24 Kitchen island ideas

Kitchen island ideas for all kinds of kitchens. No matter your decorating style, we've got you covered!

24 Kitchen island ideas

Are you thinking of installing a kitchen island in your kitchen? Kitchen islands can be as functional as you like—it all depends on your needs. You might go for a simple kitchen island that’s chiefly for food prep, with bar seating underneath so you can use it as a breakfast bar. Or you might want a fully-functional island with electricity, plumbing, a sink and even a hob. Either way the important thing is that your island is designed to be ergonomically correct so it’s comfortable to use.

And while it’s intended to be functional and sociable, it’s typically also going to be a major focal point for the room. As such, your choice of materials and finishes is going to be quite a big deal. Your kitchen island can really be the hero of your kitchen space depending on your materials choice. Below, I’ve got a variety of ideas you might consider when it comes to designing your ideal kitchen island.

Curved

Curved and rounded kitchen islands are becoming more popular lately as people aim to bring more organic, natural elements and forms into their kitchens. Visually more gentle than linear designs, curved islands look highly contemporary. Their lack of sharp edges means they can also be safer for kids.

1. Curve it with tile

When it comes to curved kitchen island ideas, tile can be the perfect cladding choice as narrow tiles will make it easier to round the corners. This minimal, modern kitchen with its clean lines and muted natural tones looks like such an inviting, simple place to cook.

kitchen-island-ideas-curved-white-tiled
Photo © Alison Lewis Interiors. Reproduced with kind permission.

2. Curve it with timber

Another gorgeous option is to clad your curved kitchen island in timber battens, perfect if you love a timber-heavy kitchen. Bonus points if you go eco-friendly by choosing a sustainable timber (eg. recycled Messmate, a type of eucalyptus).

3. Add subtle curved elements

Even if you don’t want your counter or the base itself to be curved, you could still incorporate curved elements in the island design, such as by having a curved cutaway underbench.

4. Create something sculptural

A material that’s being creatively used in kitchen island design (eg. by Kennedy Nolan) is functional laminate. This material can be used to shape concave and convex forms to create a unique, sculptural piece.

5. Gather ‘round

Kitchen islands don’t have to be rectangular–increasing in popularity are round kitchen islands. These offer the benefit of 360 degree cabinetry as well as greater sociability as they allow more people to comfortably gather around. Plus, the smaller size is perfect for tiny kitchens. Below, a round island with grey terrazzo counter. This one actually features a stovetop and built-in oven.

kitchen-island-ideas-round-marble
Photo © Jef Jacobs. Reproduced with kind permission.

6. Go for contemporary concrete

Lots of people are loving concrete in their kitchens right now. Not only does concrete look very contemporary and industrial in flavour, but it’s actually easy care and highly durable. The material’s inherent coolness can be warmed up by the use of timber, brick and metallic finishes. Often cast on-site, a concrete kitchen island has a utilitarian, minimalist flavour and is perfect for a sophisticated modern kitchen.

kitchen-island-concrete
Source: Photo by Sergei Sushchik on Unsplash

Tile

For those who love a bold kitchen, a tiled island is a lovely way to introduce colour and texture. If your kitchen island is central and imposing, consider making it a major feature with unique tiling. There’s something so pleasing about the orderly, graphic pattern of tile, no matter whether you go for matte or gloss, textured or plain.

Tiles are so hard-working and come in hundreds of beautiful colours. Especially popular now are natural, earthy and ocean colours that reflect the gentle palette of the Australian coast and landscape. But then again, a mostly white kitchen can look amazing with a pearly, sky-blue zellige tiled island, for example.

7. Be bold with black tile

Tile can really be the hero in a minimalist kitchen. For a dramatic-looking kitchen island, consider handmade, textured tiles in black. You could temper the heaviness of the black by topping the island with a warm timber benchtop.

8. Turn up the heat with terracotta

Here’s another gorgeous tiled kitchen island, this time covered in matte terracotta tiles. It’s a big burst of warmth in this otherwise plain space and adds lots of rustic charm.

kitchen-island-ideas-terracotta-tile
Photo © Ilse Popelier, Belgian artist and designer. Reproduced with kind permission.

9. Go for pretty patterns

Using tile is an easy way to liven up your kitchen island. Your favourite patterned cement tile can be added to the island underbench, even if you aren’t keen on a tiled counter. A monochrome print is usually a timeless choice that complements a variety of décor.

10. Add zing with zellige

These Moroccan tiles are handmade of the highest quality clay using traditional techniques and are much loved for their glossy, varied colours and the lovely texture they create. Light coming through the kitchen windows will ensure the tiles glisten and sparkle, which is what I love about zellige and other textured tile.

11. Add battens or panelling

Add texture and visual interest to your kitchen island with timber battens or VJ (vertical join) panelling. Battens are simply thin strips of wood laid next to each other vertically with gaps in between forming the pattern. On the other hand tongue-and-groove boards are wider planks that are slotted beside each other without a gap. Either option makes a lovely way to add a subtle, uniform pattern to your island.

kitchen-island-timber-battens
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

12. Or try reeded/fluted designs

For even bolder texture, you might also consider reeded or fluted designs which can be constructed from a range of different materials, including timber and marble. The ridges and grooves are another way to bring in texture and can lift a plain kitchen out of the ordinary.

Islands with storage

If you love a clean, spacious, functional kitchen (who doesn’t?) then extra storage built into your kitchen island will never go unappreciated.

13. Open up some storage

Deep shelving on one side of your kitchen island both maximises storage and helps reduce visual clutter. If you have deep drawers or shelves, adding targeted lighting is a great idea. A well lit kitchen always makes life easier! And the soft glow of light from inside drawers or shelving adds ambience as well.

kitchen-island-white-and-wood
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

14. Neaten up with closed storage

Incorporating closed storage into your island is both functional and tidy. Below, a sleek, streamlined kitchen in a minimalist modern home, featuring an island with deep drawer storage. I love the simple colour palette here and the shiny, polished concrete floors.

See also: How much to install kitchen cabinets?

kitchen-island-ideas-deep-blue
Photo © Sarah Stacey Design. Photographer: Molly Culver. Reproduced with kind permission.

15. Keep it clean with glass doors

A great option for kitchen island storage is glass-fronted cabinetry. Glass cabinets are both attractive and functional—the glass keeps your kitchenware dust-free, while the transparency means you can use the space for curating kitchen décor.

16. Make it ultra slimline

Big, blocky kitchen islands can be very imposing and not everyone loves the bulky look. But some designers are creating minimalist versions that are super streamlined. A slimline kitchen island that’s almost just a thin counter is perfect for a more compact space, keeping things feeling nice and airy.

kitchen-island-minimal
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

17. Wow with a monolithic island

A monolithic kitchen island is the ideal choice for those who really want to make a statement. These types of islands are carved from a single piece of material, usually marble but also anything from quartz to terrazzo. Slabs of gorgeous stone pair beautifully with timber cabinetry and black or white steel hardware and will deliver a clean, luxe, contemporary look.

kitchen-island-white-marble
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

18. Go large

A massive central island appeals to lots of people. It might be a stunning marble slab, high gloss black or white quartz, or simply a beautiful piece of timber for the counter. With an oversized island, lighting is particularly important and often a trio of pendant lights or a long linear suspension light will ensure adequate light distribution.

(Why not discuss your kitchen island lighting ideas with an interior lighting designer? Or, you might just like to organise to have your lights installed.)

19. Keep it classic

A timeless, all-white kitchen island evokes a sense of luxurious simplicity. And white is the ideal colour to set off the everchanging life and colour that people and food bring to the table. Mix with classic white subway tile splashback and dramatic pendant lights. Timber or rattan stools will give a casual, coastal feel.

kitchen-island-coastal
Source: Photo by Josh Hemsley on Unsplash

20. Make room with a waterfall

You just can’t go wrong with a waterfall-style, hollowed-out island, which always leaves enough room for people’s legs underneath.

21. Have a split bench

Anything’s possible when it comes to kitchen island designs. Bespoke islands can be made to your needs and tastes. Having a split bench means you can define zones better, such as having one end as a food prep section with under-bench storage and the other as an eating section, where stools can be tucked away underneath.

22. Make it multifunctional

Your island can be as practical as you like. As well as having bench space for socialising and food prep, it might include a microwave drawer, a wine fridge, a hob and a sink.

kitchen-island-timber
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

23. Go for a compact model

The size of your kitchen—or lack of it—doesn’t have to be a barrier to fitting in a kitchen island. When it comes to small kitchen island ideas, there are plenty of petite options on the market. But it may be that you prefer to simply use a small portable kitchen cart as an ‘island’.

24. Repurpose something vintage

Finally, kitchen islands don’t have to be sleek, modern affairs. You could also simply upcycle an item of furniture to repurpose it as a portable island. After all, just about anything, centrally located in a kitchen, can be classified as an ‘island’. Whether it’s a vintage op-shop find or an old farmhouse workbench, there’s a lot of charm to be had in weathered, beaten, paint-chipped items of old furniture. (Find more inspo for your Boho kitchen here.)

kitchen-island-island-counter
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

And that’s a wrap on my selection of kitchen island ideas. There’s certainly a wealth of choice out there! Let me know your ideal kitchen island in the comments.

Ready to talk to a kitchen designer about your kitchen island ideas? Or maybe you’d like to view some more inspo on kitchen layouts or general kitchen décor ideas first? You can also get some help with kitchen sink installation if your island is going to be plumbed. Find an expert here.

No desire for a generic white kitchen? Having your island and cabinetry painted a unique colour is another way to express your personality in your kitchen. Or if you are handy with DIY and want to give your kitchen cabinets a colour refresh yourself, take a look at our guide on how to paint your kitchen cabinets.

Budget tips during lockdown: How to save money at home

Stack that paper (no not the toilet variety).

Budget tips during lockdown: How to save money at home

At this point, you may be feeling like there isn’t a lot to love about lockdowns. While we don’t necessarily disagree, there are some small positives that we should all focus on! One example is the bank balance! With a few tips for how to save money when you are stuck at home, combined with the fact that we aren’t crushing our accounts at da club every weekend. Who knows? We all just may come out of lockdown with a new Tesla*! (*Tesla not guaranteed).

While not going out is less than fun, it does afford some financial benefits, as can all of this spare time we suddenly have. Let’s dive into how you can put it to good use with some lockdown money-saving tips that will help the bank balance to look good!

How to budget and save money fast

Tip #1: Limit the online shopping

Ooft, this one stings. Online shopping is one of the saviours of lockdown. There are really only two days in lockdown, ones where packages arrive and ones where they don’t. Hands up, who else is craving human contact so badly that they are trying to develop a deep friendship with their amazing delivery person?

Well, a little bit of self-restraint is needed to fight the temptation of online shopping. It’s fun to click a button and do away with your month’s budget without feeling like you’ve spent anything, only to emerge from lockdown with 50 different variations of the Monopoly board game and a heap of regret.

Combat this by putting restrictions on certain websites to make the checkout process more time-consuming. Avoid storing your payment details, do away with your buy-now-pay-later services, and at the very least, leave the items in the basket overnight. This not only helps to ensure you actually want what you are buying, but you may also get one of those “did you forget something, here’s 10% off” emails!

You may also benefit from limiting your screen time to just work or chatting with friends, so you don’t buy 20 new pairs of sweatpants out of web-surf boredom.

Tip #2: Utilise free entertainment

Surely by now, you have exhausted all of the options on Netflix? Before you go down the road of re-watching Tiger King, be creative with some free, fun things you can do at home.

Spend some time learning how to cook your favourite meal from scratch, invent your own family games, get crafty and creative with some new hobbies or read one of those many orange Penguin books you have laying around the house for looks! You may even come out of lockdown with a new skill or passion as a result!

poker night
Source: JT on Unsplash

Tip #3: Streamline the streaming 

Just because you have run out of Amazon Prime, that doesn’t mean you should add Disney+. Streaming service fees can quickly add up and significantly dent your wallet.

Try to only have one provider on the go at all times. Are you done with Amazon? Cancel it before you sign up to Stan. Can you share with a friend to get two platforms for the price of one? There are plenty of free streaming services like SBS On Demand and ABC iView available that will give you hours of streamed entertainment without you having to spend a cent.

Tip #4: Pay off those loans

Interests may be really low at the moment, but loan rates are still higher than savings rates (they always will be). Rather than letting these tips or your nights in result in a bigger savings balance, pivot and have them create a lower loan balance.

This is a great way to save money in the long term. Always have an emergency savings buffer in your account, but chuck the rest off those loans and avoid the piles of interest that can build up over the years.

Tip #5: Buy insurance

We know it’s weird to say “buy insurance” in an article about saving money, but we live in unprecedented times. Those holidays or AirBnB weekends you are planning have never been riskier, so make sure you get insurance to avoid losing the money from flights or accommodation (if the next lockdown rolls around unexpectedly).

Tip #6: Claim all work expenses against tax

Lockdown means that many of us are now working from home, which we previously have never done. There is a bigger benefit to this than spending all day in sweatpants (or no pants!). You can claim lots of costs associated with working from home, such as washing and travel (even though there isn’t much of that).

Speak to your tax accountant about the many new work-from-home things that can lower your tax bill substantially. Also, remember that tax refunds can be backdated, so consider the things that may be relevant from lockdown one.

Tip #7: Shop around and find the best deal

You have a little extra time so use it to research the best deals on literally everything. Look at your phone deal, health insurance, energy provider and more. On online marketplaces like Airtasker, you can compare rates and get affordable handymen to fix leaks and other emergency expenses. Imagine if you could save $10 per month on those things alone, that would be an extra $360 in your pocket each year for a little bit of research!

There are plenty of comparison websites available that can make the research element even easier as well. There is no excuse not to save!

Tip #8: Redo your budget

Lockdown is a great chance to take another look at your budget and the areas where you’re spending the most. There are things in the list above that you can start with and likely many other areas where you can cut back such as food expenses and groceries. That being said, here’s our guide to meal planning in case you’re unable to get takeaways from your local restaurant. Or you simply don’t have the time or patience to cook during this stressful pandemic.

How to plan meals and do meal prep during lockdown

Another great money-saving way to soak up some time is with meal prep and planning. This also has the dual benefit of ensuring you are sorted for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Consider the following:

  1. Consider meal planning as an activity and take an hour to plan meals for the week; this will also take the stress out of cooking.
  2. Make a list of meals and snacks you love and tape it inside the pantry door, so you have a shortcut that simplifies meal planning.
  3. If you have kids, involve them in the task. They love autonomy and responsibility and are more likely to eat the food if they’re involved. Let them unpack the food delivery, find recipes and help write the plan.
  4. Always make double and freeze it; your future self will thank you.
  5. Research new meal plans by finding free options online. There is no better way to stay healthy and challenge yourself to create some new recipes.
meal prep food
Source: Ello via Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

How can I save the most money on utilities?

When thinking about how to save money on utilities, there are some simple things you can do around the house, including:

  1. Switch to energy-efficient bulbs
  2. Change air filters regularly and keep vents clear
  3. Replace old appliances
  4. Buy a smart thermostat
  5. Turn off lights and powerpoints when not in use
  6. Seal doors and windows

How can I save money on food and still eat healthily?

Eating healthily doesn’t have to cost the earth, in fact, there are ways you can learn how to save money on food and eat healthy, such as:

  1. Planning your meals
  2. Sticking to your grocery list
  3. Cooking at home
  4. Cooking larger portions to create leftovers
  5. Never shopping when you’re hungry
  6. Buying whole foods
  7. Buying generic brands
  8. Avoiding highly processed food

How can I save money on a budget fast?

When it comes to how to budget and save money fast, there are a few starting points to keep in mind:

  1. Learn to budget and gain an in-depth understanding of your finances
  2. Focus on avoiding or getting out of debt
  3. Create a designated savings account
  4. Automate savings and bill payments
  5. Put a spending limit on your credit or debit card
  6. Streamline your streaming services

Rolling out of lockdown like a boss

Picture this; you’ve put our money-saving tips into play, and you’re now ready to leave lockdown with a stacked bank account (possibly even a top hat and cane that you’ve bought with the extra funds to complete the look).

To make lockdown a little easier, check out the Taskers, who are available to help with things like grocery delivery and fresh food delivery for those looking to stay healthy.

We also have a stack of other How To guides that you can read through to entertain yourself, boost your skills, and do some good around the home! We recommend starting with our guide on how to clean the oven. Many people say that oven cleaning is therapeutic! We also don’t need to say this, but you have to have a clean oven. So, embrace the task and have fun!

Make sure to check the lockdown restrictions in your state or area before booking home or mobile services.

Learning how to tile a kitchen splashback: The easiest steps possible

Your splashback can be like a mini-feature wall for your kitchen!

Learning how to tile a kitchen splashback: The easiest steps possible

Learning how to tile a kitchen splashback by yourself is one of the easiest DIY ways to improve the look of your home. This simple and affordable upgrade can be a lot of fun as there is no shortage of kitchen splashback options available when it comes to tiles. You get to flex your creative muscle while upgrading a functional area of your kitchen!

You have a lot of options when it comes to materials for your splashback, but glass, mirrored splashbacks, and stone splashbacks can be much more expensive and very difficult to keep clean. On the other hand, a tiled splashback is easy, affordable, robust, and simple to clean, all while looking amazing. It also allows for patterns and colours to suit the look of your kitchen.

Read on for all the steps for how to tile a kitchen splashback and take this fun DIY project on today!

Removing the existing splashback

If you are getting rid of an old splashback or renovating, you will first need to remove whatever it was that formed your existing splashback. You can tile over it, sure, but the finish simply will not be as good. Go the extra mile with the effort of removing the existing splashback. Once you have, you can reinstall some new plasterboard and start with a clear flat surface.

clean white kitchen with white splashback
Source: JOSBRA design on Unsplash

Alright – now that you’re ready for new tiles, here’s a helpful infographic summarising all the steps to DIY tiling in general:

how to tile infographic
Source: Airtasker

Read on below as we dive deeper into tiling kitchen splashbacks, specifically.

How to tile a kitchen splashback onto new plasterboard

  1. Prep the surface and make sure your plasterboard is free from lumps or bumps. These will interfere with your tiling. Also, always put protective sheets over your benchtops so they stay free from damage that can be caused by tile adhesive and grout.
  2. Include something to support your new tiles. If you have a benchtop, perfect, but if you are tiling between two cupboards, temporarily attach a block of wood to support the tiles and ensure a clean line.
  3. Get some tile adhesive from your local hardware store. It often comes in a powder that you will mix until it looks like toothpaste.
  4. Choose a starting point and use a 6 or 8mm notch trowel to apply a line of adhesive that covers the area that will make up one row of tiles. It’s always a good idea to start at the bottom, pushing the trowel upwards to apply the adhesive. If you are creating a mosaic pattern with your tiles, use a 6mm notch trowel. If you are laying in lines, use an 8mm notch trowel.
  5. Put the first row of tiles in place; this will form the foundation for the following rows. Place spacers along the line. This will ensure the tiles are lined up correctly and evenly spaced. Use a spirit level to make sure everything is straight.
  6. The hardest part will come at the end of the row. Unless you are unbelievably lucky, you will likely need to cut your tiles to create the perfect fit. You can do this by placing the tile upside down on a tile cutter, running a cutting blade along the line where it will need to be re-sized and either cutting it with the cutter or applying pressure to break it.
  7. Place the cut tile at the end and butt it into the corner or architraves.
  8. Repeat all of the above steps to the completion of your full splashback area and leave the spacers in their positions for at least 12 hours.
  9. At this point, the adhesive should be set, and you can remove the spacers.

Adding grouting to your splashback

Once you have laid the tiles and the adhesive is set, you will need to add some grout. Grout is often available in a wide range of colours, so you can plan ahead with your tile look in mind, making the grout part of the feature. Just make sure that you find a grout that is suitable for 3-6mm tile joints.

Prepare the grout as per the instructions from the manufacture on the packet, then follow these steps:

  1. Use a rubber trowel to apply the grout in a massage-like motion. You should be adding grout into the joints in a 45-degree circular motion. Fill all of the joints and remove any excess grout as you go.
  2. Wait for roughly 30 minutes allowing the grout time to set, and use a clean sponge to wipe away any excess grout.

Choosing the design for your splashback tiles

As there are literally thousands of tile choices for splashbacks, how do you choose the right option for your home before learning how to tile a kitchen splashback? While it partly depends on your budget, you should first decide if you want your splashback to be a feature or to blend in with the existing look.

If you opt for a feature, feel free to get colourful or even choose a pattern. Approach it like you would a feature wall in the living or bedroom. If you want a more minimalist look, choose a white or single colour that matches your walls and cupboards.

Should you DIY your splashback at all?

Refreshing your kitchen splashback is an affordable way to do a mini-makeover. Upgrading your kitchen splashback to a tiled option is easy to do and a great DIY project, even for those who do not consider themselves to be super handy.

Tiling a kitchen splashback should be somewhat simple, providing you follow the above steps. As a reminder, here is an overview of the process:

  • Start by preparing the surface by clearing the old splashback and creating a level area
  • Make sure your tiles have a benchtop to support them
  • Prepare some tile adhesive
  • Apply it to the required position on the wall, one row at a time from the bottom
  • Place the tiles on the adhesive with spacers to ensure they are spaced evenly
  • Repeat this process row by row
  • Wait 12 hours
  • Remove the spacers
  • Apply some grout liberally, wiping away the excess as you go
  • Allow the grout to set for 30 minutes
  • Splashback tile installation complete!
How to lay kitchen tile backsplash
Source: Uliana Kopanytsia via Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

Can you tile on top of splashback?

You can install a splashback over existing tiles as long as they are securely attached to the wall. There should be no cracks or broken tiles as this may impact the adhesion of the panel. The existing tiles will also need to be level, so it is best to remove any uneven tiles as they can distort the final look of your new surface.

Should you tile a splashback?

The goal of a splashback is to protect your kitchen walls from water and oil splashes. Therefore, a practical approach is to use tiling with the bonus of it being a great decorating scheme.

When tiling a wall, do you start at the top or bottom?

Always start tiling roughly 3/4 of the height of your tiles. Start with the bottom row of the tile and work your way up from there.

Can you start tiling in a corner?

It is likely that your tiles will need to be cut, so they perfectly fit the perimeter of your room. If you begin in a corner, you can start your pattern with full tiles on a straight line moving evenly into the room. It can be more difficult to get the pattern right if you start in the centre. Starting in the corner also means that is one less tile corner you need to cut.

Not-so confident in your DIY skills?

While we say this is a simple DIY task, learning how to tile a kitchen wall splashback may still be above some fresh DIYers abilities. How long to tile a kitchen splashback depends on your skills – you simply may not have enough time!

If that is the case, we have a range of expert Taskers who can help handle the project for you. Ensure a professional finish and save yourself the hassle!

If you are, however, set on improving your DIY skills, we have plenty more resources to help you get there. From the right way to drill into tile to how to tile other areas of your home, like the shower, the learning never stops. You can read about how to tile a wallhow to remove floor tiles and how to tile your whole bathroom!

We also have some helpful design inspo blogs to get the creative juices flowing. Read about how to paint bathroom tilessome great laundry and bathroom tile ideas, some great looks for fireplace tiles and a bunch of kitchen ideas. Your home is a reflection of your personality, and it also needs to be comfortable, so explore some cool style ideas and make your space your own today!

35 Eye-catching pantry door ideas

Out with the old and in with the new. It's time to give your pantry door the love and attention it deserves!

35 Eye-catching pantry door ideas

You may not think of your pantry door as anything special, but that’s because you haven’t seen the wonderful pantry door ideas that we have below for you – and they will blow your socks off!

I’ve done the research to find the best of the best, and of course, I’ve made sure that these pantry door ideas are very functional as well. From hidden walk-in pantry doors to the eye-catching show stopper doors, I’m so excited to show you all of the wonderful pantry door ideas I’ve found.

1. Antique pantry door

Inject instant character into your kitchen area with an antique door. The chances are that this one wasn’t made from scratch. I imagine it was probably found at a junkyard or even off an old part of a home pre-renovation. But just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it should be thrown out.

In fact, the most lovely home designs combine the perfect balance of old with the new to create a lived-in look that’s natural and cosy. All you need is a bit of help sanding, paint stripping and staining or painting – and it’s as good as new.

painted door
Source: Markus Voetter on Unsplash

2. Grey and gold

On the more modern side of the fence, you can try getting a grey-and-gold pantry door. A grey and gold combination that incorporates moulding and brass touches can add character to the space. It pairs perfectly with a grey kitchen or even a Hampton’s style kitchen.

3. Country style

Do you remember your grandma’s pantry? I sure do. The key here is to create a pantry that feels like home. Just add the letters PANTRY sealed on top and the sweet little sign hanging above your door.

4. Hidden pantry

Sometimes out of sight is out of mind, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to this hidden pantry. In fact, if we couldn’t see the open doors in this image, we wouldn’t even know that it’s there.

If you like to prepare the food behind the scenes while keeping the front of the kitchen spic and span, this may be the choice for you! Find a kitchen cabinet maker who will be able to create the exact style you like for your own kitchen.

hidden wooden pantry
Source: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

5. Pullout Cabinets

Here’s a space-saving hack if ever I’ve seen one. Short on space? Make the most of a pantry with a pullout cabinet. I love how the pantry doors open out to reveal wooden containers you can easily slide out! Perfect for storing all kinds of goodies and staples.

Modern pantry with rollout shelves for easy access
Source: Shutterstock

6. Label it

If you’re anything like me, you probably forget what’s what the moment you pour something into a jar and pop it on the pantry shelf. To avoid this headache, and to simply keep things much more simple when reaching for your herbs and spices, pull out a labeller and give every jar a name.

And if your pantry is quite the opposite of this currently (just like mine, haha) then get a professional organiser who will make sure everything is in date and tidied away.

Labels on food items in pantry
Source: Heather McKean on Unsplash

7. Antique style

Here’s another old door – proof that you don’t have to go with what’s new to create a nice entryway to your pantry. This rustic wooden door looks so cool with ingredients in glass jars inside. It’s this kind of combination that creates character and cosiness in a home.

old pantry door
Source: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

8. Say it how it is

Let no one mistake the space behind that door for anything else – if the door says it’s a pantry, it is one! Get creative by finding large block letters on Etsy – just make sure you carefully stick them on the door so they sit on top of each other in a line.

Source: Marton Levai on Unsplash

9. A timber touch

Mmm, there’s just something so classic about timber. It’s solid, smooth, and interesting! Try adding textured glass to create a different vibe. And the colour of the timber really stands out against the pastel tones, so you can paint your surrounding cabinets in a lighter shade.

10. Slide-out drawer

If you only have a small pantry, you might just need another space to keep things hidden. Slide-out drawers are a perfect place to store herbs and spices and anything else you need in arm’s reach.

11. Butler’s pantry

A butler’s pantry is the perfect pairing of classic-meets-modern, and it’s oh-so-chic. (Marble and white timber pair well together!) If you want to make your butler’s pantry a little more country kitchen style, hang some sweet paintings or pictures on the wall, like in this space. It adds a vintage effect that’s nice and sentimental.

