Kate's ideas
reat it to a seat Whether your porch is open, like this one, or enclosed, don’t miss the opportunity to put in a bench. A simple seat will offer a place to don or remove footwear, as well as creating a defined area beneath to leave boots and shoes. Lighting under these rustic benches helps to both open up the area and light the way to the front door. You could also consider a built-in bench to create storage for those myriad items that tend to accumulate near front doors, such as umbrellas, canvas shopping bags and ice scrapers.
Find inspiration for awkward spaces Look for inspiring ways other homeowners have dealt with unconventional spaces. The owners of this long, narrow kitchen have made it feel bright, spacious and open by fitting a bank of tall units along most of one wall and blending them to match the wall colour, leaving the window wall free to take the low-level units.
While this utility room is rather larger than most, it clearly struck a chord with Houzzers. Bespoke cupboard doors like these are a simple way to hide a washing machine and tumble dryer, helping to bring a level of calm to a working space. With all the cabinet doors closed, this would look just like a neat row of kitchen units, so it’s a design that would work brilliantly in an open-plan space, too.
Expose natural elements Stripping a space back to its natural beauty can really enhance it – this characterful stone fireplace in a snug room with exposed beams is a perfect example. Yes, stone may be a cold surface, but the warm hues of many varieties will not look at all chilly, especially if paired with soft throws and cushions. You might not live in a rustic old building like this one, but you could consider peeling the plaster off your walls if you have warm-hued, vintage brickwork beneath it. Do consult an expert before going ahead!
Skip heavy handles Cupboard door hardware might seem like an inconsequential space-saver, but the visual effect of streamlined cabinets is important, as is the lack of handles to catch your clothes on in tight spaces. Look for designs with inset troughs to grip or choose slimline pulls that follow the line of your doors.
Do drawers not doors Switch all your cupboards for drawers to gain maximum usability of the available area. Drawers allow easy access to every item, unlike cupboards, which require rummaging and can result in a cluttered cook space as things pile up while you find time to make space on their bulging shelves. Rows of drawers also look chic and organised (even if their contents are not!).
Rise to the challenge Some of the best designs are born out of challenging spaces. Here, a tight area with a steep approach has been made into a feature. Brick and terracotta create the steps and terraces, and are linked inside by a brick plinth. The interior steps could double as a table or seat when the door’s closed. I love the clever simplicity of this design.
Keep it in proportion Whether your steps arrive at a front door or, as in this case, a path leading to a seat, their width should relate to the main feature or destination, as your eye will automatically try to line everything up. If the steps are too narrow or too wide, they will jar on the eye and look uncomfortable.
STEPS Get your dimensions right The first thing to consider is the overall height of the flight: how many steps will you need to arrive at the upper level? The vertical part of each step is called the riser and where you place your foot is the tread. The riser for each step should be the same and be somewhere between 10cm and 15cm. There’s a good formula that states that twice the riser plus the width of the tread should equal 66cm.
Quick clear-up tips Nothing clutters up a bathroom quicker than a load of toiletries and shampoo and shower gel bottles scattered over surfaces, around the bath or in the shower. To instantly make things look tidier, give them an edit: anything you don’t use daily can be tidied away into a cupboard or storage basket. For the rest, if you have bath toiletries you honestly use daily, then gather them to one corner, ideally in a wall caddy to contain them.
Highlight raw materials In a room with architectural features on show, it’s a good idea to leave the walls clear. The exposed stone in this kitchen looks stunning and it would have been a shame to cover it with cabinets or shelves. If your walls have some interesting elements on them, consider leaving them blank to give your room more character.
Dark worktops After an age of white and bright worktops, moody dark grey and black surfaces are set for a comeback. Honed granite is hard-wearing, versatile and won’t show crumbs (or fingerprints – unlike its shiny sister). Soapstone is another dark-hued material that’s been popular in US kitchens for years, thanks to its practical properties. This durable natural stone is non-porous (meaning it doesn’t stain) – nor will it be etched by natural acids, such as lemon juice. It’s also heat-resistant, doesn’t need to be sealed and is best cleaned with plain old soap and water. Speak to your local kitchen company about sourcing samples.
