At Kitchen Design Centre we like to keep you in the loop with the hottest style and homeware trends. Right now in kitchen design, it’s popular to lose some of your cabinets and replace them with open shelving. While this keeps the kitchen looking interesting, getting the right mix of items to make the shelves both functional and attractive can be difficult.
In today’s blog, we’re going to be exploring the benefits of open shelving, and explaining how to make it work for you…
When it comes to filling up your open shelves, opt to display items you use on an everyday basis, such as seasonings and spices. This way, you needn’t go into the cupboard each time you need to use them – saving you time, while adding a touch a style to your kitchen walls.
Who said shelving had to be useful? While you may choose to pop some useful everyday items on your shelves, many customers choose to use shelving as an opportunity to create a centerpiece in the kitchen. You could display objects of sentimental value, photographs, wine, flowers – anything works!
Blocks of closed cupboards can be a little boring, so open shelves are great for breaking up the design and adding a little interest to your home. Place them after a row of cabinets or cupboards, or above the hob or oven, to give a slightly more open vibe.
Like any focal point, shelving can be used to add a touch of colour to your kitchen, especially if you’ve selected a neutral theme. Add a splash of vibrancy with a zingy green, or go deep and mysterious with plum or mahogany.
Open shelving also offers a great opportunity to add a contrasting texture to your kitchen design too. Add a natural touch to your modern kitchen with wooden shelving, or if you’ve gone for something traditional in style, why not add a touch of Corian as a nod to modern design?
Open shelving is particularly useful in smaller kitchens, which can look closed in with a traditional cupboard design. Open shelving really heightens a space as eyes are drawn to those things displayed on the shelf, making the room feeling larger.
Style and budget-friendly options rarely come together, so when they do we know the trend is going to be huge. New cabinets aren’t cheap – but open shelves offer an attractive, budget-friendly alternative, ideal for storing all those usual cupboard items – such as crockery.
If you want to give your kitchen a new look for 2016, get in touch with the Kitchen Design Centre Team. You can come and view our hottest designs in store, at one of our North West kitchen showrooms, and begin planning your brand new kitchen today!
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!
Who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s kitchen?
Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning display kitchens in person. Pop in for a browse—we’ll have the kettle on, or you can try out our instant hot taps!
Book A Free Design Appointment
