The Designers Edit: Kitchen Styling
Our designers curated edit of kitchen styling must-haves.
We spend months planning cabinetry, finishes and lighting — but what really brings a kitchen to life is the styling. It’s the mix of warm materials, sculptural pieces and practical beauty that makes a space feel lived-in and loved. It makes it feel like home.
In this month’s Edit, we’re sharing the pieces we reach for again and again when it comes to styling kitchens.
Key items to use when styling your kitchen:
- Vases and vessels
- Stack of cookbooks (we would choose neutral covered books)
- Oil bottle/pourer
- Wooden chopping boards
- Stacks of 3 or 4 bowls or plates
- Fruit bowls or platters
- Ceramic teapot
- Beautiful linen tea towels
- Decanters
Shop The Edit: Kitchen Styling
Glass Decanters
Shop now >
Organic River Stone Bowl
Shop now >
Narti Ceramic Oil Bottle
Shop now >
Want More of The Edit?
Each month, we share a new Edit straight from the design studio and from our team. The pieces we’re loving, materials we’re using, and ways to bring Studio Haus Co style into your own home. We hope you love our Edits.
Need Help Bringing It Together?
If you’re ready to style your own kitchen but not sure where to begin, our team offers sourcing, spatial styling and designer-approved product lists.
Interior Designers Guide to Hanging Artwork
“How do I hang artwork so it actually looks right?”
Here's the thing about hanging artwork — it's not rocket science, but it does require a bit more thought than "this wall looks empty, let's fill it." When done right, art doesn't just decorate your space; it transforms it. It creates mood, tells your story, and makes your home feel genuinely yours. Art makes a home feel lived-in and intentional.
Our designers have put together a guide on hanging and lighting artwork to help you, before you put holes in your walls!
The Eye-Level Rule (With a Twist)
Everyone talks about hanging art at eye level, but whose eye level exactly? The magic zone is typically 145-155cm from the floor to the centre of your artwork. This feels natural for most people and most spaces.
But here's where it gets interesting: when you're hanging something above furniture, forget about strict eye level. Instead, create a visual conversation between your art and what's below or in front of it.
Size Matters More Than You Think
That tiny print floating above your massive sectional? It's not working. As a general rule, your artwork should span about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it.
Small art has its place, but it needs the right context. A delicate drawing can be stunning in a powder room or a soft oil painting on a bedside table.
Lighting for Artwork
This is where most people drop the ball. You wouldn't buy a gorgeous piece of art and then hide it in a dark corner, yet so many of us forget about lighting entirely. The right lighting doesn't just illuminate your art — it brings it to life.
Wall sconces flanking a large piece can bring a subtle glow.
A ceiling-mounted directional light can quietly frame a canvas.
A picture light can create that old-world, gallery feel (perfect for hallways or above consoles).
Light Temperature
Stay warm.
Cool white light (5000K+) can flatten textures and make artwork feel clinical. We typically use warm white (2700–3000K) to bring softness, mood and a natural warmth to the tones in both the artwork and surrounding space.
Glare & Glazing
If your artwork is behind glass or highly textured, be mindful of glare.
Use directional lighting or matte finishes to avoid harsh reflections.
Sometimes soft side-lighting or diffused ambient lighting is better than direct spotlights.
Integrated Lighting
Downlights or task lighting can be positioned during the design phase to double as ambient art lighting. If you have special pieces that you know where you want to put it, be sure to think about lighting during your electrical planning.
A well thought out electrical plan is highly advised (as is a trusted and knowledgeable electrician!).
If you're investing in art, factor lighting into your budget. Trust us on this one.
The Power of Empty Space
Not every wall needs something hanging on it. Sometimes the most sophisticated choice is restraint. Empty walls give your eye a place to rest and make your chosen pieces feel more intentional.
We're particularly fond of leaving transitional spaces — hallways, stairwells — relatively bare, or adding just one understated piece where the light naturally falls. It creates a sense of calm and prevents your home from feeling cluttered.
Leaning Artwork
Some of our favorite styling moments happen when art isn't hung at all. A framed piece leaning against the wall on a console, shelf, or even the floor creates an effortlessly chic, lived-in feeling. It's also practical — you can easily swap pieces seasonally or as your collection evolves.
You can see how we have done this at our Beach Haus project featuring two large paired pieces leaning on the fireplace mantle.
