Paints in bold red and mustard give this farmhouse kitchen a fresh and unexpected attitude. Wide swaths of neutrals-wood flooring, blue-gray cabinetry, and wood ceilings painted white-keep the strong colors from overwhelming the room. Mixing warm and cool colors also balances the room's color temperature so it's comfortable in all seasons. Although a kitchen can be all business, a slipcovered chair and patterned rug add a touch of softness to a room that also invites long meals around a scrubbed-top table. Even after an update, this farmhouse kitchen delivers a space where cooking and conversation remain happy companions.

Try these ideas:
. Create a hearth in the kitchen with a dual-fuel range in a hot shade of red.
. Look for affordable stock cabinetry at a home center; paint it the perfect color for your kitchen. Make sure to use a stain-blocking primer before painting the topcoat.
. Give countertops the look of marble without all the upkeep using a solid-surfacing product.
. Rustic bronze finishes for faucets add an aged element to a remodeled kitchen. Look for a curvy faucet to contrast with the straight lines of cabinetry and appliances.
. Surround a vintage table with Windsor-style chairs painted tomato red rather than traditional black.
. Slipcover a host chair in a botanical linen print. Or, use the fabric to make table linens or window coverings.
. A colorful rug warms up a kitchen's floor and attitude. It also provides inspiration for a color scheme.

We've picked some of our favorite products to help you get the look in your own home.