Cleverly-placed screens, partitions and furniture are used to subtly partition areas off and create zones for cooking, dining or entertaining while still retaining the feel of a spacious open-plan space. Where open-plan has been the preferred layout for kitchens and living spaces over recent years, designers are seeing a move away from this, with ‘broken-plan’ living now the go-to approach. Designer Ellen Hamilton proves modern is bold with her vision for this colorful Florida kitchen. Fornace Brioni tile (Clé) ascending the walls and a plaster and gesso chandelier add artful graphic dimension to the space. So instead of spending ages trying to find kitchen wallpaper ideas that work or a paint color that isn’t too much, look to the floor for adding pattern and color instead. This task lighting is not only practical for when you’re chopping veggies and the likes, but also perfect to make a statement.

Print and hang phone numbers, grocery lists, calendars, and more in a common area where everyone in the house will know where to find them. ‘The cottage core trend is the epitome of The Good Life, drawing inspiration from the countryside with its sprawling meadows and wildflowers. Kitchen window treatments, of course, need to look stylish but firstly they need to be practical. Curtains, for example, just aren’t going to work – you need something that doesn’t take up too much room, are easy to clean and can cope with the odd splash of water. If your old kitchen worktops have seen better days you can usually replace them without having to rip out your whole kitchen.

Add (Some) Color

Essential for a streamlined finish, storage systems will maximise space without negatively impacting the look and style of your kitchen. The thread isn’t just contemporary aesthetics, per se, it’s character. Today’s kitchens are personal, intimate regardless of size, rendered with achingly bespoke, beautiful detail. “I love lighting, I use it like jewelry on an outfit—it really has the power to make or break a room,” says Tatum Kendrick, the designer behind Los Angeles’ Studio Hus. A galley kitchen can be seen as a disadvantage, but designed well it can function as well as any kitchen twice the size, or indeed width.

A great example of a classic kitchen styled with an industrial feel. The traditional in-frame oak cabinets are balanced perfectly with the exposed black metal frames and concrete finish on the floor and walls. It has that countryside feel with the oak cabinets and AGA juxtapositioned against that city living utilitarian feel. Carefully selected tiles are your secret weapon when designing or updating small kitchen ideas. ‘Matt tiles in light, muted and natural tones or highly reflective gloss tiles are great ways of creating a sense of space,’ says Adrian Blundell, Production Director, Craven Dunnill Jackfield.

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Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni of CDS interiors knew every square inch counted in this floating home in Sausalito, California. This dining nook set off of the kitchen features sneaky storage in the form of drawers underneath the banquette. They hold entertaining must-haves like extra napkins and serving pieces without crowding the already full cabinetry.

• The cost of a kitchen renovation depends on the size of the kitchen, as well as where in the country it’s located.
• And, remember, a lighter space is a brighter space – so this clever design trick will make a room look bigger to the eye, perfect when planning small kitchen ideas.
• In creating this eco-friendly kitchen, Druce Davey of Greener opted for a combination of FSC-certified birch plywood, stainless steel, concrete and glass.
• A single shelf above the sink is painted in Yves Klein blue that matches color accents found throughout the open space.
• Incorporate vintage furniture, fixtures, or decorative items to bring a sense of history and character to your space.
• If you’re looking for kitchen ideas and more specifically, small kitchen ideas that are inspiring but actually realistic, we’re here to help.

A stainless steel food prep area is great for many reasons, one being that this material is non-porous and durable. If you want to fully embrace this design feature, take it all the way up to the ceiling to create a statement wall. Don’t immediately dismiss a wall of windows as a location option for your oven and range hood. Installing an exposed range hood in front of a series of windows will create a beautiful floating illusion. The contrasting cabinet front on the blue and blush cabinetry in this kitchen is an unexpected touch.