As we settle into 2024, the trends in kitchen design are shifting towards comfort, style, and functionality. Homeowners are looking for kitchens that not only look great but also offer practical features that make cooking and entertaining easier. From sleek appliances to innovative storage solutions, the kitchen of today is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the trends set to take centre stage in kitchen design this year.

Bold and beautiful colour palettes 

One of the most significant trends in kitchen design this year is the use of bright and vibrant colours. Bold colours like deep red, navy blue, and forest green are being used on cabinets, walls, backsplashes, and even pantries to add a pop of personality and energy to the kitchen. These colours are being used in a way that creates a cohesive and inviting look, and they are often paired together to create a modern and stylish environment. The use of bright and bold colours is a great way to add character to any kitchen and make it more visually appealing and engaging.

These colours are not just stylish statements; they can positively affect our emotions. For example, red is a warm and passionate colour, while navy blue is calming and sophisticated. Forest green is also a great choice for creating a tranquil and balanced atmosphere with a connection to nature. Designers can use these rich colours in the kitchen to create a visually appealing and emotionally enriching space. By choosing the right hues, they can evoke specific emotions and transform the kitchen into a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Combining style and functionality 

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of combination islands over the standard kitchen island. These multi-functional furniture pieces have gained popularity due to their ability to improve the functionality of limited living spaces. With innovative designs, these islands serve as a workspace, storage area, and dining table all in one, providing a practical solution that can help declutter any living space while still offering a comfortable and stylish dining area for families and guests. Combination islands are an innovative and elegant solution for homeowners who want to make the most out of every square inch of their living space without sacrificing style and convenience.

Conversational areas are in

The traditional notion of kitchens being merely a place for meal preparation is evolving. Nowadays, kitchens are viewed as multifunctional spaces where you can cook, gather with your loved ones, entertain guests, or unwind. As a result, when designing their dream kitchens in 2024, more people than ever are now choosing to incorporate cosy conversational areas into their kitchen layouts. These areas serve as a spot to relax, socialise, and catch up with loved ones while cooking or enjoying a meal. These conversational areas are gaining popularity as they promote a sense of togetherness, making the kitchen feel more inviting and comfortable.

Kitchens are no longer just a place to cook. They are evolving into a space that is comfortable, stylish, and functional, reflecting our individuality and way of life. And by incorporating these trends, we can create a warm and inviting space that brings people together. 

If reading this has you thinking that it’s time to give your kitchen a makeover, you’re in the right place. Each of our designers at Kitchen Design Centre possesses extensive design knowledge and a deep understanding of various interior design styles, especially when it comes to the way the kitchen design forecast is going – so get in touch!

Or, you can visit one of our showrooms in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn, or Barrowford and chat with one of our designers in person about bringing your ideas to life!

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As always, creativity and exceptional customer service has been at the very heart of all our projects. Here’s a look at some of the incredible customer kitchens we’ve designed and installed in 2023:

Paul Harrington “overdelivered” in the words of the customer when he delivered this amazing kitchen for Wes and Zara. Adopting a matt black palate throughout, the result is a sophisticated, sleek black kitchen that’s enhanced with contrasting vintage oak throughout and has totally transformed the couple’s home.

From a dark kitchen to a light grey one with Suzanne Ryan’s absolute show stopper that she did for a family who built their own home on the Fylde coast. This large contemporary kitchen is perfect for this stunning home and ticked everything on the family’s wish list, being perfect for every day living and entertaining larger groups. Suzanne loved working from architect’s plans and having input from the outset.

2023 has seen a rise in the installation of utility rooms and pantries and this project in Blackburn saw Will Hustler design a stunning kitchen together with separate utility room and a separate pantry in two rooms next to the kitchen. The family chose their kitchen based on our new Blackburn display and then chose a contrasting Hampton Ocean Blue colour for both the pantry and utility room.

Hampton Ocean Blue has been very popular this year. It was also chosen for this modern shaker style kitchen that Rowan Chick created for a family who visited our Urmston showroom. With a large island and bespoke dining table this kitchen is a clever twist on a traditional style and has become the heart of David and Lois’ home.

