Expansive Kitchen with White Splashback Design Ideas

Modernist open plan kitchen
This is an example of an expansive modern galley open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, an undermount sink and white benchtop.

Our client was undertaking a major renovation and extension of their large Edwardian home and wanted to create a Hamptons style kitchen, with a specific emphasis on catering for their large family and the need to be able to provide a large entertaining area for both family gatherings and as a senior executive of a major company the need to entertain guests at home. It was a real delight to have such an expansive space to work with to design this kitchen and walk-in-pantry and clients who trusted us implicitly to bring their vision to life. The design features a face-frame construction with shaker style doors made in solid English Oak and then finished in two-pack satin paint. The open grain of the oak timber, which lifts through the paint, adds a textural and visual element to the doors and panels. The kitchen is topped beautifully with natural 'Super White' granite, 4 slabs of which were required for the massive 5.7m long and 1.3m wide island bench to achieve the best grain match possible throughout the whole length of the island. The integrated Sub Zero fridge and 1500mm wide Wolf stove sit perfectly within the Hamptons style and offer a true chef's experience in the home. A pot filler over the stove offers practicality and convenience and adds to the Hamptons style along with the beautiful fireclay sink and bridge tapware. A clever wet bar was incorporated into the far end of the kitchen leading out to the pool with a built in fridge drawer and a coffee station. The walk-in pantry, which extends almost the entire length behind the kitchen, adds a secondary preparation space and unparalleled storage space for all of the kitchen gadgets, cookware and serving ware a keen home cook and avid entertainer requires. Designed By: Rex Hirst Photography By: Tim Turner

Anson Smart
Expansive contemporary open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, with island, white splashback and panelled appliances.

A sleek, modern, and highly functional kitchen designed as the heart of the home. It offers the perfect space for family and friends to gather, with an open-plan layout that flows effortlessly between indoors and out—framed by uninterrupted views of the lush green rear garden.

Bakker Design
Expansive beach style eat-in kitchen in Central Coast with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, white benchtop, vaulted, white splashback and engineered quartz splashback.

