How a Simple English Kitchen Became an Ode to Mediterranean Style

It's no secret that the picture-perfect, overly pristine kitchen is no longer top of the wish list. We want kitchens with character, kitchens that are lived-in, maybe a bit imperfect, but feel like the true heart of the home. So how do you transform a room filled with hard, shiny surfaces into an eclectic space with plenty of personality?

According to this Mediterranean-style kitchen, texture, interest, and thoughtful material choices are key to a design that balances everyday function with vintage charm and architectural interest. It's less about filling a space with an overwhelming amount of decor and more about making the bones work harder.

From unexpected color placements that create a more inviting feel to functional elements that double as statement features, this kitchen proves that knowing when to push the style boundaries and when to stick to fundamental design rules is the secret to an elevated room.

Introduce Color in Unexpected Places

Kitchen colors play a big part in how a space feels, the energy it radiates, and the style it conveys. Styling and decor in this design were always intended to be a bit more eclectic, so a calmer approach to the cabinet color was required. But neutral doesn't have to mean white.

'We were about to launch our new colors when the owners came in for their meeting, so she was one of the first people to have Quaker Cream. It works so nicely with the warm woods and blues,' recalls Megan Wright, Showroom Manager and Senior Kitchen Designer at deVOL Kitchens.

A warm cream hue, it's the perfect middle ground between white and butter yellow. But the thoughtful color choices didn't stop here. The ceiling is a true focal point, painted a glossy blue shade to add personality and architectural interest. It also gives the kitchen more structure, rather than large expanses of white surfaces.

Balance Functional Storage With Eclectic Style

Designing a kitchen requires a careful balance of functional storage and more decorative details that give a scheme personality and interest. In this space, where eclectic styling defined the brief, zoning the kitchen storage was the perfect way to strike that balance – starting with a pantry.

'The design includes a 900mm-wide, full-height pantry cupboard, which is a great way to pack a lot of storage into a space. We also included spice racks on the inside of both doors, a really practical way to add extra storage that's easy to sort through,' Megan explains of the more practical elements.

'The clients didn't feel like everything needed to be shut away behind doors, and I think wall cabinets in this design would make it feel too perfect,' she continues. 'The lovely oak shelf above the sink is practical, but it also adds a nice lightness to the space, a bit of breathing room. The brass hanging rail is also a great way to store pans and utensils. Everything is visible and easy to reach, which makes cooking very easy!'

Add Character and Texture With a More Rustic Kitchen Island

Creating a lived-in kitchen feel goes beyond a few decor pieces – it shows up in the bones of your design. Painted cabinetry in this scheme brings warmth, color and contrast, but the kitchen island adds a more rustic, characterful feature, with its slightly timeworn finish and vintage appeal.

'The clients were keen to source a prep table that brought in different colors and textures to the design,' Megan explains. 'They wanted the space to feel authentic and not too polished, and the worn paint finish next to the Shaker cabinets adds depth to the room. The open storage in the island is also perfect for a practical and hardworking kitchen.'

Let a Backsplash Double as a Mediterranean-Inspired Centerpiece

A kitchen backsplash is a functional feature first, but it can be a decorative one, too. Instead of leaning into kitchen backsplash trends with beige subway or white zellige, the clients were more interested in a bolder pattern that spoke to the overall palette of the room. It takes the design from classic to something more characterful.

Spanning the full run of cabinetry, white tiles with a delicate blue print in each corner create a more eclectic look, topped with more maximalist border tiles, featuring dark blue, yellow, and red, to pick up on the other tones throughout the space. 'These were the clients' choice,' Megan adds. 'They were keen for the space to feel eclectic, and these tiles speak to that.'

Leave Appliances On Display for a Less Polished Look

It's become common practice to integrate appliances, especially the refrigerator, to create a clean, seamless look. But sometimes, leaving them visible is key to a more informal, lived-in feel. Surrounded by cabinetry, the unintegrated stainless steel fridge-freezer was a more impactful choice than you might expect.

'The overall feel of the space is unpretentious and simple. The pots and pans are on display and easily reachable; it just made sense in this design to keep the fridge as it is and not try to hide it behind doors. The stainless-steel front also breaks up the furniture a little, which adds to the overall eclectic feel,' Megan explains.

Quick Tips

• Add color in unexpected places for a more eclectic feel
• Be considerate about storage placement – both functionally and aesthetically
• Consider a contrasting island for a characterful feature
• Don't be afraid to go bold with the backsplash – especially in a more muted scheme
• It's okay to let your appliances be seen. Not every kitchen needs to have everything hidden behind doors

Every detail of this kitchen ensures that function is maintained without detracting from the visual appeal of the space. But beyond the practical qualities, the design feels beautifully inspired by the Mediterranean without feeling too themed or cliché – it's inviting and full of personality, and feels right at home in the architecture. It proves you don't have to follow trends to create a kitchen that feels totally inspiring.

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.