More so than any other room, our kitchens tell the story of how we live. From the morning coffee to the late-night snack, kitchens are one of the most frequently visited rooms in the house.

According to real estate experts, the kitchen is the most valuable room on the property when it comes to capturing buyer interest. Yet, a lot of kitchen renovations focus on the utilitarian aspects and disregard the importance of inspired design. This is why homeowners often end up with generic kitchens that look similar to the ones in any other house on the street.

There is nothing wrong with a kitchen that just works, of course. But if you want a kitchen that adds soul to your home, the below tips can help you to design a statement kitchen.

Bold Color

Color is the quickest and easiest way to make a strong statement. Most kitchens are white, black, or shades of grey because they are thought of as the safest colors for retaining resale value. However, if you consider Smeg’s famous red refrigerator, you will see how a splash of intense color can add life to a dull kitchen. A clever way to add color is to use a bright backsplash. When it comes time to sell the house, you can swap the backsplash to a neutral color in a day. Painting select cabinets—such as those under the stove—with a bold color is another way to draw the eye to the center of the action.

Creative Storage

In order to truly show off the statement pieces in your kitchen, you will first need to hide the distracting clutter. From dinnerware to plastic containers to kitchen appliances, it somehow always seems that there is not enough storage room. There are many creative ways to incorporate storage into your kitchen design to achieve a neat and well-presented kitchen. One way is to install a banquette seating nook with built-in storage, combining both your seating and storage needs. Another is to install a pot rail on your range hood so you can save on having to find space for bulky pots.

Curves and Lines

Most kitchens are full of straight lines and 90-degree angles. Sharp lines give your kitchen a minimalist, modern feel. You can accentuate this aesthetic by concealing appliances and eliminating handles or knobs so that your cupboards appear sleek and flat. If you want a kitchen that looks different from the others though, try to incorporate curves into the design. Adding curves to your kitchen creates a more interesting and inviting space. There are surprisingly many ways to do this. You can have a kitchen island with curved edges, a round sink, or a statement range hood with convex curves.

Range Hood

Range hoods are commonly overlooked as a kitchen design element but they can become valuable statement pieces. Instead of installing the typical boring range hood, opt for a copper range hood that is full of character. CopperSmith can craft a custom hood to suit your kitchen perfectly. Copper range hoods are available in a variety of colors and finishes. They go from boxy to curved and have intricate design features down to the straps and rivets. Furthermore, copper develops an attractive and unique patina over time, adding texture and depth to your statement piece. If you want a range hood that elevates your kitchen, try a custom copper hood.

Statement Lighting

The way a room lights up changes its entire feel. Most kitchens feature the standard ceiling lights with a few small pendants over the island or bar. But why not try going big with your lighting? Bubble lights are all the rage because they can be large but feel light and clean at the same time. They can come as pendants or as fun chandeliers. If you have an excessively bright, white-lit space, use materials such as copper or wood for your lamp shades to add warmth. Also, consider adding lighting underneath cabinets or floating shelves for that expensive restaurant look.

Attention to Detail

Small fixtures may seem inconsequential but they add up to tie your kitchen aesthetic together. A kitchen with several distinct types of doors can seem messy and ill-conceived. It gets worse if your kitchen design mixes metals haphazardly. Decide on a color palette and reject elements that do not fit in. Conceal your power outlets. Make sure that the knobs on your bench match the ones on your island; If you change the design of one knob, you should change all the others too. Recessed nooks fitted for specific appliances or vertical chopping board slots can give your kitchen a perfectly manicured air.

From copper range hoods to chandeliers, there are many ways to create a statement kitchen. The key component to designing a kitchen with a personality is you. You will have to decide on the overall style and the functionality that you desire. Remember that you are the one who will be using the kitchen, so it has to be comfortable and appealing to you. Whether you want a restaurant-inspired room or a kitsch country kitchen, let your vision be the guide.