Your ultimate guide to your dream kitchen

Today’s kitchens aren’t the tucked-away functional spaces many of us grew up with. Instead, kitchens have shaken off their purely practical persona and are now busy hubs of the home. They are places where children do their homework, you and your family unwind in the evening, and invariably, where guests gather and chat before dinner. Over the next few pages we celebrate the new wave of kitchen designs that are multifunctional, fully versatile and warm and welcoming all at the same time.

Above: The Kungsbacka kitchen from Ikea has cabinets starting at Dh225.

The heart of the home in more ways than one, kitchens are now being integrated into the public spaces of the home, often with living, dining and kitchen zones all flowing seamlessly into one another. This sociable and friendly layout is perfect for busy family life, though practical places for food preparation are still needed. If you’re keen on embracing the new trend for open-plan living, then opt for a sleek, streamlined design with lots of concealed storage – and resist the temptation to clutter up your worktops with unsightly appliances and gadgets.

Siematic’s Urban collection is a versatile modular kitchen that combines open and closed elements, and vertical and horizontal components.

Living and cooking sit side by side in the 041 – FCSQ kitchen by Meiwes: prices start from Dh108,000.

The deep blue tones of the Velvet Blue kitchen by Hacker create a relaxed and calming environment in which to cook and entertain. The rustic seating area is the perfect complement for this stylish scene: Prices start from Dh130,000.

3 of the best…Bar stools

From left to right: Black stool from Homes R Us, Dh229; Tig mesh bar stool from Crate & Barrel, Dh1,099; Mirage leather bar stool from Zen Interiors, Dh2,320.

The European kitchens from Mahy Khoory focus on ergonomics, functionality and great design. This Swiss steel Alnoinox kitchen offers a linear look with an easy-to-care-for durable finish.

The horizontal and vertical lines of the handcrafted P’7350 by Studio F.A. Porsche for Poggenpohl gives this kitchen a striking contemporary effect.

The Minos collection in Polar White Laminate from Santos starts at Dh100,000 including appliances, worktops, sink and mixer.

The solid wood Heritage range designed by Iosa Ghini for Snaidero is a great choice for those seeking a balance between classic and contemporary looks: prices start from Dh125,000 (excluding appliances and worktops).

From left to right: Fissure dining table from Marina Home Dh5,500; Preed circular table from Fusion by THE One Dh5,995; Sloane table from Indigo Living, Dh3,990.

Whether your room is on the small side, or you just fancy utilising the space for another purpose, there are many options on the market for compact kitchens that use every inch effectively and efficiently. Modular kitchens are great for those looking for a versatile, flexible footprint, as you can create the design and layout you want, perhaps placing everything against one wall, or in an ergonomic L-shape that would suit corners of studios or open-plan apartments. Pantry cupboards that open to reveal miniature kitchens are also big news for smaller homes or offices, proving that beautiful things can come in little packages.

Bronze Mocha Oak by Hacker was designed especially with the Middle East in mind, and this striking kitchen combines metallics and naturals to stunning effect. The reflections and texture of the bronze cabinets are the perfect match for the sleek mocha oak: prices start at Dh130,000.

The small but perfectly formed kitchen 06M – SDWW by Meiwes starts at Dh95,000.

Poggenpohl’s +Stage breakfast unit, available at Kitchens and Beyond, is a great choice for offices or studio apartments, where space is at a premium.

This Alnostar Plan kitchen from German brand Alno is available in a range of finishes including ultra white (pictured) and textured grain.

From left to right: Silver and smoked glass trolley from Indigo Living, Dh2,990; Amber serving trolley from Home Centre, Dh595; Aalish bar trolley from THE One, Dh1,495.