Long gone are the days when a kitchen was simply somewhere to prepare food. Now, they are multifunctional spaces that cater to the needs of busy families, keen entertainers and those who work from home. Here, six members of The House Directory share some of their most cleverly designed projects, all of which are as hardworking and practical as they are stylish.

John Lewis of Hungerford

“Our designers were tasked with creating a stylish and practical kitchen and playroom that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” says Rebecca Nokes, Head of Design at John Lewis of Hungerford. “This nook is situated off the main kitchen space and is big enough to house an ample play area. We installed bench seating, which provides an ideal place for the whole family to relax. Generous bespoke storage incorporates closed cupboards and open shelving as well as space for a television and plenty of room to stash toys and books. Best of all, the playroom is the perfect spot for the kids to entertain themselves and the parents can still keep an eye on them while they cook or socialise with friends in the kitchen.” John Lewis of Hungerford

Olive & Barr

“While kitchen islands remain popular, we’re seeing a big uptake in baker’s tables, which are similar to an island but on legs,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. “A freestanding piece like this feels like a piece of furniture while still maintaining the benefits of a regular island – for example deep drawers and a place to perch. Baker’s tables come in all shapes and sizes, from a compact, moveable designs on wheels to an oversized statement piece to seat lots of guests. This particular homeowner was looking for real wow factor as they love to host. As well as accommodating seven, the table also features deep, easily accessible drawers on the kitchen side to store everyday items and spacious cupboards on the other.” Olive & Barr

Sola Kitchens

“A vibrant kitchen and office by day and a relaxing entertaining space by night, this multifunctional design combines an eye-catching mix of materials,” says Rhiannon Phenis, Head of Design at Sola Kitchens. “In terms of style, the owners loved the warehouse vibe of their apartment, but for the kitchen they wanted something modern rather than a retro look. Part way through the build they discovered a boxed-in space, which ended up being ideal as a utility space and for pantry storage. The dining ‘zone’ is home to a generous, floor to ceiling bookcase, which also allows the owners to use the dining area as an office.”  Sola Kitchens

deVOL Kitchens

“When our clients moved into this period property, it was still laid out as it had always been, with lots of small rooms dividing up the ground floor,” says Francesca Froggatt, a Head Kitchen Designer at deVOL. “With a young family, having separate kitchen, dining and living rooms didn’t really work so they decided to knock them together and to extend the small kitchen to create an open plan, multifunctional space with a long dining table, squishy sofas and doors opening on to the garden. They’re a sociable couple who love to entertain so this space, which is home to our versatile Barleycroft kitchen, is perfect for summer parties but also for kids to do homework at the table or for the whole family to watch a film on the sofa with pizzas in the oven. Although there’s a formal dining room elsewhere, we were keen that the kitchen/living space should incorporate space to eat. It means that the family can cook and entertain, keeping guests nearby but not underfoot.” deVOL Kitchens

Martin Moore

“The owners of this kitchen love to cook and entertain, so central to the newly refurbished space is a 3m long central island,” says Richard Moore Design Director at Martin Moore. “It offers functionality and sociability in equal measure, with plentiful surface space for prepping meals, the hob, ovens and fridge-freezer within easy reach and a curved edge that allows guests to gather and comfortably face each another. They had also always loved the idea of a home bar – both for entertaining and also for when they just want to relax with a glass of wine. Originally, they thought it should sit within the kitchen itself, but we suggested positioning it by the sofa, which helps to create a zone within the open-plan space. It’s the ideal spot to sit with drinks and for guests to relax both before and after dinner.” Martin Moore

Mowlem & Co

“This simple, sophisticated design was created for a busy family with school-aged children,” says Jane Stewart, Design Director at Mowlem & Co. “The owners are keen cooks, so as well as the organisation of the working zones, the choice of appliances was key. In terms of how the family members wanted to live in the kitchen, solutions include integrated bench seating so the children can play and do homework close to the parents when they are cooking or working. A small home office area was fundamental to the scheme, for keeping on top of school and household admin, and it also serves as an additional homework station for the older child. The design blends in with the kitchen, as well as cleverly housing IT equipment, a printer and files etc.” Mowlem & Co

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about multifunctional kitchen design and have found inspiration for your own multi-purpose kitchen. Read our other interior design blogs for modern kitchen design ideas, pantry storage solutions and home office essentials.

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