1. DESIGN FOR THE VIEWS
A wall of green becomes part of the scheme when you build in big windows and doors with glass inserts. A direct link to the outdoors makes any kitchen a more pleasant place to work and live. "With the doors open, I can hear the soft trickle of the fountain," homeowner Kimberly Williams says.

2. INSTALL DECORATIVE LIGHTING
Kimberly could have filled this kitchen with recessed lights, but instead she found an antique iron chandelier and a wall-mount sconce at a shop specializing in French objects. Both fixtures give the room an old-meets-new character.

3. REPURPOSE FURNITURE
Rather than build an island from cabinetry, Kimberly chose an old French worktable. She added a storage shelf to the table by cutting each of the legs off and inserting a shelf. The bottom of each leg was then reattached.

4. ADD DRAPES
For windows located away from the sink or range, dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtains with a pretty allover pattern add softness to the kitchen.

5. INCORPORATE ARTWORK
Favorite things-brown transferware, antlers, and a charcoal drawing of a plow horse created by a family friend-give dimension to the walls and tell a personal story.