Kitchen
Here’s another example of how metallic surfaces allow you to play with contrasts. The benchtop, sink and splashback in this kitchen are made from copper that will form a beautiful patina over time. The striking shine on the surfaces here sits next to matt, colour-washed wood, which helps to highlight the gleam of the finish above.
… while pristine benchtops and open shelves, styled to perfection, will give your kitchen a polished look that’s chic and sophisticated.
Pegboard beside fridge
Pots & pans hanger on the outside of the fridge cabinet
Cafe table A petite cafe table, just the right size for one or two, makes a très chic spot to enjoy your morning latte and croissant. Pair a marble-top restaurant-style table with black chairs in a modern shape, or with classic bentwood seats.
Antique addition The kitchens of true country farmhouses were often a mishmash of cabinets and stand-alone hutches. This kitchen has captured the look and feel nicely with that lovely repurposed sideboard.
Blackboard on back of door to laundry
Marble Few materials offer the subtle beauty of marble. But it comes with a price, both in terms of cost and maintenance. Etching from lemon juice, alcohol or tomato sauce can wreak havoc on your precious marble surfaces. How often: Daily. Seal once a month. First, avoid acidic substances coming into contact with your benchtop. That includes cleaning products but also vinegar, lemon juice and bleach. To clean, just use mild soap, water and a nonabrasive sponge. At least once a month, experts recommend applying a spray sealer to help reduce stains and etching.
4. Tap into tile style Traditional handmade tiles lend a quirky, slightly old-fashioned feel to kitchens or bathrooms. These simply textured tiles have clearly been made by human hand, not machine, and are all the lovelier for it. Look out for ceramicists you like to source handcrafted, one-off tiling. Anything that’s handmade tends to be more expensive than off-the-shelf versions, so consider tiling just a small area, such as a splashback above a basin, if you can’t stretch to a whole wall.
Aloe Vera: The aloe vera plant (Aloe barberae) is also known as ‘lily of the desert,’ the ‘plant of immortality’ and the medicine plant. The aloe vera plant has many healing benefits, including its ability to clean air. The gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and is also very effective at soothing burns, including sunburn. Ancient Egyptians recorded use of this herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. The leaves of this super plant can also help to alleviate asthma symptoms by boiling the leaves in water and breathing in the vapour.
Whitewashed floors, dark picture frames and peace lily. The peace lily is a survivor, producing much of its own food and sending forth creamy spoon-shaped candle-like flowers when it feels the urge. It’s lovely in the bedroom, where it is said to purify the air, and has a serenity that suits a quiet retreat. Prefers: A low-sunlight spot and a pot large enough for it to produce its abundant glossy foliage. Ensure soil stays moist but not soggy – investigate a self-watering device if you are going to be away for a while. Clip old leaves from the base to encourage growth. Hates: Extremes of temperature. Caution: Although it’s unlikely that a dog or person will chew on your peace lily, be aware the leaves are poisonous and the sap is an irritant.
Whitewash floor, cool grey cupboards
Stained wood floor
Reclaimed timber look
Slow the pace down with some earthy tones Cleansing organic tones such as blue-greys, earthy browns and botanic greens are making a comeback thanks to their restorative nature. Team with natural materials such as wooden farmhouse chairs or tactile linens for an instant relaxed feel. Extra points for upcycled items such as vintage apple crates.
Colour scheme
Natural tones and dark wall
Colour scheme and copper sink
Wood floor, white and marble
Splashback Since porcelain can be produced in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, it can also be used for vertical surfaces such as a kitchen splashback. Porcelain tiles can be used for a more decorative splahsback, or choose a slab option for a more seamless look.
The colour and design of porcelain slabs are integrated into the raw materials and therefore run all the way through the tiles or slab, rather than just coating the surface. This means the colour or pattern of a porcelain bench won’t scratch or wear off through use.
Kitchen bench The popularity of porcelain in the kitchen has grown immensely in recent years, becoming a sought-after option. Porcelain benchtops are heat-, flame- and stain-resistant and manufactured in a variety of thicknesses (even as small as 3 millimetres thick). Porcelain benchtops are also easy to clean and won’t scratch, so chopping can be done directly onto the surface.
Paneling under benchtop
Downstairs bench options
Presentation
Concrete benchtops
Storage drawers
Pull out bench seat
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