Even a pound shop present will look a million dollars when you dress it up with these festive gift wrapping ideas

Give your presents a more personal feel this year with our gift wrapping ideas for Christmas. With our easy tips and quick tricks you can wrap your gifts like a pro. In fact, they’ll look so gorgeous nobody will want to open them!

Whether you choose to craft your gift wrap from scratch or simply decorate existing papers, these Christmas ideas will get your creative juices flowing.

1. Print your own paper

Image credit: Annie Sloan

Create bespoke gift wrap by making your own stamps. Cut a half moon shape from either a piece of sponge or half a potato. Dip into white paint and print onto a sheet of black paper. Repeat until the whole sheet is covered. Leave to dry before wrapping your gift.

2. Top with dried flowers

Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars

Use dried flowers for an on-trend look. Tie a sprig of pretty dried blooms together using a small piece of florist’s wire. Wrap your gift and tuck your posy beneath ribbon tied around it.

3. Have fun colouring in

Image credit: Eat Sleep Doodle

Wrap your presents in sheets of blank colouring-in paper. Once your gift is wrapped, use colouring pens to decorate. This one is perfect for getting the kids involved, or just for the young at heart. It’s also great for grabbing a mindful moment among the Christmas chaos. Try trying a set of pens to the gift to make it an interactive gift before it’s even opened.

4. Use up leftover yarn

Image credit: Hobbycraft/Lottieandalbert

Try this Christmas craft idea using wool to decorate your gifts. Set about making pompoms and tassels to tie around your presents. You could even thread a few fragrant orange slices onto a pompom garland. This gift wrapping idea for Christmas is a great way to use up yarn from knitting or crochet projects.

5. Make paper feathers

Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars

Create stylised feather gift toppers using scraps of paper or card. Cut feather shapes from black and natural coloured card and layer on top of each other to create a 3-D effect. For a little extra festive sparkle, paint the edges in a little PVA glue and dip into gold or silver glitter. Secure to your gift with metallic ribbon.

6. Try reusable fabric wrap

Image credit: Dunelm

Sustainable style is a big trend this Christmas. So why not try the Japanese art of fabric wrapping called furoshiki? It’s easier than it sounds but looks really impressive!

Simply lay your present (box-shapes work best!) in the centre of a square of lightweight fabric. Lift up two opposite corner and knot in the centre. Do the same for the remaining corners, et voila! The recipient can then reuse the fabric to wrap another gift or even sew something new.

7. Embellish with trims

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Any avid crafter is sure to have a stash of leftover trims and embellishments from past projects, even if they’re just a few centimetres long! Give pieces of pompom trim, rickrack and lace a new lease of life by wrapping them around Christmas gifts to decorate.

8. Draw your own designs

Image credit: Hobbycraft

It’s time to get out the paints and felt tip pens for this idea. Take a large sheet of plain white paper and let your imagination run wild. Simple leaves and berries work really well and what’s more Christmassy than red and green? Finish by wrapping with twine,  threading through a handwritten luggage tag.

Rather than decorating each present once it’s wrapped, it’s best to draw or paint onto one large sheet, then cut it into smaller pieces when you’re ready to wrap individual gifts.

9. Add a fabric ribbon

Image credit: Future PLC

To quote one of our favourite festive films, Arthur Christmas: ‘There is always time for a bow!’ It is worthwhile throughout the year building up a box of ribbons from presents or things you’ve bought. A fabric bow is a quick and easy way to turn an ordinary present into something luxurious.

10. Weave a paper wrap together

Image credit: Future PLC

This brown paper wrapping idea is perfect if you don’t have any ribbon lying around. Cut scraps of wrapping into twelve long strips. Weave the strips together with six of the pieces of paper going vertically and the other six horizontally. Wrap the woven paper wrap around the present and secure at one end.

11. Wrap it up in a carol

Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

Use old sheet music as wrapping paper or to make envelopes for gift cards. Secure with a velvet ribbon and top with a feather dipped in gold glitter.

