They also work particularly well along the back of a house, opening up into the garden, too. So it’s worth considering adding them to a kitchen renovation to truly modernise your home. The area next to a window is arguably a prized spot, too precious to be wasted on a sink and, with modern plumbing and lighting you don’t have to keep to the old way. Sinks are now sited on islands or hidden away depending on the cook’s needs. Therefore it is critical to put in the time and effort to get it right.

• The countertop in this kitchen stretches across the entirety of one wall, leaving ample space for the maple-topped island.
• A kitchen open to the dining area offers a more welcoming, casual feel.
• This farmhouse kitchen from Emily Henderson Design has blue backsplash tile around the wall of windows above the sink.
• Industrial style kitchens are a look that’s been growing for a little while now.
• While the frosted glass lets light pass into the pantry, it also ensures the space can remain one that puts function over form.

‘It can also have an overhang or space for stools for guests to help or chat with the cook,’ he adds. But today’s kitchens are for much more than cooking, they’re multifaceted living spaces devoted to quality leisure time. Larger, more open, and better equipped for cooking together, eating, working, relaxing, and entertaining. From a large central island to comfy seating areas, the contemporary kitchen blends functionality with aesthetics.

Use the End of Your Island for Storage

If you are designing a small kitchen from scratch, a galley kitchen shape should be our first recommendation. Pick your pot racks and plan your wall space out, figuring out where you want to put the rack. We have often said less is more in small spaces, but we think this kitchen proves that that might not always be the case. While custom cabinets are more expensive than stock, the fact that you’re working in such a small space can help keep costs down . However, custom cabinetry, like the kind seen in the space above by US firms Venegas & Co. and Platemark Design can help you make the most of the room you do have. If you want to test out the look without spending heaps of money, you could paint the cabinets yourself.