Your home should be a reflection of your personality and there is no better room to begin telling your story than the kitchen. It is the heart of the home, and is where most families meet to laugh, eat, and share their lives. It’s important to stay true to yourself, and maintain an authentic vision, when the time comes to remodel your home. As you begin to retell the story of your life through your kitchen, keep these few points in mind.

First, pick a style of appliances, cabinetry, and countertops that are your taste, not what is the latest trend. If you are more traditional, and choose to decorate your kitchen in this style, don’t feel you have to run out and grab what is hot on television, or in magazines. Granite countertops have become more and more popular over the past few years. So have stainless steel appliances. If your personal taste doesn’t coincide with these looks, go for traditional white, cream, or black shades.

Next, if you like a certain theme, go with it. If you are a big fan of cows, decorate your kitchen in black and white, and put Holsteins on every wall. If geese are your favorite barn yard animal, buy everything from your kitchen towels, to your pot holders, to the burner lids covered in geese and goslings. This is your kitchen. It should be a room you feel reflects who you truly are, not what would look good in a glossy magazine.

Lastly, if you really want to add your mark to the kitchen, you can literally do just that. There are several stores, and sites on the internet that offer items that you can personalize with your initials, or full name. You could have your silverware etched, or have hand towels embroidered with you and your spouses’ initials. Anything you can imagine can be branded, so get creative, and really show the world your authentic style and taste.