12. Get crafty with wooden pegs

Image credit: Future PLC

Wooden pegs are a genius way to add a splash of personality to a present in seconds. You can jazz up plain white paper bags by pegging a sparkly silver star to the front. Plus, there’s no messy glue or sellotape in sight. They are also perfect for attaching gift labels to ribbon. Clip in a piece of foliage for the extra wow factor.

13. Stick to a colour theme

Image credit: Future PLC

An easy way to create a perfect-looking pile of presents is to decide on a palette of two or three colours – and stick to it. Jewel-coloured blues and greens, combined with gold, look wonderful under a tree. ‘Throw in a little glitter, too, to truly make your parcels sparkle,’ suggests Louise Lee, Christmas buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres.

14. Get green fingered with foliage

Image credit: Simon Brown

Everyone loves to bring the outdoors inside at Christmas – think trees, wreaths and mantelpiece garlands. So why not introduce it to your present wrapping, too? Pine sprigs, eucalyptus, berries or pine cones can all be incorporated using ribbon or twine. You could also try festive foodie items like dried oranges or cinnamon sticks.

15. Bag it up

Image credit: Future PLC

Avoid the usual wrapping paper in favour of cellophane pockets, paper bags, oversized envelopes or miniature hessian sacks. Cut the edges to create a pretty scalloped pattern, decorate with stamps, tags and ribbon, and get people smiling before they’ve even opened the present.

16. Add a flourish with old newspapers

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro

Wrap presents in plain paper and cut out Christmas shapes from newspaper, magazines or even wallpaper remnants and stick on as decorations. Look out for paper cutters in festive shapes to make the job easier.

These paper stars would also make a lovely Christmas card idea.

17. Personalise with old photographs

For a fun way for guests to find their presents, wrap them in simple brown paper and create a name tag using an old photo, copied onto thick paper or card. It’s a good excuse to look through cheesy old photos of relatives!

18. Fold in some Japanese pleats

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Try your hand at stylish origami. To get the look, cut a piece of wrapping paper double the size needed to cover your present. With the paper facing down, fold a 2cm pleat along the short bottom edge. Fold the paper in on itself four more times, then flip the paper over and unfold, so you can see the lines marking each fold.

Next, pinch the first line and fold it down to create a smaller pleat below. Repeat along each line so you have a series of small pleats. Turn the paper over and use a strip of tape to hold the pleats down. Now place your gift in the centre of the paper and pull the pleated edge to the top of the present. Continue to wrap as normal and complete with a length of baker’s twine.

19. Have fun with washi tape

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

Use washi tape as a simple but creative way to decorate your presents. Wrap gifts in plain brown or white paper and pick washi tape in bold bright colours to make them stand out. Experiment using tape to customise your wrapping, creating bunting, bows and stripes.

20. Doodle your own design

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

By wrapping your presents in simple black paper you can doodle over them freehand to create a beautiful parcel without the hassle of tying ribbons. Here, we’ve used a white marker pen to draw a wreath, holly, stars and festive messages and banners. We’re big fans of this chalkboard style!

21. Go dotty with double layers

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Wrap your gifts once in colourful tissue paper, then take a sheet of Kraft brown paper, and using a paper punch, make holes in it. Wrap the piece of punched brown paper over the tissue paper, and tape in place. Tie with coordinating raffia to finish it off.

22. Keep one thing the same

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Create a uniform motif that runs across all your gifts, like these DIY paper bows. This consistent embellishment allows you to cover your presents in any old mismatched wrap, including newspaper or Kraft paper. But as an ensemble under the tree, they’ll still look smart and matchy matchy!

23. Say it with stamped paper

Image credit: Future PLC/Ania Wawrzkowicz

Here’s a really affordable way to create as much wrapping paper as you need. Just take some plain white paper and decorate with a librarian’s date stamp – you could try the same trick for a birthday. Letter beads allow you add a personal message.

Right, time to get wrapping!

The post Gift wrapping ideas for Christmas to give your presents pizzaz appeared first on Ideal Home.

It’s always exciting when a new season arrives and it’s time to update your home decor trends. A new year begins and just like you’d refresh your wardrobe, with new accessories, maybe some new shoes or a coat, our interiors can also benefit from a bit of a refresh.

