Open Plan Kitchen with a Belfast Sink and a Single-bowl Sink Ideas and Designs

A custom designed kitchen in a Barn conversation with a oak vaulted ceiling.
Photo of a medium sized rural u-shaped open plan kitchen in Kent with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz worktops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, terracotta flooring, no island, orange floors, white worktops and exposed beams.

We had the privilege of transforming the kitchen space of a beautiful Grade 2 listed farmhouse located in the serene village of Great Bealings, Suffolk. The property, set within 2 acres of picturesque landscape, presented a unique canvas for our design team. Our objective was to harmonise the traditional charm of the farmhouse with contemporary design elements, achieving a timeless and modern look. For this project, we selected the Davonport Shoreditch range. The kitchen cabinetry, adorned with cock-beading, was painted in 'Plaster Pink' by Farrow & Ball, providing a soft, warm hue that enhances the room's welcoming atmosphere. The countertops were Cloudy Gris by Cosistone, which complements the cabinetry's gentle tones while offering durability and a luxurious finish. The kitchen was equipped with state-of-the-art appliances to meet the modern homeowner's needs, including: - 2 Siemens under-counter ovens for efficient cooking. - A Capel 90cm full flex hob with a downdraught extractor, blending seamlessly into the design. - Shaws Ribblesdale sink, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. - Liebherr Integrated tall fridge, ensuring ample storage with a sleek design. - Capel full-height wine cabinet, a must-have for wine enthusiasts. - An additional Liebherr under-counter fridge for extra convenience. Beyond the main kitchen, we designed and installed a fully functional pantry, addressing storage needs and organising the space. Our clients sought to create a space that respects the property's historical essence while infusing modern elements that reflect their style. The result is a pared-down traditional look with a contemporary twist, achieving a balanced and inviting kitchen space that serves as the heart of the home. This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering bespoke kitchen solutions that meet our clients' aspirations. Feel inspired? Get in touch to get started.

We were commissioned to design and make a bespoke kitchen and a separate dining space with banquette seating for our clients, who were in the process of having a new private home built on the outskirts of Winchester. Following these initial projects, we were then briefed to design and create all the fitted furniture for the pantry, laundry room, boot room, banquette seating for the bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom vanity. We worked closely with our clients who had a distinct vision of the aesthetic they were seeking, so our role was to interpret their requirements to create a beautiful kitchen and dining area, designed with perfect flow and functionality, and perfectly in-keeping with the rest of the space. The entire ground floor is neutrally decorated in Stone 1 by Paint & Paper Library on the walls and ceiling. It has large black steel Crittall windows throughout, with full-height Crittall doors leading to the garden. Matching internal glazed panel doors lead to a separate drawing room, while the rest of the ground floor is dedicated to the open plan kitchen and entertaining area. The hand-laid patterned Ash flooring was chosen during the design process so the dark stain of the vertical grain Oak veneered fronts, and plinth on the island was chosen to complement it. All Antique Brass knobs and handles are by Armac Martin and all Antique Brass wall brackets are by Corston Architectural. These complement the pendant and wall lights by Apparatus Studio and wall lights above the sink run by Blue Print Lighting NYC. There are two main runs of cabinetry which are made using dark stained oak carcases and solid oak shelves. The 22mm thick door and drawer fronts feature 18mm broken ogee bead mouldings and all are handpainted in Stone 2 by Paint & Paper Library. The tall run behind the island runs floor-to-ceiling with a moulded cornice at the top matching the cornicing in the rest of the room. Five storage top boxes run along the length of the cabinetry and are situated above (from left) a tall integrated cabinet for glasses, next to an integrated tall freezer by Gaggenau. At the centre is housing for a bank of Gaggenau Vario 400 cooking appliances consisting of a single oven with a combination microwave above and a 29cm culinary drawer beneath. A reduced height top box and a shallow drawer for racks and trays are above and below. To the right is a tall integrated fridge next to an integrated three-zone wine conditioning cabinet, all by Gaggenau. On the task side, directly in front of the bank of ovens, is a personalised Gaggenau cook centre mounted within the 3.6m x 1.3m island’s 30mm thick Bianco Superiore Honed Quartzite worktop. This comprises a domino gas hob, domino induction hob and domino teppan yaki, separated by two downdraft extractors in-between and all feature rotary controls integrated within cabinetry beneath. The entire hob set is rebated into the worktop providing a completely flush finish. Also on the task side are handleless deep drawers for pots and pans beneath handleless shallow drawers for cutlery and utensils. At one end of the island is a square ceramic undermount sink by Shaws and Quooker Fusion Pro3 Boiling Water Tap with a special finish, which is used for food preparation. The facing side of the island features further handleless cabinets, all with pull-out shelves on soft close runners, together with further shallow storage drawers above them. The long sink run extends beneath a large Crittall window. Undercounter from left is an integrated pull-out fridge by Liebherr next to two pull-out storage drawers and a cabinet for pull-out bins. At the centre is a Shaws Entwistle single bowl sink with an aged brass Perrin & Rowe Ionian Tap. Beneath the farmhouse style sink is a 30mm quartzite sill to accommodate for spils and splashes protecting the painted woodwork of the sink cabinet, a signature addition by Searle & Taylor. To the right of the sink is a 60cm integrated dishwasher by Miele adjacent to further deep and shallow storage drawers. At the end of the run is a specially designed cabinet for two dark oak pull-out trays and two solid dark oak pull-out chopping boards, another signature design by Searle & Taylor. Matching the quartzite worktop is a 30mm splashback and upstand in the same material. In addition, there are four 30mm thick quartzite shelves with with ogee edged moulding, that sit upon the Corston Architectural brackets. To the right of the kitchen area is the dining area within a triple window recess. Built within the bay is a large bespoke banquette seating area made by Searle & Taylor, with piano-hinged lids to provide hidden cushion storage behind the seats. LED lighting runs at the base of the cabinetry to make a feature of the seating at night. On either side of the banquette are alcove cabinets in the same dark oak stained veneer as the kitchen island and kitchen accents. An oval dark oak Miniforms Monoplauto dining table from Go Modern sits at the centre with two further Fritz Harken Series 7 dining chairs from The Conran Shop.

