Conventional kitchens, be gone! We unveil how the experts are designing these rooms to be just as decorative as the rest of your home…
You may have noticed that kitchens are shifting shape, says KBB journo Laurie Davidson. Traditional styles are making way for designs that use clever tricks to turn them into more decorative rooms that blend in with the rest of our homes.
This doesn’t mean kitchens aren’t still practical – in fact, more than ever, they are the real engines of our home, with integrated appliances and hardworking storage. But the beauty of the ‘non-kitchen’ kitchens is that they are rooms you want to spend time in; comfortable, stylish, without all the equipment on show.
Where to start…
So, what does that mean in terms of layout and design? Well, when it comes to achieving the look, the obvious starting point is limiting the amount of wall cabinets to free up extra walls to decorate, as you would in any other room. But there’s so much more to consider.
We’re seeing kitchens that match cabinetry to their floor to blend in, daring designs that mix materials and finishes for an informal feel, and secret pantries camouflaged behind a run of cabinetry. In short, it’s all about adding your personal touch and being adventurous with your choices.
“Historically, kitchens were designed with functionality as the priority,” says Felix Milns, founder of HUX London. “Defined by robust surfaces and angular lines, their purpose centred on efficiency rather than aesthetics. But as this once-subordinate room has evolved into the vibrant heart of the modern home, its role has expanded far beyond mere meal preparation.
“Today, the kitchen serves as a dynamic epicentre; a space where cooking, conversation, connection, and daily life intertwine. In response to this transformation, kitchen design has undergone a profound evolution. What was once reserved for living and dining areas is now being thoughtfully woven into these multifunctional spaces, dissolving the boundaries between the kitchen as a functional space and the broader living environment of the home.”
Whether you’re at the beginning of a new kitchen project or are looking for ways to tweak your current design, read on to find out how you can achieve an unconventional kitchen and create a design that you’ll be proud to show off…
Use limited kitchen cabinetry
Having less cabinetry in a kitchen can make a difference, especially if it involves sleek, minimal doors. Of course, you will still need space in which to store equipment and cooking paraphernalia, so it’s all about ensuring the cabinetry you have works hard and uses every inch of space inside.
Leaving walls free of units means you have another surface to decorate, which, in turn, makes the kitchen feel more homely – and more uniquely you. “To create a kitchen that feels more like a living space rather than a traditional kitchen, you need to blur the visual boundaries between the functional elements of the kitchen and the rest of the space,” says Nathan Kingsbury, creative director of Nathan Kingsbury Design. “Avoid upper cabinets to keep the walls open, instead opting for floating or open shelving, allowing you to style with your favourite decorative items.”
Opt for luxurious, textural materials
Being brave – and clever – with your choice of materials will not only allow your kitchen to feel less utilitarian, but it can help to instantly elevate it, too. Whether you opt for one statement piece, such as an island in an unusual material, or a striking, textural splashback, or even a few statement surfaces combined to create visual drama, this design trick is key for achieving a luxurious kitchen that feels more like an art gallery or, at the very least, a much more decorative room. Think elegant marble or the unique patterns of granite, sparkling quartz, or the natural beauty of solid wood.
Create hidden areas in your kitchen
Let’s face it, there’s lots of different elements to a kitchen and not all of them are attractive, which is why camouflaging certain parts can be a game changer. Whether you choose to have a completely hidden kitchen – where all your worktops and appliances are behind doors that you can close while not in use – or you simply disguise certain areas (think the pantry or a breakfast cupboard, for example), this is a great way to keep your room free of the more functional aspects.
For it to work, however, the detail needs to be spot on – after all, there’s no point hiding things behind closed doors if those doors are glass and showcase the contents.
Try freestanding or vintage furniture
Make a change from the usual built-in cabinetry, and treat your kitchen to some vintage pieces – or those that have been designed with a vintage look in mind – for some essential character and personality. It’s a look that works well for more eclectic homes, with these freestanding pieces creating a relaxed feel that’s ideal for making your room feel less of a kitchen in terms of its appearance.
Incorporate plush seating
Think of a kitchen, and seating won’t normally be the first thing to spring to mind – unless it comes in the form of bar stools – but if your space allows, why not treat your kitchen area as an extension of your dining or living room, and make it not only a hub to gather in, but a space that provides attractive seating, too?
Plush dining seats, often worked into or around an island, instantly create a practical dining area and soften what can often be a lot of hard lines and shiny surfaces.
Make a statement with your kitchen island
Islands that we use to dine, socialise and cook at aren’t new to the kitchen scene, but choosing one with real impact is going to up your room’s va-va-voom and almost double as a piece of art. Whether it’s the materials you use or the design (think unique shapes or an island that incorporates different elements), have fun with it and pick something that you love, that’s different to the norm, and that creates a talking point among guests.
Use walls like an art gallery
If your kitchen accessories are decorative and far too chic to hide away in a cupboard, then consider a whole wall of open shelving to show them off. Whether you choose stylish crockery and glassware, a beautifully curated display of ceramics, or even objects interspersed with artworks, plants, and other decorative pieces, you can really turn your kitchen into your own personal gallery.
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