The kitchen is often trumpeted as the nucleus of the home. We agree wholeheartedly – but we’d go even further and say that, specifically, it is the table that is the heart, the place where conversation, both the stuff of daily life and the transformative, takes place – all, ideally, over a good repast or glass of wine.

If yours could do with an injection of style, fun or homeliness – or, simply, you just like browsing other people’s kitchens, in which case, we’re with you – have a peek at these beautiful examples on Pinterest and then shop the look.

Look One: Scandi Meets Baronial


Elle Decoration



Keeping rooms fresh and white is laudable, but can sometimes translate into featureless bland interiors, depending on the space and levels of natural light you have. And yet the right lighting, the precise shade of white (usually at the warmer end of the spectrum), some earthy wood textures, and a feature or two of interest can deliver the minimal into something truly inviting. We love this Scandi-style room, which is clean, spacious and uplifting.




Look 2: Modern Rustic


From Britain With Love



Many of us dream of farmhouse life. But no matter your actual house versus your dream one, you can always inject a little rustic charm to your home – and there is no better place to do so than in the kitchen.




Look 3: Country Life


House & Garden



It’s all about creating warmth in the kitchen – and good cabinetry does the job perfectly. We love this dresser that runs the entire length of the wall – it is useful, beautiful and makes us want to sit in the bosom of this homely yet elegant kitchen, chatting over pots of tea.




Look 4: Hygge Kitchen


House & Home



To us, hygge might be a trend. But to the Scandinavians, it is a lifelong pursuit of the warm, cosy and comfortably contented life. We love this Swedish kitchen, renovated by Berlin bloggers, Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann.




Look 5: Layered History


House & Garden



As this perfect Ben Pentreath scheme attests, it pays not to slavishly adhere to one period when it comes to decorating. We love the marriage of the Georgian with the mid-century modern and the industrial.



By Nancy Alsop
October 2022