We hope you read our feature on kitchen trends last week!  We briefly touched on the point that kitchens are another living space in your home and thus should be treated as one. This week we want to delve further into that idea with a few tips of how to transform kitchens by giving them an unexpected style upgrade. (Its not all about the units and countertop you know!)

It doesn’t matter if your style is contemporary, country or classical; your kitchen big or small, these pointers can be integrated into any space.

Rugs for us are such an important decorating tool. We sound like a tape stuck on repeat, but seriously, if you put them in the kitchen it takes the space to new heights giving it such a luxurious vibe. Kitchens often times feel super utilitarian and rugs are the quickest way counteract that.

Have some fun with the wall space by using some wallpaper, black board paint or a textured wall finish. There is no need to have units floor to ceiling on every wall space, rather keep some “free areas” to play. Pattern and texture on the wall will give the kitchen an instant personality, whether on a single feature wall or the whole space….

You guys are going to get bored of us saying this, as we drum on about it ALL the time, but our biggest tip is putting a pendant light normally reserved for the living room into the kitchen….. Automatically it diminishes that sterile feel and adds such a beautiful twist. There are so many options available out there in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials, so take some risks and it will pay off.  (A chandelier juxtaposed against high gloss modern units :Magic!) Playing around with lighting so you have a room that is practical when you are chopping and sautéing, but intriguing and romantic when you dim is the goal. (If you a regular reader  you’ve most definitely heard that here before!)

There is nothing better than open plan storage in a kitchen (any room for that matter!) Open shelving is always great since it immediately adds a bit of personality. (TRADE TIP: if you paint the shelves the same colour as the walls then anything you put on them will pop and look way more fabulous than it really is!) So add shelves if you can! Failing that crates, baskets, trolleys… whatever you have to store items visibly! It will help up the ante in the style department big time, and again, add some personality to the space.

Most kitchens today have a breakfast bar or some form of dining surface/seating area. A great way boost the style ratings is to  play around with the chairs. Source something interesting that will contrast (key word) with the rest the  of the kitchen. To illustrate, if you have very slick units go for something natural. If you have timber units or a very natural scheme, then go for something very modern and slick. Mix and match, be bold. Here you have a real opportunity to add some interest to the space.

Lastly, artwork is another instant way of transforming your ‘kitchen’ into a ‘living’ space. Art is so subjective, so whatever your preference of media or subject matter is, you can’t go wrong here. The point is that artwork adds another dimension to the space and makes it so much more personal and ‘lived in’.

Its all about the unexpected and little surprises that make an interior interesting and a kitchen should be no different!

Some more inspiring images below….

Give us a shout if you need some help transforming your kitchen. Whether just some advice on getting a new rug or fresh coat of paint, or else a new design, transforming the whole space – StylEAST can help you~!