Three Ways To Quirky Kitchen Colour

It's been a while since I've done a three ways post, but I've kinda missed them, so I sat down last night and thought of quirky ways to add colour to kitchens. Up first is 'comforting retro', named for its ability to use colour to create a cosy and welcoming environment. Get the look by lavishing the insides of your retro cabinets with a matt finish, pastel coloured hue, then accent it with kitchen accessories. The second idea is to extend the colour from your cabinets across a section of your kitchen floor. The 'sleek modernity' look works best in open plan spaces where you might be keen to zone the space. Finally, achieve a 'bold country' look in your country kitchen by going for all out colour on the ceiling - it's guaranteed to create a dramatic statement. I love the retro look, but my favourite of the three is 'bold country'; which look is for you?

Red | 1. Narratives, Brent Darby | 2. Mainstream images | 3. Loupe images, Chris Everard

read more "Three Ways To Quirky Kitchen Colour"

Striking and Eclectic Kitchen

This kitchen caught my eye right away - beautiful patterned tiles and rustic, chunky wooden surfaces allow the space to effortlessly ooze charm. It looks like a cosy place to hang out on a cool summer evening, and would even make for a great place to entertain. P.S. The whole house is pretty darn cool - see more of it, here. What do you like about this kitchen?

read more "Striking and Eclectic Kitchen"

One Space I Love Right Now - Kitchen

1

The oversized typographical letters. The unusual circular rug. The Craspedia buds. I could go on...! I'm really drawn to this modern country kitchen space at the moment, with it's spring-like atmosphere and gentle yellow hues, you can consider me sold!

read more "One Space I Love Right Now - Kitchen"

Michael Penney Style: The Portfolio

Oh boy, has Mr. B found some inspirational spaces inside Michael Penney's portfolio. Penney calls himself 'your friendly neighbourhood decorator', and the spaces he creates are testament to just that: the aspirational yet accessible styling amongst his gently colourful designs make for striking bedrooms, delicate dining rooms and classic bathrooms. I mean, who wouldn't want to pull up that Duck-egg blue chair and leaf through The New York Times?! Michael is a decorator, stylist and magazine editor whose philosophy on creating a home rings true with my own: "Creating a beautiful home is all about self-expression and feathering the nest with things that make you just plain happy." Spot on, I think. As for a favourite of his designs, I simply couldn't choose, but my top three are: the kitchen nook (above), the classic bathroom and the rustic dining room. Which rooms do you like?

Michael Penney Style

read more "Michael Penney Style: The Portfolio"

Three Ways: Striking Kitchen Ideas

When it comes to the kitchen we all want to achieve that knock-out space: you know, the one room that really wows your guests. No matter how big or small the space you have to play with, think about choosing one key element and allowing it to shine through. Texture, pattern and colour are three elements that you can use to centre a kitchen scheme around; mix and match elements or, just stick to one to create a striking space. I love how the patterned splash back (2) sends an everyday, average space rocketing up into the rafters of the style stakes. Whilst the reclaimed wooden surfaces (1) speak volumes: class, character and cosiness from one texture alone. Have you used any of these elements in your own kitchen?

1 | 2 | 3

read more "Three Ways: Striking Kitchen Ideas"

Three ways to a stylish kitchen

Looking back over my childhood I often find that many of my happiest memories are from times in the kitchen: playing cards late into the night with my gran; helping my mum cook the Christmas cake in early October (that beast needed time for some serious brandy feeding!); the sound of Carols from Kings playing in the background during our Christmas lunch. Fast forward to present times and not much has changed. Whenever we have friends over, it's the faithful kitchen that often plays host to our most riotous cocktail parties. For me, the kitchen is one of the first rooms I would be keen to decorate in a new home. I've picked out three simple yet striking looks that each inspire in different ways. Do you have a favourite? And, what are your fondest kitchen-based memories?

