MODERN MONOCHROME
Alison’s kitchen is a masterclass in black and white – here’s how to recreate it yourself
• Try introducing texture with marble, as seen here (A). The marbled recess and worktops build on an otherwise minimalistic design and the hint of gold running through offers an element of surprise. The Cambridge Collection, from £14,000, Mereway Kitchens.
• For a simple way to make a statement, you can’t beat a bold stripe. These striped encaustic tiles, £6.25 each from Otto Tiles & Design (B), make for eyecatching flooring, and continuing them up onto the wall has created a seamless, cohesive look. A painted white wall and tonal cabinets balance out the strong pattern.
• The idea of including prints and patterns into compact spaces can feel daunting. Large-scale designs usually work better than smaller ones in these areas, but if all-over pattern isn’t for you, try dipping your toe in the water with a striking splashback, as seen in this kitchen (C). Cuban black block tiles, £49.99/sq m, CTD. Although monochrome can seem hard to pull off in smaller, galley-style kitchens, Alison has shown that with careful planning, it can look fantastic. Having white cupboards higher up on the wall helps to open the space up and keeps everything feeling light and airy. Patterned tiles feature heavily, with a strong design on the floor and a more delicate style on the wall to avoid the room feeling claustrophobic.