12. Pretty in pink

You know I’m a sucker for all things pink, so when I saw this pink pantry I absolutely had to include it. Apart from the colour, what I like about this pantry is that it’s minimalist yet chic – you can store all kinds of goods without the area looking like a hot mess.

pink pantry in green kitchen
Source: Shutterstock

13. White and sweet

Sometimes keeping things light and bright is better, especially when it comes to seeing everything clearly on display. While for some of you the all-white look might bring a sigh of “borrrrrring”, it is a very classic choice that you can be sure won’t date anytime soon. If you love a white kitchen – this is the one for you.

white pantry
Source: Jason Leung on Unsplash

14. Light blue

If you’re a fan of an all-white kitchen, a blue pantry may just be the way to break up the colour palette a bit. You can also add blue patterned tiles to make the flooring different from classic timber flooring in the front kitchen. Yup, you don’t have to stick to one style throughout your entire kitchen. If you’ve got a butler’s pantry, you can definitely shake things up a bit.

15. Farm style

Wooden, barn-style doors look quaint and cute. Top it off with frosted glass and you can take the style back a few decades, but it can be the perfect addition to your modern farmhouse kitchen to create a country vibe.

16. Slim and simple

If you don’t have a large space to install a walk-in pantry or you’re creating a little kitchen nook for a granny flat, a cupboard will do! This simple, slim one looks so lovely with a lick of muted green paint. The tricky with small pantries is to make sure you keep things organised to perfection. So get your labeller out and assign every type of food a shelf.

blue green pantry
Source: Ehud Neuhaus on Unsplash

17. Slide the door back

Add a sliding timber door and glossy subway tile (they’re all the rage right now!). You can use white glossy tiles to decorate a small slither of space, or you can go all out and cover the entire wall. Whatever you choose, a statement tile like this will be sure to elevate your pantry.

white glossy subway tiles
Source: carolyn christine on Unsplash

18. Double sliding doors

Two doors are better than one! They can open up to such a lovely scene. Style your kitchen with Moroccan-inspired tiles and glossy grey cupboards for added effect.

19. Practical and plain

Sometimes keeping kitchen design simple is better. That’s the case with this kitchen that makes the most of an all-white design style. Plus, open that pantry door to reveal shelves stocked full of food. If that’s not an inspiration to make sure your pantry is filled with all of the basics, I don’t know what is.

practical pantry
Source: Rūta Celma on Unsplash

20. Traditional white with baskets

If you have an all-white kitchen, why not fill it with baskets galore? This just proves that you can get creative when it comes to your storage solutions. Woven baskets of any kind are handy for holding the larger, more bulky items that you still want to keep out of sight.

21. Black steel frame

The modern sleek finish of a black steel frame oozes sophistication. Make sure your door has rectangular framing and luxe glassware. But be warned, with a choice like this you may feel like you need to keep your butler’s pantry tidy at all times because all eyes are certainly on it.

22. Shabby chic style

A shabby chic pantry might just be the perfect addition to your cosy home. The key to creating this look is to either use an already worn-in door or to paint a door white and then sand down the edges to create that rustic shabby-chic look you see in this image.

23. Old meets new

Old pantry doors can have unique colour combinations, like royal blue and rusty red. If you want to go this route and add a touch of the past to your modern home, then you have a lot of different options that’ll help you make the right decision for your kitchen. Paint your old kitchen door a bold combination to make a statement.

24. Perfectly hidden

I like how this barn door gives you the option of pulling it right back to reveal the floating shelves or to keep things hidden and tucked away. If you’re going to leave it open, take some styling inspiration from the decor in this image… Everything is placed in the perfect spots.

hidden blue pantry door
Source: Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

25. All white

Here’s another all-white kitchen option. But this time there are blue plates with strong accents. Of course, combining earthy browns and creams with bold blue hues is a lovely way to add a Moroccan touch.

white pantry blue plates
Source: Shutterstock

26. Decorate with a wreath

While you could go all out and add colour to all-white kitchens, I actually think adding simple green leaves are a nice touch especially during the holidays – they keep things natural and organic.

27. Double wooden doors

Rich timber doors are a warm welcome to the pantry hiding behind it. The timber provides a nice contrast to slick black cupboard doors and a monochromatic kitchen.

28. Double barn doors

If you want to fancy up your kitchen without doing an entire overhaul, your doors are a simple place to start. And with grand, double barn doors like these, you’ll definitely make a statement. Get them painted in a creamy colour and combine them with matte black hardware for a chic finish.

29. Geometric patterns

It’s not usual to see one coated in black paint and etched with geometric lines, so a geometric door can certainly stand out. It’s a nice choice if you want to bring a modern edge to your traditional farmhouse home. It’ll certainly spruce things up a little.

30. Pocket door

If you need a space-saving solution, then a pocket door might be the best choice for your pantry door. Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding pocket doors allow you to regain the space usually taken up by the radius of the door swinging. And they help create a wider and more welcoming environment, which is a great option for anyone who’s tight on space.

31. Modern pantry

How cool are these pop-out drawers? They’re very modern and sleek, making for a nice, streamlined place for hiding all of your goodies. I don’t think it’s the main pantry in this home… but it does show that if you want to store a specific category of perishables in one place, an additional pantry will do the trick.

Kitchen cupboard for food storage
Source: Shutterstock

32. Chic furnishings

A butler’s pantry can look fresh, feminine, and fairly grand with a Scandi-Hamptons style. To achieve this look, you’ll want to use a white base for your doors, cupboards and drawers, and then layer a timber bench on top with matching floating shelves.

33. Statement doors

Ah, another luxe pantry door! This one is a beauty. Unlike the black-framed door we looked at earlier, this one has frosted glass which makes it a great option for when you want to keep the mess in the butler’s pantry hidden away.

statement door pantry
Source: Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

34. Rattan

Rattan is oh-so on-trend right now, and there’s a good reason why. It adds a natural, homely element to any space. It looks best when paired with modern white for balance. So if this style is sparking your interest, why not try it out for your pantry install?

35. Smart storage

If there’s anything that’s handy in a kitchen it’s storage. It just seems that you can never get enough of it. And unless you completely declutter your kitchen so that you use minimal utensils and pots and pans (which is unlikely), you’re going to need more space.

And this is the perfect example of a space-filled kitchen. There are endless cupboards, drawers, shelves, and nooks to hide away all that stuff. With a kitchen like this, you won’t have to spend all your time hunting for that missing utensil. Instead, you’ll be free to enjoy the cooking.

Source: Bri RTP on Unsplash

There you have it, 35+ pantry door ideas. The best thing is there are so many styles to choose from… now it’s just time to make a choice. I personally like the modern black-framed door – it’s so chic. Comment and tell me which pantry door idea is your favourite.

25+ Beautiful Boho kitchen ideas

Take your kitchen from drab to fab with these quirky boho ideas!

25+ Beautiful Boho kitchen ideas

If you are a foodie and love spending time in the kitchen, then you want to make sure your kitchen is styled to perfection and is an enjoyable place to be in. And if you are in the process of deciding what sort of style to make your kitchen, then you should totally consider a Boho kitchen! Here are just some things you may find in a Boho kitchen:

Exposed shelving – These are a great idea as you can easily access everything you need without ever having to open a cupboard.

Patterns and textures – Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures when it comes to Boho styling, whether it’s through the patterns in the tiling or even various textures like woven elements and foliage.

So what are you waiting for?! Check out these 25+ Boho kitchen ideas for inspiration!

1. Golden detailing

Generally speaking, a Boho kitchen colour scheme is usually warm, calm and oh-so-inviting. So go for gold detailing in your kitchen knobs, gold light fittings and match the gold tones beautifully with the warmth of timber and woven decor. Just gorgeous.

2. Pretty in pink

Check out this ‘pretty in pink’ kitchen! I love how feminine this kitchen is. A girly dream, indeed! The apricot pink wall colour looks so sweet against the white timber and pastel details in the room. Plus you can never go wrong with some indoor plants in your kitchen space.

pink boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash

3. Light pendants

If you’re ever trying to spruce up a space easily, why not change up your light pendants?! Adding the right pendant to your space can determine the feel for the whole room. Look for stunning woven or wooden pendants which can make any kitchen look more Boho. I love the rattan light pendant above the table which helps to make this room feel more Boho and laid back.

natural materials in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Sosey Interiors on Unsplash

4. Minty

How sweet is this little Boho kitchen with all minty walls? Mint is a colour that works especially well with stainless steel and warm timbers. Just add some salvaged décor and a vintage style kettle and your Boho kitchen will be complete!

boho-kitchen-minty
Source: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

5. Wooden benchtop

If you’re ever wondering what type of benchtop to go with, then go with wood! As wood is a natural finish, it will always be in fashion and will match with any styling you decide to go with over the years, but it’s always a perfect fit for a Boho kitchen.

6. Island bench

Or, if you have room for it, you should totally consider adding a timber island bench to your kitchen. Island benches mean that you have more bench space and sometimes in a kitchen, more bench space is something most people desire. I love this wooden island bench which works so well to store regularly used utensils and other essentials down below.

timber heavy boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

7. Wood and monochrome

Wood and monochrome makes a stunning Boho kitchen colour palette. Wooden furniture, wooden shelves, and even a stack of wooden chopping boards works so well. Then add monochromatic details through patterned mugs, bowls and tea towels.

8. Beautiful blues

How eclectic and unique is this kitchen space! The blue on the walls and cabinetry is such an interesting choice yet it just works so well in this kitchen. Plus adding plants hanging from hooks will go a long way towards spelling Boho.

blue boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Vincent Erhart on Unsplash

9. Herringbone splashback

Herringbone is one of my favourite tiling arrangements! It’s so simple yet intricate. And the good news is that a herringbone tile design is classic and timeless so it will always stay in style. Herringbone splashback tiling is ideal for a Boho kitchen that celebrates pattern. And it’s the perfect backdrop for wooden floating shelves and thoughtfully curated decor pieces.

10. Textured tiling

I just love textured tiling! Textured tiles are a great idea if you’re wanting to use the same colour as they add some pattern to your walls without being too noticeable.

11. Geo splashback

Or you can add visual interest and ethnic patterns to your Boho kitchen with geometric patterned tiles. How sweet is this kitchen with its little but intricate geometric splashback tiles! See more kitchen splashback inspo!  I love the exposed shelves in this tiny Boho kitchen as well.

geo tiles in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

12. Farmhouse Boho kitchen

Oh, I just love this charming farmhouse Boho kitchen. How welcoming and lived in! The wooden cabinets are the perfect addition to the mostly white kitchen. And I love the floating shelves with beautiful decor items dotted around that make this space feel cosy.

cosy boho kitchen
Source: Photo by shche_ team on Unsplash

13. Navy, white and tan

If you love the vibe that monochromatic black and white gives off but don’t want to necessarily go with black for your kitchen, why not try navy and white? Navy is a slightly softer and more subtle colour than black and looks stunning with white. Particularly if you add tan coloured elements, like in the lighting, furniture or décor.

14. Shadowbox shelves

If you’re not quite yet ready to commit to permanent shelves or cupboards, then adding temporary shelves is a great idea while you get your head around the rest. I love wooden shadow box shelves that hold all the essentials in cute jars. If you or someone you know is handy on the tools, these are something that would be quite simple to make if you have some spare wood lying around.

15. White-on-white

How lovely is this white-on-white Boho kitchen? I love all the greenery dotted around. And the white cabinetry has such a beautiful and sleek look. Plus how handy are the floating shelves holding all your essential utensils?

And if you love everything white, check out these white bathrooms and white bedrooms.

white jungalow boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

16. Organised clutter

If you have a lot of stuff, yet want to keep it that way, perhaps you can play with the trend of organised clutter. The exposed shelves in a Boho kitchen can look super organised and have everything you need on them from bowls, plates, saucepans and utensils to indoor plants and cooking books.

17. Exposed shelves

More often than not, people prefer to put all their clutter away, but in recent years floating shelves have risen in popularity, especially in a Boho style kitchen. As you can always see what is on your exposed shelves, you still want to keep the space pretty minimal and uncluttered. But exposed shelves do work really well to display your most used items like mugs and bowls.  Get help to make your shelf hanging is sturdy and supported enough.

boho kitchen decor
Source: Photo by Fig & Rosewood on Unsplash

18. All within reach

Speaking of exposed shelves, here’s some more! I love how everything you need is all within reach and easy to find. Something high contrast like white shelving against a white wall with black fixtures and accents looks so chic and creates a really trendy monochromatic look. Just add some woven finishes and indoor plants on the shelves to really enhance the Boho feel.

19. Gorgeous greenery

Check out this gorgeous greenery! Indoor plants really help to bring so much freshness into a space and have help purify the air in your home. Installing a shelf or rod overhead works so well for trailing greenery to grow down. And having other plants at different levels around the kitchen will also help to bring everything together. Or you could arrange them on the wall like this:

wall plants in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash

20. Grey cabinetry

Another awesome idea for the modern Boho kitchen is a grey colour scheme. Grey kitchen cabinetry plus black detailing in light fixtures, furniture, stove and taps really give a very modern feel. Then rustic elements like exposed beams, timber benchtops, even wooden boards bring a Boho feel.

21. Small but mighty

This Boho kitchen really is small but mighty. It still really packs a punch despite its small size. I love the yellow cabinetry paired with the white shiplap walls. And the addition of a rattan pendant light is such a sweet touch to this lovely, if tiny, kitchen.

yellow boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

22. Basket details

If you prefer neutrals over colour blocking, then go for an organic, neutral colour palette. You can easily achieve this with woven baskets and natural toned light fittings.

23. Black detailing

How stunning is this classy Boho-inspired kitchen! I absolutely love the wooden detailing in the kitchen cabinetry and the whitewashed timber table. And how about that magnificent group of light pendants?

black and white boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash

24. Moroccan tiling

Here is some more random tiling that just looks oh-so-chic and Boho. I absolutely love the blush and beige colour palette of this tiling which works perfectly in a Boho kitchen. Just add some indoor plants and pretty crockery and voila! Find more Moroccan styling with these Moroccan bedrooms.

tiles in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

25. Blooms on the bench

If you ever want to add a pop of colour to any space, adding fresh blooms is a great way to go. Flowers always look so beautiful paired with Boho elements such as the indoor plants, exposed shelving and ceramic décor.

ceramics in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

26. Baskets of goodies

Adding hooks to your wall means that you don’t have to use up as much bench space, and it will help bring Boho vibes. And I love the idea of having a little woven basket filled with all your most-used cooking utensils. Everything is within reach and ready to go. Easy peasy!

27. Dried flowers

If you ever want to instantly create a Boho style space, add dried flowers! It’s such an easy way to enhance your Boho kitchen styling.

dried flowers in boho kitchen
Source: Photo by Niki Nagy from Pexels

28. Green wall

Finally, why not think about adding a green wall to your kitchen! I love all the different colours and textures of different moss varieties which can be perfectly installed on any shape of backing. And adding other, small plants around your kitchen will help create a very cohesive look.

So there we have 25+ Boho kitchen ideas to inspire you in styling your own kitchen! I absolutely love the kitchens with the exposed shelves as well as the indoor plants. What were your favourite Boho kitchen ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

How to unclog a sink the easy way

There is nothing worse than the panic-inducing feeling of a clogged sink...

How to unclog a sink the easy way

An unavoidable fact about life is that sinks will get clogged. Be it the kitchen or the bathroom, your sink will likely give you trouble one day, and it will require more than just the old school plunger to fix. For this reason, learning how to unclog a sink can be a helpful skill.

In some cases, a bathroom clog will be a little harder to deal with when compared to the kitchen. This can be due to soap scum, hair and other grime that goes down the bathroom drain.

There are plenty of methods that you can discover when learning how to unclog a sink. Some are easier than others, and some will handle the more severe bathroom clog better than others. To help, let’s look at our selections for the best most effective methods, so you never find yourself with an overflowing sink again!

How to unclog a sink with natural methods

The following drain unclogging techniques avoid abrasive, poisonous chemicals and use things you likely already have around the home. You can always opt for a supermarket drain cleaner, but if you want to avoid anything too extreme going down the drain, here are the top five ways to unclog a sink naturally:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic method is tried and proven when it comes to unclogging drains. Just mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and wait for it to fizz (which should be immediate). Promptly pour it down the drain and let the fizzing action remove whatever is causing the blockage. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour, then give it a flush with hot water.

2. Baking Soda and Salt

A slight tweak on the previous combination but just as effective; baking soda and salt. For this method, you just mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and salt then pour it down the drain. Let it do its thing for roughly fifteen minutes then follow it with boiling water. This causes a chemical reaction that should be able to unblock some of the toughest stoppages.

3. Just Boiling Water

Believe it or not, some clogs just need boiling water. This can particularly be the case in bathroom sinks that have a blockage caused by soap scum. If you find that there is still a slow amount of drainage in your sink, this will likely rectify the issue. Fill a kettle with boiling water and pour it into the drain about three or four times over. This will solve this issue if your blockage isn’t too severe.

4. Wet and Dry Vacuum

If you have access to a wet and dry shop vacuum, it will be very effective against stubborn clogs. Create a seal for the hose so you can suction out the blockage. To do this, use the top of a plastic soda bottle or the head of your plunger. Set the vacuum to the highest setting and flick the on the switch. The powerful suction should dislodge the plumbing issue relatively quickly.

5. A Wire Hanger

The least preferable natural option involves a wire hanger. Useful in cases where the previous suggestions above have not worked, sending a wire hanger down the drain should eliminate the clog if it isn’t too far down your pipe. Just be careful not to damage your piping with the hanger as this can cause a bigger, more expensive to rectify the problem.

A cat staring at a tap
Kazuky Akayashi

What to do if the clog remains?

If the natural unclogging methods above do not work, you may have to remove the piping under the sink to clear out the blockage. It’s not as hard as it may seem, however; simply follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water and position a bucket under the sink to capture any excess water
  2. Get under the sink and locate the stopper. Squeeze the spring clip so you can remove the pivot rod which should allow the stopper to pop up and out of your sink
  3. Once you have loosened the stopper, you should be able to pull it out of the drain. Clean the dirt, hair, and debris with a different sink or water source
  4. At this point, you can use a wire hanger and to hook into the drain and feel for the blockage. twist and move the hanger to get rid of as much of the gunk as you can
  5. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the interior of the pipe; you may see a fair bit of gunk coming out of the opening where the pivot rod was removed
  6. If the clog seems like it might be located in the P-bend of the pipe, you can unscrew the P-bend section to target the clog
  7. Put everything back together and run hot water down the drain to see if everything is fixed. 

Once you have reassembled the pipe, make sure there are no leaks and that you have tightened everything correctly. This activity is also a good opportunity to keep an eye out for any corrosion on your pipes. If you spot some, you may need some replacement parts to avoid costly problems down the track.

Cleaning the trap

The u-shaped pipe underneath your sink is called “the trap,” and it can often be the section that gets clogged. You can minimise the risk of a clog with some preventative cleaning with a bucket and a plumber’s wrench.

Just place the bucket underneath the trap to catch the water, then loosen the slip nuts which sit at both ends of the pipe. Take the pipe out and empty the water and gunk within it into the bucket.

Much like above, use a wire or old toothbrush to clean the pipe to remove the debris. Run some water through it and then put it back together. By doing this every now and then, you’ll avoid a more severe blockage that may strike at a very inconvenient time.

Woman standing with sink
Evopure CBD

Frequently asked questions

How do you fix a slow draining bathroom sink?

One of the simplest ways to fix a slow leaking sink in a bathroom is with boiling hot water. This easy method is often quite effective in cases where some liquid is still working its way through the clog. Fill a kettle with boiling water and pour it into the drain about three or four times over. 

If this does not work, try mixing 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and pouring it down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour, then give it a flush with hot water to see if this rectifies the issue.

How do you unclog a sink naturally?

A natural way to get rid of a clog in your sink is with baking soda and salt. Just mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and salt then pour it down the drain. Allow it to sit for roughly fifteen minutes, then follow it with boiling water. This should be able to unblock some most stoppages. If it does not work, repeat the process with mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar. 

How do you unclog a double kitchen sink?

If you are trying to unclog a double sink drain, you’ll need to target the one drain that both sinks flow into. Each sink has it’s own drain and a shared draining pipe system. If clogged, the drain prevents water from leaving one or both sinks. 

Plug one sink then use a plunger on the other which should cause enough pressure into the one drain to and unclog the sink. If that does not work, mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and let it sit in the drain for an hour then flush it with boiling hot water. 

Avoiding an uncomfortable situation with a sink that doesn’t drain

Learning how to unclog a drain means you have a quick number of solutions to solve a stressful problem – particularly when you need to get ready to go somewhere and can’t use your bathroom, or your kitchen sink is clogged preventing you from preparing dinner!

If you have tried the simple steps above and you are still facing a sink that won’t drain, it may be time to call in an expert. There are plenty of Taskers who are highly skilled in fixing all kinds of plumbing issues. You can contact an overall general tradesperson, or find someone who specialises in kitchen renovations. You can also find a range of skilled cleaners to help you with whatever mess your plumbing issues may have caused.

If fixing your drain has you wondering what other kitchen or bathroom improvements you can handle yourself, read some of our other helpful articles. We can give you a range of white-design kitchen ideas, some ways to achieve a black kitchen look, and a selection of modern bathroom vanity ideas.

Time spent learning new skills and improving your home is never wasted, so get reading and get to work!

How to unblock a drain in your home

Nothing induces fear like that of a blocked drain - but here's a quick and easy way to get through this situation

How to unblock a drain in your home

You may be doing the dishes or having a shower when you start to notice the drains is getting slower and slower at passing water. There is that empty feeling in your stomach that thinks you may be up for some expensive plumbing work or need to live without a shower for a few days. Learning how to unblock a drain is a great way to rectify the problem cheaply and quickly in some cases.

The issue often means your drain is blocked with something somewhere in the pipes. There are a few troubleshooting methods you can try to fix the issue which may unblock your drain without too much fuss or hassle. We recommend you give these a go as your first port of call before having to call in the professionals.

How to unblock a drain with baking soda and vinegar

An easy one to try, which is effective and also uses two everyday household objects is baking soda and vinegar. These two natural cleaners are perfect for any drain, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda which will cause an immediate fizz. Pour it straight down the sink and allow it to sit for an hour minimum. The longer you leave it, the better the chance of it working, so you may wish to do this before bed and leave it over-night. When enough time has passed, flush it with some hot water, and hopefully, the blockage is no more.

How to unblock a drain with boiling water

A very simple and quick remedy for some blockages is boiling water. Simply boil the kettle with as much water as it can hold, then carefully and slowly pour it down the drain. It is best if you do this in stages with ten-second gaps between each pour. The boiling water will hopefully dissolve the obstruction, clearing your pipes.

Using salt and baking soda

Much like the vinegar and baking soda idea, salt and baking soda is another standard household implement option that you can try. Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt. Pour it down the blocked drain and let it sit for around 10-20 minutes. Follow this with boiling water which, when mixed with the salt and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that may be able to dissolve whatever is blocking your pipes.

How to unblock a drain a plunger

Sometimes it’s the old-school techniques that work the best! Plungers are tried and proven. They will suck up the blockage in the drain however require a bit of strength and persistence. Make sure the plunger covers the entire drain hole to create suction; any gaps will render it useless. It may take a few tries, but many household drains have been saved with this method, so it is definitely worth a shot.

An old sink and pipes
Daniel Fazio

Chemical Cleaners

If the above methods have not been successful, opt for something a little stronger. You’ll be able to find a chemical drain cleaner at the local supermarket or hardware store. You simply pour it down the drain and leave it to sit for whatever length of time is stated on the accompanying instructions. When you are ready, run hot water down the sink to reveal a working, unblocked drain. This is not the safest or most environmentally-friendly option to use, and it is important that you exercise caution and follow the instructions when using chemical cleaning products.

Organic Cleaners

If you would like to opt for a more environmentally friendly option, an organic cleaner may be best. You should be able to find these in the same place as the chemical option. These cleaners use enzymes to eat away blockages, albeit not as powerful as chemical cleaners. If your blockage has been caused by hair, soap or fat, this could be a suitable solution.

Cleaning the pipe

If you are handy with some tools, and pouring things down the drain isn’t working, you can attempt to remove and clean the pipe yourself. This is a more advanced method as it involves taking apart a drainpipe, but it can be a little more simple than you think. 

Use an empty bucket and place it underneath the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink to collect any leaks during the process. Use a wrench and loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe to remove it. Empty the pipe and use an old toothbrush to clean away any build-up. Rinse the pipes with water then reattach.

How to unclog a shower drain

While most of the methods listed above work for both kitchen and shower drains, removing and cleaning the pipes of a shower is not as simple as that of a sink. If the pour-down methods aren’t working, you can try to unclog a shower drain with a plumber’s snake or auger. There are both manual or electric options which involve a power drill.

To do this, insert the snake into the drain as far down as possible until it hits whatever is causing the blockage. Turn the handle to hook the clog and continue to push the snake down the drain. Resistance means clogs so begin turning the handle so the snake can do its thing, breaking up the clog. When the resistance lessens, the drain should be clear. Remove the snake slowly as it may be pulling the blockage up with it and you don’t want it falling back down a replugging the drain. Also, prepare to possibly see something gross. We’ve warned you. 

Run hot water down the drain to make sure everything is back to normal and consider some of these tips to prevent future shower blockages:

  • Use a drain cover or strainer to catch loose hairs
  • Brush your hair before you shower.
  • Pour a full kettle of boiling water down your pipes once a week to dislodge grease and soap before the problem worsens and clogs
  • Never pour dirty mop water or waste down the shower drain 
An outdoor drain
Denis Lesak

How to unblock a sewage drain

The main sewer line can be a serious issue and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Left unattended this can lead to multiple backed-up sinks or toilet waste draining into the tub. The DIY process, which is by far the cheapest and often quickest option is as follows:

  1. Loosen the cap on the drainpipe
  2. Allow the buildup to drain out
  3. Feed an auger cable into the drainpipe
  4. Twist until the clog is clear
  5. Hose down the pipe 
  6. Replace the cap

This simple method obviously requires an auger, and if this does not work, or you cannot locate the source of the blockage, you may need to call a professional. You will be able to purchase an auger for your home from any hardware store.

Frequently asked questions

What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

Plumbers have a number of devices to unblock drains starting with CCTV cameras to pinpoint the location of the blockage. Plumbers often use a snake, which is a long flexible steel rod with cutters, great for stubborn blockages or tree roots.

These do however have limited reach so plumbers may also use powerful hydro-jet devices which send high-pressure forces of water to unblock drains. If the problem is more significant, plumbers may need to replace drainpipes altogether.

What causes a blocked outside drain?

There is a multitude of elements that can block an outdoor drain. These drains are far more susceptible to natural debris like trees, shrubs, dirt and leaves, which is why regular garden maintenance is essential. Sometimes, however, you cannot see the problem, as tree roots grow underneath the earth and search for water which will lead them straight to your drains.

Throughout the wet season, heavy rainfall can also cause water build-up and an overflow of rainwater in gutters and downpipes. Your pipes may not be able to handle this much water, and it can cause issues.

