I like this space primarily for one reason: it’s a great example of how to have a pretty and practical kitchen on a budget. Not including appliances, the budget for this space was approximately $1000, which isn’t bad considering how great it turned out. I like the freestanding units and how well they co-ordinate with the appliances; the result is a look that’s modest, considered, and somewhat industrial in feel.

The open shelving turns Anna’s everyday plates, bowls and cups into display items, which is a great idea for those of us with limited cupboard space. Other than a great print over the stove and a simple floral tea towel, there’s minimal “fuss” in this space. A well-edited collection of useful items (it helps to have a consistent “pop” colour; in this case red) is all this space needs for maximum visual impact.

Be sure to check out Anna’s inspiring blog, as well as the tour of her home at Apartment Therapy.

First of all, I love the shade of green on the wall, and how well it sets off the white fridge, chandelier and shelves of crockery. The wooden table, wicker chairs and butcher-block counters are a natural fit with this look. Throwing in the slightly-unusual black cabinets and the retro checkerboard floor keeps the whole thing fresh and fun. Perfect for a creative office, yes- but I’d love it in my own home.

The two-tone tiled floor and the floral wallpaper should fight with each other, but they don’t. The addition of wood and lots of white keeps things bright and airy, and makes for a cheerful kitchen that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

From sarahleeab‘s photostream, this kitchen is minimalist and surprisingly light: 

I like the mix of industrial and country going on in this scan, from the now-defunct Domino mag, via Tammy Manet‘s photostream:

From another magazine no-long-with-us (House and Garden) and found on Farmhouse Modern, I adore this elegant space: 

Black floor and walls are made fun with the addition of bright yellow accents, in this space from Living etc: 

Not just black, but a mix of dark shades, this kitchen from Canadian House & Home manages to mix elegant, funky, retro and modern into one neat package: 

From the same source, this space is slightly more traditional, with a classic mix of black, white and stainless steel: 

Besides the obviously wonderful combination of warm wood, crisp white and touches of black, I think this kitchen works so well because of all the horizontal and vertical lines at play. The wooden ceiling and floor increase the sense of horizontal space, but thanks to all the tall, white-framed cupboards, the feeling isn’t at all stifling. I like all the built-in nooks and shelves, which are not only practical, but draw your eye across the width of the room.