LAKE TAHOE and#8212; Since so much time is spent in your kitchen, itand#8217;s natural that you would want your decor to be comforting and satisfying. And it would also be great to be sure that your kitchen reflects your likes and personality.

Kitchen window treatments donand#8217;t have to be 100 percent utilitarian. Swags and other types of decorative top treatments have their place in the kitchen.

Sometimes a simple scalloped valance in a patterned fabric edged in a contrasting cording is just enough to add pizzazz to a ho-hum room.

Consider repeating the fabric in other areas for a truly coordinated look and#8212; pillows on chairs, lining on the insides of cabinets, shelves and hutches. Placemats, tablecloths and napkins are also a must!

Picking a great color scheme is also so important. Often, color choices are dictated by "givens" like the flooring, appliances and cabinets and#8212; so use good judgment.

If you really want a drastic change and your color choices donand#8217;t blend with your and#8220;givensand#8221; consider changing what you can now, and replace other items over time.

And youand#8217;d be surprised how many colors even coordinate with the harvest gold of the seventies! Whatand#8217;s most important is that your colors are of the same intensity and tone.

and#8212; Kristen Fencl, CID, is an interior decorator and owner of Decorating Dens. Learn more at www.decdens.com/kristenf, or call 775-832-8012.