SEEING RED
Red is great in the kitchen – it is enticing, bold and known to stimulate the appetite says OCTAVIA LILLYWHITE
MAKE IT WORK…
Don’t go over the top with red – make it an accent colour, pulled out in just one or two statement areas like these blinds and cushions. We love it alongside neutral creams, beiges and natural wood.
FREESTANDING KITCHEN UNITS:
Can have a great modern feel. They create a lighter, more spacious feel in a room, and have a casual vibe that suits a combined kitchen-diner.
BLINDS ARE PERFECT FOR A CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN-DINER:
They can be just as decorative as curtains, but they’re neater in a small space, and easier to clean.
CREATE EXTRA ROOM:
Try hanging pans, colanders and even jugs from a utensil rail (rather than the utensils, which take up less space in a jar). If you have high ceilings, take it even further with a pot rack hanging from above, and create room for non-hangable items with a combined pot rack and shelf.
In a tight space, attach your table to the floor, so the eating area stays clearly defined and people can get in and out without shifting it.
If you want to be able to seat a lot of people, the Argos corner bench set, £249, below, is a bargain, as it comes with a table and an extra seating bench included.
If storage space is at a premium in your kitchen, go for box benches with storage under the seating. Ideally choose ones that don’t have a back, especially if they’re going under windows, as they will feel more blocky than a normal bench. Top them with a long bench cushion for comfort.