How To Guides - Blog Category Articles - Kitchen Design Centre Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:38:59 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 How to incorporate plant life into your kitchen’s design https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-incorporate-plant-life-into-your-kitchens-design/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-incorporate-plant-life-into-your-kitchens-design/#respond Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:17:50 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=36851 Spring is already in the air, and with the weather due to get brighter and warmer over the next few weeks, we thought it worth taking a look at a particularly intriguing kitchen design idea that’s coming into season – using plant life to enhance the mood and feel of your space. In our last […]

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Spring is already in the air, and with the weather due to get brighter and warmer over the next few weeks, we thought it worth taking a look at a particularly intriguing kitchen design idea that’s coming into season – using plant life to enhance the mood and feel of your space. In our last post, we explored a few great reasons why you might want to incorporate plant life into your designer kitchen. Now, let’s look at a couple of ways you can do it!

How to incorporate different kinds of plants into your kitchen

Once you’ve decided to incorporate some plant life into your kitchen design, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make will be about where you’re going to put it. You’ll probably find that different types and sizes of plant will be best suited to different spaces. Here are just a few of our suggestions on how to get started!

Tall plants

If you have any large empty spaces along any walls or in corners, you might want to consider taller plants first. If you’re careful about where you place them against the wall, you might find that they can occupy a large space quite comfortably. It’s size can help it prevent a space from looking too sparse, and as long as it’s given room to breathe, it’s relatively easy to avoid the area looking too crowded, too.

Of course, the great thing about tall plants is that you can generally move them until you’re happy with the overall effect. What’s more, tall and slim plants can also make ceilings seem slightly higher than they really are, which is great for creating the illusion of more room when space might be premium!

Short plants

While tall plants obviously work best when they’re at ground level, if you find you’ve got any empty space higher up, then shorter plants with leaves that expand outwards can really come into their own. Something like a chlorophytum comosum, or spider plant, can be kept atop your cupboards or shelving so that its leaves cascade down over the edges, which can create quite a striking and distinctive effect.

Potted plants

If you’re looking for something a bit more unassuming on the other hand, small potted plants like ferns or succulents can give your kitchen some subtle elements of colour when placed along the shelves or windowsill in your kitchen. These are ones that you do actually have to judge quite carefully, as it can be all too easy to make the space look too crowded by having too many other ornaments or kitchen utensils sharing the space. Equally, you’ll also want to judge the distance carefully to ensure that they don’t end up making the space look too sparse.

All that will depend on exactly how much space you’ve got to spare, and indeed how big the plant itself is. If you’re unsure of whether or not it’s achieving the effect you’re going for, a second opinion is always helpful!

If your potted plants are a little on the larger side of course, you might decide that they’re actually too big for the windowsill. In which case, they might be better suited as a focal point for your kitchen table or kitchen island instead.

A contemporary family kitchen for a narrow space

How we can help here at Kitchen Design Centre

Our designers each have their own wealth of experience and passion for kitchen design, so you can trust us to help you achieve exactly the effect you want for your space. We understand how to combine all the diverse aspects of your kitchen, from its colour scheme to its plant life to its natural light – and form them into a cohesive whole, giving you a space that is truly the heart of your home.

Feel free to take a quick look through our case studies to get a better idea of what we can achieve for your space!

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, at the time of writing (March 2021) we’ve had to temporarily close our designer kitchen showrooms in Failsworth in Manchester, Urmston in Manchester, Blackburn, Barrowford, and Woolton in Liverpool. However, we’re ready to open our doors again as soon as it’s safe for our customers – until then, why not book a free Designed From Home service?

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How to design a minimalist kitchen that stays sunny in Spring https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-design-a-minimalist-kitchen-that-stays-sunny-in-spring/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-design-a-minimalist-kitchen-that-stays-sunny-in-spring/#respond Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:13:54 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=35578 Minimalist kitchens are our bread and butter here at Kitchen Design Centre, and we’ve got many years of experience behind us in creating kitchens that are sleek and streamlined, but uniquely comfortable spaces to spend time in. As you might expect, achieving this balance is even easier with spaces that already enjoy a good amount […]

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Minimalist kitchens are our bread and butter here at Kitchen Design Centre, and we’ve got many years of experience behind us in creating kitchens that are sleek and streamlined, but uniquely comfortable spaces to spend time in. As you might expect, achieving this balance is even easier with spaces that already enjoy a good amount of natural light. Now that we’re officially in Spring, and sunny weather is starting to come in, now seems like a great time to talk about some of the best ways to combine a minimalist look with the most amount of natural light for your own space!