It’s not just dark colours that have featured in 2023 as this light, contemporary kitchen we did in Bury shows. John Crosby worked from architect’s plans to create Glenn and Brenda’s ideal kitchen for their renovated vicarage. Utilising Laser Soft Grey units and contrasting with taupe and summer oak wood accents, the result is a light, bright, homely space.

Wood has also been a trend in 2023. Anthony and Mel chose a Nordic style kitchen in dark wood tones. Working with designer Lou Roberts from our Blackburn showroom, their kitchen featured Cognac Vintage Oak.

Our last featured kitchen is an extension to a former kitchen we did back in 2020. Andrea and Stephen loved their kitchen so much that they extended their home and created a large open-plan area that incorporated their existing kitchen with a new large bar and drinks area. Paul Harrington matched the bar to the existing kitchen perfectly, creating a space that really has the ‘wow’ factor.

If you’re thinking of a new kitchen in 2024 then let our team of expert designers create your dream space. Book your free design appointment here (link) or call in to one of our showrooms in Barrowford, Blackburn, Failsworth, Urmston or Liverpool to see our fantastic displays and chat to one of our designers.

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If you’re considering adding a pantry to your kitchen, there are a few key elements to keep in mind when designing your perfect pantry. At Kitchen Design Centre, we’ve got a few helpful tips to share that’ll guide you through the process.

Carefully consider the layout 

When creating your perfect pantry, the first thing to consider is the layout. How you choose to build out your pantry is vital to making the most of your available storage space. One effective way to accomplish this is by installing adjustable shelving to accommodate items of varying sizes while allowing for easy reorganisation. Pull-out shelves or drawers are also a brilliant addition, particularly in deeper spaces, as they provide easy access to all items. It’s also important to consider the height of your shelves, ensuring you can access items without uncomfortable stretching or dangerous leaning.

Prioritise accessibility/convenience for a smooth experience

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s super important to make sure your pantry is easily accessible for everyone in your household. This means arranging items in a way that can accommodate different heights and needs. For example, you could place frequently used items at eye level or within reach of those with difficulty reaching higher shelves. By doing so, you’ll be able to access everyday essentials efficiently without any hassle. Less-used items can stay neatly tucked out of the way. Which brings us onto our next point…

Organise your storage efficiently

If you want your pantry to be stylish and functional, consider how you categorise your pantry staples. There’s no right or wrong way to do this; it’s whatever works best for you! You could group similar items for easy access. You can decant things like rice, pasta and dried foods into clear containers or labels to make it easy to see what’s inside. You can also try out options like door racks, wall-mounted organisers, or baskets to maximise additional storage space. 

Add some aesthetics touches and lighting 

When designing your perfect pantry, blending functionality with aesthetics is crucial, so choose a colour scheme that complements your kitchen or reflects your personal style. You can also integrate decorative elements like wood-topped glass jars or incorporate baskets and labels that align with your taste and kitchen style to make everything feel cohesive.

Lastly, consider your lighting options. Apart from the functional benefits of having sufficient lighting in your pantry, it can also enhance the overall aesthetics of the space. You can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your pantry with LED strips or motion-sensor lights. The soft glow of the lights can make the space feel more contemporary and visually appealing. Spotlights are also fantastic for pantries and look great under shelving. Ultimately, though, it’s all about personal preference.

The ideal pantry is a blend of thoughtful design and personalised touches, and it should make your life easier in the kitchen. Whether it’s the efficient organisation, accessibility, or aesthetic charm, each element contributes to making your pantry an integral and delightful part of your kitchen experience. And, if you’d like some help building a stunning kitchen that can house not only your dream pantry but a host of other stunning features, look no further! 

At Kitchen Design Centre, we’re passionate about helping our customers achieve the kitchen they have always dreamt of. So, if you need some extra inspiration or you fancy a chat with one of our designers, drop by our Blackburn kitchen showroom (or our other designer kitchen showrooms in Liverpool, Manchester or Barrowford), where you can chat and let us know your exactly what you’d like. We’re here to help make it a reality!

