16 new build kitchen ideas to add personality and style

New build kitchens arguably have the reputation of being a little bland and lacking individuality. But new kitchen ideas don’t have to be boring; with a little inspiration, you can easily get creative with your new build kitchen design.

Keep reading to discover some of our favourite new ideas in kitchen design that will transform your cooking and dining space.

New kitchen design ideas

1. Go for handleless designs

There are lots of new ideas for kitchen design but one of our favourites has to be a handleless kitchen.

The complete opposite to traditional, shaker-style kitchens with bulky handles, a contemporary handleless design features no handles and looks clean and sleek.

Choose a kitchen that’s made out of contemporary materials to match the modern design such as plywood or micro cement.

2. Be bold with a colourful kitchen

New build decorating ideas will often sit within a neutral palette to appeal to the masses. However, one of the most popular ideas for homeowners wanting to put their stamp on their new place is choosing colourful cabinetry. Green is a popular shade in new kitchen design; everything from pale sage to dark forest green.

Contrast a green kitchen with light quartz worktops and wooden flooring for an on-trend design.

3. Mix dark cabinets with wood

New build houses are often painted white and don’t come with much personality. Go bold with your new build kitchen and opt for dark cabinets with wooden touches.

Be brave and opt for a matt black kitchen design and add texture through wooden accents. Solid oak worktops are an investment but are durable and will last a lifetime if you take care of them.

4. Add pendant lighting

Think carefully about the lighting you want to incorporate into your new build kitchen design. New builds more often than not come with harsh spotlight lighting which doesn’t create much of an atmosphere.

Install pendant lights above an island or breakfast bar to create a feature. Choose lampshades that contrast beautifully with your space. For example, these black pendants stand out against this all-white kitchen.

5. Incorporate a kitchen island

Include a kitchen island in your new build kitchen design to introduce more storage space and a sociable area where friends and family can congregate.

Make sure your island has space to house three or four bar stools. Solid oak designs are timeless but you may want to consider stools with backrests if you want to make comfort a priority.

6. Opt for a waterfall worktop

If you love clean lines when it comes to new kitchens ideas then a waterfall worktop could be the perfect design feature for you.

This is when the countertop flows from the top of the kitchen island or worktop to the floor. Ideal for a contemporary kitchen design, this subtle feature has big style points!

7. Install a fun splashback

Add personality to a new build kitchen by installing a colourful or textured splashback. You can get lots of fun splashback designs including coloured glass screens, traditional coloured subway tiles, or patterned vinyl.

Be inspired by the kitchen pictured above and opt for an entirely tiled wall. The teal coloured tiles make a great statement.

8. Add brass details

If your new build kitchen has come with standard fixtures and fittings, don’t be scared to change them.

Switch out stainless steel handles with elegant brass designs and consider swapping your tap for a swan-necked gold variety.

9. Remove cupboard doors

Tempted to incorporate open shelving into your new build kitchen design? Rather than ripping down cupboards, simply remove the cupboard doors instead.

This way you get the best of both worlds. Your crockery and kitchen accessories will be protected by the enclosed cupboard, but without the doors, you’ll create a more free-flowing feel.

10. Sleek industrial design

Designing a kitchen for your new build home? If you’re moving into a new build there’s a good chance that you lean towards more contemporary design features.

This slick black kitchen is very much inspired by industrial interiors and looks effortlessly striking. Pair a contemporary black kitchen with chrome finishings for an uber-stylish look.

11. Include terrazzo in your new build kitchen ideas

Terrazzo is a composite material that contains flecks of marble, quartz, and glass. Due to the nature of the material, you can get lots of different types of terrazzo and every design is unique.

The finish of terrazzo is very effective and looks at home in a new build kitchen. Choose a terrazzo worktop or splashback to add interest to a plain kitchen design.

12. Install wall panelling

New build homes can sometimes lack character, providing a blank canvas for you to add style and personality to the space.

Wall panelling is a great way of adding texture to interior walls. Take inspiration from the green kitchen featured above and use MDF strips to create a seamless panelled wall.

13. Use natural materials

Don’t let your new build kitchen feel cold and sterile, instead, introduce natural materials into the design to warm it up and make it feel cosy.

A raw timber finish can look fantastic in the right space, as long as you balance it effectively with other elements. Keep the walls light and bright to let the wooden finishes shine and add quirky features such as statement ceiling lights to create a focal point.

14. Add a boiling water tap

If there is room in your budget, consider adding a boiling water tap to your new build kitchen. These are of course a luxury and an investment, but they do make life a lot easier.

They come in lots of different finishes to suit your kitchen design. For example, you’ll be able to get your hands on a brass hot water tap to match your handles and hardware.

15. Incorporate smart appliances in your new build kitchen ideas

Take your new build kitchen to the next level and install smart appliances to make home life a little more seamless.

Did you know you can get a smart oven that includes Bluetooth and wifi? Or, perhaps you’d like to install smart lighting in your kitchen that can be controlled by your phone. Either way, a high-spec home deserves high-spec appliances.

16. Lay parquet flooring

One of the biggest trends in the world of interiors right now is parquet flooring. Inspired by period properties that had original parquet designs, new build homes can have this style too.

If you’ve got some spare money in your budget then opt for solid oak parquet flooring. However, if your budget is looking a little tight, luxury vinyl tiles can create the same effect.