How to get the minimalist look

Less is more. That’s the philosophy that lies at the heart of minimalism, but while it’s a simple concept, it can be quite difficult to achieve! When it comes to your kitchen design, one of the ways that you can make things easier for yourself is by going from the ground up, and thinking of what you need for your kitchen rather than what you want.

One of the most common challenges with your design can be the temptation to fill space with cool little gadgets, specialised appliances and attractive features, but too much of these can easily lead to a kitchen looking too cluttered. Instead, first work out your key requirements for your kitchen, and then think about what appliances and features meet those requirements. Many modern Neff appliances – a staple feature of many of the kitchens we design – now combine the functions of several appliances, helping you to save space and preserving the crisp, clean lines of a minimalist design.

You might also want to consider some clever storage solutions, such as integrating cupboards into your countertop or kitchen island. Concealed hinges and handleless drawers are just a few of the wonderful little design features that can help your kitchen to achieve that perfect harmony between beautiful aesthetics and flawless functionality.

minimalist kitchen design

How to maximise natural light in your kitchen

There are a lot of complex scientific reasons why natural light makes us happy, but it all essentially comes down to the fact that humans are daylight creatures. Light makes us happy, it makes us comfortable, and it makes us feel more content. Those are just a few reasons why so many customers want it for their kitchens! So, what’s the best way to start?

Undeniably, it’s your kitchen cabinetry and worktops. They’re two of the most influential elements of your kitchen, so whenever you’re trying to change the mood, feel or colour of your kitchen, you’ll generally want to look at those first. It’s a good idea to use white or light cabinetry – since it’s such a reflective colour, it can help even small amounts of natural light to bounce around your kitchen, and make it feel more airy and spacious. There’s a bit of an art to it, though – you have to be quite selective in your use of it so you can avoid an appearance that’s too cold, clinical or stark.

Another creative way to do this is by using reflective surfaces and metals. Mirrors are the obvious choice, especially if you’ve got any spaces of wall in your kitchen that you’re still deciding what to do with! It’s not just mirrors though – you might also want to have a think about glass tiles, glossy paint, metallic accents and stainless appliances, all of which can give your kitchen that extra sheen that can make it look so beautiful under even a small amount of natural light.

And if you need a little help, that’s what our designers are here for! Each of them have years of experience, and an innate talent for helping your dream kitchen become a reality. Why not pop down to one of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn or Barrowford, and have a quick chat with us over a cuppa!

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How will a kitchen island work in your space? https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-will-a-kitchen-island-work-in-your-space/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-will-a-kitchen-island-work-in-your-space/#respond Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:39:27 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=34638 Beloved for their style and function, there’s no denying that kitchen islands have become an increasingly popular addition to our homes. If you’re sizing up your own home for a kitchen island, one of the first questions you’ll have to answer is: how will they really work in your space? To make the decision easier […]

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Beloved for their style and function, there’s no denying that kitchen islands have become an increasingly popular addition to our homes. If you’re sizing up your own home for a kitchen island, one of the first questions you’ll have to answer is: how will they really work in your space? To make the decision easier for you, our own kitchen design experts have summed up some of the key design considerations below!

Working out what you need from the space

Kitchen islands are a unit in the centre of a kitchen. You can use it as extra storage, as a way of dividing a kitchen and dining room, or as a breakfast bar. Some people also install a hob or sink in their kitchen island. It all comes down to what you need from the space.

The important thing is that your island fulfils a specific requirement you have for your kitchen. If you need more space to cook, it can become a platform for new magnetic induction hobs, or a Quooker tap. If you need more space for storage, on the other hand, it can house some useful storage solutions like extra drawers or cupboards, so that your other kitchen cupboards become less overcrowded. Unless your kitchen island fulfils a specific requirement, in a family home it can all too easily just become an extra surface that becomes cluttered with everyday household “stuff” – paperwork, letters, that sort of thing. (Happily, that’s exactly where our talented kitchen designers can come in; helping you work out exactly what you need from the space!)

 

How will a kitchen island work in your space?

Is your kitchen large enough?

Our designers can accommodate kitchen islands in many different kitchen configurations, even relatively small and narrow spaces. That said, if your kitchen is exceptionally small and/or narrow, you might want to consider some alternatives. For example, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room to open base floor-level cupboard doors next to the island. It can be a real headache otherwise! By the same token, a dishwasher door needs a fair amount of clearance.

Even if you don’t quite have the space, though, you’re not out of options! If you don’t have the room for a full kitchen island, you may want to consider whether a kitchen peninsula might work instead. Rather than sitting in the middle of a kitchen, a peninsula sits to one side, typically at the end of a run of cupboards. It provides a nice little seating area, as well as extra storage. In other words, many of the same functions as an island!