Our homes are a constantly evolving mix of all the things we love – as they should be. So as with new season fashion trends, it’s the new emerging home decor trends that tempt us to update our homes – rather than change them entirely.

Home Decor Trends 2022

Unsurprisingly, the predicted trends to watch for in 2022 are all about embracing our new found freedom and re-engaging with the world around us. Colours are bolder, braver and more exciting. Patterns are reflecting more natural shapes and forms.

There’s no escaping trends. Whether you live by them or feel totally unaffected, from popular paint shades to furniture choices, everything designed for our homes is influenced by a wider trend.

Of course you could tap into more specific trends for the room or space you want to update. Take a look at  living room trends,  wallpaper trends and paint trends. This will ensure you’re ahead of the curve in all aspects of design. If you want a good overall understanding of what to look out for in 2022, here are our top eight to keep an eye on…

Trend 1. Lilac

Image credit: Next

It’s already huge in the fashion world, so it wasn’t going to be long until this light shade of purple hit the interiors world too. For some, it may feel a little too reminiscent of the nineties era, but fear not, it has had a grown-up makeover. Now it works beautifully with metallic finishes, smart mirrored furniture and plush velvets, to create a glamorous yet pretty, chic style.

The idea of purple living rooms  might seem a little too ‘Changing Rooms’ to some, it’s actually been the natural move on from the ever popular millennial pink trend, and is set to be big for Spring 2022. Colour forecasters Pantone have just announced their Colour of the Year for 2022  as Very Peri, a more vibrant shade of purple. If this still feels a little too daring, then lilac is the stepping stone shade you need to inject some new, playful colour into your home for Spring.

Trend 2. Flowing shapes

Image credit: Dunelm

Celebrating the natural curves of the human body, this trend explores the fluid lines and spherical shapes often seen in nature. Lending itself to furniture, lighting and prints in artwork and on rugs too, although naturally calming, it can still feature some show-stopping pieces.

If you’re a fan of a monochrome palette, this trend is for you, as contrasting black and white creates a glamorous feel to this contemporary look. Bouclé love seats, statement rugs and simple, yet striking lighting will all give your home the wow factor.

‘Dunelm’s new Curves range reflects the trend for a softening of items for the home, to provide a more welcoming and cosseting feel. With hard lines becoming more fluid and curvaceous to give a feeling of movement within a room, our new curvier sofas and chairs,  will envelope you with a soft, textural and sensual experience.  This trend will be echoed across other home accessories and textiles to provide an elegant yet welcoming feel to your home,’ says Debbie Drake, Head Designer at Dunelm.

Trend 3. Scalloped shapes

Image credit: Rebecca Udall

A trend inspired by the sea continues to feature most years and 2022 is no different. Scalloped edges and shapes is a style we’re particularly loving, for its whimsical feel and curvy lines, plus it’s ode to the humble seashell. Think beautiful piped edges to bedding, lacquered trays with scalloped edges, furniture with curved edge trim, rugs will scallop detailing. Basically anything that can benefit from an undulating edge, does! 

It’s also becoming a big trend in decorating as a scallop feature wall will bring a sense of fun and frivolity to a scheme.

Buy now: Scallop pillowcases in Midnight Blue, from £70, Rebecca Udall

Trend 4. Seventies style

Image credit: Habitat

As ever with trends, we see the same ones come back round again, causing endless comments from parents and grandparents about how they remember it ‘the first time around’ (cue eye rolls). For 2022, the nostalgic designs of the Seventies will be a big look, featuring geometric prints, curvaceous furniture and luxe accents of velvet, brushed brass and glass.

We’ll even see the previously mentioned scalloped shapes making an appearance here, in headboards and tub chairs.

And tinted glass, another nod to bygone eras, will be creeping back into our homes. Andrew Tanner, Design Manager at Habitat explains, ‘The coloured glassware trend continues to grow. What started out as a niche tableware style has blossomed into home accessories.’

‘Retro, sepia shade pieces play into the popular Seventies look, typically seen in lighting designs as they create an inviting, subdued glow. We’ve introduced tinted glass designs throughout lighting, home accessories and tableware to keep up with heightened demand, experimenting with layered transparencies and two-tone styles to keep it fresh and new.’

