Everyone loves being happy – so it only makes sense to have a kitchen that makes you happy, too. When it comes to design, at Kitchen Design Centre our talented staff know that there are lots of ways we can affect the space to bring out our most positive, cheerful moods, so this week on the blog we’re taking a look at just a few of the most effective ways to do just that!

Probably none too surprisingly, colour has a powerful ability to effect our moods. As a designer kitchen company, we know that’s what makes it such a potent design tool! Bright, bold tones like oranges, reds and blues can give your kitchen a vibrant burst of colour that has a cheerful, energising effect, and is just lovely to look at. This is often most effective in clean, contemporary kitchens, as white both reflects light – making the entire room seem brighter – and helps individual colours stand out, accentuating them for the casual eye.
Even more fascinatingly, science says that individual colours can have very specific effects on our outlook and moods. While the oranges and reds we mentioned above have a fun vibe to kickstart your day, cooler colours like greys and greens have a calming effect that can help you relax and unwind in your kitchen. So which is better? Well, that’s up to you! It’s about whatever makes you feel most comfortable in your kitchen, and therefore whatever makes you happiest.
While we’re on the topic, natural light is also a design element that can have a massive influence on our happiness and energy levels. Humans are naturally daylight animals, which is why it makes us feel more positive and energetic. At Kitchen Design Centre, we try and incorporate it into our designs as much as we can.

So now that we’ve talked about colour, you’re probably wondering “how can I incorporate it into my kitchen?” The answer is: in tons of ways! Not just through things like your kitchen cabinetry, but also through your appliances like ovens or microwaves. Then you’ve got utensils like toasters, kettles and pans, each of which is ripe for a dab of colour to brighten up your kitchen. You can apply those same colours to your kitchen furniture like dining chairs or bar stools, or to the fabrics that adorn them. The options are almost endless!
Accessorising doesn’t have to just be about colour though. You can add an extra dose of cheer to your day by framing happy family memories in places where you can easily see them as you go about cooking your evening meal. On a similar note, souvenirs from fondly-recalled holidays can take pride of place on worktops or windowsills. Small potted plants are a great option too, as they not only add some life but also a bit of colour at the same time.
Above all, express yourself! Making your kitchen feel truly ‘you’ is the best way to make yourself feel happy and contented in it, day after day.

This is one of our final points, but it’s no less important. As you’re accessorising, put everything in its proper place. It might not sound like much, but you’ll be amazed at how much difference this makes. Having your kitchen feel cluttered can make even big spaces feel claustrophobic and stressful.
Just organising your cupboard space and keeping everything neatly ordered can make your kitchen feel roomy and spacious, which has a further calming effect on us. It’s difficult to properly relax when you’re surrounded by mess! What’s more, by doing this you’re also saving yourself the time of having to empty cupboards looking for ingredients when it comes to cooking, which is an extra bonus!
At Kitchen Design Centre, we’re big believers in kitchens that makes you happy. After all, a kitchen is the heart of the home, so spending time in it should definitely make you feel comfortable and content. If you’ve got some ideas on how to brighten up your kitchen, we’re only too happy to hear them! We’ve got showroom locations in Manchester, Blackburn and Colne, so feel free to pop into one of our award-winning showrooms to chat to our designers in person.
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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.
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!