We purchased an older house that had not been renovated since the 1940s. The kitchen is open, with a large amount of floorspace and white metal cabinets. Is there any way to warm it up? Martha Zabriski Dayton, Ohio Wood instantly adds warmth and would be a good replacement for your sterile metal cabinets. The cabinets in the photo are maple with a sandstone finish, which give the whole kitchen a warm glow. The styling creates a unique look, as do the glass fronts, adding to the visual interest. The cabinet tops, with their crown moldings, also provide space for accessories and contribute to the cozy ambiance. Limestone countertops add to the country charm, as do the unexpected French-blue walls. A tumbled marble or limestone floor will add more interest and variety than a regular tile one. With just a few changes, your room can become instantly more welcoming. My kitchen is cramped, and I can never seem to find what I am looking for! I hate to always be digging in drawers for the utensils that I need. What is a bright and attractive way to keep things organized—and close at hand? Judy Murphy Brookline, Massachusetts One easy solution is to go to your local home center and buy a pot rack that you can affix to the ceiling and hang things from. This will get some of the stuff off the counter and out of crowded drawers. To make the most of your space, find a center table/work island that can be used as a prep center and as extra counter space; hang the pot rack directly above. For country appeal, haunt thrift shops and tag sales in search of interesting saltboxes, spoon racks, etc., which can easily be adapted for storage. Free-hanging shelves are always good for small knickknacks, as are windowsills. A center-hung lamp will provide good overall lighting—making whatever you are looking for easier to find. I am bored with my same old kitchen and am in desperate need of a change. I am pretty handy; however, the two things I am lacking are time and money. I love the country look. Can you help? Becky Zeff Denver, Colorado Your problem is a common one. Luckily, with just a few basics and some imagination, your dull kitchen can be instantly transformed. To set a country mood, select a wallpaper with a bright, airy floral pattern. Combined with a gingham check print and a lighthearted border, as shown here, the effect makes quite an impact for very little money. Next, go to a home center or yard sale to find an inexpensive wall cabinet. This can be any style you like, but a glass-fronted one is great for displaying collectibles. Find a base cabinet or interesting side table (new or used), and fit your sink into it for a custom, personalized look. Add an interesting table to the room and use this in place of a traditional island. For a finishing touch, add a wall-hung shelf or two to display plates and, hanging from the bottom, old-fashioned utensils. Editor’s Note: Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants. • Photos: (top ) Courtesy Brookhaven; (bottom) Courtesy: Village Wallcoverings home • advertise • links