Whether you’re knocking down a wall to achieve a large open-plan room or you want to squeeze a spot to eat into a compact kitchen, the first thing to consider is the layout.
Here's everything you need to know before you start, plus our pick of the best kitchen-diner inspiration!
How to design a kitchen-diner
Plan your layout to maximise your space
Making the most of your space involves planning the cabinetry to create zones for cooking, storage, socialising and seating. An L-shaped run of units is ideal for adding a table or banquette into the corner; a U-shaped design can have a breakfast bar or worktop overhang on one side with a couple of stools underneath; galley kitchens could include a small table at the furthest end of the room, while large spaces can include an island and even a separate dining table with chairs and benches.
Choose a design that you know you’ll enjoy living with long-term, or one that is quick and easy to update if you know you like to change things up regularly. This could be as simple as adding open shelving onto unused wall space or adding freestanding kitchen furniture like a larder or dresser to create extra storage.
Another important consideration is your budget. Knowing where to splurge and where to save is key to achieving the perfect finish, as well as a kitchen that will last.
‘Kitchen door fronts vary in price a lot depending on style and finish,’ says Becky Martin, Interior Design Leader at IKEA UK & Ireland. ‘If your budget is limited but there’s a door style you love, consider base cabinets with beautiful doors mixed with wall shelves to stay on budget. Alternatively, choose a lower-cost door style and treat yourself to some beautiful handles or a designer tap.’
‘Whilst interior fittings make a huge difference to the functionality, this is an area where it’s easy to over-spend. Plan carefully for what you will put in each cupboard or drawer to make sure you get exactly what you need. It’s great to research online, but nothing beats testing the kitchen displays yourself to get a feel for the quality.
‘The parts of the kitchen that are most visible and touched regularly contribute to the quality perception, so quality worktops, taps and soft-close doors and drawers are something to look out for.’
Kitchen-diner ideas
Bring a sense of the outside in, with matt green cabinets and matching painted walls. A peninsular makes a great breakfast bar if you pop a couple of stools underneath and you can lighten up the look by choosing white quartz or laminate stone-effect worksurfaces, plus metallic accents such as a stainless steel oven and gas hob
Use the island for casual dining and for guests to catch up with you as you cook, when entertaining. Then add banquette seating and a table at the other end of the room if space allows. A row of pendants over the island provides task and ambient lighting, while a wooden chopping block at one end adds a practical spot for food prep
Get the best of both worlds by adding glazed doors to separate the cooking area from the dining table. Sometimes, you don’t want an entirely open-plan kitchen-diner but you still want a feeling of inclusion, so this can be a cost-effective way of joining the two spaces. A mix of grey and white cabinets with a matt finish looks cool and contemporary, and is easy to update and accessorise over time
Think about the height of your dining table. In this kitchen, the higher-than- average tabletop creates more of a breakfast bar feel that can also be used for food prep. Open shelving provides the perfect storage for everyday items such as cookware and glasses, while the terrazzo splashback and table tie the look together, turning a budget design into something with a luxe look
An L-shaped layout is ideal for slotting in a compact table and chairs in the corner. Circular tables take up less space visually, while a glass top also enhances a feeling of light and space, ideal for really small rooms. Gloss cabinets can help to bounce light around the kitchen – a great tip for dark areas
Families with young children could choose easy-clean cabinets with integrated handles, soft-close doors, and drawers and appliances built in at eye level for safety. Curved edges to worktops and tables are another nod to safety, while plenty of storage keeps everything neatly tidied away
A worktop overhang creates an instant breakfast bar, which is perfect for early morning coffee and toast on the go, as well as keeping an eye on children as they do their homework after school. You can prevent a smaller space feeling cramped and closed-in by swapping some wall units for niche storage and open shelving instead
Choose flexible, space-saving furniture so you can create more room when you need it. An extendable table is a great option for smaller kitchen-diners, or if you want to be able to entertain at the last minute. It’s also ideal for spending time with family and friends, catching up over coffee. A solid wooden design will last for years too, so is a good investment
An island unit is the ultimate multifunctional piece for a kitchen-diner. As well as sitting at it for breakfast and catching up over coffee, it can also create handy extra workspace, storage and a home for the sink. Islands also help divide the room into different zones, keeping the cooking area on one side away from passing traffic, so it’s a safe choice when there are little ones around
When choosing a window dressing for your kitchen-diner, you want a material that not only looks good and either complements or contrasts with your colour scheme, but is also practical. A blind made from PVC fabric is ideal, as it’s both waterproof and flame-retardant
– a great combination for busy family kitchens.
Consider layered lighting so you can create different effects depending on the mood, activity and time of day. This creates little pockets and pools of light, perfect for achieving different atmospheres. A mix of pendants, wall lights, recessed and track lighting offers both practicality and atmosphere, while handcrafted materials and retro fittings bring texture and added personality to the space
Brooklyn 8-inch flat pendant lights in brass and pewter, £79 each, Industville
Even the tiniest of kitchens can squeeze in a spot to eat if the layout is well thought out. This space has an L-shaped run of cabinets that leaves room at the side for a table for two. In a room with plenty of natural light, you can be bold with a dark, dramatic shade for the units then balance it out with fresh white worktops and walls. The integrated handle design also keeps it fuss-free.
Luxury vinyl flooring has so many benefits and is the perfect choice for kitchen-diners, as it is hardwearing, durable, easy to clean, scratch and stain resistant as well as warm underfoot. Choose an oak effect to add character and natural-looking woodgrain to your space. This look works well in both classic and modern schemes, too
Hayley Gilbert is an award-winning interiors journalist with 25 years' experience writing about everything from blissful bathrooms to the coolest kitchens. Publications she has written for include Good Homes, Country Homes and Interiors, House Beautiful and The English Home. She loves finding a bargain and creating an eclectic look with things you just can’t help falling in love with.
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