Article - Monochrome: Home décor ideas for the kitchen

When you are thinking about colour schemes for your kitchen, you simply can't go wrong with a classic monochrome style. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, a black and white background can be dressed up by adding a few splashes of colour with cleverly placed accessories, or kept plain and simple. By using glossy surfaces for tiles, worktops and cupboards, light will be reflected, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.

If the cupboards in your kitchen are wood, and you don't want to paint them you can still achieve this look by furnishing the room with monochrome accessories. Here are some of my favourites.

Add a bit of homour with this teatowel from Molly and Fred. Cost: £6.99.

Look out for things you use everyday with a black and white theme, like this colander, just £3.99 from Dunelm Mill.

Ordinary objects made a little more interesting, with this heart shaped dish from House of Fraser. Cost: £8.80 on sale.

This stylish breadbin is just £24.99 from Homebase.

Who can resist these cute salt and pepper shakers, shaped like scotty dogs?! Just £7.00 from Oliver Bonas.

Apologies for the poor image! A much better one can be found by looking here. This great kitchen tool set includes everything you could want on your countertop, and is only £29.00 from Very.