Convertible Furniture: Items That Grow With Your Family to Last for Generations

Life constantly changes, as we expect our homes to be able to match these changes to provide the best environment. People may get married or move in with their significant others. Families may get larger as children grow older. While looking for furniture at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes, you want pieces that are not only perfect for your present lifestyle, but are perfect for what lies in store in the near future. Here are several ideas for furniture pieces that can change and grow with your family so you can save money no matter what life event comes your way.

Expandable Dining Tables

Small dining and kitchen tables are perfect for newlyweds living in small spaces, yet instantly feel too small when there is the pitter-patter of small feet as children grow older. Expandable tables with leaves that can be added are perfect additions to the home. They instantly add more seating spaces when desired for your growing children. When they become teens and go off to college, you can remove the leaves to make the table smaller and add more space to the room.

Convertible Cribs

New babies to the home can be a trying time for parents with tight budgets. You are constantly buying new clothes and items as the child grows older. Cribs have become the answer as the perfect furniture that grows with your child. When your baby moves to the toddler stage, the crib can be converted into a toddler bed. Then the same toddler bed can be used as a headboard for big kids.

Second-Use Changing Tables

In addition to cribs, changing tables are getting a makeover to become multifunctional pieces of furniture that can be used throughout the home. Some changing tables can be changed into hanging bookcases, while other tables can be converted into floor bookcases and even desks for tweens.

Multifunctional Beds

Beds that can transform into sofas and love seats have been around for decades. The sofa instantly transforms into an extra bed for kids or seating when your teens have their friends over. A multifunctional bed is also ideal for when your aging parents decide to move in, as you can transform a sitting room into an extra bedroom. They can sleep on the twin bed at night and convert it into seating during the day while watching television.

Yet sofas aren’t the only other piece of furniture that beds can transform into for your home. There are several manufacturers who have created beds that can transform into work desks. This set up is perfect for teenagers during those long exam study sessions.

With the wide selection of furniture pieces out on the market, you can create the perfect indoor atmosphere that works with your growing family. Get an idea about your present furniture needs, and how your furniture would need to accommodate you in the future, to pick out the right pieces for your home.

It’s past time to get new bar stools for your home. You find the perfect stools that fit into the decor theme of your dining room or kitchen at California Stools, Bars and Dinette Sets. Yet what do you do with the old bar stools? If you can’t gift them to a friend and your college-bound child doesn’t want the bar stools to clutter up his small dorm room, you can repurpose your former counter stool into other items that you can use in the inside and outside of your home. Here are several great ideas you may want to try to recycle the old bar stools and give them other functions.

Nightstands and End Tables

Just a dash of chalk paint or spray paint and you can transform the bar stools into instant nightstands and end tables. If you desire a wider table piece on top, you can attach another piece of wood, either square or round, to the top of the barstool seat. Keep in mind that the larger the table surface, the top-heavier the nightstand or table will become even with wide legs as bumping a large table surface could make the stool topple over.

Sofa Tables and Work Desks

Similar to the night stand idea, you can also make the table longer by adding another barstool to create a work desk or sofa table. You can cover the bar stool with fabric to match your space and create a softer feel. Use the tables as a new study area for the kids, an extra table in the craft room, or just a decorative table in the corner of the room to hold books and vases.

Outdoor Drink Cooler

It’s amazing how far a little ingenuity can take you. If you remove the bar seat and attach a metal bucket on top, you can create an instant drink cooler for your outdoor space. Fill it with ice and set wine coolers (or non-alcoholic drinks) inside as everyone can have a drink without impatiently waiting beside the wet bar.

Indoor/Outdoor Plant Stand

One of our favorite DIY barstool projects is a standing planter. All you’ll need is an old stool and dirt. Place the planter along the corners of your deck or inside your home by the window where the plants can get plenty of sunshine. You can also place herbs into the bucket to use in your cooking.

