A Quirky Social Space Quite Unlike Any Other

Finding themselves struggling for space in their slightly cramped country-style kitchen, Rose and Jim decided it was time for a complete redesign. “The kitchen was quite impractical, really.” Rose tells us. “We wanted something that was both more modern and convenient.”

When they heard a glowing recommendation about Kitchen Design Centre, they paid a visit to the Blackburn showroom to be met by Will Hustler, who instantly impressed them with the scale of his expertise and the quality of his designs. “Will was lovely, and he was very helpful.” says Rose cheerfully. “He worked closely with us right from the start, and we didn’t feel at all pushed or under pressure to make decisions.”

Having enthusiastically decided that Kitchen Design Centre was the company for them, Rose and Jim took the next few months to continually develop their ideas as they refined their vision of the perfect kitchen. Kitchen Design Centre was with them every step of the way, with Will providing expert advice and adjusting his designs to account for every decision.

The couple ultimately decided to base their modern, handleless German kitchen around a fond possession of Rose’s; a unique multi-coloured chair which serves as the kitchen’s central focal point. The result is a space with a beautifully distinctive sense of character and personality, infused with a sense of warmth and homeliness. The brick feature wall enhances the kitchen’s wonderfully rustic feel, and the vibrant shades of the chair’s fabrics are complemented by the kitchen’s cool neutral colour scheme, helping the chair to stand out as an attractive and quirky personal touch.

As a social couple who love to entertain, the breakfast bar was another essential consideration for Rose and Jim, who eventually opted to turn it into a peninsula rather than a standalone bar. Now, its elegant putty grey shade makes it a seamless addition onto the couple’s high-gloss laser polar-white Corian worktops. Meanwhile, the mood lighting embedded in their ceiling bulkhead gives the couple total control over their kitchen’s atmosphere, as it casts a gentle glow on the worktops beneath.

The end result is one of chic sophistication, and one that transforms the kitchen into a truly social space; the heart of the home. “It’s very handy if we’ve got family over.” says Rose, happily. “We can start on dinner without having to leave the room!”

The kitchen’s unique sense of style is enhanced by some powerful cooking appliances, many from industry-leading supplier Neff. These include a Neff single oven and induction hob, as well as a Neff compact microwave oven and warming drawer. They’re complemented by a Neff built-in fridge and a fully integrated dishwasher, as well as an under-counter wine cabinet for entertaining. Rounding off the ensemble are twin Quooker taps, to provide boiling hot water in a pinch.

“It’s hard to pick my favourite.” says Rose. “We’re already finding the oven far more functional. Previously everything was on the ground-level, so we were bending down all the time – this is far more comfortable and convenient! I love my induction hob, too; it’s very clever.”

Kitchen Design Centre delivered a full service offering to Rose and Jim, including all the preparation work. Asked what she thought of Kitchen Design Centre’s service, Rose doesn’t hesitate in her reply.

“The service was amazing; they were very adaptable.” she says. “We were going back and forth a lot and they worked with us very well. Will especially was brilliant.”