You've finally convinced your SO to redo the kitchen. Now, kitchen renovations don't happen every day. So when you get a chance to spruce up the most expensive room in your house, I can understand you feeling a little nervous.
Don't stuff this up.
I can sense your instincts telling you to go with white. Play it safe, they say. Pesky instincts. Clearly broken by every makeover show ever, white-washing every surface. I'm looking at you, Tara Dennis *gives formidable side-eye*.
But you know what? White kitchens are like bums. Everyone has one.
Your kitchen renovation is finally happening. And you are a unique individual. Don't allow your kitchen to look identical to everyone else's. Here's how to do your kitchen renovation right (and not entirely white):
Try sealed OSB and reflective brass kitchen cabinets as seen at this cubby house for adults.
Or more shiny things and a round island bench at this colourful renovation.
Timber kitchens always look great. And this is no exception (happy family not included).
Or plywood. Because, plywood.
Plus, using plywood for your kitchen cabinets means you can have fun finger holes instead of handles.
Or reuse an old stair balustrade for a kitchen cabinet handle like PHOOEY Architects.
Heck, why have cabinet fronts at all when you can have curtains instead?
You could have a whacky colourful printed splashback.
Mirror the base of your island bench to give the illusion of more space.
Or go full Gordon Ramsay with a design ripped straight from a commercial kitchen.
Better still, mimic your local cafe for an at-home buzz like these introverts. Because, ew, people.
Also note, if you can survive with a cut-down fridge and pantry (because let's face it, you eat out virtually every night anyhow), you can really open up the kitchen by keeping them below the counter.
Create an homage to the era of your home like they have done in the renovation of this '60s stunner.
And while we're on that track, a classic FAB fridge by Smeg would look right at home in your retro kitchen. FAB just turned 21, so he's all grown up now and comes in a range of different sizes to suit any kitchen. But the thing that makes FAB super fabs? The colour-range.
Team it with the new Smeg Portofino freestanding cooker in sunshine yellow, olive green, coral red or burnt orange (pictured) and you'll have a kitchen that will transport you to the Italian Riviera and make your friends (olive) green with envy.
More and more people are choosing to leave beautiful objects on display in their kitchen, rather than shutting them behind cupboard doors. This clever kitchen was cut off-site and assembled by the owner - a more sophisticated alternative to an IKEA flat pack. No guarantees it was easier to put together though.
See, everything's on display here, too. Also, yellow.
If you must go all-white. Throw in some dusty pink (or another colour of your choice) and some arches to break up the starkness.
But honestly, wouldn't you rather go with zesty, refreshing green?
Or go to the dark side?
There is so much fun to be had with kitchen renovations. Don't let your reno be stymied by a lack of imagination. Or, worse still, courage. Have fun with your kitchen design, and it'll make even cleaning up a treat. Or at least a little more bearable.