A Country Kitchen Full of Warmth and Character

Some kitchens feel like they are always ready for guests, worktops stocked and something good in the oven. This gathered look works well in smaller homes too, where a few well-chosen pieces do a lot of the heavy lifting.

A kitchen that never runs empty

A cosy family kitchen built around generous storage feels right at home in a townhouse or maisonette, where every cupboard and drawer needs to earn its keep. IKEA's KORKEN jars with lids keep preserves and dry goods tidy on open shelving, while a HULTARP rail mounted on the wall holds utensils within easy reach of the hob.

Seating matters just as much as storage. A DALFRED bar stool or a PERJOHAN stool with storage tucks neatly against a counter, and a SKURUP pendant lamp overhead adds a warm, low glow for evening cooking sessions.

DALFRED bar stool, black, 63-74 cmPERJOHAN stool with storage, pine, 49x45x28 cmSKURUP pendant lamp, black, 38 cmVARDAGEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1.9 lKORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 0.5 lKORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1 l

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Trolleys that double as an island

Many kitchens here simply do not have room for a fixed island, but a trolley can fill that gap without demanding a permanent spot. Pushed together, two trolleys in solid birch create extra worktop space for rolling dough or plating up, plus useful storage underneath for pans and serving dishes.

When the cooking is done, pull up a DALFRED bar stool or a PERJOHAN stool with storage and the same surface becomes a spot for a quick coffee. OFTAST deep plates stack easily inside, ready to be set out the moment the trolley becomes a serving table instead.

DALFRED bar stool, black, 63-74 cmPERJOHAN stool with storage, pine, 49x45x28 cmOFTAST deep plate, white, 20 cmSTIG bar stool with backrest, counter height black/black, 63 cmFRANKLIN bar stool with backrest, foldable, counter height black/black, 63 cmRÄVSTEN bar stool, counter height black, 62 cm

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The essentials for a home bake

There is something satisfying about turning a bowl of fruit into a finished cake, and having the right basics on hand makes it far less fiddly. A GEMAK colander earns its place for washing and draining fruit before it goes anywhere near the oven.

Once the mixing starts, a HILDEGUN apron keeps flour and batter off clothes, and a HILDEGUN oven glove protects hands when the tin comes out hot. None of this takes up much cupboard space, which matters in a compact kitchen where every drawer is already spoken for.

GEMAK colander, off-white, 22 cmHILDEGUN apron, 63x84 cmHILDEGUN oven gloveSOARÉ place mat, water hyacinth, 37 cmTÅSJÖN slippers, grey, L/XLRINNIG tea towel, red/beige striped, 45x60 cm, 4 pack

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One room for cooking, eating and everything else

Open plan kitchen diners are common in Malta and Gozo, and they work best when the furniture keeps pace with family life. An AGUNNARYD pendant lamp with three lamps hangs above the table, while an AGAM junior chair pulls up alongside for the youngest diners, and a BEKVÄM step stool lets smaller helpers reach the worktop safely.

Away from the table, a LOHALS rug and a BEGÄRLIG vase soften the space, and a GULLHULT wall shelf keeps a stack of books or a SOARÉ place mat within reach for whoever settles into a comfortable chair with a good read.

PERJOHAN bench with storage, pine, 100 cmAGUNNARYD pendant lamp with 3 lamps, black, 122 cmBEKVÄM step stool, beech, 63 cmAGAM junior chair, black, 41x79x43 cmLOHALS rug, flatwoven, natural, 160x230 cmGULLHULT wall shelf, black/pine antique effect, 30x40 cm

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Hidden storage built into everyday furniture

In a room that shifts constantly between cooking, homework and play, furniture that stores things out of sight saves a lot of tidying. A PERJOHAN bench with storage doubles as extra seating and a place to stash table linen or spare crockery.

For younger members of the household, a FLISAT children's table paired with a LYDERSHOLM flatwoven rug creates a defined corner for drawing or building. A MÅLA watercolour box with fourteen colours and the MÅLA ten piece cardboard town template set keep craft supplies contained rather than scattered across the kitchen table.

PERJOHAN bench with storage, pine, 100 cmLYDERSHOLM rug flatwoven, in/outdoor, medium brown, 160x230 cmFLISAT children's table, 83x58 cmMÅLA 10-pc cardboard town template setMÅLA watercolour box with 14 colours, mixed coloursMÅLA drawing paper roll, 30 m

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Bringing greenery indoors

Not every home has a garden, but a sunny windowsill or a corner by the balcony door can still hold a good collection of plants. A VANILJSTÅNG plant stand lifts pots up off the floor and makes better use of a narrow spot, which suits apartments where outdoor space is limited.

A BERÄKNA vase holds cut flowers or herb cuttings, and a KNAGGLIG box stores plant food, gloves and small tools out of sight. Together they bring a bit of the countryside indoors, even in the heart of a busy Maltese town.

BERÄKNA vase, clear glass, 15 cmVANILJSTÅNG plant stand, pine/black, 67 cmKNAGGLIG box, pine, 23x31x15 cmOLIVBLAD plant stand, in/outdoor black, 58 cmOLIVBLAD plant stand, in/outdoor black, 35 cmOLIVBLAD plant stand, in/outdoor black, 56 cm

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Browse these pieces at maltashopper.com and build a kitchen that suits the way your household actually lives, with orders made easy to arrange from wherever you are in Malta.

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