Need inspiration for your dream kitchen project but not sure where to start? Create your own moodboard by choosing from our curated edit of products…

For some, scrolling Instagram, making Pinterest boards and scouring magazines for project inspiration is thrilling and the ‘fun’ part of the kitchen project. For others, however, we appreciate it can be a little daunting, especially when there is so much out there.

To stop you from going down a social media rabbit hole, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has gone back to basics and pulled together an edit of the key products you’ll need to create your own dream kitchen moodboard.

This can be a really helpful reference tool when you sit down with kitchen companies for those initial chats, as it’ll give them a better understanding of your aesthetic and vision for the space.

Whether you want a traditional look, a more contemporary vibe or an eclectic mix, we’ve got you covered with various styles, colours and materials to play with to help you craft your dream kitchen moodboard.

So, what are you waiting for? Happy moodboarding…

Choosing your dream kitchen cabinets

Finding the right style for you will depend on balancing your home’s aesthetic, your preferences, budget and functional needs. Shaker cabinets are popular as they’re versatile, with a clean and simple style that suits both traditional and more modern settings, working with a variety of hardware and finishes, plus they can often be repainted.

If you’re after a more contemporary kitchen, slab doors or handleless designs will offer a streamlined and uncluttered look, and they’re easier to maintain due to the lack of crevices, but fingerprints and smudges may be more noticeable on glossy finishes.

Recent textured designs such as reeded doors, raw timber or metallic finishes are great for adding texture, warmth and interest to a more minimalist scheme.

Selecting flooring

While hardwood flooring offers a warm, classic look, it can be prone to scuffs, scrapes and water damage, making it less ideal for high-traffic kitchens. However, there are many alternatives mimicking the appearance of wood that are water resistant and provide a softer, warmer surface underfoot.

LVT is a durable choice for kitchens, while laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative, though it is less water-resistant than vinyl. Tiled flooring, available in ceramic, porcelain or natural stone, is often highly durable and water resistant, but it can be cold without underfloor heating.

For a sustainable option, cork flooring provides a soft, comfortable surface and good insulation, but requires regular sealing to prevent water damage. Ultimately, tiles or LVT flooring are often the best for kitchens due to their durability and water resistance.

Adding hardware

Cabinet handle styles vary widely, ranging from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional. Popular styles include bar pulls, which offer a contemporary, streamlined look; cup pulls, which add a vintage charm; and decorative knobs that can infuse personality into the kitchen.

When choosing knobs and handles for kitchen cabinets, consider the overall kitchen design, the finish of other fixtures, and the functionality of the handles. For a cohesive look, match the hardware finish with appliances and faucets. Ergonomics also play a role; handles should be comfortable to grip and easy to clean.

Sourcing fittings for your dream kitchen

Kitchen lighting is like the ‘jewellery’ of your design and can make or break a scheme. Aside from practical spotlights and LED strip lighting, there’s an opportunity to be creative with decorative wall lights and sconces, statement pendant lights and chandeliers, as well as portable table lamps to add ambience.

For a contemporary look, source striking sculptural designs in bold colours, natural or metallic finishes and look at Scandinavian design classics such as Louis Poulsen.

If you prefer a more traditional style, seek out fluted glass pendants, swing-arm wall lights in antique brass and wireless table lamps with decorative shades to add a homely touch. For a rough-luxe feel, holophane pendants and industrial-style wall lights will add a modern touch of glamour to your scheme.

Deciding on a kitchen splashback

Given it’s a smaller area of the kitchen, a splashback presents the perfect opportunity to go for something more creative, whether that’s a bold coloured tile, decorative pattern or statement finish.

Zellige tiles are a popular choice that offers a more handmade and textured look, and they work in both contemporary and traditional settings. Similarly, metro tiles work in most spaces, and experimenting with laying patterns such as vertical stacks or herringbone will give them a more modern edge.

Kit kat mosaics offer a contemporary feel suited to more minimalist spaces, while bold patterned cement and porcelain tiles are a decorative solution for those who like an eclectic look. For something a little different, materials including patinated copper sheeting and antiqued mirrored splashbacks can create a statement look.

Investing in a worktop

Aside from your cabinetry and appliances, your worktop is likely to be your next biggest expense and the workhorse of your dream kitchen, so it’s an important choice to make. For traditional kitchens, classic materials like granite and marble offer timeless elegance and durability, their natural veining and rich colours pairing beautifully with detailed cabinetry and vintage fixtures.

Butcher block countertops add a warm, rustic charm that complements farmhouse and country-style kitchens, providing a functional and inviting workspace. In contrast, contemporary kitchens benefit from the modern appeal of quartz, sleek solid surfaces and striking designs such as terrazzo or coloured recycled glass for a unique look.

Buying a kitchen tap

For a classic kitchen, consider elegant, high-arched bridge taps with intricate detailing and porcelain handles that evoke a timeless charm, complementing butler sinks and vintage cabinetry. In contrast, contemporary kitchens benefit from sleek, minimalist designs such as single-lever taps in a matt black or brushed metallic finish, providing a streamlined, chic look.

A polished chrome pull-down tap is a versatile choice for any style of kitchen, while many boiling-water taps now come in both modern and traditional styles to suit your scheme.

Creating a backdrop

When choosing paint colours for your dream kitchen walls, consider hues that complement the room’s overall style and enhance its functionality. Light, neutral tones like so greys, warm beiges and plaster pinks can create a bright and airy feel, making the space appear larger and more inviting. For a bolder statement, feature wallpapers such as botanical prints in deep blues or greens used in a dining area can add a pop of colour without overwhelming the space.

Other surface finishes such as panelling can add texture and depth to your dream kitchen, especially if the scheme is neutral overall. Reclaimed boards or tongue-and-groove panelling offer a rustic charm, while sleek reeded panels provide a contemporary edge. Mixing these finishes with contrasting colours or materials, such as wood or metal accents, can create a dynamic, visually appealing kitchen.

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