Trend 5. Houseplants 

Image credit: Matalan

As our connection with nature and the outside world intensified over the last year or so, it’s no wonder we want to bring more of the outside in, and house plants will continue to dominate our decorating schemes next year. So much so that Dulux have launched an entire palette of colours called Greenhouse, to reflect the boom of houseplant lovers that has emerged across the nation. 

But creating a tropical oasis inside our homes is all very well for the green-fingered, but what about the brown-fingered, less knowledgable plant parents among us? Well it’s thanks to the many great ‘faux’ options available up and down the high street and online, that allow us all to benefit from this leafy look. This trick is to mix the two, so your easier-to-care for house plants such as palms and succulents could be real, whilst the harder and more expensive options, could be artificial, but visitors to your home will never know. Just make sure you do so you don’t end up watering the fakes and dismissing the real ones!

Trend 6. Colour blocking

Image credit: Little Greene

We’re not just getting more adventurous with colour in living rooms and bedrooms for 2022 – bathrooms and kitchens are getting a bolder treatment too. A big new trend for all these spaces is to drench the entire wall in one colour, by painting and tiling it the same shade, creating a seamless and immersive cocoon. 

Think walls, radiators, ceiling roses, picture rails and skirting boards, all in the same shade, and even furniture and accessories if you’re really committed. While previously the fashion would be to keep ceilings and wood work in fresh, bright white, now we’re seeing more and more homes embrace the colour block and be much braver in their colour choices too.

Try this in a small room to start with, such as a downstairs loo, to create a cave of colour that reflects your personality.

Buy now: Chemise plain tile, £102 per sq m, Bert & May. Chemise absolute matt emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene.

Trend 7. Gingham

Image credit: George Home

‘Gingham is back with a bang for SS22. This nostalgic trend works within both a modern or traditional décor and is a really fun and playful pattern to introduce into any colour scheme. This season we’re seeing it in pastel hues for the bathroom – perfect for adults or children alike – but also in other areas of the home too,’ explains Katy Traill, Senior Design Manager, George Home

Yup thats right, Gingham is set to get a whole lot more stylish. Another trend of the past that see’s its popularity come around again (best find that old-school summer uniform and get upcycling) gingham will be seen in rugs, cushions, curtains, tableware, upholstery and beyond! A simple two-tone pattern, the quaint chequerboard effect makes it’s mark on the interiors world just in time for Spring. Our top tip? Get to your local charity shop and see what ‘original’ gems can be found in their textile hampers.

Trend 8. Cottagecore cosiness

Image credit: Nick Pope

Cottagecore is a trend that first emerged back in 2020, but continues to sweep social media and is still set to be big in 2022.  Search #cottagecore on Instagram and Pinterest to see an influx of inspirational images championing this look. This homely look is perfect for places with character, whether it’s a period property or a country cottage. The style is enhanced by traditional touches, such as parquet flooring, exposed beams and bare brick. Style with a mix of vintage and new home buys to add charm.

‘This trend reflects a common need for comfort and cosiness with a touch of elegance and British quirkiness,’ says Jules Upton of Oval Interiors, for North Sands Developments. ‘Think quaint patterns, leafy, nature-inspired prints, gold accessories and cute ornaments to add a splash of personality to your home.’

What is the key decorating trend for 2022?

The key decorating trend is definitely to be more expressive and emotional than ever before, as we re-connect with a world that felt closed to us last year. Make bolder colour choices, embrace more pattern, mix your styles if it makes you happy, and find joy in the unexpected. As sustainability continues to be in the forefront of peoples minds for 2022, make more informed choices when updating your home and don’t be afraid to re-use, recycle and re-imagine items that might seem ‘out of date’.

As the interior industry continues to experience shipment and stock struggles, try to shop local and remember most trends have been here before, so perhaps you have the perfect item to refresh your home, hidden away in a cupboard. If not, it’s the perfect excuse to visit the family and raid theirs instead!

The post Home decor trends to watch out for in 2022 appeared first on Ideal Home.

When planning a kitchen one of, if not the most, important things to do is to figure out the kitchen layout. Since it’s the heart of the home, a space you may be spending a generous amount of time in, this room is one of the most important to get right, and the layout can make it (or break it!).

