Kitchen diner living room layout

Just before Christmas I revamped my kitchen on a budget. I updated the cabinets with Railings paint from Farrow & Ball, changed the handles and painted and regrouted the tiles. It gave it a much fresher, Scandinavian feel and now I want to set to work tackling the other half of the space. I a

These complete makeovers are filled with big and small kitchen remodel ideas and photos to inspire you if you're planning your new kitchen.

A before and after of our kitchen diner extension which features the Howdens Elmbridge kitchen and a dining table and sofa area.

According to Tom Howley (the designer of the Kavanagh kitchen), islands are among the most heavily used features of his kitchens. “In my kitchen the island counter makes up just 20 per cent of the worktop space but boasts 90 per cent usage,” he says. “It’s the most usable part of the kitchen.” In the latest kitchen layouts — accommodating office and schoolwork as well as breakfast and food prep — islands are absorbing ever more room.

From contemporary to classic, find the 19 inspiring open plan kitchen living room ideas to create a perfect space that merges fun and functionality.