Update Your Kitchen with Colorful Fabric

The pair of black-background prints in this tie-bottom balloon shade complements the porcelain tile countertop below.

Just off the work core, a fabric-topped banquette updates the expected kitchen table and chairs. Formal yet cozy, this is a relaxing spot at any time of day.

A vertically striped skirt on this cute kitchen's sink base hides plumbing pipes and sets the room's accent color scheme. Red also appears on the floor, wall sconces, and various pieces of pottery.

Classic granite and richly stained wood are easy to update: Just change the fabric that tops your kitchen chairs or barstools. A few yards of fabric makes all the difference.

Take a break from cooking in this windowseat furnished with cool green floral fabric on shades and seat cushions. Wicker chairs add to the summery décor.

Sunny and welcoming, this alcove feels even more comfortable thanks to a table runner, tie-on chair pads, and supportive pillows. Chandelier shades echo the rosy colorway.

A flirty skirt suits this vintage apartment's era and charm. Neutral fabric lets items displayed on open shelves stand out.

A red tomato and green pepper print pops against this kitchen's practical white color scheme. The large-scale pattern screens pantry shelves and the area under the sink; its companion border appears as a Roman shade.

This one-of-a-kind hutch project combines crown molding, rococo arches, seeded glass, beaded board, and fabric shirred behind chicken wire panels.

What was once wasted space between ovens and china display is now a convenient seating and storage unit. Pastel print fabrics keep the mood light.

Scraps of cotton left over from other sewing projects come together as a tiered curtain ideal for a cottage-style kitchen.

All wrapped up and tied with a bow, slipcovers add charm and romance to plain wood barstools. If anything spills on them, the covers are easy to remove for laundering.

Cover open shelves, flush-front appliances, or under-sink mess with pleated curtains. Attach panels with hook-and-loop tape or hang them from wire or tension rods.

French doors can be a little too revealing in front of cluttered pantry shelves. Use yard goods or sheets -- one casing already exists -- to screen the scene.

A crisp and structured approach creates these tailored banquette cushions. The same print covers a sleek valance, which completes this snack spot with a view of all the kitchen action.

Red -- the homeowner's favorite color -- is the perfect hue to add spice to a vanilla kitchen decor. The color enlivens the cabinet interior, dinnerware, a stool, and toile cafe curtains.

Constructed from wall cabinets, this dining nook's built-in banquette provides storage for little-used items and comfortable seating. The boxed cushion and floral pillows are in warm tones of brown and rust.

The color red unifies two very different fabrics in this dining bay. Stripes on the valances harmonize with paisley on the chairs. Paint on the upper walls ties everything together.

Salvaged cabinets find new purpose as this colorful island. Paint and beaded board hide the wood's imperfections, and crisp fabric replaces missing glass doors.

Folksy, and a little patriotic, the print on this sink skirt goes well with the kitchen's baskets, stoneware bowls, and farm-style sink.