As far as I’m concerned, there is just one word for this kitchen: awesome. It was the higgledy-piggledy collection of upper cabinets which first got my attention, but my eye soon wandered to other things: the sleek yellow lower cabinets, the bright vintage-y chaise, the touches of black which ground the space. The fact that this eclectic-yet-modern room has been installed in a period home (check out those lovely mouldings!) is the icing on the cake.

Photo from emmas designblogg, via From Scandinavia with Love.

Olaf Hajek is a Berlin-based illustrator with a decorating style equal parts minimal and quirky, both of which are apparent in his killer kitchen. I love the different materials used for the galley and island, which work together but create some interesting tension. The skirted sink is both industrial and sweet, and the small vintage side table keeps the whole place casual. Of course, the real star here is the blackboard wall; what an awesome idea for an illustrator! An changing gallery of work, and a great way to “zone” the kitchen in an open-plan space. The unexpected fluorescent lights are are the icing on the cake.

Be sure to check out the rest of this space, and the others on the Freunde von Freunden site.

While I can find plently of sets that I like, it’s hard to know which one to bring home. These days, mortars and pestles range from traditional marble and wood options to super-sleek ceramic shapes. Here are a few of my favourites; maybe you can help me out?

From top: Nigella Lawson Living Kitchen Mortar and Pestle, marble Pestle and Mortar from Jamie Oliver, Joseph Joseph Ceramic Mortar and Pestle, Oak and Stoneware Mortar and Pestle by Sagaform, Mason & Cash Ceramic Pestle and Mortar.

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.

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.

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.

These Candle Holders made of vintage baking tins are so sweet, I want a whole set:

The colours in these 6 Kashmiri Beakers are gorgeous- how perfect for a picnic:

For that same picnic, this hand-painted Tiffin would be great for storing food:

I’m pretty sure I let out an audible “wow” when I saw this retro Double Recycling Bin. What a stylish (and useful) addition to a kitchen:

How’s this for a cute and educational kitchen accessory- the Seasonal Guide Tea Towel comes in two options, Fruits & Vegetables and Wild Foods:

I think this Wooden Cabinet would be great in a kitchen; the wire front and sides make it useful for storing food, as well as crockery:

There are few words which, when combined, delight me so instantly and completely as the words “Paris” and “apartment”. The idea of a bijoux Parisienne dwelling, under the eaves of a centuries-old building, perhaps looking down on a bustling street or a tranquil courtyard, fills me with a romantic nostalgia so pure I can almost taste it. I’m not even all that bothered about Paris itself, to be honest. Just the apartments.

So I was always going to fall for this space, which was featured on Design*Sponge last week. The slanted ceiling, exposed beams, utilitarian surfaces and rustic feel combine to create an atmosphere so utterly charming that my heart’s all aflutter. It would be easy to channel Julia Child here, non?

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?

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: