Kitchen planning can seem like a daunting task when you’re at the starting line. With a list of elements that need to be considered, from the finish of your worktops to the layout of your cupboards, and a desire to get things just right, it’s certainly not something to be rushed! Having said that, while taking the time to plan early-on may be time-consuming, we find it tends to make everything go a lot more smoothly and easily for designer kitchens later down the line.
We’re often asked by customers in our designer kitchen showroom where’s the best place to begin – and in that case, we always advise them to ask themselves a certain few questions. These can help determine what you want your space to be, which elements are absolute musts, and give you a clearer vision to move forward with. Give them a try and watch your plans start to take shape!
Establishing the function of your kitchen should be the first step in every planning process. Your kitchen is so much more than a place to cook food – it’s the very heart of your home! If you have children, you might want your space to be perfect for doing their homework after school, letting you spend time together as you cook and they learn. Or perhaps you love to entertain guests, in which case a social kitchen where you can show off your culinary skills is a must.
Consider whether you’ll want to eat in the kitchen, how often you cook, and how many people you usually cook for. All of your answers will start to build a picture of how your kitchen should look, even if you can’t see it yet!
If you’ve visited a designer kitchen showroom and spotted a cream coloured farmhouse range cooker that you absolutely need, or a bold sunset orange tile that you still dream about, add them to your must-have wishlist. These are items that you really love and are considered non-negotiables. If you won’t compromise on an item, add it to your list!
Once you’ve built your list (and we’d recommend keeping it fairly small at this point), you can start to build the rest of your room around it. Perhaps you find a kettle that perfectly compliments your cooker, or a neutral wall paint that lets those tiles pop. As soon as you’ve picked your staples, other elements will naturally start to slot into place.
Planning designer kitchens is about more than the design details. It’s also about practicality. In other words, creating a space that’s fit for purpose and comfortable to use – which is where your layout comes in. Before you get too attached to any design ideas, you need to consider which layout is best for you and your space.
Look at where your plumbing and electrical wiring is, and whether it’s worth moving those if you want your sink or fridge on another wall. Think about how doors will open and where appliances will sit, and whether there’ll be enough space for two people to move past each other. Many professionals also like to make zones in their kitchen designs, such as a cooking zone, a washing up zone, and an eating zone.
If you’ve been looking through home decor magazines or scrolling through designer kitchens online, you might find that you’re drawn to certain looks. Perhaps it’s sleek minimalism that gets your heart racing, or you’re more inclined to fawn over rustic cottage kitchens with hearty hearths and plenty of natural wood. If you’ve identified that you’re drawn to certain styles, that’s great news! You’ve identified your ideal look and can begin focusing on how to transfer that into your space.
Planning a kitchen is a large task, but it’s also exciting! If you’re looking for more inspiration before you get started, feel free to take a look at our designer kitchens or pop into one of our beautiful designer kitchen showrooms across the north west of England. Our designers will be more than happy to help you start putting your ideas together and creating a plan that you’ll love!
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.
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