214,961 Expansive and Small Home Design Ideas, Pictures and Inspiration

This study room was created by removing a wall and replacing it with Crittall style folding glass doors opening up the space making it feel much larger. We built wall to wall, floor to ceiling bookcases for the client's many books and created a faux fireplace painted to look like black marble. A large white silk lamp shade hangs from the ceiling. A Gallery wall of art work and a mid century burnt orange wingback chair complete the room.

Bespoke joinery & shelving in this pre schoolers super cute bedroom used in this North London Victorian house
Photo of a small victorian gender neutral toddler’s room in London with yellow walls, carpet and beige floors.

Opening up the frosted glass doors gives a full view of the split layout: shower on one side, toilet on the other. Both zones feel private, yet still connected to the overall scheme. The layout supports two people using the space at once, without it ever feeling tight.

This project involved the conversion of a disused water tank into a unique 1-bedroom duplex penthouse in Bethnal Green, East London, located on top of the Grade II* listed Keeling House designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. The main challenge was to transform an empty industrial concrete structure with plywood elements and a leaking roof into a warm, liveable and contemporary London penthouse apartment, while preserving the original industrial character of the space. As a self-build project, the client temporarily relocated within the building during the works, allowing full transformation of the water tank into a functional home. The design approach focused on adaptive reuse and industrial interior design, avoiding a standard “developer-style” finish. Instead, the original character was preserved through the use of exposed services and internally insulated OSB-lined walls and ceilings, ensuring both thermal performance and material continuity. The existing stair core was extended to provide safe access to the water tank level. The end façades were redesigned using high-performance clear and sandblasted glazing within slim aluminium frames, enhancing light quality while maintaining structural lightness. Vertical sandblasted louvres were introduced to ensure privacy while creating a dynamic, Zen-like interplay of natural light throughout the space. The result is a highly distinctive duplex penthouse in East London, offering panoramic views across the London skyline, with sunrise and sunset light transforming the interior throughout the day. The space functions as a true urban retreat, combining industrial authenticity with contemporary living.

Set within the picturesque village of Chipperfield, Kings Langley, this country property has been thoughtfully extended at the rear to create a light-filled, open-plan space perfectly suited to our client’s lifestyle and home renovation. At the heart of the home sits our bespoke In-Frame Beaded Shaker kitchen, designed to bring family moments together with timeless country charm and modern functionality. This quintessential In-Frame design prioritises both style and practicality, forming a welcoming family kitchen with country character at its core. Arranged on an L-shaped layout with a central island, the cabinetry flows effortlessly through the space. Positioned at each end of the runs are floor-to-ceiling cabinets, each designed with a specific purpose; one featuring a striking exposed full-height oak wine rack, adding warmth and personality to the scheme. The island is a place to gather with guests or for a light lunch. The colour palette is deliberately curated to create a serene, light-filled atmosphere throughout the extension. Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth, a soft mid grey-beige, wraps the space, while a deeper, sombre brown tone (F&B Drab) is used centrally and above the hob to ground the design and introduce rich warmth. Worktops throughout are finished in Lydia Gold quartz, complete with a classic ogee edge detail, a refined feature and a delightful hint of gold that reflects an emerging trend in modern country homes. Appliances are seamlessly integrated to maintain the clean lines of the cabinetry, including a Miele bank of ovens alongside concealed fridge, freezer, and dishwasher units. The sleek black gloss hob is framed by a bespoke mantle housing a Westin Prime extractor and an antiqued bronze mirrored splashback, creating a strong focal point within the kitchen. To soften the cabinetry and reflect the abundance of natural light, a glass-fronted wall cabinet has been thoughtfully positioned between the windows in the corner! The sink area continues the country aesthetic with a white Landsdowne farmhouse sink, paired with a Quooker Flex tap in stainless steel, introducing a modern touch without detracting from the traditional feel. Storage has been meticulously planned throughout, from deep drawers and practical towel rails to a bespoke angled breakfast pantry tucked neatly into the corner. Featuring bi-fold doors and oak shelving. The result of this beautiful country kitchen is a balanced space crafted with care and attention, perfectly suited to its countryside setting.

The restored entrance hall combines original features with contemporary colour and Art Deco influences.
Inspiration for a small classic hallway in London with panelled walls, white walls, a single front door and multi-coloured floors.

AMC Design was commissioned to bring a unique blend of style and personality to this contemporary home, which offers stunning panoramic sea views in the picturesque setting of Guernsey. The design features a collection of modern classics that beautifully complement the home’s clean lines, while luxurious finishes add an extra layer of elegance and charm.

