These decorating and storage ideas will make your kitchen a place you want to spend time in -- even when you aren't cooking or baking.

Fashioning a gingham pattern for a kitchen backsplash is easier than it might seem, and it's a simple way to bring color and pattern to a space dominated by white cabinets. To make the backsplash, buy small tiles in three different colors. Repeat a pattern of three colors in four squares: white next to a medium shade, over the same medium shade next to a darker shade.

This sheer fabric shade is easy to make and allows plenty of light into a dark and gloomy space.

Pantry items become pop art when displayed in clear vinyl "frames." Shop for ideas at offbeat places. These labels were cut from from candies, jam, and other provisions and then matted on patterned paper. Matching yellow-framed sleeves complete the montage.

This map of the United States was stretched over a wooden frame and hung in the kitchen.

Both easy to make and easy to clean, this clever board makes an ideal receptacle for outgoing mail and important notes. You can simply tack it onto an ordinary bulletin board, attach it to the fridge, or casually lay it out on the kitchen counter.

Giant leather place mats, each made from six pieces of lambskin sewn together, topstitched, and given a canvas backing, are a fashionable twist on a tablecloth.

Magnetic bulletin boards are handy, but the color options are limited. Make your own and you can match the powder blue of your kitchen.

First, paint a prestretched artist's canvas. When it's dry, turn it over. Coat a piece of cut-to-fit sheet metal with spray adhesive, and attach it to the back of the canvas. Place a same-size piece of foam board on top of the metal. Then screw mirror clips (one on each side) into the frame and a sawtooth hanger on the back, toward the top. Glue ribbon around the edges for a finished look.

Bring sprightly designs to inexpensive kitchen chairs by covering the backs with paper, in either a single bold pattern or several coordinating ones.

Airtight (well-sealed) containers made of plastic or glass let you see quickly how much of one ingredient you have left. These containers also protect dried goods from humidity and pests. Whether they match or not, containers can be displayed on the counter or up on open shelves in attractive ways that can actually decorate a corner of your kitchen.

A plain pair of wooden seats gets a bright new look from simple coils of rope.

Store serving trays, platters, and cutting boards with tension curtain rods. Measure the vertical distance between two cupboard shelves. Position appropriate-size rods between the shelves, as shown. Twist rods to tighten, so their inner springs will keep them upright. Use two rods on both sides of each item, spacing them according to the dimensions of individual pieces.

Recycling may save the planet -- but it ruins the corner of your kitchen until collection day. An easy-to-make sorting station will help you get in order.

Don't feel limited by the existing storage you have in your kitchen. Take, for example, the cabinet where you store dishes and serving pieces. You can add capacity to that space by looking for ways to use it efficiently. In fact, it can be as easy as installing store-bought plate and bowl racks.

A large unfolded map can protect a tabletop from scratches and spills as it sends mealtime conversations down unexpected pathways. We've used a world map, but hiker's maps made from a tear-and-drip-resistant type of paper called Tyvek are a bit more permanent

Plastic bags seem to multiply, even if you try to take fewer of them from stores. Make sure you reuse them; its easy when they're in a handy holder that matches your kitchen decor.

This bright and cheery Florida map textile makes a sunny spot to enjoy breakfast or an after-work cocktail.