HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED what would happen if the makers of Jenga got into the furniture-making business?  Me neither.  But after looking at the Nest Dining Table from MacMaster Design, I was left speculating what other Hasbro games could serve as inspiration for furniture designers.

Composed of a graduate layering of solid timber reminiscent of your favorite block stacking game, the Nest Dining Table is accentuated by a glass top that at once highlights the intricate pattern below while creating the illusion of instability.

Designed by Limahl Asmall, the Nest Dining Table is an impressive reminder that even the most functional article of furniture can be used as an instrument of self-expression.

But at a price of over $4,000, it’s definitely giving all dining tables a run for their money.

Kitchens have taken on a whole new social life recently, changing from a designated “behind the scenes” work area to a room often more lived in than our lounges or dining rooms. Modern styles have come to reflect that, using contemporary designs and appliance integration to create a clutter-free living space that’s suitable for dining and entertaining as well as cooking. While there are a number of practical ways in which we can achieve this new trend, we’re going to focus on some of the easier design aspects, giving you the opportunity to give your kitchen a refresher without having to spend a fortune.

Changing the colour scheme of the walls and floor is one of the fastest and most effective ways to update your kitchen. Modern designs tend to go for minimalist look, so pale hues with bold contrasting features are definitely the way forward. White or off-white with a border of black tiles definitely gives this effect, creating a bright yet stylised design.

Backsplashes over the counters are traditionally created with tiles, but the grouting can sometimes be difficult to keep clean. Glass backsplashes are the latest trend, reducing workload by only requiring a quick wipe-down once in a while. The extra bonus is that you can place an intricate design or tile pattern behind the glass front, keeping your creation clean and beautiful!

Updating the flooring in your kitchen can take a little more work, but makes a huge difference to the look and feel of the room. Your choices are almost endless, but make sure you go for something that matches the rest of the room. Wood or bamboo looks impressive and is bang on trend right now, but if the rest of your kitchen is already very bright or is particularly large, it can give it a washed-out look. If this is the case, large dark tiles create a heavier base to the room, and as a bonus they’re also incredibly durable.

A slick kitchen design means more than a trendy colour theme and stylish unit faces; it requires the incorporation of modern and convenient appliances that will not only improve the overall appearance of your kitchen but that also makes life easier for you.

Essential to most kitchens are, for example, a dishwasher, blender, kettle and toaster. There are many of these on the market that can compliment your current kitchen style, or even mask the appliance, such as dishwashers and fridges with unit doors to conceal the practical elements behind closed doors.

The smaller appliances that remain on display come in a range of classy designs including smooth curves or modern geometric lines, chrome, colourful material or with a retro feel, all dependent on your kitchen’s look and your own taste.

In recent years, coffee machines have become de rigour, and are more and more frequently being shopped for. Though coffee has been around for longer than tea has in this country, the influx of coffee chains throughout high streets has led to a nationwide addiction to café quality coffee, and as such the market for coffee makers at home has rocketed.

These allow you to recreate your chosen style of coffee, be it cappuccino or espresso, in the comfort of your own kitchen. Such machines are very stylishly presented, to suit the type of consumer who is likely to be interested in making fresh coffee. Coffee machines have become synonymous with a sophisticated home.

Debenhams is a good place to start when looking for such a product; they stock well-renowned coffee maker brands such as Gaggia, Nespresso and Magimix, as well as offering a Morphy Richards range, an affordable brand. Other names nestle alongside these, as well as their own range.

Depending on how much you want to get in the spirit of it, there are simple coffee makers through to café-style ranges, including extras such as grinding machines. A very cool addition to any kitchen.

While the picture above might be a little bit over the top, stainless steel is almost a no-brainer when it comes to kitchen appliances. Sure, you have other options, but why not go for the classic yet modern, sophisticated yet stylish, stainless steel?

It’s always in fashion, and it will, nine times out of ten, match whatever decor you surround it with.

