Image Credit: Wayfair
Bake off is back! 8 ways to channel the tent in your own kitchen
On your marks, get set… decorate. The Great British Bake Off is back, which means Tuesday nights once again revolve around soggy bottoms, spectacular Showstoppers, the possibility of a Paul Hollywood handshake and wondering how on earth anyone manages to temper chocolate in a tent in the middle of summer.
And this year there’s another very good reason to tune in. Nigella Lawson has swapped the Domestic Goddess kitchen for the famous white tent, joining Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. And, just one episode in, it seems viewers are already rather taken with the new line-up.
But while we’re totally invested in who gets Star Baker and whose elaborate biscuit construction ends up in pieces on the floor, there’s something else we’ve been admiring for years: the tent itself. With its pastel cabinetry, timber worktops, open shelving, retro appliances and pretty crockery, it’s essentially our dream country kitchen – just with rather more frantic whisking.
“For me, the appeal of the Bake Off kitchen is that it feels wonderfully optimistic and welcoming,” says Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.
“It’s full of colour, character and personality, but never feels overly styled or intimidating.
“I think that’s why so many of us are drawn to it. It reminds us of kitchens as the heart of the home, somewhere people gather, chat and create memories, rather than just a place to cook.”
The good news? Y
ou don’t need a marquee at the bottom of the garden – or Paul Hollywood prowling around your kitchen island – to get a little of that Bake Off nostalgia at home.
From sugary-hued cabinetry and open shelving to retro styling and plenty of pretty finishing touches, here’s how to create a kitchen worthy of the tent.
Embrace a pastel palette
If there’s one thing the GBBO tent isn’t afraid of, it’s colour.
Its signature pastel workstations are as much a part of the show as the baking itself. Turns out the look is having something of a moment beyond the tent, too, with Houzz reporting searches for ‘pink kitchen’ up a whopping 112% year on year.
“If I were recreating the Bake Off look at home, I’d start with colour,” explains Victoria.
“Soft pastels instantly bring that signature charm and nostalgia, whether that’s through appliances, accessories or even painted cabinetry.”
Gareth Davies, design director at Classic Interiors agrees the first thing to focus on is colour but he recommends picking one or two soft shades and using them in places that are easy to live with, such as a painted island, a freestanding dresser, stools or small appliances.
“Pastel blue, muted green, soft pink or warm cream can all give you that GBBO feel without making the kitchen look themed,” he adds.
“If your existing kitchen is neutral, even a coloured mixer or toaster can introduce that softer character.”
Keep your shelves open
Take another cue from the tent with open shelving, which combines practicality with plenty of styling potential – perfect for keeping baking essentials close to hand while putting your prettiest crockery and glassware on show.
“Open shelving encourages you to display the things you actually use and love, from beautiful mixing bowls to well-thumbed recipe books,” explains Victoria.
“It creates a lived-in look that’s both practical and personal.”
Gareth advises limiting the items you have on display to things you genuinely use and love so your shelves don’t become too cluttered.
If open shelving isn’t an option in your space, but you still have some baking treasures you want to display Laura Townsend, design manager at Magnet, says another trend proving popular is glass-fronted cabinets.
“For those with beautifully curated ceramic baking bowls, cake stands and glassware, glass cabinets offer an opportunity to turn everyday baking essentials into part of the kitchen’s aesthetic,” Laura adds.
Get your storage in shape
The Bake Off tent may look pretty, but behind the bunting is a seriously hardworking space.
And you don’t need Noel announcing that you have five minutes left to appreciate the value of an organised kitchen.
The kitchen space on the show is designed so everything the bakers need is close at hand, so take the same approach at home with well-planned drawers, cupboards and storage that make cooking, and baking, run a little smoother.
“One thing I always notice in the Bake Off tent is how organised everything feels,” explains Victoria. “Every ingredient has its place, which makes baking feel enjoyable rather than stressful.
Creating a dedicated baking zone or organising a pantry with clear storage jars can make a real difference, both functionally and visually.”
Traditional storage is a lovely way to get a similar relaxed yet organised feel at home.
“A dresser gives you somewhere to show off cake tins, cake stands and favourite jugs, while a pantry-style cupboard keeps all your baking bits together and easy to find,” suggests Kate Palmer, creative director, The Painted Furniture Company.
“Simple baskets are handy for smaller things and look nice too, adding a bit of texture and warmth. It’s these everyday touches that make a kitchen feel used and lived-in, rather than too polished or perfect.”
Corner storage is another clever way to maximise space without compromising on design, but Laura says there’s also a growing interest in ‘hidden or invisible kitchens’, where appliances, storage and prep areas are seamlessly integrated behind cabinetry to create calmer, more functional living spaces.
