This may sound like a strange thing to say, but sometimes an argument can be caused by the decoration of a room in your home.

And as the kitchen is one of the main areas of your property, it makes sense to start here.

What was the reason for the last argument with your partner? Did you have a bad day at work? Is the latest home improvement renovation not quite complete after all the promises?

There are many reasons an argument could have been triggered, but before blaming your other half, think about the kitchen.

Here are some tips for argument-proofing your kitchen:

Create a calming environment

We all spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. In fact, research shows that 38% of the time we spend at home is in the kitchen. Therefore, it’s no surprise, really, that many arguments start here. Maybe the kitchen’s too small that you’re under each other’s feet, or perhaps it’s poorly laid out so there’s little room to manoeuvre.

There are definitely some great ways to improve on this, whether you take to redesigning the entire room so it can accommodate more people or improving the workflow.

Choose some cooling colours.

The colour actually has a huge effect on the mood of people in your home. Red is simply a no-no because it’ll boost energy levels, make you hungry and could be over-stimulating. This is the same case for yellow, which can also cause you to be angry and irritated.

If you want to create a calming atmosphere in your kitchen, then the best colours for the job are blue, green and purple. If you have a smaller kitchen, then try to use a lighter shade to ensure the room doesn’t feel too cramped.

Bring in a professional

Unless you love working on your home and fancy yourself as a bit of a DIY expert, we’d always recommend bringing in a pro to redesign the kitchen for you. There are so many styles and options available that it makes sense to get some expert opinion on the matter. This will save you the stress of doing the job yourself, and you’ll be delighted with the finish.

Modern kitchens for a busy life

Do you have a kitchen that suits your busy lifestyle? The kitchen is often described as the hub of the home, and research shows we spend 38% of our time here.

There are plenty of things you can do to improve the kitchen, whether you choose a whole remodel or simply want to rejuvenate one particular aspect.

The good news is, whatever you do to the kitchen, you’ll likely get back in the bolstered value of your home, as this is one area potential buyers always look kindly upon.

So if you’re looking for a room to take on this year, make sure it’s the kitchen.

There are three general ideas you’ll need to consider:

• Gather ideas
• Layout
• Style

1. Get some ideas for your kitchen remodel

If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen, or even just changing one aspect, then you’ll want to discover all the possibilities before putting something into place. For this part of the process, you need to be on the lookout for ideas, whether this is a showroom, magazines, model homes or even neighbours.

 Also, think about additions that could improve your way of life. Some can include:

• • Homework space
  • Computer space

Recycling bins

• Second sink or dishwasher
• Display space for fine silver
• Mood lighting and natural light

Essentially, this is about using your imagination and letting your creative streak run wild. Think about exactly what you want and then worry about whether it’ll be feasible.

2. Consider the layout

Now you’ll have some ideas of things you want to implement in your kitchen, it’s time to consider the layout. This will mean fitting certain appliances into the kitchen and perhaps finding space for the new bits and bobs.

The work triangle is always a good guide to follow, concerning the sink, fridge and oven. As the microwave has increased in popularity, many people now refer to this layout as a diamond, so always make sure you have sufficient space for each of these.

3. Choose the best design

Finally, the art of creating an amazing kitchen is getting the aesthetics right. This will mean choosing the right colours and finishes to truly have the kitchen of your dreams. There are many options available for each aspect and different price ranges for each, so a lot will come down to your budget.

If possible, try not to personalise the kitchen as much if you plan to sell in the near future, instead opting for popular aesthetic options. This will help increase value and give your home a better chance in the market.