Were you one of those kids who always colored outside the lines? Maybe you insisted on making the grass blue and the sky green to the dismay of your kindergarten teacher. If so, adding personality to your décor might be a cinch for you. Your sofa is a shocking chartreuse and you’ve turned two urns you found in your grandfather’s attic into table lamps. But have you done as well in the kitchen?

After a quick, and very unscientific, poll here at the Style File we awarded kitchens the “Most Difficult Room to Personalize” award. And we don’t think that’s much of a stretch. By the time you choose cabinets, add countertops, pick flooring and order appliances you feel like your work is done. But is it really? Or are all those standard kitchen décor items just a good base? True, you picked finishes and colors, but aside from the few items displayed on top of your cabinets is this kitchen really YOU?

It’s not that you haven’t tried to put your own touches and accents in the kitchen, it just might not have been enough. We’d like to suggest that you go beyond decorative plates and ceramic cookie jars. Don’t be afraid to move accent pieces typically seen in other rooms into the kitchen. Use the countertop or backsplash as a gallery for your favorite artwork or photography. Or replace the stacks of plates and teapots inside the glass-front cabinets with small art pieces or sculptures.

Add decorative lighting to the kitchen. Replace utilitarian fixtures. A splashy pendant over the sink or island can make a big statement. Find a spot to tuck a small decorative yet functional table lamp. It can create some soft dinnertime mood lighting on the work island that doubles as an eating space.

Decorative kitchen rugs don’t have to be rubber and have pictures of lemons or roosters. Many area rugs out there have knockout patterns and clean up with a quick wash from the garden hose. Or go way out there with soft, washable faux fur. How much would your bare toes love curling into something comfy while you make coffee, huh? Just ask ‘em.

If, after a few of the above additions, your kitchen still feels like it could belong to anyone—or at least anyone with style—it’s time to create a focal point. No, we don’t mean the farmhouse sink or three-level island. We’re talking about something with sizzle. It could be an unusual cupboard, unique appliance (Psst, you have checked out Amana brand’s newest refrigerators in tempting colors like Midnight Blue and Green Tea, haven’t you?) or even an empty wall you’ve turned into a feast for the eyes.

Most kitchens have at least a small section of wall not covered by cabinets or appliances. Use that space to bring in personality. How you ask? Think about what you love. We’re sure it won’t take you long to find a fabulous patterned wallpaper or fabric that you could plaster all over that wall. Consider your passions or hobbies. You could hang a collection on that wall. (A direct connection to the kitchen is not only unnecessary here, but dare we say undesirable.) Display a bevy of antique handbags, a cluster of decorative hand mirrors or a flock of framed handkerchiefs. If your passion is numbers, find cutouts in different sizes and colors at flea markets or craft stores and group them together for maximum impact.

Get the idea? We’re sure your expressive brain is spinning with possibilities. So go ahead, paint the kitchen “you”! And when you’re finished, post a photo or two on our Flickr site. As long as it’s a reflection of you it can’t be a bad idea, and it might help someone else hit on something that’s perfectly them.