Photo of an expansive contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

When our clients approached us with their old vicarage renovation in Sawbridgeworth, their original kitchen sat in a dark, enclosed room tucked away to one side of their beautiful home. They knew the space deserved more. We reimagined the kitchen entirely, relocating to a spacious, light-filled room on the opposite side of the house, transforming it into the true heart of the home. Designed completely personal to our clients, every bespoke detail reflects how they live and entertain. The cabinetry is handcrafted in our newest style, which is a blend of our popular Mapesbury mouldings fused with our traditional In-Frame with bead detail in construction, giving the kitchen a refined, classic character that feels entirely at home within the old vicarage. The design centres around the striking Ilve range cooker, a bold colour palette, Zebra textiles and the impressive Viola quartz worktops, bringing our client’s wonderfully eccentric vision to life. This is a kitchen built not just to look at, but to work in: a functional, beautiful space shaped around the people who use it every day. The kitchen was just the beginning. We had the pleasure of carrying that vision through into a walk-through dining area, a walk-in pantry just off the kitchen, a utility room, a boot room and a media wall in a cosy snug, each designed in the same deep, rich colour palette that flows from the heart of the home. Every room connects, not just physically but in character, creating a collection of spaces that feel considered and cohesive from the first step to the last. Working within the available space, now flooded with natural light, the layout was designed to make every element earn its place. The wall run provides a home for the Ilve range cooker, connecting seamlessly through to the window bench and a slim cupboard for an integrated fridge-freezer, while the island commands the centre of the room as the main attraction. And it more than earns that title. Larger-than-life, the island is dedicated to doing far more than one job. It is where you will find the sink, generous storage and a huge prep space, all within arm’s reach. It is the kind of island that invites you to gather around it, whether you are cooking, chatting, or simply keeping the chef company. Dedicated to the space by the window, there was the perfect opportunity to introduce a cosy window bench, adding comfort, style, and function in equal measure. More than just a place to sit and admire the views with a rosé, it gives family and friends somewhere to perch while dinner is being prepared, keeping everyone connected to the heart of the action. Upholstered in zebra textiles, the mixture of textures and patterns brings a bold, playful energy that works beautifully within this traditional space. Every kitchen we build is handcrafted in our Essex workshop, and that is what makes the difference. Bespoke furniture, designed and built to fit the exact dimensions of the space and the exact needs of the people using it, means nothing is compromised. There are no fillers, no awkward gaps, no making do. Each piece is made with purpose shaped around how our clients cook, entertain and live, right down to the smallest detail. To find the perfect foundation for the home, we elevated one of our iconic styles with a traditional touch and an In-Frame style with additional bead. Each cabinet door and drawer is finished with Armac Martin Withenshaw handles in a polished brass lacquered finish. The warmth of the brass brings a richness to every touchpoint. This thoughtful mix of handles in varying sizes adds visual interest across the kitchen. Inside, the craftsmanship continues with solid oak dovetail drawers and an oak interior, ensuring the same level of quality is present behind the doors as it is on display. All hinges are soft-close, making the kitchen feel smooth and refined in everyday use. It is this attention to what you do not immediately see that sets a handmade kitchen apart. With a colour palette that is anything but safe, but that is exactly what makes it work. Hand-painted in the flattering tones of Farrow & Ball’s Off Black, it carries all the depth and drama of a true black but with a warmth that stops it ever feeling harsh. It’s a colour that commands a room without overwhelming it. Paired with the Off Black cabinetry are the Viola quartz worktops. A replica of the classic, timeless Italian stone that is often described as having “old-world” elegance, keeps within the Victorian feel of this property. Exactly what our client desired. Viola presents a captivating palette, dancing between the classic charm of crystalline white and the audacious boldness of rich violet veins and hints of golden touches. It is a surface that refuses to sit quietly in the background, and in a kitchen designed around our client’s eccentric vision, it feels entirely right. The sink area sits proudly on the main island, perfectly positioned for both preparation and daily use. At its centre is a Shaws of Darwen Bradshaw sink, a beautifully crafted fireclay design that holds its own against the bold Viola quartz worktop surrounding it. Paired with a waste and overflow kit in satin brass, every detail has been carefully considered to complement the wider palette. Above the sink, a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Modern Square instant boiling tap in gold provides boiling, hot and cold water from a single outlet, removing the need for a traditional kettle. Completed with a Quooker CUBE for chilled and sparkling water, a Quooker scale control to protect the system and a matching Quooker soap dispenser in gold, this is a sink area that works as hard as it looks. The gold finish across the tap and accessories ties effortlessly into the polished brass of the Armac Martin handles, creating a consistent warmth that runs through the entire kitchen. Anchoring the room with presence and purpose is the Ilve Majestic 1500 range cooker, delivering the power and versatility our clients needed to match their love of cooking and entertaining. The kitchen’s design was centred around this focal point. Above the Ilve sits the Westin Bloque extractor, seamlessly set amongst a handcrafted mantle with ornate and scroll detailing. The mantle frames the cooker and extractor as a single, considered feature rather than two separate appliances. It’s a focal point that feels as though it has always belonged within the character of this old vicarage. It is the details that truly define a handmade kitchen, and this space is full of them. Viola quartz shelves frame the cooking area, and the worktop continues up onto the walls, creating a beautifully cohesive backdrop to the Ilve and its handcrafted mantle. The angled skirting plinths and smooth end panels give the cabinetry a finished, furniture-like quality from every angle, ensuring there are no overlooked corners or rough edges anywhere in the room. Behind the doors and drawers, the storage has been designed with the same level of thought as everything on show. Bespoke cutlery trays keep everything organised and within reach, dedicated utensil trays sit exactly where they are needed, and deep bench storage drawers offer generous space for pots, pans and everyday essentials. We have planned the drawers and cabinets around how our client actually uses their kitchen, not around a standard catalogue layout. Step through the archway in the original exterior brick wall, and the kitchen reveals its second act. The opening welcomes you into a stunning glass-fronted extension, where the room and its furniture continue seamlessly into a light-filled space designed for dining and entertaining. Here, a second island takes centre stage, this time built for gathering around, sharing a meal and soaking up the daily dose of Vitamin D when that beautiful English sun decides to make an appearance. The beauty of the two islands is in what they allow. One for preparing, one for enjoying. And extending the home into a glass-filled space let the Viola quartz worktops truly shine against the rich, colour-drenched Off Black cabinetry, all handmade in our workshop. Connecting the two rooms delivers a bold, refined and full of character hub of the home. From iconic photographs to statement chandeliers and the warmth of the exposed brick wall, this space truly sets the scene, a wonderful balance of styling and handmade detail that could only belong to this home and these clients. Just off the main kitchen, the walk-in pantry is everything our client had pinned, saved and torn from the pages of glossy interior magazines. Designed as a dedicated space for the pantry essentials, it features open artisan shelving set against a tongue-and-groove panelled backdrop, creating a room that is a pleasure to look at and use. Every jar, bottle and ingredient has its place, proving that organised can be beautiful too. It’s a smaller space, but it makes a big impact, and the kind of details that turn a kitchen into a beautiful home.