Easy seating Loose-cover sofas have always been number one for anyone with pets or children because of their washability. But now, thanks to the rise of modern-country interiors, the relaxed silhouette of loose-cover couches and chairs feels fresh again in all sorts of interiors. Team yours with white panelling and organic accents for an easy update.
Hide it all away This super-chic kitchen in Surbiton features handleless doors for a slick, modern look. Having a darkest blue splashback adds contrast and can be a stylish way to ground an all-white scheme. The large bank of units here houses both kitchen storage and appliances, including a full-height fridge-freezer, oven and hob. This clears away any potential visual clutter and really boosts the streamlined look. Meanwhile, the white quartz worktop matches the minimal look of the units. Don’t forget islands have two main sides – and you can be as creative as you like with the ‘living’ side. This smart unit morphs into a bespoke, integrated bench, made from oiled oak by a local joiner. Keeping the bulk of the unit white means this change works brilliantly – any other colour might have jarred.
Create a corridor of power Galley kitchens can sometimes get short design shrift, but not in this calm kitchen in Surrey. The chic Scandi style is created mainly with cool whites, but it’s broken up by a black range cooker and the warm, oiled oak floor, resulting in anything but a bland thoroughfare. Solid-wood, Shaker-style cabinets are timeless classics, but here look modern thanks to the clean, simple overall design. Meanwhile, the traditional Scandi wallpaper adds a pretty touch without descending into twee. (And have you noticed the subtle way the pattern echoes the design of the latticed cupboard panels at the top on the right-hand side? Nice touch.) Tip It’s fine to mix up materials if you do it thoughtfully. The stainless-steel and granite worktops here add a utility feel that gives the white a gentle industrial edge.
And what about that folding larder door? It’s an ingenious way to access this storage, and the neat panels won’t obscure as much of the fridge when open as a conventional door would.
Plan a place for everything This kitchen is pretty extreme in its stark lack of clutter, but there’s a lot to be said for precise planning when thinking about new units. If you have a home for everything in a drawer or pull-out cupboard, then there’s really no reason to leave much on the worktop. Flat fronts and no handles also make this kitchen pretty quick to clean.
Plump for a pair Symmetrical styling is an easy way to make your bedroom look pulled-together and purposeful, as well as inviting. Matching bedside tables and lamps are a good start. A piece of art above the bed is also a tried and tested way of creating a focal point, particularly if your headboard is low key.
Opt for elegance This is such a versatile colour: here, the contemporary, citrus tones almost vanish as it’s paired with silvery pale grey, polished dark wood and luxurious upholstery. The result is a timeless and classic-style bedroom. Also a classic is the rule of three – a design staple in action here. To cement a fresh accent into your own room, simply do it in triplicate, which will give it a visual sense of belonging.
Colour for 2017
Hit the floor Try fitting a kick-plate in a zingy shade or painting an existing one. That strip of colour, running below the cabinets, makes a welcome and witty addition to a white scheme without tipping it off balance.
Work in some pattern Even if the colours are muted, a splash of pattern will do wonders for a white kitchen. Try using it on a blind, seat cushion or even just a collection of tea towels. Choosing a pattern designed on a white background, as here, will limit its impact and help it tie in with the overall scheme.
Create a feature wall Painting a feature wall of bold colour is even more straightforward and less expensive than fitting colourful tiles. Use it to create a splashback effect (an eggshell paint will be splash-resistant and easy to wipe) or simply paint any section of floor-to-ceiling wall. This kitchen’s vibrant slice of coloured wall is, in fact, back-painted glass – a good option if you want to add some sheen to a contemporary space.
Find your funky with tiles Choose tiles in a rich tone for your splashback or upstand to contrast with white cabinets. These sea blue metro tiles have been laid in a stepped pattern, rather than the conventional brick effect, bringing even more interest to this strip of wall.
Add warmth with colour A warm, neutral wall colour will create a light-reflective backdrop in your bedroom. Whites with undertones of green will reflect light beautifully; undertones of pink and yellow are best avoided, as they can create a harsh, stripped feel in a dark room. Add colour through bed linen and accessories to create a space that feels bright and fresh all year round.
Mirror your wardrobe doors Mirrors are a great resource for a light-starved room. A fitted wardrobe with large mirrored panels, like this one, is not only useful for clearing your boudoir of clutter, but will reflect light and increase the sense of space in the room.