The DIY fix that saves you some dollars

If you are dealing with a blocked drain, we truly hope that one of the above methods has worked and the problem is fixed quickly! If that isn’t the case, you’ll be able to find a range of well-priced taskers who excel in various plumbing services, ready to help get your drains clear and back to working order.

On the other hand, if you have fixed the issue yourself, you are likely feeling like you are on top of the DIY world! Well, there is no need to stop there as we have plenty of other helpful articles to increase your skills around the home, and the condition of the home itself.

From the all-important toilet unblocking to how to keep your drains clean, there is plenty to learn. We even have a piece that will explain how best to remove rust. Keeping your home in top condition is important, and very possible all on your own. Have a read and increase your skillset now.

How to drill into tile without cracking it

Add a mirror, a new railing or whatever else into a tile without any cracks

How to drill into tile without cracking it

A range of home improvement projects will require you to drill into a tile. Tiles are a notoriously tricky surface to drill into without causing any damage. Learning how to drill into tile without cracking it removes the fear of damage and ensures that your improvements do not cause more harm than good!

While tile is a robust option for your home, it cannot handle an unprepared drill on a hammer setting. Tile is expensive and you are likely trying to improve a space, not damage it, so it’s important to ensure care when drilling. There is nothing worse than a DIY project requiring expensive repairs from a professional!

There are some important steps to consider which will ensure that your tiles won’t chip, crack or shatter completely when you take a drill to them. Read on to learn how to drill into tile the right way.

Using the correct drill bit

This is possibly the most important thing to get right when it comes to how to drill into a tile. Drilling safely and with no risk of damage to your tiles comes down to using the right drill bit. There are two types of drill bits that you can use:

  1. Diamond-tipped
  2. Carbide-tipped

Diamond-tipped drill bits are the most preferred choice as they are durable; however, they are more expensive. If you have porcelain tiles with a hard backing, this option will be the best way to avoid cracks.

Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are made to handle hard-rock surfaces, and while they are not as durable as the diamond-tip, they can be just as effective. This option is best-suited for ceramic tiles with a softer backing.

How to drill into tile

The start is always the hardest part as tiles are purposefully designed to be strongest on the outside. Breaking through the hardened glazed surface is often the part of the drilling process that causes issues such as chipping or cracking. To ensure you avoid this, follow these steps:

  1. Mark an “X” on the spot that needs to be drilled with masking tape which will help to give the drill bit surface traction while also protecting the tile in case the drill bit slips
  2. Confirm the depth required and mark the drill bit to the same depth with masking tape
  3. Ensure that your drill is not on the hammer setting as this will crack your tile
  4. Drill carefully to break through the surface, then continue with a consistent speed until you reach the required depth
  5. Remove the drill slowly to ensure you do not chip the tile during removal

It is very important that before drilling, you confirm that the wall you are drilling through is free from pipes, water or electrical cables. If you are working with tiles, you are likely in the kitchen or bathroom, and you want to guarantee you won’t be causing expensive damage by drilling through a pipe.

A red drill
NeONBRAND

Safety elements to remember

You may find that your drill overheats if you have a think tile and have been drilling for a long period. This can mean bad news for both your drill bit and the tile. To avoid this pause frequently and dip the drill bit into some water to help it cool down.

When you have drilled through the tile, decrease the speed and pressure of your drill and remove it slowly. From here you should be left with a clean and even drilled hole with no harm to the remaining tile around it. Remove the remaining tape and make sure there are no small shards of tile left where you drilled.

How to care for your tile when you finish drilling

Once the appropriate holes are drilled, and the project is complete, you’ll need to consider the cleanup. These tips can be used for ongoing tile maintenance to ensure you get the best out of your tiles for as long as possible. There are a few smart cleaning techniques to keep tiles and grout looking like new. All you need is the right cleaning products and tools with a little spare time.

It’s important to keep a regular eye on your tile for signs of dirt or grime. If left for lengthy periods of time, this can cause more harm than just a dirty look, as the dirt particles can attack your tile surface. A hazy film or dirty grout is usually a good indication that the time has come for a clean. 

The right clean for any type of tile

Tile floors are incredibly durable; however, certain kinds of tile require particular cleaning methods. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are low maintenance; however, slate, marble, granite, and limestone, essentially anything that is more coarse, will require individualised care and specific cleaners.

Here are a few easy cleaning tips to keep your tile in good condition, and always looking its best:

  1. Always begin by cleaning up the loose debris by sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors, or wiping tile walls as this will keep them from getting dull
  2. Choose the right mop or sponge and use mild detergent and clean water 
  3. Be sure to change the water frequently as attempting to clean with dirty water will make more of a mess than you fix
  4. If you find any tile stains or discolouration you’ll need to use a dedicated stain remover; it’s always best if you try to find the right type of cleaner for whatever causes the stain
  5. Dry the tiles to avoid water spots with a lint-free cloth immediately after you are finished cleaning

While cleaning, it is important to keep an eye out for soap residue. If your tiles look hazy after you have finished cleaning, this means there is likely still soap on the surface. This can be removed with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner, or you can use a homemade cleaner with fresh lemon juice and water (unless you are cleaning stone tiles).

White tiles with a plant
SOCIAL.CUT

Frequently asked questions

What drill bit do you need for tiles?

It is very important that you use the right drill bit when drilling into tiles. This can be the difference between a successful project and a broken tile. There are two types of drill bits that you can use to safely drill into a tile, a diamond-tip and a carbide masonry-tip.

Diamond-tipped drill bits are the most expensive of the two, but they are also the best choice as they are extremely durable. This option is best suited to porcelain tiles with a hard backing and will help you avoid cracks. 

The carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are not as durable as the diamond-tip but are still very effective when it comes to drilling through ceramic tiles that have a softer backing.

What is the best drill bit for ceramic tile?

The best option to drill through a ceramic tile without damaging it is a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit. These drill bits are made to handle hard-rock surfaces and are very effective when drilling through ceramic tiles with a softer backing.

You can also use a diamond-tipped drill bit; however, these are often better suited to porcelain tiles. The diamond-tip is a stronger drill bit, but also more expensive. 

Do you need a hammer drill for tile?

No, in fact, it is strongly recommended that you do not use a hammer drill, and also confirm that the hammer setting on your drill is switched off before drilling through tile.

The standard drill setting will work to breaking through the hardened glazed surface of the tile with a little patience and persistence. A hammer drill will cause chipping or cracking, so to avoid this place masking tape on the area you are drilling to give the drill bit surface traction and protect the tile. Drill carefully to break through the surface, and keep a consistent speed until you reach the required depth for the hole.

Slow and steady wins the non-cracked tile race

The instructions above will help ensure your tiles are free from cracks and chips when drilling into them. Just remember to have patience and exercise care when drilling the hole. That and the right equipment should keep you crack free.

If you a less confident and do not want to risk your tiles, or if you gave it a shot and things went bad, there are plenty of tiling expert taskers who can help. From porcelain tile installation to floor and splashback tiling, there are a plethora of experts ready to help make your wet areas look their absolute best. You can also find plenty of handymen and women who can help with a range of tasks around the home from repairs, to maintenance and renovations.

If you nailed the tile hole drilling and are looking for some more inspiration for new DIY home reno skills, read some of our other articles. We can help with how best to remove a tile floor and a range of other bathroom tile ideas. Have a read and get to work in making your home the very best space it can be!

How to paint your kitchen cabinets

Looking to refresh the kitchen? It's easier than you think...

How to paint your kitchen cabinets

Learning how to paint kitchen cabinets is a cost-efficient way to update your kitchen area by yourself. Much cheaper than replacing them, the budget-friendly solution is to paint your cabinets to provide a pop of colour and renewed aesthetic. 

Kitchen cabinets take up a fair chunk of the visual in your kitchen, so being unhappy with their colour likely means you aren’t in love with your kitchen. You have the power to change this though! All you need is some spare time for a DIY task, so patience while paints and primers dry, and confidence in your new chosen colour.

Read on for how to paint kitchen cabinets that are made of wood or laminate and dive into a fun DIY project that you’ll reap the benefits of every day when you enter one of the most used rooms of the house!

Choosing the best paint options for your kitchen

Your first step will be gathering all of the necessary supplies for your specific type of cabinets be they solid wood or laminate. You’ll want to check the paint label to make sure the option you pick is appropriate for your material and also get any specific instructions for its application.

The easiest option for a repaint is wood, but any cabinet that can be scuffed with sandpaper is prime for painting. If you are working with laminate cabinets, you’ll need a special bonding primer and high-quality paint. You can find special cabinet paints which will offer a smooth finish, but you’ll want to ensure your paint is acrylic and not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is much easier to clean up and will last for a long time.

When choosing, keep in mind that a gloss finish will make your cabinets sheen, but inevitable future dent will be very obvious. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are very popular in kitchens as a good mid-way option.

If you’re not sure on the look, here are over 50 different kitchen colour schemes to consider.

How to prepare your cabinets for painting

The repainting of your kitchen cabinets is not a small job (unless you have a particularly small kitchen). Plan accordingly, and the best way to do this is with preparation. Open the windows for ventilation and throw down some drop sheets to protect your flooring. 

The best option is to remove the doors and drawers and paint them in a garage or basement if possible. You’ll be able to execute a far better process if the doors are no longer attached and you won’t risk painting other elements of your kitchen that should be left alone.

Step-by-step preparation instructions

  1. If you already have paint on your cabinets, it will need to be removed with stripping products
  2. Apply the stripper with a brush and wait for the stripper to react. from here you can use a plastic scraper to peel away 
  3. Remove the last of the paint with sandpaper
  4. Empty the cabinets, remove the doors, drawers and hardware (label where each one goes to reinstall them in the rights spots
  5. Clean all surfaces with TSP cleaner
  6. Repair damaged areas, filling dents or holes with a wood filler
  7. If painting in the kitchen, cover your countertops and appliances
  8. Use painter’s tape on walls and cabinet edges
  9. Sand everything with medium-grit sandpaper
  10. Clean all surfaces to ensure a dust-free situation before painting

How to prime your kitchen cabinets

Primer is an important step as it provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to while also rectifying any small imperfections that may be present. While this is not crucial, and does add some extra time on top of the painting process, it will offer a more professional and longer-lasting result.

To apply the primer to your cabinets before painting, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1

Work from the inside out on your cabinet frames and start at the back, working toward the front. A brush will be crucial to properly get into the corners, using broad even strokes and finish back into the wet primer.

Step 2

Keep in mind that the primer doesn’t have to look perfect; the primary importance is that it covers the surface well. Work with a roller and cover one area at a time. 

Step 3

Once all areas are covered, use a dry roller or brush to lightly remove any buildup. Some primers may require sanding before painting; this will be stated on the instructions.

Blue kitchen cabinets painted
Sarah Wardlaw

When applying primer, it’s best to ensure a smooth, even coat. Always wait for one side to dry completely before flipping it to paint the other. Start with the detailed areas, and try to avoid having any primer pool in the corners of your cabinet. More extensive, flat surfaces are best handled with a foam roller and if possible, use painter’s tripods so you can paint the edges more easily.

When it comes to your drawers, just paint the front piece as opposed to the entire drawer. Painting the sides and bottom of a drawer can cause it to stick in the frame. The application of primer can take a few hours, and it is essential that it dries completely before you begin painting. 

How to paint kitchen cabinets

With a little bit of patience and some work in your spare time, your kitchen can easily see a whole new look! In most cases, the kitchen area is one of the primary sections of a home. It may even set the tone for the visual aesthetic throughout the rest of your space, so the colours used are vitally important.

Grab your brush and roller to apply your chosen paint, and follow these steps:

Step 1: Apply paint

Start with the frames and use a similar technique to the primer. Paint with even strokes and avoid pooling in the corners.

Step 2: Paint door

For doors and drawer fronts, paint the backs and allow them to dry completely before moving to the fronts. Ensure you let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next section or adding another coat.

Step 3: Second coat

Apply a second coat as the finish once the first layer is dry, and wait once again for it to dry thoroughly before you put the cabinets and drawers back together. You’ll want to be a little more particular about your brush strokes on the last coat as they will be the obvious ones once the paint is dry, but they will also be much easier to get right once the first coat is down.

If you want to really be thorough, you can follow up with a coat of polyurethane which will provide added protection, however, using high-quality paint in the first instance pretty much covers this.

Yellow-kitchen-cabinets
Megan Markham

Frequently asked questions

Can you just paint over cabinets?

You can; however, there is an element of preparation required, depending on the material of your cabinets. The easiest option for a repaint is wood, but any cabinet that can be scuffed with sandpaper is prime for painting. 

If you take care and time in removing the cabinets and applying two quality coats fo paint, your cabinets will not only look brand new, but completely change the feel of your kitchen with a new paint job. Consider the type of paint you use based on the make-up of your cupboards and read the instructions carefully, but all cabinets can score a new paint job!

What type of paint do you use on kitchen cupboards?

If you are working with laminate cabinets, you’ll need a special bonding primer and a high-quality paint. You can find special cabinet paints which will offer a smooth finish, but you’ll want to ensure your paint is acrylic and not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is much easier to clean up and will last for a long time.

For wooden cabinets, most paints will be appropriate. If you want to really be thorough, you can follow up with a coat of polyurethane which will provide added protection, however, using high-quality paint in the first instance pretty much covers this, so ensure you have a good quality paint and you should be fine!

The only question left is what your new look will be?

It can be quite exciting to think that your kitchen can have a brand new look whenever you like! As one of the most used areas of your home, it is vitally important that your kitchen looks fantastic and suits the aesthetic of your home. We use our kitchens as a workspace, but they can also be the hub of entertainment when we have guests. You likely spend a lot of time relaxing there as well, so you want to be surrounded by a look that you love!

If you are unsure of handling the job by yourself, there are plenty of taskers who can offer professional painting services or even specific elements of the process like paint stripping. Find a range of people who specialise in cabinet painting and save yourself some time while ensuring a great result.

If you love the DIY work, however, we have some more blogs that will give you handy tips on how to change your home for the better! See our kitchen renovation ideasspecific kitchen styles and a range of colour schemes to help you pick your new cabinet paint!

How to clean your dishwasher at home

Ever wondered why you should clean the thing that cleans for you?

How to clean your dishwasher at home

As you use your dishwasher, grease, bits of food, grease, and undissolved detergent can build up, creating an unpleasant smell. Knowing how to clean a smelly dishwasher will help you avoid any gunk creating dirty dishes when you are trying to clean them. You may start to notice spots or a film on your glass and dinnerware, meaning your dishwasher isn’t thoroughly doing its job. That’s why it’s important to know to clean your dishwasher.

There are other issues that can be the result of a dirty dishwasher as well. Grime build-up can damage the filter and pump, which can lead to costly repairs. You want your dishwasher to last as long as possible to avoid a replacement and to ensure that is the case, proper cleaning maintenance is required.

Getting rid of that bad smell

There are plenty of theories on how to clean a dishwasher, but here a few simple yet effective ways to start off with:

  • You may want to test various dishwasher detergents to keep your dishwasher clean and stink-free as what works for some may not work for others.
  • Running the ‘rinse only’ cycle while leaving the door open slightly to let the airflow circulate. Bad smells are often caused by leftover food, and as these build-up over time, your dishwasher begins to resemble a bin.
  • Wipe the excess food from your plates, silverware, and bowls before you load them into the dishwasher. It may be a little more timely, and you may curse the fact that there is a level of cleaning you need to do before the machine that is supposed to do the cleaning gets to work, but you’ll be glad in the long-run.
A collection of dishes
Source: Brooke Lark

How to clean a dishwasher naturally

Once you get into the habit of removing bits of food before each dishwashing cycle, it’s good to perform a similar action once the cleaning has finished. This can include the removal of the bottom rack to ensure you clean out any food that can often fall into the well at the bottom of your machine. Just remove it with a paper towel or sponge, and you’ll be able to avoid build-up and bad smells.

From here, get yourself a damp sponge or cloth, and use it to wipe away any residue that may have splashed up during the washer cycle. You may also find that some grime has settled onto the interior surface of the dishwasher door or its edges. While performing this step, make sure you check the door handle and dishwasher controls.

How to clean the dishwasher filter

It is very important to remember that if the filter of your dishwasher is not clean, then nothing that you put inside of it will be either. This means it is vitally important to know how to clean a dishwasher filter because if you don’t, you’ll see annoying little spots of grime on all future loads, and that will become very frustrating.

dishwasher-filter-cleaning

 

  1. Unlock the filter section, which is often found below the bottom spray arm, and remove the filter itself. (You may have a model that has the filter in a different position, but that information should be easy to locate in your machine’s instruction manual.)
  2. Simply rinse the filter under hot running water.
  3. Scrub the mesh screen with something soft like an old toothbrush. (You’ll want to make sure that you also clean the plastic frame to ensure that grease and food particles that have built-up is removed.)
  4. When you have finished cleaning the filter, lock it back into place, and you are good to go.

If it has been a while and you have lost the owner’s manual for your machine, you should be able to find a digital version via the manufacturer’s website.

Giving your dishwasher a deep clean

Now and then, it’s a good idea to give your dishwasher a serious deep clean, say once every six months. To do this, you have the choice of using a dishwasher cleaning tablet or going a little bit more DIY route and learning how to clean dishwasher with vinegar.

Using vinegar to clean the dishwasher

A vinegar mixture can be a very effective way to fight grime and mineral build-up while removing any trapped particles and detergent residue. To do this, place a glass measuring cup that contains two cups of distilled white vinegar somewhere on the top rack of your machine and run a normal cycle. Make sure you don’t have any detergent or dishes in the dishwasher when you do this, only the vinegar.

Using dishwashing cleaning tablets

If you want to avoid the homemade option and go for something a little more thorough, cleaning tablets that contain surfactants can be very effective at dissolving food bits and greasy residue. If deciding to go with this option, it’s crucial to ensure you read the instructions carefully before determining which cleaning tablets you purchase as some are not able to be in the same cycle as dishes and detergent.

Woman rinsing a plate
Source: Tina Dawson

Cleaning the outside of your dishwasher

Let’s remember that it’s not just the inside of your dishwasher that can get a little dirty, the outside needs some cleaning love as well. You’ll likely notice fingerprint build-up, which can make the surface of your dishwasher look dull, especially if you happen to have a stainless steel appliance.

As most dishwashers are stainless steel, you can get a cleaner specifically for this material, which will shine up your dishwasher door and have it looking brand new again. These are great as they will often leave a streak-free shine, and also contain ingredients that will repel dirt and smudges, making your exterior easier to clean next time. If you are heading down this road, it’s a good idea to steer clear of abrasive cleaners or metal pads as they will scratch your dishwasher door which is never an easy fix.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

The various dishwasher cleaning tasks can be broken down as follows:

Daily cleaning:

  • Scraping significant bits of food into the bin
  • Leaving the door slightly ajar to extend the life of your door seals while circulating air
  • Ensuring you use a good quality dishwasher detergent

Weekly cleaning:

  • Clean the seals with a damp cloth
  • Clean the filter with the steps described above

Monthly cleaning:

  • Clean the exterior
  • Fill the rinse aid dispenser
  • Ensure you run your dishwasher regularly, so deposits do not harden and block your pipes

Six-monthly cleaning:

  • Perform a deep clean
  • Run the empty dishwasher on its hottest cycle
  • Clean with the DIY vinegar method mentioned above
  • Check the spray arms and jets by removing them and poking with a toothpick to clear any obstructions

How much vinegar do I put in my dishwasher to clean it?

It is recommended to use a glass measuring cup that you have filled with two cups of distilled white vinegar (use two separate cups if necessary). Ensure that it is placed on the top rack and only use a normal cycle with no detergent or dishes in the dishwasher.

How do I get my dishwasher to clean better?

If it’s not cleaning well, there’s a good chance that you haven’t kept up with regular maintenance. To avoid the cost of replacing it with a new dishwasher, you need to make sure that you keep on top of cleaning it out (including the filter) and using the cleaning rinse cycle.

When you put in the work to keep your dishwasher clean, you will see the results in the cleanest dishes your machine is capable of. Always remember that you can experiment with different cleaning solutions, liquids, and tablets to see which will work best with your machine. But, for the most part, sticking to a cleaning schedule for the device itself will bring the best results out of every cycle.

Don’t have the time to clean?

If you are experiencing issues with your dishwasher and its ability to drain, find people to help with draining your dishwasher. Alternatively, if you require dishwasher repair, you’ll be able to get someone out in no time to solve the problem.

Want to learn a little bit more? Check out some of these other great how-to guides to ensure you have the cleanest home on your street:

Remove wallpaper from your walls

Even the oldest of wallpaper can be removed when you know the best method for doing it.

Remove wallpaper from your walls

Wanting to remove that wallpaper from your childhood room or just fancy a shakeup? Wallpapering is no easy task, but I’m going to walk you through every step so you know exactly remove wallpaper from your walls.

There are a few essential things you need to know before you get into it though. For instance, what type of surface is beneath the wallpaper. If it’s an older style home, perhaps it’s wood, or maybe it’s drywall or plaster in a newer home. This will impact how you remove your wallpaper.

From removing old wallpaper when you’ve recently moved into a new home to vinyl wallpaper and also how do you remove wallpaper borders or glue. It can be difficult to navigate if it’s your first time, especially if you want to prepare for new wallpaper installation. But don’t fret because we’ve got your back! Let’s jump in.

How to remove old wallpaper

Even the oldest of wallpaper can be removed when you know the best method for doing it. Our proven process can eliminate any outdated wallpaper.

vintage old wallpaper that needs to be removed

Removing wallpaper with a steamer

This is one of the best methods for old wallpaper as the hot steam helps to loosen the glue, which allows you to easily scrap the wallpaper off the walls.

You might be able to borrow a wallpaper steamer from someone in your network or you can even hire them from your hardware shop but here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:

Equipment and materials

  • Wallpaper steamer
  • Perforator
  • Drop sheets
  • Personal protection clothing (masks, gloves etc)
  • Scraping tool
  • Ladder
  • Electrical tape
  • Warm water
  • Sponge

Steps to using a steamer to remove wallpaper

  1. Lay down your drop sheet and cover power points with electrical tape. Put on your PPC.
  2. Get the steamer set up per the instructions, it will probably need a bit of time to warm up
  3. Use your perforator to make little holes in the wallpaper which helps the steam to penetrate the glue – just don’t press too hard so you don’t damage the walls.
  4. Once heated, put the steamer on the walls and allow it to seep in for about 30 seconds. You’ll want to take it nice and slow, it will make the next stage way easier.
  5. Scrape the walls until all the wallpaper comes off. You’ll need to repeat these last two steps as you move around the room.
  6. To remove residue etc, clean the walls with warm water and soap.

Homemade wallpaper removal method

Before you get started, you might need to make a quick dash to the shops yo pick up some supplies because quality tools are vital for the best results. You can purchase smaller brand names if need be, but we recommend splashing a bit of cash to guarantee a simple procedure. Here is a list of some things you’ll need to get the job done in a flash:

Equipment and materials

  • Paint roller
  • Fabric roller
  • Putty knife
  • Bucket or large bowl
  • Paper towel
  • Hot water
  • Personal protection clothing (gloves, masks etc)
  • Drop sheets

Once you’ve filled your shopping basket, checked out, and lugged it home, we can get started on the work.  Here are the steps to say goodbye to old-fashioned walls:

  1. Mix fabric softener and hot water (nearly boiling) into a bucket or large bowl. The ratio between water and softener should be approximately 50/50.
  2. Protect your floors with a drop sheet
  3. Use your paint roller to spread the solution over your wallpaper. The paper should be completely saturated.
  4. Use your putty knife to scrape the paper from the wall. You will need to apply some pressure and scrape over some areas multiple times.
  5. Once the bulk of the paper has been scraped off, you can gently brush over the zone with a paper towel, pushing any residue away, to see if wallpaper still remains.
  6. If there is paper left, begin the process again. If it’s all gone, you can pop the champagne and get ready to paint or replace with new wallpaper.
Hot tip: Only cover small areas of wallpaper with the solution at a time. If you coat an area that is too large for you to scrape quickly, the solution could dry the paper out and make it more challenging to remove. Between soaking the wallpaper and scraping, you have about 15 minutes until it starts to dry out.

How to remove a wallpaper border

Perhaps I jumped ahead a little by explaining how to remove the centrepiece of wallpaper before the border. To fully replenish your walls, you need to understand how to remove wallpaper borders. The border is where the removal process begins, and it’s often the section that is most unbelievably stuck to the wall.

Hot tip: You should put old towels or sheets on the floor before you begin removing any wallpaper, paint or material from your walls. The wallpaper will be scraped onto the floor and could get stuck to floorboards or carpet if they aren’t protected. Nobody wants to undertake a second round of removal!

To really get behind the edge of wallpaper, you may need to place some of the water into a spray bottle and directly shoot it onto the corner of the paper. With enough sprays, the paper should soften and eventually be able to be lifted from the wall without the need of a putty knife which could cause more harm than good.

Once the border is removing smoothly, you can proceed to drench the rest of your wallpaper and scrape it off as per the methods mentioned above.

How to remove wallpaper glue

Once you’ve managed to get rid of the wallpaper, there’s a chance that your job won’t be complete because some nasty wallpaper glue might still remain. In most cases, the yellowed and dried glue is even more hideous than the wallpaper was itself.

Removing wallpaper glue is as simple as following these four steps:

  1. Combine hot water (nearly boiling), many squeezes of liquid dish soap, and a dash of baking soda into a bowl or bucket.
  2. Spread the soapy solution over the wallpaper glue with a soft sponge.
  3. Try to get as much as you can gently with the sponge, and only use a scraper or knife if you must.
  4. Apply more soapy solution if you need.

The combination of baking soda and soap has enough chemical strength and hardiness to soften the glue for removal. The baking soda brings the acidic touch, whereas the soap makes the solution an ideal texture for working with oily, flexible materials.

How to remove vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is a little unique in comparison to other forms of wallpaper. Vinyl is essentially a synthetic resin or plastic that can be stuck to your walls. Because of its smooth and sometimes shiny appearance, it is a popular kitchen wallpaper and bathroom wallpaper.

But just like other wallpapers, it can be an unfortunate pain to get rid of.

Hot tip: If you are really struggling to remove wallpaper, you might benefit from adding some vinegar to your fabric softener solution. Vinegar is highly acidic, so as well as destroying your insides when you consume too much, it can help destroy sticky vinyl, paper, paint or glue.

Removing vinyl wallpaper requires more emphasis to be placed on the edge, sides and border of your wallpaper. You will need to get a good grasp of a corner in order to begin the displacement.

Rather than scraping, vinyl should be able to be peeled from your walls. It typically peels away like a sheet or sticker and ends up coming off in large strips. If the vinyl rips and your strip of peel has ended, you can loosen another corner and begin peeling again. You know this can be strangely satisfying so you might find the this all pretty relaxing.

If it’s a little tricky, put some water in a spray bottle to help loosen it.

