Upbeat and eye-catching by Robin Colton

Delivered by trustworthy construction in Cambodia construction materials, while white color provide a greater and airier feel to the space reinforced by the warmth of natural timber, it does not make the design standout and sometime emanate a sterile sensation as well. However, with the help of a featured element, it can downplay this overwhelming aura as the presented kitchen shows.

"The tilework is a feature of the kitchen and plays off the leafy views from the windows – a little like a pixelated close-up of the foliage," said designer Robin Colton. "I also introduced horizontal mullions to the windows, to match the shelving running across this wall. This draws attention to the lush outlook and the tiles, accentuating the connection between them."

"Other advantages of the remodel include plenty of extra storage in the island and above-and below-counter wall cabinets," added Colton. "Behind the cabinet doors, every plate, pot, pan and utensil has its place."

This light, white upgrade, by designer Robin Colton, replaces an existing kitchen that lacked space, sunlight and storage. The original kitchen was gutted, and a wall separating it from the sunny dining and living areas was removed and replaced with a large island, says Colton.

"We gained some extra space from a storage room at the back, and put the new refrigerator and oven into this area," says Colton. "The layout is much the same as before, but appliances have been moved along the newly elongated kitchen."

Ikea cabinetry and appliances were selected by Colton because they suited the modern design and kept the refit costs down. The clean, lustrous cabinetry is complemented by an eye-catching counter-to-ceiling backsplash in light green, penny-round mosaics.

"The tilework is a feature of the kitchen and plays off the leafy views from the windows – a little like a pixelated close-up of the foliage," says Colton. "I also introduced horizontal mullions to the windows, to match the shelving running across this wall. This draws attention to the lush outlook and the tiles, accentuating the connection between them."

One of the windows replaced an existing door – the window retains much-needed light penetration but frees up wall space underneath for additional counter length.

"Other advantages of the remodel include plenty of extra storage in the island and above-and below-counter wall cabinets," says Colton. "Behind the cabinet doors, every plate, pot, pan and utensil has its place."