With Christmas Day done and dusted for another year, it’s easy to see how latest kitchen designs aren’t simply for cooking. And whether it’s festive drinks with the neighbours, the Big Day feast or your imminent New Year’s Eve soiree, we all want to be part of the action rather than shut away in a separate kitchen. In fact, kitchen and dining room ideas are one of the most sought-after aspects of bespoke kitchens. Eat-in kitchens are no new concept for sure. We are all naturally drawn to the kitchen and the need to gather around the table for conversation and food. Today there are so many different ways to introduce a kitchen dining design element, be it a casual brunch spot or a full scale dining table. Be inspired by a few favourite designs from Roundhouse.

Utilise a corner

If you have a luxury big kitchen design, consider a freestanding table and chairs. You could place this in the centre of the room (perhaps instead of a contemporary kitchen island) or in a redundant corner. For families with young children, a dedicated dining zone is a good idea, away from the main working kitchen with hot food, sharp knives and electrical appliances. Don’t forget to get the dimensions just right in kitchen and dining room plans. Position your table away from doorways if possible and allow a minimum gap of 70cm between the table and wall (up to 90cm for a more spacious layout). Now you’re all set for a NYE banquet with friends!

Extend an island unit

A breakfast bar or modern kitchen island with seating are super popular dining solutions. These integral dining hubs offer so many different eat-in solutions. Whether you have a luxury kitchen room or a more compact space, island dining offers something for everyone. Consider bar stools and a perch for a relaxed seating zone. It’s perfect for your morning latte, a leisurely holiday brunch or nibbles with guests while cooking for a New Year’s Eve dinner. If you haven’t got space for a separate dining table, let Roundhouse create a stepped luxury kitchen island. Yes, a lowered section with a built-in dining table might be the sociable hotspot of the house!

Squeeze in a booth

As a more luxe alternative to bar stools, Roundhouse can integrate a bench, booth or banquette seating into a contemporary kitchen island. These low-level dining hubs often feature upholstered seating plus a freestanding table and chairs. It’s a great solution if you want to incorporate much-loved furniture into bespoke designer kitchens. Smart banquette seating is an amazing, space-saving, design tool for other areas of your kitchen design too. Neat, built-in seats wrapped around one or two sides of a table won’t take up quite so much room as freestanding chairs. Time to bunker down and get snug for the rest of the holiday season.

Double up on dining

Large kitchen dining room ideas demand more seating and eating options. You might want a flexible space for sit-down soirees or a cosy spot to spend precious family time with loved ones over the festive period. So why not double up on your dining with beautiful bespoke kitchens tailored to your every design whim. Factor in an island with high bar stools for afternoon tea and a separate freestanding table and chairs for evening feasts and get-togethers. Select materials, colours and shapes that create a beautiful sense of harmony throughout. Happy New Year!

How to design a small kitchen diner?

Bespoke kitchens, however big or small, can still incorporate an eat-in element. Roundhouse designers can utilise a few clever design strategies if your space is compact. Try built-in banquette seating around a table and even include extra storage with lift-up seats. In open plan kitchen living rooms and apartments, an L-shaped luxury kitchen design offers flexible dining. Set up a dining perch on one arm of the L-shape. Then, design modern kitchen worktops with a large overhang so stools can be neatly tucked away when not in use.

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen, furniture or wardrobes. Visit any of our seven Roundhouse showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham and get planning!