Plan ahead for your workspace!

Apart from beautiful design, functionality is one of the core aspects you’ll want to focus on when designing your kitchen. Make your kitchen island work that bit harder! As we touched on above, you can install a sink or hob, or fit retractable power outlets. Make sure you have access to key elements of your kitchen from the island so that it can be used as a baking/food prep area.

With some careful thought during the design process, a kitchen island will become a real asset to your kitchen. Here at Kitchen Design Centre, our own designers have years of experience in designing kitchen islands to fit each one of our customers’ individual needs. You can find out more about them by checking out some of our customer kitchens, or by dropping in for a chat at any one of our designer kitchen showrooms!

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Why have a Quooker tap? This short video tells you all you need to know! https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/why-have-a-quooker-tap-this-short-video-tells-you-all-you-need-to-know/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/why-have-a-quooker-tap-this-short-video-tells-you-all-you-need-to-know/#respond Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:47:45 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=34587 It’s the start of a brand new year, which means you may already be sizing up your space for some brand new kitchen gadgets. Take it from us – you can’t go wrong with a brilliant Quooker tap. Along with other high-tech gadgets like induction hobs and downdraft extractors, Quooker taps are marvellous creations which […]

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It’s the start of a brand new year, which means you may already be sizing up your space for some brand new kitchen gadgets. Take it from us – you can’t go wrong with a brilliant Quooker tap. Along with other high-tech gadgets like induction hobs and downdraft extractors, Quooker taps are marvellous creations which are designed to save you both time and effort while cooking.

What is a Quooker tap?

In a nutshell, a Quooker tap gives you instant access to boiling, 100°C water on demand. No more waiting for pans or kettles to boil, just a quick turn of the mechanism is all it takes. With its minimalist contemporary look, it would be fair to assume that the Quooker tap is quite a new invention, but it’s not! First designed by Dutch engineer Henri Peteri all the way back in the 1970s, throughout the last three decades it’s evolved through various designs and additional features, but the basic concept has stayed the same.

High tech convenience

When Henri first developed the Quooker tap, he was working for Unilever to develop instant soup for the wider public. Instead of waiting for the pan to boil, he hit on the idea of having the boiling water come straight from the tap to make the soup truly instant, and a beautiful, revolutionary idea was born!

Nowadays, though, you can make so much more than soup with it. The video demonstrates a few uses, and you can also:

  • Sterilise dummies
  • Cook vegetables
  • Cook rice and pasta
  • Clean pots and pans
  • Fill hot water bottles
  • Make tea, coffee or hot chocolate

“The safest and most sustainable option”

Almost all of us have had brushes with boiling water at some point, and the designers of the modern Quooker tap are all too aware of the importance of care and safety. That’s why they’ve designed a number of features to help you avoid scalds and burns. For example, in order to access the boiling water you’ve got to use the unique push and turn mechanism, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally brushing a lever with your elbow or wrist! (There are a couple more of these useful features, too – the video goes into greater detail.)

Of course, if you can’t watch the video for whatever reason, or if you’ve got more questions about the Quooker tap, we’re only too happy to answer them here at Kitchen Design Centre! Our expert designers know our high-tech kitchen gadgets inside out, and we’d love to help you figure out which ones you want most in your kitchen. You can stop by any of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn and Barrowford for a chat about how to bring your ideas to life.

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How to take the perfect Instagram picture of your kitchen at Christmas https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/instagram-picture-festive-kitchen/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/instagram-picture-festive-kitchen/#respond Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:39:11 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=34362 Christmas is a truly beautiful time of year, and with all the beautiful lights and decorations, your kitchen is probably looking especially resplendent. You may well have already seen some inspiring designer kitchens on Pinterest or Instagram, and if you’ve ever tried to take a similar one of your own, you’ll know that it can […]

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Christmas is a truly beautiful time of year, and with all the beautiful lights and decorations, your kitchen is probably looking especially resplendent. You may well have already seen some inspiring designer kitchens on Pinterest or Instagram, and if you’ve ever tried to take a similar one of your own, you’ll know that it can sometimes be a harder job than you’d have first thought! Thankfully, here at Kitchen Design Centre our expert designers are on hand with some great tips on how to take your own stunning pictures of your festive kitchen to wow your friends and family.