How to remove painted wallpaper

Painted wallpaper is one of the more stubborn types of wallpaper because you can find that there are several layers of paint of the top of the original wallpaper. That’s why we’ve left it to very last to discuss – take a deep breath!

leaf wallpaper design
Source: DesignEcologist / Unsplash

Similarly to other types of wallpaper, you should use a chemical removal method to soften the glue. The difference between removing painted wallpaper and other types of wallpaper is that the paint cannot easily be scraped, pulled or peeled from the wall.

Instead of a scraping tool, we suggest using a scruffy brush or gritty scourer to gnarl the paint from your wall. Although this process requires a fair amount of elbow grease, it is the best way to make inroads with the paint so that the soapy solution can get through to the glue and work its magic.

Rally a team of helpers, otherwise known as forced relatives, and get to work. It’s scrubbing time!

How to remove wallpaper FAQs

What’s the easiest way to remove old wallpaper?

The most effective and least time-consuming way is to use a chemical solution or water and soap to soak into the wallpaper and soften the glue before scraping off.

What’s the best homemade wallpaper remover?

As well as having the option to make your own wallpaper remover, there are some wallpaper remover solutions available at supermarket and hardware stores. But, if you would rather avoid any harsh chemicals and try a more natural method, you can use a vinegar and hot water solution to soak your walls. This is also likely to be the most cost-effective combination.

How do you install wallpaper?

After your wall has been stripped clean, you can start investigating what other wallpaper you might want to use in replacement. Applying new wallpaper to your walls requires the expertise of a wallpaper installation professional. If you’re in need of some pro wallpaper assistance, have a browse of Airtasker’s reviewed, rated and trusted wallpaper installers.

30+ Unbelievable U shaped kitchen designs

A practical solution that maximises bench space and storage!

30+ Unbelievable U shaped kitchen designs

When you’re designing your kitchen it can be tricky trying to figure out which layout to go for. There’s L-shaped, one-wall, galley style, island kitchens or peninsula kitchens, to name a few. But no design is more practical than a U-shaped kitchen. If you’re someone who values a lot of cupboard space, then this is the choice for you! The layout of a U-shaped kitchen makes it flexible and well-organised. Plus, it allows for free-flowing traffic – which is a huge bonus if you have a big family.

It should come as no surprise that within U-shaped kitchens there are so many different ways you can style it because it’s such a flexible layout. You can choose from any style, from Scandi through to industrial. So to help you make the right choice for your next kitchen renovation, I’ve pulled together my favourite U-shaped kitchen designs and ideas.

1. Pop of colour

Let’s begin with this pretty small kitchen with its wraparound blue cabinets. Isn’t this kitchen a beauty? I love the gorgeous light shade of blue. And the patterned tile splashback really pops against the blue. And how lovely is the charcoal feature wall? The tiny floating shelves are a practical (and visually attractive) addition to this kitchen!

colourful-u-shaped-kitchen
Source: Photo by Houzlook .com from Pexels

2. Space-saving

If you have a tiny home, then you’ll understand the importance of optimising your space. The key to remember is to only include the things that you really need. The essentials should be a sink, stove and plenty of bench space. Everything else – like a fridge or microwave – should be incorporated into your cabinetry.

3. Classic white U-shaped kitchen

If you’re someone who likes to keep things simple while incorporating a bit of detail, the classic white kitchen is perfect for you. And there are so many ways to style it. My favourite way to spruce up a white kitchen is with a gorgeous tile splashback which really stands out!

Picking the right grout colour can make all the difference in how your tiles sit within your room. Maybe even consider regrouting if you’re thinking that you need a bit of a change.

u-shaped-kitchen-grey-white
Source: Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

4. Shades of grey

If you’ve ever thought that grey is boring, then I’m here to change your mind. Grey is the ideal colour for a kitchen, and you can incorporate multiple shades of grey with textures, patterns and even stainless steel appliances.

5. Tiny plant-filled corners

If you have a simple neutral colour scheme, then dress it up with plenty of greenery. This is a simple way to take your kitchen from boring to beautiful, and it doesn’t require much effort at all. The best thing is that you can swap the plants in and out as you like! Head over to this article on the best indoor plants for your home to make sure you get the right one.

u-shaped-kitchen-boho
Source: Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels

6. Statement pendant light

Atmosphere is everything, no matter what the room! You spend a lot of time in your kitchen so you may as well make it feel like a cosy part of your home. One way to create a gorgeous glow is by installing a statement pendant light. It will not only be a huge standout but it will also cast just the right amount of light over the space, meaning it’ll be easier when it’s preparation and cooking time.

7. Around the stove

Something that I love about U-shaped kitchens is that they give you the opportunity to create symmetry. And one way to do this is by shaping your kitchen around your stove and rangehood.

Note that if you’re getting a stove put in, make sure that you hire a professional to take care of the stove connection and rangehood installation.

u-shaped-kitchen-white
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

8. White and timber

If you’re looking for a modern look that still incorporates a touch of classic style, then you’ve got to go with timber. It provides great contrast for shiny sleek stainless steel, softening it and warming up your space.

u-shaped-kitchen-timber
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

9. Open storage

Open shelving can really beautify a kitchen, making it feel very natural and free-flowing. If you choose an open shelving design, you’ve got to be prepared to keep it ultra-clean and tidy at all times. Because if this section is a mess, it’ll ruin the overall aesthetic of your brand-new kitchen!

10. Light it up

You can never have enough lighting in your kitchen, and it’s especially important with a U shaped kitchen to ensure all the corners are well illuminated. Downlights are great for functional lighting, but for more inspo check out this article on kitchen lighting ideas.

u-shaped-shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Mark McCammon from Pexels

11. Coastal blue U-shaped kitchen

Want to create a beach vibe without living by the beach? Go with a coastal blue design for your U-shaped kitchen. A pop of blue adds life and colour to any kitchen space.

12. Oak cabinetry

Oak cabinets are a great choice if you want a design that feels cosy and comfortable. Just add a slick tile splashback, which injects colour, life and a modern edge to the space. Plus, having a white floor will balance the oak and your tile colours by providing a cool touch.

Oak cabinetry looks great and would work with a lot of different types of kitchen splashbacks depending on your individual style.

13. Space-saving kitchen

If you have a small space, think about how you can make the most of it! The number one thing you’ll want to consider is storage and bench space. This U-shaped design does both of these things so well. There’s consistent, flowing bench space for preparation and lots of cabinets for keeping plates, bowls and other items out of sight!

u-shaped-kitchen
Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

14. Designer appliances

Nothing makes a kitchen more polished than the right appliances. For instance, a Smeg fridge is a hot option right now. You can actually find it in all sorts of colours – from pale blue to pretty pink. But I love white! It looks especially beautiful with a grey kitchen.

15. Using the full-height

I mentioned how symmetry can be used to your advantage in a U-shaped kitchen. But you can also break it up by situating your fridge and tall cabinets on one side of the kitchen and surrounding the rest of the space with benches. This helps to improve your kitchen flow, as two-thirds of the kitchen is dedicated to food preparation, and the other third is all about food storage and organisation.

u-shaped-kitchen-farmhouse-sink
Source: Photo by Clayton on Unsplash

16. Clever storage

One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing their kitchens is they forget to incorporate enough storage space. It’s so important to have cupboards, shelves and drawers of all different kinds to keep all of your utensils, appliances and kitchenware tucked away! Take care to design a kitchen with lots of practical storage solutions.

17. Practical seating solutions

Big entertainer? You’re going to want more seats for when you have guests over! One way to create extra space is to make one side of your U-shaped kitchen a bar. Add stools around it and voila – you have room for your guests… or at the very least a spot to enjoy your morning coffee.

18. Neutral tones

Don’t like too much colour but still want a character-filled kitchen? No worries! Match neutral tones with gold tapware, timber shelving and a lush splashback for a picture-perfect finish.

u-shaped-kitchen-white-and-gold
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

19. Shiplap kitchen cabinets

If you want to create something different and sophisticated, then consider shiplap cabinetry. It’s the perfect, easy way to take your kitchen from basic to infused with character. I just love the clean lines! Getting a professional kitchen cabinet maker will make shiplap cabinetry easy to get installed.

20. Scandi-style

Keep things chic and simple with a contemporary Scandinavian kitchen design. This is a style that will suit any home because the colour palette is so versatile. Think plenty of white, timber and other neutrals.

u-shaped-kitchen-brick
Source: Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy from Pexels

21. Dark and moody

If you want to use darker tones, switch things up a bit by using a pattern or texture like strong wood grain in the benchtop – it adds a subtle layer of detail. And if you’re lucky enough to be able to expose some wooden beams, they do wonders to add a rustic touch and warmth to a dark kitchen.

22. Shades of green

This is a very calming small U-shaped kitchen. Why? Because of the colour choice! If peace, relaxation and tranquillity are at the top of your must-haves for your kitchen environment, then use shades of green to facilitate a calm space. Neutral shades are great on their own – but they really get to shine when paired with a soft complementary colour. Take this green, for example. The lacquered cabinets set this kitchen apart from other country-style spaces. And the white countertops and timber flooring add the perfect amount of brightness and warmth this space needs.

u-shaped-kitchen-green-cabinets
Source: Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

23. Timber kitchen

I’m obsessed with all timber kitchens – they instantly whisk me away to the countryside. I can just imagine cooking up a Sunday roast in an all-wood kitchen with a glass of red in hand! I love it when timber is used throughout a kitchen. For instance, it might be wooden beams on the ceiling, timber benchtops, and a lovely old timber table that’s been repurposed as a handy kitchen island.

24. Floating shelves

Storage is the most important part of any kitchen and U-shaped kitchens should always optimise space! One simple way to do this is by installing handy floating shelves, like these ones. Fill them from top to bottom with your favourite plates, mugs, bowls – and really anything that looks beautiful!

u-shaped-kitchen-floating-shelves
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

25. Lavish finishes

If you have a larger kitchen space and a budget to match, consider how you can make your kitchen feel more luxurious. Simple elements like high-end appliances, silver hardware and ornate details will make all the difference.

26. Marble splashback

Speaking of luxe finishes, inject some serious style into your kitchen with a striking marble splashback. You can even use the same marble from the benchtop to wraparound your entire benches and up the walls. For a small kitchen, it will showcase great continuity and make the space feel larger.

27. Boxy style

A simple way to make your U-shaped kitchen ultra-modern is to use plenty of shapes and clean lines. Think sleek white cabinetry with a rectangular floating shelf and stainless steel appliances. If you’re thinking that this is the type of style for your kitchen. Here are more industrial kitchen designs.

28. Island in the middle

Ok, so this might be more of an island-style kitchen or a W-shaped kitchen but there’s no reason why you can’t put in an island in too. It will instantly add bench space so you have more room for preparing food. And you can also include handy cupboards and drawers to provide more storage.

Actually, if it’s storage you’re after, take a look at these nifty kitchen storage ideas – there’s bound to be one that will work in your kitchen.

u-shaped-kitchen-with-island
Source: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

29. Statement wallpaper

If you like your kitchen to make a statement then clashing colour and pattern might be for you. You could use a graphic wallpaper (yes, you CAN use wallpaper in a kitchen—see our article on kitchen wallpaper ideas you might like to add to your kitchen reno wishlist.

30. Ultra-modern kitchen

If you want to make your kitchen sleek and contemporary, then you can’t go past shiny black cabinets. This will instantly up your luxury factor and make your space look glam. And then take your modern kitchen design to the next level with an attention-seeking trio of oversized pendant lights.

contemporary-u-shaped-kitchen
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

There you have it, I’ve covered everything from classic country spaces to sleek, modern benchtops, to character-infused shiplap cabinetry, to tiny space-saving U-shaped kitchens, and so much more.

Now, it’s over to you! What type of U-shaped kitchen will you design? Comment and share your biggest takeaway. And if you have any other kitchen ideas, share them below!

The best Shaker style kitchen ideas

You can't go wrong with this classic style!

The best Shaker style kitchen ideas

If you’re looking for a timeless design for your new kitchen, then you simply can’t go past a Shaker style kitchen. It was one of the most popular choices last year, and this trend is showing no signs of disappearing just yet. But what exactly are Shaker style cabinets?

Where did the Shaker style come from?

Shaker style furniture originated in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It was developed by a religious sect that had guiding principles which were centred on simplicity, utility and honesty. And Shaker style furniture emerged as a reflection of these beliefs.

What is Shaker style furniture?

If you could sum up Shaker style furniture in one word it would be ‘unpretentious’. It’s simple, repetitive and highly versatile. Shaker style furniture usually incorporates cabinets with recessed panel doors, light finishes and simple hardware.

Why create a Shaker style kitchen?

If you’re after a charming design that’s very functional and easy to live in, a Shaker style kitchen is for you. The best thing about a Shaker kitchen is that it’s highly versatile. It can suit just about any home – from old, traditional suburban houses to country farmhouse retreats to slick modern city escapes.

Shaker furniture can easily be dressed up to go with a more fancy kitchen or dressed down for a laidback space. And it will work in with any other design style – whether you’re wanting to create a Scandinavian-inspired space, an airy Hampton’s home or a light and bright seaside oasis.

Key features of a Shaker style kitchen

Cabinets

This is the very first place to start when it comes to creating a Shaker style kitchen because it will make it instantly recognisable. Switch out your old cabinets for recessed doors and wooden knobs that are characteristic of Shaker style kitchens.

Wood

Traditionally, Shaker style kitchens have incorporated local timbers in the joinery. For a classic look think material like walnut, pine and maple. However, these kinds of timbers can be extremely expensive. If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, consider a cheaper natural wood or even using a wood-look material like linoleum or vinyl panels.

Colours

While the classic Shaker style incorporates more wood than colour, today’s Shaker kitchens incorporate light or natural tones with white and grey being popular choices. However, darker colours like beige, black and navy blue can still be used to achieve the same kind of look.

Flooring

Keeping in the vein of simple, unstructured kitchens, wood is a natural flooring choice. But any kind of earthy flooring, including pavers or tiles, will work a treat!

Think outside the box

When it comes to designing your very own Shaker style kitchen, it’s OK to think outside the box! While traditional Shaker kitchens are void of paint and colour, adding a splash of colour will make your space more contemporary. So feel free to mix things up a bit with different shades of neutrals as well as bold choices like blue, green and other bright colours.

Another way to switch up this traditional style is to use modern hardware on handles and tapware. It’s pretty amazing how a simple change to hardware can completely transform your kitchen style. And there are so many options to choose from, depending on what look you’re wanting to create. Silver, gold and brass are always popular choices!

1. Make it blue

We’re kicking off the list with something a little bit different – a blue Shaker style kitchen. While blue isn’t a traditional Shaker colour, it looks great with the recessed panelled cabinets and brightens up this white space.

blue-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

2. Simple grey kitchen

This Shaker style kitchen is modern and clean. Grey is a colour that has been oh-so-popular for the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. It adds another dimension to your kitchen design. And the best thing about grey is that you can use it in multiple shades – from dark to light and everything in between.

If you love this and want more, here are some more grey kitchen ideas.

Source: Photo by tamil king from Pexels

3. Farmhouse sink

The perfect sink for a Shaker style kitchen? The farmhouse sink. It adds a rustic, lived-in feel and it looks chic with sleek silver tapware.

4. Scandinavian style

While Shaker style kitchens originated in the US, they’re known for incorporating Scandinavian elements. Take this kitchen, for example. It sticks to the simple light timber, white and grey shades commonly found in Scandinavian homes. But it also uses Shaker style cabinets with recessed doors.

Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

5. Navy blue Shaker kitchen cabinets

Navy is a favourite colour of mine! Navy blue is the perfect choice if you’re wanting to add colour without going too bold. It always looks elegant and works beautifully with neutrals.

6. Chequered floors

While natural flooring is the preferred option for Shaker style kitchens, there’s no reason why you can’t have a bit of fun with your choice. I love chequerboard tiles – they’re classic and they completely liven up a space.

7. Green and grey

This is a lovely contemporary Shaker style kitchen. I would have never considered these shades of pale grey and mid-green together but they’re a perfect match. And statement appliances really top off the space!

Source: Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

8. Make it rustic

Shaker kitchens are simple – they use minimal design elements and stick to natural materials. So for example, if your kitchen has a beautiful exposed brick wall, keep it in! It will only add to the character of your space.

9. Modern farmhouse

This is not your average country kitchen. It’s infused with modern glamour while retaining traditional elements with hints of wood and brass knobs. And I like how stainless steel has been incorporated for a contemporary finish in this farmhouse kitchen.

white-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by roam in color on Unsplash

10. Add an island

Make the most of your large kitchen by installing a huge island using the same Shaker style cabinetry as the rest of your kitchen.

contemporary-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash

11. Patterned splashback

Have a bit of fun with your Shaker kitchen by installing a fabulous mosaic splashback. This is one very simple way to inject character to your space!

12. Dark timber

And at last, here it is – the timber-style cabinetry that is a hallmark of traditional Shaker style kitchens. I love how the dark-coloured timber has been combined with brass handles to create an ambient, chic look.

dark-grey-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

13. Timber flooring

True to traditional Shaker style, your Shaker kitchen might have beautiful polished timber floors. They’re a great choice against dark cabinetry in particular.

14. Decorative posts

If you want to incorporate an additional layer of detail in your Shaker style kitchen, consider dressing up your cabinets with decorative posts. This mimics the style of the rest of the cabinets and drawers but fancies them up for a more sophisticated look.

15. Ambient lighting

Take your kitchen to the next level with strategically placed lighting. Consider elegant pendant lights in twos or threes as well as downlights around your cabinetry.

Lighting design is always very important when you’re preparing food and cooking. Here are some more kitchen lighting ideas so that you can pick the right lights for you.

white-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Mark McCammon from Pexels

16. Black and marble

I love a good black kitchen, especially when it’s glammed up with marble. A marble splashback or counter really adds a luxurious touch to a space. Then you might add timber stools around an island to add warmth and cosiness.

17. Modern black hardware

If you already have Shaker style cabinets but want to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, then you can’t go past black hardware. It’s always a winner and it’ll go with everything!

white-and-grey-Shaker-kitchen
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

18. Light timber flooring

While most people tend to go for dark timber flooring, light timber is a beautiful option, especially with white cabinetry! But be warned, it will require a lot of attention to keep it from looking dirty.

19. Make it yours

When it comes to designing your kitchen, don’t settle for what everyone else wants to do. Instead, think of ways that you can personalise your space. It’s these little touches that make a kitchen stand out. Here, it’s a vibrant mix of black, red and warm timber that creates a truly one-of-a-kind modern Shaker kitchen.

Source: Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

20. Creamy beige

If a light room is your kind of vibe but you don’t want to go with an all-white kitchen, consider using a soft beige shade instead. It works beautifully with a marble benchtop. Not to mention it looks great against warm timber floorboards.

21. Simple grey

Key features of a Shaker kitchen? Moulded cabinets, lots of wood, and fresh white counters. This very plain, neutral grey Shaker kitchen is just waiting to be filled with your own personal decorative touches!

Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

22. All white

If you want to keep things clean and simple, opt for a striking white design like this one. This is a really simple look to create because it only uses one colour. But you can add character to the space with timber floating shelves and some gorgeous, colourful statement cookware.

Source: Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

23. Sandstone flooring

As I mentioned, timber is the classic flooring choice for a Shaker style kitchen. But any natural-looking floor will do the trick. Take sandstone pavers, for example. They add a simple rustic touch to most modern kitchen designs.

24. Storage space

The biggest mistake people make when designing their kitchens is they fail to factor in enough storage space. So make sure you install storage in all different forms, including plenty of cupboards, drawers and smart solutions.

Source: Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

25. White and warm metals

If you’d prefer to skip the colour, consider going all out with a striking white kitchen like this one. Of course, you can keep every single element white. Or you can add detail with gold trims and handles, like in this kitchen. White and gold is always a classic and stylish combo!

Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

26. Clean and modern

And finally–my favourite modern Shaker style kitchen? Minimalist, uncomplicated wood and white. This is always a clean and beautiful look, and the perfect blank canvas for decorating. In fact, it doesn’t take much to lift a plain white Shaker kitchen to new heights—all you need is a simple but dramatic bunch of native flowers sitting pretty on the kitchen bench!

That’s the round-up of 25+ Shaker style kitchen ideas, from modern Shaker kitchens to farmhouse retreats to light and bright beachside escapes. I hope you’re leaving with a renewed sense of appreciation for Shaker style kitchens. I love that they’re so versatile and that you can incorporate this design into your home, no matter what existing styles you have!

If you have any more ideas for Shaker kitchens, I’d love to hear them. Comment below and share your thoughts.

Kitchen renovation ideas and how to get started

Draw inspiration from a range of designs for your next remodel!

Kitchen renovation ideas and how to get started

It’s no secret the kitchen is one of the toughest tasks when it comes to the modern renovation. While this is true, the kitchen remains one of the best opportunities to show off your unique personality and style. You can design with traditional timber features or luxurious silver finishes. Or, you can keep it simple with a black-and-white design, perfect for those looking for a more contemporary approach.

But before you get carried away with the huge array of kitchen renovation ideas, there are a few things that you should consider.

How to plan a kitchen renovation

  • Set a budget

It’s no fun having to scramble for cash when you’re in the middle of a renovation. So, first things first, you need to know how much you have to spend before you get carried away with the research. As you start to plan for your kitchen, it’s important to be realistic about all of the costs involved. If your renovation is on the larger scale, then it’s a good idea to keep your budget conservative, so you can allow for any extra costs that may crop up along the way.

As a rule of thumb, it’s reasonable to set aside an additional 10 to 20 per cent of your overall budget for unexpected expenses.

  • Think about ‘hidden’ costs

Remember, your kitchen renovation costs don’t just involve the price for the physical items. You also need to consider the cost of labour and materials, as well as taxes and additional shipping fees. Also, think about whether there are any processes that you can undertake yourself, or that you can get a friend or family member to help you with. Taking on a few simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money in the long run.

  • Do plenty of research

Once you’ve set your budget, dive into the fun stuff! You can get started by visiting kitchen showrooms and home stores or looking online to gather an estimate of what kitchen items cost and what items you’ll need. You can also attend open homes of newly renovated houses to draw inspiration and see what kitchen layouts are popular right now.

  • Consider your needs vs. wants

When you’re designing your dream kitchen, it can be really easy to get carried away with all of the possibilities. Instead of being tempted to purchase a whole bunch of fancy appliances and gadgets, think about the pieces that you really need in your kitchen. Start this process by making a list of the reliable basics that you simply can’t go without!

  • Carefully plan your layout

Before you talk to a builder, think about the kind of functionality you want to create in your space. Do you want an L-shaped kitchen or a U-shaped kitchen? What about a kitchen island? And how are you going to integrate storage? Make sure you give a lot of thought to this part of the process because your kitchen layout needs to serve you for a long time to come!

However you design your kitchen, it will remain a staple of your modern home. And now is the opportunity for you to design and decorate it just the way you want. So you don’t have to sift through endless ideas on your own, I’ve compiled a list of 35+ renovation ideas to help you create that perfect balance between function and style no matter what the size of your space!

1. Simple shelving

One of the best ways to maximise your storage is to consider your kitchen’s unique vertical spaces. Simple, white shelving is an easy way to add to the practicality of your kitchen making it your saving grace when it comes to small spaces.

kitchen-renovation-ideas-shelving
Source: Photo by Jon’Nathon Stebbe on Unsplash

2. Modern sink

Sure, it’s a kitchen staple, but we need to discuss the sink. For those of you looking for that modern edge, then you can’t look past a stainless steel sink. While it may seem basic, this does not need to be a standout item. You can easily aim for a sleek, humble take on kitchen sink design.

3. Silver and gold

These two favourite metallics don’t have to clash. Make the best of both worlds and find that perfect blend, complementing traditional stainless steel pieces with some high-end gold finishes.

kitchen-renovation-mix-metals
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

4. Centralise your oven

By placing your oven in the centre of your kitchen, you create a focus upon which your kitchen can be expanded. This is especially useful for those of you looking for a simple, structured design.

5. Everything wood

So we’ve spoken about wood, but does anything really beat the timber kitchen? Maybe for some people, but nonetheless, this is a great option for those wanting a natural feel to their modern home. Contrast this with some vibrant greenery and you’re good to go!

kitchen-renovation-seating
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

6. In-built floor-to-ceiling cupboards

This is a great way to maximise your space. The in-built floor-to-ceiling cupboard really capitalises on the maximum storage of any area without cluttering the open space of your kitchen. And you can even add more storage with a kitchen island. Include drawers, cupboards or open shelving to place all of your excess kitchenware.

7. Glass cupboards

If you have a few favourite pieces of kitchenware, don’t let them go unnoticed. Show off your most prized items in a gorgeous front-facing glass cupboard. By adding luxurious touches like glass and silver, you can create an elegant kitchen with ease.

8. Industrial lighting

Never skimp on the lighting. A good set of lights is functional and stylish. Here we see the industrial kitchen design at its best. Add in a touch of natural wood and some clean metallic finishes and you have the perfect start to designing your industrial-inspired kitchen.

kitchen-renovation-ideas-industrial-lighting
Source: Photo by Naomi Hébert on Unsplash

9. Overhead lighting

Overhead lighting is a key feature of any good kitchen. It’s important you pick a piece that complements your style and shapes. And I haven’t even mentioned functional lighting design… but now that I have, head over to this article dedicated to kitchen lighting ideas.

10. Display your cutlery

In the perfect kitchen, everything has a purpose, in practicality and design. Why not show off your cutlery by making it a standout feature of your kitchen? It can look visually stunning, all while keeping your cutlery within arm’s reach.

11. Brass finishes

If there’s one design element that makes a kitchen high-end, it’s brass finishes. They are all the rage right now, proving a hugely popular choice in residential and commercial kitchen designs. By adding brass finishes, you can easily spice up the luxurious aspect of your kitchen. And, if you’re looking for colours to team up with brass – darker tones usually work best! Think shades of black, dark grey and chocolate.

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Source: Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

12. Small touches of colour

Make your kitchen space pop by beginning with a clean white backdrop and contrasting it with a few coloured statement pieces. If you recreate this look, make sure to use a lighter colour scheme to brighten the area, while not opposing the white completely.

13. The modern stovetop

Modernise your kitchen with a metallic stovetop. Finish it off with a contrasting overhead fan and you can bring any kitchen into the 21st century. And you can’t go wrong with classic white subway tile!

kitchen-renovation-greenery
Source: Photo by Mitchell Henderson from Pexels

14. Choose the right skirting boards

Be sure to find your ideal skirting material. This should complement the rest of the colours in your kitchen. To tie your colour scheme together, you can style your skirting boards so they mirror your countertop.

15. Stone, stone and more stone

This is one of your best friends when it comes to designing the kitchen. Usually accompanied by some greenery, the stone is the perfect balance between gritty and sleek for the modern kitchen.

16. Open it up

Nature is key to a good kitchen. A great way to utilise your space is to position your kitchen with a view of the outside world. This is particularly great if you can face your bench or island so visitors can take in the natural beauty. This tip really opens up your space and lets the air flow throughout the home.

