Category: Blog

Create a visual spread in your kitchen space by mounting some art, or making it from pieces you already have.

The kitchen is an ideal place to show off artworks made by your favourite artists, or even just from the items you use every day!

The little things
A little piece of art in the perfect angle can make as much of a statement as a massive one, especially when you’re working with a tiny kitchen space.

If you have a petite artwork you love, place it into an oversized frame to give it a larger presence on your wall.

Casual Art
A casual leaning framed artwork against one side of a wall offers an intimacy to your kitchen work surfaces.

Just be sure to protect your cherished artworks by displaying the pieces away from the hob and sink.

Massive open shelving
Art doesn’t always come from a gallery. A wall of massive open shelving can be an exhibit of sculptural objects, colourful pots and pans, and even tableware.

Also consider the colours you put on your shelving unit. If your kitchen is already filled with colours, display pieces with muted tones. If your kitchen is crisply white, boost the mood with bolder hues. The colour contrast will instantly uplift your contemporary kitchen display.

Make it huge
A wall-sized installation, can also work strikingly beautiful.

To balance the bold artwork, combine it with expanses of white units. Also make sure to protect the pieces that are close to the taps, the hob or steam from the oven.

Display a cluster
If you plan to display multiple artworks, you could try a cluster filling up a feature wall. It needs a big area, but works very well on a blank wall..

To get the arrangement right, lay the pieces on the floor first to visualise the proper placing before you hang them to the wall. This will save you the hassle of having to reposition your picture hooks on the wall.

Choose the fabrics
Art doesn’t always need to be in a frame. Fabrics with great designs are excellent sources of visual indulgence as well!

Be bold with your pattern and colour choices. Kitchen dining areas are more cozy and comfy so treat them as such.

Frame in the view
If you have a view you love, make the most out of it.

Emphasize the natural or urban atmosphere outside your walls with large windows or glazed doors and keep the walls soft and plain so they won’t fight with the display view. A picture window is termed a picture window for apparent reasons.

Inject some art into your kitchen by using these ideas!

The living room may be the social centre of many homes, but a lot of people have a tendency to spend an awful lot of time in their kitchens which makes it extremely important to have a space that works best for you and your guests.

Here are some of the kitchen ideas we’ve compiled to help you create the dream kitchen that you’ve always wanted!

Modernly Informal
Position your kitchen space near a door where there’s enough natural light to flood the entire area.

Place some bar stools along with a sleek island that functions as both dining area and countertop to save a lot of essential space. Mounting a garden outside would give your home a light and airy feel as well.

Dutch Inspired
This kitchen looks ethereal with a fireplace adorned with 17th-century Delft tiles and columns.

The double-door cupboard, bronze chandelier, 18th-century French armchair, and the zinc architectural finial brings a touch of authentic vintage in this fully functional space.

 

A Touch of Art
Combine the art of architecture and ornament painting in your own kitchen.

Keep the kitchen units and the appliances, as sleek and plain as possible so it wouldn’t overcrowd the area. Place some fresh greens as well to give it a homey feel, and the end result would be a cozy room with bit of theatrical vibe.

Reclaimed Treasures
Consider revamping your space utilizing some of your old things like this chic farmhouse kitchen.

Save a lot of money by making your very own dining set from reclaimed oak. Just place some modern pieces to top it off the result would be superb.

Earthly Feel
Blending the tones of nature has an understated elegance that will always stay trendy and classy. Create you space to look simple, clean and light yet brimming with immaculately charming details and textures.

Elegant Black

A kitchen with a dark-colour scheme is not for everybody, but this homeowner definitely works it well. The owner played with different textures and elements which made this space glamorously contemporary.

Spacious and Contemporary
This roomy space oozes with light and contemporary kitchen design from the handle-less cabinets, hugely functional island, dangling steel lights, and tall windows. It’s definitely a perfect area to house a party.

Perfect for Gatherings
If you’re a person who loves to host house parties, then this long kitchen island is the ideal piece for you.

The island is huge enough for people to gather around while the cook is preparing the meal, or even join in on the food prep. The unit is also stainless steel, designed to be strong and easy to clean. You could also mount a fabulous open shelving on one wall to display all your artistic pieces.

Moroccan Vibe
Create your kitchen space to be this elegantly chic.

Select a colour theme of your choice and base your pieces on it. Mount a mosaic-like splashback, several open shelving to exhibit potteries and other utensils, and maybe even a glass pendant like the one on this kitchen.

