MODERN Family

The kitchen is the busy hub of every contemporary home: It's where everything from kids' homework to cooking for – and with friends happens. Here are a selection of our favourites

- ROBYN ALEXANDER

All White Now

Designed to invite the outside in and accommodate lots of small, sandy feet this open-plan kitchen and dining space, plus an adjacent lounge area, forms the heart of a peaceful weekend coastal retreat. It was briefed to the architect to be 'shed-like' by the owners, and the high windows between the exposed eye beams and roof make the sun and sky ever-present elements.

IN LOVE WITH LAYERING

Texture is key to making the space seem lived-in, with whitewashed and Iraw wood, and a shell light fitting, contributing a seaside element too. The sheepskins and cowhides add a further layer of comfort and warmth to the large room.

Colour Pop

In a spacious family home owned by two contemporary jewellery designers - which they share with their two lively young sons - the kitchen combines practical considerations with their penchant for creative display. The space is open plan leading to the dining area so that the cook can be part of the conversation even when he's at work behind the counter, and a range of artworks and collectables are combined with cooking essentials on the open shelves.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF COLOUR

Spacious kitchen storage cupboards are essential to a household that entertains family and friends at least once a week, while visual interest is added by colourful extras such as a blue Le Creuset kettle and a bright-yellow bread bin.

Diner Style

In a suburban home filled with children, it was the owner's needs that inspired many of the interior design decisions.