Rear extension and hard landscaping with Chevron floor installed plus bespoke glazing
Design ideas for a small contemporary grey and white ensuite bathroom in London with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured tiles, porcelain tiles, grey walls, porcelain flooring, a wall-mounted sink, tiled worktops, grey floors, an open shower, grey worktops, a single sink, a floating vanity unit and a vaulted ceiling.

This project was all about taking a tired, cluttered bathroom and turning it into a calm, design-led sanctuary. The original space was heavy on storage but lacked character, with dated cabinetry, fussy curtains, and no real sense of style or flow. The new design strips everything back to a clean, modern canvas. We introduced soft neutral tiles in a handmade finish for texture, paired with a striking herringbone marble floor to elevate the look. A bespoke vanity with fluted detailing creates subtle movement, while the arched mirror framed by elegant wall lights adds depth and sophistication. Brass fixtures were chosen throughout to bring warmth and a touch of luxury, from the concealed flush plate to the wall-mounted taps. The layered lighting (including the ceiling pendant) ensures this bathroom feels inviting both day and night. To keep the design practical for everyday family life, we added bespoke built-in storage in the nook behind the door — the perfect hidden spot for all the family bathroom essentials (because beautiful doesn’t mean you can’t also be organised!). The result? A contemporary, timeless bathroom that feels effortlessly stylish yet practical — the kind of space you’d actually look forward to starting your day in.

The bathroom is a compact space with low ceilings, so I wanted to make it feel as light and airy as possible. I kept the colours natural, adding texture and special luxurious touches with the terrazzo, sheer curtain, fluted glass, and tiles. These rich but subtle details catch your eye, making the room feel bigger. The green glazed shower tiles pick up on the specks in the terrazzo floor tiles, and the Carrara marble skirting board adds luxury and creates another level of finish. I specified ABI Interiors matching brassware. Their electric heated individual towel rails can be turned on and off whenever you need them to save energy. The shower controls are located just outside the shower enclosure, so you can turn the shower on in advance and let it warm up a little before you enter. To maximise storage, I included an Aqua Roc basin with drawers underneath. The Carrara marble ledge and Tika Moon walnut wall unit provide even more space for my clients to stash things away. The freestanding bath and circular Spark and Bell wall lights add softness and curves. The sheer curtain is mounted on a wave track to give a lovely, rippled effect. Images taken by Tari C Peterson for ABI Interiors

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.

This contemporary kitchen in London is a stunning display of modern design, seamlessly blending style and sustainability. The focal point of the kitchen is the impressive XMATT range in a sleek Matt Black finish crafted from recycled materials. This choice not only reflects a modern aesthetic but also emphasises the kitchen's dedication to sustainability. In contrast, the overhead cabinetry is finished in crisp white, adding a touch of brightness and balance to the overall aesthetic. The worktop is a masterpiece in itself, featuring Artscut Bianco Mysterio 20mm Quartz, providing a durable and stylish surface for meal preparation. The kitchen is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bora hob, combining functionality and design innovation. Fisher & Paykel ovens and an integrated fridge freezer further enhance the functionality of the space while maintaining a sleek and cohesive appearance. These appliances are known for their performance and energy efficiency, aligning seamlessly with the kitchen's commitment to sustainability. A built-in larder, complete with shelves and drawers, provides ample storage for a variety of food items and small appliances. This cleverly designed feature enhances organisation and efficiency in the space. Does this kitchen design inspire you? Check out more of our projects here.

Our client was looking for something different, and the minute he saw the dusky pink kitchen, he immediately loved it. Mike worked with him to design a layout for his kitchen in an apartment within a period manor house. The painted furniture allowed us to curve the end of the kitchen to create a corner sink, which provided extra working space in front of the window above his washing machine. We complemented the furniture with a quartz worktop and splashback. For appliances, he chose a Siemens induction hob, and we added a canopy extractor that created a striking feature. Two integrated fridge freezers and a dishwasher are all hidden away beautifully. The client decorated the room to complement the kitchen and make the most of the high ceilings. The result is a space that truly has that WOW factor. Visit our website for more designs.

Small eclectic dining room in Cornwall with banquette seating, beige walls, medium hardwood flooring, a wood burning stove, a brick fireplace surround, brown floors and exposed beams.