Mix of Hues
A great space does not always mean you should stick to one or two tones. You could also merge different hues and blend them altogether to create one beautiful room with dash of colours.

Experiment with diverse pieces as well, but just be sure that they would blend well together to create a spontaneous yet surprisingly harmonious look.

Industrial Chic
Even if you’re not able to have a home with exposed brick walls, you can still achieve an industrial style by incorporating subtle pieces to create one glamorous kitchen.

Place a blackboard wall, stainless chairs, awesome set of authentic industrial lights and you got yourself a rustically industrial feel.

Small yet Incredible
Not all people can afford a huge house with a huge kitchen. Most of us settle for a cozy space with a remarkably tiny kitchen.

Your space may be small, but it can still be elegantly sleek and contemporary. Just place some handle-free units from Ikea teamed with sleek worktops to save space, and mount a mirror glass for the splashback to create an illusion of a wider area.

Best of Both Worlds
Combine humble materials with expensive ones to save budget, and also to make your space cozier.

This wood kitchen with stainless fridge, white Corian island, sleek stove, open shelving, and pendant lights gives this space a fusion of country design with modern technology.

Rustic White
A rustic wooden table against an impeccably white backdrop will do wonders just like this chic country kitchen. Add some green and blue accessories to complete the whole rustic yet homey look.

Accessorize Your Space
Fill your kitchen area with great accessories that would still blend well when combined together. Keep the colours neutral, and let your imagination go wild on the subtle pieces like the witty clock, dangling lampshades, and the greenery herb display like this kitchen has.

Let your imagination and creativity fill your kitchen. Experiment on these ideas the next time you want to create or revamp your space!

One of the most popular areas to renovate in a home is definitely the kitchen.

These days, the kitchen is often called the heart of the home which means a magnificent kitchen design makes for a magnificent home.

Whether you’re renovating your current kitchen, or building one for a new home, deciding on the kitchen design is never easy. There are huge decisions to make, and plenty more materials to choose from!

We’ve collected some of the most beautiful modern kitchens, to help you get some ideas for your own space.

 

Cosy Modern Kitchen

A strong indoor-outdoor connection and an open-concept design definitely widen up the area. It has a light and airy feel, ample storage and a remarkably unobtrusive island which makes this space look superbly contemporary.

 

Dark and Dramatic Kitchen

This kitchen stands out from the rest thanks to its dark and dramatic vibe, with its crisp white ceiling, dark-toned units and lighter-toned flooring to balance out the overall effect.

 

Contemporary Black and White

Storage is everywhere in this minimalist kitchen.

From the sleek island to the floor-to-ceiling cabinets adjoining the crisp white cupboards, and the warm earthy accents; everything about this space is modernly on point.

 

Industrial Loft Kitchen

Open shelving were mounted instead of the traditional cabinets for a more open look.

An elongated breakfast bar in canary yellow gives a playful colour into the room, matched with the dark-toned chairs tucked under the bar. For an additional organic element, a tall wood sculpture and spheres were placed, creating a modern gallery vibe.

 

Glass Cottage

Massive windows fill this modern space, offering more natural light to envelope the whole area.

These sleek kitchen countertops with integrated sinks create a soft, modern feel. The tall handle-less cabinets conceal other kitchen appliances and utensils for a streamlined look.

 

Orange-themed Kitchen

The orange chairs with high-gloss plastic backs enhance this kitchen’s sleek look and are very easy to clean, making them perfect for families with small children. The striking orange splashback on the other hand, breaks up the abundance of white cabinetry in this kitchen.

 

Wooded Floor

Select a hardwood floor for a timelessly classic style.

Wood wears over time, but it tends to hide dirt very well. A hardwood floor enhances the warmth and character of any space, and it’s also a softer underfoot than tile or marble.

 

Multi-Use Kitchen

A multipurpose island like this one can be used for both dining and counter space.

With no formal dining room, this home owner opted for a multipurpose island, which can be used for dining, and for extra cooking space. The tall bench and stainless fridge adds to the industrial feel of the kitchen, while the striking earth hue warms up the entire space.

 

Clean Kitchen Design

This kitchen may not have a wide area, but it certainly has a lot of extra storage space.

The sleek countertop with pans suspended above, makes food prep a lot easier while the streamlined backsplash adds a modern yet classic touch. The fresh green accessories elevate this room’s neutral palette as well.

