This gorgeous turn-of-the-century apartment with white walls in Sweden (sold via Entrance Makleri) stands out because of the impressive home library that is built around the doorway between the bedroom and the office space. The bookshelf spreads over the entire wall and includes the double interior door.
The interior decor of this apartment is modest, with natural materials standing out against light wall colors. The living room features a historic fireplace with brown tiles that set the tone for the brown tones featured in the living room decor.
The kitchen is built in a somehow uncommon layout that pops out of the kitchen floor plan and allows for more storage drawers on the side that faces the dining area. Both the main bedroom and the guest bedroom are decorated in a similar color palette, with a few vintage pieces that add a unique touch to the place.
A living room decor with beige and brown tones against white walls
The brown porcelain historic fireplace in the living room is complemented by a beautiful mixture of beige and brown tones in the furniture pieces and textiles. Even though the doors are painted white, the door frames are kept in their original wood tone, which matches with the wood tones in the furniture pieces.
On the side of the living room windows, you can find a cozy reading corner with a beautiful armchair paired with a footstool.
From the living room, you can look into the home office space, which has a natural palette that complements the one of the living room.
A home office space with an impressive bookshelf around the bedroom doorway
The home office room features a small vintage desk in the middle of the space, paired with a custom white bookshelf that is fitted around the doorway that leads up to the bedroom. A vintage glass cabinet in a warm wood tone also functions as book storage.
The vintage desk lamp and accessories add a unique character to the home office spot, while the abstract art print on the wall adds a beautiful color palette.
A kitchen layout that flows over into the dining room
The layout of the kitchen is quite uncommon, with a floor plan that continues through the doorway and into the dining room. This allows for more drawer space and the additional counter space on the dining room side is used for a beautiful selection of accessories.
The white shaker kitchen cabinets are paired with a dark grey granite countertop, stainless steel hardware, and a white subway tile backsplash to protect the wall.
The dining area features a round dining table in the middle of the space, paired with oak dining chairs. The window seat is decorated with a combination of pillows and must be a great coffee spot.
A bedroom with light grey walls and a vintage desk
The light grey walls in the bedroom make the white window frames and white ceiling stand out subtly. The natural decor and the mixture of white and grey textiles work great in the space.
The white wardrobe matches the style of the room and a vintage set of mini drawers is attached to the side of the wardrobe.
On the other side of the bedroom, you can find a vintage desk, which is paired with a mixture of warm tones for a cozy effect.
A guest bedroom with a seating area
An extra bedroom has been made into a guest space with a seating area in front of the window.
The vintage bed and vintage cabinet add a unique character to the setting.
If you have the luxury of too much space in your apartment, you can always pair two armchairs with a table in the middle, and just like that you have a cozy spot to read or have coffee when you have guests over.
An assymetric entryway with two floor types
A classic bathroom with a unique grey tile in the shower
The classic white bathroom furniture matches the style of the rest of the apartment and pairs nicely with the grey tile flooring.
The shower niche is treated with a beautiful grey wall tile with white grout and chrome fixtures. A shower niche inside of the wall is great for storing soaps.
This gorgeous Swedish villa (Photographed by Mia Borgelin for Historiska Hem) is decorated in an eclectic style with farmhouse elements and most of all a playful color palette. The pops of color here and there make the interior unique and add a vibrant touch to this beautiful home.
The downstairs level includes a beautiful kitchen with white cabinets. A breakfast nook with a window seat paired with a narrow dining table fits in a relatively small area in the kitchen. The dining room features bold blue dining chairs that stand out against the white area rug, curtains, and natural wood tones. The living room also features blue tones, which connect both spaces visually.
On the second level, underneath a sloped roof, you can find the bedrooms, which each have their distinct look. The kid’s rooms all feature a different wallpaper, making each of them unique and distinct.
A spacious dining area with blue dining chairs and a seating area
This spacious dining room next to the kitchen features a large wood dining table next to the window. The blue Fredericia dining chairs make the look of the space unique. The blue chairs pop out of the white fluffy area rug underneath the dining table and against the natural wood tones that otherwise decorate this section of the room.
The wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling curtains frame the dining room window nicely and make the custom radiator cover stand out.
Opposite the dining table, you can find a seating area with a small sofa and two rattan armchairs.
The vintage filing cabinet adds a beautiful warm wood tone to the setting. It looks great in this corner of the space.
Light blue wainscoting in the living room
The living room features light blue wainscoting on one of the walls, which is a truly eye-catching element in the space. The ledge on top of the living room wainscoting is a perfect spot for displaying accessories.
The black area rug contrasts with the white fabric couch and the white marble coffee table. The light blue throw pillows complement the color of the wainscoting perfectly and the pink pouf adds another subtle color element to the setting.
Opposite the sofa, you can find a painted IKEA Ivar cabinet combination in the same light blue color. The pairing of the DJ equipment and the impressive book collection on the wall shelving make this area of the living room cozy and characterful.
A white kitchen with a breakfast nook
The kitchen features white shaker cabinets with white marble countertops against white walls for a clean and elegant look. The pops of color in the accessories stand out against this all-white setting.