Garden Bird Houses

Bring more birds to your flower and vegetable garden who will eat up the pesky bugs that nibble on your plants by creating a garden bird house out of your old bar stools. Simply attach a large birdhouse to the top of the stool and place it in a corner of your garden. Make sure to securely mount the legs by either driving the metal ends into the ground or even cementing wooden bar legs in place.

The possibilities on what you can do with bar stools are endless. If you aren’t the type to take on a diy bar stool makeover, you can simply try to sell or give the stools away at yard sales and garage sales. Then the old bar stools can find a new home that isn’t at the local landfill.

When it comes to relaxation in the great outdoors, you want to have the perfect furniture in your outdoor living space whether you are lounging by the pool or reading a book under the pergola. California Stools, Bars and Dinettes offers a wide range of kitchen, dining room and bar sets that can be placed into outdoor living spaces. Before picking out a range of furniture for lounging, dining and entertainment, you need to understand the durable materials that are commonly used for furniture and the maintenance that is required to make the pieces last no matter the weather outside.

Types of Outdoor Furniture Materials

There are four categories of materials crafted into outdoor furniture: wood, metal, plastic and wicker. Each material has its benefits and disadvantages when it comes to longevity and maintenance, yet most of this furniture can be maintained simply by washing the dirt and grime off with soap and water. Decide on the best materials based on your personal preferences and your budget.

Metal Furniture

Out of all the materials available, metal furniture is the most durable. There are two types available: powder-coated aluminum and wrought iron. Both types are sturdy although they are pricier than other materials. Typical maintenance for metal furniture requires sealing the metal to prevent rust. One of the disadvantages to wrought iron furniture is that it can easily absorb the heat from sunlight, making them extremely hot to the touch. Some metal furniture may also be paired with glass, such as tables, or upholstered cushions on chairs so take this into consideration when performing maintenance care.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker is often preferred over other types of outdoor furniture because it has more of a garden look, making it blend into backyard gardens. Bamboo, cane, and rattan are common materials used to make wicker furniture as often wicker will be paired with upholstered cushions for increased comfort. Many wicker pieces may be made from synthetic materials to increase their weather resistance. When selecting wicker, you want to protect the cushion seat to prevent mold and mildew that can cause it to rot out. So keep wicker protected from wet weather or select weather-resistant fabrics.

Wood

Wood furniture can be beautiful and long-lasting as some pieces can stay outside for over 50 years. Furniture may be made out of a range of softwoods, such as cedar, or hardwoods like teak. Sealing and treating wood with special oils can help protect the surface from weather and maintain its original appearance. One of the major advantages of wood furniture is that it doesn’t absorb heat quickly, making it cooler to the touch versus metal furniture.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic is often a go-to material for outdoor furniture because it is the least expensive and requires very low maintenance care. Plastic furniture is also lightweight, allowing a homeowner to move it about their outdoor living space and stack it when not in use. Plastic usually is the least durable material to buy and will need to be replaced more often than the other types of materials that have been mentioned.

With spring arriving, people will be looking for outdoor furniture to spruce up their backyards. Consider the materials used to create your favorite pieces of furniture and select one that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.

When you purchased your family dining room table, you probably thought about how well it would seat your family, how sturdy it was, and whether or not it would fit in its designated space. What you may not have thought about is how valuable this piece of furniture is to helping you as a parent.

Research suggests that families that dine together tend to be happier and healthier. Unfortunately, many families are not taking the time to gather together around the dining room table and eat. In fact, a poll conducted by Gallup suggests there has been a significant decline – a decrease of almost 9% – in regular family meals. Considering how important family dinners are to a child and teen’s development, it is important to try to incorporate it into their daily lives.

Wondering just how helpful a family dinner can be to your family’s emotional and physical well-being? Here is a look at some of the benefits that have been linked to regular family dinners.

The Development of Essential Social Skills

Children aren’t just eating when they gather for family meals. They are learning valuable, essential social skills that will help them through life.

