At Kitchen Design Centre, you’ve probably heard us talk a lot about the feel of our kitchens. And quite right too! But how do we define the ‘feel’ of a room? Well, there are a whole lot of factors in play, but out of all those factors, materials is definitely one of the biggest.
As a designer kitchen company, we know that when it comes to evoking emotions about our kitchens, a material’s texture is at least as important as its colour. You don’t need to have physical contact with a room to feel the power of textures in it. Glass, wood, stainless steel, stone and ceramic each has its own very distinct feel, and so each has a different set of characteristics associated with it. Stone feels hard to the touch, raw and unyielding, which is why it’s so often used in industrial kitchens, which feel powerful and hardwearing. Meanwhile the colour and tone of wood is well-known for its sense of warmth, making itself and its surroundings feel cosier and more intimate, a common characteristic of traditional kitchens. Then there’s the smooth curves and glossy shine of a contemporary kitchen – and again, it’s all to do with materials.
Picture a contemporary kitchen in your head, and then imagine instead of glossy kitchen cabinetry, it uses a rich, warm wood species instead. It would bring a completely different feel to the space. Different, we hasten to add, but not ‘wrong’! Some of the most fascinating and successful movements in kitchen design have been the results of experimenting with materials. Transitional kitchens are just one example of a kitchen design that’s largely reliant on innovative mixing of materials.
Here’s an interesting tidbit – studies have shown that our tactile senses have a dramatic effect on how we interact with people. One of these studies found that people who held warm drinks in their hands when interacting with others perceived others as warmer and friendlier. It’s just another demonstration of how the ‘feel’ of a space can affect how we interact with others in it. Soft or warm textures like wood make us feel cosy and emotionally safe, while rougher textures like stone can make a kitchen feel intimate and grounded.
This means that you can mix and match your materials to make a space that’s truly ‘you’. If you want some of the raw power of an industrial kitchen but blended with the impressive visual aesthetics of a contemporary kitchen, you can! All it takes is a bit of creative thinking and some experimentation with the materials. So you could have the functional, workhorse aesthetic embodied by your appliances and range hood, for example, while your glossy kitchen cabinetry represents the more contemporary element. Textured materials can also serve as the focal point in your kitchen – a traditional kitchen can be transformed into something new and exciting with the addition of a vibrant contemporary backsplash. It’s all up to you!
At Kitchen Design Centre, we’re all about creating kitchens that are truly a reflection of you. If you want to find out how, just pop into one of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Colne or Blackburn, where our expert staff are always happy to help.
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TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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