A breakfast nook with a window seat paired with a narrow dining table fits perfectly in the window section of the kitchen. By setting up the dining area in this way, a lot of floor space is saved.
The same dining chairs as in the dining room are used in the kitchen, however, here the owners picked out the unpainted oak version.
Chrome hardware pairs nicely with a black stove and an impressive range hood that is covered in tiles for a modern farmhouse look. The wall behind the stove is finished off with an elegant white marble backsplash.
A kid’s playroom right next to the living room
The room adjacent to the living room is perfect for a playroom paired with a double desk for homework in front of the window.
The blue wallpaper in this space pairs nicely with all the pretty toys in the room.
A landing with a home office
When walking up the stairs, you first meet the landing, from which all the bedrooms can be accessed. The blue wall color makes the white doors and ceiling stand out in a beautiful way.
A marble table top resting on two black archive cabinets is great for a home office setup in a space that is not typically used for anything else.
The main bedroom underneath an A-line roof
The main bedroom is rather small fits perfectly underneath the A-line roof and the bed fits this space perfectly. The green bedside tables and the green plant in the window add a fresh touch to the modest beige wall color in this space.
A small section of the main bedroom is used as a nursery. The sloped ceiling turns this area into a cozy nook perfect for a little child.
Two kid’s rooms with distinct wallpapers
Two more kid’s rooms are placed next to each other, each with a different wallpaper. The pink wallpaper is paired with pink accessories and a small desk in front of the window is great for doing homework.
The blue wallpaper in the other kid’s room works well with the blue and green color palette in the textiles.
A spacious hallway with storage space and a round table in the middle
The hallway comes out into the different rooms and the space in the middle features a round glass table, which you often see in spacious entryways.
A walk-in closet is painted in a bold dark green paint color, making it stand out against the blue walls of the entryway.
A mudroom bench is custom-built into a niche space next to the stairs. It offers a comfortable space to store shoes and jackets for the family.
A mix of modern and farmhouse elements in the bathrooms
The main bathroom features a white soaking tub paired with beautiful brass fixtures, white wall tiles, and white marble floor tiling.
A minimal white vanity makes the brass elements stand out beautifully.
The second bathroom has a stronger farmhouse look with black and white floor tiling and classic chrome fixtures.
When it comes to designing a clean, modern bathroom, subway tile is an excellent element that will give this space a classic look. These rectangular-shaped tiles are named after the tiles you see in the New York City subway system, which were first installed in 1904.
Most subway tiles are made of ceramic, but you’ll also find them made of other materials including porcelain, stone, and glass. Go for a bright white subway tile to create a clean look, opt for color to add a unique touch, or create a more dramatic look with a dark subway tile.
If you’re looking for some new inspiration for your next bathroom remodel, check out these inspiring subway tile bathroom ideas to help you create the perfect space.
A Floor-to-Ceiling Subway Tile Bathroom
In this bathroom, the subway tiles are installed from the floor to the top edge of the ceiling. This vertical stack pattern gives the bathroom a sleek yet timeless look and feel that carries the design through the entire space.
Note how the black and white checkerboard floor gives this bathroom a fun pop of contrast and different texture so it doesn’t look too overdone. This black-and-white bathroom look is balanced out by textiles and accessories in natural tones.
This bathroom boasts traditional white subway tile on the walls, while bold black accents give the space some added drama. The black windowpane glass shower door, black showerhead, and black vanity with a white top placed next to a black linen cabinet pop out against the tile’s classic white color.
The floor also features hexagonal white tiles, bringing this bathroom a fresh, modern finishing touch.
In a classic subway tile bathroom, the tile is installed horizontally. However, in this room, the designer chose to install the tile in a vertical position instead. This option is great for a powder room or smaller bathroom since it can help to make the space look larger.
Smaller white square tiles added to the floor draw the eye upward so that you’re focused on the room as a whole. Note that there is no vanity in this bathroom, which helps to free up floor space, making it look larger, too.
The use of black grout can help make white subway tiles stand out. Not only did the designer use black grout in this tile bathroom, but they also installed some of the tiles vertically behind the bathtub and shower walls.
The tiles are also installed around the edges of the tub and cabinets to give the space a cohesive interior design.
With its sharply angled walls, this unique bathroom features two different subway tile materials. The tile on the walls appears to be made of ceramic, while the same shape and size tile on the floor appears to be made of marble.
Installing marble tile adds an elegant and natural element to the bathroom. In this case, the combination brings the bathroom design a nice contrast for both the look and overall feel of the space and highlights the beautiful modern soaker tub.
Install Subway Tile Along a Portion of the Wall to Add Elegance
The white subway tile in this bathroom is installed along a section of the wall, but it doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling. This design adds a wainscotting-like touch, while the top half of the room features a classic, neutral paint color.
The interior designer added a thin line of trim along the very top of the subway tile and a wider section along the floor to finish it off. Small black and white floor tile adds even more dramatic flair.
White tile in any shape makes a bathroom feel bright and vibrant. Here, the interior designers opted for white grout between the subway tile so everything looks nice and cohesive throughout the room.
