I’m not really a lover of slick, modern, streamlined interiors – unless they come with a twist or a bit of unexpected charm. A little something to warm them up and give them some soul. Like this kitchen for instance…

This is a highly contemporary kitchen, but by adding a touch of texture and a hint of nature, you can achieve an altogether different finish. Look at those gorgeous wooden bowls for instance – they’re aged and slightly ethnic looking – nothing like a modern shiny or chrome accessory which are so typical to so many contemporary kitchens…

An ultra modern kitchen can sometimes feel a bit cold and stark, but look how much you can warm it up by bringing in some life with a few plants! Plants brighten a kitchen and make it feel more like home. Succulents, such as the ones photographed above, are the perfect plant for forgetful gardeners. However, if you prefer having edible plants in the kitchen, why not create your display with a few potted fresh herbs instead?

Now imagine yourself chopping those freshly snipped herbs on this fantastic wooden chopping board! What a stylish yet practical feature for a sink area. The wood here has so much texture and depth… I love it!

Lastly, try taking your succulents one step further and create your very own little indoor garden! Terrariums are a fantastic way of continuing to brighten up a modern kitchen whilst keeping it very stylish. They also make for fantastic table centerpieces…

// Photography credits: Susan Serra, CKD on Flickr (Creative Commons Attribution License)