A recent article from the Daily Times discussed how children who regularly at family meals at home had better social skills than those who didn’t engage in traditional family dinners. Some of the skills learned at the dinner table include proper manners, ability to easily converse with people of all ages and backgrounds, and proper oral communication.

Healthy Eating Habits are Learned at the Dinner Table

One of the most shocking statistics regarding family dinners is their impact on children’s eating habits. Research conducted by the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests that individuals who regularly ate a family dinner had better eating habits. These children and adults tended to eat healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables, were able to control their portions, and were less likely to develop disordered eating.

Create a Functional Space for Family Dinners

Considering how important family dinners are to your children’s social, emotional, and physical growth, you should designate a space in the dining room or kitchen that is used for family dinners or family gatherings. California Stools, Bars and Dinettes has a wonderful selection of dining room tables, chairs, and sets that are perfect for families looking to create a warm, welcoming place for family dinners.

Browse the selection of tables, chairs, and stools and create a space for family dinners. You will be surprised at just how well your children and teens succeed in life thanks to having family dinners.

This year instead of heading to a fancy restaurant for Valentine’s Day, why not show your significant other your romantic side and have an intimate meal at home. A home cooked meal is not only cheaper than a fancy restaurant, but it is a great way to earn brownie points with your significant other as it takes a lot of time and effort.

If you are planning on hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner for two at home, mood is everything. Don’t just toss the dinner down on your regular dining room table and start to eat. Make sure you create a romantic, intimate setting. It is a great touch for Valentine’s Day.

If you are unsure how to transform a traditional dining room table into a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two, here are some suggestions on how to make that transformation.

Use Solid Colored Linens

Most people don’t use table cloths or linens because they easily get dirty and can be a hassle to clean. On this romantic holiday, pull out those table cloths and linens and use them. They will help transform your regular, practical dining room table into a romantic table for two.

When using table cloths or linens, make sure you use solid colors. While prints and patterns can be used, it might not have the desired effect you want it to have on the room. Solid colors add an elegant touch to the dining room and that is exactly the look you wish to achieve.

Add Candles to the Table

Candles are a must have tabletop accessory for romantic dinners. It just would not be the same without them placed in the center.

Most people choose to use long, elegant wax candles, but any candles will work. If you are concerned about eating around an open flame, there are battery-operated flameless candles that flicker and glow just like real candles.

Another thing to consider when using candles is to make sure the candles of scent-free. A heavily scented candle can ruin a dinner, as the scent is too overpowering.

Pull Out the Good China and Silverware

It is hard to create a romantic setting if you are eating off of paper plates or using tarnished silver forks. Take the time to pull out the good china and silverware set and use them for dinner. It will make you feel like you are eating at a fancy restaurant, when in reality you are dining right in the comfort of your own home.

Even though the stuff you put on the table and the silverware you use is important, the most important element of a romantic dinner is the table that is being used. Find a wonderful table for your Valentine’s Day dinner for two by shopping at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes.

It’s time to get new bar stools for your kitchen island or peninsula. If you use stools a lot, then you know how difficult it can be to find the prefect seats.  Not to worry. Here are a few tricks to finding the most comfortable and stylish bar stools for your kitchen.

Consider Your Space

It can be easy to fall in love with a certain style only to find out too late that it doesn’t fit your space.  Remember, if your kitchen is small, you want to go for a sleeker stool, while larger kitchens can handle bulkier seating options.  Here are a few things to consider when out shopping:

• To swivel or not:  in a tight kitchen you may want bar stools that swivel to make getting in and out easier. A swiveling stool also makes it easier to talk with others around the room.
• The Backing: backs are more comfortable if you plan to use your stools a lot for eating and working at the counter. However, they do take up more space and can look out of place if squeezed into a cramped area.
• The number of stools needed:  bar stools generally take up more space than standard kitchen chairs found around a table. Be sure to leave about 28 inches from the middle of one stool to the middle of the next.
• Round or square:  round stools use less space than square ones.  Larger areas can easily handle square stools with backs; smaller spaces usually look best with round stools.