The addition of more traditional black and white floors makes for a classic choice that gives this bathroom an air of elegance and simplicity. A lovely crystal chandelier installed in front of the window adds a chic and luxurious finishing touch.
In this bathroom, the classic white subway tile on the walls gives the bathroom a clean and polished look. A gray marble tub deck brings the room a sophisticated element, but it’s the use of bold black and off-white diamond-shaped tiles on the shower floor that gives it a contemporary touch.
The mixture of patterns here makes the bathroom more interesting, and the window adds natural light that highlights the playful design choice.
The large white subway tile here is certainly timeless, but it’s the darker-colored, larger floor tile that helps to ground the space.
Note how almost every element here is white, like the vanity and walls, but the floor is featured in a much deeper, darker hue. The choice to install dark charcoal gray floor tile brings the bathroom a bold, two-toned look.
This modern subway tile bathroom features smaller wall tiles with a slightly raised beveled edge for added character. The swirling green and white large marble floor tiles give this bathroom a funky, eclectic aesthetic.
Note that the clawfoot tub, floating vanity, and upper half of the room are white, while the subway tile has a slightly more ivory or putty tone. Compared to a classic subway tile, both the size and color tone of the tile add a unique touch to the space.
Subway tile makes the ideal backdrop for a shower, but here, the designer chose to add it to the walls at varying heights. The tile covers most of the wall height inside the shower, but it’s slightly lower along another edge of the bathroom.
Since this bathroom has a clear glass shower door, opting to install the subway tile a bit lower outside of the shower helps to separate the space. The black floor tile also adds a nice dramatic contrast against the stark white walls.
Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Lingsell for Historiska Hem
Blend Natural with Modern Materials
Ceramic subway tile adds a modern component to a bathroom, but here, the designer opted to add some wood trim to the upper half of the space. This creates a gorgeous juxtaposition of materials by blending natural elements with modern ones.
A mixture of white, black, and gray also gives this bathroom a contemporary touch, and the modern light fixtures work nicely with the large wood ceiling beams for an eye-catching blend of old and new.
Use Subway Tile to Frame a Section of the Bathroom
While many bathrooms use this classic tile to cover the walls or a shower or tub enclosure, here, it’s used to frame out the vanity area. The classic white subway tile was installed on a recessed part of the wall that holds the bathroom mirrors, lights, and double vanity.
In the rest of the room, you’ll find gray-colored wood wall trim that matches perfectly with the gray floors and vanity, while the top of the vanity also features the same white color as the tile.
The same type of subway tile was used throughout the entire bathroom here, however, the floor tile was installed in a chic herringbone pattern. Aside from the unique combination of floor versus wall patterns, this subway tile is much narrower than its classic counterparts.
The choice to use thinner subway tile gives this bathroom a decidedly modern, updated aesthetic. Since all of the tile is the same color, it allows the sleek bathroom fixtures to stand out.
Large white beveled subway tile is installed throughout this space, including on the bathroom walls, the wall of the laundry cubby area, and around the toilet. The bright white tile gives this bathroom a fresh, airy feel while the beveled edges bring it a splash of bold modern texture.
Notice how the grout lines are barely visible, which allows the unique style of this subway tile to be the star of the show.
Styled by Copparstad, photographed by Boukari for Historiska Hem
Add Vibrant Colored Subway Tiles
Not all subway tile has to be white. For example, this bathroom features a lively green subway tile in the shower on the walls, ceiling, and shower floor. The rest of the room is lighter in color, allowing the shower to stand out while giving it a playful pop of color for a fun and funky feel.
The green subway tile is installed vertically on the shower walls to help make it look a bit larger.
White is an excellent color to help draw attention to more distinctive features in a room. For example, this bathroom features white subway tile all over the walls, which helps to draw attention to the sleek gold accents including wall hooks, vanity hardware, and gold bathroom fixtures.
The white subway tile bathroom is paired with intricate detailing in the pattern on the bathroom floor, which provides the space with a characterful look.
This bathroom boasts white subway tile around the edges of the wall for a subtle modern touch. The upper portion of the wall is painted in a neutral putty color that gives it a classic element. Combining these two accents gives the bathroom a nice mixture of slightly modern and traditional elements.
If you need more inspiration, consider going darker. Here, shiny gray vertical subway tile with bright white grout adds a fantastic component to this contemporary bathroom. Black accents featured on the mirrors, shower door trim, and hardware tie everything together.
The white pedestal sink brings a pop of contrast, and the matching gray backsplash showcases gray tile trim that helps to give the bathroom a beautiful finish. Go for black subway tile if you want the contrasting effect even stronger.
Some rugs are a true work of art. Rather than just using them on the floor they seem more appropriate to be used as wall hangings. Using a beautiful rug as wall art can do wonders for your home decor, as it will add texture and color variation to your space.
Since most rugs are made of natural materials, they tend to add a warm effect and provide the room with a cozy appearance. Just like ticker curtains and other fabrics, they tend to absorb sound and get rid of any echo in your space.
Since rugs are not often picked as wall decor, they tend to add a more unique character to your walls. They are an easy pick to make a statement. Whether you choose to go bold or subtle, hanging rugs will surely create a wow effect in your space. In the list below, you can find my favorite rug wall art ideas for you to get inspired by.
