YOUR HOME COOKING IN COLOUR
Colourful kitchens are making a comeback. Stylish inky blue is the perfect shade – it works as a neutral, meaning it goes with everything, plus it hides dirt and marks! These units are by Schüller (for details, visit Inhouseltd.co.uk). But if you can’t afford a new kitchen, paint your existing doors with a specialist paint. Try Rust-Oleum Furniture Paint in Inky Blue (from DIY stores) or Grand Illusions vintage paint in Nordic Blue ( Grandillusions. co.uk).
Open shelving is a great way to display your nicest bits of crockery or kitchen kit. It also helps fill awkward spaces where full-sized units won’t work.
Keep walls and floors pale to let your units take centre stage. Luxury wood-effect vinyl tiles, like those from Amtico. com, work brilliantly in kitchens, as does engineered wood flooring – just check the design you like is compatible with under-floor heating if you are also having this installed.
Black is taking over from chrome and brass trendwise. Choose matte black handles, shelves, appliances and even crockery for a modern, sophisticated feel.
Free up worktop space by hanging utensils from hooks on a handy rail under your upper kitchen units. Ikea have a good selection.
Warm up your scheme with copper and natural wood accents. Choose copper pans and appliances, like toasters and kettles, and accessorise with attractive yet functional wooden chopping boards and storage boxes or crates.
Create your own breakfast bar or dining table with a piece of blackpainted wood or worktop and a co-ordinating black storage shelf. For a more luxe look, add upholstered dining-style chairs rather than bar stools.