Kitchen Gems

Kitchen Gems

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Kitchen Gems
Kitchen Gems
Kitchen Design Ideas To Reflect Your Personal Style

Kitchen Design Ideas To Reflect Your Personal Style

It can really be as simple as adding a pop of red

Ria Elciario-McKeown's avatar
Ria Elciario-McKeown
May 22, 2024
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Kitchen Gems
Kitchen Gems
Kitchen Design Ideas To Reflect Your Personal Style
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It’s no secret I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, so I put a lot of effort into making it feel warm and inviting. Most of my inspiration comes from flicking through design magazines and books, restaurants, other houses I’ve been to, and good ol’ Pinterest. Today, I wanted to share some of my recently saved photos and highlight the design elements I like in each one so you can take the components that resonate with you and use them to tailor your kitchen.

Interior design by Beck Interiors; Photo by Julie Soefer

Starting off with this charming kitchen designed by Beck Interiors. The burnt sugar backsplash from Ziatile adds so much warmth and texture to contrast the smooth, sky-blue cabinets with silver knobs. I love the wood details both from the framed artwork and the wood trim. The aloe vera plant also adds a natural touch, which goes really well against the backsplash. I imagine the person who lives here as someone who probably doesn’t cook as much and likes their kitchen neat but inviting.

Interior design by Beata Heuman; Photo by Simon Upton for AD

I am a big fan of Adwoa Aboah’s London kitchen, from the skylight to the birch ply cabinets. The checkered blue and white backsplash, in contrast with the red Dutch oven, Jeremy Lee cookbook, and the yellow stain on the cabinets, complement each other so well. Primary colours in interior design add so much personality. I picture Adwoa Aboah as a bold and fun person, and this kitchen is exactly that to me without being over the top. I’m also a big fan of these shelves with squiggly brackets. Beata Heuman, you’ve done it once again!

Interior design by DAB Studio; Photo by Daniëlle Siobhán

This is how I imagine a modern kitchen for a nature lover living in the city would look. Something about the use of this particular wood stain in contrast with the large marble island feels rather calming, like entering a peaceful meditation room. It’s minimalist but moody rather than stark white. The contrast of greenery adds just enough pop to make it feel cozy. I’d be curious to see what this kitchen looks like at night.

Interior design by Charlotte Boundy; Photo by Paul Whitbread

Who would’ve thought I’d be so into muted colours? I really think they can be done tastefully, especially when you add pops of colour and wooden elements. The red stove control knobs are such a simple way to add personality and elevate something as basic as a stove. The sconces are also a nice touch above the artwork. There’s symmetry, but combining natural materials and colours softens the look.

Interior design by Pringle & Pringle; Photo by Barnaby Dixson

I don’t like marble or dark cabinets, but I am really drawn to this kitchen. The striped water jug on the left and the speckled bottle on the right, paired with the red utensil holder with the blue spoon and plant make this such a lively space for me. I like that they also went with these white and blue blinds. Small details like that can really make a difference.

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Photo via Glassette

Sky blue cabinets and pops of primary colours seem to be a running theme for me here. I love how the open shelving is styled with cookbooks, paintings, kitchenware, and canned figs in syrup. The printed plates hung up on the wall along with the wooden boards add a rustic look contrary to the gold hardware and marble. I love the shape and colours of the salt and pepper mills, too—upgrading simple items as such can add so much to the look and feel of your space.

Interior design by Sarah Brown; Photo by Anna Batchelor

I’m going to preface this by saying that this kitchen isn’t exactly my style, but I really appreciate the pops of colour and printed blinds. Like the previous kitchen, I love the idea of displaying fun plates. It adds so much personality without relying on artwork to do it for you.

Design by na antresoli; Photo by MIGDAL Studio

I don’t know how comfortable those chairs are, but who cares? They are perfect with the wooden bar and avocado green cabinets. Despite the backsplash being white, I love the texture it adds to the space. The cherry on top for me, however, is the silver light fixture. It complements the wooden features and adds just enough edge while keeping the space bright.

Interior design by Francesca Gentilli; Photo by Chris Horwood

I love how warm this English farmhouse kitchen is. Look at the textiles! The wooden chairs, black frames, and the striped vase add a modern touch to the space while still letting its traditional features shine. Oh, and the 6-burner gas cooktop is a plus.

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Photo + Design by Claire Kennedy

This kitchen reminds me of a creamsicle. I really like the colour of the cabinets with the backsplash and hardwood floors. The pink vase with a pop of red, along with the other small items with fun prints, adds so much character. Even the offset open shelving, which is such a simple detail, makes a big difference. I’ll be stealing that idea!

Photo by Chris Horwood; Design by Natasha Mann

The kitchen island might be my favourite aspect of this entire kitchen—I love the mini bookshelf for cookbooks! It’s a bit on the moodier side, but the skylight and white marble brighten up the space. I really like the mustard yellow to contrast with the forest green, and I’m a big fan of using textiles to bring in something more traditional and balance the modern features.

I’ve been missing home and listening to a lot of OPM (Original Pinoy Music) recently.

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