I thought this Heidi Caillier kitchen stuck to all the rules of the classic kitchen – then I spotted the unexpected pantry

When I first saw this earth-toned kitchen by Heidi Caillier, I assumed it was just another classic scheme that embodied timeless appeal. But when I swiped to the second shot, it turned out I was wrong.

There's no denying that the kitchen is beautiful, with a calming color palette and traditional features, but it's the view into the bold pantry that really steals the show, and instantly makes me more excited about the design. I love something unexpected, I think it's these little surprise moments that really make a space, make a home.

The clashing pop of color proves that the unexpected red theory is just as impactful as it was when it was first coined – and Heidi has convinced me that my pantry is the perfect place to give it a try.

At first glance, this design feels like a classic kitchen – the deVOL kitchen cabinets painted a heritage green hue, paired with white countertops and neutral tiles, is a safe yet stylish way to decorate for a timeless space.

But when you look a little bit closer, there are a few unexpected details that just take the design to the next level. The feature that first caught my attention was the ceiling, not just because it's paneled (which is a great way to bring kitchen paneling into your space), but because of the high-gloss paint finish chosen.

It's perhaps an unconventional choice, with most people opting for a matte finish. Still, it's an effective way to make a room feel lighter, brighter, and taller – it instantly bounces light around the room, which is especially impactful in kitchens with low ceilings. And it's a feature that's been met with a lot of praise by followers.

The custom wall tiles from BDDW are another area of interest in the kitchen. The neutral tiles themselves offer a chic look, but the pops of blue add something extra. The scattered mural tiles add a little bit more character and tie into the blue thread running through the space.

But nothing is quite as eye-catching as the view into the adjoining pantry. Bright red (Farrow & Ball Bamboozled) is a bold choice – especially color-drenched through the whole room – but it's a feature that draws your eye and adds personality to the space.

It doesn't sound like the red palette should work or feel cohesive with the blue and green tones throughout the main kitchen, but Heidi has used materiality to unite the two spaces together.

The paneled walls and ceiling instantly nod back to the paneling in the kitchen, creating a seamless flow between rooms. The same faucet style and window treatments have also been introduced, which creates a simple yet effective link.

But it's clear they've had more fun with the design here – something designers always encourage in smaller rooms. While the traditional kitchen style has been carried into the pantry, Heidi has experimented with different textures by bringing in a cabinet skirt.

It instantly adds a more tactile element and introduces a new pattern to the space. It's also a fun contrast to the black countertops, which add a moodier feel to the pantry. It proves that the unexpected red theory still has a place in our homes, and that a bold color in a utilitarian room is a timeless way to create a statement feature.

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If there's one design lesson to take from Heidi's bold pantry, it's that sometimes the most unexpected color combinations are key to a unique design. Much like the bold powder room trend, your pantry, utility room, and even laundry room are the best places to experiment with statement colors and patterns that feel too daring for larger rooms.