Sussex waterfront contemporary. This amazing contemporary family home is located on the waterfront in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the harbour. The design has developed as a response to the location and to take advantage of views over the sea, countryside, and adjoining meadows. Every element of the architecture and interiors has been considered to maximise both form and function – beautiful contemporary design and practicality tailored to the client’s aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle. The home features the use of Danish brick, cedar timber and a zinc roof all in a natural palette of materials on the exterior and neutral design scheme on the interiors using sustainable and natural materials. The gardens have been designed to maximise the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and include wildflower meadows, and soft and hard landscaping. A fabric first approach to sustainability has been used and the design allows for natural light to penetrate the building while considering shading and thermal gain. The interiors have been developed around functionality while employing a clean modern design and the use of warm natural materials. A true dream home with dream clients!

A full bathroom renovation in this beautiful Victorian family home designed to be used by two children and to also look really appealing. I added a fun striped tile pattern surrounding the bath and shower area, and made sure the toilet, basin and vanity area all appeared seamless in the room. One of the biggest changes was adding a full length bath in the space that was previously a walk in shower.

The bathroom in our Piggery project, set in a leafy manor estate in Wiltshire, involving the sensitive transformation of an agricultural outbuilding into a versatile space designed for family life, entertaining and events. The bathroom continues the warm, earthy palette found throughout the barn, with carefully layered materials creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A simple skirted basin introduces a gentle, tactile quality while providing practical hidden storage, complemented by curved details that bring a sense of ease to the space. Beyond, a timber-lined sauna area provides a dedicated space to unwind.

