Kitchen

How to style the perfect kitchen

An interior designer demystifies the art of styling any kitchen layout
Shania Shegedyn

Whether your kitchen layout is galley, L-shape, island bench or peninsula, here are decorating tips from interior designer Greg Natale, who demystifies the art of styling each of these spaces.

Once your kitchen renovation is complete it may take some time before you’re comfortable styling the new space to reflect your brand-new lifestyle. We spoke to leading interior designer and author Greg Natale for his insider knowledge and any kitchen layout rules that apply. “The kitchen is much like the anchor point for the family,” says Greg. “It can serve as a great space for entertaining and working on your day-to-day errands.”

How to style the perfect kitchen
(Credit: Simon Whitbread)

“When styling a kitchen, it is important to consider how you will be using the room.”

Greg Natale, Interior designer and author

How to style up your kitchen with simple elegance

“Flowers and fresh produce on display are always a good idea,” suggests Greg. “I tend to encourage elegant arrangements that are a single flower type in a simple fish bowl style vase.”

“Fruit and vegetables in a large beautiful bowl are simple materials that complement the bench tops in the room while also bring life to the room. Cook books are also such an evocative styling device, too – they look beautiful and they belong in the kitchen.”

How to style the perfect kitchen
(Credit: John Downs)

Simple ideas for kitchen styling

“I believe keeping countertop appliances and cooking utensils predominately concealed is the way to go in a galley style kitchen,” says ILVE Appliances partner Greg. “A kitchen of any type quickly becomes cluttered, harder to keep clean and becomes a sea of cables when countertop appliances are all over the bench.”

“Peninsula kitchens, l-shape kitchens and island bench kitchens normally have more room to work with when it comes to styling. These spaces always need some lovely stools that sit perfectly against the bench top.”

“Don’t be afraid to work with pattern and texture”

“Tall empty vases with visual texture can give a kitchen depth against a splash back,” suggests Greg. “Since these spaces have an extended island, the spaces have more room to add, just be sure you don’t overcompensate and clutter them.”

  

You might also like:

Beautiful kitchens to lust over

Colour crush: Mint and marble with a touch of black

10 ways to use colour in the kitchen

Related stories