Mixing different styles in the kitchen can help property owners to add texture to their food preparation areas. That is the opinion of designer Shelley Klingelsmith, who used a similar technique when decorating her own kitchen, Cincinatti.com reports. She remarked I wanted to keep the integrity of the original house, warm it up and make it mine.To achieve the look she wanted, Ms Klingelsmith stripped away the plaster from a wall to reveal an old brick chimney, while simultaneously removing unattractive ductwork. According to the interiors expert, painting in bold colours can also help to lift a tired kitchen. Homeowners were advised that by installing brown granite countertops to kitchen sink areas and combining this with brand new stainless steel appliances it is possible to blend traditional and contemporary features. George Franks of estate agency Douglas Gordon recently told the Daily Telegraph that improvements to the kitchen are the changes that add the most value.