Designing our New Kitchen: how to choose colors, materials and layout for the Heart of the Home

In this new chapter of our renovation journey, we dive into one of the most exciting and personal spaces to design: the kitchen. After defining the layout and making our first aesthetic choices with colors and materials, it was finally time to focus on this key room—often described as the heart of the home.

As always, our approach combined function, emotion, and design, with the aim of creating a space that feels both welcoming and contemporary, while reflecting the soul of the house and its rural setting.

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FINDING THE RIGHT PLACEMENT

Once we finalized the new layout of the house (as shared in Post 01), we carefully evaluated different options for the kitchen’s position. After much consideration, we chose a location that benefits from natural morning light and offers direct access to the outdoor area – perfect for a countryside home meant to encourage slow living and open-air moments.

This new placement also allowed us to design the kitchen as a central gathering point that naturally connects with both the living and dining areas, without taking over the space.

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NO WALL CABINETS, MORE AIR AND LIGHT

One key layout decision that set the tone for the whole kitchen was not using traditional wall cabinets. Neither of us is particularly fond of them—visually or functionally. Instead, we opted for a more open and airy design that feels clean and essential.

We concentrated the storage vertically with tall cabinetry on the short side of the room. Here, we integrated the fridge and oven behind seamless doors, keeping visual clutter to a minimum while maximizing functionality. Inside the tall unit there is also an hidden coffee station – our most used corner of the kitchen!

To further define the space, we divided the kitchen into two functional zones, each featuring a distinct surface material:

• Peninsula Area: Used for cooking and casual dining, this section features a dark countertop with subtle metallic reflections, adding depth and a modern touch.

• East Wall: A lighter-toned surface with an integrated sink in the same material for a seamless, minimalist effect.

This contrast in materials not only adds visual intrigue but also helps define usage areas. The dark metallic surface also matches the tall cabinetry, finished in a dark wood laminate that adds richness and cohesion.

|| TIP:  When selecting materials for a kitchen, balance contrast and continuity to support both function and style.

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HOW TO CHOOSE COLORS FOR A KITCHEN: OUR PROCESS

One of the most debated topics? How to choose kitchen colors that feel both timeless and full of personality. In the end, Denis handed over creative control to Elisabetta—and after many rounds of testing and color swatches, the final choice was a soft yet confident peachy pink.

Interestingly, this decision came before the shade was crowned Pantone Color of the Year. But trend or not, the peach tone brought a perfect sense of warmth and individuality, complementing the Mediterranean-inspired color palette we explored in Post 02.

To add a bold contrast, we painted the ceiling in deep cobalt blue—a statement shade we’ve echoed in other parts of the home. This choice draws the eye upward, elevates an often-overlooked surface, and ties the kitchen into the home’s overall color story. And the best part? It’s just paint—an easy update down the line if we ever want a change.

|| TIP: When choosing kitchen colors, test samples in different lighting conditions and don’t overlook the ceiling—it’s a powerful fifth wall!

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MATERIALS, LAYERS, AND UNEXPECTED DETAILS

The east wall turned out to be the most complex—and rewarding—part of the kitchen design. As the first thing you see when entering, it needed to make a statement without overwhelming the space.

We started with a textured ceramic backsplash in deep terracotta red, wrapping from the counter up to part of the wall. Above it, we added a wallpaper with subtle countryside motifs, creating a layered, expressive backdrop that connects with the home’s setting.

To bring in another tactile element, we framed the wallpaper near the sliding glass door with a second, richly textured ceramic finish. This small nook has since become a favorite corner—home to plants, incense, and a few meditation essentials—adding a layer of everyday calm.

Finally, we balanced all this warmth with tall cabinetry in a deep wood tone, grounding the kitchen visually and adding timeless depth. The end result is a kitchen that feels both modern and soulful—refined yet relaxed, contemporary yet grounded in its natural surroundings. It’s a space that tells a story through color, material, and layout.

|| REMINDER: A well-designed kitchen is a balance of textures, tones, and thoughtful details. Don’t be afraid to mix materials for richer visual storytelling.

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UP NEXT: LIVING ROOM DESIGN & DECORATIVE DETAILS

Designing the kitchen was a major milestone in our renovation journey—but there’s still more to share! In the next post, we’ll reveal how we approached the living room layout, including decorative elements that give the interiors life and personality.

📌 Want to learn more about choosing the right colors for kitchen design?
Don’t miss Post 02 in this series, where we share practical tips and methods to build the perfect interior palette.

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PH Jessica Speziale