Mid-Century Modern Open-Plan Kitchen

 

The Brief

The kitchen was designed not for personal use, but as part of a property development intended for sale, with the goal of creating a space that would appeal to a broad range of potential buyers. The client, having previously worked with bulthaup kitchens in a London property, desired a similar aesthetic but with a more versatile, family-friendly layout. This was especially important for a four-bedroom house near prestigious schools in Bath. Maximising storage without overcrowding the open-plan space was a key consideration, alongside ensuring the kitchen seamlessly integrated into the architectural design of the newly extended home.

The Design

Designing the kitchen required anticipating the needs of an unknown future occupant, likely a family given the location and size of the house. The design focused on creating ample worktop space for cooking with children, while also accommodating informal gatherings. The kitchen needed to support both everyday family use and social occasions, with features like a breakfast bar for four and an open, light-filled layout.

 
Design plans for an open kitchen emphasising natural illumination and airy feel
 

The Finished Space

Neutral-toned kitchen blending seamlessly with timber and outdoor greenery

A key focus of the project was selecting materials that were both practical and elegant. The bulthaup laminate furniture in 'Clay' was chosen for its timeless, neutral tone, which complements the garden views and timber elements of the adjoining living space, while also offering durability and easy maintenance for a family home. Although timber was considered for the breakfast bar, a laminate alternative was preferred to better withstand wear and tear.

Open-plan mid-century modern kitchen with large glass doors and natural light

Minimal wall units and a single, streamlined shelf help maintain an open, airy feel, while the muted grey palette with subtle veining in the Classico ‘Golden' quartz worktop harmonises with the surrounding natural tones.

The kitchen layout balances aesthetic appeal with practicality by concentrating tall storage units in one section, keeping the central space open. Full-depth storage beneath the breakfast bar and strategically placed wide drawers maximise functionality without cluttering the visual flow.

Spacious kitchen island with integrated storage in a light-filled modern interior
 
Minimalist kitchen shelf with integrated downlight above a sink

Integrating the sink near the windows allows users to enjoy the garden view while working, reinforcing the connection between the indoors and outdoors. To maintain the sleek, open aesthetic, the kitchen features a Bora hob with a recirculating system, eliminating the need for external ducting and preserving the building’s airtight integrity. The island incorporates both touch-operated and recessed grip drawers, keeping surfaces clean and uninterrupted.

Family-friendly kitchen with breakfast bar and neutral-toned laminate worktops

The kitchen was designed to highlight the architectural features of the new extension, particularly the large glass doors that flood the space with natural light. Internal lighting was approached with a minimalist mindset, emphasising the natural illumination from the large windows. A discreet downlight integrated into the kitchen shelf provides task lighting over the sink, while the client selected a statement dining table light to add personality without overwhelming the kitchen’s simplicity. The completed kitchen achieved the desired balance between style and functionality. The client was pleased with the finished design, appreciating its adaptability and timeless quality. The kitchen’s subtle sophistication and efficient layout make it both a practical and visually pleasing space, ideally suited for a future family looking for a modern, welcoming home.

 
 

Download our Free ‘How to Plan a Premium BULTHAUP Kitchen Guide’

If you are thinking about a new bulthaup kitchen renovation, it is always advisable to have a conversation with an expert. Their knowledge, expertise and experience can open up new possibilities whilst potentially saving you money, stress and time.

To help you get started, we have put together this guide to help you think about what you want from the new space. This document highlights some of the obstacles you may encounter and the questions you may like to ask designers when you venture out into the world of bulthaup kitchen design showrooms.

Photography by Hobson’s Choice

 

The DETAILS

Kitchen

bulthaup b3 sink run in Clay laminate

bulthaup b3 island in Clay laminate

bulthaup b3 tall units in Kaolin laminate 

bulthaup b3 breakfast bar in Kaolin laminate 

bulthaup 50mm thick shelf in oak veneer with long led light

Carl Hansen & Son Bar Stools

Stone Italiana 20 mm 'Golden' quartz worktop and upstand

APPLIANCES

Bora - Pure Induction Cooktop With Integrated Cooktop Extractor – Black

Franke Sinks & Taps Undermount Sink in Stainless Steel

Quooker Pro3 Flex Tap in Stainless Steel

Siemens Oven in Black/Steel

Siemens Oven With Microwave in Black/Steel

Siemens Built In Fridge With 4* Ice Box

Siemens Integrated Dishwsher in Zeolith Black