Kitchen Design Ideas UK

24.01.2024

Evolving beyond its utilitarian roots, the modern kitchen stands as a testament to innovation, style, and functionality. From the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology to the timeless allure of classic aesthetics, each facet of kitchen design carries the potential to transform a space into an inviting haven. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into a myriad of kitchen design ideas tailored for contemporary living, exploring trends, concepts, and inspirations that promise to elevate this essential space to new heights of sophistication and comfort. Whether you seek practical solutions, artistic expressions, or a harmonious blend of both, join us on a captivating journey through the realm of kitchen design innovations.

Table of Contents

Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

Kitchens are constantly evolving, not just in how they look but also in how they are used. In the past, the kitchen was hidden away, with the wealthiest homeowners leaving the space to staff and hardly setting foot in it. Now, kitchens are the heart of the home, designed as much for cooking and running the household as for family gatherings and entertaining guests.

Ultimately, every contemporary kitchen design should be unique, reflecting your lifestyle and creative tastes. However, a few things that are considered essential for a modern kitchen include frameless cabinetry, minimalist hardware, natural materials, simple patterns, sleek appliances, and double-bowl or large sinks.

Kitchen Remodelling Ideas

Remodelled kitchen in London by Plus Rooms design and build company.

Kitchen remodelling can breathe new life into your home and add value to your property. It is one of the most popular home renovation projects among homeowners. If you want to give your kitchen a fresh and modern look, there are plenty of kitchen remodelling ideas that you can consider. From updating the paint colour to replacing the flooring, there are several ways to transform your kitchen into a stylish and functional space.

One of the simplest ways to refresh your kitchen is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choosing the right colour can make all the difference in creating a warm, inviting vibe in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a pop of colour, consider painting an accent wall or the cabinet doors. White is a classic colour that will never go out of style and is perfect for creating a clean and bright look. If you want to add some drama, try a dark navy, or black to create a bold, modern feel.

Kitchen Colour Ideas

Use of colour in a kitchen extension by London based design and build company Plus Rooms.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. It’s where people come together to cook, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. So, it’s no surprise that many homeowners want to make their kitchens as inviting and unique as possible. One way to achieve this is by adding colour to the kitchen.

Although there’s nothing wrong with a white kitchen, adding colour to your kitchen can have many benefits. It is an excellent way to show off your personality and style, creating a look that’s unique to you and making the kitchen a reflection of who you are. Colour has an incredible impact on our mood and emotions. Adding colour to your kitchen can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites people to relax and enjoy the space. If you’re planning to sell your home, adding colour to your kitchen can increase its value. A colourful and inviting kitchen is one of the most attractive features for potential buyers.

Kitchen Door Ideas

Back door of a kitchen extension in London by Plus Rooms design and build company.

The back door of the kitchen serves as a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an essential element to consider. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and the doors that lead into this bustling space can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and functionality. From back doors to interior doors, there are various design options to consider when it comes to kitchen entrances.

Installing a sliding glass door creates a seamless transition between your kitchen and outdoor entertaining area. This design choice allows natural light to flood the space while providing a panoramic view of the surroundings. You can choose between PVC and aluminium frames for exceptional durability, with colours to match your style.

Kitchen Window Ideas

Kitchen extension in London with roof windows.

Beautifully planned windows can transform how a kitchen feels and works. Daylight lifts the mood, framed views make washing up less of a chore, and clever glazing details help smaller kitchens feel bigger.

A broad, low‑silled casement window lets you ventilate quickly after cooking and gives a crisp, uninterrupted outlook while you rinse and prep. Choose hardware that’s simple to operate at arm’s length. Structural box windows create extra elbow room, turn a deep ledge into a seat, and draw you closer to the garden – an elegant alternative to full‑width doors when wall storage is precious.

Kitchen Curtain Ideas

Sheer voile kitchen curtain in a kitchen extension by Plus Rooms.

