Kitchen trends to make the most multi-functional space

From layout to cabinetry and styles to colour, here's what to look for, says Sam Wylie-Harris

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Walk into a kitchen showroom and it can be a little bit overwhelming... with so many options and considerations, from the latest appliances to technology, a new kitchen doesn't happen overnight.

As Lizzie Beesley, head of style and design at Howdens, puts it: "Autumn is peak kitchen renovation season, and today's kitchens are much more than a collection of fitted cabinets."

Layouts are becoming more personalised and adaptive says the designer. "While open-plan kitchens remain popular for their sociability, we're seeing a rise in broken-plan designs, which use shelving, islands, or partial walls to create subtle zoning within the space."

Cabinetry is more than storage, it's central to your kitchen's personality, highlights Beesley. "From classic shaker doors to sleek handleless designs, every detail matters."

Modern kitchen design is heavily influenced by European trends, says Beesley. "It often features a mix of colour and texture, with minimalist slab doors and sleek, narrow shaker profiles.