change the color of your appliances with paint or new appliance fronts. Krylon Appliance Epoxy Paints are one product that is made specifically for appliance painting projects. There are replacement fronts and panels available for appliances, and this would noticeably change the feel of your kitchen. BrylaneHome offers SoftMetal Self-Adhesive Film which can be easily applied to appliances for a clean stainless steel look.

Evaluating Your Lighting Options

According to Ms. Stone, you shouldn't underestimate the value of good lighting in interior design. "If you want to bring in more light to the kitchen area, try adding recessed can lights or track lighting," she said. "To increase your sources of natural light, consider installing a reasonably priced tubular skylight such as the Solatube."

Creativity Is Key

Interior design magazines may be filled with images of lavishly furnished rooms, but you can create the look you crave without going into debt. By learning how to work with what you already own, you can transform almost any room into a space you'll be proud to show your family and friends.