It’s certainly no secret that we’re a nation of animal lovers here in the UK. There are estimated to be 20 million pets in the whole of Britain; for those of you counting, that’s very nearly one in every two homes!
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that a growing concern for homeowners these days is how to design their kitchens in a way that suits their pets, too. Well, never fear – at Kitchen Design Centre, we’re way ahead of you. This week on the blog, we’re looking at just a couple of ways that you can design your kitchen in complete harmony with your furry friends.
The key to getting your pets and your kitchen to exist in harmony is to plan everything out from the beginning – you can of course make adjustments later, but if you’re going for a complete redesign it’s far easier to implement all of your ideas right from the beginning. (Here at Kitchen Design Centre, our designers always work closely with you to achieve a space that meets your needs – and we’re only too happy to provide input when required!)
Start by thinking small, and looking for what might pose the most danger to your pet. Your ingredients list is a prime target, being both heavily scented and essentially edible – dogs can barely resist! Handleless kitchen designs really come into their own here, as it makes it much harder to pets to get at what’s piquing their curiosity, keeping them safer from potentially hazardous substances like chocolate and coffee. Larders and high shelving have similar advantages, and the height can even protect them from more agile animals like cats.
Appliances like induction hobs not only provide a whole host of advantages to you (being renowned for their efficiency, amongst other things), but they also help keep your pets safe, too. They use an electromagnetic circuit so that they’re only ever heating up when a pan is actually in contact with them – reducing the risk of your pet burning themselves on open gas flames.
Durable worktops are the first order of the day. You’ll want hardwearing materials that protect them from excitable claws and padding feet. Your cat might not thank you, but you’ll certainly thank yourself! You’ll likely also want something that’s relatively easy to clean, saving you time from having to constantly wipe them down (a principle that can be applied to your kitchen cabinets, too).
It’s also worth considering the colour scheme of your kitchen. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that pets can be very messy, and if you’ve got a particularly large canine whom you think could be a main culprit in muddying your pristine floors, you might want to steer away from an all-white ensemble. This doesn’t mean that contemporary kitchen designs are off the table – far from it! – but it’s a good idea to prepare yourself in advance by identifying the areas that will probably need cleaning the most regularly. After all, it would be a shame to invest in a brand-new kitchen only to have it not looking at its best!
If you have any specific questions or concerns, of course, don’t forget that at Kitchen Design Centre, we’re always here to help. Our expert designers have years of experience and a wealth of talent in helping you to realise the kitchen of your dreams. Just pop into one of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn or Barrowford, where we’d love to have a chat about your vision!
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
