For many, the kitchen is the heart of a house. It brings people together, is a meeting room for discussions, is the place where sumptuous food is experimented and presented with a flourish and is the coziest part of a home.

No one kitchen style is the best simply because everyone has their own idea of what constitutes the perfect kitchen. But certain touches and components have the ability to lend a very stylish and designer feel. If properly complemented, they can add much value to a house, important if it's ever to be sold in the future.

Vintage touches

Anything that's antiquated is vintage but not all vintage items have to be old. Using a few deft strokes, it's possible to create cabinets, chairs and tables that seem to date back to a few centuries.

Mocha-tinted antiquated glaze is a substance that turns items into vintage looking objects. With some sanding, a rag and a brush, a truly antiquated look can be achieved.

The process can be applied to almost any kitchen item but looks best on cabinets and tables. Adding a few cast iron pots and charming kettles will complete the look.

Electronic kitchen islands

This differs from standard kitchen islands because the space houses electronics. The island can accommodate equipments like toasters, microwaves, blenders, electric kettles and cookers. Having a central unit minimizes the need to have scattered sockets as plug points can be fitted around or inside the island.

Kitchen space that's freed can be used to accommodate dining sets, cooking and wash areas and storage for cutlery.

Dramatic barrel-vaulted ceilings

Kitchens that aren't so large or have a rectangular area can be expanded to look bigger with barrel-vaulted ceilings. Sober paintwork can be brought to life with artistic touches on the ceiling and parts of the walls. Complement the look with a simple solid wood dining set and tiled flooring for a mix of old-meets-new.

Color gradation

Contrast is not the only way to create a dramatic flair. The same can be achieved with gradation where a single color is used in varying degrees. For instance, a white ceiling, 'less' white walls, very pale gray cabinets, slightly darker flooring, a dark backsplash and a black dining set will draw the eye all over the room.

Armless dining chairs

These work well for small or large, regal kitchens. There's also an element of functionality as armless chairs are easier to navigate around when space is constrained. To add style, the chairs can have turned legs, ornamentation, and fabric upholstery on the backrests and seats.

Large oak cabinet

Dining areas separate from the kitchen can have a large oak cabinet featuring small shelves to house individual objects. It works well for spaces that don't have much ornamentation going on. Placing fine china teapots, intricately designed ceramic bowls and marble kitchen containers inside will bring out the reddish brown color of the wood.

Bronze and copper washing area

Lend an old world look to washing areas by installing a copper sink and bronze faucets. It won't be cheap but the patinas that develop over time form very interesting colors and patterns. An added advantage is that copper has antimicrobial properties which benefits people who soak vegetables and wash dishes in the sink.