Our kitchens may be the most functional spaces in our homes, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. We've rounded up the most amazing real kitchens across social media to show just how far a little creative thinking can go. Bursting with colour, character and ingenuity, get inspired by these beautiful schemes and try out their clever tips in your own home!
Bursting with creativity and drama, this bold scheme by Reece and Paul of @littleedwardian is a masterclass in uniqueness. Subtle but smart neutral cabinetry allows an incredible black terrazzo countertop and splashback to take centre stage. Reece says: “Our breakfast bar is a real focal-point of the kitchen. The resin based terrazzo worktop is a statement piece, but we like to contrast textures by incorporating metallics in the kitchen.'
The daring vintage-style scheme is packed with quirky attention-to-deteil. A striking aged brass oven extractor fan cover balances the busy patterned splashback while 'tube-style- gold finish wall lights echo the Art Deco vibe. Reece and Paul advise: “When transforming a space, it’s so important to think about all the little detail. Every view matters because we see space from different angles, so it’s important to think about the materials we use and the placement of things.”
With an eye for colour, pattern and design, Charlotte Jarega of Jarega Interior & Designs knows how to make a space work with form, function and "an added touch of that little something you didn't know you needed". She knocked through her own 1930s house to create an open-plan kitchen, diner and living area, with an industrial-style kitchen island with concrete worktop and vintage star tiles as the striking focal point.
The patio doors flood the open-plan dining area with light to show off an array of quirky and original design ideas from Charlotte. An old ladder is suspended over the dining table to display hanging Edison lights and paper decorations. On the textured green feature wall, a pink neon typographic light looks super funky while trailing foliage ties in urban botanical vibes.
Gloucestershire cottage owner Kathie describes her Instagram feed @the_koo_koo_nest_ as "country life with a dash of pink" and it certainly is! Her incredibly idyllic kitchen teams a romantic paint combination of Dusky Blush Pink by Frenchic paint and a rich forest green tone by Lick, both offset further by balancing neutral walls. The rustic and botanical blend with trailing plants on wooden shelving and a farmhouse hero, cream AGA.
The gorgeous country kitchen would not be complete without a ticking stripe Roman blind to frame the casement windows, in pink of course. A deep butler sink perfects the scene that's used to prepare and arrange Kathie's many bouquets of British blooms and flowers.
The hub of the home is certainly the kitchen for the owners of this grand farmhouse kitchen. A huge central kitchen island (painted in Little Greene’s Hicks Blue) is the nerve centre for weeknight meals, studies and social family time. Gold pendant lights highlight the focal point and pay homage to the original sprung bells mounted above the cool grey cabinetry installed by Christopher Peters.
The matching slate-coloured AGA also ties the classic with the more contemporary. While glossy metro tiles and cabinets hand-painted in a combination of Little Green's Slaked Lime Dark and Farrow & Ball’s London Clay, complete the calming effect. This real kitchen renovation by Simon Williams, a chartered surveyor, and his wife, Ellie, a primary school teacher was a huge investment, but money well spent.
Artist Kitty Mccall has poured her love of pattern and colour into her home in Folkstone and not scrimped on the kitchen. Crisp white walls allow the 'L' shaped run of Farrow & Ball Emerald Green painted cabinetry to zing! "The kitchen colour brings me so much joy", @kittymccall says. "I find it makes the space feel so uplifting and fresh". The antiqued mirrored splashback reflects the colour into the rest of the room.
Opposite the vibrant kitchen cabinets, a mahogany (charity shop bought) dining table and chairs have been given an explosion of colour by being reupholstered with Kitty's own busy and bright 'Imaginarium collection' of floral fabrics.
This inviting navy Shaker-style kitchen is suitably sympathetic to the age of Elle Hervin's (@elle_the_home_bird) family home. Relocating the kitchen into the old dining room created plenty of new space to include a large kitchen island and chimney breast hearth for a huge range cooker.
When homeowner Edna (@ednas.house) set about transforming her kitchen, she wanted a warm and welcoming space to share meals with her family. Simple pale blue cabinetry and white square tiling are offset with green floral wallpaper. Open shelving showcases vintage homewares for an added injection of character, with mounted china plates referencing the scheme's country inspiration.
Practicality was a key part of Edna's plan too – she wanted to include clever design features that would support her green-fingered hobbies. This clever ladder-style plant stand is secured to the wall and offers the perfect spot to grow aromatic herbs without taking up additional workspace. Pretty smart!
Mural artist and home stager Liz Kamarul created this incredible kitchen full of colour and geometric shapes for One Room Challenge. Liz explains: "It has been infused with colour and personality while still remaining functional which is so important for a kitchen".
Army green subway tiles offset exotic grasscloth wallpaper while charming 'Hula Hoop' rattan scones add to the organic character of the space. Liz Kamarul's signature mural artwork creates a subtle but stunning focal point above eye level on the ceiling to complete the beautiful space.
