Ready to introduce one of these designs, or come up with something new of your own? Start your kitchen renovation search here to get the rolling pin… rolling.

Kitchen design can be overlooked in favour of living areas and bedrooms, but don’t forget that this functional space is about more than just where the coffee lives – you can reflect your own style and create a definite mood in your kitchen.

Here are just seven kitchen ideas to get you started.

1. Cottage charm

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the cottage charm look works best for actual cottages. That said, the idea is to create a warm, cosy vibe, so it can also work well for any kitchen that’s a little on the smaller or older side. Aim for an assortment of bright colours, although stick to a general colour palette so it still looks welcoming rather than messy.

2. Country home

The country farmhouse look is one of a welcoming open space with a clean, ‘lived-in’ look. Wooden furnishings and cabinets are a must, and colour schemes tend to stick to the natural timber look mixed with paler shades of yellow, blue and cream.

3. Modern

Modern kitchen designs are all about embracing the latest technology and pairing it with sleek furnishings and optimum style. Look for stainless steel finishes for your appliances, as well as for smaller items such as the kettle and toaster. Aim for a simple colour palette without anything too bright, and keep the space free of clutter.

4. Beachy

That beachy look draws from the style of coastal houses that feel as though the ocean is a permanent guest inside the home. The easiest trick to achieve this look is to introduce whitewashed wood and blue-green touches throughout the décor, and remember that one of the perks of seeking out slightly worn-looking furnishings is that it can bring down your kitchen renovation costs!

5. Contemporary

The contemporary style takes the technology and innovations of the modern look, and pairs it with the welcoming vibes of a traditional cosy kitchen. This is ideal for those who love to entertain and rely on the latest technology in cooking, while also making their guests feel comfortable. Use warm paint colours, timber furniture, and a few fun pieces of décor to tie it all together.

6. Minimalistic

Don’t like clutter? Minimalistic may be for you – although, it also works well for small kitchens to help make the space look larger than it is. Aim to only incorporate black and white tones as well as the polished silver of steel appliances in a minimalistic kitchen, and tidy away anything you don’t use every single day to achieve that simple and sleek finish.

7. French

If anyone knows a thing or two about style, it’s the French. Incorporate rich colours such as ochre and russet and set them against warm creams. Hang your pots from the ceiling (it’s a great space saver), invest in some elegant candlesticks, and switch out your light bulbs for warm yellows rather than cold whites.

DIY?

If you’re thinking about doing your own kitchen renovations, here’s an article by Better Homes and Gardens on how to keep the costs down.