When a Darwen couple designed and built their home from scratch they had the opportunity to create their dream kitchen. Suzanne from Kitchen Design Centre helped translate their ideas in to the perfect space that combines a large, functional kitchen with a dining, entertaining and relaxing area that is now the heart of their stunning home.
The couple’s niece had used Kitchen Design Centre and she was so happy with her kitchen that she recommended the company and designer Suzanne Carter to the couple when they started designing the house. After several visits to various Kitchen Design Centre showrooms they left the plans with Suzanne and between them they came up with a design that incorporated everything they wanted.
The brief was to fill the large space with a workable kitchen that suited the couple. They wanted a light coloured kitchen that wouldn’t date but most importantly, looked fantastic. Top of their list was a breakfast bar to seat two and adequate appliances and fridge/freezer space. They also wanted a utility room to mirror the style and look of the kitchen.
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
It was important that nothing looked lost in the space and despite the size, the couple wanted a homely feel but also something that had the ‘wow’ factor. The couple liked the handle-less look so Suzanne came up with a contemporary design in light, glossy colours. By incorporating a wood texture in the breakfast bar she injected some warmth and contrasted this with a stunning natural granite worktop in River White. To introduce a softer touch, the customer came up with the idea of having some curves in the kitchen which Suzanne incorporated on the end units.
To make the kitchen a practical, workable one, Suzanne introduced working sides to either side of the island and had two Blanco sinks. Little touches like putting a small fridge on the right hand side of the island, opposite the main fridge but next to the Quooker tap, meant the couple could brew up without walking all around the kitchen. Four ovens: two single, one steam and one microwave added some needed symmetry but also provided enough cooking capacity for the couple’s needs.
Finished Kitchen
In addition to the kitchen, Suzanne also designed the adjacent utility room, matching the units but adding contrast with a 50mm Sandalwood Corian. This ensured the design flowed and matched the kitchen.
The result is a stunning kitchen that has become the heart of the couple’s home. They spend all their time in the room and love what Suzanne’s done, “we lived across the field before we built this house and we loved the house so much we weren’t sure we wanted to move. However we’re really happy now we’re in. The kitchen is fantastic. We absolutely love it! Suzanne has been great throughout – so helpful. She’s done a brilliant job as have the fitters. We’re delighted with it. It really has become the heart of our home.”
Suzanne Carter who designed the kitchen said:
This was the biggest kitchen I’ve ever designed and at first I was a little daunted at the prospect of filling this large space. I was determined to make it look good but also work! I therefore came up with three distinct zones: a living area, dining area and a cooking area. I effectively ‘placed’ myself in the kitchen and anticipated everyday tasks. I soon realised making a brew could be a mammoth task involving many steps so I installed a small fridge near the Quooker tap meaning there was no walking involved! I also made sure both sides of the island were working sides so there was no redundant space. To enhance the design I looked carefully at the ceiling: the ceiling detail mirrors the island and I incorporated lighting that changes colours. In the entertainment area I also introduced floating shelves for the couple’s pictures and ornaments. The overall brief was to create a homely kitchen that had the ‘wow’ factor and I certainly think I’ve done this. I’m really proud of it and delighted that the customer is so happy with it.”
Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality?
"This was the biggest kitchen I’ve ever designed and at first I was a little daunted at the prospect of filling this large space. I was determined to make it look good but also work! I therefore came up with three distinct zones: a living area, dining area and a cooking area. The overall brief was to create a homely kitchen that had the ‘wow’ factor and I certainly think I’ve done this. I’m really proud of it and delighted that the customer is so happy with it."
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!
Book A Free Design Appointment