When The Otto House and her husband moved into this property, they needed a quick fix budget makeover to make their kitchen liveable for a few years while they considered an extension project. By stripping off the lime green paint and repainting the existing cupboards a smart white and blue, they totally transformed the look of the room.
The pair breathed new life into the kitchen's old white tiles by adding a splash of colour with budget-friendly blue geometric stickers for a finish that's crisp, clean and retro. Simple open shelving enhances the nostalgic vibe, offering a space to display vintage tins and Kilner jar storage.
A hot colour trend, these deep emerald cabinets have us green with envy! This charming galley scheme has been lovingly nicknamed the 'dark green kitchen glamazon' by its owner @Imjessicabrigham. Brass handles and accents add a glamorous vintage feel and beautifully offset the dark rich tone of the units.
For the splashback, iridescent penny mosaic tiles, a surefire kitchen trend, enhance the refined grandeur of the space, while rustic light wood shelving adds a warming homely touch. Brass light switch plates and gold tile trims streamline the look for a polished finish.
When Christin of Earthly Urban Interiors set about planning this bright and beautiful kitchen, her main objective was to create a bold pink scheme. The completed vision is an eye-popping mix of retro cupboards, natural wood units and stunning bottle-green tiling.
The boho-style elevated cabinets were a crafty DIY project, made from wooden frames and a roll of rattan. The units were raised to the ceiling to create space for stylish open shelving below. Existing worktops are now cleverly covered in concrete for an industrial feel, while the patterned splashback offers a stylish contrast to the pretty pink, candyfloss cupboards.
Yearning for an airy, stylish kitchen, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth achieved a thoroughly glamorous scheme thanks to fresh white walls and pale marble waterfall worktops. The kitchen island has been given a Hollywood makeover with gold-framed bar stools. The warm metal touches carrying through the room to the tap and appliance handles, adding an air of opulence.
The soft pink pantry door conceals a laundry room and lifts the cool white scheme. Transforming a large kitchen like this can seem like a daunting and costly task, but choosing relatively neutral cabinetry and worktops ensure the main structure of the kitchen stands the test of time. You can then swap out fixtures and fittings as interior trends change.
Created by Aniko of Place of My Taste, this Shaker-style kitchen is a masterclass in sophisticated design. While the scheme looks fresh and new, the cabinetry is in fact seven-year-old dark wood IKEA units that have been transformed with a lick of navy paint. Blonde wood shelves complement the natural worktops, while a round dining table in the same hue is the perfect spot to grab a quick meal.
Our favourite feature has to be the amazing statement floor tiles which balance out the simplicity of the units. Rustic accessories, such as the jute rug, rattan plant pot and placemats, add a homely, tactile finish, while wooden utensils and chopping boards complete the au naturel theme.
Part of a one-room guest house studio created by Dabito of design studio and blog Old Brand New, this sumptuous green and pink kitchen has us head over heels. The cabinetry has been painted a warm moss green, offset by a stunning salmon pink wall and graphic monochrome tiling. Previously a blank canvas, this killer colour combo has completely transformed a lacklustre space.
A white quartz worktop overhangs the units to form a micro breakfast bar. An oak floating shelf runs parallel to the cabinetry for space-saving open storage, while brass accents add an expensive flourish to the final scheme.
Black kitchens are taking over our Instagram accounts and what's more, this dark trend works surprisingly well in small kitchens too. Documented on Topology Athina's cool and compact space perfectly balances monochrome tones for a stunning modern scheme. Team black IKEA base cabinets with white upper cabinetry to maximise the sense of space, then pair with black appliances and fixtures which pop against the pale backdrop.
Shiny white chevron tiling from Topps Tiles creates a subtle yet stylish focal point – proof that you don't need a huge budget to make a wow-factor statement. Interesting design extras like the built-in wine rack and matt black gas hob show exquisite attention to detail, while brass fixtures add a warming accent.
A chic and stylish space, Alison Wu of lifestyle blog Wu Haus, enlisted some clever budget-friendly ideas to execute her dream kitchen. IKEA cabinetry combined with compatible door fronts offers an affordable alternative to pricey high-end units without compromising on a stunning designer finish. Walls skimmed with a pink Venetian plaster complete this luxe yet understated kitchen.
Upper cabinetry was stripped away in favour of open wood shelving, creating an airy spacious feel that leaves plenty of room for statement pendant lighting to steal the show. Minimal accessories and touches of gold are key to achieving this luxurious less-is-more look.
With plenty of creative imagination, Nicki Bamford-Bowes of @andthentheywentwild proves that you can combine a beautiful aesthetic with practical family living. The large light-filled kitchen features striking blue-black walls balanced by contemporary white units. A wall-mounted craft station is the perfect solution to keep children occupied while dinner is being prepared, and we love how the ceiling space has been utilised as a bookshelf.
