The Kitchen of 2025: Where Living and Entertaining Truly Meet

In 2025, the kitchen has truly claimed its crown as the heart of the home. No longer just a place to cook, today’s kitchens are multifunctional spaces full of life, where families gather, friends mingle, and the cooks amongst us work their magic.

From lazy Sunday breakfasts to cocktail parties that spill out into the garden, the modern kitchen is where life happens. But creating a space that’s practical, beautiful, and ready to handle everything you throw at it? That’s quite the challenge, particularly in homes where square footage isn’t unlimited.

At ASJ, we believe your kitchen should be a seamless blend of luxury and liveability. Here’s how we approach designing kitchens that make every moment a joy, from morning coffee to midnight martinis.

1. Getting the Layout Right

In many period homes, kitchens were never meant to be a hub of activity. Historically, they were tucked away out of sight as purely functional spaces for food preparation. Even in some modern homes, kitchens are often too small, dark, or awkwardly positioned to become the welcoming heart of the house you want them to be.

Whenever we have the opportunity, we suggest remodelling a space to move the kitchen to a more generous area, ideally with direct access to the garden. Suddenly, your terrace becomes an extension of your entertaining space, perfect for those glorious (and rare!) sunny British afternoons.

2. Functionality Comes First

Once we’ve established the ideal position and layout, it’s time to focus on functionality. After all, even the most beautiful kitchen will frustrate you if it doesn’t work seamlessly.

Modern technology can be a game-changer, from boiling water taps to self-cleaning ovens, but we take a cautious, considered approach. The goal is to incorporate tech that genuinely improves your life, not clutter your home with unnecessary gadgets.

One of our favourite hidden luxuries? A second dishwasher tucked away in a utility room. It’s a lifesaver when hosting large gatherings, quietly handling the aftermath while you keep the party flowing.

At ASJ, our golden rule is simple: every appliance must earn its place and be easy to maintain. Practicality never goes out of style.

3. Aesthetic That Lasts

Kitchens are big investments and not something you want to refurbish every few years. That’s why we balance personality and timelessness when it comes to design.

The good news? Kitchen design has come a long way. Today, there are endless opportunities to bring warmth, texture, and colour into what was once a purely utilitarian space. Beautifully crafted cabinetry, rich natural materials, and colourful appliances can all add character and depth.

We often recommend cabinetry that can be repainted or refinished. This not only makes maintenance simpler but also allows you to refresh the look of your kitchen down the line without committing to a full remodel. A clever way to keep your space feeling fresh and current for years to come.

4. Dining is Non-Negotiable

No modern kitchen is complete without a space to sit, dine, and connect. Even in smaller homes, we work hard to create a dedicated area for enjoying meals right at the heart of the action.

Banquette seating is one of our favourite solutions. It saves space, adds storage, and magically accommodates far more people than you’d expect. Whether you’re hosting a casual breakfast or a full Sunday roast, a well-designed banquette turns even the most modest corner into a welcoming dining spot, with room underneath for those oversized platters and serving dishes you only bring out a few times a year.

The Takeaway

A well-designed kitchen is more than a room; it’s a lifestyle investment. It’s where your family starts the day, where friends gather over a glass of wine, and where memories are made.

At ASJ, we design kitchens to be beautiful, functional, and built to last, spaces that adapt effortlessly to whatever life (or the guest list) throws at them. Because in the end, no matter how elegant the rest of your home may be, you’ll always find people in the kitchen at parties.