It can be fairly daunting working out how to plan a kitchen, so we’ve done the first hard step for you and mined the experts for their knowledge.

How to plan a kitchen layout

From breaking down the main kitchen layouts, how to plan a small kitchen layout to what not to do, this will explain everything you want and need to know.

Where do I start when planning a kitchen layout?

Image credit: Daval

The layout is truly the lynchpin of good kitchen design. Every aspect of the kitchen, how it works and how it is used is based around the layout.

When starting, the first thing you must do is to assess how you’re going to be using the space, as this will dictate what you need to include. Is it purely for cooking, or will you be entertaining too? Is it a working from home spot, or will kids be doing homework in there?

It’s also important to look at the features of the room as it stands. ‘In many cases, doors, thoroughfares and windows, exclude certain possibilities and help narrow down potential suitable options,’ says Sally Hinks, Kitchen Designer at Harvey Jones. ‘Many people like to situate their kitchen to make the most of a lovely view outside, or to take centre stage in an open-plan space, which can be a useful starting point.’

Architectural quirks should be noted at this stage, too. ‘Does your room have sloping ceilings or eaves?,’ asks Darren Watts, Design Director at Wren Kitchens. ‘If so, mark the shortest and tallest heights, then how far the slope extends into the room.’

Additionally, it’s key to have an idea of the style you’re looking for. ‘Knowing whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary space or a more traditional look also influences potential layouts, as the proportions are different,’ notes Sally.

Where should my appliances go in my kitchen?

Image credit: Olive & Barr

‘You need to make sure your space actually works for its main purpose, to cook,’ says Darren Watts. ‘Think carefully about which parts of the kitchen you’re going to be using the most from a cooking perspective and how easily you can move between them. This is called the kitchen triangle.’

‘This method focuses on the fridge, sink and cooker which are the core elements to think about when mapping out your space,’ continues Darren. ‘After considering these elements, you can then begin to think about where your other appliances will sit, such as the microwave, dishwasher, wine fridge and so on.’

‘Having a coherent and well thought triangle of activity can help you to reduce by 25% your movement in your kitchen,’ adds Alice Pasteau, Retail Support Manager at Schmidt. ‘Once you have thought hard about all these points, the layout will almost plan itself.’

As to what goes where in your triangle, there’s some useful guidance to consider. ‘A larder will inevitably store food, groceries and other provisions and so it needs to always remain close to hand and be protected against adverse conditions like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures,’ says Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture. ‘You are best served positioning any larder storage next to the fridge as it will ensure the pantry goods are right next to the fresh foods for optimum convenience.’

‘For this reason, our most popular size is 600mm wide as it creates a uniform look with the fridge unit being the same size as the larder,’ continues Simon. ‘Double-door larders are becoming more popular and options are usually 1000mm and 1200mm wide, so getting to know your measurements for both furniture and appliances is vital when buying a kitchen.’

‘Remember that every kitchen is unique and there are no standard sizes, styles or arrangements so you, and your kitchen designer, need to make sure that everything fits: whether you are buying off-the-peg or going for a made-to-measure kitchen.’

Kitchen appliance layout ideas should always be mapped in right at the beginning. Only once you’ve worked out where everything’s going can you begin to work out where electric sockets, plumbing, extractor fans and the like, should be placed. Changing these at a later time can be time consuming and expensive.

What are the main types of kitchen layouts?

Image credit: H. Miller Bros

There are several different types of kitchen layouts – each with their own pros and cons. But ultimately, what layout you choose will be based completely on the space you have to work with as well as, of course, your personal preferences.

‘It’s important not to fall into the trap of assuming an emerging design for a kitchen belongs to a certain type because there are often eccentricities to the space or the client’s needs that can inspire something that breaks out of these set layout types and makes for something really special,’ advises Howard Miller, H. Miller Bros.

Indeed, as great as the standard kitchen layouts are for guidance, you can really have fun in creating something a little bit different. ‘Bespoke requests for custom-made food stores or a multi-purpose workstation that would be considered ‘off-plan’ have become everyday design considerations in the modern kitchen, changing the typical U or L-shape kitchen layout to now include a space for a home office, dedicated bed area for the family pet or integral boot room area for storing outerwear or laundry appliances,’ says Simon Bodsworth.

