Kitchens

The very best new kitchens in old houses, as chosen by our expert judges

For the second year, Historic Houses and Country Life joined forces with Neptune to find great examples of new kitchens in old spaces.

11 of the best new ideas in kitchens, from 'levitating' kitchen units to the ultimate wine fridge

The world of kitchens seems to produce ceaseless innovation. Amelia Thorpe picks out some of the latest looks and cleverest new ideas.

Colourful kitchens: Why even a dash of a bold, vibrant hue goes a long way in a kitchen

A generation or two ago, kitchens were routinely re-done in bright colours — and there's something in colourful kitchen design even today, suggests Giles Kime.

A Belgravia kitchen with a splash of Italian flair that works on every level

Interior architect Alison Henry worked with Officine Gullo to create a striking, light-filled kitchen.

The next step in kitchens? A kitchen-within-a-kitchen where everything can be swept out of sight

An integral pantry and utility are vital ingredients in this family kitchen by Humphrey Munson. Arabella Youens takes a closer look.

How to create the perfect party kitchen in a historic home

For owners of historically important houses, creating a kitchen in tune with 21st-century living can be a headache. Wood Hall is an example of just how well they can turn out - Freya Hardman found out how.

The kitchen at Lundies House, blending practicality, beauty and history

Giles Kime takes a look at a kitchen design by Plain English in a 17th-century manse that is sympathetic to its historic roots.

A Tuscan kitchen reborn: 'When we first took it on a tree was growing through the kitchen and the basement was full of snakes'

The ingenious techniques that can let you have brand-new kitchen which looks like it's been cherished for decades

Rupert Bevan’s experience as a furniture restorer helped him dream up an Arts-and-Crafts-style kitchen for this London riverside home, as Arabella Youens explains.

Why the future of the kitchen-diner is more diner than kitchen

Giles Kime takes a look at the new breed of kitchens that could easily be mistaken for dining rooms.

How to combine traditional elements with modern touches in a country kitchen

Victoria Wormsley's elegant kitchen makes use of her extensive range of talents, speaking to the architecture of the house while adding contemporary elements.

How to create a rustic, East Coast kitchen in an English home

The country house kitchen created from six knocked-together rooms to create a stunning 1,000sq ft living, cooking and entertaining space

Country Life's inaugural award for the creation of a new kitchen in an old space has been awarded to Birdsall House in North Yorkshire. Giles Kime explains more.

How to avoid a boxy extension by moving your kitchen into one of the finest rooms in a house

For owners of historically important houses, creating a kitchen in tune with 21st-century living can be a headache. Freya Hardman spoke to the owners of Dedham House in Essex, which had been shortlisted for the the Historic Houses Kitchen Award, celebrating the best new kitchens in old spaces.

How to turn a period property's working kitchen in to a social space for a modern family

Birdsall House in North Yorkshire was laid out perfectly for a family with a host of staff. When Lady Cara and her husband Lord Willoughby moved in, they decided that they would work a different way. Freya Hardman discovered how they achieved their dream kitchen.

How to change the personality of your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint

To accompany the launch of her new paint collection for Plain English, interior designer Rita Konig reveals the secrets of choosing colour for kitchens.

Four beautiful kitchen islands which push the boundaries of what can be done

The enduring popularity of kitchen islands says a lot about their looks and practicality — and designers are always finding new twists. Giles Kime pics out some which have caught his eye.

How to transform the interiors of a derelict barn into a beautiful holiday let

Pippa Paton has artfully transformed the interiors of a Cotswold barn. Giles Kime takes a look.

How to seamlessly blend the old and new when transforming old rooms into country kitchens

Charlotte Hughes has created a family kitchen that looks as if it has evolved over time.

How to combine the modern and classic in a comfortable, cosy kitchen

Hubert Zandberg has created an innovative kitchen in the Holland Park home of fashion editor Deborah Brett and film producer Tom Edmunds.