 

White Modern Kitchen

The white shaker-style cabinets offer a fresh look in this modern kitchen.

Open shelving makes the space feel bigger whilst providing great place to exhibit vintage pottery and art. The white walls, counters and cabinets create contemporary yet classic twist.

Make your kitchen an extension of your creativity. Fill it up with elements that would suit your style and character.

 

Chat to our kitchen experts today

Here at Designer Kitchens we’re always happy to help our customers achieve their dream kitchens.

So, if you’re looking to take the plunge and get a new kitchen, or would like to make a couple of small updates, get in touch. Simply call us on 01707 650565 or fill in our online form.

There is the potential to create stunning display, storage, and functionality in every household kitchen. Nevertheless, not all kitchens have enough of the qualities mentioned.

A kitchen island answers these complications whilst looking stunningly beautiful by doing it. From seating area kitchen islands to mobile islands, the convenience of having one or two in your kitchen space is a great advantage.

If you are privileged enough to choose or even design a home with a kitchen island unit, then you’re really in for a treat! For those who are still in doubt to have one, have a look at these 20 great kitchen islands.

 

Steel white
Design your kitchen with a multi-functional island that can be used for food preparation, as well as an area where other family members can hang out and even help with the prep.

This white kitchen with sleek accents of stainless steel is perfect for such activity. The countertop is flawlessly gleaming, and yet effortlessly easy to clean! You could simply wipe it after each use.

 

Black and white
If you’re more inclined into a minimalistic look, then going for a monochromatic theme is the best way to go.

Create an island with a transitional zone where one area is made for food prep, while the other is a great space to accommodate guests. You can never go wrong by combining black furniture pieces with white seamless units.

 

Upcycled desk
Re-purpose an old desk by transforming it into a functional island. You could use it as your very own butcher’s block, while storing vegetables and stacking baskets beneath it.

Integrate architectural salvage with authentic period pieces throughout the whole space and you got yourself an epic kitchen.

 

Industrial style
Combining reclaimed pieces can offer a unified industrial look.

Place salvaged iron stool pieces with a reclaimed wood counter, topped with some overhanging industrial lights to complete the look. The bricked wall and woven rag contributes to the whole theme as well.

 

Floating Island
Design a kitchen island that would fit even in the most unconventional nooks in your home. Choose a space, wide enough to mount a floating island that could serve as a breakfast bar, and a prep area; a perfect way to utilize unused space.

 

Tiny Island
Give your small kitchen space the charm of an old-fashioned island.

Turn an old wooden cabinet into a striking focal point, as well as a practical kitchen workspace. Remove the drawers on the bottom shelf to provide lots of storage spaces for your tableware.

 

Glam it up
Merge matte black units with an impeccable wood material for the walls and the flooring.

It then creates a certain luxurious illusion that looks like a combination of Black and Gold. The whole area was decorated with great precision that the sleek, matte units could emit shadows of other furniture.

 

White and wood
Blend a dark-toned island worktop with its matching bar stools in a kitchen full of white units, and it instantly becomes the focal point. The dark hue generates a certain balance to shrug off the “clinical” vibe a white kitchen tends to create.

 

Salvaged find

This tiny salvaged piece still made a huge impact to the overall look of the kitchen. It became the centre-piece of the otherwise, ordinary-looking kitchen, and gave it some vintage feel whilst achieving its purpose.

 

Island storage
An island is a great way to integrate more storage and avoid clutter by using cupboards, drawers, and shelves.

This is also the perfect way to display certain items by using open shelving. Store dishes within reach and place your cookbooks or other items you find useful.

 

Hand crafted style
If you can’t find that one perfect island that fits your taste in any markets or even reclaimed shops, then why don’t you create your own?

You don’t necessarily have to make it from scratch. You could always modify an old cabinet and transform it to become a handcrafted island. Make use of the space above the unit as well by adding suspended storage to show off a collection of matching pans.

 

Statement bar stools
Sometimes, an island itself is not enough to complete a look. What it need is a pair of statement bar stools that stands out from the rest of the space. It’s the perfect area to relax while lounging with a glass of wine in hand.

 

A dash of colour
Having more counter space adds and extra room for preparation, so multiple chefs can utilize the area.

It’s also a great way to make your space extra stylish, by using a different color for the island counters than the rest of the room to make a sophisticated contrasting look.