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As the heart of any home, the kitchen often houses an array of utensils, cookware, and spices, making it a hub of daily activity. The benefits of keeping everything in order extend beyond a pleasing visual appeal. An organised designer kitchen enhances productivity, streamlines meal preparation, and reduces stress by creating a serene cooking environment – and looking visually stunning!

It’s all about access

In the initial stages of kitchen design, one of the first questions we ask our clients is how they want their space to function. Our designers focus on optimising the available space to cater to each individual’s wants and needs. And while cupboards or under-counter storage are usually seen as the big hitters of kitchen storage, the convenience and aesthetics of a well-designed kitchen drawer should never be overlooked! One thing kitchen drawers provide is easy access, which, when you’re cooking, is what you’re looking for so your flow and functionality aren’t interrupted.

Fitting a concealed spice rack is a great way to keep your kitchen tidy and efficient. Instead of searching through a cluttered cupboard or work surface, you can effortlessly pull open a drawer on the stretch of kitchen island where you’re cooking and see your entire spice collection neatly laid out. This saves you time and effort and adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen area.

Consider bespoke drawer inserts

Custom or bespoke drawer inserts provide another efficient way to keep your space organised while adding an extra touch of elegance. Plus, who said the aesthetics have to stop at the exterior? Sometimes, these finishing touches make all the difference when it comes to functionality.

Don’t be afraid to take a little extra time and effort to plan the layout of your kitchen drawers. It can make a significant difference in keeping everything neat, tidy, and organised, ultimately maximising your kitchen efficiency. When everything has a designated place, it becomes a lot easier to keep track of your cutlery and other kitchen utensils, and you are less likely to dull or damage them. Although you can opt for pre-made drawer inserts, custom-made ones are always a better option as they cater to the parts of your kitchen that are most frequently used and can be tailored to suit your specific requirements and preferences. This way, you can make the most of your kitchen space, making your overall cooking experience even more satisfying.

Zone the drawers in your workspace

Everyone has their preferred spots for preparing, cooking, and serving food. So, why not maximise the flow of your kitchen by arranging the order of your drawers accordingly? Instead of randomly assigning drawers to your cutlery, crockery, pots, and pans, organise them to complement your workflow.

Ensure that you place your pots and pans in the drawer closest to your stovetop and oven so that you do not have to disrupt your flow of concentration when you need to add an extra utensil or pan into the mix. For instance, if you prepare most of your ingredients on your kitchen island, keeping your cooking knives and chopping boards in this drawer would be best. Moreover, where you are most likely to start transferring your food from pans to plates, you should store your knives, forks, and spoons. Creating a zoning system for your kitchen drawers can improve workflow, making the cooking experience even more seamless and enjoyable.

How can we help at Kitchen Design Centre?

Each one of our designers here at Kitchen Design Centre have a wealth of design knowledge and a great understanding of interior design styles. We understand how each part of your kitchen plays a role in making it the space you’ve dreamed of (whether immediately visible upon entering or not). From colour schemes to fixtures and lighting, we’ll work with you to produce a unique space tailored specifically to you. So, whatever you’re looking for in your designer kitchen, rest assured we can cook it up right here!

For inspiration, why not look through some of our previous work for past clients in our case studies? Or, to get a feel for what we can do for you, head down to one of our showrooms in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn and Barrowford and chat with one of our designers about bringing your ideas to life!

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Suzanne has now provided her talents to three different Kitchen Design Centre showrooms throughout her time here, and she has thoroughly enjoyed her career development. As well as creating a number of incredible kitchens over the years, Suzanne has made a brilliant impression on many of the customers she has designed for. Thanks to her infectious personality and creative designs, many of her clients have remained firm friends with her ever since!

Suzanne is a shining example of what we’re all about here at Kitchen Design Centre. Her attention to detail, her warmth. and her ability to take every challenge in stride are all features we admire greatly about her, and she now serves as the perfect role-model for our young designers who are just starting out.