The monochrome shelving alcove is stunning yet relatively simple in design. Nicki tiled the splashback herself, opting for black paint behind the dark shelving to create a bold contrast. Pops of pastel across the accessories and pendant lights are the ideal way to balance out this dark feature.
An array of salvaged furniture forms the basis of this striking vintage-inspired kitchen. Lovingly assembled by Tammy of @colonialfarmstead, the eclectic design consists of a butler table, classic white units, an antique red cabinet and a beautiful copper farmhouse sink. A historic portrait creates a quirky focal point and draws the traditional scheme together beautifully.
A bargain find picked up from an antique store, the handsome red cabinet on the worktop adds rustic charm to the space thanks to its time-worn finish. Antique extras, from the pendant lighting to the taps and vintage-style copper accessories, complete the enchanting look.
Blogger @dennse_zoomer prides herself on her eye for design, something that's clear to see from her ultra-contemporary dark kitchen. Jet-black cabinetry looks sleek and minimal against a crisp white backdrop, while pops of colour are introduced through quirky accessories.
Balancing out the dark and dramatic units, glass pendant lighting, a colourful graphic clock and bright crockery add a welcome lift. Wire wall-mounted shelving brings an industrial twist to the space, and pops of foliage soften the austere lines of the cabinetry.
This beautiful, romantic design is the creation of Pamela of @homeonfernhill. Soothing mint green cabinetry is paired with French country-style seating, a wooden beaded chandelier and an antique dresser to create an elegant space that's perfect for entertaining.
The stylish wooden cabinets were repainted from dark grey to this refreshing shade, imparting a light and airy feel to the kitchen. Marble worktops and glossy metro tiles complete the polished style. Decorative accessories like the Greek urn, distressed mirror and green glassware add to the whimsical aesthetic.
Instagrammer @soozidanson's snug kitchen is a riot of colour and retro charm. The fabulous pink floral wallpaper steals the show, especially against the vibrant fuschia laundry door. Modern additions like a ceramic hob and chandelier-style extractor fan bring the look up to date with a touch of glamour and bling.
The upcycled bureau has been adorned with retro-inspired wallpaper offcuts, providing a stylish space-saving solution in the compact colourful kitchen. Fashion and textile designer Orla Kiely was a big influence on this unique kitchen design and its bold uplifting colours.
This super-sized kitchen is Jane's favourite room in her home - and we can understand why! Documented on @talesofsilverdale, it's a DeVOL design, so not a low-budget choice, but the investment has paid off. The refined Shaker-style cabinetry is painted in a beautiful warm grey tone, offset beautifully by the limestone flooring to create a restful, calming space.
An inspired design choice, the kitchen island with downlighting warms the cool grey scheme, while a display of pink and green accessories arranged across a row of open shelves adds a colourful contrast. A vase of eucalyptus is the perfect finishing touch with its silvery green leaves.
A trendy two-tone design, Amy of @at_Home_at_170 has created a glamorous family kitchen-diner, complete with petrol blue cabinets and an exquisite rose-pink patterned splashback. On-trend hexagon tiling adds an effortlessly cool architectural edge to the scheme, while pale wood shelving and countertops tie the design together.
The two-toned aesthetic is carried through to the snug dining zone, with navy blue paint running across the lower quarter of the wall, contrasting with a crisp white hue across the upper section. The retro table and chairs add a vintage twist and quirky graphic artwork imparts a personal feel.
Home renovator and Girl&Grey blogger, Courtney Equall transformed their 1980s kitchen into a 'bright and open space with Northwest vibes'. Three large black-framed windows fill the newly opened-up space with natural light, showcasing the sage green cupboards wrapped in white quartz stone countertops.
The slatted wood hood cover ties in with warm wooden shelving and a blonde wood floor, working with the exposed white brickwork to add a warm rustic feel. A huge butler sink and black faucet are practical and stylish, while brass elements like the cupboard handles unify the room and add a touch of lustre to the laid-back mix of finishes.
Bursting with charm, this rustic kitchen was created by @tiffyandflow for under £1,000 ($1,198). Warm wood cladding across the walls gives the small space a cabin-style vibe, balanced out by sleek white worktops and lower cabinets. A traditional rug evokes a country aesthetic and injects a splash of colour.
A key focal point, the stylish dark grey open shelves are filled with an array of quirky homewares, offset beautifully by the reclaimed wood. Industrial-inspired additions, including the exposed bulb lighting and metal signs, add a striking modern edge to the rugged scheme.
This compact white kitchen in Tokyo is part of a tiny home that's just 25 square metres. The all-white palette and clever storage maximise the space and make use of every inch. A wooden topped peninsula adds warmth, doubles as a breakfast bar and divides the living space from the kitchen
Painted a brilliant white, the wooden beams and DIY storage add a certain rustic charm, warming up the cool walls and cupboards for a homely feel in this compact space.
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