Consider Who’s Using the Stools

Who will be using your bar stools the most?  Children will likely need adjustable height stools with foot rests for comfort.  Shorter adults too may feel more comfortable with a footrest to eliminate dangly-leg syndrome.

Find Stools That Fit

Choosing a stylish stool that looks good in your kitchen won’t mean a thing if it is uncomfortable. One of the biggest things buyers overlook is the height of the stools they purchase.  Be sure to pick a stool that is about 11 inches shorter than your countertop or home bar.  This will allow those sitting there to be able to comfortably work on a laptop and eat without bending over or stretching to reach the counter.

Consider Your Style

Replacing old bar stools can be a lot of fun.  With hundreds of styles to choose from, you can use the opportunity to create a whole new look in your kitchen.  Think about your home style when shopping and pick stools that complement the rest of your décor.

Looking to upgrade the look of your dining room and kitchen space? California Stools, Bars and Dinettes is having a Winter Sale at all three Bay Area locations. We are clearing out are floor samples so we can bring in our new 2016 furniture lines from all the manufacturers you know and trust. Yet we aren’t just tossing the floor displays away. We are offering them to people throughout California as you can take advantage of deep discounts on dinette sets and bar stools.

Find 15% to 60% Savings on Select Furniture

Get that perfect dinette set you always wanted to replace your existing set, to expand the dining room furniture you already have as your family grows, or to give as a house warming gift to a new couple. You can find a savings of 15% to 60% on dinette set floor samples. Just come into the show room, pick out the dining room table and chairs you want and have it delivered or just take it right out with you. You will enjoy the dinette set as much as the savings to your wallet.

Don’t forget to check out our large selection of available bar stools. We are offering 15% and more on bar stool savings. You can always use more seating in your home as these bar stools are versatile chairs that can be placed by the wet bar or used as extra seating along the counter. Having an extra bar stool or two stashed away for family gatherings or parties will allow you to have enough places for everyone to find a seat.

Get the Dining Furniture While You Can

Winter is always the perfect time to start rearranging the dining room and kitchen furniture to create a brand new design and function for the eating spaces in your home. Unfortunately, what you really might need is simply brand new furniture. The holidays haven’t been kind to your existing dining room set, bar stools and chairs. Scuff marks, scratches from utensils, and loose legs can mar the beauty of your furniture and cause the items to become unsafe. Don’t just deal with it when you can come to California Stools, Bars and Dinettes to take advantage of our Winter Sale.

These savings won’t last long and neither will the floor samples. You will only have this brief opportunity to save money and get the dining furniture you need before it is gone. So get to one of our three Bay Area locations and browse through our floor samples for the right dining set and bar stools for your home. Once you see the 15% up to 60% savings you can get for beautiful and durable furniture, you won’t shop anywhere else.

You just bought your first home, and you are deciding on the right furniture to place in each room. California Stools, Bars and Dinettes can provide you with a wide range of options based on your particular needs as we offer dining room furniture, bar furniture, and kitchen furniture for your dining and entertainment needs. While getting the dining room and the wet bar perfect for your family, the kitchen area may be the hardest room in selecting the right tables and chairs.

Kitchens come in a wide range of sizes and need to have the right traffic flow for cooking without creating obstacles. When placing in furniture, you don’t want to disrupt this flow by adding too many pieces or too large of a kitchen set to where you have to move the furniture about daily just to have room to cook. Yet you still would like a nice sitting area in the space so everyone can sit down for a nice family dinner. Here are several ways in selecting the right kitchen furniture that will fit perfectly into your first home.

Consider the Primary Use of the Kitchen

Yes, it is a kitchen so it will be used for cooking. Yet kitchens have evolved over the years to becoming multi-functioning spaces. It may also be the home office, the child’s study area, and a place for entertaining dinner guests. Deciding on all the purposes allows you to have a basic idea on what types of furniture to purchase.

