This post is sponsored by LG, written by me, and owned by HGTV.

Designer and blogger Emily Henderson knows how to help clients bring personal style to their homes. From the living room to the kitchen, she creates rooms that are as stylish as they are functional. Follow her easy tips below on how to make a chic, family-friendly kitchen.

Elements of Black

“Every room in the house should have some elements of black, which is true even for the kitchen. If the existing kitchen is light and airy, black stainless steel appliances still work. It’s an investment that will last, not a trend that will go out of style.”

Force Yourself to Stay Organized

The kitchen is where it all comes together when entertaining guests, but it can quickly become messy. A great way to keep the kitchen organized is with open shelving or glass-front cabinets. “They help prevent chaos and clutter since everything will always be on display — not to mention — a way to display all your pretty dishes.”

Keep Countertops Clear

When it comes to countertops, always keep them clutter free. Everything should have a place, and you should store items you don’t use every day. “Don’t be afraid to use decorative accents. The kitchen should feel like the rest of the rooms in your house – lived-in with touches of style and personality.

Accents to Admire

“I love ceramic utensil holders such as vintage salt and pepper shakers, brass or wooden utensils, glass canisters or wooden bowls for fruit and veggies.”

Worth the Splurge

So much goes into a kitchen’s design and the choices you make can be simple and inexpensive. Some things are worth the splurge though. “Always invest in appliances. With the new design and technology of appliances, they make things so simple for anyone to use, especially someone like me who is a busy-working mom. It’s a no-brainer to want to use things when they are easy, visually-appealing and super easy to clean.”

Timeless Pieces

To create a design that will stand the test of time, go with the classics. This includes “black and white, brass, gold and copper and natural wood. These will never tire, and they can be used alone or in combos.”

Cost-Efficient Updates

If you do get tired of your kitchen’s design, start with budget-friendly changes. “Paint the existing cabinets and get new hardware. You can’t go wrong with some white paint and brass handles and pulls. Swap out your lights for some updated fixtures, and add a rug – it brings in another layer of texture and color.”

Kid-Friendly Touches

A kid-friendly kitchen is a happy kitchen. You can have both a child-proof and stylish kitchen. Put cleaning supplies and sharp objects where kids can’t reach them, and add some fun with a chalkboard. “Not only handy for writing down grocery lists and reminders, but kids can draw on it while mom or dad make dinner.”

Have a different point of view for the perfect kitchen? Enter the LG Limitless Design Contest by pinning your dream kitchen and you could win. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 1/29/16. To enter and for complete details, visit www.hgtv.com/LGcontest.