“When mapping out the requirements for our new kitchen, high up on the list was German quality manufacturing and to have a designer that could add those special elements to the overall design project. We definitely didn’t want someone who just placed units and appliances into a plan within an allocated space. We wanted a designer who could understand how the kitchen would work with all the other elements in the open plan space,” says Kevin.
Step in Roger Astin, who from his first visit to the breeze block shell site, looked at the space first before even thinking about the kitchen. Roger advised on the actual space and showed a deep knowledge and appreciation of the process that would follow. Kevin was extending his house by half again – all in one room! This new room would combine a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area. Such a large space had to work and Roger realised the kitchen would have to work around several structural elements such as a large pillar in the middle of the room and various steel structures across it.
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
Roger cleverly designed some additional bulk heads to mirror the structural ones so symmetry was created around the ceiling area of the kitchen and worked the design around the large pillar in the middle. He kept the kitchen to one side of the room which allowed for a separate dining and entertainment area to be created.
When it came to colours, Kevin wanted to replicate a display in the Manchester showroom that he’d fallen in love with. This incorporated a new colour: graphite which gave great definition against the white in the room. The brief throughout was to keep it uncomplicated so Corian Calcatta white worktops were chosen with taupe base units.
Finished Kitchen
With an extensive catering background, Kevin loves to cook and took the selection of appliances very seriously. He opted for Neff throughout as he considered it to be the very best when you consider price against all the features and benefits the brand offers. A slide and hide oven together with a warming drawer and microwave oven were chosen, with a Neff dishwasher complementing the suite of Neff appliances.
To mirror the colours in the kitchen, Roger also designed a TV area with the same coloured units on the opposite side of the room: “One of our favourite elements within the design is the low sideboard area built into two low windows and underneath our television,” explains Kevin.
“Roger’s suggestion to link the seating area in this way using one of the kitchen colours was a masterstroke. The grey tinted mirror glass surrounding a section of wall units is also a really nice feature especially in the evening when we have that section lit.”
Kevin is delighted with Roger and the whole Kitchen Design Centre team: “Our objectives at the start of our search have all been met. We wanted a designer to work closely with us and to use their design flair to create a kitchen with the wow factor. This was a design led experience as opposed to just kitchen planning, where the extra design expertise and quality of the products delivered have given us our dream kitchen. It really is better than we could have imagined. I can honestly say it was a great experience from start to finish. The fitting team were also brilliant. Their expertise and attention to detail is something quite rare in today’s world.”
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"This was a design led experience as opposed to just kitchen planning, where the extra design expertise and quality of the products delivered have given us our dream kitchen."
"It was great to see this project from inception through to completion. The space was a large one and it had to work. It was great that Kevin got me on board from the very start. That way I could advise on the whole room and work around the structural elements. The end result is a stunning kitchen which really makes the room. The design and colours are relatively uncomplicated which makes it look particularly striking. I’m delighted Kevin and his family are so happy with it."
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.
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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!
Who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s kitchen?
Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning display kitchens in person. Pop in for a browse—we’ll have the kettle on, or you can try out our instant hot taps!
Book A Free Design Appointment