17. The perfect large island

Modern kitchens are made by their kitchen island. So keep yours simple and sleek. But remember, kitchen islands aren’t only about style. To maximise your space, add cupboards and slots for additional storage.

kitchen-renovation-practical-island
Source: Photo by Optical Shades Media Sangroha on Unsplash

18. Contrast your cabinets

Don’t be scared to mix things up. Picking the right colours is essential to your overall kitchen design. Keep it clean with a bold colour and contrast it with something lighter so it can bounce off the heaviness of the other. Two bold colours are likely to clash so if this is your focus, choose wisely.

You can always get a professional to come out and help with the planning phase of your kitchen renovation. Consider the cost of kitchen cabinets then find a kitchen cabinet maker near you.

19. Make your brickwork a statement

This one is a budget must. By stripping down those plastered walls, you can expose the true beauty of your house without barely any stress on your budget. Why spend big for more when you can make a statement for less?

20. Bring in some vintage

There is an argument to be made that bringing back the old as new is a much more tasteful way to design your kitchen than the flashy modern items of the 21st century. It might be black-and-white tiles that bring in the retro diner aesthetic. Add a little gloss and they’re perfect for your 21st century home. Or it may be some characterful kitchen décor and vintage-style appliances.

kitchen-renovation-ideas-decor
Source: Photo by ready made from Pexels

21. Black and white

This one is a classic that will never go out of fashion. There’s a reason why black and white is still in style after all these years – it’s just so clean. So, if you want a simple design that brings in that modern touch, there’s no better way to go than a black-and-white kitchen colour scheme. It’ll be sure to age perfectly.

22. Sleek seating

All good islands are accompanied by a well-contrasted set of seats. The simplicity is really what makes this one. Flashy island seats are hardly ever successful and, when they are, they always feel just a bit too much. A metallic white is a great option, especially teamed up with a lighter kitchen, like this one.

kitchen-renovation-splashback
Source: Pixabay by Pexels

23. Gold and white

Create the perfect contrast with this gorgeous colour scheme. First, lay a white backdrop with some character. Tiles are a great option for this, creatively blending simplicity with personality. Next, for a more high-end finish, add in those gold touches. The white is sure to make the gold pop!

24. White and grey

White goes with a lot. But if you’re not into the white and gold or white and black look then white and grey is a great alternative. Most sinks, ovens, fridges and appliances are grey or white, so by designing your kitchen around these kitchen ideas, you’re sure to get a look that will fit just about everything.

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Source: Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

25. Separate your sink

Depending on your taste, a separate sink can really add some flavour to your kitchen’s design. It enables the chef some space to breathe and, if the dishes need cleaning, it allows enough area to comfortably complete the job.

26. Double or nothing!

A good kitchen isn’t made by the number of stoves or ovens, but if you’re a big entertainer, then this will help you out. Double your ovens, double the stovetops… double the quality of your next kitchen.

kitchen-renovation-double-oven
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

27. Let’s talk dishwashers

It’s always been a tough trick to try and fit a modern dishwasher into a retro kitchen. However, there is one secret that makes this effortless. Give it a clean, single-coloured base aesthetic. Next, add some metallic finishes (copper is always a good choice). And make sure this contrasts appropriately with your metal selections throughout your kitchen.

28. Mirrored splashback

Why not surprise your visitors with a mirrored splashback? It’s a unique, stylish feature that helps create an open, functional kitchen! Reflecting a quality, inspired kitchen, this piece makes the most of what you already have and amplifies it even more. If you’re proud of what you’ve designed, why not do your best to show it off?

29. Bring in nature

Nature has never looked so good as in the home. Ok, maybe that’s an overstatement but seriously do not sleep on this one. By bringing greenery in the form of potted plants and herbs into your home, you’re sure to not only brighten up the area but inject new life into your kitchen design.

kitchen-renovation-greenery
Source: Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

30. Black timber

Timber is a staple in any modern kitchen. And there are so many ways to use it. You can integrate it into your kitchen island, your rangehood, or even your bench seats. And, of course, timber is always a great option for your flooring! Consider dark timber for a chic contemporary kitchen.

kitchen-renovation-black-greenery
Source: Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

31. Beef up your island

Take your kitchen design to the next level by strategically placing ovens, microwaves, powerpoints and cupboards in your kitchen island. This way you can really optimise your kitchen space.

32. Small features

The devil is in the detail. And this really stands true when it comes to designing a diverse clutter-free kitchen. What sparks my interest in this design is the smart use of the small metallic pole to store your frequently used items. This brings some diversity to the standard cupboards and overhead shelving surrounding the pole and provides. By incorporating a design like this, you’ll be able to make your kitchen stand out from the rest.

kitchen-renovation-timber
Source: Photo by Good Soul Shop on Unsplash

33. Patterned splashback

Now, we’ve spoken about the mirrored flashback but, if that’s not your taste, why not add your own personal touch? Symmetrically patterned tiles are a great, easy option that is sure to make your splashback stand out.

Remember, when positioning that standout design, make sure to surround it with simple gradients such as that of the timber shown below. This helps to not only draw attention to the splashback but also keeps your kitchen clean and visually clutter-free.

After some different inspiration? Check out these other kitchen splashback ideas.

34. Patterned tiles

We’ve spoken about the patterned splashback but now let’s show the tiles some love. This is a great way to add some flare to your kitchen. The right tiles will remain simple yet tie in all the base colours of your ideal kitchen.

Need a hand with the tiling? It can be a tricky task, so find a floor tiler nearby to help out.

35. Art

Add some character to your kitchen with artwork that reflects your personality. This could be a piece that’s sentimental for your family, or it could be a fun design print that you love. Whatever you choose, make it yours, frame it, and place it somewhere central for all to see!

kitchen-renovation-art
Source: Photo by Nathan Oakley on Unsplash

36. Add in a rug

You don’t see it that often but rugs in kitchens really do work, especially if you want to make your cool kitchen feel a little bit warmer underfoot. Keep your rug clean and appropriate (avoid overly fluffy rugs, as food may get stuck) and you’ve got a great option for your kitchen.

37. The wine fridge

The wine fridge is one of the easiest ways to produce that high-end aesthetic you’re looking for in your kitchen. Build it into your butler’s pantry and you’ll be ready to entertain when guests come around!

38. Cooking with fire

This is sure to make your kitchen stand out! While it may be used in traditional farmhouse kitchens over today’s modern style kitchens, there’s no reason why you can’t integrate a wood fire oven in your home. Using a real stove fire to heat or cook your meals can bring some life to a usually electronically-dominated area. Contrast this with some darker tones and copper finishes and you’ve got a kitchen that shows heart.

39. Style with food

Finally–it’s the kitchen, right? So why not show off your best cooking skills with some baked goods or a classic bowl of fruit? It’s an easy fix that is one way to inject your personality into any kitchen.

kitchen-renovation-styling-with-food
Source: Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash

There it is, 35+ kitchen renovation ideas, to get you started! I hope you’ve found something you can take away and put towards your new kitchen. So, what do you think? Comment below and let me know. Now get out there and create the kitchen remodel of your dreams!

 

How to clean an oven with both natural and commercial options

From baking soda and vinegar to lemon juice and commercial cleaners - let's get your oven spick and span

How to clean an oven with both natural and commercial options

An oven is must-have kitchen equipment for roasting and baking, but after months of use, it tends to get dirty. The food particles and grease build-up and turn into carbon, releasing a potent burning smell when in use. You should learn how to clean an oven even if it has self-cleaning capabilities because it doesn’t always get the job done.

You can use commercial oven cleaners or more natural options like lemon or baking soda and vinegar. The following are the steps on how to clean an oven quickly to make you an efficient and better baker.

Cleaning an Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar

  1. Take anything removable out of the oven before you start cleaning including all the racks, temperature gauges, kitchen foils, and pizza stones.
  2. Mix half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of vinegar in a bowl until you get a thick paste-like solution. Add water until you get the right consistency.
  3. Using a clean paintbrush, apply the solution inside the oven but do not cover the heating elements. Make more paste if it runs out and work on the dirty areas. Don’t forget to clean the interior glass if it is dirty.
  4. Once you are done spreading the baking soda and vinegar paste inside the oven, leave it for about twelve hours – this is enough time for the mixture to break down the grime stuck inside your oven.
  5. Turn your attention to the parts that you removed from the oven. You can clean your oven racks in the sink, but if they are too big, clean them in a larger vessel such as a tub. You’ll need warm water, a quarter cup of dish soap and a scouring pad to wash the oven racks. Soak the racks in warm water for about two hours, rinse them off with clean water and scrub with a scouring pad. Use the baking soda and vinegar solution to clean the broiler drawer and the pan.
  6. After the 12 hours have elapsed, take a clean wet cloth (make sure that it is not dripping) and clear off the dried baking soda and vinegar paste. If you get harder bits that are stuck together, break them off using a plastic spatula and clean with the wet cloth. Avoid using a metal spatula because it will scratch off the finish inside your oven.
  7. Mix half a cup of white vinegar with two cups of water and spray inside your oven. The left-over baking soda and vinegar paste will start foaming, making it easy to wipe off.
  8. Using a moist cloth, clean away the residue vinegar. Take another wet dishcloth and use it to wipe off the remaining baking soda and vinegar. Spray more vinegar on the stubborn spots until you get it completely off. You’ll start to see the inside of your oven shining. Do the same for the boiler drawer (if you had cleaned it with the paste) until its completely clean.

Allow the oven and the racks to dry and put everything back to its rightful place. If you use your oven frequently, clean it once every three months.

How to Clean an Oven with Commercial Cleaners

cleaning-an-oven

  1. Empty the oven by taking out all the removable items and set them aside so you can clean them later.
  2. Lay paper towels or old newspapers on the floor around the oven to catch any grime and cleaner that drip once you start cleaning. Once you’re done cleaning the oven, you’ll not have to mop the floor; instead, you’ll throw out the soiled paper towels or newspapers.
  3. Put on protective glasses and rubber gloves and open the windows. Read the instructions and start spraying the inside of the oven with the cleaner. Commercial cleaners work fast and are super active but they have a lot of chemicals, that’s why you have to protect yourself with protective glasses and rubber gloves.
  4. Depending on the oven cleaner brand, set the timer until the grime is saturated. Most commercial oven cleaners take twenty-five to thirty-five minutes to get the job done, but you should check the instructions for the time indicated. Do not allow pets and small children to come into the kitchen when cleaning, they’ll be exposed to the fumes, and this can be dangerous.
  5. Take the racks and the other removable parts outside or to a well-ventilated area for cleaning. Put them inside a large plastic garbage bag and spray them down with the cleaner and tie at the top. Again, read the instructions to know how long you’ll need to soak them.
  6. Once your timer goes off, wipe the interior of the oven with damp dish towels. Get all the cleaner and grime out and pay close attention to the corners and crevices. Use a sponge to work on the stubborn areas.
  7. Get the racks from the garbage bags and rinse them off in a sink or bathtub depending on their size. Use warm soapy water to get rid of the grime and grease but remember to wear the safety glasses and gloves the entire time.

Your oven should be sparkling clean but be sure to set a reminder for next cleaning. So if you use your oven a couple of times a week, clean it once every month. But if you use it a few times a month, clean the oven every three to six months.

And always store the cleaner in a safe place away from children or pets.

Cleaning an Oven with Lemon Juice

Lemon water loosens the grime and leaves the oven clean and fresh.

  1. Cut two lemons in half and squeeze the juice out into a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with water a third of the way and add the lemon skins. Cleaning with lemons is easy because you don’t have to remove the racks for effective cleaning. Lemon works fast by softening the grime on the racks and the inside of the oven.
  2. Preheat your oven, and once it heats up, place the baking dish for about 30 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if your oven starts to smoke, just open the windows and the oven fan.
  3. Turn off the oven after the thirty minutes and let it cool down. Take a scouring pad and scrub away the loosened grime. Apply pressure on the tougher stains, or you can substitute the scouring pad with a silicone spatula. Dip the scouring pad in the lemon and keep scrubbing until there’s no grime left. Work on the inside of the oven and the racks.
  4. Take a clean towel and dry the inside of the oven. If some parts are still dirty, clean them with a scouring pad.

How to Keep Your Oven Clean

  • Before you bake or roast something in the oven, line the base with oven sheet or regular kitchen foil and the bottom of your oven will stay clean.
  • Use cooking bags when roasting meat, this minimises the amount of fat that drips inside the oven.
  • Always remove the tray when checking the food to avoid spreading grease inside the oven.
  • When you’re done baking or roasting, put a heat resistant bowl of water inside and heat for twenty minutes on high temperature. The steam loosens the grease and when the oven cools, wipe with a paper towel.

Call the Professionals

Cleaning an oven can be a messy affair, but if you have the time and dedication, you can use the information on this article to keep your oven clean. But if cleaning an oven is too much work for you, you can look for oven cleaners near you. They should clean the inside and outside of your oven, leaving it sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

FAQs on How to Clean an Oven

How do I clean the outside of my oven?

You can use warm soapy water and a towel to wipe the top, sides, and outsides of an oven. You can also make a water and vinegar solution, a quarter cup of vinegar and two cups of water, then gently clean the top, sides, and front using a cloth.

How do you clean the stubborn stains?

Soak the racks in a baking soda and vinegar solution overnight. Use a wet sponge, a toothbrush and a scouring pad to clean the dirt in the hard to reach places.

How do I clean my oven if the heating element is at the bottom?

If your oven’s heating element is at the bottom, caution should be observed when cleaning to avoid harming the heating element. Create a baking soda and water paste, carefully spread it around the interior and use a clean cloth to wipe the heating element.

What is the easiest way to clean an oven?

You can use either commercial cleaners or the more natural options to clean your oven. Commercial cleaning agents are fast-acting and clean your oven in no time, but they have chemicals. The more natural alternatives such as lemon or baking soda and vinegar are effective, they have no chemicals but take longer to clean.

32 Beautiful kitchen wallpaper ideas for your home

Move over paint and tile, wallpaper has arrived in the kitchen.

Designers say wallpaper is a secret ingredient for creating a unique, whimsical kitchen. Easy to work with, economical and versatile, wallpapers let you personalise your kitchen in an unexpected, playful way. With kitchen wallpaper, you can completely transform your kitchen. Graphic patterns, energetic bursts of colour or show-stopping feature walls–wallpaper can do it all. There’s such a wide variety of gorgeous statement papers to choose from. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to add vibrancy and charm to plain walls, cabinets or splashbacks.

Technology has advanced so far. Now, kitchen wallpapers are specifically designed to withstand steam and humidity. You’ll usually find kitchen-themed wallpapers come in either vinyl or washable wallpapers.

The different types of wallpaper

Vinyl is paper-backed with the colour/pattern printed onto a vinyl surface. They’re usually washable, very hard-wearing, and don’t fade in sunlight.

Washable wallpaper is paper which has a transparent coating covering the base printed paper. Washable papers are stain-resistant and can be wiped down with damp cloth but they’re less durable than vinyl.

kitchen-wallpaper-pattern-feature
Source: Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Confine it to one area or go large and cover a wall. You can go for more permanent wallpaper options or choose peel-and-stick designs which are perfect for the DIY decorator. It’s best to get a wallpaper installer out to make sure it is put up correctly and all in-line. Either way, avoid fabric-based or very textured styles as grime tends to build up in embossing.

If wallpapering a splashback area, a protective glass or plexiglass cover is often added to keep things pristine.

Here, we’ve gathered up all the latest modern kitchen wallpaper ideas. Everything from faux tile to oversized botanicals to subtle grey textures. There’s something for every kitchen style, so let’s dive right in!

1. Explore cloudy greys

Neutrals come in all kinds of designs, including dreamy, storm cloud-effect papers, which can give lovely texture to a grey kitchen. Having trouble choosing a wallpaper? It will help if you can visualise your design in a real kitchen. Make sure to check out wallpaper websites for inspo from their photo galleries.

kitchen-wallpaper-modern-grey
Source: Photo by Vitaliy Zamedyanskiy on Unsplash

2. Go for long-lasting monochrome patterns

Choose a wallpaper with heaps of personality, like a quirky op-art inspired paper. From a distance, it looks like an abstract pattern but up close, it might feature fun details.

3. Flirt with faux

Tile backsplashes are gorgeous, but you can get the look on a budget with vinyl wallpaper. Current trends are for realistic faux stone, marble, brick or tile.

4. Add coastal cool texture

Easily add texture to your kitchen with something like a simple, pebble-effect neutral. To decide between the many neutrals on offer, order samples in as large a size as is available. Hang them up where you plan to place them and make sure you are satisfied before purchasing your wallpaper.

5. Try generous nature elements

An over-sized leaf-patterned wallpaper adds excitement to a bland kitchen.

6. Or something subtle

Small-scale floral or botanical prints always work well in kitchens. For the best results, choose a simple pattern in a vibrant colour, or an intricate pattern in a neutral. But steer away from chintzy florals by choosing a contemporary neutral. These look chic in any newly built home or modern kitchen design.

7. Test your paper in different light

Just like with paint, the colour of the wallpaper can change depending on the light. So it’s important you observe it at different times of day before committing to a style.

8. Go for geo

Choose a timeless, classic print design to avoid it becoming dated. Prints like stripes, plaid, spots or geometric designs are evergreen choices.

9. Have a feature wall

Style up a feature area with an exuberant print. Tropical palms embody California cool and will have you permanently in holiday mode. If you’re partial to a splash of colour, check out these feature wall ideas.

10. Take it all the way

Visually extend your walls by running wallpaper up from the floor to the ceiling. This often works well in a kitchen with a lower ceiling.

11. Add a black kitchen backsplash

Transforming the splash zone behind the counter or sink is easy with wallpaper. It’s an inexpensive alternative to tile and is perfectly suited to kitchen backsplashes.

12. Inlay a cupboard

Commitment phobia? Start small. Line your cupboards with pretty peel-and-stick wallpaper—it’s an easy weekend DIY. Florals, botanicals, polka dots and geometric patterns work best. It’s a great way to try something new on a more temporary basis, as you can easily swap it out without damaging walls.

And make sure you read our blog on kitchen splashback ideas for more design ideas.

13. Have soft watercolours

Wallpaper with a marble print is so much cheaper than the real thing. But you don’t have to look like you’re trying too hard to copy genuine marble. Why not try unexpected pastel tones?

kitchen-wallpaper-express-creativity
Source: Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

14. Go for a calming pattern

Your choice of paper will influence the mood you create. Calm patterns will give off a relaxed vibe, while busy patterns might need to be used in smaller doses to avoid feeling overwhelming.

15. Add just a touch

Take advantage of the element of surprise by lining unexpected areas with a little wallpaper. You can line the inside of pantries, cupboards, drawers and shelving with something pretty. And your utilitarian kitchen elements won’t feel so drab.

16. Check out Monet’s kitchen

Google Claude Monet’s famous kitchen with its stunning blue and white tilework for inspo. Of course, he didn’t have the option of wallpaper and had to go with tiles. But that doesn’t mean you have to! Copy the artist’s kitchen style with a gorgeous blue and white print. Blue and white is a classic kitchen colourway that just always feels fresh.

17. Have a popping border

When you want to keep the colours or patterns from being overpowering, just wallpaper a slender strip, such as a narrow wall.

18. Go quirky and colourful

Pick your favourite colour and make your kitchen your happy place. A saturated colour like yellow looks best in a mostly white kitchen.

19. Bring in the garden

Love flowers? Line your open shelving with colourful floral wallpaper lining your open shelving. Your plates and glassware will really pop against the backdrop.

20. Have an accent wall

Highlight your favoured wallpaper by applying it to just one wall. Choose the most uncluttered wall or one that is most visible when entering the room. Limiting your wallpaper to one wall means you can afford to go a bit crazier with it. And choose striking patterns that would overwhelm if repeated through the kitchen. You can also afford to splurge on a designer wallpaper when you are only dealing with a smaller space.

21. Line inside your pantry or cabinets

Covering the insides of cabinets or pantries allows you to enjoy little peeks of dramatic wallpaper. Papering up the inside of cabinets and shelving works especially well in a galley kitchen. In a galley kitchen there may be no “feature wall” space to decorate. But this way, you can still incorporate wallpaper.

22. Wallpaper your island

Add colour or tones to a plain kitchen by wallpapering your kitchen island. You can wallpaper just one side of your kitchen island. This lets you add a dose of pattern, but choose a heavy-duty wallpaper to avoid foot scuff marks.

kitchen-wallpaper-papered-island
Source: Photo by Faisal Waheed on Unsplash

23. Put up a mural

Wallpapers also come in a host of mural style designs, so you can cover an entire wall with a scene. While dramatic murals can make your kitchen more interesting, they can also date faster, so choose carefully.

24. Go for enchanted gardens

Add some magic with a quirky feature wall that incorporates flora and fauna.

25. Wallpaper your fridge

Wallpaper can be applied to appliances, too. But be judicious—you don’t want to go overboard covering everything. A fridge is a nice-sized element to cover with your favourite paper.

26. Go troppo

If you want to add some greenery there’s no bolder way to do it than with a tropical print for your kitchen wallpaper choice.

27. Add a geo backsplash

If the idea of too much bright colour doesn’t appeal, go for a black and white wallpaper in a neat geometric design. Geo patterns will go with any kitchen colour scheme and if you have an investment property, they’re the perfect choice.

28. Be inspired by Art Deco

Despite their age, Art Deco prints will never get old. You can find a huge range of Art Deco-inspired patterned wallpapers—just make sure you line them up well due to the intricate line work.

29. Opt for dramatic oversized floral

Subtle, small-scale prints are often most liveable, but bold, over-sized designs can also definitely work. And, they won’t run the looking fussy or granny like. Unless of course you’re going for a Grandmillennial vibe!

30. Pick your favourite pattern

Choose a pattern that appeals to you and reflects your personality, because you’ll probably be spending a third of your life in this space. Colourful or busy accent walls work well mixed with crisp white subway tile.

31. Try paisley

It’s a classic print that’s thousands of years old. The famed Persian teardrop pattern is a symbol of life and eternity—nice meaningful vibes to have in your kitchen!

32. Have vintage vibes

Lastly, a vintage-style wallpaper can look fresh and modern. Just pair with contemporary materials and elements. You can add to the nostalgic feel by displaying some carefully curated vintage kitchenware for even more of a retro kitchen.

And that’s a wrap on our collection of kitchen wallpaper ideas for you to consider if you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen. Has our collection of kitchen wallpaper ideas inspired you to choose a bold print or would you pick a neutral? Let us know in the comments below!

If you do decide to add wallpaper, consider enhancing your new look with a coat of fresh paint over the rest of the kitchen. You can easily find a trustworthy painter or an expert in cabinet-painting near you.

39 Timber kitchen ideas to add warmth and texture

Wood is a key feature in many standout kitchen designs and it’s easy to see why!

39 Timber kitchen ideas to add warmth and texture

As one of the hero natural materials in kitchen design, timber is just so versatile. It’s ageless and comes in endless variations. And a timber kitchen will complement any interior design style.

You can use it in a myriad of ways. From timber kitchen benchtops, cabinets and counters, to timber flooring and ceilings. Who can resist timber floorboards? They’re gorgeous to look at, feel great underfoot, are sound-absorbing and can be finished any way you like. And of course, there’s always beautiful wooden furniture.

This earthy, tactile material instantly adds warmth, richness and texture to a kitchen. But timber is also favoured for its functionality and durability, meaning it can be a smart investment.

Natural timber can be quite expensive in large quantities. But an all-timber kitchen may be a bit much in any case! Instead, restrict it to just an accent to add the timeless elegance that timber brings. Or choose timber veneers, melamine or laminate finishes that mimic timber.

Timber pairs so well with white, grey or black kitchens. It pops against white and can create a dark, mesmerising mood when balanced with blacks or greys. If you don’t wish to add a lot of bright colour, timber can be an excellent choice to add warmth to a cool-toned kitchen.

So go ahead and add some beautifully designed timber elements to your kitchen—you won’t regret it. Here, we explore ## ways you can introduce timber into your kitchen. Let’s get started.

 

timber-kitchen-decor
Source: Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

1. Add wooden accents

If you’re not sure about a full timber kitchen, start with some subtle touches. It’s as simple as adding some timber open shelving or a row of wooden bar stools.

timber-kitchen-timber-and-marble
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

2. Opt for birch plywood

An increasingly popular contemporary timber is sustainable birch plywood. It works so well against the grey ceiling and white flooring.

3. Mix soft tones

Faded timber hues look stunning in a contemporary kitchen. The pale wood looks so beautiful against other soft tones, like muted forest green. Mixing timber with green tones creates a peaceful vibe and very much connects your kitchen space to nature.

4. Pair white with light timber

The white and timber kitchen is an absolute classic. It blends the functional simplicity of a white kitchen with the warmth and texture of timber. Little black touches can punctuate the look.

timber-kitchen-accessories
Source: Photo by Good Soul Shop on Unsplash

5. Blend timber cabinetry with tile

Timber softens the look of a hard industrial kitchen finish such as steel or dark tile. A mix of matte and gloss black in the tiling and counters contrasts beautifully with unusual timber cabinets and flooring.

6. Rustic pale timber

The modern all-wood kitchen manages to be both rustic and minimalist. How about a pale timber and tiled design in earthy tones, with walls painted with limewash paint? Cabinets can be faced with wood veneer and inlaid with on-trend, tactile hemp burlap. You could also go for timber with a bold grain for intentional contrast with smooth, flat materials.

7. Industrial kitchen

A mix of contrasting colours and textures is a hallmark of industrial style kitchens. a juxtaposition of dark timbers with a pale stone splashback looks amazing against white cabinets. You can also add luxe, warm metal accents in the fittings to enhance the look. And the contrasting materials draw attention to the stunning features of each.

8. Timber with a 3D tile

Tiles add so much texture to a kitchen. Think about stunning 3D tiles which perfectly complement materials like marble and timber.

9. Light timber cabinetry

Choose blonde timbers like pale plywood or beech to evoke a contemporary Scandi feel. The pale, neutral tones are perfect for understated open shelving. A kitchen with pale cabinetry has such a relaxed, clean and open feeling.

10. Timber and marble with floorboards

Can’t decide between timber or marble? You don’t have to—the freshest kitchen designs for 2021 simply incorporate both! For example, meld warm timber tones with richly-veined marble for a stunning effect.

timber-kitchen-lighting-feature
Source: Photo by Roam In Color on Unsplash

11. White kitchen, dark floorboards

Is a timber floor too much with a timber kitchen? Not necessarily. Choosing different tones of wood breaks it up.

Have original hardwood floors that are showing their age? Thinking of resanding or ripping them out? Instead, why not consider adding a coat of glossy black or white paint? You can discuss your needs with a local flooring expert.

timber-kitchen-timber-flooring
Source: Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

12. Timber upper and lower cabinets

Balance overhead timber kitchen cabinets with lower cabinets in the same timber. Add detailing in the sink and cabinet legs for a touch of drama.

13. Exposed beam ceiling

If you are lucky enough to have beams to expose in your kitchen, take advantage of them! Exposed beams always provide a sense of rustic cosiness.

For more rustic kitchen inspiration, check out these farmhouse kitchens and country kitchen ideas.

14. White-painted rustic beams

Exposed wooden beams also look amazing when whitewashed. It all feels incredibly spacious when you have white walls and then beams opening up the room.

15. Timber between kitchen and dining

Connect a dining room with a kitchen with the clever use of a timber frame as a room divider.

