What’s trending: kitchen design ideas to improve your daily routine

Interiors that work for your lifestyle

Autumn is fast approaching, which means the back-to-school season is on the horizon, too. To help you say goodbye to chaotic mornings (I know, an impossible task), I’ve gathered some design ideas bound to streamline the flow of your kitchen…

Whether your oldest is going to college, your little ones are starting school this September, or you’re working from home, it’s that time of year when routines need to be firmly in place for an effortless and efficient flow around the kitchen in the morning.

Wood kitchen design in an L-shape with an island.
Kitchen design by Piqu. Photography: Chris Snook.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where you kick start your day with a much-needed cup of coffee, serve your kids breakfast before you dash to drop off, and prepare nourishing meals throughout the week. So, having a layout that works for your lifestyle is crucial. If you’re contemplating a kitchen makeover anytime soon, click here to take a look at these popular set-ups and discover which suits your daily routine best. From L-shape, double galley, to one-wall kitchens, we’re breaking down their pros and cons.

A modern kitchen design with a fluted, dark wood island, dark worktops and statement stools.
The Wilderness Kitchen with Joseph Giles‘ Cube Edge Pull in Dark Bronze Waxed. Contractor, Bailey and Jones. Interior design by Hoban Designs. Photography: Astrid Templier.
A classic scheme with bespoke cabinetry and a wood island with elegant chairs.
Kitchen design by Humphrey Munson.

If a kitchen island is top of your wishlist, why not go for a design with a built-in breakfast bar? This feature offers extra seating spots when entertaining; it also allows you to keep an eye on little ones doing homework, and brightens up busy mornings by having a dedicated spot for enjoying breakfast. Here are some of my favourite ideas, with units in various sizes, shapes and layouts. 

Wall-mounted antique brass kitchen socket.
Sylvie double plug socket in Antique Brass, Plank Hardware.
Breakfast cupboard with pull-out tray.
Schüller kitchen cupboard from InHouse Inspired Room Design.

A seemingly small finishing touch, cleverly placing your power solutions throughout the kitchen (near your coffee station, under the breakfast bar of your island, or inside a cupboard) will help enhance the accessibility of your design and save you time. Don’t know where you can place sockets? Click here for our handy guide.

Also on my radar…

Is your little one’s bathroom design in need of a refresh? A carefully considered makeover can help elevate the functionality of the space, which will in turn streamline getting ready in the morning or for bed. We’ve gathered six stunning projects that are sure to provide plenty of inspiration. Picture eye-catching tiled mountainscapes, swimming pool-inspired colour palettes, and charming wallpaper patterns.

Click here to see what’s possible.

A playful kids bathroom with scalloped tiles, flamingo wallpaper and yellow window woodwork.
Design by West One Bathrooms. Tiles, Ca’ Pietra. Photography: Paul Craig.
A colourful and daring kids bathroom with sea-inspired patterned wallpaper, a blue vanity area and concealed storage.
Bathroom by Naomi Astley Clarke. Bespoke wallpaper, De Gournay. Photography: Paul Massey.
  • With the country style back on our radar, Delft tiles are also rising in popularity. You can design your very own or choose from ready-made motifs, such as landscapes, florals, or wildlife, in traditional blue-and-white colourways. A pretty and personal way to add charm to your kitchen or bathroom design.
  • Back to the grind – brighten up your morning routine with a breakfast cupboard equipped with an elegant coffee machine, a matching milk frother, and fun cups and mugs.
  • As days get shorter and evenings darker, it’s time to embrace moodier colour palettes in your home for the ultimate cocooning feeling. Think rich burgundy, forest green, dark navy and burnt mustard.
  • Small updates – upgrade your little one’s bedding in time for the new school year with a playful, printed set and show your home office a bit of love with a new ergonomic chair, a colourful pin board, or sleek table lamp.
A moodboard with home office essentials, delft tiles, coffee station must-haves, and patterned kids' bedding.
1. The Storyboard in Butter, £89, Mustard Made. 2. Ezra office chair in Olive, £90, Habitat. 3. Wave desk, Fantin. 4. Vilmo chrome metal and leather desk lamp, £99.99, La Redoute. 5. Cheetah Lyocell Rich bedding set, from £35 for a double, M&S. 6. Love Notes glass espresso cups, £14 each, Anthropologie. 7. Large Oxblood dark red scalloped wall storage shelf 61cm, £29.95, Melody Maison. 8. Classic Delft tiles 11x11cm Rustic with Gloss Crackle Glaze, £34.65 per tile, Marlborough Tiles. 9. Mini milk frother in black, £99.95, and EGF03 Espresso machine with grinder in black, £849.95, both Smeg.

Spotted on social

Let this luxurious coffee station inspire yours… I particularly love the wall-mounted wooden shelf in this kitchen design, perfect for displaying your prized cup collection.

Make the summer holiday feeling last in your kids’ bedroom with a nautical scheme. From the luscious navy paint, striped detailing, to the pops of red, this design oozes seaside charm.

Complete with a double vanity, freestanding tub, checkerboard flooring, and pared-back wall coverings, this design shows family bathrooms can be both stylish and functional.

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