How to style your kitchen: top tips from an interior designer

At times we get a bit flustered by kitchen styling, as we get confused by what works best. To assist we chatted to interior designer Michelle Hart, owner of Bask Interiors, who shared her tips on how to style and easily update the look of your kitchen.

e&s: What are this season’s top looks and trends when it comes to styling your kitchen?

M: Leading into summer and the festive period I’m seeing a growing trend towards bolder colours. We’re turning to the deeper hues of gemstone colours including ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues and amethyst tones, and this is also reflected in kitchenware and appliances.

Natural materials are timeless and can add texture and warmth in a kitchen. For example, you can easily incorporate accessories like a wooden chopping board or a simple woven basket. If are working with a flat canvas, such as a white kitchen, a mix of marble, stone and timber can create warmth, character and texture.

e&s: Coming into summer what appliances and products are you seeing in kitchens?

M: When I was overseas recently, I saw red everywhere and now I’m finding this is subtly making its way into our kitchen, particularly with appliances. While people still love their monochrome kitchen appliances, they are getting braver and bolder in their colour choices. First we saw people using pastel colours, now they are incorporating bright reds, oranges and blues.

e&s: What ideas do you have for creating a festive vibe in the kitchen?

M: We are lucky to celebrate the Christmas and New Year period during summer and there are ways to incorporate a summery feel in the kitchen. I like to add foliage, including eucalyptus leaves, holly leaves or Australian native plants, such as the banksia which is one of my favourites with its vibrant red colour. You can add a festive touch of gold in the kitchen with candles or a statement bowl or plate. Appliance wise, KitchenAid have brought out metallic appliances which is a perfect festive addition to your kitchen.

e&s: What are some quick ways to update your kitchen’s style?

M: There are so many ways you can easily and instantly update your kitchen, without the need to undergo a complete kitchen renovation. With such a large range of tapware available, in different finishes and colours, you can change the look of your kitchen by simply adding a new tap. You can also change cabinet doors or the handles on your draws to update your kitchen’s look. Even rearranging the appliances on your kitchen bench, or introducing new appliances or kitchenware, can instantly update your kitchen.

e&s: What are your top tips for a clean and organised kitchen?

M:

• I am a big on keeping the bench clutter free and I try to avoid using my bench as a dumping ground. I know this isn’t always easy, but putting paperwork and mail out of sight is a quick way to remove clutter.
• Using containers is one of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen organised, especially in your pantry. You’ll know where to find things and it keeps the kitchen looking neat and tidy.
• If your kitchen has enough space, many people assign a designated area for a scullery, appliance cupboard or even a butler’s pantry. Although we don’t all have the luxury of space, perhaps there’s an area where you can keep your kitchen items organised in the one spot.
• A clean fridge for me is essential. Personally, I don’t put fridge magnets, bills etc on the fridge. I like to show off my fridge as they’re a pretty stylish appliance these days. If you have kids, I know it’s nice to stick their drawings up on the fridge, so it’s about finding balance I think and there’s ways of making this look neat.

What are the little things you can do to create a simple but stylish look this summer?

• Fruit bowl – a bowl of limes, cherries or lemons is an inexpensive way of adding a beautiful pop of colour.
• Greenery – a plant, live branch, foliage or bunch of herbs in a jug add life to your kitchen space. And makes the kitchen feel more alive and homely. In particular, I like the more hardy and succulent plants such as a hoya plant or devil’s ivy. I’ve noticed the Chinese money plant is starting to become popular. It’s a beautiful smaller plant that is quite rare and everyone is trying to get a hold of it at the moment.
• Chopping boards or a mortar and pestle – a simple kitchen accessory that you can place near your cooktop or against a splashback. You can also use a simple wooden utensil holder as an easy way to incorporate timber.
• Tea towels – there are some beautiful tea towels, linens and napkins available in a range of colours and patterns to bring in texture and colour to your kitchen.