When it comes to designing the perfect kitchen, there are plenty of things to think about. From the appliances to the materials used and the overall style of your kitchen, finding the right solution can take some time! What should be considered first, before anything else, is the layout of your kitchen. This will help you to achieve a practical space and give way to all your other creative ideas and your overall kitchen design.
The U-shaped kitchen layout is one of our favourites. It’s definitely a choice for those looking for a more efficient design. While the U-shape makes best use of available kitchen space for surfaces and storage, the design does require care and attention to detail when it comes to features like corner cabinets and appliances.
Think about how you use your kitchen and what you need from your kitchen space. The U-shaped kitchen is popular with keen cooks as it allows for maximum efficiency while moving about the space to cook. Key appliances are usually located on each of the three walls too, to allow that all-important fluid triangle of movement within the workspace.
Your dining and social spaces will be entirely dependent on the size of your kitchen. Smaller U-shaped kitchens may not always allow for a dining table. In this case, why not get rid of some of the bottom cabinets to allow for a breakfast bar sat at one edge of the kitchen?
In larger kitchens, you can combine a U-shape kitchen with a trendy central island. This not only looks great, it’s functional too – offering yet more worktop and storage space.
Lighting can make a huge difference to your space, so make sure the positioning of yours is just right. If you have space to accommodate wall lighting, go for it! If not, choose a central hanging light accompanied by under-cabinet spotlights to highlight food preparation areas.
A necessity in all kitchens, storage can hide a multitude of clutter! The great thing about a U-shape kitchen is that the design automatically integrates a number of cupboards. There are corner cabinet storage spaces, under sink cabinets, and cabinets can even be positioned on the walls above. Smart cabinet options featuring handleless designs will also ensure your space looks neat – a must in any small kitchen!
Improve the look and feel of the space by combining different materials. This will add interest to your kitchen and help give it that designer feel. Team matte with gloss, modern materials with natural materials like wood, and consider adding a wall feature.
Do you like the sound of a U-shaped kitchen? If so, why not get in contact with our team and begin your kitchen transformation today! We can help you create the perfect U-shaped kitchen, combined with the best appliances and on-trend design. Just visit one of our showrooms to see some of our work. You can also find all the contact details of your nearest Kitchen Design Centre here.
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
