Decorate My Kitchen

So, I have this new pad which came with a very bland looking little kitchen (pictured below) and as with every apartment I have ever lived in the walls are white and painting them is not an option. Because of this I have come to loath white walls. This kitchen features not just white walls but also white cabinets and white appliances. The counters are a very pail pinkish-beige. The floor? A dingy, off-white tile.

I crave color. I need color. That’s where you come in. Help me decorate my kitchen and I’ll send you an autographed copy of my cookbook, Amigeauxs: Mexican/Creole Fusion Cuisine.

In my last apartment I decorated the kitchen in a wine motif – some framed labels, shadow boxes filled with miniature casks and cork screws, curtains adorned with a Napa hillside strewn with vineyards and even a cheese board embossed with a bunch of cabernet sauvignon grapes. I used a wine carrying basket to hold my utensils and a decorative gift box housed dried spaghetti. The finished product left more than a few friends questioning my heterosexuality. But I feel certain Miles Raymond would have approved.

Since I’ve done wine that means I should be able to do it again but at the same time, I’ve done wine. That last apartment also featured a Mediterranean style dining room (the natural transition from the wine kitchen) and the living room looked like a Caribbean paradise. So presumably I could use one of those tried-and-true styles as well.

Or I could do something new. Perhaps some geeky-cool retro look with an “avocado green” stand-mixer and an “autumn gold” toaster. Really, the possibilities are endless. So what’s your suggestion? How would you bring a little chic to my shabby shanty?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• This is a rental so painting and wallpaper are out.
• Budget – I don’t have much of one so frugal solutions are important.
• I am a man which means function is more important than form. Vase full of fresh cut flowers? Never. Vase full of fresh basil and thyme? Now you’re talking. This rule does not pertain to artwork for the walls.
• I like color, but that does not mean I want it to look like Walt Disney threw up.
• This kitchen will also serve as the “studio” for future tapings of Everyday Gourmet so thought should be given towards how the overall look will come across on camera.
• No fat chef decor!

Once again, the suggestion that I think best satisfies my needs and personal tastes will receive a copy of Amigeauxs and the knowledge that your creativity may have helped save the world. Use the comments box to post your ideas.  I’ll award the winner on August 14th.