Have you ever wondered what makes a nice kitchen a true thing of beauty? Like everything in life, it’s the little things that can have the biggest impact.

Which is why we wanted to list some of our favourite small kitchen details that can completely change your space, from fluted glazing, intricate cornicing to brass foot rails. Pen and paper out – enjoy…

1. The new open shelf

Open shelving is perfect for taking your organisational skills one step further, while also allowing you to add a touch of personality by displaying nostalgic memorabilia. However, we reached a stage not that long ago where it was replacing actual practical storage. (No one wants to be dusting their wine glasses on the regular).

Once people realised they do, in fact, need some wall cupboards, a new trend emerged: this more decorative, very delicate, open shelf that is an extension of a marble splashback – excellently demonstrated in this project by Kate Feather. It looks simple, but installing something like this is anything but. You’ll have to consider the logistics right at the planning stage of your project.

Our advice is to brief your builders well in advance, as your shelf should be installed properly with pre-prepared supports to be strong enough to withstand various weights without cracking. Still, it’s worth the extra effort, right?

2. Fluted glazing

There are incredible benefits to this type of glass. It provides a glamorous touch to much-needed storage, while not making the kitchen feel too cramped or dark. The fluted texture also adds another layer of interest to the space. Versatile too, it works perfectly in industrial or classic-contemporary kitchens, as showcased in the project below by Sola Kitchens.

The Shaker cabinetry in deep inky blue tones complements the period cornices and moldings, while the fluted glass doors bring texture and depth – striking the perfect balance between elegance and practicality.

3. Intricate cornicing

Cornicing to me is like the equivalent of an indulgent hot chocolate. Do you need it as part of your everyday diet? Sadly, no. Are the whipped cream, sprinkles and marshmallows necessary? Definitely not. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Cornicing in the kitchen is a great way to add personality, softness and luxury to your space.

It helps bridge the gap between your ceiling and your wall, and can also bring back some of that period aesthetic that may have been lost in a modern refurbishment. Which is exactly what Uns Hobbs Interiors did with this project. Along with the architects, their focus was to seamlessly blend the new extension with ‘charm’, while being sympathetic to the original property. I think you’ll agree this beautiful detail definitely enhances the design’s overall warmth.

4. For all the family

While your four-legged friend may not quite appreciate the gesture of including a place for their bed or bowl in your cabinetry, your human guests will certainly be impressed. See, for example, this fun detail within one of Jeffreys Interiors’ Edinburgh kitchen projects.

The owners asked designer Carley Kyle for this adorable feature, who then worked with local cabinet makers to design a cosy little room for the dog under the units in the utility room – with the bonus of a pull-out drawer for the bowls. “It’s a lovely detail, and as a dog owner myself, it made me happy as I’m forever tripping over the water bowl,” says Carley.

5. The tea towel

What is the thing you use daily in your kitchen, but probably don’t have a dedicated place for? The humble tea towel. I don’t know about you, but mine is slung over a cupboard door near the sink. So, when I saw this island design by The White Kitchen Company, which has a rail specifically for hanging this vital kitchen staple, I knew it had to make my list of kitchen details not to be missed. Could this be the next game changer in your design?

6. Kitchen drawer inserts

My sister-in-law has an ill-fitted plastic purple drawer insert she uses for her cutlery, which she’s had for decades. It fills me with horror every time I search for a teaspoon. I have offered to buy her a better one, but for some reason she has a strange sentimental attachment to it.

Which is fine, but when you see beautifully bespoke drawer inserts like this one by Krantz Designs, for anything from knives to spices, don’t you just melt a little inside at the craftsmanship that’s gone into it? Not only do they look impressive, they’re actually highly practical, as well: who wants to spend an extra 10 seconds looking for some spiced paprika if they don’t have to?

7. Playing footsie

If the days of going out-out every Saturday night are behind you, but you’re not done with getting together with friends and enjoying a bottle or two just yet, then why not recreate the aesthetics of your favourite bar at home. While you wouldn’t notice a foot rail when out and about, it’s certainly a handy, quirky addition to any kitchen island design; one that not only looks fantastic, but is practical, too – adding a level of extra comfort when on a barstool.

This specific example has been used in a project by Kitchens by Holloways. The rail is 51mm in diameter, with brackets in unlacquered antique brass, which will patina over time.

8. Kitchen cabinetry interiors

Some may think splashing the cash on something that spends most of its time hidden away wouldn’t be the wisest of decisions. I say otherwise. I’ve spent a lot of time visiting kitchen showrooms recently, opening up breakfast cupboards and drawers, and I’ve often found myself audibly making ‘oooh’ sounds at the sight of a luxurious stained oak interior.

Which is how I reacted when I came across this bespoke breakfast cupboard with its walnut carcasses, by Herringbone House. Dark wood like this is a great element to add to a kitchen for character, texture and warmth. “And, not only does the wood grain look fantastic as a visible element, but it also adds depth, creating a bit of a statement piece or focal point,” says William Durrant, owner of Herringbone House. “Its natural material also adds a timeless element to the design.”

9. Home for your hobby

If you have any passions that stem from the kitchen – whether that be pasta making, baking bread, or concocting your daily cortado – be sure to include relevant details in your design that are both beautiful and useful. Like in this project by Topology.

Creative director Athina Blu explains, “The mini sink is because the husband in the project loves coffee, and wanted a proper station where he didn’t need to keep going back and forth to a larger sink to sort out his coffees.” Who needs a high-street latte when you have this at home?

10. On the rails

A fabulous finishing touch, the hanging rail – like this one, used in a project by Sustainable Kitchens with bespoke Cotham oak cabinetry – is becoming as popular as the open shelf. It’s perfect for mugs or decorative items. Just ensure the brassware matches that of your taps and/or handles. I have one in black that matches my black tap, and it’s one of my favourite things in the kitchen.

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