Swedish mag Skona Hem has some pretty cool kitchens on their site right now, and this lovely one particularly stood out to me. Now, I know what you’re all thinking-that I’m getting tiresomely predictable. Ooooh, Ele- it’s white with wood countertops and stainless appliances! Whatever will you throw our way next? But hear me out- this space has a few subtle differences that keep it from being just another white kitchen.

The first thing I noticed was those chairs- we get so used to seeing an old, worn wooden table surrounded by modern chairs, so this simple inversion of the formula looks fresh. You’ll notice that the wood is the exact shade used on the countertops, an old decorator’s trick for mixing styles while keeping things consistent.

A standing unit, whether antique or modern, means that open storage isn’t so open, and helps add character to the room. I think the black really makes the white dishes pop, don’t you think?

I think my favourite feature is the tiled wall. Regular square tiles are arranged like subway tiles for a look that’s one part modern and one part classic.

Ok, I told you they were subtle differences.