It’s time for another installment of our lovely intern Caitlin’s “Adventures in Decorating”. This week, she tackles the kitchen…Enjoy!

Ask any 20-something girl what room she finds most intimidating, and she’ll probably say the kitchen. And not just because of the failed recipes and potential fire hazards. The cost behind a well-equipped kitchen is deceptive: you start out with a few mixing bowls and dishes and then add a cookware set and toaster oven. Next thing you know,there’s the silverware and that KitchenAid stand mixer you couldn’t live without. Forget about actually using these appliances. Now you’ll be following a strict ramen diet to salvage your budget.

My friend Amy has stayed on budget by mixing splurge pieces with simple basics. She purchased an inexpensive set of white dishes and plans to integrate them with more colorful bowls and plates. I suggest those gorgeous bowls from Anthropologie above, as they would add color to Amy’s classic white dish set.

The same concept applies to several kitchen accessories. You could buy simple white or pastel dishtowels, and then add an unexpected pop of color.

I’m loving these dessert teapot towels from World Market, and this fun utensil holder would complement a white or glass canister set.

When you feel ready to splurge on a kitchen item, make sure you do your research to save money in the future. This oversized cutting board is revered for its longevity. And Le Creuset turns out “have forever” pieces that seamlessly blend form and function.

Instead of seeing the kitchen as a daunting room, view it as an opportunity to mix and match. I remember my favorite coffee cups were the ones that didn’t match my mom’s set. They felt special and personalized. That’s the best part about the kitchen: you accumulate things that generate that “lived in” feeling.