So what is it about stainless steel that is so appealing?

First, it is a sophisticated material. Your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and, yes, even your garbage bin will enjoy a glean of sophistication when you choose to have them done in stainless steel.

If you are able to get all of your appliances – the large and the small – in stainless steel, your kitchen will have a posh, unified look that will verge on the ultimate in style.

Stainless steel is a clean look, one that makes its surroundings look neat and organized as well. The crisp lines and reflective surface would be a luxurious addition to any home.

Although stainless steel will make your appliances stand out more than if you chose to conceal them, they’ll stand out with a bold, beautiful punch. Stainless steel is the material of bold designers who want to accentuate their stylish flair.

If you’re looking for a way to bring together your kitchen in sophisticated, timeless, yet ultra modern style, stainless steel is the way to go.

A Sears promotional code can save money on all stainless steel appliances!

In most homes, a range hood is there to keep grease from accumulating on walls, paint from peeling and odors from taking over in a kitchen. However, a stylish range hood can completely transform the look of your kitchen and even become a focal point!

Style

The first thing that you need to decide is if you prefer a range that fits under a cabinet or one that is wall mounted. You also need to determine if your range will exhaust pollutants outside or if you’re going to buy a recirculating one.

Features

Some range hoods have dishwasher-safe filters which is rather convenient. You may also want to consider if you want one that is completely smooth or if you won’t mind getting a toothbrush out to scrub any grooves.

Would a remote control be handy or do you want one that turn on by itself when the heat sensors tell it to? You should also evaluate the lighting. A well lit cooking area allows you to really get a good look at the food you’re preparing.

Noise Level

If you find one on sale but the noise level is a little obnoxious, keep shopping. A great deal isn’t so spectacular when the volume on the television in the next room has to be turned up or if your guests have to talk over the noise. A range should never become a distraction!

While you may assume that bigger is better when shopping for a dining room table, you need to take the space into consideration. That gorgeous, extra wide table may look spectacular in the showroom but it will quickly dwarf a small room. Not to mention, you want your guests to be able to comfortably walk behind the chairs (not squeeze), even when they are occupied.

Average Size

Most dining room tables measure around 30 inches tall with an average width of 36 to 42 inches. While that may not seem like a big difference, six inches can have a positive or negative effect on a room. Unless you absolutely have to, avoid tables that are narrower than 30 inches as things tend to get a little cramped if you have all of the seats filled.

Round or Square?

Although square tables tend to be preferred, if you do a lot of entertaining, round dining room tables are actually ideal because your guests can chat a little easier. Not to mention, since they sit on a pedestal, there are no legs to take up extra space. If you love the look of a traditional square table that seats four people but you know that on occasion you like to invite over an extra couple, consider buying one with a leaf that can be added and invest in two additional chairs that you can store in the spare room.

The Extras

If you have a rug under your dining room table, it needs to measure at least four feet wider and longer than the table. This will allow room on all sides. No one enjoys sitting in a chair half on and half off of a rug.

Also, if you have a large chandelier, your dining room table needs to be 12 inches wider than the piece. This will balance the room and ensure that no one hits their head when they stand up.

Glass cabinet doors are stunning (in the showroom)! Have you ever noticed how when you see them online or in a magazine, everything on the shelves is so neat and perfectly arranged? It is as if plates, bowls and stemware are all strategically placed precisely to create pieces of art. Now, go open all of your cupboards. If you are like most others, everything is probably crammed in there. Perhaps you even had to dodge a few falling Tupperware lids that were being held in place by the door?

If you love the look of glass cabinets, the designer kitchens at SN Collections would be a great place to start getting ideas from. If you aren’t ready for such a commitment of that level of organization, there are solutions!

Frosted Window Film

Applying a frosted window film panel to the inside of the glass will obscure the view to the inside completely. They offer an illusion of expensive etching without the huge project.