16. Bench seating

Timber can be added in unusual ways, such as in generous timber bench seating.

17. Pastel painted cabinetry

Timber cabinets can be painted in any colour you desire. Why not paint a row of lower cabinets in a fresh minty green? Colour works especially well if the kitchen is quite minimalist, for example with no pulls on cabinets.

Changing the colour of your cabinets is an easy way to refresh your kitchen. You can find someone nearby to help with your cabinet painting.

timber-kitchen-painted-timber
Source: Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

18. Fruit crate kitchen drawers

Love farmhouse-style kitchens? Then you’ll know the style revolves around the use of timber. You can instantly create a farmhouse vibe by adding a touch of vintage timber. Try old fruit crates to take the place of lower cabinets. Mounted on sliding tracks, they can be topped with a reclaimed oak countertop.

19. Timber backsplash

Rather than have timber cabinets, consider having a faux-timber splashback. Get the look with one of the newer styles of kitchen wallpaper. You might also like to check out our recent blog on kitchen splashback ideas.

And if you prefer to go with real tile, you can hire an expert in splashback tiling.

20. Midcentury modern

Luxurious walnut is becoming popular as a timber of choice. It’s the perfect choice to create a mid-century modern look. It pairs well with brass or stone accents. While it can be expensive, choosing it as a veneer makes it much more accessible.

21. Nordic grey tones

Timber with grey tones is popular for a Scandi-style kitchen. Use sustainable natural materials for a simple, beautiful neutral grey kitchen.

22. Timber beams and floorboards

Exposed timber beams and plenty of wood in a kitchen bring lots of warmth and soul. Think about matte, wide-planked white oak flooring for a natural look and feel.

23. Playful feature

Oak is a popular light kitchen timber as it is so bright, cheerful and warm-looking. Go for oak cabinets, shelving or an all-oak kitchen. Or create a playful feature from bespoke joinery. Your kitchen will instantly look relaxed and modern.

timber-kitchen-hero-material
Source: Photo by Sergei Sushchik on Unsplash

24. Vintage timber furniture

A black and white kitchen really comes to life when you add a little timber. Some gorgeous pieces of vintage timber furniture will do the trick. You can also give it a modern, beachy vibe by whitewashing the hardwood floors. This looks especially effective with wide plank flooring. Then add some contrasting black accents (hardware, statement lamps and other accessories)

25. Timber and black

White kitchens will never go out of style. But there’s been a trend towards a rich, darker kitchen palette in recent years. With a lovely matte tonal range, dark timber kitchens also have the added benefit of helping conceal mess and clutter. These tend to stand out more against a white backdrop!

26. Whitewashed walls and floors

Whitewashed timber floors create a simple neutral look. Combine floorboards with subtle hints of timber throughout the kitchen. Black and darker wood tones add contrast so the white doesn’t look too clinical.

27. Wooden drawer organisers

If you have timber cabinetry, consider adding wooden drawer organisers. This clever kitchen storage idea features handmade organisers. They can also be lifted out and used as trays.

28. Timber kitchen island

There’s nothing like having a show-stopping timber kitchen island and a timber one will never go out of style.

29. Timber shelving

There are so many ways you can use timber in your cabinets and shelving. An unexpected recessed shelving unit can lead the eye upwards to a feature ceiling. Interested in custom kitchen shelving? You might like to contact an experienced kitchen cabinet maker to discuss your ideas. Or, for a ballpark guide see how much a kitchen installation costs.

timber-kitchen-shelving
Source: Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

30. Timber and marble with flagstone flooring

Marble has long been popular in kitchens. But contemporary designs incorporate more of the colourful natural stone than ever. Soft, pastel-toned marbles provide a classic contrast to the rustic oak joinery with a modern vibe. Add stunning grey flagstone paving. And the result is a mix of Scandi style, coastal vibes and understated elegance.

31. Wooden stools

Have a modern kitchen that’s all-laminate? Consider adding warmth with some small timber elements, such as stools. Adding timber to the accessories only makes it very easy to change things up.

32. Wooden extractor hood

Visually connect your rangehood to the other timber elements of your kitchen with a striking timber housing around it.

timber-kitchen-accents
Source: Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash

33. Recycled timber kitchen benchtops

Embrace the natural beauty of timber with a wooden bench or counter. The natural patina of the timber looks beautiful against black fittings and fixtures.

34. Mix tones

Mixing tones creates contrast and the perfect balance of light and dark. For example, gorgeous blackbutt-veneered cabinetry contrasted with a stainless steel splashback. Timber adds so much warmth to other, ‘cooler’ materials. You can also get the effect by combining two different timbers in the kitchen. Choose a range of tones and grains for a unique aesthetic and feel.

timber-kitchen-timber-and-white
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

35. Parquetry

You can make a timber floor work with timber cabinets without having to perfectly match the timbers. Parquetry flooring sometimes makes timber decisions easier, because it incorporates several tones. This makes it easier to find a colour that ties everything together.

36. White cabinets, pale timber floors

An all-white kitchen looks stunning with light-coloured, natural-finished timber flooring. The white provides the perfect foil to show off the beauty of the timber.

37. Dark timber and concrete

A muted grey splashback looks just gorgeous against heavily patinaed timber cabinets.

38. Feature panel ceiling

Feature panel ceilings create instant warmth and cosiness. Starting out your kitchen design from an existing feature ceiling? Choose your colour palette for everything else based on the ceiling colour.

39. Go for sustainable timbers

Finally, some timbers, like tropically-sourced teak, have sustainability and ethical issues. So make sure to choose recycled timber or something like plantation teak. If you’re going to go for an all-timber kitchen, you want to ensure you aren’t harming the environment!

Add a subtle touch of timber or go for a total timber kitchen – it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll adore spending time in your timber kitchen for many years to come.

What’s your favourite timber to incorporate into a kitchen design? Do you prefer airy, light-coloured wood, or do you favour a moody vibe from darker timber? Let me know in the comments below!

40 Outstanding outdoor kitchens for your home

Breathe new life into your backyard with stunning outdoor living areas.

40 Outstanding outdoor kitchens for your home

What exactly is an outdoor kitchen? Well, there’s no real mystery here! An outdoor kitchen is–as you might suspect–just a dedicated place to cook or prepare a meal outside, rather than doing so cooped up inside the house. Cooking and dining alfresco, aka plein air dining, moves your kitchen functionality to the deck, patio, rooftop or balcony.

An outdoor kitchen is kitted out like a mini-kitchen and typically includes:

  • Heating elements (stove, cooktop, grill, BBQ, pizza oven)
  • Fridges (or refrigerated drawers)
  • Sinks with hot and cold taps, and
  • Weatherproof counters and benchtops.

The heating element should be high quality, such as a 3-4 burner gas grill. You can then add speciality equipment. For example, a pizza oven or a portable charcoal smoker/grill to allow you to explore new cooking methods and flavours. And ideally, your outdoor kitchen incorporates a bar or full dining set up close by.

outdoor-kitchen-outdoor-kitchen
Source: Photo by Ibiza Ibiza Ibiza on Unsplash

Why have an outdoor kitchen?

Eating alfresco is an essential part of the Australian way of life. It involves what is known as social cooking, which is spending time with friends and family while you prepare food. Outdoor kitchens improve on this social cooking experience. That’s because they enable you to have everything you need on hand. So you’ll spend more time around your guests than disappearing into the house to fetch things. Having a slim kitchenette right out there in your outdoor living area makes entertaining a breeze. And it also makes the clean up afterwards super easy.

When creating your own backyard oasis, the style is up to you. If you favour traditional or rustic style kitchens, you may preference timber, stone and brick combos. Or perhaps you enjoy the minimalist look, in which case a mix of timber, metals and concrete will likely appeal. Even if you don’t have a great deal of space, you can design a built-in outdoor kitchen up against a wall. Or you can plan to have a hideaway or pop-up outdoor kitchen.

Whichever style you choose, make sure you invest in durable, weather-resistant materials. You want your outdoor kitchen to age gracefully and remain a good investment. And if you need any tips on outdoor kitchen designs, make sure you enlist the help of an expert in kitchen renovations.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor kitchen ideas to help you transform your backyard for grilling under the stars. Let’s get cooking!

outdoor-kitchen-firepit
Source: Photo by Daniel Norris on Unsplash

1. The basics

Setting up an outdoor kitchen is easy. Simply mimic the basics of a functional indoor kitchen. Ensure you have a cooktop of some kind, a fridge, a sink and an outdoor table setting for guests to chill while you grill.

2. Go undercover

Your outdoor kitchen area will be exposed to the elements. In other words, sunshine, moisture and temperature variances. To help it age well, use premium materials that can handle the weather, like all-weather lounges. The most weather-resistant materials you can choose for your benchtops are steel or granite. Also consider having it under some form of cover, whether a patio roof or pergola or even simply shade cloth.

3. Choose natural materials

Choose a mix of natural materials for a chic, minimalist outdoor kitchen. Timber, metals and stone look clean and contemporary, together with accessories in rattan, wicker, bamboo, straw or cane. If you choose green-toned cabinetry and timber furniture, the kitchen will blend nicely into the garden area. And you can add character with rustic terracotta pots or vintage metal decorative elements.

outdoor-kitchen-burgers
Source: Photo by Enric Cruz López from Pexels

4. Disguise your cabinets

Love a minimalist aesthetic? Opt for streamlined storage that blends into the surroundings, whether through the materials or colour palette. This will ensure you have ample storage while avoiding looking cluttered.

5. Have a solid workstation

Many contemporary outdoor kitchen settings feature durable concrete benchtops and work stations. Concrete provides a lovely contrast to the copious stainless steel usually used in outdoor kitchens. Even if you don’t use a lot of concrete, subtle accents remain bang on trend for 2021. Or you could try a granite slab for your outdoor kitchen counter, these are also very popular being low-maintenance.

6. Make it contemporary

A modern look is to incorporate the use of different tones of timber as well as matte black metal accents.

7. Create a nook

You don’t need a huge backyard or patio to create a useful outdoor kitchen. Even a small area can be transformed with a well-planned cooking space.

8. Make a BBQ station

And keep everything you need for grilling close by with a pop-up hinged BBQ, it’s the perfect space saver for those with limited outdoor room.

outdoor-kitchen-grilling
Source: Photo by Enric Cruz López from Pexels

9. Add a slatted screen

Install a slatted screen for hanging your kitchen implements and chopping boards. Then add a workbench in a matching colour, and baskets or wooden crates below for storage.

10. Have an indoor/outdoor kitchen

Rather than create a full outdoor kitchen, you could create a servery by opening up your kitchen windows, if they overlook your deck or yard. A service bar or servery is an increasingly popular way to connect the kitchen to the great outdoors. It allows you to dine outside very easily.

Looking for some more alfresco ideas? We’ve got you covered.

11. Hide your outdoor kitchen

For a streamlined, neat outdoor kitchen that you can tuck away from sight when you wish, consider a “kitchen in a box” type of setup. It will remain safe from the elements when not in use. Outdoor kitchens that only take up a single wall are similar to galley kitchens. So you may like to look at our galley kitchens for more ideas on how to make galley kitchen spaces work.

12. Go all-black

Equally as impressive as an all-black kitchen is an all-black outdoor kitchen. Keep it contemporary with this monochromatic look. You can easily change up the look anytime by switching out the cushions or wall décor.

13. Try white + wood + stainless steel

A simple classic look is to mix timber, stainless steel and lots of white. Try a beautiful slab of timber for a countertop and complement it with a wooden table setting. (This will perfectly team up with your Hamptons-style kitchen.)

14. Go to the top

Make the most of a killer view by setting up your outdoor kitchen on your roof. Choose stainless steel to keep things feeling fresh and cool. Stainless steel is excellent at withstanding the elements.

15. Consider your wall treatment options

Timber panelling can look gorgeous for a wall in your outdoor kitchen. Or, make it practical and install open shelving.

16. Tile the bar

Bars are very handy for the outdoor kitchen, allowing your guests to feel like they’re at a real bar while giving you a hidden prep area under the counter. Why not give your outdoor kitchen a unique look by tiling up your bar? A graphic geo-patterned outdoor bar looks chic and provides a strong focal point.

You might also find inspo in these outdoor entertaining ideas.

outdoor-kitchen-drinks-station
Source: Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

17. Thatch the roof

Allow a little dappled sunshine in with a thatched roof. Add one above a contemporary all-black kitchen to soften the space and add texture.

18. Add a privacy fence

An outdoor kitchen and dining area becomes a truly private oasis when you shield your space from neighbours with a tall privacy fence.

I’ve actually put an article together all about my favourite privacy fence ideas, which includes all kinds of timber, brick and more.

19. Have a classic wooden table

A good old wooden dining table always suits al fresco settings. Just make sure it’s adequately weatherproofed, such as with marine varnish.

outdoor-kitchen-outdoor-setting
Source: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

20. Go bright and beachy

You can make an inexpensive outdoor kitchen grilling station out of pallets, as seen here. There’s plenty of room for food prep and multiple storage spaces. Just add bright chairs and a colourful weatherproof rug.

21. Aim for a fun vibe

Give your outdoor kitchen setting a playful atmosphere with graphic signs or other décor, and brightly painted chairs.

22. Add unexpected colour bursts

Mimic nature with bursts of kaleidoscopic colour in your outdoor kitchen seating. Chairs, bar stools and lounge upholstery all offer easy ways to introduce colour into any outdoor space. The vibrant, saturated colours look especially stunning against an all-white or all-black wall and servery.

23. Try a concrete island

It makes a strong style statement and a great centrepiece for an outdoor setting. A cement counter can be softened by the addition of timber elements.

24. Go for a black-and-white palette

Add black furniture and wall panelling, then contrast with crisp white teatowels, utensils and serving ware. Add potted plants to give the space a tropical flavour. Have a cane outdoor lantern? Try spray-painting it black for extra impact.

And don’t worry if you need help with cabinet painting, there’s someone nearby who can help.

25. Have an outdoor sink

Just so handy. And the beauty of having an outdoor sink is that you can use it as a handy potting station when it’s not being used for cooking.

outdoor-kitchen-basket
Source: Photo by Nils Stahl on Unsplash

26. Have functional but stylish flooring

Pavers are a great solution. (Laying pavers looks easy but it’s something best left to the outdoor paving experts.)

27. Go the whole hog

If you have space and the budget, set up a complete outdoor kitchen and dining area, with a plumbed cooking area, bar, and plenty of bench seating.

28. Add fans and heating

Make your outdoor kitchen more luxe by ensuring it’s super comfy all year round. You’ll really appreciate fans for air circulation as well as radiant heaters for cool nights.

29. Have a roof feature

Define your outdoor kitchen space clearly with the addition of a pergola. Aside from the decorative effect, pergolas create much-needed shade. You can also dress up your pergola with décor such as fairy lights or plants.

30. Choose characterful furniture

A simple wooden table and benches will create rustic French charm for your alfresco dining setting.

outdoor-kitchen-atmosphere
Source: Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

31. Tile a feature wall

Another wall treatment option is to tile up a feature wall or backsplash. You can define your space with tile, as well as add instant beauty and personality. Especially if you go for a gorgeous statement tile.

32. Create a Boho atmosphere

Use plenty of warm, raw, natural materials for a Boho-inspired alfresco area.  Aim for a serene vibe and ensure there’s plenty of room for guests with lots of generous seating options.

33. Cleverly conceal storage

Every square metre of your outdoor kitchen can be utilised efficiently with some good planning. For instance, upholstered bench seating can contain hidden storage compartments.

34. Add a woodfire pizza oven

Step up your entertaining game by kitting out your outdoor kitchen with speciality equipment like a woodfire pizza oven.

outdoor-kitchen-pizza-oven
Source: Photo by Kajetan Sumila on Unsplash

35. Build in a bar fridge

A bar fridge and/or wine fridge is always a great idea to enhance the functionality of your outdoor kitchen.

36. Add personal touches

Bring your space to life by changing up the décor. Add some large garden umbrellas or hang pot plants from the pergola.

37. Add a vertical wall of herbs

Double down on the garden atmosphere by adding a useful vertical herb garden right inside your outdoor kitchen.

outdoor-kitchen-outdoor-herb-garden
Source: Photo by Emile-Victor Portenart on Unsplash

38. Have coloured bar stools

Many classic outdoor dining combos feature a bar area opposite the cooking area, so guests can sit and enjoy a drink as they cook. With outdoor kitchens designed in neutral colours, you can easily add a pop of colour to the bar stools.

39. Have a fire pit area

Consider creating a fire pit and seating area separate from the cooking zone. Firepits are great low-maintenance additions to your alfresco area. They create so much atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

And if you’re keen on adding some warmth to your backyard, here are a bunch of other fire pit ideas.

40. Add light

Make evenings more magical with lighting in your outdoor kitchen. Hang lanterns from trees, add cascades of fairy lights, or wrap outdoor Edison bulb lights around a pergola roof.

And that’s a wrap on my collection of the best outdoor kitchen ideas. Which style of outdoor kitchen is your favourite? Do you think you would splurge on a top-end luxury outdoor kitchen or is a DIY pallet workbench more your style? If you already have an outdoor kitchen, are there any tips you can share on what works? I’d love to know—drop a comment below!

For general kitchen styling ideas, you might like to also read our recent blog on kitchen ideas.

….

25+ Kitchen layouts – small kitchen layouts, open plan kitchen designs

L-shaped, galley and open-plan kitchens to suit every style and taste!

25+ Kitchen layouts – small kitchen layouts, open plan kitchen designs

When you’re planning your kitchen, the first thing you need to consider is the layout and ask yourself the important questions like; where will all your appliances go and how much bench space do you need? And whatever your answers are, there’s plenty of options to look at. Just to start with, there are L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens, and then there’s also the handy kitchen island, galley kitchen and single-walled kitchen layouts which all have their own pros and cons.

But what do they actually look like? Let’s go through these ## different kitchen layouts to find one that will suit your home.

1. Open plan kitchen layout

Today’s modern homes have embraced open plan living as an alternative to closed-off kitchens. And it’s become one of the most popular kitchen layouts because the integrated kitchen-dining space reflects how people live. Today’s families want functional spaces that foster community and allow people to move about from room to room with ease. This is exactly the kind of experience an open plan kitchen should create.

kitchen-layouts-open-plan
Source: Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash

2. Island kitchen layout

Your kitchen should be a beautiful space to prepare food and entertain guests, but it obviously also needs to be a functional space. One way to make this happen is to create an island layout that allows you to place bench seats at the island. This is an easy way to accommodate extra people around the kitchen. It can be used as a spot to savour a cup of coffee or breakfast with the kids in the morning, or a place to enjoy a glass of wine paired with a cheese platter on a Friday night.

3. Stove and rangehood

When designing your kitchen, it’s important to think about how your stove and rangehood will fit into the layout. Because it’s such a big installation, it’s a good idea to think about this first. Consider the size of your rangehood and stove and then determine the types of cabinets you’ll need to fit around them.

4. Neat and tidy

This one-wall kitchen layout is simply stunning. The finishes look high-end and luxurious. I particularly love the use of marble here – it provides the perfect base for the rest of this neutral-and-black kitchen.

kitchen-layouts-eat-in-kitchen
Source: Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

5. Smart use of space

Optimise every nook and cranny in your kitchen by installing clever floating shelves. Timber ones are all the rage right now. Not only do they look great, but they also provide a handy spot to store your favourite mugs, cups or jugs, or to simply display a pretty print or potted plant.

6. Colourful splashback

A splash of colour helps to bring a kitchen to life. So when you’re planning your kitchen layout, think about where you can integrate an eye-catching feature piece or design. Installing a bold splashback is one way to do this. You can either tile it behind your rangehood and stove, or you can wrap it around the entire back wall of your kitchen.

Whatever you do, make sure you select a colour that either pops against your existing colour scheme or fits in with the colours you’ve already got. This grey subway-tiled splashback is a beauty, and I love the use of matching grey grout.

kitchen-layouts-u-shaped
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

7. Choose a focal point

In large kitchens, it’s important to have a feature item to draw the eye. For example, the focal point might be a huge stainless steel sink. These stand out beautifully under kitchen windows and against splashbacks.

8. Single-wall kitchen layout

If you have a small kitchen or a granny flat, think about installing your cupboards along one wall instead of in an L or U-shaped design. This means your kitchen will take up minimal space and won’t overwhelm the rest of your room. Make sure you allow for plenty of cupboard space, so you can store away all of your kitchenware.

9. Small kitchen with island

If you have a small kitchen, then you’re probably already struggling to find storage space for all of your dishes, kitchenware and appliances. The greatest benefit of a kitchen island is that it provides more storage space. So, if this is something you need – design a kitchen island that includes cabinets or shelving underneath or above it. There are so many nifty storage hacks you can implement too – think wine racks, coffee mug holders, hooks or hanging utensil racks. When it comes to your kitchen island, the options really are endless!

10. Long island

And if you have the space for it, why not make your kitchen island as large as you can? This is such a helpful place to store extra kitchenware. You can even take it to the next level by integrating your stove and sink into the bench. A kitchen island like this provides an additional area to prepare food and entertain. Plus, you can easily decorate it with a gorgeous bunch of fresh flowers or perhaps a glass dome filled with freshly baked goods.

kitchen-layouts-functional-island
Source: Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

11. Frame your windows

Windows are key to a beautiful kitchen layout. One way to highlight them is to frame them in a contrasting colour. Take this window frame, for example. The black steel frame stands out beautifully against the white and timber.

kitchen-layouts-black-framed-windows
Source: Photo by Filmreal Studio on Unsplash

12. Lots of hooks

The little details in your kitchen are just as important as your overall design. However, these are the elements that are often the most overlooked. You can easily optimise your space by installing a handy metal bar with hooks for chopping boards, pans and cooking utensils. This keeps everything within arm’s reach and frees up space in your cupboards and drawers.

kitchen-layouts-hooks
Source: Photo by Dinh Ng. on Unsplash

13. Use your window sill

If your kitchen has a window sill, I can bet it’s probably just collecting dust. But you should put this space to work by using it to display your favourite plants, including succulents, cacti, or your favourite herbs. Your plants will get the natural light they need, and your kitchen will be infused with fresh green goodness!

14. Overhanging island

Need extra seats? Well, if you have an island, you can simply place stools underneath it. This provides an additional surface for enjoying casual dinner meals, drinking a cup of tea or coffee, or sipping wine with friends on the weekend.

15. Integrated seating area

Speaking of overhanging islands, this is a great example of an effective open-plan kitchen. What’s so great about this design is that it incorporates plenty of different seating spots, which increases the functionality of the space. As well as the stools at the white kitchen island, there’s a large timber dining table with chairs too.

kitchen-layouts-large-L-shaped
Source: Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

16. Plenty of shelving

The number one thing you need to consider when designing your kitchen layout is storage. You really don’t want to get to the end of your kitchen renovation and realise that you’ve left out room for the pots or pans or your favourite pretty dishes. So when you’re in the initial stages of planning your kitchen, consider how your layout can incorporate everything from low cabinets, glass cabinets, open shelves, floating shelves and drawers.

kitchen-layouts-one-wall
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

Here are some more kitchen storage ideas to make sure you’re utilising the most out of your space.

17. Dutch door

If you want to design a country kitchen, then you should consider a kitchen layout that reflects this. An easy way to transform your kitchen into this style is to install a Dutch door, which is a two-part door that can be opened at the top or opened as a whole. You can then frame your farmhouse kitchen layout strategically to make this feature shine.

18. Fill your space with a rug

Have you ever thought about how your kitchen feels? The feeling your kitchen provides will be greatly determined by two things. First, you need to consider the shades in your kitchen. Warm tones like beige, orange or red, will instantly make your space feel cosy, whereas cool shades like white, blue or green will make your kitchen feel cold.

The second thing you need to consider is your climate. If you live in a warm climate, your kitchen will also feel warm. But if you live in a climate that’s cool most of the year, then it’s important to think about how you can make your kitchen feel warmer. A simple way to do this is by adding a rug or two to your floor.

kitchen-layouts-small-L-shaped
Source: Photo by Fred Kleber on Unsplash

19. Mirrored splashback

In designing the layout of your kitchen, it’s important to consider how the space will ultimately look and feel. If you have a small kitchen, you should think about ways that you can make it appear bigger than it is. One way you can do this is by installing a mirrored splashback. This is especially helpful if you have a window on the other side of the room.

20. U-shaped kitchen layout

If you have a medium to large-sized kitchen then a U-shaped design is a practical choice. You can install a rangehood in the centre of the room and design your cupboards around it.

kitchen-layouts-large-u-shaped
Source: Photo by Mark McCammon from Pexels

21. Small kitchen layout

If, on the other hand, you have a tiny kitchen, keep it all to one side of the room. Another way to maximise your space is to use plenty of white or neutral colours. This will open up your space and make it appear much larger than it really is.

22. Keep it consistent

When styling your new kitchen, make sure you keep the design consistent throughout the layout. This space keeps things simple with all-white cupboards with black handles, black marble countertops and white subway tile.

kitchen-layouts-u-shaped-with-alcove
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

23. Small L-shaped kitchen layout

If you have a small space, then an L-shaped design will help you make the most of it. Remember, your bench space is just as important as your cupboards. So use it well by filling it with your most-used appliances, your knife block, and other pieces of décor like vases of flowers.

kitchen-layouts-small-L-shaped
Source: Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash

24. Patterned splashback

If you’re designing an L-shaped kitchen, think about how you can make your edging stand out. One way to do this is by using tiles with a geometric pattern. The tiles follow the L-shape of your kitchen and make your countertop pop!

Want to see some more ideas for kitchen splashbacks? Take a look at these kitchen splashback ideas.

25. Clever lighting

When designing your kitchen layout, consider where you’ll need to install lights. The most obvious spot is to hang a pendant light from the ceiling. The other most important place is to install lights on your wall. These provide much-needed brightness to your sink area as you wash the dishes or your benchtop as you prepare food.

kitchen-layouts-U-shaped-modern-farmhouse
Source: Photo by Clayton on Unsplash

26. Cast-iron sink

Cast iron is a great option if you want a sink that’s a little bit different but more gender-neutral. And the great thing about a cast iron sink is that it looks great paired with brass or gold tapware and cabinet hardware.

27. Huge rangehood

In a big kitchen, you can get away with large pieces like this rangehood. In fact, they can even serve as the feature piece for your room. Make your rangehood stand out by using a different material for the walls than the rangehood. In this kitchen, the rangehood is a simple stainless steel and the surrounding walls are designed with grey-green subway tiles with matching grout.

kitchen-layouts-L-shaped
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

There you have it – 25+ kitchen layouts, including small layouts, open-plan layouts, U-shaped layouts and more. I’d love to hear which kitchen layout was your favourite. Comment and tell me which style you would implement in your home. And, if you have any more suggestions – I’d love to hear them. Simply share them below!

30+ Kitchen colour schemes – kitchen cabinet colour ideas and more

Make your kitchen a space that you love with a new colour.

30+ Kitchen colour schemes – kitchen cabinet colour ideas and more

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, whether it’s cooking up a meal for your family or entertaining friends on the weekend. So when it comes to renovating your new kitchen, it’s important that you choose a kitchen colour scheme that you really love and one that reflects your personality.