Well‑chosen curtains can change how a kitchen feels. They soften hard surfaces, filter glare, and bring pattern or texture into the room without clutter. The right curtains can transform your kitchen, softening hard surfaces, controlling light, and adding texture or pattern without clutter. From café curtains for everyday charm to sheer panels, layered schemes, or full-height drapes for glazed doors, there are options to suit every layout. Materials matter too, think cotton-linen blends, performance fabrics, and easy-care sheers.

Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas

Kitchen cabinets in a London kitchen extension by Plus Rooms.

Well‑considered cabinetry is the backbone of a great kitchen. It sets the tone, organises the day and, done properly, makes cooking, homework and weekend entertaining feel effortless. Kitchen cabinets should be treated as part of the architecture, not an afterthought. Proportions, lines and light all work together to create a kitchen that looks beautiful and functions beautifully too.

Running cupboards right up to the ceiling removes dust‑traps and visually heightens the room. In period homes with tall ceilings, break the elevation into elegant proportions: a main door below with a smaller top section. Fit simple push‑latches up high so you can keep seasonal kit or serveware out of the way. Glazed doors bring lightness to a busy run of units and give favourite pieces a stage. Reeded or fluted glass blurs the contents for a calmer look. Back‑panels painted to match the walls create depth, while oak internals add warmth even when the doors are closed.

Kitchen Decor Ideas

Kitchen decor of kitchen extension in London done by Plus Rooms design and build company.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where meals are prepared, conversations flow, and memories are made. As a homeowner, you have the opportunity to transform this essential space into a stylish and functional area that reflects your personality and taste through kitchen decor. Some of the trending kitchen styles that homeowners are embracing today in their kitchen extension designs include farmhouse kitchens, retro-inspired kitchens, and modern sleek kitchens.

An accent wall is an excellent way to introduce personality and drama into your space, making it a must-have kitchen decorating idea. Consider using bold wallpaper, a striking paint colour, or even natural materials like reclaimed wood or brick to create a focal point. This technique can help break up the monotony of a single-coloured kitchen and provide a sense of depth and character. In a modern sleek kitchen, an accent wall can be a textured masterpiece, adding depth to the minimalist design. In a retro-inspired kitchen, opt for a playful wallpaper pattern that takes you back in time. For a farmhouse kitchen, a reclaimed wood accent wall can create that rustic, welcoming atmosphere.

Kitchen Breakfast Bar Ideas

A kitchen bar in a kitchen extension done by Plus Rooms.

A well‑designed breakfast bar turns an ordinary kitchen into the heart of the home. It’s the place where sleepy teenagers grab cereal before school, couples share a quick espresso, and friends linger over evening cocktails while dinner bubbles on the hob. As Plus Rooms clients know, clever space‑planning and craftsmanship make all the difference, whether you dream of a grand, waterfall‑edge island or a neat ledge in a petite galley.

A roof‑light positioned over the breakfast bar isn’t just a design flourish; by drawing natural daylight onto the work surface, it reduces the need for artificial lighting and boosts everyone’s mood. To maximise performance, angle the window to capture southern light where possible, specify self‑cleaning or solar‑control glass to cut maintenance, and consider integral blinds if you want precise glare control on bright summer afternoons.

Kitchen Lighting Design Ideas

Lighting in a kitchen extension built by Plus Rooms in London.

Lighting is often considered last in a kitchen design process, with extensions, appliances, countertops, and cabinets taking the most attention. But the right lighting is just as important as any other aspect of your design, impacting functionality and aesthetics. Accent lighting should show off the creative side of this highly functional space, so don’t be afraid to add visual interest and style with a larger pendant light, several pendant lights, or a chandelier. Lights that are too small can make the space feel bottom heavy and out of proportion.

Task lighting is the most functional, so you want bright lighting to light up the prep, cooking, and washing up areas. Directional lighting tends to be an issue because it causes you to cast a shadow over the countertop, so we recommend hidden under-cabinet lighting strips. Big light fittings, multiple recessed kitchen ceiling lights, and multiple bulbs in ambient and accent lighting can easily overpower a kitchen, especially if it’s a small space. Adding dimmers along with warm, low watt bulbs is one of the best kitchen lighting ideas – and a must-have to create a warm, social area.

