Here are a few of our latest designs to help you rethink your space, revive your style and make you realise the full potential of your kitchen.

This open-plan kitchen benefits from the abundant natural light offered by the skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting you to just ‘hang out, cook a gourmet meal or host a large party.

Extension and internal refurb for a detached 1930s house in Henleaze, Bristol.
Design by DHV Architects. Styling by Ivywell Interiors 

The former layout comprised of a front and rear reception room, a separate kitchen and breakfast room at the back, with an attached garage on the side. Leading the project were DHV Architects, a Bristol-based award-winning and RIBA practice that explored several remodel and extension options with the owner. It was decided to knock the kitchen and breakfast room together and extend 3.5m into the garden to create a generous open plan and multi-functional room to accommodate the need of their family of five.

The open layout combined with the bright and airy feel makes the ideal setting to include bold, darker colours without overwhelming the space. The navy island with the coordinating and structural light fixture stands out without reducing the perceived scale of the room. 

Our interior tip for open space is to add soft furnishings, rugs, cushions, and upholstered sofas. It serves to soften the space as well as stop the noise from bouncing around.

Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, bringing the mature garden views into the home.  The addition of ceiling-mounted voiles helps maximise the light during the day whilst providing privacy at night.

The versatile kitchen island creates a focal point to which family and friends will ultimately gravitate to.

A successful open-plan arrangement can only occur if adequate storage is considered. To maximise the available space and maintain a neat look, consider the design of your kitchen island. As part of the remodel, the architects created a pantry enabling the owners to store their kitchen essentials out of sight.

This kitchen is a great example of how a small incoherent space can be turned into the social hub of the house, creating a welcoming feel that will make anyone want to spend their time there. It offers endless opportunities for cooking, and entertaining, whilst being able to keep an eye on the kids too.

 

Delivering a vintage vibe, this kitchen radiates warmth from the variety of colours and patterns used. The tones in play here are earthy, featuring Lichen on the walls and Railings on the skirtings from Farrow & Ball. The warm tone of the natural wood perfectly compliment those traditional colours whilst adding texture to the overall scheme.

Large Rear and Side Extension for Period Property in Cotham, Bristol. 
Design by DHV Architects. Styling by Ivywell Interiors. 

The custom-built kitchen by Bristol-based firm Creative Storage and Kitchens features a birch plywood island in a dark blue stain. There is open storage underneath the worktop along with bar stools at the end of the island to provide the ideal place to perch to enjoy that delicious morning coffee.

Coordinating with the cabinet colour, the overhead open storage shelves mean that jars of ingredients can be displayed in style with recessed LED lights to provide a warm indirect light. 

Our design tip: adding custom handles elevates the impact of a custom-built kitchen, reinforcing the desired feel whether vintage or ultra-modern depending on the finishes. Check out Plank Hardware and The Hair Pin Leg Co for hardware inspiration. 

We absolutely love the addition of a  traditional butler’s sink for this corner as it perfectly slots into the surface top, creating a slimline effect, yet keeping to the overall style. This enables the feature wall to contrast and creates a lot of character for this room injecting colour and vibrancy. The combination of unique patterns and Moroccan-inspired tiles adds a controlled artistic flare which enhances the boldness of the wall and enhances the entire kitchen.

 Although vivid, the room isn’t chaotic thanks to the traditional colour used here which serves to ground the scheme and the natural wood cabinetry which tones it down creating a harmonious and flawless finish.

 

3. Muted Palette

Interior design by Ivywell Interiors. Staging by SJP Interiors. 

Neutral themes throughout kitchens are very popular and help to create the impression of space. In this Howdens kitchen, tone-on-tone colours create a timeless and stylish space ideal for those wanting their space to be serene but casual. 

More than fifty shades of 'boring beige', monochromatic shades on the warmer scale are known to be calming to the eye, making kitchens comforting areas that deliver a relaxing feel amongst the chaos of everyday living. So, embracing the full range of neutrals, cream, beige, taupe and even lighter greys can create wonders if layered with the right amount of texture.

Neutrals also form a solid base to allow you to explore new interior trends. With a harmonious base, it becomes easy to experiment and incorporate splashes of colour in the décor, without having to completely revamp your kitchen.

The addition of a banquette is another way to make a kitchen the core social element of the house. It becomes a family-friendly space, easy to keep an eye on the children whilst cooking or an additional seating area for guests whilst hosting.  

This kitchen was realised by creating a side return extension. Often an underused space receiving little to no sunlight depending on the exposure, most side return extensions fall under ‘permitted developments’ allowing you to maximise your space without having to apply for planning permission. As with all extensions, always seek professional advice. You can contact RIBA accredited architects here.

 4. The Farmhouse Kitchen

Another rustic-inspired kitchen with a botanical twist. Featured in Build It Magazine, January 22 issue, this kitchen was part of a renovation and extension designed by DHV Architects. There are pops of colours all around the space, from the vertical yellow radiator to the red-toned rugs and the even so trendy crittall-style doors. It is a snug and comforting atmosphere with wholesome and organic colours.

Textures are dotted around the space adding intriguing details. We love the wooden lighting fixture above the dining table that draws your eyes in an understated way. The white splashback tiles create a minimal base, adding to the overall layers that blend into the space beautifully.

Want to know more about crittall doors - check out this article on Ideal Home. 

Drawing on our vast experience in architecture, interior design and product sourcing, we enable you to take charge of your home project. We support your vision, providing you with interior design solutions that respond to your needs and expertly sourced product options to suit your budget.

Take a look at our Latest Projects or contact us to book a Design Consultation.