Types of kitchen layouts

Image credit: Optiplan

1. Open plan kitchens
One of the most popular styles of kitchens in recent years, and for good reason.

‘The kitchen is becoming a dual-functional space for cooking as well as eating, meaning open plan living has to be second nature,’ says Tom Howley, Design Director at Tom Howley Kitchens. ‘There is a time and a place for formal dining, but the modern kitchen has to be able to accommodate an impromptu pasta with friends, or an unforeseen stir fry with the family. Not only this, but the kitchen is also a homework base, a relaxed office space and a home bar.’

That said, an adaptation of open-plan kitchen ideas have been rising in popularity recently – broken plan. ‘While open-plan layouts allow families to be sociable and maximise the efficiency of the available space, broken-plan schemes give more privacy by creating separate zones for cooking, entertaining and home-working,’ explains Sally Hinks, Harvey Jones Kitchen Designer.

2. Galley kitchen
Galley kitchens are typically found in long, narrow rooms. In these layouts, counters run along the two parallel walls. ‘I love a galley style kitchen,’ says Andy Briggs, Interior Designer at Optiplan Kitchens.

‘The galley design doesn’t have to be a small narrow corridor as most would know them for, they can be wider spaces that work brilliantly for through rooms allowing one room to effortlessly connect to the next. The galley design allows a sense of comfort, nostalgia, intimacy and sometimes needed privacy – a space to be yourself and without being on show.’

3. L-shaped kitchen
A more traditional kitchen layout, the L-shape is usually based around a corner and formed by counters and cupboards running along two perpendicular walls.

4. U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen runs against three walls to create a ‘U’ shaped layout. ‘Every layout has its pros and cons, however, my favourite is U-shaped,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘It allows for a lot of worktop space, which you can never have enough of in a kitchen, and works well in open-plan and broken-plan spaces alike. U-shaped kitchen ideas are also the ideal layout for a kitchen island, which is at the top of many homeowners’ wish list!’

5. Island kitchen
An island kitchen can actually be composed of any of the other main kitchen layouts (so long as it fits!). The differentiation here is simply an island in the middle, detached from all walls. ‘The importance of walkway space should be a key consideration. When designing your layout, always leave a metre of walkway space either one or two sides of your worktop, island, or peninsula counter,’ advises Tom Howley. ‘This is a functionally and aesthetically effective dimension to keep in mind.’

Island layouts are also great for integrating freestanding kitchen ideas into your space.

6. Peninsula kitchen
Cousin of the island kitchen, but a little more adaptable, the peninsula is formed by one counter extending from the wall into the kitchen space.

Which is the best layout for a galley kitchen?

Image credit: Schmidt Kitchens

Galley kitchen ideas are becoming ever-more popular, not just because they are incredibly functional, but it’s a layout which works in many smaller homes. ‘In small kitchens, or those in a galley layout, space can be at a premium,’ says Andy Briggs.

‘Therefore, think about building your kitchen upwards – making the most of all the space between the floor and the ceiling. Using lower cupboards with worktops on the bottom half and a tall pantry cupboard or shelving high up for additional storage. Just make sure not to overdo it on wall cabinets as this may make the room feel small or restrictive.’

‘A long line of wall-hung cabinets is great from a practical perspective as they provide ample storage but they may block out natural light – I would suggest opting for one line of cabinets and using the opposite wall for open shelving or appliances,’ adds Alex Main, Director, The Main Company.

Which layout is best for a family friendly kitchen?

Image credit: The Main Company/Chris Snook Photography

When designing a layout for a family friendly kitchen, open-plan is generally seen as the best choice, but there are other solutions.
‘Open-plan kitchens can be used for anything – from cooking and entertaining to relaxing, working from home and doing school homework,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘If you are committed to an open-plan scheme, it’s important to consider all the roles that the space will play and understand how you are going to use it.

The broken-plan look is also seeing a rise in popularity for family-friendly kitchen layouts. ‘Something we’re quite conscious of is that if you’re not careful, things can fight with each other for territory,’ says Howard Miller.

