Olivia and Sam decided to rip up the rule book up with their new kitchen and create a space that was both traditional and contemporary. Refusing to adhere to one particular style, the couple knew they wanted something different and elements of the two styles combining. The tricky part was finding the right kitchen company who could translate their ideas and create something that would work and be truly special.
Their architect recommended Kitchen Design Centre as they had done his kitchen, and after meeting John Crosby at the Manchester showroom, they knew they’d found the right company and designer as he immediately understood the brief and came up with fantastic initial ideas that combined the two styles. They wanted the kitchen to be suitable for everyday living for the two of them but also a sociable space that would work when they entertained larger groups.
John came up with the perfect design that had a dining area in the conservatory, the kitchen in the middle of the room and then a living area with an entertainment system at the opposite end. A large island formed the centrepiece of the kitchen and not only housed a wine cooler, dishwasher and hob, but also included a wooden breakfast bar with casual seating for four. John incorporated plenty of storage throughout, with cupboards in the island and a mixture of tall and larder wall units.
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
The design was based on a traditional Shaker style with contemporary elements such as a bespoke Quooker Flex tap which was specially made in a gold colour to match the handles in the kitchen. Olivia wanted to avoid the colour grey so John suggested a white and blue colour scheme for the island and wall units. Keen to build on the shaker style look, Olivia and Sam chose the Oxford door range in white and Velvet Blue.
As a keen cook, appliances were important to Olivia and she knew from the outset that she only wanted Neff. Top of her list was the slide and hide oven so John incorporated two in the design, matching them with a Neff compact oven, microwave and a warming drawer. A Neff fridge, separate Neff freezer, Neff hob and a Neff dishwasher were also chosen.
Finished Kitchen
Olivia and Sam are delighted with the finished space: “The kitchen was a really important room for us to get right. It took a great deal of time and planning and with John’s help we have created our dream space that mixes contemporary and traditional styles. We were so happy with the kitchen that we also asked Kitchen Design Centre to create a cloakroom with plenty of storage and units for our office and dressing room.”
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
"The kitchen was a really important room for us to get right. It took a great deal of time and planning and with John’s help we have created our dream space that mixes contemporary and traditional styles."
"I loved designing such a different style of kitchen and the space available was a dream to work with. Olivia and Sam knew the look they were after and gave me free rein with the design and colours. It was great to be able to add contemporary elements like the handles and bespoke Quooker tap to a predominantly traditional style. The end result is a stunning kitchen that I’m really proud of."John Crosby
John Crosby
Failsworth, Manchester
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!