This kitchen showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary design and classic architecture. The room is well-lit, with natural light streaming in from a large window on the left. The ceiling features intricate crown molding, indicative of the building's Grade 2 listing and historical significance. Three elegant pendant lights with a brass finish and frosted glass shades hang above the central island, which is topped with a pristine white countertop. The island also incorporates a built-in sink and a cooktop, offering functionality within its streamlined form. Two modern bar stools with curved silhouettes and dark wooden legs are positioned at the island, providing casual seating. The kitchen cabinetry is minimalistic, with handleless doors painted in a muted off-white tone that complements the overall neutral palette. A splashback of white marble adds a touch of luxury and ties in with the countertop. The flooring is laid in a herringbone pattern, adding texture and a classic touch to the space. A small selection of books and a vase with eucalyptus branches introduce a personal and lived-in feel to the otherwise minimalist kitchen.

This is an example of a small classic l-shaped open plan kitchen with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, pink cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

Reimagining a Grade II Listed Gatehouse on Haslemere’s Lythe Hill Park Estate, balancing historic lineage and simple country living with a contemporary approach, we worked proactively with the Planning Heritage Team and positive, open minded clients to sensitively extend and retain the original character of the Gatehouse.

Although compact, the kitchen benefits from generous natural light thanks to the large window positioned above the sink. The Regis French farmhouse sink is centred on this elevation, making the most of the view and reinforcing the practical workflow of the room. It is paired with a Bidbury & Co. Moreton Bridge Tap, chosen for its traditional detailing and everyday usability. To maintain clean lines, the dishwasher is fully integrated to one side of the sink, with waste and recycling bins housed discreetly on the other. This arrangement allows the main working zone to remain efficient without interrupting the visual rhythm of the cabinetry.

The kitchen at the heart of this Cobham garage conversion. A generous island in warm oak effect timber, topped in black granite, carries bar seating for four beneath a rustic ring chandelier and a decorative moulded beam. Cream shaker cabinetry lines the room, with glazed display cabinets, open shelving and a range cooker set beneath an exposed brick chimney breast. A shimmering blue mosaic splashback runs the length of the worktop, and large format grey floor tiles carry the underfloor heating throughout. What was once a garage now anchors the whole ground floor. Designed, planned and built by The Plan Hub, one team from first drawing to final finish.