Let there be light

You may already know that lighting is one of the most important elements when it comes to designing your kitchen, and it makes all the difference to your photographs, too. If you have any photography experience – or know someone who does – you may well have heard of what photographers call the “golden hour”. Essentially, it’s the time just after sunrise or before sunset when the daylight takes on a beautiful golden quality. If you time it right, you can use this principle to take some truly stunning pictures of your kitchen. We’d tend to choose early in the morning, especially at this time of year, but you can get some great results by waiting until about 3pm to 4pm in the afternoon, too.

sunlight

Of course, the way your kitchen faces will also affect the amount and quality of light that gets through to it. If your kitchen windows face in a westerly direction, for example, you’ll probably find it’s better to wait until later in the afternoon, as your kitchen will get more light then. On the other hand, if your kitchen faces East, sunrise will probably look best. Another quick tip for you – it’s a good idea not to take pictures directly facing the window, as your camera might focus too much on the light and make the rest of the room look darker by comparison.

Come at it from a different angle

It can be surprising to see how much difference a new angle can make to the feel and look of the finished photograph, especially when it comes to designer kitchens. If your pictures aren’t quite capturing the feel you want, a new angle might be the answer! Taking your photo head-on from a standing position can sometimes make a space look a bit flat and lifeless. On the other hand, a new angle can add depth and a bit of imaginative visual flair. Low angles can be tricky when it comes to designer kitchens (as things like kitchen islands can often get in the way!) But taking your photo from a high angle – for example atop a chair – can be an excellent way to show off all the elements of your kitchen. If you feel like it, you can even carefully crop things out to leave a bit to the imagination, too! 

Don’t stop to reflect

You might not appreciate it usually, but many kitchens are full of shiny reflective surfaces, and these can play havoc when you’re trying to take the perfect picture for picture or Instagram. Thankfully, if you’re taking your picture at the golden hour, these should be relatively easy to spot. Sometimes you can shift your position to reflect them away, but if that’s not possible you can always get creative with another solution. A carefully placed tea-towel or temporarily repositioned toaster can head off that annoying glare, allowing you to get the light just how you want it. And of course, if you don’t spot them while you’re taking it, there’s nothing to stop you trying again tomorrow!

Make sure your kitchen embodies your own style

copper accent kitchen

Of course, speaking of reflecting, there’s one golden rule it’s important never to forget; your kitchen should always be a reflection of you. You’ve spent so much time and hard work getting it looking and feeling exactly how you want, so ideally you’ll want a picture that does a good job of projecting that sense, too. It’s the smallest touches that can work the biggest wonders; an artfully placed fruit bowl, a framed picture or two, or some beautiful cutlery and crockery can really help to ‘place’ your viewers in your kitchen, bringing them closer to a sleek modern finish or letting them revel in its wonderfully cosy warmth. And since it’s Christmas, you can further express yourself with a few touches of festive glamour – as we’ve explored in a recent post!

And once you’ve taken your perfect picture, we’d love to see it! You can share it with us on Twitter or Instagram, or take a look at some of our own beautifully inspiring kitchens. If you’re already forming ideas on how to transform your kitchen in the New Year, why not head on over to your nearest designer kitchen showroom? We’ve got locations in Manchester, Blackburn and Barrowford, where one of our designers will be only too happy to sit down with you and talk through how to bring your ideas to life.

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How to decorate your kitchen with a touch of Christmas glamour https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-decorate-your-kitchen-with-a-touch-of-christmas-glamour/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-decorate-your-kitchen-with-a-touch-of-christmas-glamour/#respond Tue, 27 Nov 2018 11:09:46 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=34321 There’s only a few weeks to go now until Christmas, which means your kitchen might well be looking a little festive already! As with all aspects of kitchen design though, even with a festive style you’ve still got plenty of wiggle room to express the feel and atmosphere you want for your kitchen. Maybe you’ve […]

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There’s only a few weeks to go now until Christmas, which means your kitchen might well be looking a little festive already! As with all aspects of kitchen design though, even with a festive style you’ve still got plenty of wiggle room to express the feel and atmosphere you want for your kitchen. Maybe you’ve decided the cosy log-fire style Christmas vibe doesn’t quite fit with your space, and you’re looking for something just a bit more glamorous! In that case, you’re in the right place – we’ve got some great tips on how to easily capture a bit of that Christmas glamour for your own dream kitchen…

Think up some inspiring centrepieces

Whether it’s for your dining table or an ever-popular kitchen island, there are all sorts of ways to glamorise your kitchen surfaces with a few well-considered decorations. One of the easiest ways to do this is by swapping out the fruit bowl for a stunning centrepiece. A time-honoured traditional option is a classic scented candle, surrounded by a beautiful Christmas wreath. On the other hand, if you feel like a more contemporary approach, you can select a few baubles and candy canes to match your existing colour scheme, and place them in a large glass vase to place in the centre of your kitchen island. You can also experiment in the same way with Christmas lights – we’ll leave that one to your imagination! 

christmas worktop (resized)

Get some festive spirit for your worktops!