Hanging rugs to complement the interior color in your living room
The light grey wall color in this turn-of-the-century living room is paired with a modest color in the furnishings while an eye-catching wall rug hangs proudly on display. The olive green tone in the rug comes back in the fresh green plants spread throughout the room.
In the light grey living room below, a heavy-weight wool rug fills the wall space above the sofa and adds a cozy atmosphere to the room. The black lines in the rug pattern add a wonderful contrast to the setting.
The warm red tones in the wall hanging in this warm beige living room catch the eye once you step into this living room. Putting a long rug will accentuate the ceiling height and make the room height even more impressive.
Olive, grey, and beige tones in the wall rug stand out against a sage green living room wall color in a gorgeous historic living room. The rug fits within the boundaries of the wainscoting for an elegant effect.
Fill free space next to a doorway with a smaller rug to make it more special. Even though there is no need to fill every single wall space, adding a few art pieces will make your home look more finished and personal.
The small studio living room in the example below has simple white walls with the rug above the sofa as the only wall decor. This makes the rug art even more special and it becomes a true focal point in the space.
Rug wall hangings add an original touch to a dining room
The warm wood tones of the dining table and chairs in this kitchen dining area are complemented by the gorgeous rug art with brown, yellow, and orange tones.
Hang a graphic black and white rug to accentuate the contrasting materials in your interior. The cotton rug in the dining room below fills the empty wall space next to the black wall shelf and matches the black elements in the decor.
The assymetric rug art matches this gorgeous interior with off-white walls perfectly. The doorway and fireplace frame the art perfectly and the subtle black elements in the rug add a bit of contrast to the natural color palette.
Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Lingsell for Historiska Hem
Match your rugs to the color palette of the space to achieve a comforting and balanced look. Both the floor rug and the wall hanging in this dining room are selected in a natural brown tone, matching the building materials of this beautiful arched room.
Adding a textural touch with rug wall hangings in a bedroom interior
The layering of the different fabrics on the bed, paired with the tick fabric headboard, the rug, and the patchwork curtains creates such a beautiful layering in this bedroom. The wall hanging adds warmth to the beige wall color and finishes the bedroom look off perfectly.
A unique and contemporary wall hanging adds a beautiful texture to a modern bedroom with concrete flooring and a natural color palette enhanced with rustic wood tones.
A polka dot rug on a wood bar decorates the space above a beige fabric headboard. The beige tones also come back in the textiles on the bed, the curtains, and the fabric pendant light.
Wall hangings are a great way to add a bit of personality to your home office spot. Other than adding a gorgeous pattern and texture, the rug will also absorb unwanted sounds from online meetings when you are working in a shared space.
Rug wall art to add a playful touch to a kid’s bedroom
In the example below, a kid’s bedroom is decorated with a heavy rug in the shape of a polar bear, adding a playful touch to a gorgeous bedroom setting.
A quilted blanket is hung up above the bed in a kid’s room. The pear print adds a graphic touch to the space, complementing the apple rattan basket next to the bed.
As one of the biggest names in Danish furniture design, Poul Kjærholm is celebrated for his uncompromising approach to form, materials, and craftsmanship: three elements that were instrumental in the Danish Modern movement.
Poul Kjærholm created the PK1 chair in 1955. The iconic design was his first chair design and paired brushed steel and wicker. After adding the PK1 chair to their collection in 2017, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the PK1 chair in steel and FSC-certified paper cord, a natural and durable material that patinates beautifully over time.
Even though the paper cord is a new element introduced to the design, the newly launched chair looks exceptionally familiar and is a testament to the iconic furniture piece designed by the master furniture architect in the fifties.
Poul Kjærholm: one of the star architects behind Danish Modern
Poul Kjærholm was known for his functionalistic approach to furniture design, cultivating simplicity and lightness in his designs. His favorite material was steel, and he excelled at combining it with other organic materials.
Both his functionalistic approach and his talent for combining steel with other materials are reflected in the design of the PK1 dining chair. The clean and minimalistic lines of the steel frame are in perfect balance with the comfort and softness of the paper cord (or wicker in his initial design from 1955).
According to Knud Erik Hansen, third-generation owner-manager of Carl Hansen & Son the designer’s ability to combine functionality with aesthetics in a light and elegant way is what makes him a natural member of the design family of Carl Hansen & Son.
The design of the PK1 chair
The classic PK1 dining chair is comfortable, lightweight, and stackable, which makes it suitable for both private and public use. Its’ lightness and form make it a perfect addition to a range of different interior styles.
The PK1 chair is available in a stainless steel or black powder-coated steel frame, both paired with a beautiful paper cord seat. I was fortunate enough to be able to try out the stainless steel chair in my own home and I love how the combination of materials complements the minimal decor and modest color palette in my home.
The modern finish on the stainless steel contrasts with the beautiful and intricate weaving of the paper cord, resulting in a perfect balance between the two materials.
A switch in construction materials to ensure longevity
Carl Hansen & Son is known for incorporating paper cord in their production. In the PK1 chair, the paper cord complements the steel elegantly. It takes a skilled craftsman a full 15 hours and 180 meters of cord to hand weave the all-in-one seat and back on the PK1.
