Molly and Tyler's classic-cool California cottage kitchen — say that five times in a row! — really gives off an easy, breezy vibe. The muted teal wall color (painted "some leftover from I don’t know where," says Molly) pairs perfectly with the minty backsplash. A Saarinen kitchen table and chairs from DWR nestled into the cozy breakfast nook blends in well with this otherwise-all-IKEA kitchen. All in all, this is great color inspiration for those who favor crisp blue-green shades. See more photos below:

Frank Novak's Los Angeles home is what you'd describe as "Depression-era modern." You'll find a lot of white, spare surfaces with an almost "hospital aesthetic," as Apartment Therapy wrote. But this is all intentional. "The house inspired me to honor its spirit and bring it back to feeling period correct. All decisions and purchases were made with this goal in mind," Frank says. Some of those purchases include white metal cabinetry in the kitchen and a vintage Western Holly stove. See more photos below:

Erin and Danny live in a 500-square-foot apartment in San Francisco, but that doesn't keep them from entertaining as many as 20 friends at once! They're able to do this in part because of their terrific kitchen, which is organized for maximum efficiency and storage. See more photos below: More

It's striking to see this antique 19th-century architect's table used as a dining table. What a beautiful, sturdy piece. This kitchen, with its green metal cabinets, definitely reads vintage, but I believe this table could work in a more traditional, farmhouse-style kitchen, as well as something super modern. The contrast would play nicely. More

Kelle's Kenosha, Wisconsin kitchen is clean and fresh with small touches of grass green and pale pink — just like a Spring day! It's a respite from the dramatic patterns in the rest of the house, but still stays true to Kelle's self-described "classic with hints of vintage whimsy" style. See more photos below:

For open kitchen layouts that blend into the entertaining and living areas (say, in a loft, for example) this idea seamlessly integrates the two: a kitchen island that's kitchen-ey on one side, and home design-focused on the other! 

"Our friends feel like they're on vacation when they're here," say Jonah and Jodie in this recent Apartment Therapy House Tour. "The house has an 'enchanted cottage' kind of feel that makes people not want to leave." Their glamorous yet modern Hollywood aesthetic is evident in their kitchen, too — a favorite part of the home. "When we have parties, one thing never changes... the kitchen draws a crowd." See more photos below!

While Clayton and Kate may love their classic Los Feliz Spanish charmer, they're not wild about the white tiled kitchen counters or the linoleum kitchen floor, which they call "the color of an overcast day." Nevertheless, they've managed to make the kitchen a charming, stylish place to sit and enjoy breakfast. (Thanks in no small part to the Eero Saarinen tulip table, vintage Czech chairs, and large sunny window!) See more photos below:

So, you want a little pattern on your kitchen floors but aren't crazy about putting down a rug and installing Moroccan-style encaustic floor tiles isn't an option. The next best thing? A floor stencil. This is a pretty dramatic look, particularly given how oversize it is. But in the right space it could work. What do you think? Cool and creative, or a bit too much for the eyes?

While it may not be as dramatic as this art wall, I still admire the effect this shelf of paintings has on the dining room. Because they're leaning against the wall (not hanging), the overall feel is a little relaxed, despite the relative formality and weight of the paintings. Varying sizes and styles also keep it interesting, and break up the monotony of the white wall. What do you think?