Inspiration for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Manchester with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, granite worktops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, limestone flooring, an island, beige floors, beige worktops, a drop ceiling and a feature wall.

“A bold artistic expression, it radiates a unique and inimitable charm that captivates at first glance.” Set within a charming period property in the village of Shillington, Hertfordshire, this kitchen was designed to capture the romance, colour, and character of our clients’ time spent in Italy. Their love for the country and the many memories made there became the driving inspiration for this warm, vibrant, and timeless space. Opting for our In-Frame Shaker cabinetry, the clients embraced its classic proportions and enduring style, having it hand-painted in Farrow & Ball Cooks Blue – a vivid hue reminiscent of the Mediterranean, chosen to perfectly complement the magnificent Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Range Cooker. The cabinetry is elevated further with Hendel & Hendel Belgravia polished nickel handles, offering a refined and timeless finishing touch. The kitchen follows an L-shaped layout anchored by a central rectangular island, complete with an elevated solid oak breakfast bar stained in Rubio Cotton White – the ideal gathering spot for casual dining or morning coffee. The Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Range Cooker and matching extractor hood form the heart of the design, turning cooking into a work of art. This limited-edition collaboration celebrates all things Made in Italy, featuring the Divina Cucina collection’s bold colours and intricate patterns inspired by Sicilian majolica ceramicware. The Chimney Hood proudly wears the vibrant Dolce & Gabbana print, making it a true statement piece and a fitting tribute to our client’s love for Italian culture and cuisine. Alongside the statement range, the kitchen is equipped with Premium NEFF integrated appliances, including a fridge freezer and dishwasher, as well as a Caple Wine Cooler and Caple Microwave, all positioned for convenience. The sink run features a Shaws Shaker double bowl paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician widespread mixer with rinse in pewter, and a Quooker Nordic Round in stainless steel for instant boiling water. And not forgetting the bespoke over-window mantle that seamlessly connects the cabinetry, with integrated LED lighting adding both practical illusions and a refined design detail. All surfaces are finished in Dekton Malibu, a porcelain worktop that brings a fresh, modern look, both stylish and durable, to this Italian-inspired hub. Additional touches include a coffee station with reeded glass-fronted doors and jars filled with rich Italian coffee, and the tall, slim pantry cupboard is discreet yet provides generous storage. There are also deep drawers with custom inserts, a corner Le Mans, and a pull-out unit for cooking oils and spices. This kitchen tells a beautiful story of the Mediterranean, bringing a slice of this into a quintessentially English home.

Mulberry House is situated in Newbury, Berkshire. The clients were keen for the space to function as a social hub, adaptable for entertaining larger groups in addition to everyday family living. It was vital the kitchen married the functionality and practically of young family life, with the warmth of the adjacent snug and dining areas. Stylistically we studied the property's architecture and concluded on a traditional shaker kitchen, with beaded in-frame detailing best suited the space. We worked with the finest bespoke hand-crafted British cabinetry, complete with solid antique brass handles to create a timeless look.

For this project, Ella Austin Kitchens designed and fitted a traditional kitchen to perfectly complement the client’s beautiful new extension. The result is a timeless, cohesive space that enhances the character and warmth of the home. Photography: Malonda Photos

