Sometimes, you might decide that your perfect kitchen just needs that little something extra to get it exactly the way you want it – feeling like truly the heart of the home. To be honest, there’s no shortage of design ideas you could consider, and writing an exhaustive list would take forever! Instead, we’ve just summed up one or two of our favourite ideas. Some you might have considered already, whereas others might be just the dose of design inspiration you need. So, let’s dive right in!
We’ve spoken plenty before about the incredible level of influence that colour has on a space – blue is naturally calming, for example, whereas using a bold red is a great way to energise an area. If you feel your space could be elevated further by a healthy dose of colour, a splashback is an easy and effective way to achieve it. You can opt for a single, solid colour to get the look you want, or get creative with patterned tiles and similar design pieces. If you want, you can go even bigger with an entire accent wall – but it’s a big job, so make sure you’re certain of the colour you want before you go ahead!
Another wonderful way to express your creative side is through some beautiful artwork, which can be carefully chosen to match the mood and aesthetic of your kitchen. A restrained contemporary style kitchen can be enhanced by a quietly beautiful monochome piece, for example, whereas a more vibrant space might demand something bursting with colour and energy.
On the other hand, you could take the same approach as some of our customers did in Rochdale, in their traditional kitchen with a sophisticated style. A happy family picture has pride of place above the hobs, emphasising the kitchen’s function as a family space. If the idea of placing it above the hobs appeals to you though, it’s worth making sure that the picture and frame are sufficiently protected against moisture, as steam can wreak havoc otherwise!
Open shelving is a particularly versatile addition to a kitchen, used as a practical home for crockery just as much as a proud display area. Floating shelves in particular can help emphasise the pared-back appearance of a minimalist contemporary kitchen. If you’re thinking about using open shelving, it’s worth thinking about your favourite items that you’ll want to display, and how often you’ll likely want to access them. Family heirlooms can be ideal for this sort of thing, whereas the salt and pepper shakers perhaps less so!
Perhaps one of the more unorthodox ideas, some customers have enjoyed fantastic results from painting their kitchen island in a different shade to the rest of the units. As it’s quite a self-contained area of the kitchen, you can often afford to choose a bolder shade than you’d normally be able to elsewhere in the kitchen. The result is a functional, beautiful space which makes a stunning impression on your visitors – the perfect space to entertain!
These are just a few ideas of course – you might well have plenty of your own! Whatever your vision for your dream kitchen, our talented designers have the skills, experience and the passion to help you achieve it. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can take a trip to your nearest designer kitchen showroom in Manchester, Blackburn or Barrowford, where one of our designers will be only too happy to sit down for a coffee and a chat!
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
