Wow kitchen advice without big island etc

[dahliaaa]

We don't have the space (or budget !) to do the big contemporary kitchen / diner extension with big island etc which seeks to feature in most kitchen articles and will need to stick to a layout similar to the one shown in pic below.

It's a traditional semi detached house and there will be space for a table and a small sofa on the other side of this. Has anyone seen any lovely examples of this?
They don't seem to crop up much on Instagram etc and would love some inspiration.

Thanks !

That should be 'seems' not 'seeks.'

Also should have said - I'm not set on any particular colours.

I would go around showrooms and seek what you like.

Ours is a similar space but instead of a breakfast bar I have more units that side. We have only one wall cupboard, one full height cabinet and 2 sets of super wide drawers.

I think the lack of wall units makes it look and feel more spacious.

I ended up with petrol blue high gloss with wide 60s style chrome handles. Still love it 8 years on.

Try Houzz or Pinterest

@RandomMess that sounds lovely

Will try houzz and Pinterest again - I haven't been able to find lots outside of the 'island' kitchens but will have another look

Perhaps look specifically for small kitchen ideas?

Perhaps try searching for kitchen with peninsula or u-shaped? The latter may bring up searches of large room-sized kitchens, though

Colour and handles I chose

Try apartmenttheraphy.com or have a nosey on rightmove with filters set for small and very expensive houses ;) for less than 60-70sqm, more than 750k.

Someone I follow has what you describe, www.Instagram.com/pretty_little_house

This kitchen supplier has loads of real kitchens photos on their website.
www.sncollection.co.uk/
You can search various shapes like U shaped etc.

Thanks for all this info - brilliant. That's given me more ideas.

I have just had a similar kitchen done. I did lots on Pinterest, Rightmove and fancy kitchen shop research.

Few tips

• a rounded end to a peninsular island really opens up space - photo attached
• get handles from places like Yesterhome rather than the standard Howdens etc ones Makes it all look more expensive.
• you may think light cream or grey cupboards opens up the space but it can look quite clinical. I found darker actually looked much classier.
• look at expensive websites then recreate using the colours / style you like from cheaper places
• pendant lights over a peninsular break up the kitchen/dining space well.

Photos attached of ideas I used.

Here is the curved island end too

Thank you so much @SilverPolarBear
Those pics really show how the darker colours can work better

They look great.

Katie at the Crescent on Instagram has a lovely kitchen space without the big island: instagram.com/katie_at_the_crescent_

Have a look at instagram.com/anikas_home?utm_medium=copy_link

Those are both great Instagram examples. Thank you ! Really show the importance of the right lights etc too

Personally I think stools on the peninsula will be unnecessary when you’ve a table nearby (and sofa?). Maybe have 30cm deep hours (ie wall units) instead of an overhang (where stools would otherwise go), if you can fit a 90cm wise peninsula in.

Our kitchen, which we did up last winter, has a similar layout. Things that make it wow (in my humble opinion):
Quartz marbly worktop with waterfall style on the peninsula
Worktop depth that goes into the window, instead of a window sill (idea by kitchen designer Karen from Oneplan). Basically the window glass starts from the height of the worktop. Hard to explain.
Two barstools on the peninsula.
Brass handles from www.hafele.co.uk/

I really like having lots of work surface which is interconnected via the corner. It really helps with the flow.
Make sure to incorporate a bin if you can.

Happy to share pics via PM

@RandomMess is that DIY Kitchens ? If so I have the same one and love it !!

Ours is Magnet. Reckon they must be made in the same factory!

You can put dark cupboards on the bottom and light at the top.

@@puffthemagicdragongoestobed love that window idea. I'd also love to see pics but have absolutely no idea how to see a PM
I'm scribbling down all these ideas from everyone

@RandomMess no they're not , but they are virtually identical - apart from price !!! I was quoted £16k for the Magnet one without fitting and I paid £5.5k for my DIY kitchen (and£1k for fitting)