“It really doesn’t feel like 20 years!” said Suzanne. “I remember my first day as clear as day, and I’ve still got the same drive and passion for my work that I did back then. It’s a really surreal feeling looking back! I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time here so far, and I’ve made more friends doing this job than I ever thought possible, which makes it all the more special. Hopefully the future is filled with the same!” We couldn’t agree more Suzanne. Here’s to 20 more years!

So, if you’re looking to buy a designer kitchen in Barrowford, maybe Suzanne will end up being the one to provide it! Regardless of who you speak to here at Kitchen Design Centre though, you can always be sure that all of our designers share Suzanne’s passion and desire for design! Pop down to one of our showrooms in Blackburn, Liverpool or Manchester where a member of our design team will be happy to start you on your journey to your dream kitchen.

The post We’re celebrating Suzanne Ryan’s 20 years at Kitchen Design Centre! appeared first on Kitchen Design Centre.

Submit a minimum of 3 photos, tell us about your experience with us, and you’ll be in the running to win a £100 Love2shop voucher! It couldn’t be easier to enter:

1. Share a minimum of 3 pictures of your kitchen using the hashtag: #KDCRealCustomerKitchens.
2. Tell us about your Kitchen Design Centre experience.
3. If you’re posting on Instagram, make sure you tag us @kitchen_design_centre so we can see your lovely snaps!
4. The winner will be announced February 28th 2023.

Top tips for the perfect pic

• Quality – try to avoid uploading dark and blurry images, as this will make it more difficult to see all the fine details of your exquisite designer kitchen.
• Angles – for the best shot, position your camera slightly above mid-room height, and try to keep the walls vertical to avoid confusing the image!
• Lighting – take advantage of natural light as much as possible (we know, it’s easier said than done at this time of year!) and try to avoid flash photography, as this can produce harsh shadows and reflect off your surfaces.

Go capture your kitchen!

The post Get involved with our #KDCRealCustomerKitchens competition! appeared first on Kitchen Design Centre.

New display in Barrowford

Led by showroom manager Simon Thomas, our talented designers have put their heads together to produce a beautifully sleek and modern contemporary kitchen design. This new display invokes a real sense of freshness with a white backdrop that’s subtly broken up by fantastic injections of dark, wooden features, as well as a set of luxuriously dark blue fabric chairs. This display comes complete with a classy wine cooler, rounded off by one of the latest innovations from this world-class manufacturer – the brand-new Neff Glass Draft Cooker Hood!

New displays in Blackburn

Our Blackburn showroom is the official new home of three new displays to provide the perfect inspiration for your new kitchen! The first of these displays is an intriguing design comprising of a beautiful taupe and basalt grey colour scheme, with tobacco oak panels, and finished off with gorgeous 20mm quartz Yarra worktops. This particular display features subtle additions of faux plants and ceramics to add layers of character to this luxurious scheme.

Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, our second display might be just up your street! This particular display builds an atmosphere around dark grey panel boards, anchored by a beautiful island which serves as both the cooking station and a stylish breakfast bar. This kitchen also features the latest in Neff’s range of quality kitchen appliances, as well as a welcoming wine fridge – which always makes for a fantastic conversation starter!

Our third display is a brand new Shaker inspired design, featuring a stunning Hampton ocean blue and crystal white island, Ontario oak panels and bar, and exquisite quartz Indus river worktops that are sure to leave an impression. It beautifully epitomises the reasons why Shaker kitchens are still such a highly sought-after option for homeowners up and down the country – and that enthusiasm shows no signs of abating.

Sound intriguing? Why not come pay our new displays a visit in person at our Barrowford and Blackburn designer kitchen showrooms? Our designers will be happy to answer any and all questions you might have, and of course, if you’ve already formed some ideas about what you’d like for your own dream kitchen, we’re here to help you turn them into reality.

In need of some extra inspiration? We’ve also got designer kitchen showrooms in Liverpool, and Urmston, Manchester. So wherever you’re based, you can always count on the same stunning displays to help you create your perfect kitchen vision.

