As ‘normal service’ is (more or less!) resumed, we’ve got that ‘back to school’ feeling for September. This gorgeous kitchen by Drew Forsyth draws on two main colour themes, white and a dramatic dark green. So we’re running with that look and have gathered together a host of decorative ideas for the new Autumn season …

This stunning new kitchen extension was part of a major whole-house refurbishment, which involved the owners moving out whilst the bulk of the works were carried out. The new extension took over some of the garden, with the aim of creating a large kitchen-dining-living multi-use space. Senior Designer Wayne Crossley says ‘As this type of multi-use space is becoming the new normal, we wanted to design a kitchen where the adults are able to break away to chat and mingle around the island, and the children can play and watch TV in the living space. The simplicity of our Shaker furniture is perfect for this concept ’.

Wayne Crossley explains ‘This kitchen was to be our client’s dream kitchen, and many hours of design work and consultation were carried out to produce this stunning final product. The challenges that we as a design team faced include a sloping wall, limiting the options of what we could position along it. However, our bespoke cabinetry was designed and built to overcome the sloping roof, and the wall became a totally practical provider of pantry storage … along with a glazed gin cupboard on the end for our client’s favourite tipple!’

The colour scheme is crisp and simple, with a Scandinavian influence. Washed oak-style timber floors, aged copper and brass metal finishes are accompanied by crisp white furniture and a dark green island. The floor is actually a porcelain tile as our client wanted the practicality of tiles over a natural timber – and when entering the room the timber-look porcelain tiles are utterly convincing. Wayne adds, ‘The island is a deep, dramatic green, Stable Green from Paint & Paper Library.

This is a fabulous colour-texture-finish combination, and an idea well worth exploring if you’re looking for a new look or a new approach to your next kitchen design. The Mode 045 BS steel sink by Caple is now available in Black, can be inset or under-mounted and has a 90mm outlet for basket strainer waste. The black PVD finish (physical vapour deposition) is designed to create a dense, brilliant colour finish which won’t fade. Shown here with Caple’s Karns tap, also in black steel.

In many kitchens, the alternative to a kitchen island is a large-scale kitchen table. This may also be the answer to updating a kitchen, or even creating a gorgeous kitchen on a smaller budget. Whatever the reason for considering a new kitchen table, we wanted to point this one out – it’s the Pantry Extendable Table in Earthy Red by Loaf, which also of course fits in with a autumnal colour scheme. Also in Heritage Blue and Pale Grey and there are also matching chairs and benches available. We would probably go with a mix and match approach, which also allows flexibility regarding future colour schemes too!

Stylish accessories are a must-have in any kitchen, and a new season is just as good an excuse as a new kitchen … here we’ve picked some deep tones that are bold and definite enough to influence a scheme. From left; BePure Glass Pendant in Moss Green from Cuckooland; this also comes in Blue Grey, but Moss Green is perfect for our seasonal colour shift. Next, if all aprons were as elegant as this we’d actually be very happy. Although not at all tempted to wipe sticky hands on it! This is Nouveau Leopard in Midnight apron by Catherine Rowe Designs … and actually, this could be something for the Christmas list too, as there are some gorgeous Xmas designs as well. And finally, this gorgeous Green Glass Vase is from Mondayonline and definitely ticks the seasonal colour box.

Changing the lighting around is a way of re-booting the look of the kitchen … perhaps you’ve currently got contemporary chrome finishes, or coloured glass shades. Give the room a new directional look by considering something different … go for Deco, Retro or Industrial instead. This is the Haviland Pendant in Antique Nickel  finish, from Atkin & Thyme. It’s a bold choice, but would work very well with industrial-style stools, benches and chairs.

Colourful floor choices can transform a kitchen scheme, and we are very much in favour of adding multi-coloured floor (or wall) coverings to enhance a classic colour choice (ivory, navy, timber) for kitchen cabinetry. This is Mardi Gras Evora 516 vinyl flooring from Carpetright, with a classic tile-style pattern in terracotta and blue. A great option if you’re on a beating-the-budget mission this autumn!

As so many of us have spent far more days than originally anticipated at home this year, it may be that you’ve plans afoot for making home cosy for this winter. You’ll need to get a move on, but if there’s a need for extra heating, then a stove or wood burner should be on the list – especially in open plan spaces that can sometimes be a bit chilly. The Chilli High & Mighty Penguin stove, from Ludlow Stoves, is a log-burner which has an oven box and top plate, a log storage area, and comes in several colours.

It seems that we can’t just ‘lay the table’ these days, it’s necessary to set the scene, creating a ‘tablescape’ to complement all interior design aspects of the home. Which is fine, as long as it’s not expected every day … (hands up those who would rather slump in front of Netflix with a tray on their lap!!). But, for the occasions when a touch of glamour, formality, care and attention are needed, it’s very worth paying a visit to the real-life shops to scoop up some inspiring accessories. These are from a selection at Dunelm, we’re particularly impressed with that textured Macrame Global Table Runner as well as the crockery!

Brand new kitchen projects often need to start with the flooring, especially if it’s a newly built extension or re-configured layout. If you’re at the beginning of the big push, then it’s definitely a major consideration – think about how the whole room needs to flow, from kitchen to dining-social-living spaces. One ideal choice is a classic look that won’t date. These are English Oak Galion Planks from Ted Todd, from the English Native Timbers collection.