Light versus dark – it’s not just a heroic struggle between good and evil, but also a really tough choice to make when designing your dream kitchen. As any interior designer will tell you, light – artificial and natural – is a complex tricky element that requires careful management. You might be surprised at what a dramatic effect light alone can have on a room! So, exactly how can light and dark colour schemes affect the look and atmosphere of your kitchen?
A lighter colour palette is a key ingredient in almost any contemporary design, and it’s easy to see why. It lends the room a clean, bright aesthetic which reflects and enhances colours and natural light alike. It also has a great talent for making rooms feel more expansive, making it a great option if you have a smaller kitchen that you want to gift with a more contemporary feel. A lighter colour scheme can also pave the way for other innovative design choices – white or cream walls provide a neutral backdrop that can be beautifully complemented with bolder statement colours or a vibrant splashback. For example, appliances are often fantastic vehicles for these sorts of striking shades – a light kitchen can be vividly accented with oven in a deep, sumptuous red for that extra dash of eye-catching colour.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that lighter colour palettes are not without their weaknesses. They will show dirt and smudges more starkly, especially from spilled food – likewise for cracks or discolouration. For these reasons, it’s wise to carefully consider your decision if you have small children or pets in the house, especially if the kitchen is going to be a high-traffic area.
On the other hand, darker colour palettes give your kitchen a completely separate but equally distinctive atmosphere. Shades of grey can give your kitchen a formal, sophisticated look, whereas the darkest tones of black make it feel rich and luxurious; at once cosy and elegant.
As long as it’s handled properly, both types of light – both natural and artificial – can be in your favour on this one. Natural light can make the deeper shades feel warm and inviting, whereas the natural elegance can be even further enhanced with artificial lighting, provided it’s of a suitably warm shade.
Warmth is an overarching theme of a darker colour scheme. In fact, it’s one of its primary strengths, and one of the things that make the overall look so perfect for traditional design schemes. That warmth and traditional feel can be further enhanced by various wood species – for example in your cabinets or flooring – that naturally and effortlessly complement the look of the room.
As ever, though, light is a crucial component. Mismanaged or poor lighting can make darker colours in a small kitchen look heavy and claustrophobic, and bright artificial lights can make them look ugly or dull.
Of course, there’s no reason to go all one way or all the other. It’s your kitchen, after all, and there are some fantastic designs out there that strike a masterful balance between light and darker tones, to create a stunning final impression. Feel free to take a look at some of our most beautiful finished examples or book a free design visit to get started on building your own dream kitchen!
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A SLEEK, HIGH-END CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN FOR A MANCHESTER HOME
When renovating their Worsley home, Kim and Paul knew exactly who to trust with their dream kitchen — Kitchen Design Centre.
A Sleek, High-End Contemporary Kitchen for a Manchester Home
Having worked with them four years ago in their previous home, they were so thrilled with the result that choosing them again was an easy decision.
Visiting the Urmston showroom, they were immediately inspired by the stunning displays and enlisted designer Rowan Chick to create a sleek yet functional space. They envisioned a monochrome palette to complement the ultra-modern aesthetic of their new home — a striking contrast to their previous more traditional navy and taupe kitchen.
Head to our website for the full story.
#kitchen #kitchengoals #kitchenremodel #kitcheninspiration #kitchenfinds #kitchenshowroom #manchester
FANCY THE CHANCE OF WINNING £4000? PLUS A FREE QUOOKER TAP & AN EXTRA £400 OFF YOUR KITCHEN!
For a limited time only, the first 40 customers to place an order after 4th April will be entered into our prize draw to win £4,000 cashback on their dream kitchen! And that’s not all – you’ll also receive an extra £400 off your kitchen as a thank you for your support over the last 40 years.
Plus, you’ll get a free chrome Quooker Flex Tap Pro3 – worth £1,250 to add the perfect finishing touch to your new kitchen.
And there’s more – you can still grab unbeatable discounts on our final ex-display kitchens and enjoy up to 50% off our premium stock appliances.
So, what are you waiting for? Book A Free Design Appointment today and let our expert team help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Hurry – this anniversary celebration ends once we’ve reached 40 kitchens!
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HERE’S TO 40 YEARS OF KITCHENS AND A YEAR FULL OF EXCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY OFFERS!
We’ve hit an incredible milestone – 40 years of designing beautiful bespoke kitchens – and we’re celebrating all year long with amazing offers and exciting surprises!
To mark our anniversary, we’re cooking up special deals all throughout the year, and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single one. If you’re dreaming of a kitchen makeover, there’s something exciting around every corner.
From our very first design to today’s cutting-edge kitchens, our anniversary celebration is all about thanking you for your continued support. It may be our birthday, but you’re getting the presents.
We’ve got plenty of surprises lined up – so stick around for exclusive deals, fun giveaways, and much more throughout the year!
Head to our stories for more info
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🎉 We’re Turning 40!! 🎉
That’s 40 YEARS of crafting dream kitchens, transforming homes, and building lasting memories with you.
From our very first design to today’s cutting-edge kitchens — we couldn’t have done it without your support.
To celebrate this huge milestone, we’re cooking up something extra special… 👀
Exclusive 40th Birthday Offers launching NEXT MONTH!
✨ Trust us — it’ll be worth the wait. ✨
Stick around, something unforgettable is coming soon!
#40YearsOfKitchens #AnniversaryCelebration #KitchenInspo #ThankYou #BigRevealComing #KitchenDesign #HomeDreams
We’re absolutely swooning over our latest kitchen display at our Failsworth showroom! 😍 The sleek nebula porcelain worktop with a marble pattern is a total showstopper, combining elegance and practicality. If you’re dreaming of a modern, stylish kitchen, this is the one to see. Come visit us and fall in love with the luxury finish yourself!
#FailsworthKitchenShowroom #MarbleLook #KitchenGoals #HomeDesign #KitchenInspiration #InteriorStyle #kitchen #kitcheninspiration