For example; if you plan to talk and entertain guests in an open floor plan where the kitchen can be seen from other living spaces and a large counter is used as a separator, you may want to purchase kitchen stools. The kitchen stools can give extra seating for people to relax, have a drink and eat a snack while watching you cook.

Another thing to consider is if you have enough space to place in an additional small table as a food preparation area. By having a separate table, you won’t have to fight for space at the regular kitchen table if the kids decide to do their homework before dinner or the spouse is finishing up on some work reports. Breakfast nooks may also be ideal as you can increase the seating with a bench so your family has their own place to do work before or after the meals.

Measure the Space to Narrow Down Furniture Choices

While you may want every type of kitchen furnishings offered at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes, you may quickly find out just how much space is eaten up by the furniture you place into it. Use a measuring tape to measure out the space that is available. One tip is to use masking tape on the floor to mark the spaces where you want to place the tables and chairs.

Doing this strategy will give you a visual reference of where you want the furniture as you can change your measurement figures in case you need to select a smaller table, fewer chairs, or a larger dining set. Once you have the measurements and have the taped areas as reference, you can sketch out the space. There are several types of software and apps available that will give you a 3D computerized representation of your home. Then you can place in virtual furnishings into the floor plan. Decide on how long of a table you can have, the right position to place it, and the number of sitting spaces for everyday meals and for special holiday feasts.

Selecting Furniture Styles

Selecting furniture styles will usually be on the final part of your furniture selection task. Yet the style can have a big influence in setting the mood in the room. You can select a more rustic style to match the woodsy, country feeling, or select a more modern piece if you are going for a minimalist, industrial look. The types of materials you select for the furniture will also dictate the style you are looking for as glass tables offer a more elegant appearance while wood inspires a relaxing and warm atmosphere.

Sometimes taking photographs of the rest of the furniture in your house can help in selecting a style when you go to the furniture store. If your first home has an open floor plan where the kitchen can be seen from the living room or dining room, you may want the kitchen furniture to complement the other furnishings, or even provide a contrasting element to show how it is a separate space of its own even in an open floor layout.

Trying out Furniture is Essential

Don’t forget this last step of the process. Trying out the furniture by coming to California Stools, Bars and Dinettes will allow you to see for yourself how different family members are seated at tables or kitchen stools. Imagine standing over a table as you are chopping vegetables or stirring pots to select the right height. Then sit on the chair to determine the comfort level you desire. You may desire an upholstered chair if you have certain back problems, or a wooden chair for extra body support.

Keep in mind that different family members will have different comfort levels when it comes to sitting at chairs and eating at tables. So take their opinions into consideration and pick out the kitchen furniture that appeals to every member of your family. If you are having problems finding the right kitchen furniture for your first home, then let the friendly staff of California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes give you a hand.

We have three different store locations in the Bay Area as our warehouses are fully stocked with kitchen furniture in the style and comfort level you desire. Whether you want to select a full kitchen set or mix-and-match different kitchen furniture pieces, we can help you narrow down your choices and locate the stools, tables, chairs and benches that will fit perfectly into your budget.

Selecting a dining set is important for not just the holidays, but for any day where you want to sit down for a nice, relaxing meal with the family. So you want to have just the right pieces of furniture that offers the appropriate amount of space without severely hampering the flow of foot traffic in the room. You also have to consider personal style, as the range of shapes and materials for dining sets can give you numerous options.

When people call California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes, they are always curious on the right ways in deciding on the best dining table and chair set. We recommend going over the size of your home to narrow down your choices, and then move on to the functionality and decor style of the table and chairs to get the one that fits perfectly into your home.

Determining Size

It’s time to break out the tape measure. Here at California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes, we recommend first measuring the amount of available space not only from walls but also other pieces of furniture. You want to leave enough room for people to comfortably walk between the table and also the chairs. This aspect is important since some table legs and pedestal tables will cause chair backs to stick out farther than a person realizes when pushed underneath the table.

