This kitchen, in a Manhatten loft space and found via Martha Stewart Living, is a great example of blurred design lines. The vertical wainscotting, whitewashed floor and striped rug say welcoming country kitchen, but the ceiling-height shelving (complete with library ladder) is pure elegance. There’s even a hint of retro- check out that cute vintage stove in the corner!

Other great details include the small framed pieces of art (I love the one over the sink) and the dining chairs. All in the same style, each one is a different colour; if you look closely, you’ll see that those colours repeated elsewhere in the kitchen’s accessories, too. A great way to tie these seemingly disparate looks together.

I’m quite taken with this space from Swedish mag Hus & Hem. Insofar as I can tell (you know, not being able to read Swedish), it’s the Stockholm apartment of Jonas, a photographer, and Cattis, a stylist. But I don’t need to read Swedish to understand that this couple and their home has style in spades; the kitchen alone is worthy of of a magazine feature.

Though a bit more utilitarian and spare than I normally gravitate to, this kitchen is fab in all kinds of ways. I love how the metal shelving serves as a freestanding wall of sorts, separating the kitchen from the dining space. That unit, and the one over the sink, turn ordinary bottles, plates and glasses into a display feature, yet the space doesn’t appear busy. Instead, it’s unified by a simple colour scheme of black, white, grey, metal and wood.

That simplicity hides some seriously luxe finishes, too. Those aren’t just marble countertops, but marble backsplashes. The lighting and well-considered seating (both at the bar and the dining table) both speak of elegance, as well. Sigh- it seems like the Swedes just do everything well, don’t you think?

Matt and Blair’s Fresh Retro Kitchen caught my eye when it was posted back in April. The colour scheme of red, aqua, black and white is pure retro, but looks fresh to the modern eye. The other details have the same classic-but-current vibe; the white goods, gorgeous original sink, and cheerful patterned curtains. The fact that this space is flooded with light is the icing on the cake.

For more photos, Matt and Blair blogged the complete renovation of their house at Tulane Rehab.

Obviously, I’m loving the colour scheme here. White, soft green, natural wood and carrera marble make for a soothing and sophisticated combination. My current favourite detail, the tiled wall, looks great here in a subway tile with variation and depth. Some considered lighting, modern chairs and a few green accessories complete the look.

The kitchen is a slightly different space, though. Oh, it’s still elegant and quirky, but here is where the industrial warehouse aesthetic really shines. I love the (original!) metal door leading into the room, not to mention the vintage rolling ladder along the (cookbook?) wall. I also like the trio of retro pendant lights over the island, which together with some well-placed cast iron cookware, add colour to the room.

Overall, this is a room I’d love to cook in. It just seems so clean, bright, and user-friendly; exactly what a kitchen should be. Be sure to check out the rest of the home, too.

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.

Online design mag Lonny has been on the lips and screens of many design bloggers lately, having just released its fifth issue. I like Lonny for its individual approach, and for the fact that the products and interiors they feature are a little off the beaten track. While I love my mainstream design mags, I sometimes experience a sense of deja vu on opening one, and find that content gets passed around and resused.

While Lonny’s focus isn’t the kitchen, they do feature some nice ones in their gallery. I was particularly taken by this one, which struck me with its subtly elegant feeling:

This is a real “gown-up’s kitchen”, on a small scale. I think the gorgeous putty colour of the cabinets works so well with the stainless appliances and wooden floors. The art is framed and hung so beautifully- don’t the frames work well in the space?

The details here- rustic wooden chair, ethnic rug and glam mirrored backsplash all work to keep the space interesting. It’s not one style, but blends influences so seamlessly that on first glance, you think it is. Isn’t that what good design is all about, anyway?

No offense intended- I like a bit of country myself, especially when it’s paired with clean, modern lines or a rustic, vintage sensibility. But chintz, silk flowers and a cluttered-up countertop aren’t my thing. This kitchen, found via Hus & Hem magazine, is a perfect example of modern country. Charming yes, but twee? Not at all!

The country elements here are obvious- farmhouse sink, wooden units, touches of soft colour and wicker storage. What keeps it modern are the clean lines, abundance of white, open shelving and eclectic mix of accessories. I love the homey feel of this space, and can imagine whiling away hours cooking, reading or just hanging out here. Talk about a perfect country home.

When Inés bought her home, there was neither kitchen nor bathroom nor layout to speak of, so she was free to let her imagination run wild. I love the space that emerged, for its practical yet stylish nature. The white units, steel appliances and wooden countertops contrast so deliciously with the ornate mirror on the wall, and the cowhide rug in the adjoining living area.

But what I really love is the scale of this space. This isn’t a someday home, cavernous, it’ll-be-years-until-I-can-live-like-that kitchen. It’s real, approachable urban living. That just happens to resemble a design magazine.

Also, check out the space-saving, extendable island; normally accommodating three people, an extra section can flip out to seat two more! Genius, no?

Not this space, though. Kingswood House from 1st Option has a great kitchen: modern and retro and strong and feminine, all at the same time. The first things I noticed were those fab industrial stools, and how well they go with the retro pistachio-coloured fridge.

I love the two striped rugs in this space, too. Bold and unexpected, they keep all the pastel touches from looking too sweet. The floating units also work well. The whole feeling of this space would be somehow different if they were built-in, don’t you think?

Of course, these photos are styled to perfection- right down to the gumball machine and retro tea towel. Still, I’d have to consider this space if I do in fact win the lottery this week.

What do you think of Kingswood House?