Kitchen styling - add personality to a functional space

It really doesn’t matter if you live Centrepiece

in a brand new home with a While the majority of cooking generous kitchen or reside in a and kitchen items can be relatively small rental apartment with a unsightly, there are a some less-than-ideal kitchen space, you which can be used as beautiful can still make this room a reflection accessories. Depending on the of your style and taste. style you’re going for, get some of Finding that balance between the following items out of the adding personality while remaining cupboard and onto the kitchen practical in such a functional surfaces. space is key. Form follows function Contemporary Kitchen as the old adage goes, which ● Designer pieces like a kettle remains true here. Consider the or toaster following tips for making the ● A sleek stainless-steel jug kitchen a space that you want to ● A marble or metal utensil be in. holder

Add Furniture ● Small collections of ceramic If you have the space, include a plates, vessels or cups small breakfast nook or some barstools. ● Canisters made from ceramics, These additions create atmosphere glass or metal in the kitchen by bringing ● Cook books, but only the nice family and friends closer to ones! the cooking action. Ensure the ● Chopping boards made from barstool sits neatly under the timber or stone island bench and allows enough Classic Kitchen space for legs to be comfortable ● Stacks of mismatched plates or underneath. Timbers, cork, glasses metals and woven materials are ● Ceramic jugs to hold utensils hardy and easy to clean. They will ● Stove top kettle likely bring contrast to the ● A Kitchen Aid or similar kitchen materials too, softening ● Vintage kitchen scales and stones and laminates. Consider colanders the height of the backrest, you ● Mixing bowls and beautiful may not wish to have them too serving platters as a fruit bowl high, therefore possibly blocking ● Again, cook books work well a view into the next room or outdoors. here too Breakfast nooks are a ● Chopping boards made from sweet addition to the kitchen but timber or stone require a little more space. Small, The Island Bench Feature

round tables work well with If you’re blessed with an Island chairs that are made from bench, you may be left wondering materials that can withstand what to do with such a large surface. daily use.

Make Useful Layering works well, so start Accessories a with a tray or platter. Contrast it to the bench top.

Woven materials look beautiful against stone and add warmth while a dark stone tray against white bench tops packs a punch.

Timber trays or bowls pretty much work on any bench top! Once you have selected your base, layer with other objects, such as a vase of flowers, a sculptural vessel, a bowl, a designer candle or some seasonal fruit. Groups of three always look good.

If you’re attempting a more minimal look, chose well designed objects that can stand alone well. Try a recycled timber bowl of lemons or a stainless-steel vase with bare branches or autumn leaves.

Art in Kitchens

Bare walls in kitchens can be rare, with storage filling most spare spaces. Even with loads of storage, modern homes tend to be open plan in this area, meaning less wall space.

If you do have a spare wall (lucky you!) art could be the perfect way to accessorise the space. Large clocks are a great addition to a kitchen on a practical and decorative level, while a small collection of black and white photos or oil paintings can also create the feature you’re after.

Be mindful of kitchen spills, oil splatters and other hazards in the kitchen. You may not want to place a wildly expensive artwork in the firing line.

Plants and Foliage

The simplest of kitchens can be transformed instantly with a floral arrangement or the addition of plants. Of you have open shelves in your kitchen, place an indoor plant or two here layered with beautiful cookbooks or a candle.

Talk to an expert at your local nursery for some ideas regarding suitable plants for your home. Pop them in gorgeous planters in materials such as woven rattans, gold or timber.

Succulents or herbs in pots also work well placed on the bench if you don’t have shelves. Foliage can be extravagant or minimal. Bare branches, olive sprigs and leaves offer a sculptural and inexpensive look while flowers can add colour or a softer look. Change the water often and select in-season flowers to get more longevity on your floral purchases.

Have fun! Remember, you can really change the look and feel of the kitchen with only a few small additions.

Supplied by Satara Sales