Wake up your welcome A bespoke door is a wonderful way to give your home a unique look. Designs can be crafted from wood or metal, and can be as bold or as simple as you want. This elegant wooden door fits perfectly into the arched entrance and is complemented by two glass panels and black iron hardware. It creates a striking entrance to the property.
Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer SaveEmail Consider a textured wall Give a simple white kitchen an up-to-date feel by cladding an entire wall in grey brick slips. Including a shelf unit with lighting, as here, creates a more functional area and will make cooking up a storm even easier in this dreamy kitchen space.
Go monochrome If you’re thinking about knocking several rooms into one, it’s good to keep the kitchen design plain and simple. Add interest and contrast with a trio of pendants, like these black Tom Dixon Beat Fat lights, as well as herringbone parquet flooring to instantly warm up your space.
Warm up with brick If you’re planning a kitchen extension, consider retaining an exposed brick wall, as it prevents an all-white kitchen and dining space from feeling too clinical. Here, dabs of colour in the accessories bring in a fun touch, while the polished concrete flooring and brass tap add a hint of industrial.
Add a splash of colour An all-white kitchen becomes a blank canvas and is the perfect backdrop for adding colour and character. This fridge-freezer is a commitment, but you can always choose smaller accessories instead. That way, if you get bored of the colour scheme, you can simply change the mood by swapping in new pieces in different shades.
Incorporate a colourful surprise Go for a floating effect with simple white cabinetry and matt lacquered units. When these doors are closed, the kitchen almost disappears, but opening the retractable doors reveals a fun blast of sunshine yellow.
Pay attention to detail Solid oak-lined drawers will add warmth to an all-white kitchen design. Patterned floor tiles and quirky scalloped wall tiles also lend a funky touch to this scheme, while simple matt-lacquered, handleless units create a seamless finish.
Use awkward nooks for storage Space under the eaves is perfect for storage, so try to make the most of the area. This awkward space has been boxed in and fitted with useful drawers. In a room with sloping ceilings, position your bed at the apex if you can and use the least-accessible areas for storage.
LEIVARS SaveEmail Install a storage seat This characterful pew is useful to perch on when dragging on boots and sports footwear, but also hides some capacious storage under the lift-up seat. Any small alcove (preferably near the back door for minimal mud-tracking through the house) can be used in this way, and the bench you use could be antique, modern or even built to fit your space exactly.
Build a bespoke boot bench If you have the space, you can design some lovely furniture that’s helpful both for storing boots and for putting them on. Incorporate a niche for walking sticks and umbrellas and you’ll have a boot room in a fraction of the space. Try taking footwear off the floor to keep the space looking tidier. Just lifting these boots and shoes a couple of inches onto a shelf looks far neater than shoving them under a bench.
Kit out your console table A console table is good on its own, but it can be even better with a few smart additions: a pair of stools below for extra seating, drawers (with drawer dividers) to stash post and other necessities, an art wall and ceramics for visual interest, and a light to shine down on it all. Tip If your front door opens into the living room, you can adopt the console as a stand-in hallway. Just swap the stools for storage cubes that can double as shoe storage and extra seating.
Customise your shelving A wall of shelving, whether custom-built or freestanding, is useful and makes a design statement. Floor-to-ceiling shelving also works surprisingly well in a small space, since one large, perfectly fitting piece makes a room look more spacious and less cluttered than multiple smaller units would.
Energise with a burst of colour A colourful stair runner creates instant zing in this simple white hallway, while a display of family photos adds a warm, friendly feel.
Consider unusual floor tiles The muted tones of the patchwork-style floor tiles add an unconventional touch to this smart entrance. If you want to create a hallway that feels less of a passageway and more of a room, consider neat pieces of furniture, such as a narrow bench, bespoke storage and chic panelled walls. Hang a mirror opposite the front door to make the space feel even roomier.
Create the illusion of space A long, wall-hung cabinet oozes sophistication and increases the feeling of floor space in this oh-so-stylish hallway. It’s also a very handy place to stash unsightly clutter to keep the space free-flowing. The space above the unit has been maximised to create a display of treasured artworks, plants and favourite ornaments for a warm and welcoming mood.
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