Framing: Our Tips
Never underestimate the power of a good frame. It can make or break how your art sits within your space. We lean toward simple, natural box timber frames with clean float mounts that let the artwork breathe rather than compete for attention.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, hanging artwork is part science, part art, and part gut feeling. You want it to feel balanced within the room and authentic to you. The "rules" are guidelines, not gospel. Art brings individuality and personality to homes. Artwork is very personal.
Take your time. Live with pieces for a while before committing to nail holes. Move things around. Ask for opinions, but remember that you're the one who has to look at it every day. The goal is for the artwork to feel considered, not disconnected from all the other pieces in the room.
The Art of Kitchen Lighting
Creating Layers of Light for Function and Ambiance
When designing your dream kitchen, it's easy to focus on the big elements—cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. But lighting is truly the unsung hero that can transform your space from merely functional to absolutely magnificent. As a designer, I've found that thoughtful lighting not only makes your kitchen more usable but also dramatically enhances its atmosphere and visual appeal.
Let me share my approach to creating a beautifully lit kitchen that balances practicality with ambiance, focusing on layered lighting that serves you throughout the day.
Why Layered Lighting Matters
A well-designed kitchen requires multiple types of lighting working in harmony. Think of your lighting plan as having distinct layers, each serving a specific purpose:
Task lighting illuminates work areas where you prep food, cook, and clean
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the mood
Accent lighting highlights architectural features and adds visual interest
When these layers work together, you create a space that's both highly functional and beautifully atmospheric. Let's explore how to achieve this balance.
A Note on Temperature
The temperature of lights are measured in Kelvin (K). This is such a key piece to creating the mood of the home. We use 2700-3000K is what we use, always. This is for all lights in the home, front to back, even the LED strip lights.
Moving Beyond Pendants: Reconsidering Kitchen Lighting Conventions
While pendant lights have dominated kitchen design in recent years—particularly over islands—they're not always the best choice for every space. In many of our recent projects, we've been steering away from pendants in favor of more subtle options that create a cleaner, more sophisticated look.
Ceiling mounted ‘can’ lights have been our more recent choice for centre island lighting. There are several advantages to using can lights:
They provide clean, unobstructed sightlines across the kitchen
They don't collect dust or require regular cleaning like pendants
They create consistent, even lighting across work surfaces
They offer a timeless look that won't date your kitchen
They can add another subtle layer of colour and texture
Creating Purposeful Task Lighting
Effective task lighting is essential for safe, comfortable food preparation and cooking. Here's how we approach it:
Recessed Downlights as Task Lighting
Properly positioned recessed down lights can serve as excellent task lighting when:
Placed directly above key work areas like countertops and islands
Installed in sufficient numbers to eliminate shadows
Selected with the right beam spread for your ceiling height
Chosen with appropriate brightness
For maximum effectiveness, position downlights about 600-750mm inches from the wall, allowing the light to hit the front edge of your countertop rather than casting shadows from your body as you work.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is another crucial task lighting element that:
Eliminates shadows on countertops
Makes food prep safer and more precise
Showcases beautiful countertop and splashback materials
Creates a warm glow when used alone in the evening
We prefer LED strip lighting under cabinets for its even distribution and energy efficiency. For a seamless look, choose fixtures that can be recessed into the bottom of your upper cabinets. We never like to see the source of the light, just the flare of the light.
Setting the Mood with Ambient and Accent Lighting
While task lighting addresses functionality, ambient and accent lighting create atmosphere and visual interest.
Wall Lights as Focal Points
Wall sconces in kitchens add personality and warmth while providing gentle ambient light. Consider:
Placing wall lights on either side of a window
Using them to highlight artwork or over a shelf
Selecting styles that complement your kitchen's design aesthetic
In a recent project, we installed ceramic and brass wall sconces that added a touch of elegance while casting a beautiful, soft glow across the shelf and to styling items placed on this.
LED Strip Lighting for Drama and Depth
LED strip lighting has revolutionized kitchen lighting design by allowing us to:
Highlight architectural features like toe kicks or floating shelves
Create dramatic effects along the bottom of islands
Add subtle illumination above upper cabinets
Provide practical lighting inside cabinets and drawers
For the most sophisticated look, ensure your LED strip lighting is installed with proper diffusers to eliminate the "dotted" effect of individual LEDs.