The intricate weaving technique is inspired by Kjærholm’s original work with wicker and looks just as beautiful from the front as from the back. Carl Hansen & Son has worked in close cooperation with the Kjærholm family to develop a weaving technique for the PK1 chair that brings together the best of both Poul Kjærholm and Carl Hansen & Son.
Other than an update in materials, the size of the original chair has been adjusted. The dimensions of the chair have been scaled up by 6% to match the size of people today, as people have increased in size significantly since the PK1 was launched in the mid-1950s.
This blog post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, however, as always, my opinions are my own.
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I love the subtle color balance achieved in this beautiful turn-of-the-century apartment in Sweden (Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem). The spacious kitchen with a dining table in the middle of the room is connected to the living room with historic double interior doors and I love how you can look from one room into the other.
The kitchen features dark grey shaker cabinets that spread across the kitchen wall. The absence of upper cabinets gives the space a light and airy look despite the darker cabinet color. The brass hardware adds an elegant focal point to the shaker cabinets and the spacious dining table in the middle of the room is great for gathering with friends and family.
Both the living room and bedroom have a light grey wall color, which is paired with a natural color palette. The contrast of the blue sofa in the living room works wonderfully with the crisp white wainscoting on the wall.
Dark grey shaker cabinets and gold hardware for a contrasting look in the kitchen
The spacious kitchen has a row of lower modules without upper cabinets on one of the kitchen walls. Since the walls are painted white, this contrasting layout has a light and airy effect in the space.
The dark grey shaker cabinets are paired with brass hardware, a white marble countertop, and stainless steel appliances. The backsplash is treated with white tile that brightens the color palette.
A large wall shelf is applied right above the tile backsplash. This shelving is a perfect spot for adding the prettiest kitchen essentials on display.
The wall opposed to the window has a built-in pantry, followed by two large cupboards that include the fridge. The side of the large cupboard is finished with open shelving perfect for decor pieces or cookbooks.
The classic dining table and chairs are placed on top of a light grey area rug that adds a beautiful texture to the white-soaped hardwood flooring.
A vintage glass cabinet in a warm wood tone finishes off the kitchen design and adds a beautiful historic touch.
Through those beautiful white-painted historic double doors, you can catch a glimpse of the living room.
White wainscoting, light grey walls, and a blue couch in the living room
The light grey living room wall color is finished off with gorgeous white wainscoting that matches the white crown molding below the ceiling. This white and grey backdrop makes the dark blue fabric couch stand out in a lovely way. The cool tones also come back in the combination of art prints hung above the sofa.
A vintage glass cabinet is painted in a grey color that is just a few shades darker than the light grey tone on the walls, allowing it to pop out elegantly and subtly.
The blue couch is paired with a black marble coffee table and two vintage armchairs complete the look perfectly. The vintage sideboard next to the double interior door is finished with a round mirror.
The warm wood tone on the sideboard adds a warm element to the space and the green Monstera plant adds a fresh touch to the color palette.
The contrasting furniture pieces are complemented with a mix of neutral tones in the textiles and accessories, which gives the space a cozy appearance and a finished look.
Light grey bedroom walls and warm textiles
The light grey bedroom wall color adds a subtle contrast with the white ceiling and crown molding. The wall color also makes the white wardrobe stand out. The mixture of beige and brown textiles on the bed paired with the black wall lamp works well in the room.
The classic white wardrobe is built in a corner layout, allowing a lot of storage space on a relatively small surface.
A guest bedroom and home office combined
The guest bedroom has a bright white color palette finished with beige and brown tones on the bed. This color palette has similarities with the main bedroom.
Opposed to the bed, you can find wall shelving with an integrated bedroom home office, which is a great combination of functionalities.
An entryway with an asymmetrical floor plan
The entryway pairs a tile floor by the entry and white-soaped wood flooring in the rest of the space. The grey storage module with drawers turns into a seating bench for putting your shoes on.
A large wardrobe module fits perfectly in between two doorways and provides this space with extra storage opportunity.
Hexagon floor tiles and gold fixtures in the bathroom
The bathroom pairs a light grey hexagon floor tile with a simple white tile on the walls. The brass fixtures add a finishing touch to these different materials and apply a warm element to the space.
Storage space is a hot commodity in any kitchen, and installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets can do wonders for this important part of your home. Moreover, a kitchen that fills an entire wall has an impressive design effect on the room, especially if you are working with high ceilings.
Whether you’re pondering a full kitchen remodel or you’re looking for new ways to add more room for spices, pots, pans, and cooking tools, check out this list of the most inspiring floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinet ideas to help you get started.
Use Glass Doors to Showcase Special Items
This kitchen features a pair of wall cabinets with glass doors on either side of the center cabinet area. While some of the upper cabinets have solid doors, the clear glass lets you showcase some of your most collectible items, your favorite set of China, or a collection of coffee mugs.
The intricate crown molding makes the transition from the grey cabinets to the ceiling so elegant. It also finishes the space and adds a historic touch. The gray backsplash created by the wall color matches perfectly with the cabinet color and creates a cohesive effect in the space.