Kitchen Blinds Ideas

Open plan kitchen extension with blinds in London.

Ask any interior designer and they’ll tell you that the right window treatment can make or break a newly built kitchen extension. Blinds are the quiet heroes here: they soften sunlight, boost privacy, and add warmth without stealing precious floor space.

Discreet, well‑chosen blinds let you dial light levels up or down in seconds while protecting timber worktops and upholstery from UV fade. They’re also easier to wipe clean than full‑length curtains and sit neatly behind bifold doors, so sight‑lines to the garden stay clutter‑free.

Kitchen Island Design Ideas

Kitchen extension in London with island.

Kitchen islands have been around for so long that it’s difficult to imagine a kitchen without one. Although they used to be reserved for large or open design kitchens, modern designs allow you to include this functional and attractive piece in almost any space. Kitchen islands can be custom designed to your exact specifications, making them one of the most useful features in your kitchen.

Whatever you want to use your kitchen island for, make sure your design includes good lighting. This is especially important if you are using it as a cooking, prep, or dining space. It’s also a fantastic way to add character and style to highlight this feature. By simply adding a larger countertop surface to your kitchen island, you instantly create a dining space that’s convenient for everyday use. It makes the kitchen a more social zone, is perfect for serving meals directly from the kitchen, and means you get lots of company while you cook or entertain.

Kitchen Peninsula Ideas

Kitchen in London with a peninsula and seating.

Kitchen peninsulas have become a popular design feature for homeowners who want the sociability and style of an island without needing as much floor space. As part of a thoughtful extension, a peninsula can transform how you cook, dine, entertain, and move through your home. A kitchen peninsula is a connected extension of your countertop layout. Unlike a freestanding island, a peninsula is attached on one side to a wall or run of units. It creates an L-shaped, U-shaped, or angled configuration that helps to frame the kitchen and introduce additional workspace or seating. Peninsulas work particularly well in extensions and semi-open layouts, especially where circulation space is limited.

A peninsula adds value in multiple ways. It offers generous worktop space for prepping and cooking, and often becomes a natural gathering point for family or guests. It also helps shape the layout, creating subtle zoning between the kitchen and adjoining living areas without fully enclosing the room. By defining the edge of the kitchen, a peninsula can make open‑plan spaces feel more structured and purposeful.

Kitchen Ceiling Design Ideas

A kitchen ceiling design that makes the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.

When planning a new kitchen, most people focus on cabinetry, worktops and flooring. The ceiling often gets left until later, yet it can have a big effect on how the room looks and feels. The right ceiling can make a kitchen feel brighter, taller and better connected to the rest of the home. It can help define an open-plan layout, improve natural light and add character. In a kitchen extension especially, the ceiling is part of how the whole room works.

One of the most effective ceiling ideas for a kitchen is to use the ceiling to solve a lighting problem properly. Rooflights, skylights and glazed roof sections can transform a kitchen extension, especially where daylight struggles to reach the middle of the room. Light from above makes a kitchen feel fresher and more open, brightens darker corners and helps the room feel larger during the day.

Long Narrow Kitchen Design Ideas

A long narrow kitchen design that makes the most of the available space.

A long, narrow kitchen can be difficult to plan. Limited floor space, restricted natural light and two long walls may leave the room feeling more like a corridor than a comfortable place to cook and spend time. The right layout can change this. Good long narrow kitchen ideas focus on movement, storage and light while adding warmth and character.

One advantage of a long and narrow kitchen is the amount of wall space available. If the room is wide enough, cabinets can be fitted along both sides. Full-depth units may sit on one wall, with shallow cupboards, open shelves or a slim breakfast ledge opposite. This adds storage without narrowing the walkway. In very narrow rooms, a single run of cabinets may feel better. Tall cupboards at one end can house the fridge, oven and pantry storage, leaving the rest of the wall free for worktops.

