One of the aspects we love most about kitchen design is that no two spaces we design for customers are exactly the same. We mould the styles and functions of each one to be a true reflection of their owners, catering to their lifestyles. So, every kitchen you’ll find in our customer kitchens is unique to our clients – but having said that, there are one or two features that all well designed kitchens have in common…
One thing you definitely can’t afford to have as an afterthought is storage. After all, if you don’t have efficient storage in your kitchen, it becomes much more difficult to use it properly! What you keep in your kitchen will depend a lot on what you like to prepare and cook, so thinking about your likes and dislikes is an essential consideration when redesigning your kitchen. It’s not just about what you use, either, but how often you’ll find yourself using it – so be sure to bear that in mind! Thankfully, today there’s no shortage of efficient storage solutions you can use for your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Your kitchen worktops are one of the biggest influences on your kitchen’s overall style, so it’s important to choose them carefully from the beginning, so that their look complements the overall appearance of your space. What’s more, you’ll also need them to be durable enough to handle the demands of your space, including whether they’re at risk of chipping or damage in tight family spaces. Thankfully, most modern worktops are more than capable of handling this, but it’s still wise to give it a thought, just in case!
The true workhorses of your kitchen are, of course, your appliances. We’re a Neff Master Partner here at Kitchen Design Centre (even winning one of their industry awards recently), which means we’re the perfect people to help you equip your kitchen with powerful, innovative and efficient appliances. Again, you’ll need to think about what ones work best for your space, especially if it’s limited. For extractor fans, for example, a high-tech solution like a downdraft extractor can help you keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clear without compromising on space.
Equally, your fittings serve both practical functional purposes and beautiful aesthetic ones, too. A useful kitchen cupboard can be given a fresh style with the addition of understated handles, and a standard sink can be lifted with a marvellous Quooker tap.
Your lighting can have a hugely dramatic effect over your final design, and you can use it to reflect the atmosphere you want for your space. Soft, warm lighting can make it look cosy and inviting, whereas brighter white lighting can enhance the effect of a modern or contemporary kitchen. You can even make them design features in and of themselves – for this open plan barn conversion, for instance, our designer Paul Harrington incorporated feature pendant lighting above the peninsula, for an intriguing final effect.
While you’re thinking about all these various elements, you’ll also need to plan how they all harmonise and complement each other, to give your kitchen a distinct look and personality. Having too many competing colours or textures in a space can all too easily end up making it look cluttered and messy. To avoid this, you can always look at some of the most popular styles of designer kitchens – for example, contemporary kitchens, industrial styles, or a country farmhouse space. That’s not to say your kitchen needs to fit exactly into these templates, of course; you can blend several of them together to make your kitchen look and feel unique. They can, however, give you excellent starting points to finalise your vision for your dream kitchen!
And that’s where our designers come in. Our mission is to help you realise every inch of your vision for your dream kitchen, and we’ve got the experience, expertise, and passion to help you do it. Feel free to take a look through our case studies to see what we’ve achieved for previous customers, or simply pay a visit to your nearest kitchen showroom. We’ve got designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Colne and Blackburn, and you can be sure that our designers in every one of them will be only too pleased to see you!
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!
Book A Free Design Appointment