1. Loupe Images + Simon Brown |  2. Red Cover + Tria Giovan |  3. Narratives + Jan Baldwin

read more "Three ways to a stylish kitchen"

Colourful Swedish Kitchen

1

This kitchen space makes me one super duper happy chap. A divine slice of Sweden mixed with playful pops of colour, it's uplifting decor and bright, airy atmosphere makes for a winning combination. I can just imagine myself living in this kitchen: In the week I'd spend my mornings tap, tap, tapping away on my macbook, perched on the Tolix stools and fresh coffee brewing to my left. Afternoons would be spent whipping up a quick supper as the day's final rays beamed down onto the geometric floor. Then, come the weekend, the macbook would be swapped for the weekend papers and the Magi Mix would be thrown into action. Basically, this kitchen kinda rocks.

read more "Colourful Swedish Kitchen"

Yellow Kitchen With A Rustic Twist

Goodness me, I think this has to be the happiest kitchen I've ever seen. I'm inspired by the bold yet delicate approach to decorating this small, almost nook-sized eating space. Vibrant yellow walls are anchored by old apple boxes, a modernist flap clock and an utterly adorable utensils shelf. Whilst I'm not normally fond of typography being used to spell out obvious words such as 'eat' and 'sleep' in seems to add nothing but charm to this happy-go-lucky kitchen. Notice how all it takes is a vintage box and the battered wooden table to bring a touch of rustic flavour to the space. So, if you're looking for around meal times, friends, you'll know where to find me!

Apartment Therapy

read more "Yellow Kitchen With A Rustic Twist"

{Rustic Kitchen/Diner: Get The Look}

This is the kind of place I'd like to spend a couple of weeks on holiday. It would be perfect for whipping up a green salad, some fresh bread and a good glass or two of wine for one of those lazy European lunches on the terrace. Ok, so I'm dreaming, but I do love this space. I wouldn't choose to live in it full time, but it certainly fits that summery/laid back/chilled/generally-super-douper-happy kinda mood I usually have when chilling out on holiday. Geee, those tiles are killing me!

Tiles | Sideboard | Pendant | Plate | Chopping Board | Pan | Top Image

read more "{Rustic Kitchen/Diner: Get The Look}"

{Kitchen Dreaming}

Ok, so which kitchen would you choose?

Shaker-style with a hint of industrial flavour 

Chic concrete floor, stainless steel cooker hood, open storage and reclaimed dining furniture

Country-style meets rustic glamour

Curvaceous bar stools, soft and feminine lighting, glamorous gold mirrors and exposed brick walls

1 | 2

read more "{Kitchen Dreaming}"

{Retro Kitchen: Get The Look}

I don't know where to start with this fun and fabulous space; for me it's all so good. It's an eclectic and colourful space tied together with industrial metal finishes and soft, neutral furniture, which makes me want to call my buddies and get together for an impromptu evening of good food and wine. That mantle is pretty much my ideal mantle and don't get me started on how excited I am by those open kitchen shelves. Plus, that hugely European stone floor...I die! Right, time to stop being all swoonful and see how to recreate this playful kitchen space...

Tablecloth | Clock | Vases | Dining Chair

read more "{Retro Kitchen: Get The Look}"

{Butler Sinks}

I'm not sure if I love butler sinks because when I was growing up we had one in our kitchen, or if it's just because they have that comforting country-like feel to them. Either way, they don't half look fantastic in these kitchens. Plus, check out someone who's been a bit clever and popped a stainless steel version (5) in the ultra modern, black gloss kitchen. It's great how brave the designer was with colour in that scheme - black units, black ceilings and black doors. More of this please!

Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

read more "{Butler Sinks}"

{This weekend...}

I'm going to sort out my kitchen cupboards. If they end up looking like this then I'll be one seriously happy chappie. And if that super cute ginger cat turns up then I might explode with happiness!

Image: HomeShoppingSpy

read more "{This weekend...}"

{Interiors Inspiration: Colourful Kitchens}

Kitchens are often the hub of the home (let's face it, we all end up hanging out in there during a party) and I love these social spaces to be full of colour. Check out these ideas for creating a colourful kitchen, from bright accents to all out bold schemes (who knew pink (6, 8+9) looked so good?).  Plus, those azure blue tiles (2) make my heart melt!

Images: 1. House of Turquoise 2. desiretoinspire; 3. AT; 4,5,7,9. House to Home; 6. The Decorista 8. freshome

read more "{Interiors Inspiration: Colourful Kitchens}"

{Marmite homeware: Love it or hate it?}

I love it on toast, but having the iconic Marmite logo gracing my kitchenwares...I'm not too sure. I definitely think these are fun to look at, and are certainly an easy way to add a pop of colour, but there's something a bit 'forced' about them. The splash of yellow on the handle of the Dualit toaster (below) is a nice touch, however I'm still hankering after the bright yellow one that was created to celebrate 100 years of Selfridges. Do you love or hate these Marmite-themed accessories?

Images: Marmite

read more "{Marmite homeware: Love it or hate it?}"