Our stylists Vanessa Colyer Tay, Allira Bell and Drew Lewis share the inspiration behind their moodboards, plus top tips for kitchen renos. 

Who will love this kitchen?
This kitchen is made for someone who loves visiting art galleries, trying out new restaurants and exploring exciting cities. He or she has a sophisticated style, isn't afraid to experiment with edgier looks, but still wants a kitchen that feels warm, friendly and live-able. 

What's in your mood board and why?
I've taken my inspiration from The Manzoni Restaurant in Milan, a theatrical venue that's part dining room, part showroom. There are references to the restaurant's granite counters, curved grey upholstery, mint green colour scheme and elegant pendants. I've softened this with hints of timber and copper to give it more warmth for a home, so it doesn't have that 'concrete jungle' feeling. It's a balance of grit and calm. 

Top tip for renovating a kitchen.
Think about the desired 'feel' or mood of your kitchen first. For instance, do you want a kitchen that feels bright and airy, or do you want a kitchen that feels warm and cosy? Once you decide this, you can go on to create a moodboard to reference, so you can stay true to the original brief with every decision that you make. It's also important to look at the entire range of finishes together, rather than judging them one by one. 

Shop Vanessa's look.

Who will love this kitchen?
This is a kitchen for someone who loves nature, clean lines and textural details. While appreciating interesting design elements, this person is also practical and is after a fuss-free kitchen that's easy to maintain.

What's in your mood board and why?
My colour palette has been inspired by a landscape artwork with beautiful blues and earthy tones. In keeping with the nature theme, I've included a hard-wearing jute rug to provide simple, yet stylish underfoot cushioning, and travertine for understated earthiness. Chrome finishes inject an edgy but elegant feel, and the warm terracotta tones from the bar stools make a fresh contrast with the calming dusty blue.

Top tip for renovating a kitchen.
Try and avoid sticking to just one trend. If you're unsure about where to start with materials, consider sticking to natural instead of manmade finishes which tend to date faster. Think stone such as marble and granite, and timber finishes. It may cost more, but it's a classic look that will last a lifetime. 

Shop Allira's look. 


Who will love this kitchen?
If you love the clean, simple lines and calm, uncluttered feel of an art gallery, then this kitchen is for you. It's for someone who appreciates contemporary design and wants a kitchen that's first and foremost, functional. 

What's in your mood board and why?
As is the case with art galleries, lighting is key. I chose a black and white light bar that also inspired the colour scheme and sleek design of this kitchen. In keeping with this look, I selected matching tapware and bar stools with fine legs for clean lines. I use a coffee plunger and mortar and pestle daily in my own kitchen, so they're constantly out. As I'm being extremely selective with what's on display, it's important that they coordinate with everything else. I picked a grey paint to highlight the veining in the marble surface, and to soften everything, I selected some colourful handmade vases to add organic shape and inject splashes of colour. 

Top tip for renovating a kitchen.
Think about how you use your kitchen and design it to suit that function. Do you cook regularly? How often do you entertain? What type of cooking do you do? How much bench space do you need when you're cooking? Think about what appliances you need access to. Every choice you make in terms of material and finish has to be suited to your kitchen function. 

​Shop Drew's look.