Having extended their home and created a large open plan area, they went to the Failsworth showroom at Housing Units and met with designer John Crosby. Being just 20 minutes from Kitchen Design Centre’s Urmston showroom, they also visited this showroom and gained valuable inspiration and ideas from the various displays on show, especially the utility room. Seeing other displays meant they discounted an industrial style kitchen, which was their initial idea and opted for a sleek, modern contemporary kitchen in grey tones instead.
John cleverly designed a space that was modern but also homely with twists such as open shelving in the island and contrasting textures throughout. He introduced a softer edge to the island with a sharknose edge and channel lighting around the island to create an ambient setting when the kitchen is not being used.
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
John advised on the space as a whole, with a major part of the design including his suggestion to change a large high window to a lower letterbox one. This enabled the Corian worktop to run into the window which not only looks better but creates a much larger working space.
Instead of a high breakfast bar, a lower dining table with chairs was introduced which suits the family perfectly, offering casual dining in the kitchen area. They loved the fact that John also made a matching formal dining table out of the same wood for their dining area opposite the kitchen.
Neff appliances were chosen including the Slide and Hide Oven, Oven with microwave, Venting hob, Integrated Dishwasher and a separate built-in fridge and freezer. A Chrome Quooker Pro3 Flex was also selected.
A key part of the design included a drinks area for both hot and cold drinks making at the end of the kitchen with the inclusion of a Liebherr wine cooler and a Neff Coffee machine.
A matching utility room was created and John also designed a functional boot room with tall units for outerwear storage and a bench and hooks for storage and seating by the back door.
The couple are delighted with John and the whole Kitchen Design Centre team including the fitters and love their new kitchen space.
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
"Initially, the architect’s plans had a small window which would have offset the main focus of the kitchen, which was the hob wall. After successfully using the same design idea on a previous kitchen installation, I suggested a ‘letter box window’ to be positioned in the centre of the run. This allows natural light into the space and replaces a backsplash. With the Corian running in to form the window sill it creates a seamless, easy to maintain worktop. I am really pleased with the finished space."John Crosby
John Crosby
Failsworth, Manchester
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!
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
