“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.
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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."
TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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