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Its calming aura makes it an an especially great backdrop for busy kitchen spaces, and here at Kitchen Design Centre, we can craft the perfect kitchen for you in any shade of blue that you desire. Whether it’s navy, cobalt, turquoise or sky blue, we’re here to help you realise your kitchen dreams in any way we can.

So, what is it about blue kitchens specifically that’s captured the hearts and minds of the UK population so effectively?

The ideal partner for white

Generally speaking, white is a timeless kitchen colour that you really can’t go wrong with. It’s the perfect blank canvas from which to build any kind of kitchen design you like, and it looks incredible alongside blue. Whether you want to mix and match your kitchen units, or you just fancy juxtaposing a colour with another (for example, by placing white worktops over blue kitchen cupboards), then white and blue is a colour combination that you won’t be disappointed by.

Fantastic look for shaker kitchens

Shaker style kitchens can dramatically benefit from a splash of blue here and there. When painted using deep, dark colours like navy, you can really add an air of sophistication and gravitas to your space. It’s a bold choice, and works equally well as an accent wall to anchor the rest of your design scheme. Suave and sophisticated, if you’re looking for a statement piece, look no further than a shaker kitchen with dark blue features.

Consider some gold or brass fixtures

Metallic elements in kitchens work in a similar way to jewellery. Small, subtle additions can really catch the eye, and bring a sense of maturity and class to the wearer. Kitchens benefit in a similar way. By implementing gold and brass handles, you can really make the blue elements of your kitchen pop. Metal on blue is a truly delightful combination, which only serves to further add to the sophistication of your kitchen setting.

Complements your wooden fixtures

When analysing the colour wheel, blue is largely considered one of the cooler, colder tones. So, to avoid overpowering your kitchen with chilly undertones, it’s a good idea to incorporate some warmer elements into the aesthetic. A good way to do this is by adding some wooden fixtures, to elevate the tone and mood of the room. By using wood, you introduce hints of yellow and red to the visual spectrum of your space, without overpowering the strong blue colours.

All told, blue is a fantastic colour for kitchens. Lighter blues work best in smaller kitchens, while dark blues will look dramatic in larger kitchens without compromising on the feeling of space. If you’re considering a blue kitchen, we’re passionate about helping you get the kitchen of your dreams here at Kitchen Design Centre. You can see for yourself the ways we’ve used blue hues to create beautiful customer kitchens in our case studies titled: “a quirky social space quite unlike any other” as well as “timeless design meets practical family living in Urmston”.

If you’re in need of some extra inspiration – drop by our Blackburn kitchen showroom (or our other designer kitchen showrooms in Liverpool, Manchester or Barrowford) where you can pop in for a chat and let us know exactly what sort of requirements you have. We’re here to help!

The post Why blue is the colour of the moment for kitchen design in 2022 appeared first on Kitchen Design Centre.

You can explore for yourself the ways in which we’ve utilised handless designs in many of our customer kitchens. We’re positive you’ll find something that fits in with your personal style. So, why should you opt for a handleless design for your new kitchen? Let’s get into a few of the benefits.

Exquisite style

As we mentioned above, if you’re looking to impress a contemporary style on your kitchen, then handleless cabinets are definitely an option worth considering. They offer a real sense of elegance, with sleek lines that won’t interrupt the clean, trimmed feel of your kitchen space. Of course, there are no rules that say you can’t have handles in your sleek contemporary kitchen, and we provide plenty of options for handled designs here at Kitchen Design Centre if that’s what you’d prefer. However, for the ultimate in minimalist kitchen design, there’s no question that the handleless option is the way to go.

Efficiency

The minimal nature of handleless kitchen cabinets means that they tend to work well for people who are fond of efficient designs, with little room for excess. The versatile ways in which handleless kitchen cabinets can be installed, mean that they can be fitted to suit any environment.

