I have a feeling I’ll be featuring a lot of Alvhem properties in the coming weeks, but I wanted to start with this modest, modern flat. The kitchen is small, but perfectly formed. Tiled walls are a recent obsession of mine, and this yellow-and-blue curved one really takes the cake.

The tiles continue to the wall from the backsplash, giving the impression of space and movement. I love how the kitchen accessories pick up on the shades in the tiles, and how the whole thing is reflected in the modern light fixture. Overall, this is a small, modest kitchen that really packs and modern punch.

Doesn’t it seem like walking into a Bison store would be a multicoloured dream come true? I love how fashion-led the products seem; they even have a colour palette which changes yearly! I’m feeling the greens, greys, and forget-me-not blue… you?

As much as I love my clean white kitchens, this place just puts a smile on my face. The combo of light blue and dark red isn’t so much “Stars and Stripes” to my eyes as reminiscent of Cath Kidston, queen of retro prints. These colours are perfect for this space’s retro theme, carried through by the vintage-style appliances and bright red accessories. I also love the subtle patterns at play here- see how the mini-tile backsplash interacts with the striped tea towel?

See all the kitchen photos here, and the rest of Tim and Sarah’s charming house here.

Clockwise from top left:
Dunclare Black Dining Collection
Maynard Canister
Theberton Prep Bowls
Dunclare Pink Dining Collection
Serving Tray
Maynard/Sixty 2-Tier Tray
Dunclare Black Large Tumbler
Sixty Melamine Platter

Spring might be around the corner, but there’s still soup to be eaten. I’d like mine from one of these heavy soup bowls, please:

I love the colour and shape of these egg cups, too:

There’s something so lovely and retro-but-modern about these coffee mugs. I like the squat shape and the graceful dripping glaze:

Nesting bowls are always useful for prep and serving, and this striped set is pure country kitchen:

This blue serving bowl is my favourite item. The colour is to die for and the shape modern and understated:

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)

I love the photo styling of this vintage gold pyrex dish from tinsel and twine:

Adventures in Vintage offers up this fab retro Thermos pitcher:

A cute enamel teapot in a sunny hue, from Sweetshorn Vintage:

funretro‘s yellow and chrome step stool would help me reach the upper cupboards and look cute in my kitchen:

For those who really like yellow, Macho Machismo has a 16-piece dinnerware set:

All the colour and pattern speak of Sanna’s work as an illustrator, as well as her Finnish heritage. I love the open shelving by the seating area, perfect for displaying all those fun pieces. Still, it’s hardly cutesy; the exposed beam and professional stainless equipment give the space a serious industrial qualityl. All in, I think this place has a wonderful European vibe that’s fun, laid-back and practical, too.

Be sure to check out the rest of this fab home, too.

lyn swan

I love the colour of these mini balloon bowls:

The larger balloon bowl in white is special, too:

What a lovely petite porcelain cup… perfect for an espresso:

Check out this sculptural watering can:

I covet this cheerful green tray. Perfect for cookies or other nibbles:

clayswan

If you’ve been searching for a salt pig, then search no further. I love this bright yellow one:

How perfect is this JUNK vessel for storing pencils and other items?:

I dig the fluidity of this creamer and sugar bowl set:

This teal vase would be lovely with or without flowers:

These two tiny trays are perfect for serving or storing:

Steve, an interior designer, says that he is “inspired by colour”, which is pretty evident from this space. I love the mustard cabinets and the aqua ceiling; together with the French grey walls, darker grey floors and stainless steel appliances, they make quite the modern statement. I also like how Steve has so much art in the space, the colours in which work perfectly with the decor.

Looking at these photos (you can see more of them, including “before” shots on The Kitchn’s post), I’m had a revelation of sorts. I think the defining factor in making a kitchen look “modern” is lack of overhead cabinets- bare walls or simple shelves are just so much cleaner, don’t you think? I’m wondering, though, how one goes about reconcilling the desire for a modern space with the need for storage. One to ponder, definitely.