There are a whole wealth of decisions that go into designing a beautiful and functional kitchen. From the colour palette you choose to the layout that’ll work best for you, it can be hard to know where to start! Don’t worry though – that’s exactly what our expert kitchen designers are here for, at Kitchen Design Centre. We like to make the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible as we help you bring your dream kitchen to life, so we’ve put together the top five must-have features for designer kitchens. Has your kitchen covered them all?
It’s wise to focus on the areas you’ll use the most in your kitchen, especially those that will see lots of wear and tear. These are the spots to invest in, and no area sees more hard work than your kitchen sink. Blend beauty and function with a high-end sink that’s built to last and comes with several add-ons. Great sinks often have colanders, drying racks, and cutting boards that sit on the sink’s lip, making your life in the kitchen a lot easier.
The kitchen is a place to cook, and your design should first and foremost reflect that. One way to create a more functional space is by adding a variety of lighting for different purposes, covering every area. For example, a warm pendant light is ideal if you have a dining area, whilst bright spotlights are perfect for food preparation areas.
If there’s a kitchen trend that’s creating a huge buzz in the world of design, it’s the kitchen island. Kitchen islands are a fantastic way to blend cooking and socialising, making your space more flexible. If you have an open-plan kitchen and living room, it’s also perfect for bridging the gap between the two and creating a seamless transition into either space. Entertain guests, mix drinks, and cook delicious home-cooked meals, all from one space.
The aesthetics of your kitchen will always be a huge factor when planning a space. But, it’s important to remember that this is a room to cook in before anything else. For that to go as smoothly as possible, you need high-quality appliances. Invest in items you’re going to use frequently, like a reliable Neff oven that will cook your dishes perfectly and Quooker taps for boiling water on demand. The better your appliances, the more joy you’ll get out of cooking with them!
You’ll always need more storage than you think you do. Add an extra cupboard and draw to your space, and you’ll thank yourself for it when wondering what to do with that new mixing bowl! Make sure you have plenty of different storage styles, including deep and shallow drawers and cupboards with varying shelves.
Creating designer kitchens isn’t always an easy task, but when you’re baking cakes or making your first coffee of the day in a space you love, it’s all worth it. At Kitchen Design Centre, we make planning beautiful kitchens easier. Take a quick look at our real customer kitchens, or pop into any of our showrooms in the North West, including in Blackburn, Manchester, and Liverpool, to see our award-winning kitchens for yourself, and our team will help you with any questions you may have.
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