As a result, there are several common mechanisms that a handleless kitchen can offer you, as a means to open cabinet doors:

• J-pull kitchen doors – these technically have a handle, but it’s recessed (i.e. hidden from view) and cut into the back of the door. This will either be placed at the top or bottom of drawer units and integrated dishwashers, or to the side of cupboards and integrated fridges. J-pull kitchens have shadow gaps between doors to allow your hand to access the handles more easily.
• Push open mechanisms – this particular mechanism sits on the inside of the cabinet doors, making it invisible from the outside. To open, simply push on the door and the mechanism will spring it open.
• Handleless kitchen doors – these are built with a rail system which is designed to create a recessed space between doors and drawers, allowing you to put your hand behind the door to open it. Plus, it doesn’t require a handle to be cut into the door like in a J-pull system. This is often referred to as the ‘True Handleless system’.

They’re all just options – ultimately, the choice is all up to you! Whatever your vision for your dream kitchen, you can rest assured that we can make it a reality here at Kitchen Design Centre. Our designers have years of experience creating beautiful, bespoke designer kitchens to suit any style. So if handleless is a feature you’re interested in implementing into your designer kitchen, feel free to come and explore a few of the options we offer here at Kitchen Design Centre by browsing some of the beautiful work our expert designers do at our Blackburn kitchen showroom (or any of our other designer kitchen showrooms in Liverpool, Manchester or Barrowford).

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Recently, you might have spotted two brand new displays in our Barrowford and Manchester (Failsworth) showroom. If not, here’s what you can expect to find!

New display in Manchester Failsworth

The new display at our Manchester showroom is a contemporary handleless kitchen, which is exactly what our customers know and love us for here at Kitchen Design Centre. It showcases the Systemat range by Hacker, one of the world’s most prestigious suppliers of German kitchens, and incorporates a mixture of graphite, Carrera white cabinets and okobo coffee brown cabinets, all subtly lit by channel handle lights to emphasise that contemporary feel.

It’s got an impressive range of appliances too, including Kombi microwave, and graphite Neff single oven. (We’re a Neff Master Partner here at Kitchen Design Centre.) It also features a hi-spec induction hob, and an intriguing new twist on a classic in the form of a black Quooker fusion tap.

And here’s something you may not have seen before – an 800mm-wide walk-in cabinet, deftly integrated into the design. In other words; essentially a secret door! If you want a unique wow factor for your kitchen, it doesn’t get much better than that.

New display in Barrowford

Moving on to our Barrowford showroom, the entire display here is specifically designed to showcase the new concept130 range from Hacker, which has been newly launched for 2022. Its colour scheme prominently incorporates a shade of soft matte black, with a matching grey marble effect on the other units and the worktop. (Black and marble tones are both shaping up to be big design trends for 2022.) It’s also beautifully finished with an accent of summer oak.

As you can probably tell from a glance, our designers developed this display in response to the changing way in which we’ve all begun using our kitchens in the last few years. The rise in home working was a particular focus for us, so our concept130 display utilises a comfortable desk area, with a co-ordinated black Flexo-tap manufactured by Blanko.

What’s more, this display also includes another stunning appliance in the form of the Neff Glass Draft cooker – one of the latest innovations from this world-leading manufacturer. It’s a seamlessly integrated kitchen extractor that normally sits neatly in an enclosed recess in the worktop, and when activated, it rises smoothly up into a fixed position, using guided air technology to extract steam and colours from anywhere but the cooktop, so that you can leave your kitchen smelling just as fresh as it did before you began cooking.

The Neff Glass Draft cooker might be designed to effortlessly disappear, but it’s hardly surprising why it’s so often the centre of attention!

As the final cherry on a very contemporary-looking cake, our Barrowford display also has excellent eco-credentials as a carbon-neutral manufactured kitchen. Essentially, this means that all the carbon emissions normally involved in its manufacture have been offset by other means, so you can be sure that this black contemporary kitchen has never been… well, greener.

Like the look of these? Why not come pay them a visit in person at our Barrowford and Manchester designer kitchen showrooms, and our designers will be happy to answer any and all questions you might have about them. And of course if you’ve already formed some ideas about what you’d like for your dream kitchen, we’re here to help you turn them into reality. We’ve also got designer kitchen showrooms in Blackburn, Liverpool, and Urmston, Manchester – so wherever you’re based, you can always count on the same stunning service.

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