For a similar look, try ‘Equipe Artisan’ wall tiles in ‘Burgundy’, 48p each, Tiles Direct. Pair with the ‘Talis M C-Spout’ kitchen mixer by Hansgrohe, £255.89, and ‘K500’ composite quartz sink by Grohe, £321.30, both available at Victorian Plumbing. This ‘Hoelgaard’ kitchen is a bespoke design with a Taj Mahal marble splashback and a kitchen island topped with glazed lava stone, from £51,550.

Traditional with a twist—that’s the look of this kitchen by Rumor Designs. This mountain home combines traditional elements with playful ones. Keith Flanagan is a New York based journalist specialising in design, food and travel. He has been an editor at Time Out New York, and has written for such publications as Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveller, Food 52 and USA Today.

Embrace an Airy Feel

As an alternative to a double island, consider filling your kitchen with an extra-long island. There’s plenty of room for seating and working in this modern kitchen by Design Alchemy. Note the rounded white pendant lights with a gold interior, tall wooden cabinetry, and gorgeous marble backsplash with beige veining. Use soft nature-inspired colors to freshen up a small modern kitchen. Michelle Berwick Design paired vertical stacked terracotta tiles on the kitchen island with coral base cabinetry and a scalloped hood vent in this modern cottage kitchen. Create a modern boho-style feel in your kitchen with breezy pendant lighting.

• Kitchen islands are a place to perfect your cooking skills as well as enjoy the delicious outcome.
• If you want more cohesion, stick with the same finish but switch up the type of pulls.
• ‘The cottage core trend is the epitome of The Good Life, drawing inspiration from the countryside with its sprawling meadows and wildflowers.
• From cabinets and lighting schemes to backsplashes and flooring, these kitchen ideas cover everything you need to think about.