The high gloss look is without a doubt one of the most popular finishes among our customers; but did you know that combining contrasting materials is an even better way to get that wow-factor finish? It’s a great idea to mix things up a bit by combining the shine and sleek look of gloss with more natural elements such as wood. Depending on the type of wood you choose, you could also create a kitchen with a more vintage or industrial edge. In today’s blog we’re going to show you a number of ways you can use these two fantastic materials in your kitchen to get the look and feel of a designer kitchen
While high gloss looks great, texture is important too, giving your home a less clinical look. The colour of wood also adds warmth – something important to creating that homely, welcoming feel.
What’s more, wood looks good in all homes. Whether you’ve got a new-build, or a Victorian home, wood never looks out of place. However, some more modern materials don’t work so well in older homes.
There are many ways you can add natural wood to your kitchen – it’s all about getting the balance just right. Some of our favourite ideas include:
Wood looks good and is more practical than most other materials.
Why not combine dark wood lower cabinets with light, high gloss upper cabinets for a stylish, monochrome look? Dark base units with light coloured wall units also make a room feel larger than it is. Alternatively, blonde wood or grey oak finishes would complement a more minimalist, bright, high gloss kitchen.
Wood is a great material for features such as kitchen islands and shelving systems, which can be used as focal points in your kitchen space. One of our favourite kitchens of 2015 features both wooden worktops and a wooden focal point with shelving. You can see it for yourself here.
If you’re keen to keep the majority of the furnishings gloss-based, why not choose complementary wooden flooring? It’s durable, looks good and offers a great way to warm up your kitchen space. Several of our designer kitchens have this look, including this high tech, high spec kitchen and this stylish, family kitchen.
If our kitchen design ideas have inspired you today, why not get in contact with the team to discuss your brand new designer kitchen? We recommend that you visit us in store, at one of our designer kitchen showrooms. Here you’ll be able to browse some of our designs, see what we can offer, and have a one-to-one chat with one of our talented designers. To find out where you nearest showroom is head over to the contact page.
We look forward to seeing 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