Controlling Your Lighting Scheme
The true magic of layered lighting comes from being able to control each layer independently:
Dimmers Are Essential
Every light in your kitchen should be on a dimmer switch (with the exception of the LED strip), allowing you to:
Adjust brightness levels throughout the day
Create different moods for different occasions
Save energy when full brightness isn't needed
Consider Smart Lighting
For ultimate convenience and flexibility, consider smart lighting that allows you to:
Create preset "scenes" for different activities (cooking, dining, entertaining)
Control lighting from your phone or voice assistant
Automate lighting changes throughout the day
Bringing It All Together: A Day in Your Perfectly Lit Kitchen
Let me walk you through how layered lighting transforms your kitchen experience throughout the day:
Morning: Bright task lighting helps you prepare breakfast and get energized for the day ahead. Downlights over the island provide clear visibility while you make your morning coffee.
Afternoon: Natural light does most of the work, supplemented by task lighting as needed for food preparation.
Evening Cooking: Full task lighting illuminates your work areas, making meal preparation safe and comfortable.
Evening Dining: Dim the downlights, switch to wall sconces and LED strip lighting for a warm, inviting atmosphere that's perfect for enjoying meals and conversation.
Late Night: Minimal lighting—perhaps just the LED strip under cabinets—provides enough illumination to navigate the kitchen for a late-night snack without disturbing your sleep cycle.
Final Thoughts: Lighting as an Investment
While it might be tempting to scale back on lighting to save on renovation costs, I always counsel clients to view lighting as an essential investment rather than an optional extra. A well-lit kitchen enhances not only the functionality of the space but also your enjoyment of it.
Remember, the most beautiful kitchens are those designed with both practicality and atmosphere in mind. By thoughtfully layering different types of lighting—recessed downlights, wall sconces, and LED strips—you create a space that adapts to your every need, from precise chopping to intimate dining.
Would you like to discuss how we could transform your kitchen with a customized lighting plan?
I'd love to help you create a space that feels as good to be in as it looks.
Common Kitchen Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Your kitchen is truly the workhorse of your home—a space where you start your day, prepare meals, and often gather with loved ones. As a designer, I've seen how a thoughtfully planned kitchen can transform daily life, making everything flow more smoothly and joyfully.
But even with the best intentions, certain design pitfalls can compromise both functionality and style. Let me walk you through the most common kitchen design mistakes I see and share how we can avoid them together, creating a space that's both beautiful and brilliantly functional.
1. Poor Layout & Workflow Issues
The Challenge:
One of the most frequent issues I encounter is a kitchen layout that simply doesn't support natural movement. When your sink, stove, and refrigerator (the classic "work triangle") aren't positioned thoughtfully, cooking becomes more of a workout than a pleasure! Either they're placed too far apart, causing exhausting back-and-forth trips, or they're squeezed too close together, creating frustrating bottlenecks.
My Designer Solution:
Let's design your kitchen with movement in mind. We'll ensure there's an intuitive flow between your prep, cooking, and cleaning zones. I recommend maintaining at least 1200mm of clearance space for walkways—enough room to move comfortably without feeling cramped.
For larger kitchens, we might create dedicated zones for different activities—perhaps a coffee/tea section, or a separate cleanup area away from the main cooking space. This zoning approach keeps multiple cooks from colliding and makes entertaining so much more enjoyable.
2. Insufficient Storage Solutions
The Challenge:
A kitchen without adequate storage quickly becomes cluttered and frustrating. Those awkward corner cabinets that are difficult to reach, shallow drawers that can't fit your pots, or lack of pantry space all lead to disorganization and wasted space.
My Designer Solution:
Let's think about how you actually use your kitchen. Do you bake often? Host dinner parties? Have a collection of small appliances? Together, we'll create storage solutions tailored to your needs:
Deep drawers for pots and pans (much more accessible than cabinets)
Pull-out pantry shelves that bring items from the back into clear view
Clever corner solutions like Lazy Susans or pull-out mechanisms
Vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards
Customized spaces for appliances you use regularly
Remember, using every inch thoughtfully—including vertical space up to the ceiling—gives you room to breathe and keeps countertops clear for what matters: cooking and connecting.
3. Neglecting Proper Lighting
The Challenge:
I often visit homes where the kitchen relies solely on a central ceiling light, creating shadows exactly where you need to see clearly. Proper lighting isn't just about aesthetics—it's about safety and functionality.
