How to make the most out of your kitchen space

Country Charm: Painting a rustic kitchen cupboard can not only give it a new lease on life, it can also give a space a focal point. This baby blue vintage cupboard is used as a pantry and brings an important element into the eclectic kitchen and dining space. Photographer Jonathan Wherrett

Keep it Light: Natural light can make a room look bigger and of course, brighter. The double height ceiling space in the space is heightened by the significant amount of light entering the room. If you have limited windows in a kitchen, opt for lighting solutions that can replicate a similar effect. Photographer Jonathan Wherrett

Inject a Sense of Fun: Painting a wall in a kitchen with blackboard paint brings an element of fun to the space – you can also break up the large expanse of black by hanging artwork onto the painted area. Photographer Scott Hawkins

Warm Finishes: Keep the tones in a kitchen warm to create a warm and inviting space. This country inspired kitchen has embraced warmth through rammed earth walls, timber flooring and warm mustard coloured walls. Photographer Scott Hawkins

Embrace MinimalismL In a modern home, keep things simple in the kitchen. An abundance of over-decoration can easily clutter a space, especially a kitchen. Keeping kitchen elements in behind cabinetry doors means you can free up you counters and have more space to function. Photographer Scott Hawkins

Matching Decor: Match your kitchen joinery to the décor throughout your home, especially in an open plan kitchen. Matching tones in timber in joinery such as kitchen cupboards to existing furniture will make for a seamless aesthetic through a living space and a kitchen space. Photographer Maree Homer

Injecting Colour: Establish a sense of diversity within décor elements in a kitchen space. Contrast a vibrantly coloured splashback in a bold colour such as yellow, with a warm timber floor. You can also tie in the colour through your appliances and other decorative elements such as lighting. Photographer Armelle Habib