To create a cohesive aesthetic, choose cabinetry in the same color or finish throughout the entire kitchen. As you can see in this kitchen, the creamy white cabinets extend from the lower section up to the very top.
This design trick not only gives the kitchen a beautiful, coordinated look but also draws the eye up, creating the illusion of a larger space. Note how the cabinet that goes from floor to ceiling on the left can also serve as a roomy hidden pantry.
Your floor-to-ceiling cabinets don’t have to be in the same design across the entire wall. This kitchen features one large open wine cabinet next to the kitchen island, which helps to create a visual “break.”
Adding an open cabinet section or floating shelves creates a wonderful area to display your favorite cookbooks, a beautiful piece of serveware, or a few small sculptures that add a whimsical element to the kitchen.
Leave Part of the Wall Open and free of upper cabinets
The kitchen cabinets don’t necessarily need to take up the whole wall, even when it’s floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Consider leaving a section of the wall open to highlight some fun architectural details. Add a mosaic tile backsplash or a rustic shiplap wall to give this part of the kitchen a pop of personality.
Not only will this give your kitchen a unique look, but it also ensures you have extra prep space. Note how this kitchen intentionally left the area above the sink and the cooktop devoid of any tall cabinets so there’s nothing but extra room to prep and cook.
Using color is a perfect way to create a gorgeous contrast in this space. In the kitchen you see here, the white countertops extend across and toward the kitchen island, while the beautiful sage green cabinet color gives it a two-toned look.
You can also add contrast through small details like hardware, a farmhouse sink and light fixtures. For example, this kitchen uses shimmering brass hardware on the cabinets and the stainless steel appliances.
Note how part of the walls use the same material as the countertop for the backsplash, and the rest are painted in sage green to match the cabinets.
This kitchen has plenty of large cabinets on the top and bottom throughout, ensuring that there is absolutely no wasted space. The corner by the wall can be used as a coffee station, while the center sink is perfect for doing dishes and food prep.
No square inch of this kitchen is wasted, which means there’s ample space to store and organize everything from plates and silverware to small appliances.
A large window in this open kitchen provides tons of natural light for cooking and eating. Not only does this make the kitchen look brighter, but it also keeps it from feeling too dark and dramatic. The integrated appliances also add a sophisticated element to this modern kitchen.
The refrigerator is neatly tucked behind the matching cabinet doors to lend the space a sleek and elevated look. Note how the dining area is part of the kitchen, and a ceiling pendant light helps to signify the difference between the two rooms, even without walls.
The upper cabinets are placed so high that a ladder can be used on top of the steel ladder rail that is applied in between both wall cabinet rows.
The design of this contemporary corner kitchen highlights the large cabinets, but it also gives the corner area a completely different look. A window above the sink and a glass door leading to the outside bring in natural light.
At the opposite corner, open shelves provide a great space for display or open storage. This not only gives the kitchen an interesting look but also adds more functionality to smaller interiors.
While floor-to-ceiling cabinets give you tons of storage, the finishes you choose tie it all together. Solid surface materials like granite or marble add an upscale element to any cooking space. Note how this kitchen features the same stone across the wall behind the sink to serve as a backsplash.
Solid wood cabinets and a high-quality floor will add inspiration to any kitchen, regardless of the size or layout. Focus on the materials when choosing counters, floors, and cabinets to ensure that you’ve created your dream kitchen.
Although this looks like a small space, the floor-to-ceiling cabinet design to the left offers tons of extra storage. This extra-tall cabinet serves as a pantry while keeping important essentials close to the prep and cook area.
Even smaller kitchens can benefit when tall ceiling kitchen cabinets and roomy lower cabinets are installed. Use every available wall area to make sure that your kitchen is never devoid of storage space.
Designing Multi-Purpose Rooms with floor-to-ceiling cabinets
Since this home has an open floor plan, it’s important to integrate as much closed storage in the kitchen area as possible. Note how the kitchen has a wall oven instead of a larger separate oven that could interfere with available floor space.
Installing central tall units gives you a place for more than just kitchen items. They can also be used to hide extra throw pillows and blankets, books, and other things you might use in the rest of this studio apartment.
Warm plywood makes this kitchen a cozy yet functional space. The tall floor-to-ceiling cabinet on one side gives the homeowner the added storage they need to avoid making the space feel cluttered. Using light or neutral colors and materials can make even the smallest kitchen look and feel larger overall.
This small studio apartment features a blue shaker kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets finished off with a trim below the ceiling. This provides the apartment with lots of storage space, while the blue adds a modern character to the design of the studio space.
This open, modern kitchen integrates every element so it works well for casual meals and entertaining. From the plethora of floor-to-ceiling cabinets to the white-painted hardwood floors, this kitchen gives you ample room to cook, chat, and enjoy meals all in one space.
By placing wall cabinets on top of one of the kitchen modules only, the space remains light and airy, even though it integrates so much storage space.
