Steel your way to a classy look

Jun 1 2008 Justin And Colin

Get The Look

TILE WITH STYLE

Look at the splashback in the before picture and then the new-look kitchen. Both have white tiles but the redesigned one has half-size subway tiles laid in a brickwork pattern. You could still use square tiles (as before) but avoid laying them in regimented rows. The finished job will look smart and expensive. Try subway ceramics such as Metro white wall tiles at £7.99 for 25 from Focus DIY (www.focusdiy.co.uk)

ACCESSOR-WISE

Oh, the appeal of steel... especially in the kitchen. Clean and modern, steel detail is fab as door handles, stool legs and appliance finishes. To complete our design, we insisted that all visible countertop elements matched - that's why our taps, coffee maker and toaster all share the same finish. Follow our lead to make it look like you've splashed out and called in the professionals.

FLOORS WITH FLAIR

Smaller tiles seemed to shrink the floor space so we opted for larger ones, laid landscape and in brickwork style to widen the look. The sandstone tiles are from Karndean and are great in kitchen/family rooms because they look like tiles but are warm underfoot. The flooring is SS8 Norfolk 12in x 12in tile. See Karndean at The Art & Floor Gallery in Glasgow (www.artandfloor gallery.com)

GET SPACED OUT

Afitted kitchen can look so much more streamlined if you keep all your appliances apart. This will also stop the area from looking like a branch of Currys. Try to use doored base units on either side of a cooker and integrate as much as possible. This will make your kitchen feel much larger. If possible, opt for discrete appliances with matching doors to expand the space even further.

CABINET DECISION

Shaker style is perfect for modernists and traditionalists alike and appeals to all ages - which of course is great news because kitchens are family rooms and designed for sharing. The trick is to balance dark with light. The laminate worktop and the light floorcovering help to brighten things up. Try Tamarind from MFI. Wall units start at £90 (www.mfi.co.uk).

ON THE SURFACE

Why not try using different heights - and even different colours - for worktop areas to add interest. The raised bar looks great with stools and is the perfect place for your kids to enjoy breakfast or for your pals to perch in midgossip. Check out Papyrus cream formica worktop, £100 for 3m, and Butterum textured breakfast bar, £50 for 2m, from B&Q (www.diy.com)