Expert: Consider wooden shutters in new kitchens

Homeowners looking at new kitchens for their properties might want to consider installing wooden window dressings to create an impact.

According to Sam Tamlyn of The California Company, wooden shutters can lend a Mediterranean feel to a new kitchen, enabling control over both light and temperature in the process.

"Yellow poplar and elm woods are well-known for their durability and strength," he explains.

"Darker walnut or jet black shades will offset beautifully against whitewashed walls and tiles."

When looking for hardwood products, homeowners should ideally go for products that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council - which means that the timber used in them has been harvested without damaging the environment.

Homeowners interested in Mediterranean-influenced kitchen design may also want to opt for brightly-coloured tiles - such as for use in splashbacks - and framed artwork featuring food from the region to complete the look.

Traditional-style kitchen units may also complement these elements.