Benchmark
A three-step guide to styling one of the most used and most visible features of the kitchen – the humble bench.
Don’t throw everything and the kitchen sink at making your bench look pretty. Start with the type of stone and adjoining cabinetry. Ideally, you want contrasting yet complementary hues – a dark wood with marble, a light benchtop with green cabinetry. Consider the aesthetic this colour palette lends itself to. From rustic to industrial, think of ways you could subtly continue that theme.
Introduce concept lighting.
One of the most game-changing elements in an interior designer’s toolkit is the power of perfect lighting. Consider under-cabinet strip lighting – whether below a high cabinet, or kitchen island. Utilise pendant lighting for its aesthetic ability and as an opportunity for cohesion.
Avoid clutter by placing key décor in a spot with low touchpoints. Choose one statement piece with wow factor (and be adventurous with scale, bigger can be better) such as a vase of flowers, a favourite sculpture, or a gorgeous bowl of fresh fruit. Alternatively, anchor the surface with a few smaller pieces – a circular mat to hold a book, a trinket bowl to become the home for your keys (among other things) and a candle.
The season is about to get crazy – and the kitchen bench messy. Balance simplicity with easy maintenance and functionality for a more inviting atmosphere.