Traditionally, white, grey and blue have been the colours of choice. However, in recent years, black has emerged on the scene as an alternative for a dark moody look. On the other end of the spectrum, colours like red, orange and yellow have been used in many creative ways (as you’ll see!), and can really make a space shine.

While the traditional cooler shades can make kitchens feel like a relaxing oasis, warmer colours are sure to make a statement and are believed to stimulate the appetite. So to find the right shade for you, here are my top 30 kitchen colour schemes.

Blue kitchen colour schemes

Blue is one of the most popular kitchen colours. It’s classic and brings a sense of calm, which isn’t too bold. And with so many different shades of blue (think turquoise, teal, cobalt, navy, sapphire, and light blue), there is no lack of styles you can create.

1. Vintage peacock blue

If modern is more your thing, then keep design streamlined with all-encompassing floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. It’s perfect for finding a spot for all your décor and useful kitchen items. And this is the perfect shade of muted peacock blue for this imposing cabinetry. You can also add glamorous touches with metallic elements.

kitchen-colour-schemes-blues
Source: Photo by Marstion from Pexels

2. Navy

This colour is for the chic, modern homeowner. Mix navy with a crisp white wall of tiles and add gold fixtures. Then add items of wooden décor to add warmth and a rustic touch to the space.

3. Baby blue

If you want a style that’s a little bit different, then why not go with the colour baby blue? This will be sure to add a pop of life to your kitchen. And it’s a fun colour to use in your décor.

4. Aqua

Add a swathe of gorgeous colour with this shade of subtle aqua. I love how the blinds match! And the quirky cabinetry with its cutout niches. So much storage space in this kitchen!

kitchen-colour-schemes-blues
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

5. Blue and white

Blue plus white equals a laid-back coastal kitchen design. It’s a look that isn’t overly difficult to achieve, either. You can spruce up your current kitchen design with a lick of blue paint, all-white cabinets, blue patterned stools and natural light shades.

Green kitchen colour schemes

Green is becoming a more popular choice for kitchens, and it’s easy to see why. The colour evokes feelings of growth, renewal and new life. Shades of green can be combined with brass hardware for a modern look, or they can be teamed with plenty of plants for a lush jungle oasis.

6. Olive green

Olive green is a very mature colour that makes for a serene and peaceful kitchen. Have olive green cabinets? Also, paint the cabinet handles the same colour! You could also add matte black tapware for added contrast.

kitchen-colour-schemes-greens
Source: Photo by Patrick Mueller on Unsplash

7. Dark green

Go for a more refined look with dark green kitchen cabinets like these. The slick, polished cabinets are simply beautiful, and they would look stunning in a large kitchen space. If you want to create interest, consider open shelving in your cabinet, like this design. The nooks filled with books not only add colour but also make the room cosier.

It is actually really easy to achieve this look with a bit of DIY cabinet painting.

kitchen-colour-schemes-green-grey
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

8. Light green

A soft sage green is a great option if you want to introduce a bit of colour to your space without going overboard. It works beautifully with gold cabinet handles in particular!

Yellow kitchen colour schemes

There’s nothing like a splash of yellow to brighten your home. When you think ‘yellow,’ you might think of a tacky, loud colour. But I think you’ll be pleased to know that yellow can look sophisticated and elegant if it’s done right. Let’s dive into a few different yellow kitchen colour schemes.

9. Canary yellow

If you love to make a statement with a standout colour, then this canary yellow shade might be for you. It’s bright and bold and stands out against the white countertops and white upper cabinets. If you want to choose a colour like this, the key is to team it up with plenty of white and neutrals. This ensures your yellow is a beautiful addition, instead of a distracting visual.

kitchen-colour-schemes-yellows
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

10. Sunny yellow

Sunny yellow and mid-grey, plus copious amounts of white, add up to a vibrant and happy kitchen space. I love the yellow feature wall with the white floating shelving which allows you to place all kinds of décor against the bold paint.

kitchen-colour-schemes-yellows
Source: Photo by Saviesa Home from Pexels

11. Traditional style

If you want to design a country kitchen, a soft pale yellow works perfectly. Opt for a yellow for your cabinets that’s light and gentle. Contrast it with a lovely marble benchtop. Then, add a dark wooden island for warmth and to make the space even more rustic.

Brown kitchen colour schemes

A very popular look at the moment in kitchen design is “organic luxe”, with a focus on beautiful natural materials and a natural colour scheme.

12. Timber baton island

Add brown tones to your white kitchen with a kitchen island that’s covered in timber batons or other panelling. It brings nature into this otherwise cold space. I love the brown marble slab for the countertop as well.

kitchen-colour-schemes-organic
Source: Photo by Alona Gross on Unsplash

13. Dark brown cabinetry

Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry in beautiful timber is the easiest way to bring in that organic luxe feel. Choose a timber with an obvious grain for more texture. And don’t be afraid to mix in other, lighter woods in the furniture as well.

kitchen-colour-schemes-organic
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

14. Add an animal print rug

Bring in nature tones with a comfy animal print rug Not only will your kitchen-dining room be cosier, but you’ll have instant organic vibes. Match your kitchen table to a colour in the rug, for cohesion!

kitchen-colour-schemes-brown-and-white
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

Orange kitchen colour schemes

It’s not every day you see an orange kitchen. But if you’re looking for something warm and summery, then this might be the choice for you. Orange can be used as a feature colour, or it can be combined with other cool colours to create a fun kitchen colour scheme.

15. Burnt ombre orange

Dark orange and black make for a very elegant kitchen. I like the ombre effect of the orange used here, it’s almost like a feature wall. And the grey parquetry flooring provides a lovely contrast.

kitchen-colour-schemes-oranges
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

16. Orange accents

If you’d prefer to leave the orange to a minimum, then consider creating an all-white kitchen with orange accents. You can incorporate orange with vases, flowers, oranges, tea towels and window shades.

17. Orange tiled splashback

Alternatively, you can make a statement with a bright glossy orange splashback. Subway tiles are the perfect kind of tile to use because they’re simple. But they pack a punch in orange!

Red kitchen colour schemes

This is another uncommon colour that will make a big statement, especially in a large kitchen. You can choose from the usual bright red, or tone things down a bit with a muted dark red.

18. Red and black

This is the perfect choice for someone who wants to add red without it being too overwhelming. Tomato red is a sophisticated colour, and it looks particularly striking with black accents.

kitchen-colour-schemes-reds
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

White kitchen colour schemes

Ah, the white kitchen. It’s the most classic of all the colour schemes and the most popular too. A white kitchen can be designed in so many different ways. It can be modern, vintage, classic or country style.

19. Modern white kitchen

While white can be fancy, it can also be simple yet modern. And that’s exactly what this kitchen design achieves.

White kitchens are popular for a reason so here are plenty more white kitchen ideas just for you.

kitchen-colour-schemes-whites
Source: Photo by Jorge De Jorge on Unsplash

20. Bright, airy design

For a kitchen that looks like it belongs in a coastal retreat, go for natural timber floorboards and timber stools, combined with all-white cabinetry and a white marble island to make it look clean and crisp. The hardest part will be keeping all of the white ultra-clean!

21. Fresh farmhouse style

Let your design be country-inspired with a farmhouse kitchen like this one. The key to creating this style is to use heaps of natural materials and rustic touches, like vintage metal utensils and woven jars.

kitchen-colour-schemes-white-timber
Source: Photo by Lara from Pexels

22. Glam it up

Take a traditional white kitchen and make it fancy with fabulous patterned tiles, like these ones. Another way to make your kitchen glam is to use high-end finishes like marble (or lookalike marble) and keep a bunch of flowers and a bowl of fruit on the bench at all times.

Grey kitchen colour schemes

A grey kitchen colour scheme is a classic choice that will never go out of style. And it can be done so many ways – from dark grey, two-tone, to light grey and a mix of patterns.

23. Two-tone grey

Grey doesn’t have to be boring. Add interest by incorporating dark and light grey cabinetry, as well as a mix of dark and light grey patterned tiles on the floor. Mix in plenty of timbers as these will always warm up a grey kitchen.

kitchen-colour-schemes-greys-timber
Source: Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash

24. Modern grey and black

Team grey with black for an ultra-modern kitchen. I love how a black countertop matches nicely with the black front of a microwave or oven. And then a white textured splashback can add beautiful detailing.

25. Light grey

If you want to use grey but don’t want it to be too overbearing, then consider a shade like this one. The light grey is a lovely touch against the warmth of all the timbre elements. And it contrasts perfectly with the pop of green from the statement plant.

kitchen-colour-schemes-greys
Source: Photo by Catherine Augustin from Pexels

26. Deep grey

If you have a large kitchen, you can get away with using a lot of dark greys. However, the key to pulling this style off is to use white benchtops and to make sure you have plenty of light flowing into the space from windows and other rooms.

27. Grey and white marble

Marble is one way to make your kitchen look instantly glamorous. And a grand marble splashback sure creates this look. You can also keep the benchtop in marble too, so the splashback is simply an extension of the bench.

If you want to find some more beautiful splashbacks, take a look at these kitchen splashback ideas.

If grey is what you’re after, take a look at these grey kitchen ideas for your cabinets and splashback.

Black kitchen colour schemes

While colourful kitchens are making a splash, nothing makes a chic statement like a black kitchen. From black cabinets to splashbacks to pops of black and white, there are so many ways to style black for a big impact.

28. All black

First on the list is this beautiful all-black design. What a sophisticated kitchen. I love the penny mosaic tile splashback which adds just a little sparkle to the space. And having a white countertop also prevents the kitchen from appearing too dark.

kitchen-colour-schemes-blacks
Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

29. Black and brass

Add colour and interest to your black kitchen by using brass hardware. Brass stands out beautifully against dark cabinets and also looks great with black wall lamps. Then add timber shelves to inject warmth and provide a spot to display your favourite mugs, bowls and décor.

30. Contrast

Black can be used very creatively to create contrast in your kitchen. Take this space, for example. It incorporates lots of blonde wood which is then beautifully contrasted with black zellige tile for the splashback. I love the simplicity and the emphasis on the beautiful materials here.

kitchen-colour-schemes-black-tile-warm-timber
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

31. Black and white

If you’re stuck for a kitchen colour scheme, you can’t go past black and white. It’s a timeless pairing that will look great for years to come.

Pastel kitchen colour schemes

If you’re not afraid to try something different, then why not go for a pastel kitchen? And there are so many colours to choose from, including mint, pink, orange and lilac.

32. Pastel pink

Transform your kitchen by creating a painted feature wall, like this pastel pink one. Amplify the effect by also tiling up your kitchen counter or island in glossy pink tiles! The pink works beautifully with the touches of red and black in the vignette. And I love the addition of quirky decor pieces – there’s the airplant, vintage print and exposed copper piping.

kitchen-colour-schemes-pastels
Source: Photo by modern affliction on Unsplash

33. Mint

If any colour is really having its moment right now, it’s mint. This shade is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s a subtle colour addition to your kitchen. I love how this kitchen ties this shade together with worn timber and stainless steel.

kitchen-colour-schemes-pastels
Source: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

There you have it, 30+ kitchen colour schemes. And there are just so many to choose from! I’d love to hear which one was your favourite. Comment and tell me. And if you have any more colourful kitchen scheme ideas, comment and share them!

30+ Kitchen lighting ideas – kitchen pendant lights, functional lighting

Take your kitchen design to the next level with fancy feature lighting.

30+ Kitchen lighting ideas – kitchen pendant lights, functional lighting

One simple way to transform your kitchen’s design without having to overhaul everything is to switch out your kitchen lighting. The chances are your kitchen lighting could do with a change to something slightly newer and more modern.

When it comes to choosing your kitchen lighting, there are so many creative lights to choose from – from glamorous pendant lights to industrial lights to simple wall lights to black-and-white statement lights to dramatic chandeliers. But with so many options on the market, how do you decide which light is the best fit for your kitchen?

When it comes to picking a kitchen light you need to consider what colour your kitchen is, how many you need, what metal finishings you have and whether you’re looking for feature or functional lighting.

kitchen-lighting-glass
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

Refer to your colour scheme

First, you need to consider your existing colour scheme. Make sure you choose light fixtures that match your current style and don’t detract from it. You might want to think about whether you want something to blend in or stand out, which is down to personal preference.

Decide on the number of lights

Secondly, you need to decide how many lights you require to provide the right level of ambience. If you have a large kitchen, then you might need to consider a mixture of ceiling lights, wall lights and lamps. But if you have a smaller kitchen, then a simple ceiling light might do the trick.

Think about your hardware

Third, you need to think about your hardware. Do you have silver, brass or black finishings? It’s important to match your lighting fixtures to your hardware for a consistent design.

Consider a feature light

Lastly, you need to consider whether your space requires a fancy standout feature light or whether it just needs some simple subtle lighting.

To kickstart your research, I’ve dished up ##+ kitchen lighting ideas, including pendant lights and functional lighting to help you find the right light for your kitchen.

1. Extra-long brass pendants

These brass pendants are ultra-modern and sleek. I like how they’ve been positioned to hang directly above the kitchen island. This creates a classy finish.

kitchen-lighting-thin-pendants
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

2. Glass pendant lights

If you want to choose something elegant, then simple hanging pendant lights might be the perfect option for you. A popular look is to choose lights that come together in a pod of three, and have them gently hang down from black cord.

3. Circular black pendant lights

If you’re looking for something that’s modern yet out of the box, then these pendant lights might just be the right fit. They’re a pleasing circular shape and they add personality to the room. Not to mention that the slick dark colour provides the perfect amount of contrast against the light neutral cabinets and flooring.

kitchen-lighitng-pendants
Source: Photo by Im3rd Media on Unsplash

4. Brass pendant light

Nothing makes a statement more than a large brass light shade. And this one is no exception. If you’re going for a brass light, like this, then it’s important to consider the rest of your kitchen. I recommend keeping things fairly neutral by using whites and timber, so your brass light can truly be the star of the show!

kitchen-light-feature
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

5. Brass dome

Brass, brass and more brass! OK, you’re going to be seeing a lot of brass lights in this list because brass is very much in right now. But the luckily they come in so many different shapes, sizes and styles, that I can keep sharing them. Take the classic dome light, for example. Even better if it’s textured on the outside to add character to the space!

6. Brass and glass

Here’s another brass option, but this time with fluted glass. This is a stunning choice for a modern  farmhouse kitchen design. I love the way the light fittings complement the brass faucet.

kitchen-lghting-brass-and-glass
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

7. Rose gold pendant lights

If you’re after something that adds a feminine touch to a mostly masculine slick-black kitchen, then gorgeous rose gold pendants are a great option.

8. Trio of pendants

This trio of black caged pendants creates a striking focal point for this kitchen. And I love how the black accents have been continued throughout the kitchen, including in the kitchen island seating and cabinet handles.

kitchen-lighting-wire-cage
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

9. Multiple Edison bulbs

Light up your kitchen with an entire row of Edison bulbs encased in rectangular glass. This is a great option if you’re wanting to add a statement lighting piece without detracting from the rest of your kitchen.

10. Rattan lamp shades

Over the last few years, rattan has had a renaissance, and there are no signs of the trend fading anytime soon. While there are so many ways to incorporate rattan in your kitchen, one of the most simple and effective ways is to install rattan pendants. They typically resemble upside-down baskets, and they are a more relaxed option than fancy chandeliers. And they add a Boho touch to your kitchen. But whether you’re into Boho style or not, rattan is worth considering. However you use them, they’ll look fabulous.

kitchen-lighting-woven
Source: Photo by Sosey Interiors on Unsplash

11. Polished nickel pentagon

Love a fancy light? How about an open cage, polished nickel pendant. These look very glam in a modern kitchen. Combine the pendant with silver hardware, marble and white touches for a gorgeous final design.

Need a new light put in? Find someone to measure up and take care of your pendant light installation.

12. Country style

If you’re going for a rustic kitchen design, choose lights that match. These pretty and unusual pendant lights are the perfect option for this kitchen. The colour works with the rest of the kitchen while adding a point of interest.

kitchen-lights-with-character
Source: Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

For more timber, natural stone and metal, you should take a look at these country kitchen and farmhouse kitchen ideas.

13. Dandelion chandeliers

While it’s important to choose great lighting for practical purposes. You should also allow yourself to have a bit of fun. Choose something out of the box, like dandelion-inspired chandeliers. These glass beauties look great surrounding the traditional kitchen island, and I bet they would look pretty cool in your kitchen too.

14. Elegant silver

If you like glitz and glam, then go all out with silver or gold touches. These bulbous silver hanging lights are a beautiful choice for this white and timber kitchen. And they tie together nicely with the cabinet hardware and tapware.

kitchen-lighting-contrasting-silver
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

15. Glossy colourful pendants

If you want to choose coloured light shades, then it’s important to first think about the existing colours in your kitchen. For example, if your kitchen colour scheme is timber and grey, then a glossy green light will look stunning.

16. Black and glass

And here’s another twist on the glass light. But this time, the glass is contained in a black steel frame. This is a great choice for a modern kitchen. The black hardware stands out against the clean white ceiling and looks lovely teamed with the dark timber island and white cabinets.

kitchen-lighting-bar
Source: Photo by Jonah Brown on Unsplash

If you love this darker kitchen and fancy some more examples. Here are my favourite black kitchen ideas.

17. Wall lights

While hanging pendant lights are usually the focus of attention when it comes to kitchen lighting, it’s important to consider wall lights. These understated beauties add light where it’s needed the most – above benchtops and sinks. And they can be used to highlight important feature pieces like décor or paintings and prints.

18. Cabinet lights

If you’re looking for something more discreet that will light up your shelves then you should consider small cabinet lights like these. You can find them in a range of colours and styles – from white to black to brass and everything in between. Just make sure you choose a colour that suits your kitchen colour scheme.

kitchen-lighting-cabinet-lights
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

19. Tinted globe

If you want to add some light and shade to your kitchen lighting, choose a tinted globe. This allows the light to contrast against the rest of the white kitchen.

20. Classic lighting

These lights are a little more classic. While they can work in a modern kitchen, they’re best suited to a kitchen that’s an infusion of modern and traditional. And I think this kitchen hits both of these marks.

kitchen-lighting-subtle
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

21. Two-toned pendant

While most pendant lights stick to one colour, you can add interest by combining two! For instance, you might have a light where the inside is brass and the exterior is white, allowing the brass to peep out from under the white cover. It’s such a nice touch that gives your kitchen a little extra oomph.

22. Metallic design

You can always spruce up your kitchen with metallic light fittings as they add shimmer and sparkle to your space. These golden pendants do a wonderful job of warming up this grey kitchen.

kitchen-lighting-warm-metallics
Source: Photo by Helen Thomas on Unsplash

23. Large lantern light

While lanterns have traditionally been used outdoors, they’ve made their way indoors in recent years. And they can make a bold statement piece in any kitchen – whether it’s traditional or modern.

24. Gold chandelier

If simple and understated isn’t your style, improve your kitchen with a fancy gold chandelier like this one. Now, you might think this should only be reserved for large, grand houses. But if you have a large enough kitchen, you can incorporate whatever kind of light you like!

kitchen-lighting-chandelier
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

25. Orb lights

Glass orbs are a simple yet striking pendant that will look good in any kitchen. These are the options for you if you’re after something simple that won’t detract from your kitchen design.

26. Light above the sink

You need light when you’re doing dishes, too! Choose a gorgeous black and gold wall light like this one. And, if that’s not enough, add classic black lamps to your walls as well.

kitchen-lighting-farmhouse
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

27. Classic bar light

If you’re going for a classic kitchen, then you can’t go wrong with a cylindrical bar light. And going for a black bar light will make it more contemporary.

28. Ceramic pendants

With ceramics being all the rage right now, why not install a ceramic pendant light? This pod of white lights adds a layer of interest to this small kitchen without being too much. And white and gold lights are a thing of Pinterest kitchen dreams!

kitchen-lighting-white-ceramic
Source: Photo by Sabrina Mazzeo on Unsplash

29. Glass and silver

Go ultra-modern with a white kitchen with glass-encased lights. Silver hardware is a great touch for these lights because it keeps the space simple and clean. You can have the lights over your kitchen island different from the lights over your table, but you should try to select a similar design with silver and glass.

30. Glam it up

On the other hand, if you want your light to be the hero of the show, choose something fancy and fun like this light. I don’t know exactly how many bulbs are on this fixture but there sure are a lot! The white colour means the light won’t take away from the rest of the white kitchen but will add a gorgeous warm glow in the night.

kitchen-lighting-dramatic
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

31. Chain

Add an industrial touch to your country-style kitchen by choosing a hanging light that uses a chain or exposed electrical wire. This adds a layer of detail and intrigue to your kitchen design.

If the edgy warehouse aesthetic appeals, then an industrial kitchen might be the look you need.

32. Feature piece

There’s nothing like a fancy feature piece to catch the eye and make your guests exclaim “wow!” And I love this one with its unique squiggle design.  The unstructured style makes it a great fit over the top of the structured kitchen island area.

kitchen-lighting-quirky
Source: Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

33. Downlights

Finally, add atmosphere to your kitchen by placing downlights in strategic spots like above your sink, on top of floating shelves or in little nooks and crannies. Downlights always look very contemporary and chic, and add a gorgeous gentle glow to your kitchen.

kitchen-lighting-downlights
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

There you have it – that’s 30+ kitchen lighting ideas, including kitchen pendant lights, functional lighting, wall lights and more. Of course, you’ll need to choose the best lighting for your unique space. And make sure the colours match up with your cabinets, benchtops, flooring and existing hardware.

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you! Which lighting fixture is your favourite? Maybe you prefer coastal rattan or ceramic white. Or perhaps your style is modern brass or multiple bulbs encased in clear glass. Comment and share your favourite! And if you think something is missing from the list, comment and share your lighting suggestions.

25+ L-shaped kitchen designs – working triangle and open planned kitchen

A popular, modern and very practical choice for your new kitchen!

25+ L-shaped kitchen designs – working triangle and open planned kitchen

One of the most economical types of kitchen designs is the L-shaped kitchen. It creates an easy and efficient workspace that allows you to place your appliances, lighting fixtures and cabinets along angled walls with an open space in the middle. You might think that it’s a layout that can make a kitchen look smaller but there’s always a way to fix this.

So, let’s take a look at a few main advantages to the L-shaped kitchen: the working triangle, open plan living and multiple entrances.

The working triangle

The most practical kitchen designs use the working triangle, and the L-shaped kitchen facilitates this well. A working triangle allows you to move with ease about the kitchen, so you can reach your sink, oven and stove and refrigerator. In an L-shaped kitchen, the working triangle is kept simply between two walls. Because you don’t have to walk far to each part of the kitchen, meal prep is a breeze!

Open plan living

Today’s home designs are created with open plan living in mind. This simply means that the layout is created to make use of large, open spaces for people to gather, instead of sectioning everything off into small enclosed rooms.

As an L-shaped kitchen only uses two walls, it opens up your space. This means that you can have your kitchen lead on to your dining room, living room and beyond, which makes entertaining easy!

Multiple entrances

Another advantage of the L-shaped kitchen is that its open ends allow for multiple entries and exits. This allows traffic to freely flow through the space, meaning more space and less stress when preparing food!

If these three benefits of an L-shaped kitchen haven’t yet convinced you that you need to choose this design, then I’m sure a few examples will. I’ve compiled the best of 25+ L-shaped kitchens to inspire you to create one of your own.

1. Add an island

A major advantage of an L-shaped kitchen is that they are so flexible with the wrap-around design. This means that you can put nearly anything in the middle of the room. Take this kitchen, for example. It has a clean white design and a beautiful large kitchen island in the middle. This provides extra room for preparing food and entertaining.

L-shaped-kitchen-white
Source: Photo by Rosana Solis from Pexels

2. Grey splashback

Add texture, colour and patterns to your L-shaped kitchen with a fancy splashback like this one. I love the simplicity of this kitchen. The palette is clean and fresh, using just three tones – white and light and dark grey. This makes for the perfect foundation to build on! You can add splashes of colour with flowers and decor, or simply leave it as it is.

L-shaped-kitchen-grey-splashback
Source: Photo by laura adai on Unsplash

3. Scandi style

I love a good Scandinavian kitchen. I think this type of space is perfect for the minimalist at heart. The timber and white style looks great paired with other colours should you wish to introduce them, and it also looks beautiful and fresh on its own. I like how little details like the marble splashback give the simple space those luxe vibes.

L-shaped-kitchen-scandi
Source: Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

4. White and blue Shaker style

If you want to create a peaceful and calm L-shaped kitchen space, then it’s well worth considering the colour blue. Blue cabinets look stunning with white timber walls and white benches, creating a clean and relaxing finish.

5. Exposed beams

If your kitchen has interesting design elements, like exposed wooden beams, then leave them in! They will make your space look more rustic and country-style. And when paired with modern cabinets and countertops, they create a gorgeous contemporary farmhouse vibe. There are plenty of little touches you can add if you like a raw finish to your kitchen. So whether you like a country kitchen or a farmhouse kitchen, I’ve got you covered.

6. Summer style

This light and airy ambience looks like an upscale beach house. The counter seating at the kitchen island is a laid-back alternative to a formal dining room and takes advantage of the gorgeous natural light that pours in through the windows. I also love the natural tones – timber, white and black make for a great combination. And that glossy splashback is something special.

L-shaped-kitchen-contemporary
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

7. Small L-shaped kitchen

If you have a small kitchen or an awkward space, you can still make it work! Clever kitchen design is key to making the most of the space that you have. Think about how you can position your appliances so that they are all within reach, without sacrificing bench space. For instance, you can even integrate your microwave into the cabinetry, leaving more room for preparation.

8. Dark and moody timber

This timber design is more mid-century than rustic country home, and I love it. I think it’s a great example of how you can use timber without having to make your space rustic. The key to creating a modern mid-century kitchen lies in your finishes – and the black tapware and sleek black benches are just the right kind.

L-shaped-kitchen-moody
Source: Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

9. Green and dark

This kitchen looks like it’s straight out of a magazine. Every element of the design has been carefully chosen to fit together. The deep green is an interesting choice, but I think it works well in this kitchen-dining space.

L-shaped-kitchen-sophisticated
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

10. Home-styled space

Fill your L-shaped kitchen with life and elements that make it like home. If you want to give your kitchen a more lived-in look while still keeping it stylish and clean, display items like chopping boards, plants and other pieces of decor.

11. Statement rangehood

When you have a small L-shaped kitchen, you really need to use the space well. This means placing the stove, sink, microwave and oven all within arm’s reach of each other, which is really practical for when it comes time to prepare food. But even with a small kitchen, you can make a big impact with a statement feature like an incredible brass rangehood. If you’re after a unique rangehood and fan extractor, find someone to give you a tip or take care of your rangehood installation from initial planning to the finished result.

12. Fun splashback

Most splashbacks are fairly simple – there’s the typical marble or granite, or the much-loved subway tile design. But from different tile shapes to large sheets of marble and granite, there are so many different options when it comes to a fun backdrop for your kitchen. Here are my top 35 kitchen splashback ideas.

