Kitchens. I’ve got a bit of a dilemma at the moment. Lucky enough to have two kitchens, unlucky in that both of them are pretty rank. I’m psyching myself up to do something about this situation, and have been collecting pictures and ideas on Pinterest. Maybe it’s years working on interiors – and even specialist kitchen – magazines, but I’m very much out of love with the glossy fitted kitchen. Instead I want something with more warmth and even a bit of drama. The room that houses my kitchen at the seaside is very very light, and so I’m very tempted by black. As you can see from the above, that means something rustic, rather than glossy and slick. I think the black stops it looking like a more traditional country kitchen, creating instead something that is both dramatic and quite cosy. Plus a black backdrop shows off crockery and glassware – no matter how simple – beautifully. Because I also have an ever-expanding collection of crockery that I dearly love, I am also very keen on open shelves. I love this style, which uses every inch of space, right up to the ceiling. As the area for actual units in my kitchen isn’t that large I’m thinking that making the most of all that space is absolutely essential. I’ve always loved the idea of having a library-style ladder to reach the higher shelves, but haven’t seen this in anything but very high-end, bespoke kitchens until now. So I was very excited to see this option, as part of the Linda Barker Collection at Wren Kitchens, below. Not only is it a great price point but the kitchens are available in 40 colours, including Cornish Slate, Baltic and – blackest of all – Raven. Well moody.   I can imagine that a ladder and to-the-ceiling shelves are not going to solve all my storage problems, however, so I was interested to see there are also lots of options for clever storage, including nice wooden drawer inserts, on all the kitchens too. I’m not a huge fan of bells and whistles on kitchens, but sensibly planned storage is what allows you to have the things you do want on display, without compromising the look with lots of ugly packaging and gadgets creeping in there too. Then all that’s left is to add a big old rustic table that’s seen more hot dinners than you’ve had… yeah. These pictures come close to my perfect mix of homely, atmospheric, organised and practical. What’s you ideal kitchen? And does it include a ladder? I’d love to know. Written by My Friend’s House with help from Wren Kitchens