Kitchen Splashback Ideas

Granite kitchen splashback in London kitchen extension done by Plus Rooms.

Among the myriad elements that contribute to the overall visual appeal of a kitchen, splashbacks have emerged as a canvas for creative expression. This modest yet impactful space serves as the perfect focus for artistic expression in your kitchen design. Its strategic placement, nestled between culinary essentials and beneath ambient lighting, ensures that your splashback is a constant feast for the eyes.

With an infinite array of colours, materials, and patterns at your disposal, this seemingly compact area possesses the power to redefine the entire ambience of your kitchen. Whether you seek to infuse vibrant hues that reflect your vivacious personality or prefer the understated elegance of intricate designs, the kitchen splashback eagerly embraces your creative journey. It is the space where innovation meets function, where everyday cooking transforms into an artful experience.

Kitchen Flooring Ideas

Flooring of a kitchen extension in London by the Plus Rooms design and build company.

Selecting the right flooring material for your kitchen can have a profound impact on its aesthetics, durability, and overall feel. The best kitchen flooring depends on several factors, including your personal style, budget, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to.

Dark flooring can lend a sleek and contemporary feeling to your kitchen. Options like dark hardwood or deep-hued tiles can create a dramatic contrast with cabinets and countertops. This look is not only trendy but also hides dirt and stains better than lighter options. Wood-look tile flooring for kitchens offers the timeless beauty of hardwood with added durability. These ceramic or porcelain tiles mimic the rich grains and natural warmth of wood while providing the water resistance and easy maintenance required in kitchen spaces.

Kitchen Tile Ideas

Kitchen tiles of a kitchen extension in London by Plus Rooms.

Embarking on a kitchen renovation is an exciting journey, and one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right tiles. Choosing the right type of tiles is paramount to the success of your kitchen renovation. Various materials offer distinct benefits, considering both aesthetics and practicality.

Known for their durability and low maintenance, porcelain tiles are an ideal option for high-traffic areas like kitchens. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them suitable for both floors and walls. Porcelain tiles also offer diverse design possibilities, replicating the look of natural stone or wood. Durable and affordable, ceramic tiles come in an array of styles and colours. They are resistant to heat and moisture, making them an excellent choice for kitchen floors and walls. Choose a glazed finish for added protection and easy cleaning.

Kitchen Wall Ideas

Wall of a kitchen extension decorated with artwork and a pinboard.

Beyond the functional aspects of cabinetry and appliances, your kitchen walls provide an opportunity to express your personality and enhance the overall aesthetic of the space. For a versatile and functional approach to kitchen walls, consider incorporating a chalkboard or pinboard. Not only does it serve as a practical space for grocery lists, recipes, and notes, but it also offers an ever-changing canvas for your creativity. Use coloured chalk to add a burst of vibrancy, or keep it classic with white chalk for a timeless look. A chalkboard wall encourages interaction and can be an excellent way to involve family members in kitchen activities.

Bring an industrial and rustic charm to your kitchen by exposing the bricks on your walls. Exposed brick adds texture, warmth, and a sense of history to the space. This design choice works well in both modern and traditional kitchens, creating a visually compelling backdrop. You can choose to leave the bricks in their natural state or paint them to complement your overall colour scheme. Combine exposed bricks with sleek countertops and modern appliances for a balanced and eclectic look.

Kitchen Sink Ideas

A copper kitchen sink in a kitchen extension in London.

The kitchen sink – far more than just a place to wash dishes, it’s the workhorse of your kitchen, the scene of countless culinary creations and messy prep sessions. When planning your kitchen design, every detail deserves attention, and the sink is no exception. Gone are the days of every kitchen having the exact same sink. Today, kitchen sinks come in a variety of materials, sizes, and configurations to suit every taste and need.