Nestled in the picturesque suburban area of Nazeing, Essex this stunning grand country house underwent an extensive renovation to become their forever home. Relocating to a grand country property like this offers huge potential to make it your dream home, and the goal was to blend timeless country charm with modern luxury, resulting in a kitchen at the centre that is as functional as it is breathtaking. Revitalising their living space, the area opened up to a kitchen, informal dining and living area, where the layout was carefully planned to enhance the flow of the zones, making it a hub for cooking, socialising and living. The whole space is not only beautiful inside but also maximises its connection to the outdoors. Large glass doors connect the open-plan space with the grounds bringing in a great deal of natural light and scenic views. Every corner is bright and airy, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The location of this Nazeing home, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, adds to the charm of this traditional yet modern kitchen design. Key design elements focus on natural oak, exposed wooden beams, and two spacious kitchen islands for maximum practicality and a touch of grandeur. In true Shaker style, the kitchen is both beautiful and usable, and we also designed handmade cabinetry for additional rooms such as a walk-in pantry, a utility and a media wall unit. Our client fell in love with the Classic In-Frame Shaker design, and this is the style that was chosen. The client also loved the look of natural oak to bring warmth to the room, tying in with the beams and country setting, so decided to have the whole middle section designed in nautral oak (2 islands and a dresser). What makes this hub of the home spectacular is the dual kitchen islands. Both built and designed in our beautiful natural oak, these two stunning islands serve multiple purposes for the space and our client. Working Island – Let’s start with the smaller one of the two. Square in shape, this is dedicated to food preparation and comes equipped with a Franke built-in sink and Quooker Classic Fusion Square in Patinated Brass. Ample counter space and storage solutions, including an integrated recycling bin, can be seen. Socialising Island – This is larger, more of a rectangle, and has a beautiful curved end acting as an additional informal dining area to the straight line. The space for six bar seats encourages family and guests to gather and socialise. It also features an S-Box (pop-up socket), bespoke cutlery & utensil drawers, deep pan drawers and curved end cabinetry. Further elevating the stunning design is the choice of range cooker and the exposed brick wall surrounding that sits at the centre. A cream classic AGA offers both traditional aesthetics and modern functionality that becomes the kitchen’s workhorse and the perfect choice for our client’s busy life. A little fun fact – this AGA is 30 years old! It has been repurposed from all gas to all-electric! It still looks brand new, keeping up with the modern family life! A quintessential country feature that is framed with bespoke cabinetry and an exposed brick wall, making it the focal point of the cooking area. Not only an appliance for cooking large family meals but a range cooker that heats the space during the colder winter months and adds to the homely, inviting feel of the space. Close, and just on the other side of the prep island and in direct view of the AGA, is a freestanding cabinetry unit that houses integrated cold storage appliances (fridge and freezer) from Samsung and a built-in Liebherr Wine Storage Cabinet. The breathtaking scenery is a natural backdrop, blending the indoors with the outdoors. Positioned in front of large windows and framed by exposed wooden beams, the sink area offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The many windows flood the kitchen with natural light, making everyday tasks like washing up a pleasure. How this sink area was created: The Shaws Double Bowl sink brings the kitchen a classic yet timeless charm. A spacious, deep basin that’s practical for daily tasks and perfect for a family kitchen. The Perrin & Rowe Ionian Mixer Tap with Rinse in Aged Brass combines traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience. Choosing aged brass not only adds a luxurious vintage touch but also complements the natural tones of a country kitchen. A Perrin & Rowe Freestanding Soap Dispenser in Aged Brass Traditional completes the look. A small yet impactful accessory that blends seamlessly with the mixer tap. Its freestanding design allows for flexibility in placement – the sink area is kept neat and uncluttered, maintaining the clean lines of the design. This sink run includes two Miele fully integrated dishwashers and plenty of other storage solutions to keep the kitchen organised. The handmade cabinets are hand-painted in Rolling Fog by Little Greene. Further elevating the design with alternative storage and tying in with the country setting is the natural oak dresser. It’s the epitome of refined craftsmanship and classic style, that’s designed to elevate the aesthetics of the home and our client’s style. The dresser combines warm tones with the light, airy feel provided by the glazed doors and the Carrara Misterio worktop. With a bold structure, the upper section features glass-fronted cabinets, allowing our client to display their most treasured items while keeping them protected. It further enhances an open, airy look. Below, the dresser provides concealed storage with a sturdy oak door and drawers. The closed storage solution is perfect for keeping less decorative items, such as linens or tableware, neatly out of sight but easily accessible. In the middle is open-shelving. Something else that captures the eye and adds to the style and functionality of the kitchen is the beautifully crafted breakfast pantry, hand-painted in Rolling Fog by Little Greene. The pantry sits at one end of the kitchen providing a dedicated space for all your morning essentials, streamlining the daily routine all while adding a touch of refined elegance. It’s neatly organised, within reach, and designed beautifully behind bi-fold doors. The soft, muted tones of Rolling Fog, pair beautifully with the natural beauty of the woodwork. A Samsung Built-In Grill Microwave is housed in the middle and a quartz cold shelf is the ideal place for small kitchen appliances and keeping breakfast items such as butter, cheese, or fresh pastries cool during preparation. Other features of the kitchen include the handles – Perrin & Rowe Shell in Aged Brass, Perrin & Rowe Large Contoured Knobs in Aged Brass, and Armac Martin Bar Handles for fridge, freezer and wine cabinet. And the Carrara Misterio quartz worktops. Prime location, a light and airy walk-in pantry situated adjacent to the kitchen, enhancing the flow of the cooking and dining routines, is what we have created here. A thoughtful L-shaped layout brings a space that helps our clients quickly select ingredients, appliances, and other essentials and the spectacular views make it a space that feels both luxurious and serene. Our client opted for stylish storage jars to keep ingredients fresh and organised and wicker baskets to add to the rustic charm. These natural materials contrast beautifully with the sleek Carrara Misterio quartz worktops and open shelving, adding depth and character to the pantry design. A perfect blend of entertainment and cooking is just another key element of this space – a modern touch to the otherwise classic kitchen. In the living part of the open-plan space, we designed and built a media wall unit beneath those solid and beautiful wooden beams. Positioned in a way where you can see from the entertaining island, this beautiful feature still allows for all the family to enjoy TV shows altogether, whether cooking, eating or socialising. The media wall is framed with custom cabinetry that blends seamlessly with the rest of the space, keeping it stylish and attractive. The open shelving allows our client to display decorative items that fit in with the overall decor and below cabinetry to conceal other items you may not want to be displayed. We hand-painted the unit in Rolling Fog by Little Greene, a neutral hue that is warm and grounding.

