Why, hello there! Sorry for the radio silence. We drove back from the Austrian Alps yesterday after a really fantastic week - it's just SO beautiful there! I loved spending so much time outdoors too. Something tells me it's going to be tricky to be at my desk all week (if it wasn't hovering around 5 degrees, I'd move it outside!!). Meanwhile, over in London, my Mother is renovating her kitchen after 30 years and freaking out. The latest is that she's opted for all white cabinets and marble countertops and is now worried the overall look will be cold and uninviting. This is not unfounded. After all, it's nice to go for a fresh, timeless look in the kitchen - but it does mean you need to work that bit harder to give it soul. The good news is, it's so simple, and doesn't need to cost the earth!
This kitchen in Gothenburg reminds me a lot of our summer cottage kitchen with its light grey Veddinge cabinets, brass knobs and marble worktop. It's a look that could appear cold, had it not been for some simple styling tricks. Here are 8 things I spotted:
1. Go potty over pottery: handmade ceramics are taking the interior world by storm right now - which makes my heart sing (along with all the talented ceramicists out there!). It's amazing how much warmth the textured surface can add to a kitchen.
2. Add a little vintage: Break up the walls and cabinetry with a touch of vintage. This vintage wall-mounted wine rack immediately conjures up visions of summers in the chianti wine region! Wooden shelves - like the ones made from old scaffolding boards in this London kitchen - can also work wonders.
3. Go tarnished: It's lovely to have gleaming worktops and super smooth cabinets, but it can start to feel a little cold with a super sheen tap too. I love something a little more tarnished like this brass one from Tapwell (we have the same one in our summer cottage kitchen) for contrast.
4. Leave the chopping boards out! I was chatting to a friend the other day who said their husband was such a neat nick that every time she gets home all the surfaces are completely empty (she then spends half an hour taking everything back out!). Look at any Scandinavian kitchen and you'll spot chopping boards stacked on the side, giving instant warmth! Source vintage ones here*. Herbs, and lovely rustic containers also help to give a kitchen that lived-in vibe.
4. Add a little rustic: How dreamy is this Swedish farmhouse table? It adds such a warm and inviting feel to the entire space. I also know that they're VERY difficult to find - and I did say 'instant' in the headline - so if you don't have one of these beauties rocking about, don't worry, rustic stools*, benches and even wooden bowls will do wonders for the space.
5. Linen love: I wax lyrical about linen all the time - so I'll keep it brief, I promise! Lovely earthy line aprons*, kitchen towels* and other items are perfect for adding a soft touch!
6. Vintage pendant light: I added a ship pendant just like this over the kitchen sink in our summer cottage kitchen and it totally transformed the space (I see they're currently selling them off in a sample sale here - hurry!).
7. Soften up with sheepskin: fluff up your chairs and make them a little more comfy with different types of sheepskin - from the super fluffy* to the super curly*!
8. Don't forget the art: adding paintings, prints and posters you love is a sure way to personalise the space.
Don't even get me started on that hallway - isn't it beautiful?!
Even as I went back to look through the pictures, I found a load more ideas, please feel free to add your own tips in the comments below, I'd love to hear them!
I hope that this post has helped anyone who is currently renovating a kitchen (my Mother included!) or simply looking to add a little warmth to your living space.
Speaking of lovely, cosy spaces, did you see the awe-inspiring private danish kitchen of the Noma head chef a few weeks ago? I'm still dreaming about it!
Have a great start to the week, it's good to be back!
Niki
This apartment is currently for sale via Entrance.
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