I was particularly thrilled with the April 2010 issue, which I picked up last week. A feature titled Kitchens for Cooks – How to plan your perfect work space was clearly going to catch my eye, and I wasn’t disappointed on reading it. I thought it might appeal to some of you kitchen-lovers, so here’s a sneak preview for you…

The article focuses on 12 kitchen design ideas, interspersed with useful information on choosing countertops, floors and appliances. Gorgeous photos, product comparisons and random tips (did you know it takes 10 minutes for an extractor fan to reach optimum strength?) mean the whole thing is chock-full of information.

Almost equal consideration is given to aesthetics and function, with the scale even tipping slightly toward the latter. I must say, it was refreshing to read an article that advocates keeping certain utensils, pots and pans out in plain view – you know, so you so can use them – rather than hidden away behind cupboard doors.

Of course, in typical design mag style, this article left me covetous. I’ve now added an induction range, a marble worktop section (for making pastry), and a hot water tap (to replace my space- and power-sucking kettle) to my “dream kitchen” list.

In addition to the kitchens feature, Living etc’s April 2010 issue had some good articles. I liked all four of the house tours and a sweet editorial called Living with Heirlooms. It’s on the newstands now, so if you’re in the UK, go pick up a copy!

First up, my all-time favourite. Smeg is an Italian brand that pioneered the fun-look, serious-performance fridge. With different lines to choose from, you can go for a sleek and modern locker-style number or the trademark 50’s-look model. I’m a fan of the latter, in white or cream.

An industrial-style fridge is always going to be a classic, and with good reason. Stainless steel works with many different interior styles, and adds a professional touch to a kitchen. I like the styles offered by German brand Miele, particularly the Grand Froid style, which would work for a large family.

Futuristic styles can be fun, too. The new Samsung by Gro fridge can be used horizontally or vertically, and the space-age styling would complement a super-modern, minimalist kitchen.

Probably the gold standard for designer refrigerators, Italian brand Meneghini makes unique models inspired by vintage iceboxes. Nigella Lawson has the cream one shown below, though I’ve got a soft spot for the tall, slim red model. Available to purchase at Robeys, the price (over 36K for the deluxe model) may make you think twice.

This kitchen is a little more grown-up and elegant than my tastes usually run, though I was still drawn to it immediately. It’s got the clean, white tiled look I love, with touches of stainless steel and wood for added interest.

The real success of this space is in the luxurious details. The marble counter top could make a convert of butcher block-loving me, and all the candlesticks add a certain ambiance. There’s even an aristocratic-looking portrait leaning against the backsplash. The glass-fronted cabinets are one of my favourite touches- check out the stunning silver locking mechanisms!

What do you think- does this space float your boat?

Vintage Industrial Egg Grading Scale

Vintage Springtime Collection of Cups

Vintage Peg Rack

Vintage and Antique Wooden Bowls

Vintage Pair of Sweepers

Vintage Cocktail Glass Set

Small Vintage Tin Baking Mold

Vintage Glass Decanter

White or coloured?

Traditional wisdom says that white is the only way to go. It’s clean, minimalist and shows off food to its best advantage. It certainly can be beautiful, as in the Sophie Conran for Portmeiron collection, used by my own stylish sister:

But white tableware can also scuff, scratch and stain easily. Luckily there are alternatives if colour (or practicality) is your thing. A beautiful neutral, as in this Vera Wang for Wedgewood Naturals range, can look lovely:

As can a fun or bold print. I like the graphic-yet-natural feeling of Rachel Barker’s range:

So, where do you fall on this debate? What do you look for in a set of tableware?

(All images in this post from John Lewis)

Today’s Etsy shops are those of one of my classmates, the multi-talented Bonnie of Going Home to Roost. Bonnie has an incredible three shops to her name:  Home to Roost, The Kitchen Roost, and Old Renewed. The latter offers lovely re-worked vintage prints in crisp white frames, but the first two are pure textile gorgossity (and right up my alley). Check out some of my favourite pieces from these fab shops.

I love the appliqué on this free bird reusable bag:

The tall tree organic tea towel is lovely, too:

I like reusable bags of all kinds, and this small produce bag with bird decal is no exception:

Another organic tea towel, there’s something so lovely about this carrots motif:

Not necessarily for the kitchen (perhaps in a breakfast nook?), I’m still loving the sentiment behind the felt-appliquéd water your garden cushion:

I’m a sucker for nice aprons, and with this adorable deer reversible apron, you get two for the price of one:

But while I surely dig wood, I’m not about to start endorsing any 80’s oak cabinet monstrosities. The trick is when and where to use it; nothing looks great in excess, after all. Here are my favourite ways to use wood in the kitchen. (All pics in this post from Living etc.)

Cabinets. This is a given, right? But there are so many options: dark, light, plain, panelled, upper, lower. I love the look of this kitchen, which has cabinets in a rich shade, but only lower ones, so the effect isn’t overwhelming:

Countertops. My hands-down favourite, and what I plan to do in my own space one day. Paired with white cabinets as in this space, the effect is modern classic at its best:

Island or butcher block. In a modern kitchen, this option is almost always a good bet. It can lend a refreshing country feel to even the most urban of spaces, as in this room:

Seating. In this otherwise white and minimal room, wooden stools add a touch of humanity:

Floors. Others can have their tiled, linoleum or concrete floors; nine times out of ten, I’ll take hardwood. The blonde wood in this kitchen fades into the background, while still adding warmth to the space:

Table. An oldie but a goodie. A big, wooden kitchen table works in any style of room, from industrial to retro and back again. This one looks perfectly at home in this bright space:

Well, I’m glad I did this time, because I think this room is gorgeous! It’s in what used to be an old printing factory, and though there’s only the one photo, it’s enough to get an idea of why (I think) it works so well:

Art. No overhead cabinets, not even any open shelving to muck up the flow of this room. Instead, a collection of art creates a gallery-like feeling, making this room just as atmospheric as any other in the house.

Retro touches. That vintage icebox, probably used as a cupboard of some sort, is divine. I love how it breaks up the white cabinets and sits front and centre, rather than off to the side.

Eclectic mix. I like how the table features both classic wooden chairs and industrial-style stools. A soft-glow, vintage-looking lamp sits on the countertop to the left, while a sleeker pendant hangs from the ceiling at the right.

Just the other day I was browsing the lovely Yvestown when I came across something I knew would be perfect for today’s post. Nina is a Dutch student, designer and craftsperson who has the loveliest Etsy shop. Working with new and vintage finds, she hand-paints ceramics, screen-prints, collages and takes photographs. Here are some of my favourite items from her shop.

I used to love making spirographs when I was little, and this spirograph bowl, made from a vintage piece, takes me back:

The lots of dots teapot has the most elegant 1960’s shape, contrasted with those fun polka-dots:

The dots and buntings sugar and creamer set might just be my favourite. I adore the shape of the pieces and the whimsical designs:

This folklore and fun breakfast set would be wonderful for a child. The traditional Dutch designs are original, while the dots and bunting are a fun addition:

There’s a wealth of design on this adorable cake plate set, from flowers to birds and bunting, too. I especially like the bright red dress on the cake plate:

Be sure to check out Nina’s blog and Flickr photostream, as well.