A traditional kitchen, with beautiful oak cabinetry, unique details and marble worktops.
Inspiration for a large traditional open plan kitchen in London with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, marble splashback, porcelain flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops and black appliances.

Stunning Pluck Kitchen in soft green with marble worktops and feature lighting.
Inspiration for a large midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, marble worktops, green splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, green worktops, exposed beams and feature lighting.

This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in London with a belfast sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, black appliances, an island, white floors, white worktops and exposed beams.

Our extensive portfolio of STORI projects showcases thoughtful design across all budgets, from cost-effective solutions to fully bespoke kitchens. Design. Defined by Detail. Visit our Sussex showroom to meet the Rêver team and begin the journey towards your dream kitchen.

Take a tour of this stunning bespoke kitchen designed by Spires Interiors for a family in Stansted Mountfitchet. Featuring: - Inky green and English white cabinetry with walnut and oak coloured carcases - Calacatta gold quartz waterfall-edge island and walnut breakfast bar - Neff appliances and Blanco ceramic butler sink - Butler’s pantry with integrated LED lighting - Built-in wine fridge - Separate cabinetry for hidden laundry appliances and boiler storage - Amtico flooring for warmth and durability This kitchen was designed to complement the room’s unique angles while delivering refined, practical luxury for everyday family life. ? Visit our Stanway showroom or explore more at spiresinteriors.co.uk info@spiresinteriors.co.uk 01206 234864 2, Peartree Business Centre, Peartree Centre, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0JN Video credit to Joe Nichols at @visual_peakuk for this stunning kitchen shoot. #BespokeInteriors #LuxuryKitchenDesign #SpiresInteriors #KitchenRenovation #EssexHomes #InteriorCraftsmanship #ButlersPantry #QuartzIsland #ColchesterBusiness #LocalBusiness #interiordesign #kitchen #home #kitchendesign #homeinspiration #Essex #green

In the heart of a picturesque farmhouse in Oxford, this contemporary kitchen, blending modern functionality with rustic charm, was designed to address the client's need for a family space. This kitchen features the Audus 945 Easytouch and 961 Lacquered Laminate range, with a striking Graphite Black Ultra Matt finish. Creating a nice contrast to the dark cabinetry are the Pearl Concrete worktops supplied by Algarve Granite. The textured surface of the worktops adds depth and character while providing a durable and practical space for meal preparation. Equipped with top-of-the-line appliances from Siemens, Bora, and Caple, this kitchen adds efficiency to daily cooking activities. For washing and food preparation, two sinks are strategically placed — one on the kitchen counter and another on the centrally located island. The Blanco sink offers style and functionality, while the Quooker tap provides instant hot and cold water for convenience. Nestled within the island is an integrated drinks cooler to keep beverages chilled and easily accessible. A drinks station is also concealed within a large cabinet, adding to the kitchen's versatility and making it a space perfect for entertaining and hosting. Feeling inspired by this Contemporary Black Kitchen in Oxford? Visit our projects page to explore more kitchen designs.