My Designer Solution:
Let's layer your lighting with intention:
Ambient lighting: This creates your overall illumination—recessed ceiling lights distributed evenly throughout the space.
Task lighting: This is crucial under cabinets to illuminate countertops, over islands for food prep, and inside pantries.
Accent lighting: This adds warmth and highlights architectural features—subtle lighting such as LEDs, decorative wall lights or pendant lighting.
I always recommend installing dimmers on every light source. This simple addition allows your kitchen to transition from bright and energizing during meal prep to soft and inviting during dinner.
4. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality
The Challenge:
We've all swooned over a pristine kitchen on social media. But in real life, kitchens often require constant maintenance and can make your kitchen less enjoyable to use. Our goal is to help our clients build a kitchen that looks beautiful, but also feels easy to maintain and use.
My Designer Solution:
Let's approach your kitchen design with a healthy balance of beauty and practicality:
Consider slightly darker lower cabinets that won't show every scuff, paired with lighter uppers to maintain brightness
Choose quartz or porcelain countertops that resist staining but still offer the look of natural stone
Incorporate some closed storage alongside selective open shelving for displaying only your most beautiful pieces
Select cabinet hardware that feels comfortable in your hand, not just visually appealing
Opt for matte or satin finishes that forgive fingerprints and water spots
Remember, the most beautiful kitchen is one that works seamlessly with your lifestyle and requires minimal upkeep.
5. Forgetting About Ventilation
The Challenge:
Ventilation might not be the most glamorous aspect of kitchen design, but overlooking it leads to lingering cooking odors, grease buildup on surfaces, and potentially even moisture issues affecting your cabinetry over time.
My Designer Solution:
Let's make proper ventilation a priority:
I recommend a high-quality range hood that vents to the exterior rather than simply recirculating air
For open-plan spaces, we'll look at quiet yet powerful models that won't interrupt conversation
If you love to cook with high heat or strong-smelling ingredients, we might consider a slightly more powerful system than standard
We'll ensure your kitchen also has good general airflow through windows or other ventilation
A well-ventilated kitchen stays fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant for everyone.
6. Not Allowing Enough Counter Space
The Challenge:
Insufficient bench space makes cooking feel constrained and stressful. When there's barely room for a cutting board alongside your everyday essentials, preparing meals becomes a frustrating game of countertop Tetris.
My Designer Solution:
Let's maximize your work surfaces:
We'll identify your primary prep zones and ensure they have generous counter depth and width
If space allows, an island provides invaluable additional workspace that doubles as a casual dining or socializing spot
We'll plan dedicated spaces for frequently used appliances so they don't consume valuable prep area
Integrate clever solutions like flush power outlets that don't interrupt your workspace
7. Ignoring Small Design Details That Improve Functionality
The Challenge:
Sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference in how a kitchen feels to use every day. These subtle features aren't usually visible in photos, but they transform your daily experience.
My Designer Solution:
Let's focus on these thoughtful touches:
Soft-close drawers and cabinets to eliminate slamming and reduce wear
Pull-out trash and recycling bins concealed within cabinetry
Strategic placement of appliances so their doors don't block walkways when open
Power outlets in convenient but discreet locations—inside a drawer for charging devices, or along the island for small appliances
Under-cabinet lighting with hidden switches that don't disrupt your backsplash design
Water-resistant finishes near the sink area
Spice drawers and pull-out cooking oils positioned near cooktop.
Your Kitchen Should Feel Like Home
A truly successful kitchen design balances beauty with practicality, creating a space that not only looks wonderful but supports your daily routines with ease. By avoiding these common pitfalls, we can design a kitchen that genuinely enhances your home life—one that welcomes you each morning and serves as the perfect backdrop for countless meals and memories.
I'd love to help you bring your dream kitchen to life. Let's talk about creating a space that's uniquely suited to the way you live, cook, and gather.
You can book a Short Consult here. A one-off design consultation, to help you move forward with confidence in your design choices.
Or, to work with us as an Interior Designer - reach out here.
Christmas 2024 Gift Guide
With Christmas approaching fast (eek!) we have curated our team’s gifting lists - If you are needing some inspiration, shop what our team want to receive and what they are going to be giving this festive season!