Basically, a good distance to leave between a wall and your dining set, or the dining set from other furniture up against the wall, is about 42″ up to 48″. If you have a hard time imagining a table in the space, just fold up an old curtain or sheet in the size in different table lengths and put it in a variety of places to get a better visual picture.

Think about the number of people who you want to be sitting at the table. Each person should have about 24 inches to sit comfortably without bumping bodies or arms against the person sitting next to them, and an additional 12 inches for people sitting at the ends of the table. These measurements will allow you to select the right length and width. Basic table sizes and the number of people who can sit at the table while leaving enough room include:

• Sitting 4 people: 30″- 48″ long rectangular table or 36″- 48″ round table
• Sitting 6 people: 72″ long rectangular table or 60″ round table
• Sitting 8 people: 96″ long rectangular table or 72″ round table
• Sitting 10 people: 120″ long rectangular table

While round tables can be larger to sit 10 or 12 people, keep in mind that it becomes more difficult for your family to reach for items on the table top during the meal. It can also make people feel too far away from others sitting across from them to have a nice conversation.

Accommodating Extra Family and Guests

You want a table that is the right size for daily gatherings. Yet you may also want one that easily accommodates the occasional dinner guests or family gatherings. There are many possibilities without getting the longest table possible that will make the room too crowded.

If you are just looking to add more seating while having enough table space, then benches can increase the number of people at the table. They are also ideal for young children and the elderly who may have problems lifting out of regular chairs or using certain types of mobility devices such as wheel chairs. The benches can easily be slid underneath the table when not needed or used in other areas of the home as additional seating.

If you need more table space on occasion, then tables with collapsible leaves are another option. The leaves can be put in place during the holidays when there are extra guests and removed during normal meals.

Selecting By Shapes

There are numerous shapes to tables to fit into your decor design as well as add a bit more functionality to your dining set. Traditional rectangular tables may remind you about the times when sitting with the entire family as a child. Yet people today are also opting for other shapes due to their functionality and beauty. Round tables encourages conversation with everyone facing each other, while octagonal offers length without the sharp table corners that kids and the elderly can bump into. Square tables are starting to catch on as people are looking for a bit of a romantic feeling in their dining room design.

Also Consider Table Materials and Maintenance

At California Stools, Bars and Dinettes, we have a wide range of dining tables in San Jose. We offer wood dining sets, glass dining sets, and laminate dining sets. We also provide chairs with rollers.

This variety should be kept in mind when selecting the right chair and table in your home. If you have thick rugs in your dining room, then you may want to select chairs that don’t have rollers. Wood tables can add warmth, but will need a touch of maintenance if you have pets and kids that will scratch the table top or chair legs. Glass and metal dining sets are ornate and elegant. Yet these dining sets will require extra cleaning to remove smudges and fingerprints that will appear more easily on the surface.

Take Your Time and Shop in Person

It’s easy to fall in love with the first dining room set you see online and then hate it when it arrives in your home. Instead, you will have an easier time selecting the right dining set by actually visiting the showroom and sitting at the table. Here at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes, we have 3 Bay Area locations for people throughout California as you can stop in to see the table you want. You can have a better idea when sitting at the table if it will accommodate every member of your family, if the chairs fit your comfort level, and whether you have enough room to sit and relax.

If there is one room of the house that you do not want to look dull and lifeless it is the kitchen.  It is the hub of the home. All of the action happens here: homework; meals; entertaining; even relaxing with a hot cup of coffee in the early morning fog.  Eventually everyone ends up in the kitchen.  That is why it is so important to create an eye catching style that you will want others to see.

Is it time to transform your kitchen into a fun, stylish and inviting space?  Don’t panic!  Creating the kind of kitchen that people will want to gather in doesn’t have to be expensive – and it doesn’t have to entail a long drawn (and messy) renovation.  It is possible to have a stylish kitchen with these very simple design tips:

Use Color to Set a Mood

Color is an easy and inexpensive way to set a mood.  Painting walls is a quick way to give that dull kitchen a whole new look.  Neutral colors can open a closed in and stuffy feeling space, giving the entire room and fresh feel and more inviting atmosphere.  Adding splashes of color with accessories is a great way create a fun and lively style.

