Some kitchens whisper. This one throws a party. The owners collect hand-painted tiles from every trip, and the brief was to use all of them.
Before
A plain white island, grey stools and a shelf of matching white plates.
The big moves
- Patchwork island. The round island was clad in a patchwork of mismatched patterned tiles, grouted in warm white to tie them together.
- Pink seating. Dusty pink upholstered stools — the softest thing in the room.
- Display, don’t hide. Open shelves above the windows hold a rainbow of plates, jugs and bowls.
- Warm wood. Natural timber worktops and beams stop the colour feeling cold.
Steal the look
Can’t retile? Use patterned tile stickers on one surface only — the island front or the splashback — and keep the rest calm.
