Sleek, handle-free doors in neutral shades work well.
Photo: Brett Mickan Interior Design / Pablo Veiga
Keep the look liveable by balancing out an exotic mural with low-key minimalist kitchen ideas and cabinetry.
Placing the mural on the same wall as the main entrance, so it’s behind you as you enter the room, will dial it down further.
Rugs are a rare sight in the kitchen, but they can provide the exact same floor softening, cozying benefits as they do in any other room.
Photo: Michelle Nussbaumer / Douglas Friedman
‘A beautifully-chosen rug can introduce interesting patterns and colors to kitchens and bring visual warmth, too,’ says interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer.
From a classic grain pattern to 3-D texture, wood kitchen cabinet ideas have been given a thoroughly modern makeover.
Photo: Ledbury
'Combining exquisite maf.rquetry-style paneling with reeded panels on the island and a fluted backsplash, this eclectic kitchen is a striking and innovative way to wholeheartedly blur the boundaries between old and new,' adds Charlie Smallbone, founder, Ledbury Studio
Kitchen lighting ideas are an important part of any successful design scheme
Photo: Pluck
With functional and aesthetic illumination particularly important in a decorative space that is used increasingly for entertaining as much as cooking.
Photo: K&H Design / Paul Raeside
Get creative with floor tiles to make a strong decorative statement underfoot. ‘Using border tiles to achieve a rug effect can bring an element of “living room” decor into your cooking space and can also help define an open-plan kitchen,’ says Katie Glaister, co-founder, K&H Design(opens in new tab).
Colourful kitchen ideas have been enjoying rather a renaissance.
Photo: Alice Naylor-Leyland of Mrs. Alice
‘The colors and color combinations being used are also becoming more creative and confident.
An absence of top cupboards really opens up this kitchen, allowing the dusky pink paint colour and artwork to add character and personalise the space.’
Not only is a freestanding kitchen more affordable than a traditionally fitted one, it's an easy way to update an existing one.
Photo: deVOL
A farmhouse table can be all it takes to stop a kitchen appearing too ‘fitted’, while also proving useful for prepping and dining. Antique or vintage pieces will boost interest and personality; we love the heritage look of The Dairy Table from deVOL’s Heirloom Collection.
An easy way to make a kitchen feel warm and inviting
Photo: Amber Yard / Darren Chung
Furnishings such as fabric dining chairs not only soften the space aesthetically but also cocoon you in comfort at the table.
The walls and shelves of kitchens can be transformed with art, providing a daily dose of happiness
Photo: Murus Art
Hanging a large colorful piece above a dining table creates an uplifting atmosphere, while propping smaller pieces on shelves and countertops will inspire you as you cook.
When leaning artwork on countertops, choose pieces framed behind glass so splashes can be wiped clean.
Drawn at night they create cozy spaces rather than cavernous black windows
Photo: VSP Interiors
I always try to treat a kitchen like a drawing room as it’s the room that is currently most used for socializing. Curtains are important to include as they add softness and comfort.