Adding something as simple as bright aqua bar stools can bring a dated kitchen back to life. For a more modern and bold look, consider using metal chairs or bar stools in a complimentary color to add a little life to the room.

For those who prefer a more subtle look to their kitchen abode, add a flare of sophistication by replacing standard chairs with leather covered ones or a more ornate kitchen table.

Whether you opt for neutral colored walls with a splash of color in your kitchen accessories for a bright and bold look throughout is up to you.  Just remember that the color palette you choose will set the tone for the type of style vibe your kitchen will emit.

Create Your Own Style

Designing a stylish kitchen does not mean the same thing to every person. While a young and modern professional couple may opt for glass countertops and metal chairs to grace their kitchen, a family may go for a more practical kid-friendly style.

Forget all of those beautiful kitchen layouts you have been checking out on your favorite blogs and renovation magazines.  Take the time to consider your own likes, dislikes, and needs when designing your kitchen.  If little fingers will create a streak mess on glass tabletops, opt for a wooden table that better reflects your stage of life right now.  Maybe a more comfortable, country-style or distressed look is what will work best for you.  That’s okay. T here are plenty of table styles; chairs and bar stools to choose from to fit your needs and turn your kitchen into a stylish room everyone can enjoy.

Make the Space People Friendly

The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home. Whether you are entertaining a few friends; hosting a large family get together; or simply enjoying pizza with the kids, you will want to create a style that is people friendly.

Islands and peninsulas are very common these days and for good reason: they are both practical and stylish.  Large islands offer plenty of prep space, as well as somewhere for people to gather while you continue to work on your menu items.

Kids can do their homework at a well placed island while you fix dinner and friends can sit there and chat while you keep an eye on the stovetop during a diner party.

Adding comfortable chairs; height appropriate bar stools, and a place to sit and relax will not only look good but entice people to enjoy the space –and your company.

Mix and Match Textures

Creating a stylish space does not have to cost a fortune.  Adding a few well placed accessories can sometimes transform even the dullest kitchen, adding a flare of style.  Mixing and matching textures within the room is a great way to add interest.  This can be done by placing colorful table runners or placements at each setting or changing seat covers to add an artistic touch to the room.  Leather is a solid standby material for chairs and stools; while cotton and even silk can be used as chair coverings for a completely different look and feel.

Tabletops too can reflect your personal style and taste.  If you are going for a country-like setting, consider  incorporating a rough wooden tabletop into your kitchen design.  Tile or granite tabletops look sleek and metal tabletops offer a more urban and modern look.

Mixing and matching textures within the kitchen can offer a uniqueness to the room that not only reflects your personal style, but generates interest and appeal.

Create  a Cozy Nook

Who doesn’t enjoy a cozy little nook to enjoy their morning coffee or celebrate a candlelit diner for two?  If space allows, create a private seating area that you can enjoy either alone or with someone special.  Add a piece of your favorite artwork to the walls and choose a table and chairs that are both practical and stylish.

Add a Statement Piece

There may be no better way to add a touch of flare to a kitchen than adding a statement piece that grabs the eye – and attention.  For families a large table that seats 12-15 people may be exactly the kind of statement piece you are after. A more modern approach may be to look for unique and interesting tables, chairs or even bar stools that people can’t help but notice.  A unique style; fabric, color or even building material can all add to the overall look of your kitchen, making it feel like an entirely new space. Trying out interesting and original kitchen furniture can be a great start.

Turning a drab kitchen into a stylish space that you will want to entertain in doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply taking the time to add a few accents; change the color; or buy furniture that highlights your personality can all go a long way to creating the modern, sleek, sophisticated or family-friendly space you crave.  Make your kitchen the centerpiece of your home with these simple tips.  You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to transform a lifeless kitchen into one that is full of vitality.