From more conservative, wallpaper decorated kitchens to today’s sleek and contemporary style; there’s been a whole lot of changes over the last three decades that have made kitchens what they are today.
It was in the 1980s that kitchens became big – a focal point in the home and a place where family and friends could socialise and gather. The popularity of the British kitchen meant people were much more willing to invest in stylish, open plan design and were keen to get help from the experts.
Innovations in appliances such as extractor hoods, dishwashers and ovens meant that the kitchen became more of a showcase piece. The kitchen was no longer just about functionality and practicality, although these remained important; it was becoming the heart of the home for social activity.
There was still a long way to go when it came to design though. Appliances were generally black and white and still quite clunky, while furniture was built for functionality with little thought given to style. Walls were also drowned in wallpaper, often in country style.
By the early 1990s kitchens were being fully utilised as a social space. This meant bigger kitchens were in and smaller kitchens with separate dining areas were out. The introduction of breakfast bars and islands complemented the move to a more social setting.
They also reflecting the growing need for storage – which was cleverly concealed in appliances and furnishings like the island.
Style became increasingly important in the 1990s, with neutral, soft colour palettes coming into fashion and more stylish materials and furnishings being used.
The 21st century kitchen has moved away from being spacious to making the most of the space you have. Kitchens both small and large can benefit from fabulous features such as the kitchen island and booth seating areas.
Stainless steel, concrete and slate, as well as many other favourites, is now commonplace in many kitchens, while spotted ceiling lights have allowed for that perfect ambience.
When it comes to style, the 21st century kitchen infuses all the best bits from years gone by – giving way to the ever popular styles of the German, Contemporary and Traditional kitchen.
With the busy lives of families and young professionals in this century there’s also been a need for better and more efficient technology. Manufacturers, like NEFF, have realised this need and created a whole host of sleek and contemporary products to meet the needs of the modern day family.
If you want to bring your kitchen design up to date why not visit us at one of our North West kitchen showrooms? You’ll find us in Manchester, Blackburn and Colne. We can talk you through the latest designs and show you how to modernise your kitchen while keeping to a budget.
Little kitchen decisions that make everyday life SO much easier 🙌🏼
We positioned the dishwasher right beside the drawers where we keep our plates, bowls and cutlery, and honestly… it’s made unloading so much quicker!
It might seem like a small detail when planning your kitchen, but getting the layout right can make such a difference to how your kitchen works day to day.
One to remember if you’re planning a kitchen 👀
#kitchendesign #KitchenLayout #KitchenIdeas #KitchenHacks #kitcheninspo
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!
Book A Free Design Appointment