L-shaped-kitchen-splashback
Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

13. Pay attention to the little things

So often when you’re designing your kitchen, you’re looking at the big elements like cabinets, colour schemes and appliances. But the truth is that it’s the little things that really help to complete your design. It might be something as subtle as pretty rose gold canisters, for example. They can add colour to a bench that’s otherwise fairly plain and neutral.

14. Integrated seating spots

As L-shaped kitchens are all about catering to entertaining, it’s wise to include some handy seating spots. This rustic farmhouse kitchen does this well, ensuring the family can come and go and gather together as you cook!

L-shaped-kitchen-seating
Source: Photo by roam in color on Unsplash

15. Statement lights

One way to fancy up your contemporary kitchen is to install fun feature lights like these cage-style ones. Lights like this will be sure to draw the eye.

L-shaped-kitchen-statement-lights
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

16. Subway tiles

If you’re after a really simple yet effective splashback or feature wall for your L-shaped kitchen, then you can’t look past subway tiles. These handy little things have become hugely popular in home design over the last few years. And it’s no surprise why. They’re versatile and they look good with anything!

If you like how the white really makes this room so big, check out these other white kitchen ideas that you could add to your home.

L-shaped-kitchen-subway-tile
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

17. Mint blue island

It’s easy to use pastel colours very poorly in home design. Too much of the colour and you’ve got a childish-looking space. Too little of the colour and the design remains bland. But the judicious use of a little pastel works so well in a kitchen. For instance, choosing mint blue cabinetry for your island isn’t overpowering and it’s not too little either. Instead, it injects the right amount of colour and life into an all-white kitchen.

18. Use glass cabinetry

If you’re on the lookout for kitchen storage ideas, consider glass cabinetry which will help you showcase your beautiful crockery and stunning glassware.

19. Tiles, tiles and more tiles

If you love a simple colour palette but want a little bit of extra detail, then this might just be the L-shaped kitchen design for you. Cover the walls in geometric white tiles, which stand against dark grey grout. Then tie in these tones throughout the rest of the kitchen – for example, dark grey flooring, a marble-style benchtop, white timber cabinets and a stainless steel rangehood and oven.

Thinking about kitchen flooring options beyond tile? We’ve got a stack of kitchen flooring ideas to help, which include timber, tile and even lino.

20. Blue dreams

This kitchen is what pastel dreams are made of. Seriously! Would you look at the stunning shade of pale blue? Combined with all the raw timber, this makes for a beautiful all-round design. I love the kitchen island design with its simple rack for holding teatowels.

L-shaped-kitchen-blue-timber
Source: Photo by Brands&People on Unsplash

21. Different coloured island

As we’ve discussed, the benefits of an L-shaped kitchen are that you have room for a practical island. But just because you install an island doesn’t mean it has to be the exact same colour as the rest of your cabinets. In fact, it can be totally different and turn into a key feature piece. For example, you might have a fairly all-white kitchen, but then there’s the element of surprise – a dark green island!

22. Statement oven

While an oven is a practical and necessary addition to every kitchen, it’s also something that you can have a lot of fun with. Think about how you can make a statement with your oven, such as by finding one in a bold colour.

L-shaped-kitchen-statement-oven
Source: Photo by André François McKenzie on Unsplash

23. Marble splashback

The beauty of an L-shaped kitchen that uses two intersecting walls is that you can install a gorgeous wraparound splashback, like this one. I’m not only swooning over the marble splashback, but the entire kitchen is such a dream.

L-shaped-kitchen-marble-splashback
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

24. Table in the middle

The beauty of L-shaped kitchens is that they allow for so much flexibility. Because they provide plenty of room in the middle, you can fill it with whatever you please. You could even repurpose a vintage desk as a kitchen island and will be so different from stock-standard choices.

This is a really practical solution when it comes to dinner time because it’s just a quick step away from the kitchen bench. And it’s also a fabulous option for when you’re entertaining because guests can gather around the table as you cook!

25. Navy and white

If you can’t decide on what colour to use for your kitchen cabinets, why not use both? You can combine two shades and make it work. If you’re going to do this, white is always a great base to start with. From there, choose another colour that sparks your interest – think blue, green, black or grey. Honestly, you can make any colour work! Use one colour for the top cabinetry and the other for the bottom, and voila – you’ve got yourself a seamless kitchen design that’s set apart from the rest!

26. Modern grey

Alternatively, you could skip the bright colours and go for muted shades of grey and slick black instead. This L-shaped kitchen is modern and simple with grey cabinetry, black benchtops, touches of stainless steel, and black appliances. Grey cabinetry is actually having a bit of a moment when it comes to kitchen interior design, as it allows people to embrace either lighter or darker finishes. You’ll be surprised how creative you can be in a grey kitchen.

L-shaped-kitchen-modern-grey
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

There you have it, 25+ L-shaped kitchen designs that cater to any taste and style. I hope this has shown you that there are so many ways to dress up an L-shaped kitchen. There are the rustic timber and farmhouse vibes, then there’s the modern kitchen design, there’s the Scandinavian minimal approach, and then there’s a whole lot of designs in between!

Now, the choice is yours. Which design will you go with? I’d love to hear about which style you liked the most. Comment and share below!

25+ Retro kitchen ideas – tables, chairs and retro kitchen decor

Get creative with a quirky retro kitchen!

25+ Retro kitchen ideas – tables, chairs and retro kitchen decor

Every trend always comes back in style and retro kitchen design is no exception. Taking its cues from the ’60s, ’70s and the decades of yesteryear, retro kitchens combine a mix of styles, objects and materials that are sure to infuse colour and life into a space. But when it comes to designing a modern retro kitchen, you’re going to want to choose wisely to create a space that fits into the rest of your home and also stands out on its own.

retro-kitchen-vibes
Source: Photo by David Todd McCarty on Unsplash

So, what are some hallmarks of retro design? Think cool, mint-blue cabinets, pops of pink, touches of timber, and fabulous floral wallpaper. While there are some elements that are distinctly retro, there really are no limits. You can go completely old school or you can add a vintage touch to your modern white kitchen. The choice is yours!

To help you get started, I’ve put together 25+ retro kitchen ideas, including tables, chairs and fun retro decor.

1. Blue with pops of colour

This is a fun little kitchen to start with. It’s ever so slightly modern, yet it combines a whole lot of retro elements for a fabulous look. There’s the lovely blue cabinetry, which is cool and clean. But the real hero of this kitchen is the fun printed wallpaper splashback, which makes this space pop!

retro-kitchen-baby-blue-cabinets
Source: Photo by Vincent Erhart on Unsplash

2. Old school splashback

I think it’s amazing how a kitchen splashback can really transform a space. Without these specific tiles, this kitchen would have had a totally different style. It also means that if you fancy a change up, you can always simply get a tiler to change the splashback tiling to refresh your home.

retro-kitchen-splashback
Source: Photo by wu yi on Unsplash

3. Mint green

If you’re looking for something a little bit out of the box, then you can’t go past mint green. This colour has shot to popularity over the last few years, and it’s no surprise why. It’s an easy shade to pair with. Take this kitchen, for example. It includes natural timber floorboards, a timber countertop and plenty of modern stainless steel. Yet that mint is 100% retro!

retro-kitchen-mint
Source: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

4. Peach feature wall

If mint really isn’t your style but you love pastels, then you may prefer a peach-coloured kitchen. Peach is a colour that doesn’t overwhelm, especially if it’s done right. And the addition of peach as a back feature wall is perfect in a small kitchen. It elevates the overall look and feel of the space, adding warmth and life.

5. Black and white

In this kitchen design, we have more of those classic Victorian chequerboard black-and-white vinyl tiles, which first originated in Europe in the 15th century. Since then, they’ve been a staple in many kitchens, and always add a retro flair to a space. Plus, this glossy black cabinets look incredible in this mostly white kitchen. They provides the perfect contrast against the surrounding white cabinets and clean white walls.

To find out more about different vinyl tiles and other options, check out my article on kitchen flooring ideas.

retro-kichen-monochrome
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

6. Country style

Retro doesn’t have to stand on its own. It can be combined with other styles, like country kitchen design. Think timber cabinetry, pastel decor and well-worn furniture.

7. Pops of colour

Like I’ve said before, if you’re not one to do a total makeover of your kitchen, then you can always make it feel retro by adding some simple pieces of décor, like this bold red oven. It’s these small additions that can make a huge difference to your overall design!

retro-kitchen-wood-panelling
Source: Photo by André François McKenzie on Unsplash

8. Colourful glasses

Create a retro feature area in your cabinet with colourful glassware, candles and mugs. Aim for warm yellows, pinks, reds and orange pieces in this glass shelving. And think about a small space in your kitchen where you can infuse colourful pieces.

9. Matching pink appliances

Matching retro-style appliances can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen without needing to undergo a huge kitchen renovation. Using the same style and colour appliances is one simple way to lift your kitchen design game.

10. Bright blue cabinets

So, we’ve covered off on baby blue and mint green, but we haven’t touched on bright blue… until now. While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubt it adds life and vibrancy to this small kitchen. The black and white mosaic-style tiles create the perfect foundation for this retro kitchen. And I love the quirky botanical wallpaper on the left side – it’s super fun!

retro-kitchen-bright-blues
Source: Photo by Zsofi Perganczky on Unsplash

11. Pop of orange

Oh, orange, gorgeous orange! It’s one of those very classic retro colours. The downside to using orange is that it can be a very overwhelming colour if it’s the main shade used throughout a kitchen. But, if orange is carefully placed, it can take any space from mediocre to fabulous and oh-so-retro in an instant.

12. Use your shelving space

Do you have open shelves? If you do, then this is the perfect space for displaying all of your retro pieces from books to vintage tea sets and so much more.

retro-kitchen-main
Source: Photo by ready made from Pexels

13. Retro light

Dress your kitchen up with a fancy retro light fixture like this one. This multi-bulb brass piece adds so much character to this kitchen. And it ties in nicely with the other lighting elements (the central ceiling light pendant and two matching wall sconces).

retro-kitchen-sixties-chandelier
Source: Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

14. Retro fridge

One really simple way to add instant retro flavour to your modern kitchen is to swap out your boring old stainless steel fridge for a fun white Smeg alternative. This high-end fridge will give your kitchen all the life it needs, while still keeping it modern and fresh with its simple white design.

15. Modern with retro touches

Here’s another example of how you don’t need to go all out on retro design to make your kitchen retro. Fill your floating shelves with colourful glassware, bowls, mugs and vases. If you don’t have any of these pretty items lying around, head to your local second-hand store. You’re bound to find plenty of fun pieces that you can purchase for a steal!

retro-kitchen-seventies-colours
Source: Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

16. Teal green

Teal green is a barely-there, soothing colour choice for the person who wants to go a little bit retro but also wants to keep it subtle. And this is a very modern twist on the retro kitchen. This kitchen features stunning white wall tile and simple furniture, with that pop of teal in the retro-style light pendant.

retro-kitchen-light-fitting
Source: Photo by Anastasia Eremina on Unsplash

17. Eclectic mix

Instead of keeping things streamlined by choosing one colour, why not incorporate a mix of colours, textures and prints? It might be two different kinds of wall tile in a perfect pastel, married with warm timber cabinets with a lovely wood grain. Then you can add in whatever mix of retro style décor that you like, to enhance the overall vintage flavour.

retro-kitchen-mint-patterns
Source: Photo by Dmitriy Zub on Unsplash

18. Pink chairs with gold

Want to make a statement? Pink velvet chairs or stools pack a punch, and they’re all you need to make your modern kitchen feel instantly retro. They look especially fabulous with gold frames!

19. Fabulous wallpaper

If you want to make a statement in your retro kitchen, add an all-encompassing graphic wallpaper like this one. This newsprint wallpaper is a bold choice but it’s so much fun. Plus, if you’re brave enough, you could opt for vivid yellow-coloured cabinets and shelving. Sometimes more IS more!

retro-kitchen-graphic-yellow
Source: Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

20. Hang your plates

If you have cute, floral-patterned china plates, why not hang them on your wall for all to see? Gorgeous plates really add a lot of character to a retro kitchen.

21. Retro farmhouse kitchen

If you have a farmhouse-style home, there’s good news for you! You can implement a retro style too. How? By adding quirky pieces from yesteryear. This could be memorabilia from your family tree, or it could simply be something you’ve picked up from the op shop. Play around with different colours and textures.

22. Retro kitchenware

While your kitchen design can be entirely retro, you could also incorporate it more subtly by choosing retro-style jugs, mugs and pots and pans; even vtinage-styled clocks and aprons!

retro-kitchen-decor
Source: Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

23. Muted tones

If you’re more of a minimalist, the good news is that you can still embrace retro style – just choose more muted colours. The key here is to embrace timber and combine it with warm, golden shades. Don’t forget to add those retro velvet stools!

retro-kitchen-seventies-vibes
Source: Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

24. Pretty in pink

There’s no doubt pink is a very feminine choice, but it can be incorporated in such a way that the whole family will love it. It might be that you add small pops of pink to a white and wood-style kitchen. It might be a retro pink appliance or some quirky pink décor. It might even just be the teatowels! The good thing about these additions is that they are interchangeable. So, if you’re feeling like pink you can incorporate it for a while. And, when you want a change you can switch it out and recreate your style!

25. Hang a print

Have fun with a bold print from the 60s, 70s or 80s. Personally, I love something that’s Andy Warhol-inspired. Integrate your own pop art with bright, colourful paintings and prints of celebrities, advertisements and everyday products. Choose a print that means something special to you, or simply select one that adds colour and vibrancy to your space.

26. Wild pattern clashes

Finally, how’s this for fun? This retro design mixes so many patterns and the result is a really unique space. And those bulbous pendant lights are awesome!

retro-kitchen-patterns
Source: Photo by Faisal Waheed on Unsplash

There you have it, 25+ retro kitchen ideas – from tables to chairs to retro kitchen decor, and everything in between. That was a whole lot of fun, wasn’t it?

I hope this post has proven to you that there are so many ways that you can style a retro kitchen. Retro doesn’t just have to be pastel pink, green or blue (although these colours are wonderful), but it can incorporate timber, bold prints, fancy wallpapers, dark kitchens, or simply just little pops of colour here and there.

Now, it’s time to hand the reins over to you, so you can get started on transforming your kitchen into a retro culinary haven. But before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Which retro kitchen design did you like the best? One of the pastel kitchens? Comment and tell me which one was your favourite. And, while you’re at it – do you have any more suggestions for retro kitchen style?

35+ Butler’s pantry ideas – kitchen pantry cupboards, small butler’s pantry designs

Enjoy extra space with a handy place to prepare drinks and store your linen, glassware and cutlery!

35+ Butler’s pantry ideas – kitchen pantry cupboards, small butler’s pantry designs

Butler’s pantries used to be a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich. Think waitstaff, polished silverware, fancy serving pieces – basically something out of Downton Abbey. And in fact, the butler’s pantry was originally introduced as a place where the butler would sleep to guard expensive pantry items against thieves.

Butler’s pantries have come a long way since then. They’re no longer a status symbol for the elite but a practical addition (read: must-have) to a lot of modern homes. They are usually positioned just beside the kitchen or dining room and are used to prepare meals, as well as to store extra kitchen items.

Inside, you’ll generally find a countertop and cabinets for holding serving pieces, as well as tableware, wine glasses, linen, candles, and other decor items. Sometimes, butler’s pantries can include an additional sink, dishwasher or refrigerator. And they can even be transformed into laundry spaces. There are just so many uses and that’s why I’ve put them all in the one spot for you.

Types of butler’s pantries

You may be surprised that there are so many different types of butler’s pantries and the type you choose will depend entirely on what you are trying to achieve with your space and your home’s style. One of the most popular types is the walk-in butler’s pantry, which you can construct by enlarging an existing food pantry.

Another option is to convert a small hallway between your kitchen and dining room into a practical pantry. If you want privacy, you can create a butler’s pantry with swinging or pocket doors, a screen, or sliding panels. You can even hide your butler’s pantry by creating a false back wall in your kitchen or dining area.

So if you’re thinking of adding a handy butler’s pantry to your home, I’ve done the digging for you and found 35+ butler’s pantry ideas – we’re talking kitchen pantries, small butler’s pantries, handy privacy hacks and more. Read on to be inspired!

1. Make the most of your space

A butler’s pantry is the perfect example of a room that needs to use every inch of space to its advantage – no corner should be spared! Optimal use of space is exactly what you want to achieve when you create a butler’s pantry. Think plenty of closed cupboards, floor-to-ceiling open shelving, a handy chalkboard for displaying a calendar and weekly chores, a mounted holder with space for important documents, a hook to hold reusable shopping bags…keep things neat by ensuring everything has its own designated space.

2. Go for open shelving

While cupboard doors are great for hiding any mess or mismatched items, it can be frustrating when you can’t see what’s inside them! But in a butler’s pantry, your items are out of sight in another space anyway. So this is the perfect room to completely fill with open shelving. With an open shelving design, you’ll be able to see exactly where your coffee, tea, fruit, flour, snacks,  bottles of wine, and kitchen appliances are, which makes it so easy for entertaining!

scandi-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

Because a butler’s pantry can be a unique size, it’s a good idea to look into custom shelving professionals who will be able to help maximise the space that you have available.

3. Display your glassware

Butler’s pantries are the perfect place to store your precious glassware because when they’re hidden behind a door, they’re out of sight from tiny hands that might try to pull them down! And the last thing you want is a crashing glassy mess on the floor. Instead of taking that risk, display your wine glasses, tumblers and other glass serving items on open shelves in the safety of your butler’s pantry. They’ll not only sit safe, but they’ll also look beautiful too should any guests wander in!

contemporary-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Prydumano Design on Unsplash

4. Hidden behind a door

Keep your butler’s pantry completely separate from the rest of your kitchen by hiding it behind a door. This allows for extra privacy. This is especially handy when you’re entertaining. If you have a mess, you can simply shut the door and keep people out!

5. Baskets

There are few things more frustrating than a messy pantry full of random items. This not only makes your kitchen feel drab, but it makes it really difficult to find what you’re looking for when it comes to cooking time. Keep everything organised with handy steel baskets. And arrange your open shelving by sections. In other words, dedicate each section to a different category of food – be it pasta, breakfast items, rice or spices. Arrange your pantry this way and you’ll feel instant relief!

6. Classic grey

You can’t go wrong with a grey kitchen and butler’s pantry. It’s a safe choice that’ll never date and it looks lovely paired with white and neutral shades.

butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash

7. Lines and shapes

Your butler’s pantry should be a place where you can have fun with your design. Play around with interesting shapes, colours, patterns and textures!

8. Keep everything organised

Because your butler’s pantry is out of view, it can be easy to let it turn into a big mess. Avoid making this mistake by storing all of your non-perishable items neatly displayed in glass or plastic canisters. This is not only practical because you can see what’s inside each one, but it’s also a really simple way to keep everything organised. So next time you purchase nuts, flour or any other pantry items, remove them from their packets and place them into see-through containers straight away.

9. Traditional timber

If you want to go for a really traditional butler’s pantry, then you can’t go wrong with classic timber. This timber shelving with its brick background looks gorgeous peeping through the open doorway in this home. Timber shelving is also a style that’s easy to pair with other elements and decor – so you just can’t go wrong with it!

butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

10. Luxury finishes

Move over mediocre butler’s pantries – make a statement with a traditional and ornate style of décor with plenty of luxe finishes. Maybe it’s beautiful brass finishes, glass light fixtures, subtle patterned wallpaper, or super sleek kitchen cabinets.

11. Glass cabinet displays

If you’ve got the space, then why not add extra glass cabinets on the exterior of your butler’s pantry. You can do this by installing them on either side of the door. This is a great place for displaying treasured kitchenware or for putting decor on show.

12. Wall lamps

It can be easy for your butler’s pantry to turn into a dark hole at the back of your kitchen. Don’t let this happen! Install handy wall lights, like these sconces, to keep the light shining bright in your butler’s pantry.

butlers-pantry-monochrome-minimalist
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

13. Strip lighting

Or, if you don’t have any sources of natural light in your butler’s pantry, you might like to light the space up by installing strip lighting underneath your cabinets. This will brighten up your bench space, so you can see what you’re doing while you’re preparing food.

14. Timber shelving

Create contrast in your butler’s pantry with gorgeous timber shelving. This looks especially great if you have an all-white background. Once you’ve got your shelving in place, fill up the layers with all sorts of things – from serving dishes and jugs to glassware to jars filled with non-perishable pantry items.

butlers-pantry-neat
Source: Photo by Lasse Jensen on Unsplash

15. Wine holders

Your butler’s pantry is a handy spot to prepare for entertaining, and nothing makes it more practical than a dedicated space to store wine bottles. This makes life easy when it comes to entertaining. All you need to do is pull out a fresh bottle and prepare the drinks on your butler’s pantry bench.

16. Consistent style

If you want to create the same look and feel throughout your kitchen and butler’s pantry, then choose the same colours and finishings for both spaces.

17. Glass doorway

Instead of hiding your butler’s pantry away completely, keep it open by installing glass panels and a glass door. This not only looks interesting but it opens up your space to make it appear larger than it is.

18. Coastal white

Make your butler’s pantry light and bright with a white on white style. It’s a design that’s always fresh and beautiful. If you want to create a bright white space, start with white timber for your cabinets and walls, use marble for your countertop, and install white steel or timber open shelving for displaying your kitchenware.

19. Hide your appliances

A butler’s pantry is the perfect place for putting away your appliances and your extra mugs, cups and kitchenware that you don’t use on a daily basis. Where you may not like to keep your appliances on display in your kitchen, you can keep them out all of the time in your butler’s pantry, because the room is out of sight.

classic-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash

If you’re looking to tie in your butler’s pantry design with your kitchen cabinetry, here are some great kitchen storage ideas that may help in the design process.

20. Reflective tiles

When it comes to design, it’s important to optimise light – especially in a small space. Reflective tiles, mirrors and windows will allow you to do this. I love shiny tiles in this butler’s pantry – they bounce light around the room, giving the illusion that the space is larger than it really is.

21. Flooring

When designing your butler’s pantry, you can’t forget about the flooring. My favourite part of this space is the classic chequerboard flooring. It adds a lived-in farmhouse feel to this vintage style butler’s pantry.

retro-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

Just don’t forget that you should continue whatever material you have for your kitchen flooring into your butler’s pantry for continuity.

22. Contrasting colours and materials

If you prefer to create a clear distinction between your kitchen or dining room and your butler’s pantry, install statement doors, such as black steel ones. This is a really great way to use modern kitchen design flow through to other spaces. I love how they provide a stark contrast to the rest of a space which uses soft neutrals like grey, marble and white.

23. Install a fridge

If you have a large space for your butler’s pantry, why not add in a fridge? This is a great way to hide your fridge away from the front-facing area of your kitchen. It’s a useful addition to your butler’s pantry because it provides easy access to cooler products, which is handy when preparing food and drinks for your guests!

butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Ceyda Çiftci on Unsplash

24. Interesting cabinetry

Cabinets are just cabinets – or are they? While they serve a practical purpose in keeping your glassware and plates and bowls safe, this doesn’t mean they have to be boring. In fact, you can make a statement with your cabinet design by choosing interesting, unusual ones. It’s ideal if your butler’s pantry isn’t hidden away behind closed doors.

25. Exposed brick

This kitchen is a mix of traditional and rustic styles. And exposed brick is all the rage right now. So, if you have it in your home – make the most of it by allowing it to shine as a feature wall.

butlers-pantry-with-brick-feature-wall
Source: Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels

26. Butler’s tray

If you like a good breakfast in bed, then you should keep a butler’s tray handy at all times. This makes it easy for transporting food to the bedroom, or for carrying cups of tea and plates full of food to other parts of the house, without having to make multiple trips back and forth.

27. Deep teal green

If you want to choose a darker colour, then you should consider this deep teal green. It adds so much depth to your butler’s pantry. Plus, you can dress it up with touches of timber and brass lighting. It’s simply gorgeous!

colourful-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by 43 Clicks North on Unsplash

28. Fun wallpaper

If you’ve always wanted to experiment with a fun print, your butler’s pantry is the perfect place to do this. It’s hidden away, so the design doesn’t have to match the rest of your house. Inject a whole lot of life into your butler’s pantry with a beautiful design, such as a watercolour-style wallpaper. The pastel shades will brighten up a simple butler’s pantry and add detail that’ll have your guests exclaiming “wow!”.

29. White and timber

This is my favourite design of all! As a colour scheme it’s pretty simple – keep everything white and add touches of rustic wood and brass where you can. Even better if your butler’s pantry has an exposed timber beam – this adds to the natural look and feel of the space.

Here’s another 100 kitchen ideas that will just send your creativity into overdrive!

30. Light it up

Make your butler’s pantry glow with built-in lighting in your shelves. This design incorporates handy strip lighting in the upper shelving to help you find your items, light up your space and provide much-needed ambience.

butlers-pantry-with-lights
Source: Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

31. Tiny tiled splashback

Just as you can incorporate a fancy splashback in your main kitchen, you can also install one in your butler’s pantry. This splashback is the perfect choice for this dark butler’s pantry design, adding brightness.

dark-butlers-pantry
Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

I think an eye-catching splashback can really make a room pop, so if you’re looking for some more inspo here are plenty more kitchen splashback ideas.

32. Grey and black

This is a timeless colour combination that will look great wherever you use it – whether in your main kitchen or hidden away in your butler’s pantry. I love how grey and black work so well with the blue kitchenware. So, if you’ve got a grey and black colour palette, fill your shelves with blue-and-white china and ceramics!

33. Scandi-style

If you don’t have a lot of extra room for an entire butler’s pantry, you can use clever custom joinery, like in the kitchen space of this revamped Scandi-style home. This creates a separate pantry nook and additional prep-space, which is handy for when you have guests around.

butlers-pantry-entrance
Source: Photo by Ярослав Алексеенко on Unsplash

34. Add a skylight

Let the light in with a stunning glass skylight. This is a great option for a hallway-style pantry or if you are using lots of dark timber and finishings which can easily make your pantry feel small and dark. But the addition of natural light opens up your pantry and makes it look and feel warm and bright.

35. Farmhouse sink

Make your butler’s pantry extra practical with a large farmhouse sink. This will perfectly suit your farmhouse kitchen as well and allows your interior design to flow through the home. If you intend to choose any luxurious additions to your pantry, you’ve got to choose a sink. This provides an extra place to wash up your dirty dishes, and to clean your hands while you’re preparing food.

36. Butler’s pantry meets laundry

If you have a small home, or if you live in an apartment, then you might want to consider merging your butler’s pantry and laundry. This is a handy use of space. You can display your washing machine and dryer, as well as kitchen appliances like your toaster, kettle and coffee maker. Inside the cupboards, you can hide away your cleaning products and kitchenware.

combined-butlers-pantry-and-laundry
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

That’s the round-up of 35+ butler’s pantry ideas. I’ve covered everything from handy kitchen cupboards to small butler’s pantry designs to hidden privacy features and so much more. And I’ve shown you so many different types of butler’s pantries in a range of styles to suit your home design.

Comment and tell me which design was your favourite. And if you have any other ideas for butler’s pantry designs, comment and share them too!