Whatever your style, materials are an all important part of the perfect kitchen. Choosing your materials is one of the primary factors that affect how your kitchen both looks and feels, so the decision needs to be given the weight it deserves! You want to build a harmonious space whose various colours and materials all complement each other, so it needs some serious thinking in advance.
The materials for traditional kitchens tend to be traditional themselves – it’s only logical! Stone and woods are frequent finds, as they’re natural, timeless elements. Just those two words, though, encompass a lot of materials between them. With stone, you’ve got granite, marble, limestone, while woods can include maple, cherry and oak – and that’s just a sample. Because of its rich colour and ability to retain heat, wood is excellent for warming up a space both visually and physically. Cabinetry in traditional kitchens are most often made of wood, and they’re a useful element if you want to create a more stylistically daring transitional kitchen. Cabinetry is the cornerstone of your kitchen, and the most visible and used element of it, so various shades of wood can give it any number of characteristics: for example a formal elegance or a rustic, homely feel. It all depends on which woods you use. Meanwhile, rugged flagstones, slate or salvaged wood are all popular choices for flooring (which is another defining element of any kitchen).
On the other hand, laminates and gloss materials for cabinetry lend themselves to a contemporary or designer kitchen, with synthetic materials like lacquer or acrylic providing counterparts to the more organic materials of traditional kitchens. Glass, marble and stainless steel are other common elements of contemporary kitchens. The colour schemes of contemporary kitchens traditionally use lighter materials and tones to make the space look roomy and expansive – glass, for example, is an eternally useful tool, and is often used in contemporary kitchen cabinetry. Meanwhile, poured concrete or resin floors are commonly used for the flooring, giving kitchens a more modern, edgy feel. (They also work pretty neatly with underfloor heating, so that’s another point in their favour!) Lots of materials in contemporary kitchens tend towards the brighter side, which is one of the key defining features of contemporary kitchens, and again helps with that expansive feel. Graphite shades from stone materials can help give the room a solid impact on your visitors, and many contemporary kitchens use these materials in conjunction with a single flash of vibrant colour from gloss cabinetry or backsplashes, for an eye-catching effect that few traditional kitchens are able to match in quite the same way. (Not that that’s a bad thing – each to their own!)
When it comes right down to it, materials are much like any other element of kitchen design – they have to be chosen and deployed carefully to stop the space from looking ugly or slapped-together. Our interior designers can provide any help or advice you need on how to choose the best materials for the kitchen you want – you can book your free design visit. On the other hand, if you’re still thinking things over you can contact any one of our designer kitchen showrooms, and we’ll be only too happy to help over the phone in any way we can
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Introducing Beth Ainsworth to our Blackburn showroom. Beth brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to kitchen design. Off the clock, I’m most likely in the gym.
We’re passionate about tailoring our designs to fit your lifestyle, so whether you want a space to entertain or a family-centric kitchen to spend quality time together, our designers know exactly how to make your dream kitchen a reality.
When you book an appointment, you’ll be introduced to your personal kitchen designer, who will sit down with you in our dedicated meeting space to discuss what you want for your dream kitchen. Then, when you’re happy with the final design, they’ll become your dedicated project manager as they oversee every aspect of the installation, guaranteeing exceptional customer service as we deliver the kitchen of your dreams.
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.
Book A Free Design Appointment
