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The kitchen is the undeniable hub of the home. It’s where we whip up breakfast, entertain friends, and, if we’re lucky, idle by as your significant other makes dinner for the night. With it being a space that holds such importance, it’s crucial that its aesthetic be one that fosters warmth and happiness. Finding ourselves in constant need of inspiration, we went digging through our archives (and our Pinterest boards) in search of fresh and stylish kitchen design ideas. Read on to see the spots we can’t stop thinking about and the lessons we learned from each.

The Pink One

One thing Studio DIY blogger Kelly Mindell and her husband, Jeff, can agree on? Decorating with the color pink—this warm blush shade completely opened up their 120-square-foot galley kitchen. For the backsplash, they chose textured Zellige tiles as an alternative to standard subway tiles.

The Splashy One

With a “1960s ski party” vibe, Claire Thomas went full retro with avocado green and peachy pink tiles in the kitchen of her Big Bear cabin. Instead of covering the entire wall, the Kitchy Kitchen cofounder made the most of her budget by opting for a smaller statement backsplash.

The One Where the Range Is the Center of Attention

We can’t decide which we love more: designer Dee Murphy’s glossy green range or the fact that she peppered the shelves above with decorative treasures usually found in a living room. If your kitchen is running low on character, an oil painting may be what’s missing.

The One With a Knockout Island

Aelfie Oudghiri’s breezy blue island is the perfect example of an unconventional way to introduce a pop of color into your kitchen. Its dramatic waterfall design and accompanying cobalt faucet make for an epic high-contrast moment.  

The Classic One

Black and white can work wonders for a small kitchen—just take this Sydney bachelor pad designed by Jillian Dinkel. Going dark on the bottom cabinets and lighter on the upper ones makes the ceilings seem higher than they actually are. Trailing greenery adds to the illusion.

The One by the Lake

In this lake house by Studio McGee, matte black pulls find their perfect match: sage cabinetry. The calming hue is a fitting pick for a space with gorgeous woodland views.

The One Where Classic Materials Meet Clean Lines

Note the juxtaposition between the old and the new in this Scandi-chic kitchen, where mid-century mod cabinets and a sleek marble backsplash peacefully coexist.

The One for Entertaining

Consider this space by Tonya Olsen Design incentive for matching your kitchen island to the floors. Set against a serene white backdrop, the depth of the warm wood takes center stage (but not in an entirely overwhelming manner).

The Minty Fresh One

This dreamy kitchen states the case for monochrome living, and we’re all about it. Should you need an incentive to finally make the move and embrace that fresh paint color you’ve been eyeing, consider this it.

The Cozy Cabin One

The key to making a dark kitchen work lies within a curated palette and pared-down approach to the decor. Take cues from this mod-meets-rustic spot, where the hunter green hue reserved for the cabinets comes paired with a streamlined white countertop, bucolic wood flooring, and a handful of earthy elements that seal the deal.

The Boho One

It should come as no surprise that Justina Blakeney’s kitchen is replete with as much color as is strewn across her Instagram feed. From the tangy orange backdrop to the oh-so-chic Smeg refrigerator, this room is a true lesson in decorating with color.

The Old-World Glam One

Pink and green make for quite the complementary pair–even when it comes in the form of an untraditional scheme. In this elegant yet rustic kitchen, a green subway tile backsplash highlights the saturated wall paint, setting the backdrop for the eclectic decor of the space.

The One That Nails Monochrome

Leave it to Leanne Ford to serve up a whitewashed kitchen that’s anything but boring. Simple light wood details and a Pin-worthy lighting situation instantly elevate this bright and airy room.

The One Drenched in Natural Light

Black herringbone flooring, steel-paned windows, and deep teal cabinets complete this utterly dreamy indoor-outdoor kitchen. The abundance of natural light streaming in extends an ethereal detail to the space.

The Perfectly Imperfect One

Out with the new, in with the old. Situated in Sonoma’s newest scribe winery, this stunning spot comes complete with patina copper cookware, bold marble counters, and a rustic dash of blush on the walls.

The Beachy-Chic One

If only every beachy kitchen looked like this. We’ll take mint green accents, woven pendant lamps, and white cabinetry over nautical nods any day.

The Teeny-Tiny One

Photography by STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON

Is there anything more perfect than a kitchen sink filled with flowers? Thomas O’Brien’s historic Long Island home embodies the charm of a rustic French cottage. A vibrant area rug injects a hint of color, while an eclectic array of glass vessels and vases elevate the homey design.

The One With a Major Tile Moment

Blush-toned kitchens are having a moment, and this ultra-chic kitchen makes quite the case for embracing the trend in your space. Offset the femininity of the shade with a bold backsplash, and complement the look with an eclectic slew of found objects and leafy plants.

The Lofted One

White brick can balance out the sterility of an exclusively stainless steel setup. In this home, stained wood floors and a bounty of potted greens contribute to the cozy aesthetic, while a pink-tiled backsplash lends a subtle pop of color.

The One That Delivers on Drama

Moody greens combine with matte black accents and a rustic design aesthetic in this French country–inspired kitchen. Consider this proof that mixing and matching within a moody palette can be done.

The One That’s All About the Island

Bring in an unexpected pop of color to a stark-white kitchen, creating a dynamic vibe that’s both lively and bright. The saturated hue of these leather counter stools provides an effortless complement to the stained wood flooring, drawing the eye away from the exclusively whitewashed scheme.

The One With a Decked-Out Breakfast Bar

Courtesy of MUUTO

Stools can make or break a kitchen’s aesthetic, so select wisely. Opt for a style that not only complements the kitchen’s decor but also offers a subtle element of contrast. Here’s your chance to get creative with color or materials.

The Minimalist One

We’re loving these delicate wood veneer cabinets and the way they impart this modern kitchen with warmth and character. Springing for stained wood cabinets? Balance out the look with a marble backsplash and a streamlined structure.

The One That Doubles as a Dining Room

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle

There’s nothing snoozy about an all-white kitchen when you have high-contrast moments and accent pieces that double as showstoppers in their own right. In this mod Brooklyn home, streamlined details and a reserved palette with vibrant pops of natural color establish a bold dose of character and style.

This story was originally published in April 2017. It has been updated with new information. 

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