The kitchen is the heart of the home!

The kitchen has come out of the basement and now represents the heart of the home. Everybody is naturally drawn to it and if the kitchen is comfortable, the cook will never lack company. Design your kitchen as a room for the whole family to live in.

One way to find inspiration for your kitchen and dining room is by dining at popular restaurants as these are especially designed to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, yet they have to be functional as well. Look how they have created this by using different shapes, colours and lighting and you will find yourself looking at your kitchen and dining room in a whole new way. 

The traditional

Kitchens and dining rooms decorated in a traditional style are classic and distinguished. They employ muted colours for a look that is elegant, refined and slightly formal. Keep your lighting soft with classic fixtures and recessed lighting in the kitchen and a chandelier over the dining room table.

The modern

Simple and functional sums up the look for modern styled kitchens and dining rooms. Pure, cold colours will work well, complementing the clean simple lines that helps define the modern look. Combine natural polished wood with industrial features such as metal and glass. Polished nickels and pewters make excellent highlighters.

The country

Use a country palette where the colours blend well with natural, and create an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and welcoming.

The casual

Using a mix of your favourite styles, such as clean lines of modern with the warmth of the country, creates kitchen and dining rooms with a casual atmosphere. Use colour to unify and harmonise the look. Group together objects in the same colour to help tie the look together. Modern vases might be arranged on the top of a classic table creating an interesting focal point.

Mix old and new

Chic new appliances, a good quality oven and practical storage units that look both sleek and work well are essential to make the preparation of food as easy and enjoyable as possible.

However, with all that technology and modernity, it is good to have elements that adds character and reflect the general style of your apartment. For example, a chandelier can look amazing in a modern style apartment, alternatively an old table top works well in a contemporary kitchen.

Before adding design details, think about what you will be using your kitchen for i.e. if you are a prolific cook a chandelier may not be ideal for you see lighting for more inspiration. Also, if you prefer your kitchen to look old-fashioned remember that many kitchen appliances can be traditional in appearance, for example retro fridges and fuel burning stoves.