Bringing your dream kitchen to life can be a challenge – keeping it tidy even more so! Keys, letters and utensils are all amongst the most common things that can easily end up scattered around your kitchen worktops, which can undermine that beautiful aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to create in your designer kitchen. Those are the most likely culprits – but not the only ones! So to save you some time, here we’ve summed up some of the most common bits and pieces which can end up cluttering your kitchen, and what you can do about them!
Your phone, wallet and keys are all examples of items that probably seem to end up making their way onto your kitchen counters, over and over again. Happily, you’ve got plenty of options to help you free up some counter space. You could try a key hook by the front door, or a console table if you have the space. If neither of those are a viable option, you might want to consider allocating a drawer in the kitchen that can act as a space for your everyday items. Speaking of everyday kitchen items…
Storing your cooking utensils in a jar on your counter top is a popular look. Plenty of our customers here at Kitchen Design Centre find it attractive and it can also be pretty convenient too! But if it’s not for you, floating shelves are always a beautiful (and practical) alternative. Seamlessly fitted shelving can really open up your kitchen space, saving you from storing cooking utensils like spoons and whisks in jars. For knives, consider a magnetic wall strip over a knife block – not only does this save space, but it also looks fantastic.
One of the finer details! Now, this is one of our more subjective points – there are plenty of customers who enjoy having their spices and oils on display. Even if they’re not used in recipes, things like cumin and parsley can bring a pop of colour to your space and give off a more inviting and welcoming feel.
If that’s not the look you’re going for though, when you’re starting to clear out your kitchen then a good place to start is with any out-of-date oils, spices and condiments. If you won’t ever consume them, and they don’t add anything to the room, there’s no place for them in your kitchen!
We all know the sort. If you’ve got a smoothie maker that’s never been put to use, or a sandwich toaster which has forever remained waiting on the side, it could be time to move them on. Kitchen gadgetry tends to spend a lot of time hanging around our kitchens, often partially out of a sense of obligation (we’ve all unwrapped our fair share at Christmas!). Also though, there’s always that vague sense that they’ll come in handy one day. Trust your instincts – if you’ve not used them in the last few months, chances are you never will. They don’t have to go in the bin – but they don’t have to go on your counters either!
Pots and pans are undeniably useful, but they’re also bulky. That can make them a challenge when it comes to storage. Once again though, there’s plenty of solutions you can try! A hanging rack can be a great way to utilise space around the kitchen – and it opens up some intriguing design opportunities too. You can play around with the colour of your pans to create contrasts or complementing effects in your kitchen, especially if you experiment with different materials like copper or ceramic.
Let’s be honest – lots of us up and down the UK love a glass of wine with their evening meal. That’s hardly surprising, as it can be an enjoyable way to unwind after a long day. The flipside is that you’ve got to find the space for them, and preferably a storage solution that doesn’t detract from the carefully cultivated impression of your dream kitchen.
An integrated drinks fridge is one option, but if that isn’t for you, a simple wine rack can really improve the utility of space within your kitchen. These don’t have to be expensive, and add a delightful element of sophistication to your already exquisite design.
Speaking of drinks… for many of us, there’s nothing we enjoy more than a cup of coffee or tea – whether that’s for a social occasion, to get us ready for the day, or just to kick back and relax. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why coffee machines and kettles hold such treasured places in so many people’s hearts.
If that’s not something that overly concerns you though, you can trust us to come up with alternatives. It’s worth giving thought to a Quooker tap for your dream kitchen – it instantly produces boiling water, eliminating the need for a kettle, and saving you time that you might normally be spent waiting for your water to boil. (Our ultra modern designs thrive on their functionality!)
The same with the microwave. It’s a particularly handy appliance for those of us constantly pressed for time, brilliant when you just want to whip up something quick and easy! But if it’s taking up a lot of space on your kitchen counters, lots of solutions allow you to enjoy all the benefits without sacrificing any space. For example, an integrated microwave like the one we installed for one customer in Hale. Equally, you could consider mounting your microwave on either a flat wall surface or the underside of a countertop – both solutions that we’ve successfully implemented for previous customers.
Our designers have years of experience creating clever storage solutions in order to seamlessly integrate your household appliances, ensuring you’re able to make the best use of your kitchen space. So if you’re still looking at clearing some space on your kitchen counter tops and need some inspiration, Visit one of our showrooms in Blackburn, Liverpool or Manchester where a member of our design team will be happy to assist you!
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