 

Creative seating
A tall dining table with elevated seating can be the perfect island for prep and dining when positioned correctly. Reserve some space underneath the countertop for an added storage area.

 

Marble Island
Make your kitchen be the centre of your home where you can work, cook and gather with friends.

And what better way to decorate it than by placing an exquisite marble island. The glossy finish of this piece certainly upgrades the whole vibe of the area.

 

Stylishly functional
If you’re looking to create a more casual bar-seating option, adding a low-profile seating to the island is a stress-free way to boost style and functionality!

It’s a way to make the atmosphere more social for both the cook and the guests. Create a dining table or a breakfast bar that offers enough area to tuck chairs when not in use.

 

Farm Chic
Store your vegetables neatly and stylishly by utilizing this kitchen island’s design. It not only blends perfectly well with the scheme but also offers lots of storage area.

 

Light and Dark
A perfect way to socialize with people is through good food and fine drinks.

By merging your kitchen island with a dining space, you could effortlessly entertain while prepping at the same time. Dark, wood pieces for the dining area would look stunning in a room filled with white units.

 

Color-blocked accents
Effortlessly divide a space without putting some barricade. Mounting units of contrasting colours usually creates the trick. Adding an island unit however, could certainly set the whole look.

 

Multi-level Goodness
Add another vibrant feature by making variation in the height of your island unit.

Using the unit for several purposes will maximize its functionality. You could add an appliance to one level and form a breakfast bar on the higher part of the unit.

Experiment with these designs and decide which would fit best in your own space!

Having open shelving and storage produces a casual and relaxed feel in the kitchen, however, it doesn’t work for everyone.

You need to consider where to precisely position the shelves, what to store onto them and how they will look.

Consider low-level shelves
Open storage beneath the worktop can be very useful, as well. It can bring extra colour and character into any scheme.

Low-level storage works well for cookbooks, magazines, and some other kitchen accessories. However, these areas could be rather tempting for some curious toddlers.

Create a balance
Open storage can look perfect when it’s symmetrically organized. It can be centred over the sink with practical appliances and units on either side, or fixed along one wall with added units or shelving on the opposite side to create a balance.

Hang it above
Overhead pan holders can also be convenient, especially if you want your space to look like a professional chef’s kitchen.

These should preferably hang directly over an island unit or a stove. They won’t probably look right if suspended in midair with nothing between the floor and the rack.

Get the hang of it
Shelves are not the only choice for open storage. Hooks that could grasp mugs and saucepans can look very stunning, as well, and they make everything accessible.

Just remember to display things that are pleasant to look at. You might want to avoid hooking up chipped mugs, or a mismatch set of shabby saucepans. A sleek set of pans, however, can look very lovely in just about any kitchen scheme.

Display your crockery
It’s a real shame to conceal any collection of gorgeous tableware.

Your crockery collection would look perfect when organized on a shelf. It creates a relaxed and homely feel to your kitchen and it comes very handy as well.

Utilize the awkward nooks
When planning and designing for a kitchen, you often notice that you’re left with some odd spaces that’s really difficult to fill.

However, these little nooks are perfect for stacking bottles of wine! Make use of that awkward space to mount a rack, and assign individual spaces for each bottle.

Display shelving can work really well in any kitchen setting, may it be traditional or contemporary, as long as it is well-planned.

If you’re planning a new kitchen or looking to renovation an old one, you’ve almost certainly thought about having a kitchen island.

This table-like structure of cupboards in the centre of the kitchen can guarantee increased additional work space, storage, and a flexible layout for your appliances.

An island should boost rather than obstruct your room’s functionality. That is why it’s important to carefully assess your space before placing one.

Choose colour-block
A long island painted with a deep colour can fit perfectly as a central setting. You could pick a chunky worktop made of Silestone, which gives a seamless surface, and one with a discreet shadow line recess beneath the worktop to hide LED lighting.

Moveable piece
Why not have your island move around the room, for a unique touch of style; just plan ahead for a concealed-type electrical socket in the floor that could make any plugging task effortless.

Add some vented doors on your design to allow air to circulate around the vegetable drawers, and a stainless steel cladding for a strong and resilient worktop.

Shaker chic
Give your classic Shaker-style kitchen island some contemporary update by painting it with the softest tone of grey. Place some polished handles and a pale granite worktop to guarantee a refined sparkle.