From the moment you enter this historic Much Hadham property, you are surrounded by open countryside, the warmth of a homely feel and craftsmanship that takes centre stage. This bespoke kitchen has been carefully designed and handcrafted to respect the home’s character while elevating how the space is used today. Framed by a striking triangular glazed extension, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the wider open-plan living area, with every element, from hand-built cabinetry and traditional In-Frame construction to hand-applied paint finishes, created specifically for this home. The result is a kitchen that feels considered, authentic, and entirely at ease within its setting. The original kitchen footprint formed the L-shaped section of the room, which the client was keen to retain as one half of the new design, particularly as the AGA was already positioned there, and this was much loved as part of the family’s daily life. As with many period homes, the property did not lend itself to one large open-plan kitchen, so the design focused on creating distinct yet connecting areas within the existing space, allowing each zone to feel purposeful while still flowing naturally together. It came together so beautifully! Each of our bespoke features brings personality and practicality to the space, including a secret door concealed within the cabinetry leading down to the cellar, and a new extension housing a “reading nook”. This approach allowed our Classic In-Frame Shaker style to come into its own across the different parts of the kitchen, and was hand-painted in a palette of colours. The bespoke cabinetry was built In-Frame with plain flat fronts and a central beaded panel, introducing a softer, more traditional aesthetic that complements the property’s age. Each cabinet was handcrafted using traditional In-Frame construction, with solid frames assembled by hand and finished with carefully detailed beaded panels. Our work allows for refined proportions and longevity, while giving the furniture a depth and character that cannot be achieved with mass-produced cabinetry. This style was the perfect choice for a countryside home, bringing a timeless, homely, cottage-inspired feel that sits comfortably within the building’s heritage while still providing the practicality required for modern living. Elements of tongue-and-groove panelling and recessed plinths complete the design’s look. Building on this foundation, our bespoke In-Frame furniture with a softer look continues into the newer part of the kitchen, where the space has been opened up by knocking through the existing wall and extending the living area for a more connected layout. At the centre of this part sits an island where it’s built to form a social space. It sits in front of a single run of cabinetry, providing balance and allowing the island to take prominence. By carrying the In-Frame shaker style throughout, the furniture seamlessly links the original kitchen with the newer space for a cohesive design that feels entirely at home. The finishing details of the kitchen were carefully considered to complement the cabinetry’s character. Hendel & Hendel Greenwich handles in waxed burnished brass were selected throughout, using a mix of knobs and cup handles to bring subtle variation across the furniture. Finishing the cabinetry with a warm metallic tone reinforces the homely, traditional feel of the space. Three colours form the foundation of the kitchen’s design, all from Little Greene, and are hand-painted onto the cabinetry. Invisible Green, a deep green connecting the kitchen to nature and the surrounding countryside. Joanna, a pale taupe with a warm base, offers a beautiful alternative to white and brings softness to the space. Linen Wash, a broken, pared-down natural linen tone, introduces a calm and understated warmth. All cabinetry was hand-painted on site in multiple stages, allowing the finish to settle naturally into the grain and detailing of the furniture. This process creates a softer, more layered appearance that enhances the handcrafted nature of the kitchen and adds to its sense of age and authenticity. Positioned within the newer part of the kitchen, the central island becomes the heart of the space, effortlessly supporting both everyday living and relaxed entertaining. From casual breakfasts to evening gatherings, the island provides seating for four, encouraging the kitchen to be used as a social hub throughout the day. Designed with functionality in mind, the generous worktop offers an expansive preparation area, while the storage below has been carefully considered to balance practicality with character. Beneath the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop, open shelving provides space for baskets, with discreet cupboards tucked below for convenient, everyday storage. Handcrafted solid wood brackets introduce a sense of craftsmanship and add a refined, luxurious detail to the island’s design. These details were designed specifically for this island, reinforcing the furniture-led approach. On one side, a burnished brass towel rail with additional hooks offers a practical yet decorative feature, perfect for hanging linens and baskets. Together, these details give the island a warm, authentic country feel. Wrapped around the central wall in our soft In-Frame beaded Shaker style, a bespoke dresser becomes a standout feature within the kitchen. Designed as an elegant display for the client’s glass collection, the upper cabinets feature glass-fronted doors that add lightness and refinement to the furniture. Below, a combination of drawers and cupboards provides generous storage for dinner-party essentials, balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Dark-stained oak open shelving with tongue-and-groove panelling introduces warmth and texture, echoing the detailing found within the cosy dining corner and reinforcing continuity across the space. Sitting alongside a concealed door leading to the cellar, this piece seamlessly blends craftsmanship and ingenuity. Discreet, well-integrated secret doors such as this are increasingly becoming a staple in modern homes, allowing practical elements to be hidden within beautifully handmade furniture. In this kitchen, the concealed door was designed as part of the furniture from the onset, allowing it to disappear seamlessly into the cabinetry while maintaining the visual rhythm of the In-Frame design. Two sinks were carefully positioned to support the kitchen’s flow. In the original L-shaped area, a Shaw’s of Darwen sink takes pride of place beside the AGA, paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician monobloc tap in aged brass to create a classic, timeless setting. In the newer part of the kitchen, a second Shaw’s of Darwen sink is complemented by a Perrin & Rowe Ionian mixer tap, also in aged brass, providing additional practicality while maintaining consistency across the space. The kitchen brings together existing and new appliances, carefully integrated into bespoke cabinetry to suit how the space is used throughout the year. Our client was keen to retain the electric AGA in Dartmouth Blue, which remains proudly positioned within the original L-shaped section. As the AGA is turned off during the warmer months, a new ILVE Milano 600m oven was introduced within the newer run of cabinetry, ensuring the kitchen remains fully functional year-round while balancing traditional and contemporary cooking solutions. Above the ILVE, a Westin Prime extractor is seamlessly integrated into the in-frame furniture, maintaining the clean, considered aesthetics. Adding to the appliance setup is the Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge-freezer, housed in its own dedicated cabinetry section, thoughtfully wrapped around the wall near the concealed door leading to the cellar. This approach allows each appliance to sit naturally within the furniture layout, reinforcing the sense of cohesion between craftsmanship, functionality, and the home’s character. This cosy area incorporates storage on either side of the bi-fold window and a generous window seat, designed to double as dining bench seating when a large table is needed for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving. The reading nook naturally connects the open-plan living space to the garden beyond, creating a calm and inviting corner. The wide window seat draws you towards the light, offering uninterrupted views across the generous grounds and the surrounding English countryside. The open shelving within the nook is set against dark-stained oak and tongue-and-groove panelling, with matching base shelves, introducing that much-loved warmth and texture. Every element within this kitchen has been carefully designed and crafted to suit the way the clients live, from hidden doors and tailored storage to handcrafted details and considered layout. This is what truly bespoke design is about: handcrafted furniture, designed from the inside out, shaped around the home, the people who live there, and the way the space is used every day. With almost limitless possibilities in materials, finishes, and features, each decision is made with purpose. This kitchen is a true reflection of the refined detailing, craftsmanship, and individuality we offer our clients, with no two projects ever being the same.

Inspiration for a small contemporary ensuite bathroom in London with medium wood cabinets, a wall mounted toilet, grey tiles, marble tiles, white walls, marble flooring, quartz worktops, multi-coloured floors, white worktops, feature lighting, a single sink, flat-panel cabinets, an integrated sink and a floating vanity unit.