This summer we saw the return of one of our long-time designers, Emma, after a few years living and working in Cyprus. While we’ve missed her presence and expertise over the last four years, the team – and all our customers – are delighted to have her back.
Joining the Manchester showroom as a Designer, Emma comes with a wealth of experience. She studied Interior Design at college as was snapped up by Kitchen Design Centre as soon as she’d finished, joining the Colne team as a design assistant in 2002.
It wasn’t long before Emma moved to a Designer role, producing wow-factor kitchens for many of our customers. In fact, she was so good at all things design she quickly became the Blackburn Showroom Manager, before moving to the Manchester showroom to fill their vacant managerial position.
It didn’t take Emma long to get back into the swing of things, with design not being too different from when she left. “The main changes in kitchen design over the last few years has been in the use of texture and colour,” says Emma. “A lot more textures are being used now – from concrete looking doors to options of either matte and shiny surfaces. Back in 2011, before I left, all kitchens were predominantly gloss,” she explains. Another design trend Emma loves is the move to more vibrant colour schemes. “Teals and purple walls have worked their way into kitchen design, along with interesting textures – I think it looks great!” she says.
Perhaps the most radical change in kitchen design over recent years has been the appliances – which are very different to when Emma last worked in interior design. “Appliances have come a long way – Neff are brilliant. Their appliances are a lot more sleek and design-led,” she comments.
So what can you expect from Emma and her kitchens over the next year or two?
Emma’s speciality is working with colours. She loves putting together colour schemes and creating mood boards, which help a customer to fully visualise their kitchen.
As a people person, Emma fits the role of Designer perfectly. She gets on superbly with every single one of her customers and sees this as vital to creating the best final product.
Popular with all her current clients, Emma is currently creating a whole range of sleek, design-led kitchens using the popular grey and white colour palette.
When working with Emma you get so much more than just a kitchen. From focal points to curtain fabrics, Emma gets to the heart of interior design to make sure you’re left with a kitchen you love.
If you’re looking for something different Emma will design it! With a love of all things quirky and industrial, Emma dreams of helping out clients who’re looking for something more radical in their kitchen design.
…and her advice to Kitchen Design Centre customers?
“Browse interiors magazines, take a look at Houzz.com and begin pinning your dream kitchen on Pinterest. There’s so much inspiration around.”
TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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