When it comes to decorating our home, we often take inspiration from around the world. At present in the UK, Scandinavian design is very much the centre of attention, most likely because IKEA is less than an hour’s drive away for most of us.
However, things become a little different in the kitchen, where we need much more warmth and comfort with our functionality. And when it comes to our kitchen, just like our cooking, we take inspiration from all four corners to satisfy our senses.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen and are seeking some countries for inspiration then look no further. Below you’ll find five of our favourite countries to use as an influence…
Italy
Renowned for its rich culinary tradition and vibrant flavours, Italian kitchens are well worth looking to as a source of inspiration. They’re typically characterized by their warm and inviting atmosphere and rustic charm.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, and terracotta are commonplace, while when it comes to color palettes, you need to explore earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and Tuscan yellow.
France
France is equally known for its cooking and the mastery of fine dining. However, in the kitchen at French homes, it’s all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, with the French farmhouse especially often having a unique rustic charm.
Here you’re looking at stone effect porcelain tiles on the floor, marble countertops and distressed wooden cabinets to add texture and warmth. Brass fixtures and ceramic tile backsplashes are also a key part of a French kitchen.
When it comes to color palettes, softer hues play a big part, with natural colors such as creams, pale blues, and sage greens providing a light and airy feel to the kitchen.
Spain
There’s something beautifully homely about a Mediterranean kitchen. They always feel comforted and well-loved. More and more British households are taking inspiration from the likes of Spain and Portugal, with their kitchens always quite eclectic.
Key traits are bold and vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and various patterns on tiles, such as floral motifs and geometric patterns.
Japan
Moving further afield, Japan is known for its minimalist aesthetic and precision craftsmanship. This is very much found in its kitchen, with an emphasis on natural materials and simplistic functionality.
When creating a kitchen inspired by the country, you need to focus on clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Natural materials such as bamboo, wood and stone can create a real sense of harmony, evocative of a Japanese kitchen, while sleek cabinets and hidden storage solutions keep the kitchen tidy and clutter free.
Morocco
Similar to Spain, Morocco offers that Mediterranean theme but with notes of the Middle East and Africa, too. Vibrant colors again play a big part, with bold patterns and ornate details.
Colors such as deep blue, emerald green, and ruby red can create a real sense of opulence associated with Moroccan kitchens, while again, motifs and floral patterns are a key part of creating focal points within tilings. Adding layers of texture, such as plush rugs and embroidered cushions, can also add a sense of warmth and comfort to the kitchens of the country.