Paper Lining

This can be done to all of your glass cabinets for only a few dollars. Cut rice paper just slightly larger than the glass and hold it in place with double-sided tape. Paper lining offers a very organic appearance.

Fabric Lining

Have a country cottage kitchen theme or do you want to experiment with bold colors or patterns? Cut the piece of fabric so it is twice as wide as the cabinet, gather it and staple in place. You can even make them look like their curtains and leave a little glass peeking through. This will still hide the mess without completely blocking the glass.

Stained or Leaded Glass

If you receive a lot of natural sunlight in your kitchen, these are ideal! The light will hit the stained glass and bring your kitchen to life! Think Tuscany at sunrise!

The kitchen has seen some major changes in style over the past few years. Appliances are getting bigger, stainless steel has become a centerpiece of fashion, and unique materials like granite are making waves. However, concealed appliances don’t get nearly as much attention as they should.

Concealed appliances can make a kitchen feel like any other room of the house. By hiding your refrigerator, oven and other appliances, you can transform a “kitchen” into an all-purpose room that is open and inviting.

Appliances signal a room that’s off-limits to guests. It’s a room that is only used for cooking, and should be kept that way. But you won’t have that walled-off feeling if you conceal your appliances in cabinets and the walls.

It’s quite easy to conceal your appliances, especially if you’re in the process of renovating. They are all already up against a wall, so it’s only a matter of either building a cabinet around them or moving them into a nook or corner. Just be sure that you make them accessible, but invisible.

Concealed appliances can also save space. By encasing your dishwasher in a kitchen counter, for instance, you can use it as a chopping board or surface space when it’s not in use (and even when it is!).

Concealed appliances can make your kitchen appear more inviting, and they even go so far as to equip it as a dining room, if you have a large enough space. You can bring in a table and chairs, and eat right in the kitchen without feeling like it’s the kitchen at all.

You want flexibility in your kitchen. It’s the place you cook, sometimes the place you eat, and it can be a place for family and friends to gather, too. So for all of these purposes, you want a kitchen design that will remain versatile.

One of the best ways to achieve a versatile yet vibrant kitchen is by incorporating white kitchen cabinets.

On the surface, white might sound a little boring. But it’s far from it.

White kitchen cabinets are versatile. They can be paired with nearly any color walls and floor for a stunning effect. This flexibility means that you can let your creativity run wild.

White kitchen cabinets are also a timeless fixture. In a country-inspired kitchen, a modern minimalist kitchen or any style in between, they’ll be perfectly at home. As they compliment any architecture and style, white kitchen cabinets are a perfect starting place for almost any interior design.

In addition to all of this, the white color will make your kitchen feel light and spacious. This will make eating, chatting and cooking a much more enjoyable experience.

If you’re looking for a safe but effective kitchen redecoration move, try white kitchen cabinets. They will allow for vibrant complimentary colors, provide a timeless appeal, and open up your kitchen to an airy space.

The backsplash is an often overlooked area of the the kitchen. It is certainly a functional item, protecting the back wall from splashes. However, it adds a splash of style as well as it usually stands out from the rest of your kitchen walls. If you’re looking to get creative with your kitchen, take a good hard look at your backsplash and see if you can’t spice it up.

One option that is becoming increasingly popular is continuing the counter material up the wall to create the backsplash. This maintains a cohesive pattern, design, and texture, and it can make a statement, especially if you counter material is unique like granite or funky tiling.

And backsplashes don’t have to be one solid material the whole way around your kitchen. You can play with changing the material based on the location, such as darkening the color behind the stove and sink, or by running the countertop up from the counter but choosing a completely different style for other areas of the kitchen.

There are a variety of materials you can choose from when creating your perfect backsplash, and they each have their own style personality. For instance, tile can be plain or pack a powerful punch if you choose an interesting pattern or color combination. You can go laminate, black glass, or ceramic. And then there are the more daring options, like bamboo or other woods, and even metal backsplashes.

This is one style detail that you don’t want to overlook when re-decorating your kitchen!