L-Shaped Kitchen Renovation | Ilkley | More Kitchens
Published: 28 August 2026
At A Glance
Looking to make their home work better for the years ahead, this retired couple wanted to open their existing kitchen and dining room to create a brighter, more spacious and practical living area. By removing the dividing wall and introducing a carefully planned L-shaped kitchen, the completed project makes much better use of the available space while retaining a generous dedicated dining area.
-Separate kitchen and dining room transformed into one open-plan space
-Practical L-shaped kitchen designed to maximise floor space
-Soft green Shaker-style cabinetry with contrasting white worktops
-Increased storage with full-height cabinetry and integrated appliances
-Future-proof design focused on space, accessibility and ease of use
Background
A key part of the brief was to create a greater feeling of space. The existing kitchen and dining room were separated by a wall, which made the two areas feel disconnected to the available floor space could be used.
Working with Senior Designer Simon, the couple explored how the layout could be completely rethought. Rather than designing around the existing arrangement, Simon proposed removing the dividing wall and bringing the two rooms together, creating an open-plan kitchen and dining space with a much more natural flow.
Design & Layout
Once opened, the new footprint provided far more freedom to create a kitchen that felt spacious without compromising on storage.
Senior designer Simon designed an L-shaped kitchen layout, positioning the main run of cabinetry along one wall before continuing beneath the window. This makes excellent use of the perimeter of the room while leaving the center open and easy to move around.
Tall cabinetry provides a generous amount of storage without cluttering the main preparation areas, while the integrated oven and microwave are positioned at a practical height for everyday use. A wide bank of drawers provides easily accessible storage beneath the main worktop, complemented by further cupboards throughout the kitchen.
The sink has been positioned beneath the window, taking advantage of the natural light, while the hob sits within a long, uninterrupted run of worktop to create plenty of preparation space on either side.
Most importantly, removing the internal wall has completely changed how the kitchen connects with the dining area. Rather than two individual rooms, the homeowners now have one long, open space where cooking, dining and everyday living naturally come together.
Installation
Supported by Installation Surveyor Rob, the project was fully managed from start to finish, giving the homeowners complete peace of mind throughout the renovation.
The project was then handed over to Lead Fitter Stuart, who carried out the kitchen installation as part of our fully project-managed service.
With the dividing wall removed, the space could be prepared for its completely new layout before the cabinetry, worktops, appliances, flooring and finishing details were brought together.
Having the entire renovation managed as one project meant the homeowners didn't need to coordinate the different stages themselves, helping make what was a significant transformation feel much more straightforward from start to finish.
Finishes & Features
Soft green Shaker-style kitchen cabinets give the finished design plenty of character while keeping the overall look calm and timeless. The color works particularly well across such a large open-plan space, bringing warmth to the room without making it feel heavy.
Crisp white worktops and matching marble-effect splash backs provide a fresh contrast against the green cabinetry, helping reflect light throughout the kitchen. Warm wood-effect flooring then runs continuously through the kitchen and dining area, visually connecting the two previously separate spaces.
Traditional-style handles complement the Shaker cabinetry, while integrated appliances, extensive drawer storage and full-height cupboards ensure the kitchen is as practical as it is attractive.
On the opposite side of the room, additional cabinetry with glazed display cupboards creates another useful storage area while helping the kitchen feel considered from every angle.
The Result
What was once a divided kitchen and dining room is now a bright, spacious open-plan kitchen diner designed around the way the homeowners want to live both now and in the future.
Removing the wall has made a significant difference, allowing natural light to travel throughout the room and creating far more freedom of movement. The L-shaped layout keeps the working areas organised around the edges of the space, while the open centre leads naturally towards the dining table.
The finished kitchen feels traditional without feeling dated, with the green Shaker cabinetry bringing personality to a light, neutral backdrop.
Most importantly, the renovation has achieved exactly what the homeowners wanted: a practical, comfortable and future-proof kitchen that makes considerably better use of their home.
Customer Review
Following the completion of their renovation, the homeowners shared a five-star Trustpilot review, describing More Kitchens as an excellent company to work with and highly recommending the team. They praised Senior Designer Simon for turning their ideas into a carefully considered design, alongside Installation Surveyor Rob for his meticulous project management. The review also highlighted the professionalism, workmanship and customer care shown throughout the project, reflecting the high standard of service delivered from initial design through to completion.Thinking About Opening Up Your Kitchen?
Thinking About Opening Up Your Kitchen?
Sometimes creating your ideal kitchen isn't simply about replacing the units it's about looking at the space differently.
At More Kitchens, our experienced designers can explore everything from a new kitchen layout to larger changes such as opening up adjoining rooms. With our fully project-managed kitchen renovation service, we'll take care of your project from initial design through to installation and those all-important finishing touches.
Book your free kitchen design appointment and discover what could be possible in your home.
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