Wall colors and treatments can transform a space completely, as this cozy Swedish apartment (Styled by Martina Mattsson, photographed by Krister Engström for Kvarteret Makleri) shows. The pink entryway can be seen from both the kitchen and the living room and adds a wonderfully playful effect to the color palette of the apartment.
The living room has a natural palette, with grey walls and grey furniture pieces blending in. These grey surfaces make the vintage furniture pieces stand out, yet the real focal point in the space is the TV cabinet. This furniture piece has been painted in an eye-catching sky-blue color, adding a vibrant touch to the space.
The simple white kitchen has a two-tone wall that adds much interest to this room. The vintage dining table and chairs form a cozy spot for dining. The bedroom features a beautiful blue floral wallpaper, a rattan headboard, and a blue-painted vintage cabinet for storing clothes.
A modest living room with vintage elements and a sky-blue TV cabinet
The greige wall color in the living room has subtle green undertones, which pair well with the selection of green plants added to the space. The grey fabrics and soft furnishings blend in nicely with the wall color, while the vintage coffee table and armchair introduce a few warm wood tones.
The books on the living room bookshelf are arranged by color, introducing a playful library rainbow to the room. The vintage floor lamp and the curtains on the bottom of the bookshelf add a subtle romantic touch to the setting.
The TV cabinet is painted sky-blue, making it stand out against the subtle wall color of the living room.
A simple white kitchen with two-tone walls
The simple white kitchen is enhanced with a two-tone wall color, which adds an extra dimension to the space. The warm beige color on the bottom half of the walls adds a subtle warmth that matches the wood countertop of the kitchen.
The vintage dining table and chairs add a lot of character to the kitchen space and the gingham tablecloth fits the look perfectly.
Blue bedroom wallpaper paired with a blue-painted vintage wardrobe
The floral blue bedroom wallpaper transforms the space and adds an amazing texture to the walls. The rattan headboard stands out against the dark blue background created by the wallpaper and the mix of white and grey linen bedding brightens up the look.
A vintage crate on the wall forms the perfect bedside table, which is decorated with a vintage table lamp perfect for reading at night.
A blue-painted vintage wardrobe complements the wallpaper perfectly and I love the way you can see the clothes hanging through those glass doors.
The wall space on top of the doorway is a great spot for a wall shelf to store more books.
A small entryway with a pink wall color
The entryway is small, yet provides the apartment with a bold effect because of the choice of wall color. The vintage chest of drawers adds a characterful element to the space and the Klimt poster complements the wall color.
The original built-in closet is painted in the same pink color as the walls, with dark pink trim on the closet doors to make it stand out in the space.
This beautiful Swedish flat with a pale green kitchen (for sale via Bjurfors) has a fresh yet cozy appearance. This look is achieved by pairing a minimal interior decor with black accent pieces and limewash walls in the living room and bedroom.
The kitchen has pale green cabinets, which add a subtle and fresh element to the open floor plan. The dining table with black bentwood chairs connects the living room with the kitchen and ties the look of both functional areas together.
The walls of the living room and main bedroom are painted in a subtle light grey limewash, adding a lovely texture to the walls and eliminating the need for much decor. The fresh green plants are almost the only element of color in the rooms, for a subtle effect.
Pale green kitchen cabinets paired with light wood countertops
The pale green kitchen cabinets have a subtle effect in this open-plan kitchen. The green plants bring out the green undertones in the cabinet fronts, while the light wood countertop adds a warm element to the color palette.
The chrome hardware and stainless steel faucet bring a modern element to the setting. The walls, on the other hand, are finished with a white tile for a clean look with a subtle industrial effect.
A simple extendable wooden table by the window is paired with contrasting black bentwood chairs.
The contrasting black chairs pair well with the black appliances in the kitchen.
A living room with light grey limewash walls
The cozy living room features light grey limewash walls for a wonderful texture throughout the space. The black TV cabinet and coffee table add a wonderful contrast to the otherwise neutral color palette.
The grey fabric sofa blends in with the grey wall behind it and is decorated with a mixture of grey and white throw pillows. The white area rug adds a beautiful texture to the hardwood flooring and makes the black coffee tables stand out.
The green wall lamp and green plants add a vibrant element to the living room.
The main bedroom is treated with the same color limewash as the one that is used in the living room. The subtle combination of grey and white fabrics on the bed and in the lampshades makes for a delicate and neutral look in the room.
An office room decorated in a neutral color palette
The office space follows the overall neutral color palette used in the rest of the apartment, with green plants and black accents adding a few points of interest in an otherwise neutral setting.
An entryway with grey walls and a custom storage module
The entryway is painted in a subtle grey wall color and features a custom storage module with drawers that fit perfectly into a niche space in the wall.
Olive green cabinets are a timeless color choice that works both in modern as well as in classic kitchen designs. This natural yet sophisticated color can be paired with a wide variety of materials and colors in your kitchen.
You can opt for light olive tones for a subtle effect, or go for dark green kitchen cabinets to add a dramatic touch to the space. White countertops will add a more minimal appearance, while wood tones will add a rustic touch.
In the list below, I have gathered my favorite kitchen ideas with olive green kitchen cabinets for you to take inspiration from for your next remodel.
