It’s fair to say that the kitchen is the heart of many a home. After all, it plays a far more important role than simply being a space where we prepare and cook food.

It’s where we come together and share stories after a long day, somewhere we entertain and socialise with guests and at times, even acts as the kids’ own private art studio and gallery. With the kitchen having gradually replaced the living room as the cornerstone of family life, making it as inviting as possible is extremely important.

There are almost countless designs to choose from; here, we explore a couple of naturalistic and futuristic ideas that are sure to impress nature and sci-fi lovers alike.

Introducing nature into the home isn’t a new concept, but it’s certainly a sure-fire way of creating a peaceful and calming space.

If you love the great outdoors, why not bring some of it in by adding lush, leafy plants to your kitchen. Some well-placed houseplants not only look great, but also purify the air around them, help with breathing, and even boost concentration.

Fresh flowers are another cheap and easy way of adding colour and life to a room. If you don’t want to keep replacing them, artificial flowers work just as well, instantly brightening up your kitchen and creating a relaxing atmosphere.

From ceiling beams to flooring and tables to cupboards, there are so many ways in which you can bring wood into your kitchen to introduce charm and warmth.

Wood is one of the most widely used materials in homes across the world, and it’s easy to see why; it’s durable, aesthetically pleasing, and it comes in a variety of finishes.

Replacing large parts of your kitchen with wood can be expensive, but achieving the look doesn’t need to be. Wood effect vinyl flooring is an ideal choice for busy homes; in addition to being easy to maintain, it’s economical and looks like the real thing!

Want to find out which flooring is best for your kitchen? Order free samples to help you find the perfect match to your lifestyle.

We’ve already looked at plants, but why not consider something a little more lively?

Aquariums are one way to introduce wildlife to your kitchen, serving both as a decorative and tranquillity evoking element. You don’t have to go all out; simple aquariums are widely available and won’t break the bank. However, remember to research exactly how to look after the animals before you buy one.

Kitchens have evolved drastically over the course of the past few decades, both in terms of use and design. While trends come and go, the speed at which kitchens are changing doesn’t seem to be losing momentum. Below are a few ways in which you can catapult your kitchen into the future.

Sometimes, less is more; use clean lines and light colours to achieve a trendy, sophisticated look.

Stainless steel is one way of doing this, and it’s got the added bonus of being both durable and easy to clean. White surfaces also make for a refined, striking and modern kitchen.

Blend high gloss surfaces and neon lighting to create an impressive kitchen that’s ahead of its time. Combine this with white vinyl flooring to maximise natural light and make your space feel bigger. Perfect if you’re planning on using the area to entertain guests.