Create a dedicated baking zone
Dedicated hobbyist-themed zones are becoming a defining feature of the modern kitchen, as homeowners see the kitchen as an extension of their lifestyle and interests.
“Driven by an interest in the smaller moments, slow living and romanticising everyday rituals, we’re seeing more homeowners ask us to create bespoke spaces that allow them to move with their lifestyle,” explains Laura Townsend, design manager at Magnet.
“Whether it’s baking for family and friends or trialling out a sourdough starter, people are transforming their kitchens into more experiential spaces, with dedicated zones designed around the things they love, like baking,” she continues.
The bakers in the tent might get an entire workstation to themselves, but you can borrow the principle at home by carving out a dedicated baking zone where your ingredients, equipment and prep space all sit conveniently together.
Choose a generous stretch of clear worktop if you can, then dedicate the drawers and cupboards immediately around it to your baking essentials, so you’re not criss-crossing the kitchen every time you need a measuring spoon or cake tin.
After all, nobody wants to waste valuable Showstopper minutes rummaging at the back of a cupboard.
For those with smaller kitchens, or who favour versatility, a standalone cabinet, portable cart or trolley offers a flexible solution, where you can tuck baking ingredients, equipment and smaller appliances away behind a curtain or ‘skirt’.
However, if you have more space to work with, Laura suggests incorporating an alcove or standalone cabinet to create a dedicated baking zone, with features such as extra worktop space for preparing dough, storage for ingredients and equipment, or even a small prep sink.
Make your appliances the ‘hero piece’ or conceal with an appliance garage
Whether you proudly display your Bake Off-worthy kit or tuck it behind the doors of an ‘appliance garage’, the key is keeping hardworking appliances within easy reach.
If you have the countertop space, and they fit with the aesthetic of your kitchen, Laura recommends embracing baking appliances as a hero piece on the side.
However, another nifty tip she also suggests is to work an ‘appliance garage’ into your space when initially designing your kitchen.
“This creates a dedicated home for baking appliances and can be easily concealed behind a door, helping to keep your worktops clear while avoiding conflict with nearby windows or cabinet doors,” she adds.
Carve out a pantry
As more of us embrace cooking from scratch and healthier lifestyles, the humble pantry has evolved from a practical storage solution into a standout design feature.
With Google Searches for “pantry organisation ideas” continuing to climb (+80%), a thoughtfully designed pantry not only keeps everyday essentials organised but also complements the way we live, cook and entertain.
“Pantries have evolved from simple storage into one of the most sought-after features in a well-designed kitchen,” Laura explains.
“A thoughtfully designed pantry doesn’t just keep everything organised; it makes cooking feel more intuitive, encourages healthier habits, and keeps those everyday essentials close at hand.”
When it comes to designing a pantry around your baking zone, Laura says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
“The best solution is one that’s tailored to both the space available and how you like to cook.
“For larger homes, walk-in pantries can create a dedicated prep area, while integrated pantry cupboards, pull-out larders and pocket-door storage can offer the same functionality in more compact kitchens.
“These are particularly useful in apartments or narrower kitchens, where making the most of every inch is key.”
Incorporate a statement island
Individual workstations are at the heart of the Bake Off tent, giving every baker a generous space to roll, knead, decorate and, on the odd occasion, stare despairingly at a collapsed Showstopper.
It therefore makes sense to put a hardworking island centre stage at home, too.
The popularity of kitchen islands seems to show no signs of wavering either.
Searches on Houzz for ‘moveable kitchen islands’ have rocketed more than ninefold, as we look for increasingly flexible ways to use our kitchens.
“If space allows, a statement island is another feature I’d recommend,” Victoria explains.
“In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to make a kitchen feel more sociable, creating a natural hub where family and friends can gather while you’re cooking or baking.”
Make yours a real focal point with a contrasting cabinet colour, statement worktop, fluted or reeded detailing, or an eye-catching pendant light overhead.
Let in the light
Part of the Bake Off tent’s enduring appeal is just how light, bright and cheerful it always feels, so maximising natural light is an easy way to capture some of the same uplifting atmosphere at home.
“Natural light plays a huge role in creating that uplifting Bake Off atmosphere and window dressings shouldn’t be overlooked,” explains Victoria.
“The tent always feels bright and airy, so I’d avoid heavy window dressings and instead opt for blinds or shutters that gently filter light while maintaining privacy.”
Victoria says it is often these smaller finishing touches that make a space feel warm, welcoming and somewhere you genuinely want to spend time. Happy baking!
Want more inspiration? Read: Strictly is back! 10 ways to bring razzle-dazzle into your interiors and The Gentlemen is back! 11 ways to steal its country-house style. And check out Greek chic: 10 ways to get The Odyssey look at home.
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