For busy lifestyles, stainless steel reigns supreme as the most popular modern kitchen sink design in terms of low-maintenance upkeep. Its smooth surface resists stains and wipes clean easily. Composite sinks are another low-maintenance option, with their non-porous surface resisting dirt and grime.

Kitchen Worktop Ideas

Granite kitchen worktop in a London kitchen extension.

The kitchen worktop is the stage for culinary creations, the witness to countless meals shared with loved ones, and the anchor of your kitchen’s functionality. Gone are the days of limited choices. Today’s worktops come in a vast array of materials, colours, and textures to suit every taste and budget. A timeless classic, granite offers unmatched durability, heat resistance, and a luxurious aesthetic. The natural variations in veining make each piece unique, creating a truly bespoke look.

Renowned for its non-porous surface and stain resistance, quartz offers a wide range of colours and patterns to complement any style. It’s a low-maintenance option, making it ideal for busy households. Warm, inviting, and undeniably stylish, solid wood worktops add a touch of natural beauty to your kitchen. They require regular maintenance but develop a beautiful patina over time.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Kitchen renovation in London done by Plus Rooms.

If there’s one room that deserves to be renovated, it’s the kitchen. As the heart of the home, it’s a space everyone uses daily for meals, entertaining, and much more. It’s a space that should uplift your spirits when you walk into it and wow buyers when it comes time to sell. It’s also the space that’s often the most outdated in your home where a renovation will make a considerable impact.

In UK homes, the thing our clients want most is more floor space. Kitchen extensions, when designed properly, can give you much more breathing room, space for storage, and can change your small kitchen into an airy kitchen diner. Although these projects do cost more than standard renovations, they also add the most value to your lifestyle and property.

Kitchen Diner Design Ideas

Kitchen diner extension in London by design and building company Plus Rooms.

Kitchen diners fit in perfectly with modern, hybrid lifestyles, creating a space for everything from food preparation and keeping an eye on the kids to entertaining and office work. Kitchen diners are a part of both large and small homes due to their flexible functionality and – when done right – their eye-catching style.

When designing a kitchen diner, it’s important to create a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Whether for a large or small space, kitchen diners are all about the flow of traffic in the kitchen space and through to the rest of the house. You don’t want people getting in each other’s way while the multifunction space is being used. Because of this, what you build and what you put in the space has to match how you want to use it. And this can be a lot more challenging than it appears.

Open Plan Kitchen Design Ideas

Versatile and functional, the open plan kitchen isn’t going anywhere. The best news is that this design can be achieved in almost any home, regardless of the current kitchen size. Whether you’re living on your own or have a family, your home is modern or traditional, or your style is classic or eclectic, open plan works for them all.

Open plan living is very effective in small spaces, giving you more useful floor area by removing unnecessary walls and doors. You can also add more floor space by extending your open plan design out into your garden or side return. Just 1.5 metres worth of extension can transform a small kitchen space. Adding space vertically with a vaulted ceiling immediately adds light, drama, and spaciousness to small kitchens.

Galley Kitchen Ideas

Designing a new kitchen is an exciting endeavour, and for those working with limited space, the galley kitchen layout offers a practical and efficient solution. A galley kitchen is a unique and efficient layout characterised by its long, narrow design with parallel countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Originating from the compact kitchens found on ships and aeroplanes, the galley kitchen maximises space utilisation while presenting a streamlined and functional workspace. Despite its space-saving advantages, designing an aesthetically pleasing and functional galley kitchen can present challenges that require thoughtful consideration.

Your type of kitchen flooring can significantly impact the perception of space in a galley kitchen. Choose flooring with directional patterns, such as diagonal tiles or hardwood planks laid parallel to the longest walls. The long, wider planks deliver an optical illusion that creates a sense of movement and visually expands the dimensions of the narrow galley kitchen. For those willing to make a more significant investment, a side extension can be a transformative addition to a galley kitchen. This architectural enhancement not only expands the physical dimensions of the kitchen but also provides an opportunity to introduce larger windows or doors.