‘We’re noticing a shift to what some people call broken-plan layouts that allow families to still be in the same space, but with increased privacy. This defined design layout help families to differentiate cooking, dining and living areas while preserving the overall open plan feel of the space. In order to create a ‘broken-plan’ layout, we create a range of bespoke solutions such as slatted screens, open shelving, and freestanding bespoke furniture.’

Image credit: LochAnna

Whether you stick with an open-plan kitchen layout or not, a kitchen island is definitely worth considering if space allows. An island will help define zones between kitchen and living areas, as well as adding more surface area and seating.

‘The island kitchen creates a centerpiece in the kitchen, allowing you to utilise your kitchen as both a workspace and social area where friends and family gravitate throughout the day,’ says Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr. ‘The setup is ideal for gathering the family and the added worksurface allows multiple members of the family to get stuck in and help at dinner time.’

Finally, the other winner for a family-friendly kitchen is to go custom. ‘Custom-made kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow, and we are finding this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one,’ says Simon Bodsworth.

‘New considerations like banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the ‘fundamentals’ are planned-in.’

Which kitchen layouts are to be avoided in small kitchens?

Image credit: Magnet

If you’re concerned about what not to do when designing a kitchen, then finding the right layout for your space is key. Small kitchens can be perfectly welcoming and cosy, but finding the right layout is even more important when space is at a premium.

‘When planning your small kitchen layout, it’s essential to think about your overall aesthetic,’ says Hayley Simmons, Director of Commercial Range, Magnet. ‘Some décor suits smaller kitchens, while others can make your space feel enclosed.’

‘Anything that blocks out the available natural light or makes the room feel overcrowded or cramped is worth avoiding in a small kitchen,’ notes Alex Main. ‘Clever storage solutions like pull-out cupboards in corner units are great in larger spaces for enhanced convenience, but these will leave dead space in smaller kitchens.’

Likewise, in a small kitchen, you may have to accept that you shouldn’t try and squeeze in an island. ‘Islands are best to be avoided within a smaller space as they are more space hungry than people think,’ says Graeme Smith, head of design at Second Nature Kitchens.

‘You need circulation space around the Island – to ensure you get the best movability and functionality. You could opt for a peninsula to get a similar feel if your kitchen was too small for an island but slightly bigger to accommodate more than galley. ‘

What is the best design for a small kitchen?

Image credit: Second Nature Kitchens

‘To make sure that your space is stretched as far as possible, you should consider investing in kitchen furniture and appliances that double up in their functions,’ suggests Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager, LochAnna Kitchens. ‘For example, even a small breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining. While from first glance an iconic design element has been created for the home, the cupboards that fit beneath the bar are also a useful place to keep pots, pans, or food.’

Storage, too, is key in a small kitchen layout. ‘We consider that the ‘front row’ of storage is twice as useful as the second – anything you have to get something out first before you can get to the thing you want isn’t really storage at all,’ says Howard Miller. ‘A wall of full height 300mm deep storage is pretty much as useful as if it were 600mm deep and 300mm gained on circulation space makes a world of difference.’

Without a large kitchen island to fall back on, you may find yourself quickly running out of counter space in a small kitchen layout, so you need to bear in mind how much prep space you really need. ‘A great tip is to cover your sink with a temporary piece of worktop or a fitted chopping board while it’s not in use,’ advises Tom Howley.

The post How to plan a kitchen layout – everything you need to know appeared first on Ideal Home.

Still looking for stocking stuffers or affordable gifts for the photographers on your list? We’ve got some great accessories to help, all priced under $100 and most under $50. Check out these 10 last-minute holiday gift ideas for your favorite photographer—or a “To me, From Santa” gift under the tree.

1. Tamrac Quick Release Shoulder Strap

Tamrac Quick Release Shoulder Strap

This camera strap is a classic and one of our favorite photo accessories. The suede-like microfiber padding along the neck is very comfortable even during extended use, and we also love the quick release attachments that allow you to easily snap off the strap when shooting on a tripod. Price: $26.
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The post 10 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas For Photographers appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.