From the words of our Director, Leanne, “I absolutely love this one”, we can see why! With its fresh appeal, this Letchworth kitchen project is the perfect balance of minimalist design, handcrafted detail, and timeless British elegance. The brief from our client was clear: to create a space that feels open, calm, and beautifully cohesive. At the heart of the design sits our In-Frame Shaker cabinetry, but with a contemporary twist, a square frame profile that introduces a clean, modern edge. The open-plan layout combines a galley-style run, a central kitchen island, and an impressive row of full-height cabinetry that defines the left-hand side of the room. Working within a light-filled setting gave us the freedom to explore rich colour tones and bold contrasts that visualise the architecture of the space. The show-stopping hue, ‘The Tobacconist’ by COAT, takes centre stage, a deep, 5-star rated olive green that exudes sophistication and warmth. It’s paired beautifully with Little Greene’s Slaked Lime Dark, a versatile neutral that enhances the depth of the cabinetry and balances the darker tones. Together, we have made a space that feels elegant yet grounded. Touches of walnut at the island add an element of natural texture, offering a moment of tactile contrast within the overall scheme. Along the main run, a bank of Neff appliances in sleek graphite adds to the modern aesthetics. The gas hob sits proudly beneath a Westin Prime extractor, elegantly housed within our handcrafted mantle, a design detail that nods to classic kitchen charm while retaining a contemporary sensibility. On either side, open shelving provides the perfect styling opportunity for cookbooks, plants, and personal touches that make the space come alive, feel lived-in and loved. The Neff fridge and freezer are fully integrated within the tall cabinets to maintain the clean, streamlined finish. At the island, the Caple Cheshire Undermount Ceramic Sink paired with a Quooker Flex Tap in Matt Black is a detailed combination, and the island also provides a natural place to gather. Behind the hob, the Denali quartz worktop and full-height splashback bring a refined sense of luxury with its crisp white background and delicate grey veining. Throughout the kitchen, we also integrated strip lighting to boost both functionality and ambience, illuminating every handcrafted detail. Storage is another defining feature of this design. Along the row of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, we created a breakfast dresser, kitchen pantry, and wine cabinet, each tailored to the client’s lifestyle. The breakfast pantry features bi-fold doors, integrated lighting, and a bronze antique mirror that reflects light and adds a touch of glamour. It’s the perfect morning hub, open it up to start your day and close it away when you’re done. The wine cabinet is another statement piece, with a dedicated wine rack, glass shelving, and ample storage for spirits and barware. Finally, the pantry cupboard offers smart organisation with pull-out shelves and a spice rack on the inside of the door, ensuring everything has its place.

Made from FSC Certified solid wood oak kitchen full custom design U shaped kitchen. Marble benchtops flow to the ceiling. Brush brass skirting boards with seamless push to open doors. Eco friendly natrual vegatable oil light grey flooring high quaitly seamless alternative. Matt black power coated slide to open kitchen windows.

