British vs. American Kitchens: A Reflection on Two Styles

The kitchen is, without question, the heart of every home, but when comparing the British and American approach to design, you’ll find that the character and spirit of these rooms differ in ways both subtle and striking. British kitchens and American kitchens each have their own wonderful traditions, born out of the landscapes, lifestyles, and histories of their countries. As someone who has spent a great deal of time studying both styles, I thought it would be fun to share what makes each style distinct and how it influences our approach to design at Prentis Collective.

When designing a kitchen we love incorporating natural materials and living finishes.

The Charm of a British Kitchen

A true British kitchen, and particularly the style we cherish at Prentis, feels effortless, a little imperfect, and wonderfully lived-in. It’s a space where history and modernity co-exist naturally, where nothing feels overly ‘designed’.

The quintessential British kitchen leans into natural materials: real wood, marble, aged brass. You’ll often find freestanding pieces, rather than a long line of fitted cabinets — a pantry cupboard here, a worktop table there, and most importantly, a beautiful range cooker (as they call it across the Atlantic) serving as the focal point. There's a reverence for antiques and vintage finds, not for nostalgia’s sake but because these pieces bring a sense of soul and patina that nothing brand-new can honestly replicate.

Color is another beautiful characteristic. Soft, muted hues dominate, think earthy browns, dusky blues, and creamy off-whites, colors that feel at ease in both grand country houses and modest cottages. British kitchens often don’t seek to impress with high gloss or sleekness; they invite you in, offer you a cup of tea, and make you feel at home.

deVol Kitchens

Sims Hilditch Interiors

Sims Hilditch Interiors

deVol Kitchens

Plain English Design

deVol Kitchens

The Hallmarks of an American Kitchen

American kitchens, on the other hand, often speak of scale, symmetry, and a certain boldness. There’s a real love of generous spaces: wide islands perfect for family gatherings, double fridges, banks of cabinetry stretching impressively across long walls.

There’s a polish to American kitchens, a sense of everything being new, purposeful, and designed to make life easier. Built-in appliances are almost always a given; walk-in pantries, wine fridges, and dedicated coffee stations are increasingly standard. And there's an embrace of innovation, from smart technology to clever organizational systems hidden behind beautiful cabinet fronts.

Stylistically, American kitchens can range from traditional to modern, but they often share a love for crispness and grandeur: expansive islands, statement range hoods, and bold lighting features. Where British kitchens might celebrate the charming imperfection of a slightly scuffed floorboard or an uneven ceiling, American kitchens tend to favor clean lines and smooth finishes.

Studio McGee

Amber Interiors

Amber Interiors

A Different Relationship with Space

It’s also important to remember how the very geography of the two countries has influenced kitchen design. In Britain, where space is often at a premium, kitchens have evolved to be compact, clever, and flexible. In America, where homes are typically larger, there’s a joyful expansiveness to the kitchen that allows for a different kind of luxury — a focus on practicality and comfort.

Which is Better?

The truth is, there’s no better or worse, just different interpretations of what a kitchen should be, shaped by culture and tradition.

At Prentis, we often find ourselves inspired by both worlds but lean heavily into the British influence. We love the practicality and expansiveness of the American kitchen and especially love a coffee station, but we remain devoted to the beauty and simplicity of British design — the sense of layers, history, and an understated elegance that can’t be rushed or mass produced.

At the end of the day, we believe a kitchen should feel like you — your family, your memories, your taste. Whether that means a grand marble island surrounded by soaring ceilings, or an intimate kitchen lined with cabinetry and handmade tiles, the heart of the home should always be a place of authenticity and joy.