The New Year feels just like yesterday to us here at Kitchen Design Centre, but slightly scarily, we’re well into March now! On the bright side, that’s given us plenty of chances to check out the most beautiful kitchen design trends of 2018. Now, as you might imagine, it’s not a very short list, even if we’re only limiting ourselves to the UK, so we’ve taken the opportunity to sum up some of the most pivotal or innovative ones (with just a sprinkling of one or two of our personal favourites in there as well – we’re biased like that!).
Right now, one of the clearest trends in kitchen design is personalisation. It was predicted to be a major trend even before the year began, and 2018 seems to be making no effort to disprove that so far! If you’re familiar with our own work here at Kitchen Design Centre, you’ll know how pleased we are to hear that. Every design we create for our customers, whether it’s a contemporary kitchen, a traditional space or something else entirely, is all designed to reflect each individual’s lifestyle, ensuring that the final design is perfectly in sync with their needs.
Kitchen islands are also making a big comeback in 2018. The layout of each individual kitchen is naturally influenced by the amount of space available, but islands continue to excel in a variety of roles. For example, they work as both expansive storage areas and neat, self-contained dining areas (such as in this Island Living case study). Although they’re traditionally used for food preparation, interestingly we’re seeing a slight decline in this usage of them – particularly intriguing since larger kitchens are even opting to have two islands installed!
Meanwhile, the popularity of open shelving continues to skyrocket. That’s no wonder, we think. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and pleasant design aesthetics, as it gives your designer kitchen that look of exceptional neatness. Floor-to-ceiling units are also popular for space-saving measures, making them excellent options for when space is at a premium. The pleasing aesthetics and undeniable practicality of handleless storage continues to pay dividends, too – which is part of the reason we include it in so many of our own designs!
In the final few months of 2017, we saw the use of more and more vibrant colours and textures creeping into the latest designs, and we’re happy to say this trend is still continuing strong into 2018. Intriguingly, there’s a particular focus on Scandinavian application, who are pioneering pops of bright colour in otherwise serene, muted colour palettes – as seen in the designer kitchen we created for this couple in Urmston. The bolder amongst you might even like to try maximalism, which involves using two deliberately clashing colours! Though it might not sound too attractive at first, remember that design is all about personal tastes – if it works for you, who’s to say otherwise?
If you feel like the contrast might be a little overwhelming for you, you can always rely on beautiful pastel colours for your designer kitchen. They’re brilliant for injecting a bit of personality into your kitchen without letting it become overwhelming. Blue is a hot favourite at the moment, partially for its naturally calming effect, but all pastels alike can wonderfully complement grey palettes and wood effect finishes.
Feel free to use any of these latest trends as inspiration for your dream kitchen! Whatever you have in mind, here at Kitchen Design Centre it’s the goal of our designers to help you realise every inch of it. Just take a trip to your nearest local designer kitchen showroom – we’ve got locations in Blackburn, Manchester and Barrowford – and find out how we can help make your vision a reality!
Introducing Beth Ainsworth to our Blackburn showroom. Beth brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to kitchen design. Off the clock, I’m most likely in the gym.
We’re passionate about tailoring our designs to fit your lifestyle, so whether you want a space to entertain or a family-centric kitchen to spend quality time together, our designers know exactly how to make your dream kitchen a reality.
When you book an appointment, you’ll be introduced to your personal kitchen designer, who will sit down with you in our dedicated meeting space to discuss what you want for your dream kitchen. Then, when you’re happy with the final design, they’ll become your dedicated project manager as they oversee every aspect of the installation, guaranteeing exceptional customer service as we deliver the kitchen of your dreams.
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.
Book A Free Design Appointment
