BRIGHT SPARKS

Colour-burst inspiration for the hardest-working room in the house

- Words Miriam Methuen-Jones

One look at this streamlined kitchen and you might start mentally decluttering.

.. The clean design is heightened by a neat row of white, handleless wall cabinets. Neutral tiles and a pale worktop on the back run makes the darker stone of the island even more striking. inglishall.com

Greenery and crisp white shutters complement the fern-patterned wallpaper beautifully in this room. A sweet seating area has been created simply by pairing an armchair and table with an industrial pendant overhead. Despite the house being overlooked, the shutters provide plenty of privacy. shutters.co.uk

This sunny spot, by Borders-based Forstaris Studio, is actually a utility room, but the design principles at work are easily transferable. Above gently patterned tiles, open shelving holds the daily necessities. Warm ochre cabinets and durable brass handles finish off the look. forstaris.com

A traditional yet glamorous space was needed for this grand property in Northumberland. The cabinets are finished in grey and navy, with sintered stone worktops and top-of-the-range appliances. Overhead, a trio of nautical-inspired pendants hint at the house's seaside location. gridthirteen.co.uk

Bespoke kitchen-maker Harvey Jones can always be relied on to create stylish schemes. Here,