5 moodboards inspired by nature to give you ideas for your kitchen
Balance between beauty and sustainability
A beautiful, nature-drawn palette is key to creating a kitchen that isn’t just cosy but stands the test of time. But where do you start and what should you choose? Briellyn Turton, interior designer and founder of Studio Brie, and a host of Australia’s Best House on Channel Nine, has created five stunning and easy-to-live-with palettes that work across a variety of home styles using Neolith architectural stone surfaces.
Modern Organic
With natural tones and touchable textures, this board will bring a soft, organic feel to your kitchen. Using Neolith Calacatta Royale which features warm gold veining against a creamy background, as the foundation, Turton has created a scheme that is rich in earthy texture and character, ideal for a contemporary, family kitchen.
While keeping this scheme neutral, interest has been added through organic textures, such as light oak cladding that could be used at the base of a kitchen island, round travertine tiles, a lattice-like, metallic weave which could be used to create a distinctive element on the upper cabinetry doors, and gorgeous pill-shaped brass handles in a brushed gold finish for that little hint of luxury. As a result, a kitchen that is as natural as it gets, with details that bring delicacy and style.
Bold Contemporary
Built around Neolith Alexandra stone, which features dramatic, charcoal veining against a crisp and cool white base, this palette is perfect for those who favour a strong, minimalist look. It would work particularly well in a sleek, architecturally designed home, where you could run it from your façade, right through to your entry, kitchen and living spaces.
To bring out the blacks of Neolith Alexandra, a dark stained wood floor and flat surface cabinets in matt black have been chosen. To add some textural contrast, we’ve introduced slender, curved marble tiles for the splashback. The Colorado Dunes model by Neolith also stands out, which could be used in an adjoining space, such as a pantry or a dining room, and which combines perfectly with the rest of the elements.
Also, for a touch of colour, turmeric has been introduced, a colour that would look amazing on the upholstered velvet dining chairs, and the oversized aqua mosaics would create an eye-catching backsplash that wouldn't leave anyone indifferent.
Earthy & Refined
For a cosy, refined kitchen that you'll love for years, this palette is the most versatile of them all. It goes perfectly with any style, from minimalist and contemporary architecture to a renovated Victorian terrace.
The warm grey tones of Neolith Arabesque have been combined with a medley of soft beige shades in the paintwork and earthy browns in the woodwork and flooring. Handmade Moroccan tiles, which can be used on a backsplash or at the base of an island, bring in a touch of soft pink, while wavy handles in organic bronze emphasise the overall sense of softness. As we can see, the elements in this palette are quite simple, yet all have dynamism, whether through their shape or texture.
Daring & Eclectic
This is a great option if you want to bring some character and individuality into your kitchen. Starting with Neolith San Simone on the countertop, a striking stone with a river of rich grey running through a cool white base, an interesting mix of colours and finishes has been chosen to create something quite eclectic. In addition, the old design rule of not mixing different metals has been broken by pairing bronze handles and pulls with a chrome tap. Next, warm, chocolate tones have been brought in with walnut flooring and a fine, soft linen that could be introduced in drapery or floor-to-ceiling blinds.
Fluted glass cabinet details bring a vintage edge, which has been contrasted with quirky modern tiles using round mosaics in a mix of blues and golds, and three-dimensional linear tiles with a striking textured finish. The result is an immersive and totally unique kitchen.
Layered Luxury
A neutral kitchen never goes out of style, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice layers and textures. This palette, which is built around Neolith Whitehaven, a gorgeous stone with soft grey and taupe veining over a milky base, exudes a gentle warmth. This palette matches a wide range of styles such as contemporary architecture, an urban flat or a sophisticated beach house. It would also make a smart choice for small homes, where its light tones would enhance the sense of space.
In this board the focus is on texture, with a sober colour palette. Thick charcoal floors combine with woven linens in soft cream and weathered chocolate, which could be used in bar stools or even lighting. Ribbed tiles in a neutral tone enhance the details of the Neolith Whitehaven, and upholstery fabrics contrast with flat joinery in a warm beige. Striking stone handles with organic lines complete the subtle, sophisticated look of this palette.
As we have seen, Neolith's versatility allows you to use it in different spaces of your home, and, due to its multiple designs, it combines with all kinds of styles and materials. The designer Turton has combined her favourite Neolith models with different elements to achieve unique and elegant palettes, which one was your favourite?