Double duty
Get an extra work space by extending the worktop beyond the footprint of your island. This simple enhancement makes a great breakfast bar and increases prep space without sacrificing valuable floor area.

The space-saver
If your kitchen has a smaller area, a slimline island is a treasured space saver. Pick one that has a wide bar with solid top and an unobtrusive column support on both ends to save maximum space.

Enhance a traditional butcher’s block
A chunky oak worktop with drawers placed beneath it can definitely boost a traditional butcher’s block. Drawers provide extra storage and functionality, and if you want to assign a perfect place to store your vegetables, a slatted base is just the thing for you.

Enhance the style and functionality of your kitchen with these practical island designs!

Surround your home with a heart-warming palette!

When it comes to planning a new kitchen or redecorating an old one, the sheer number of finishes and colours available can make it seem like a difficult task.

Kitchen décor has been turned into a form of art over the past decade, and the only limiting factor is your ideas and imagination.

Take your colour cue from these imaginative kitchen ideas and see which scheme works best for you.

Luscious red
Passionate chefs will get all excited and fired up when confronted with a spectacular white urban kitchen with a dash of luscious red appliance, lighting, and even a countertop finish.

Choose cool cobalt
A highly saturated cobalt blue cupboards could offer a colour lift in your cozy and modernized kitchen space.

Dare to try two-tone
Combine a dark neutral hue with a primary bright for a fun and cool kitchen scheme that’s super refreshing, lively, and contemporary.

Pick shades that stand out
Put up some striking Moroccan tiles in cool tones with harmonizing paintwork. It could definitely be show stealer against a neutral backdrop of any rustic kitchen scheme filled with attractive travel mementos.

Be bold with multi-colour
Immaculate, neutral cabinets can allow you to be a bit playful on the walls. Plan your kitchen scheme ahead if you want to combine contrasting tones. Just remember to be extra careful with the kitchen accessories you put up; you certainly don’t want to overdo the whole look of the space.

Get clever with colour-blocking
A three-colour scheme utilizing complementary shades of grey, teal, and black. Be sure to keep each one in its own individual area for a neat and organized feel.

Neutral tones
Rich wooden finishes and calming mocha tones make for a classy kitchen space with an earthy and contemporary appeal. Combine neutral tones to achieve a peaceful and serene look on your kitchen.

Gorgeous greys
Mix a matt black with a heavy dose of dove greys for a striking colour scheme that effortlessly unites traditional and contemporary elements.

Create more of the regal monochrome
Any simple Shaker-style cupboards and cabinets could instantly transform when painted over with a strong black colour, and some white accents. It’s a classic colour combination that could never go wrong with any kitchen interior.

Don’t let your space be dull and boring. Spice it up with these colour combinations that will surely brighten up the place!

While some architectural reclaims can be quite expensive, you can find other pieces if you only know where to look. It just takes a bit of patience, time, and luck to find what you’re searching for.

When it comes to accessories and storage, you can frequently recycle things you already own!

Commercial salvage
For a useful island unit that could stand the test of time, an antique butcher’s block may be the ideal choice.

Paint the base of the unit with a slightly different tone to further highlight the well-used top. Look for some reclaimed items from restaurants, shops, and other commercial places.

Retrieve some stuff
Don’t automatically throw everything if you’re thinking of tearing down an old kitchen. Old pipework can be reused as brackets, while the bits of wood that have been lying around can be used for shelving. .

Display an old hamper
You can recycle an unused basket and use it for storing kitchen essentials, such as towels and cloths, or maybe even some appliances. Maybe even utilize it as storage for vegetables.

Authentic industrial lights
Hang some original factory pendant lights to give your modern space a styling edge.

Spray-paint them in any tone and colour if you want to go for a fresh new look, but you could also keep the tattered paint for an additional vintage vibe.

Be artistic with crates
Old fruit and wine crates are so handy for storage. They can be wall-mounted, freestanding, and stacked together to cover a whole wall.

Add hooks underneath or inside the crates to hang up some of your kitchen materials.

Keep those old jars and tins
Before you throw out all your jars and tins, just think about how they can be recycled. You can still use them to make equally good containers for various plants and herbs in the kitchen.

Create your own dining table
A dining table with great quality can be really expensive, but a recycled one would not cost a fortune.

Search yard sales for some old piece of bench, worktops or even a beautiful vintage door. Combine all your salvaged items and create your own unique table for much less than the cost of a new one.