U-shape Kitchen Design Ideas

A U-shape kitchen extension in London built by Plus Rooms.

U-shaped kitchens are a popular layout choice that provides ample space for cooking, preparing meals, and socialising. As the name suggests, this kitchen design features cabinets, countertops, and appliances arranged in a U-shaped configuration. With countertops and storage options on three sides, U-shaped kitchens offer excellent efficiency and accessibility, making them ideal for both small and large kitchens.

Small kitchens can benefit greatly from the U-shaped layout, as it optimises the available space. Installing a bay window or full-width sliding doors at the open end of a U-shaped kitchen can bring in natural light, making the kitchen appear more spacious and enhancing its overall appeal. For U-shaped kitchens, a substantial island can serve as a multifunctional centrepiece. It can house appliances, offer additional storage, and act as a casual dining area or workspace. Incorporating a breakfast bar across one end of the U-shaped kitchen provides a convenient dining area while also creating additional countertop space for food preparation.

L-shaped Kitchen Design Ideas

An L-shaped kitchen extension in London by Plus Rooms.

An L-shaped kitchen is one of the most efficient and versatile layouts you can choose. With two adjoining runs of units, it keeps cooking, washing up, and storage close together, whilst leaving a clear open area for movement, dining, or family life. Whether you’re refreshing an existing room or planning an extension, an L-shaped kitchen design is a flexible starting point that suits a wide range of UK homes.

An L-shaped kitchen layout uses two connected walls to form an L. One run often carries the main working zone, typically the sink, hob, and prep space, while the other run supports it with storage, appliances, and landing space.

The big win is flow. A well-planned design for L-shaped kitchen spaces reduces back-and-forth and avoids the feeling that you’re constantly crossing the room. It also naturally opens up one side of the kitchen, which is why it’s so popular in kitchen-diners and open-plan renovations.

Small Kitchen Design Ideas

A small kitchen in London made bigger with a kitchen extension.

Many homeowners dream of a spacious kitchen with more cupboard space than they know what to do with, but the reality is that a small kitchen can be just as rewarding. Maximising your space in a small kitchen is where things get a bit creative. With a limited floorspace, you don’t want to impede traffic and movement through the space, but there are ways you can get almost all the storage and counterspace you desire. Upper cabinets can make your space feel crowded and boxed in, so why not go for open shelving? This is a beautiful statement item and it’s much more affordable too.

If you are considering renovating to make your small kitchen a little larger, it’s good to keep in mind that just an extra metre here and there can make a world of difference to your space. One of the best options is to extend into your side return, which turns a largely unused space into a useful one.

Kitchen Corner Design Ideas

A Kitchen corner design that makes the best use of the available space.

Corners can be some of the most valuable parts of a kitchen, or some of the most frustrating. When they are planned well, they add storage, improve flow, and make the room feel more considered. That is why the best kitchen corner ideas do more than fill a gap. Whether you are rethinking an existing layout or planning one of our kitchen extensions, the right corner treatment can make everyday cooking and storage much easier.

Not every corner is simple. Chimney breasts, older walls, bay windows, and structural nibs can all create layouts that do not suit standard cabinetry. That is where awkward kitchen corner ideas come in. Sometimes the answer is bespoke joinery. Sometimes it is shallower storage, open shelving, or a worktop return without cupboards above. In some kitchens, leaving a corner lighter and less built-up works better than forcing in another cabinet.

Choose the Best Design and Build Company to Create Your Dream Kitchen Extension

Plus Rooms is an experienced, full-service design and construction business in London, handling every aspect of your construction projects and with an exceptional track record of completing over 1,400 projects in homes throughout London to world-class standards. In addition to handling small home extensions and kitchen extensions, we also specialise in single storey, double storey, and loft extensions. Contact us today to find out more about our kitchen extensions or to get a quote on your project.

North Extensions

North West Extensions

West Extensions

South West Extensions

South East Extensions

East Extensions

Greater London Extensions