The removal of a load bearing wall, allowed the kitchen to opened up into a light and spacious open plan living space. This generous room was fully renovated with the installation of a high-spec, modern style shaker kitchen, a media wall plus sitting area as well as the creation of a family dining space.

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Gold Coast - Tweed with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Careful, considered planning and time-honed craftsmanship come together within this kitchen and its adjoining bespoke joinery, where warm natural oak tones and finely detailed cabinetry create a calm architectural presence. Balancing traditional joinery with current functionality, the space is designed to look beautiful and work effortlessly. Beaded in-frame flat-slab fronts celebrate the warmth and character of natural oak, while the in-frame shaker cabinets, finished in Batch Loaf, introduces a clean and contemporary restraint. Various fittings & fixtures in brushed satin brass add a subtle sense of refinement throughout, while the 20mm Dekton Haze folds from the worktop up to a backsplash, and folds back out into a shelf return, Its delicate veining introduces gentle movement and visual interest across the composition. A beaded plinth aligned with the existing room skirting visually anchors the cabinetry within the architecture, while a subtle shadow-gap cornice accentuates the scale and presence of the tall units. Internally, the same level of craftsmanship continues through dovetail-constructed larder drawers, solid wood cutlery trays, and thoughtfully tailored storage solutions. Arranged in a streamlined one-wall and island configuration, the kitchen offers a generous sense of openness while maintaining an intuitive workflow and concealed practicality. Integrated appliances, including the Miele refrigeration and Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer units, blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. Tall pocket doors reveal and conceal both the dedicated breakfast station and the bank of eye-level Miele ovens, allowing everyday appliances to disappear from view when not in use and preserving the room’s calm visual language. At the heart of the space, the Bora X Pure hob sits proudly atop the freestanding island, with its integrated downdraft extraction eliminating the need for an overhead canopy and maintaining uninterrupted sightlines throughout the room. Behind it, the Fusion Round Quooker tap is perfectly coordinated with the accompanying brass hardware, reinforcing the scheme’s cohesive detailing. The design is guided by a holistic approach, with elements of the whole room deeply considered. A striking bespoke arched display unit introduces softness and geometric balance to the otherwise rectilinear composition, while the adjoining bench seating with beaded in-frame detailing creates an inviting dining setting. Hidden discreetly beyond the main kitchen, a combined pantry, utility and boot room provides an abundance of additional storage and houses essential secondary appliances, ensuring the principal space remains uncluttered and serene. The finished kitchen feels quietly luxurious and deeply considered, layering traditional craftsmanship, natural materiality and discreet modern performance into one seamless environment. Elegant yet welcoming, it prioritises enduring quality over passing trends, achieving a balance of timeless design and contemporary living that is built to last.

Crisp White High Gloss Kitchen with Veneer Feature island and Marble Bench Tops. Client spared no expense using marble for Splash back and feature wall.

The large open space continues the themes set out in the Living and Dining areas with a similar palette of darker surfaces and finishes, chosen to create an effect that is highly evocative of past centuries, linking new and old with a poetic approach. The dark grey concrete floor is a paired with traditional but luxurious Tadelakt Moroccan plaster, chose for its uneven and natural texture as well as beautiful earthy hues. The supporting structure is exposed and painted in a deep red hue to suggest the different functional areas and create a unique interior which is then reflected on the exterior of the extension.

Nothing less than this ornate, handpainted kitchen with solid timber doors and framed construction would suit this luxury, circa 1892 residence. Featuring dentil capping and a combination of fluted and cotton reel pilasters, the kitchen is a clever use of a narrow and unusual space with a separate scullery

Designer: Corey Johnson; Photographer: Yvonne Menegol
Expansive contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, brown floor, an undermount sink, white cabinets and grey benchtop.

Corian Glacier White Kitchen Island benchtop. 7.2 metres x1.3 metres. Wine fridges integrated into Corian Waterfall. 3 m3tre clear span, double undermount sinks. Photo: Vicki Morskate

This renovation included kitchen, laundry, powder room, with extensive building work.
Inspiration for an expansive transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Thomas Eber, www.designtueren.de
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Munich with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island and stainless steel appliances.