Design

Bringing Summer into the Kitchen

Story and photos by Lisa Marie Blair

As warmer temperatures are blissfully imminent, now is a great time to freshen up your kitchen with pleasant and inviting summer décor. The kitchen is the hub of the home so it’s always nice to keep the décor in this area clean and simple. Here are some fun and easy ways to bring outside summery feels inside your living space.

One of the easiest ways to add summer vibes to your kitchen is to grab flowers from the market or cut from your own flower garden and display in a vase. They smell amazing and add so much color to your kitchen. You can always go the faux floral route as most are very real looking, you won’t be needing to change them weekly. Even just a small bud vase with a single floral stem next to the soap dish can make doing dishes a little less dreary. Fruit displayed in containers is always another cute, fun way to freshen up your kitchen. Again, you can use the real deal or opt for the faux version. Nothing says summer more than a beautiful succulent arrangement and you can make it as large or small as needed for your space. Succulents work great for a table centerpiece because they have a low profile which won’t interfere with conversations with your dinner companions.

When space is limited, it’s great to make your décor both functional and beautiful. A great way to do this is to display useful, everyday items in a tray. Natural materials like rattan, seagrass, cane, and wicker are especially great for the summer months because of the coastal feels they create. Pellegrino water bottles, summery cloth napkins, and hobnail water glasses are all useful items that you can arrange beautifully in your natural woven tray or even on open shelving. All these textures will add much warmth to your kitchen, and a touch of greenery tucked in can complete the space perfectly. White dishes always look fresh and clean and are a great addition to those extralarge trays. Ceramic measuring cups, salt and pepper shakers, and an olive oil bottle all rounded up together on a marble cutting board next to the stove can be very handy, functional, and attractive.

One of the latest decorating trends in kitchen décor is using small vintage artwork. These add a lot of charm to your kitchen while leaning against a backsplash or displayed on open shelving. Another plus is that artwork works great for covering up an outlet. Cutting boards and cookbooks also look great leaning against your backsplash. If you’re really limited on counter space, consider changing your kitchen rug and hand towel to something bright and colorful. These small changes won’t take away valuable kitchen countertop space and a little color goes a long way to change the feel of the space.

Since summer seems to pass by so quickly, changing up your indoors to reflect the warmer temperatures can allow us to soak in every second of the season. n

Photo courtesy of Hinkley

Photo courtesy of The Living Door Photo courtesy of Alora

PERFECTLY LOVELY LIGHTING

Tips and Techniques from the Pros at Mahlander’s Appliance and Lighting

Selecting not only beautiful, but functional, lighting can be a daunting task for most of us. However with expert guidance from the lighting experts at Mahlander’s Appliance and Lighting, it’s easy to find and coordinate the perfect blend that exemplifies your style and the mood you want to convey in your personal space.

To make this manageable, think of it as selecting your wardrobe and putting together the pieces to create your perfect style. You need layers to make it all work! When working with lighting you have three layers to consider which will allow you to optimize the functionality and aesthetics of a room by adding depth and dimension to your space. These include:

GENERAL OR AMBIENT LIGHTING: Overall lighting such as a ceiling fixture (flush or semi-flush mount), chandelier or pendant, recessed lighting or lamps. This is your base layer, your little black dress or perfect trousers and top. TASK LIGHTING: Lighting that helps you read, prepare food or work on hobbies. This can include track lighting, vanity lights and adjustable floor lamps. This would be similar to adding a jacket to keep you warm.

ACCENT LIGHTING: This focuses on a certain area or object to highlight such as an architectural feature, special artwork, or other meaningful or treasured artifacts. Common types of accent lights include wall sconces, recessed lights, table & torchière lamps, or even track lighting. Undercabinet lighting can also illuminate items on shelves, countertops, or other display areas. This light adds the sparkle, or the jewelry, that can pull the look all together.

At Mahlander’s Appliance and Lighting, lighting consultants will help walk you through hundreds of options in one of Sioux Falls’ largest showrooms ranging from coordinated pieces to trending styles that work cohesively together.

Mahlander’s Lighting Consultant Diane Egan shares these tips. “Start with a focal point, be it your foyer or dining room, and build off of that. Once you find even one fixture you really like, it’s pretty easy to fill in the rest. Sometimes it even helps if you know what you don’t like.”

She continues, “We have decades of experience. Knowledge is everything. We keep up with the latest trends, styles and we want to make sure the lights you choose will work for your lifestyle. It is, after all, your home and we want you to be happy with your lighting choices.”

Stop into Mahlander’s Appliance and Lighting at 130 N Minnesota Ave Monday through Saturday to experience their gorgeous showroom, which includes trending lighting, home décor and appliances, or visit www.mahlanders.com for inspiration and more information. If you would like to speak with a lighting expert, call 605.336.7798 to schedule your personal consultation.

M

MAHLANDER’S

APPLIANCE AND LIGHTING

Sales and Service • 8th & Minnesota, Sioux Falls • 336-7798 www.mahlanders.com Come see what’s inside.

MAHLANDER’S APPLIANCE AND LIGHTINGM Sales and Service 8th & Minnesota, Sioux Falls 336-7798 • mahlanders.com

Sales and Service • 8th & Minnesota, Sioux Falls • 336-7798 www.mahlanders.com

Photo courtesy of The Living Door

M

MAHLANDER’S

APPLIANCE AND LIGHTING

Sales and Service • 8th & Minnesota, Sioux Falls • 336-7798 www.mahlanders.com

M

MAHLANDER’S

APPLIANCE AND LIGHTING

Sales and Service • 8th & Minnesota, Sioux Falls • 336-7798 www.mahlanders.com

20-30% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY!

(No coupon required)

© 2019 Delta Faucet Company

1111 W 41ST St, Sioux Falls • BetzBlinds.com • 605.357.0057

It’s got your back and your toes.

SHOWER

Experience the two-atonce coverage of the Delta® In2ition Shower. Get water where you need it most, without having to sacrifice warmth. Learn more at deltafaucet.com/in2ition.