With Christmas Day now done for this year, you’re probably already planning the next annual family gathering for 2018, and how you’re going to use your kitchen. Or, you might be thinking about redesigning your kitchen to become more of a social space – a common vision for many of our customers here at Kitchen Design Centre. Whatever the case, you’re sure to find this week’s blog equally useful, as we delve into the best ways to make your kitchen a true social space.
Humans are daylight creatures; put simply, natural light makes us happy. It also helps us to feel more energised, so it’s no wonder it’s such a common requirement for customers who plan to have spend a lot of quality social time in their kitchen. Lots of natural light not only makes us happy, but it also gives the illusion of more space (we’ll come to that in a moment). If you have the option, designing larger windows into your kitchen will create a noticeable vitality and energy in your finished kitchen. Our recent case study featuring a contemporary family kitchen is a brilliant example of this principle in action!
Central islands and tables (such as the one featured in another of our recent case studies) fulfil many roles for your kitchen. As well as being fantastically useful when cooking, storing and preparing food, they also provide a brilliant ‘anchor’ for your kitchen. In other words, a place for you and your family or friends to gather round, chat and spend quality time as you eat or drink. And that’s just everyday living – they really come into their own in a party scenario! They’re great for showcasing nibbles or hors d’oeuvres, and people can introduce each other or chat as they collect and enjoy their food.
All of the kitchens we design here at Kitchen Design Centre are open plan, blurring the boundaries between cooking and living. Giving people the space to move around goes a long way towards making them feel comfortable, and the seamless transition from cooking to dining helps people to think of your kitchen as a true social space. This traditional shaker style kitchen with a modern twist is an excellent example; its spacious feel makes it a fantastic place to settle into and spend quality time, whether with family or visitors.
Designing your kitchen to showcase one or several unique focal points is a brilliant idea – not only does it help you express your style and personality, but in social situations it can even provide an icebreaker for your guests! In this case study, aptly named a Quirky Social Space Unlike Any Other, a colourful chair provides a fascinating focal point – at the customer’s request, it served as the bedrock for the rest of the design!
At Kitchen Design Centre, our mission is to help you make your dream kitchen a reality. If you want your kitchen to be a true social space, you can count on our talented designers to come up with creative, beautiful solutions, sure to be the envy of everyone who attends your next Christmas party! Feel free to pop into any one of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Barrowford or Blackburn, where one of our designers will be only too happy to sit down with you to discuss your ideal kitchen.
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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
