SWEET as HUE

CREATIVITY CAN FLOURISH, EVEN IN SMALLER SPACES, THROUGH HARMONIOUS PATTERNS AND LIVELY COLOUR SCHEMES

- KAYLA WRATTEN

Never underestimate the design potential of a small kitchen, for what it lacks in size, it can make up for in personality. Think lashings of colour, scene-stealing wallpaper, character-filled treasures and antique furniture. Rather than shy away from a little nook or narrow kitchen, go overboard and inject the space with textiles that draw the eye, tiles that add texture, and artworks that tell a story. It is the heart of your home after all. We've put together pages of beautiful, intimate rooms to inspire your own kitchen composition.

Pattern play

This quaint breakfast nook (pictured on previous page) by interior designer Katie Rosenfeld puts a modern spin on traditional features, with floral wallpaper and a printed blind. A timber table also grounds the light-toned space and contrasts with the soft upholstery. Nostalgia abounds, without being kitsch.

Pride of place

"The kitchen is the best room in your home to display ceramics and porcelain, or to feature bouquets of flowers in ceramic jugs," says Penny Morrison, the interior designer behind this decorative kitchen. "We displayed our 'Green Summer Flower' ceramics (by Penny Morrison) on the pale green open display cabinet for an understated, elegant look. We then added pops of texture and colour with the glass hurricane lamp, red chequered ceramics and hanging copper pots." As for textiles, a patterned tablecloth welcomes blue into the space, while the dining chairs are upholstered in an abstract botanical design. But take care when upholstering, advises Penny. "It's always a good idea to use loose covers for chairs and pre-wash the fabric before making up to avoid shrinkage," she explains.

Butter it up