How to Decorate a Kitchen Diner

Want to revamp your kitchen diner so that it’s on-trend without sacrificing practicality? If so, you've stumbled into the right corner of cyberspace. Here are some a few of our favourite design ideas for an open plan kitchen diner/living room.

The thing to remember about interior décor is that, yes, there are many modern design trends you can follow. And that's fine if you have the interest like us. But if not, it's totally acceptable to go with your gut. If you like sky blue pink with poka dots, don't let us stop you.

We love deep, dramatic colours, and inky shades are bang on trend. So, if you one for brave décor choices, go with bold – but not bright – colours for your kitchen cabinets.

If, however, you're considering moving in the near future, or it's just not your thing, that's fine too. Stick to a safer scheme - like white or off-white – for the cabinetry and add splashes of colour on the walls, using accessories, or even a tablecloth.

Next add texture. We’re suckers for a lookalike marble worktop and splashback, while wood tones make a great contrast for deep colours. 

Want to add a touch more glamour to proceedings? Lampshades or vases that standout - think metals and glass - which will catch the light beautifully and add a little sparkle.

Kitchen diner lighting can be tricky. You're lighting two or three areas all at once, so there's a lot to cater for, if you’ll pardon the pun.

First, pay attention to lighting the work zones in the kitchen area, whether with lighting under wall cabinets, ceiling spotlights, directional spots, or low-slung pendants.

In the dining area, you'll lighting over (or near) the table, whether in the form of spots or low hung pendants. A group of pendants can look particularly good here.

Lastly, there's the open plan living room area (if you have one). Table lamps are a great way to separate this zone from the others, and it helps to create a cosy feel in the evenings.

For maximum effect, consider fitting dimmers to each area, so that you can create different moods within your space.

An open-plan kitchen diner – perhaps with a living space attached - needs flooring that can do several jobs. First, it needs to unite the space. Hard flooring throughout with rugs in the living area will always look better than two types of flooring. 

Next, it must be practical. So, think wipeable, warm underfoot, and crack-proof. Finally, it needs to be the right finish – too glossy and it will show up smudges, too dark and it will make the room feel formal and dingy.

Our top pick? Either tough matt tiles with underfloor heating, cushioned vinyl, or engineered wood in a pale finish. But of course personal taste is the main driving factor here.

On a budget? Limewashed or painted pine floorboards work well, too, but be prepared for a bit of semi-regular maintenance.

Of we would say shutters are the best option. We're California Shutters - it's in the name. But we're not biased. 

We tried curtains back in the 1970s, fussed with blinds in the 1980s, had roller blinds in the 1990s and even tried a minimalist bare window throughout the early noughties. But now we’ve happily settled down with shutters.

Why? Kitchen window shutters are great for filtering out everything from nosy neighbours to sunlight and cold draughts. They also need very little maintenance, besides a quick wipe down now and then. Plus, they don’t cost the earth if you DIY-fit them. 

And with their timeless look, you can kit your kitchen out with a window dressing that'll never go out of style. Speaking of style, let's find yours...

Choosing the right shutters in the kitchen can seem like a tall order, but we've got you covered. We've got a range of kitchen shutters for you to choose from, from modern classics to, well, classic classics.

Full height shutters cover the entirety of the window when closed, granting total privacy. When people thing of shutters, they usually think of these.

Half shutters are perhaps the most chic shutters you'll find. Covering only the lower section of the window, they're inspired by Parisian café décor. They're also perfect for granting privacy without sacrificing on light. 

For those who love compromise, there's tier on tier shutters. Their independent top and bottom sections means you've got full, half, and no coverage at your own leisure.

That's some of our most popular kitchen window shutter styles covered. If you'd like a peek at the rest, check out our stunning collection today.