Contemporary Island Kitchen Renovation | Ilkley | More Kitchens
Published: 15 May 2026
Background & Brief
After booking a free design appointment through the More Kitchens website, our clients arranged for Senior Designer Julie to visit their home for an in-depth design consultation and survey of the space.
Their existing kitchen was arranged in a restrictive L-shaped layout that no longer worked particularly well for everyday life. Storage felt limited, the room lacked flow, and the standalone fridge freezer had been positioned separately in another room, leaving the kitchen feeling disconnected and less practical than it could have been.
The clients were looking for a contemporary kitchen renovation that would feel brighter, more spacious and better suited to modern living. A central island was high on the wish list, helping to create a more sociable, communal space while also introducing additional storage and preparation space.
Above all, they wanted a kitchen that felt calm, organised and easy to live with somewhere that balanced practicality with a warm, contemporary feel.
Design & Layout
Working closely with the clients and the available space, Senior Designer Julie carefully reimagined how the kitchen could function more effectively. The newlayout immediately creates a far greater sense of openness, with the introduction of a central island completely transforming both the flow and feel of the room.
Positioned at the heart of the kitchen, the island now provides valuable workspace, integrated storage and informal seating, naturally encouraging the more sociable atmosphere the clients had hoped to achieve. It also helps define the room beautifully, creating a strong focal point without compromising on space or movement.
The cabinetry, finished in a soft sage green tone, brings warmth and character while still maintaining the bright, contemporary feel the clients wanted. Crisp white worktops keep the space feeling fresh and light, while copper-effect handles, statement pendant lighting and matching tap finishes introduce contrast and a more refined edge to the design.
Large windows allow natural light to flood through the room, helping to enhance the sense of space throughout the day. Bringing the standalone fridge freezer back into the main kitchen layout also improved practicality significantly, creating a much more cohesive and functional working space overall.
Storage played a key role in shaping the completed project, with a carefully considered mix of tall cabinetry, deep drawers and integrated storage solutions helping everything feel organised and uncluttered. Rather than simply increasing the number of units, the focus was on making storage work smarter while maintaining the clean, open aesthetic throughout the room.
Under-cabinet lighting introduces a softer layer of warmth in the evenings, while the wood-effect flooring grounds the overall design and adds texture and balance against the lighter finishes. Every element works together naturally, creating a kitchen that feels spacious, contemporary and effortless to use.
Installation
Everything was carefully managed by Project Manager Rob, ensuring the renovation progressed smoothly from start to finish.
Installation was completed by lead fitter Stuart, whose attention to detail and quality craftsmanship can be seen throughout every part of the finished kitchen. From fitting the bespoke island and cabinetry through to integrating appliances and completing the finer finishing touches, every aspect of the installation has been carried out with care and precision.
It’s another great example of our complete kitchen design and installation service working seamlessly together to create a space that not only looks beautiful, but functions perfectly for everyday living.
The Result
What was once a disconnected and restrictive L-shaped kitchen is now a bright, spacious and highly functional open-plan kitchen designed around modern everyday living.
The addition of the central island has completely changed how the room works, introducing a more social and practical layout while also adding valuable storage and workspace. Combined with the lighter finishes, thoughtful storage solutions and carefully balanced design details, the kitchen now feels calmer, more organised and far more enjoyable to spend time in.
It’s a great example of how thoughtful kitchen design can completely transform not only how a space looks, but how it feels to live in every day.
Ready to Transform your Space?
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, dreaming of a contemporary kitchen island or looking for a more spacious and practical kitchen design, our experienced Yorkshire team is here to help.
From your first design appointment through to the final installation, we’ll guide you through every stage of the journey from full design to fit. Creating a kitchen designed entirely around the way you live.
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