Match your wall color to your green kitchen cabinets for a tone-on-tone look
The olive green cabinets in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen are matched by the paint color used on the walls. Even the ceilings are painted in the same olive green color, resulting in an impressive and inviting space.
Add a modern touch of glam with brass fixtures and hardware
The dark olive green kitchen cabinets in this impressive corner kitchen layout pair nicely with the hardwood flooring in this kitchen. The olive tone on the cabinets is paired with a beige limestone countertop and backsplash.
As the cherry on top, the kitchen design is finished with brass hardware and a brass faucet for a subtle glam effect that adds depth. The brass also comes back on the trim underneath the cabinets.
Go floor-to-ceiling for an impressive and space-saving effect
The olive green shaker cabinets in this studio home are built floor-to-ceiling for an impressive effect in the space and lots of storage opportunities. The matte finish on the green cabinetry is paired with a delicate beige limestone countertop. Finally, the chrome hardware adds a modern element to the kitchen cabinetry.
Balance olive green cabinets with white upper glass cabinets
This two-tone kitchen features subtle olive cabinetry on the bottom finished off with a grey limestone countertop. The upper cabinets are white to provide the kitchen with an overall lighter appearance.
The natural elements in the kitchen accessories and the cabinet inlay balance out this white, grey, and olive green color palette.
Stainless steel appliances add a modern metallic touch
The pale olive green cabinets in this farmhouse kitchen design are balanced out by the stainless steel countertop and the white subway tile backsplash, which provide a subtle industrial touch to the beautiful setting.
This perfect shade stands out against all the white surfaces in the space. Meanwhile, the stainless steel appliances add a modern element.
Photographed by Lisa Wikstrand, styled by Helen Sturesson for Kulladal
Pair a pale shade of olive green with contrasting black countertops
This modern farmhouse kitchen gets a lot of natural light through the large window, which is reflected beautifully onto the pale olive green cabinets with a warm undertone.
To add a bit of contrast, the olive green tone is paired with black countertops for a contrasting effect. Lastly, the soft wood tones in the dining table and chairs provide a warm glow to the olive color of the cabinets.
Pick an olive green with blue undertones for a cooler effect in the room
The cabinets in this room are painted in a shade of green-grey with blue undertones, resulting in a cooler aesthetic. The green cabinetry is paired with subtle chrome hardware, a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, and chrome hardware.
To finish the upper part of the layout, a vintage white glass cabinet is added, resulting in a light and unique look.
A beautiful Contrast with White Tiles and a White Fridge
The dark olive green kitchen cabinets in this modern kitchen are paired with a vintage white fridge model, a white marble countertop, and white tiles on the walls. This contrast works well with the white-soaped hardwood flooring in the apartment.
Use olive green to add depth to a minimal kitchen design
White kitchen cabinets are often preferred in a minimal and modern kitchen. If you are looking to add a bit more depth, olive green cabinets are a great option to fit within a minimal aesthetic.
In the example below the olive green tone of the cabinetry pops out of the white walls and hardwood flooring, while ensuring the clean look remains. To finish the room off, the black pendant lights above the counter add an elegant contrast.
Go for olive green to add a modern touch to a farmhouse kitchen
A classic kitchen design can be made to appear more modern by selecting a fresh color palette. The green tone on these classic shaker cabinets provides a subtle modern look to this classic setting.
The white backsplash with shiplap panelling accentuates the impressive height of the kitchen, while also allowing the olive green kitchen cabinets and dark elements to stand out.
You can find complementary colors in the countertop materials and the leather details throughout the olive kitchen in the example below. The leather details on the rail and bench seat cushion, paired with the beige limestone countertop provide a warm aesthetic to this space.
Instead of leather, you can also work with copper hardware to add a warm tone to your olive-green cabinets.
Apply the olive green palette to your kitchen island as well
The olive green cabinets in this kitchen are paired with an olive green kitchen island. Both kitchen modules are fitted with white marble countertops, which softens the transition between the dark olive color of the cabinets and the light grey kitchen wall color.
Olive green as a complementary element in a family room
The olive green kitchen module stands out against the light grey walls of this living kitchen, without overpowering the look of the space. The white marble countertops and the white subway tiles on the backsplash lighten the dark tones of the green cabinetry.
Pair your olive green cabinets with dark wood countertops
The olive green cabinets on this corner layout kitchen are paired with dark butcher block countertops for a subtly rustic effect. Both the wood tones and the olive green pop out against the backdrop created by the white hardwood flooring and the white shiplap backsplash.
To finish things off, a white dining table and chairs are placed in front of the kitchen window. The dining set blends in with the walls and flooring and doesn’t take any attention away from the olive green in the background.
Add a playful element to bring the olive green cabinets to life
This kitchen design pairs olive green cabinets with an elaborate hexagon tile backsplash and leather cabinet pulls for a unique and modern aesthetic in the space. The grown-up color choice of the cabinets is paired with a playful element in the tiles, which results in a striking balance.
When you love green but are afraid it won’t have a warm effect in your space, pair it with a warm wall color like warm beige or soft pink just like in the example below. The white wall lamps and the white crown moldings are accentuated by using this striking combination of warm walls with green cabinetry.
