Inside: How to Design a Kitchen that Belongs in a Vogue Living. Collaborative post.
You know those kitchens that make you stop mid-scroll and think, “Wait, is this real life or an ad for an expensive olive oil?” Yeah, that’s the vibe, right? Like, who wouldn’t want to have something as gorgeous as that? Ideally, on a nice budget, of course, for their kitchen. But generally speaking, editorial-style kitchens are chic, minimal, and somehow make dirty dishes feel… disrespectful. It’s weird, yet amazing, right? Like what sort of black magic is this, even?
Honestly, it’s not about having a private chef or ten-foot ceilings. Instead, it’s about creating a space that looks like it could star in a Vogue Living spread, even if it mostly just sees oat milk lattes and toast crumbs.
Stick to a Mood, Not a Theme
This might be the biggest of them all, so it’s best to start here. Whether you’re looking into a kitchen makeover service to help you out, or even just planning on DIYing your kitchen renovation, you’re far better off just sticking with a mood instead. So, think about it like this: editorial kitchens don’t do farmhouse signs or polka dot tea towels.
They’ve got mood. Basically, you’re going to want to think quiet confidence like moody greens, soft blacks, warm creams. But it’s all about rich textures, not loud colours. For example, a bit of veined stone here, some brushed brass there, and that alone quickly helps it feel like your kitchen’s about to get its own Instagram fan account.
But ideally, you’re going to want to keep it calm, cohesive, and just a touch mysterious. Like… “Do I cook here or host art collectors?” The answer is both. Obviously.
Hide the Junk
It’s a bit blunt, but no one needs to see your air fryer, your toaster, or that jar of mismatched utensils from three different kitchens ago. Yeah, a tad harsh, but it’s true. Sure, maybe some Smeg kitchen appliances are acceptable. But generally speaking, editorial-style kitchens are masters of illusion. Everything useful is tucked away. What about the counters? Clear. And the cabinetry? Sleek and handleless, because handles are apparently out and drama is in.
Accessorise Like it’s a Photo Shoot
It goes back to what’s been said just right above, but you don’t need a dozen quirky gadgets. You need a couple of pieces that look like they cost a fortune, even if they didn’t. For example, one sculptural vase, a perfectly imperfect ceramic bowl, maybe a linen towel that says, “I own a French butter dish and use it.” That’s basically the kind of energy you should try to get. Just don’t try to overload, or else it’ll look more like a showroom.
Avoid Making the Lighting Clinical
Overhead lights that make you feel like you’re in a dentist’s chair? Yeah, absolutely not, no thanks! It helps to look into the editorial kitchen’s glow. Like warm, flattering lighting that makes your marble counters and forehead look equally flawless. For the most part, you can’t go wrong with pendant lighting over your kitchen island; it’s something a lot of stylish kitchens do, but of course, marble wall sconces do the trick too.