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Designing a Standout Kitchen: Texture, Colour & Personality

Writer's picture: MariekeMarieke

Creating a kitchen that’s both functional and uniquely yours is all about adding texture, colour, and carefully chosen details. It’s tempting to stick with neutrals, especially since kitchens are such an investment, but choosing a few bold elements can make your kitchen a show-stopper.


A well-designed kitchen should feel like more than just a workspace; it should inspire.


Modern kitchen with concrete counters, bar stools, and hanging lights. Large windows reveal lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere.

I get inspired by my travels and contemporary styles combined with vintage elements that never go out of fashion.


Here’s how you create a kitchen that stands out, weaving in these influences through thoughtful choices in tiles, bench tops, cabinetry, and appliances.


Starting with Texture and Colour: The Role of Tiles

Tiles are a versatile choice for adding texture and personality to a kitchen, especially in backsplashes and flooring.


For a backsplash, tiles with unique patterns, matte finishes, or bold colours can create visual interest without overwhelming the space.


Options like subway tiles, Moroccan-inspired patterns, and textured designs offer a subtle way to add character.


Woman cooking in a kitchen with blue tile backsplash, holding a pot lid and ladle, surrounded by ingredients. Modern and relaxed vibe.

For flooring, tiles that mimic natural stone or neutral encaustic patterns lend elegance without demanding too much attention.


However, in an open floor plan, be mindful when choosing tiles for the kitchen floor if other areas have different flooring, as this can disrupt the flow of the space. Tiles can serve as a foundational element, setting the tone for the entire kitchen design.


Picking the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Colour

Kitchen cabinets offer a world of colour possibilities, each setting a distinct tone for the space. While classic neutrals like white, grey, and beige are popular for their versatility, they can be a bit uninspired without an added wow factor.


If opting for neutrals, make sure to bring interest through other design elements, like bold backsplash tiles, unique textures, or statement lighting.


For a richer, more dramatic feel, deep tones like navy, forest green, or charcoal add sophistication, especially in larger kitchens where darker shades won’t overwhelm.


Modern kitchen with blue and white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a double sink. Bright lighting and minimal decor.

Bright colours such as teal, mustard yellow, or even pastel pink inject personality and energy, ideal for a cheerful, eye-catching look. Natural wood finishes bring warmth and texture, creating a grounded, elegant effect.


And for a stylish twist, two-toned cabinetry - like navy lowers paired with white uppers - adds depth and visual interest without overpowering the room. Each colour choice can transform the kitchen into a true statement space.


Modern kitchen with a marble backsplash, black oven, and wooden cabinets. Hanging plant, wicker basket, and pendant lights add decor. Cozy vibe.
My own kitchen has two-toned cabinetry

Benchtops: Practicality Meets Design

Benchtops can make or break the look of a kitchen. I lean toward lighter shades because they’re easy to keep looking fresh, but I don’t compromise on texture or veining.


Quartz and marble bring elegance and durability, while concrete or honed stone adds an industrial edge with a softer feel.


Hands hold marble samples on a desk with a laptop, phone, and architectural plans. Varied marble patterns include gray and black.

For a statement look, I sometimes extend the bench top material up the wall as a backsplash, creating a seamless, luxury effect that feels high-end.


While wood is a popular choice for its warmth, I avoid it for bench tops due to the maintenance involved - it’s beautiful but less practical in a high-traffic space. For more thoughts on this, I’ve written about why wooden counters don’t fit my kitchen-style philosophy.


Small Details, Big Impact: Cabinetry Hardware

Cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls are the small details that often make the biggest difference. They’re like the finishing touches that pull a whole look together.


I love experimenting with brushed brass and matte black finishes to give a modern touch to cabinetry, but I also enjoy the charm of vintage-inspired ceramic knobs or leather pulls.


Modern kitchen with white hexagonal tile backsplash, wooden stools, and a marble countertop. Appliances and colorful dishes add vibrancy.

Mixed metals can be beautiful if done with a purpose, creating depth and a sense of curation. The right hardware elevates even the simplest of cabinets, giving them a designer edge that looks both thought-out and timeless.


Appliances as Statement Pieces

Appliances are more than just practical necessities; they can be the design centrepieces of your kitchen. Investing in high-quality appliances not only enhances your kitchen’s functionality but also its style.


I see the range and the vent hood as key design elements. Sleek stainless steel, bold black, or even a coloured range can make a statement that elevates the whole space.


A custom vent hood, for instance, adds a sense of luxury and can be styled to suit any kitchen aesthetic - whether it’s minimalist or vintage.


Vintage kitchen with cream stove, pastel cabinets, and a checkered backsplash. Flowers in a jug add a fresh touch. Bright and cozy.

Quality appliances are worth the investment because they perform well and look stunning, adding to that "wow" factor without compromising on durability.


Modern kitchen with black cabinets, red cooker hood, and wooden countertop. Shelves hold dishes and mugs. Toaster, jars, and kettle are visible.

Soft Fabrics for Added Warmth

Bringing in fabrics is often overlooked, but they add an unexpected softness to the space. Linen or cotton blinds, particularly Roman shades, soften the light and add a warm, inviting feel without detracting from the overall design.


Modern living room with blue sofa, beige cabinets, and a table with yellow chairs. A vase with green plants sits under gold pendant lights.

In kitchens with a seating area, a few patterned cushions or a rug by the sink add a cosy touch, making the kitchen feel like a natural gathering space.


Modern kitchen with marble countertops, wooden cabinets, and a large window. Features a black stove, plants, pendant lights, and a rug. Calm ambiance.

Bringing Your Kitchen Vision to Life with Material Boards

A kitchen material board is a powerful tool for turning a concept into something tangible. By gathering samples of your chosen colours, materials, and textures, you can begin to visualise how they’ll work together in the final space.


Placing cabinet colours, tile samples, countertop materials, and hardware finishes side by side allows you to see how each element complements the others, helping you fine-tune your design choices before they’re set in stone.


material  board Maria Cristina Rinaldo 215465
Kitchen Material Board by IDI student Maria Cristina Rinaldo

This hands-on approach makes it easy to experiment with combinations and see the overall mood and feel of your future kitchen, ensuring that everything from the backsplash to the benchtop is exactly as you imagined.


Making Bold Choices for a Lasting Impression

It’s easy to want to play it safe with kitchen design, especially with high costs, but a few bold choices go a long way. My design philosophy blends timeless classics with lasting materials.


I’m constantly inspired by the vintage-industrial, Mediterranean and boho styles I’ve seen on my travels, as well as mid-century modern and Japandi influences.


Natural materials like stone, metal, and quality tile create a sense of richness that not only looks good now but will last over time.


Dare to make your kitchen unforgettable! It’s tempting to stick with safe choices, especially with the investment that kitchens require, but why not take a chance?


Bold textures, rich colours, and unexpected materials can turn your kitchen into a true reflection of who you are.


Modern cafe interior with wooden stools at a long counter. Minimalist design, warm lighting, plants on shelves, and a calm atmosphere.

Don’t hold back - whether it’s a striking backsplash, a deep, daring cabinet colour, or statement fixtures, these choices create a space that’s more than just functional.


A kitchen with personality is one you’ll love to walk into every day, so take a leap and make your kitchen the heart of your home.

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I am Marieke, a Dutch Australian interior designer, business executive, tutor, content creator and social media influencer.

 

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