Miniature Christmas trees are a particularly popular way to decorate your worktop space. It’s no secret why – they’re pretty and practical in equal measure, and sticking with something small means you can capture some of that Christmas spirit without having it get too much in the way when you’re cooking. But if you’re going for glamour, you might want something a bit more subtle. An attractive snow-globe on your worktops can make a wonderfully understated touch, as can a few artfully placed nutcracker soldiers. 

Alternatively, you might want to skip the decorations altogether, and focus simply on expressing your festive charm through bringing fresh colour to your space. Red and green are obviously both traditional Christmas favourites, but for that real Christmas glamour you’ll probably want to look more at the silvers and golds. There’s no shortage of ways to experiment – you can switch out your existing utensils for alternatives in a more festive shade, such as a kettle or toaster in a smart metallic red. You could also choose some beautiful cutlery in flawless silver or gold finishes, wowing your guests at Christmas dinner!

Baubles hanging from chandelier

Looking around the room

Beyond your table surfaces and worktops, you’ve also got plenty of options for other decorations. We often find that garlands are a classic festive decoration fitting for the mantlepiece, the table runner and the top of kitchen cupboards or windows. A garland with Christmas lights will create a magical atmosphere on cosy winter nights around the kitchen table, and you can decorate it with colourful accessories such as frosted winter berries or miniature baubles to make it stand out even more!

Meanwhile, strings of beads or ribbon can be attached to hanging light fittings and chandeliers, or from the ceiling hang giant glass baubles for Christmas decoration with a contemporary twist. We’re also huge fans of a luxury wreath, which will look good anywhere in your kitchen. To really make an impact with your decor though, a large wreath placed high on a feature wall creates a particularly distinctive impression. A wreath with gold ribbon will be the perfect complement if you’re going for a more neutral colour scheme, while if you’ve got a white kitchen, we’d recommend a wreath with red elements like ribbons, berries or beads, which will stand out wonderfully against its pristine surroundings. 

Who knows, all these experiments with Christmas colour and style can also give you some great ideas for a complete redesign! If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen in 2019, why not pay a visit to one of our North West showrooms for some helpful advice and design inspiration? Drop into any of our stunning showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn and Barrowford to have a sit down with one of our friendly designers, who will be only too happy to discuss the ideas you’ve got in mind for your dream kitchen. 

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Designing The Ideal Kitchen For Couples Cooking https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/designing-ideal-kitchen-couples-cooking/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/designing-ideal-kitchen-couples-cooking/#respond Wed, 14 Feb 2018 11:52:08 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=33740 We’re feeling all loved up for Valentine’s Day here at Kitchen Design Centre! Today, we found ourselves thinking about the more romantic sides of kitchens. Not just in cooking delicious meals, but also in the shared joy of cooking as a couple! We thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to give you a bit […]

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We’re feeling all loved up for Valentine’s Day here at Kitchen Design Centre! Today, we found ourselves thinking about the more romantic sides of kitchens. Not just in cooking delicious meals, but also in the shared joy of cooking as a couple! We thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to give you a bit of romantic kitchen design inspiration, and that’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s blog – so, here’s how to create a kitchen for the two of you to cook together.

Your Kitchen’s Layout Informs Its Function

cooking meals together

More and more couples are starting to share cooking duties – which is amazing – but there’s no denying that can make things a little complicated in the kitchen. That means that when you’re planning out your dream kitchen, you’ll need to look extremely carefully at how you divide the space.

The first question to probably ask is: are there any cooking tasks which either or both of you particularly enjoy doing? For example, are you keener on basting or whisking, or does your significant other enjoy chopping and blending? If there is, you might want to consider carving out a little dedicated corner for yourselves in the kitchen, so you can work in tandem when cooking big meals.

And whether you’ve got personal corners or not, the next question is – where are you likely to overlap when cooking? Are there any particular spaces you might foresee getting in each others’ way? How can you work round each other when you do? For many of these questions, a kitchen island can provide an easy answer. It gives you a common space to allow you to give your partner room, and provides a handy resting place for ingredients you’re finished with for the time being, such as chopped vegetables, or peeled potatoes. Lots of experts – including our very own talented kitchen designers – recommend L-shape or U-shaped kitchens for this very purpose.

couple making pizza together in kitchen

Double Up Appliances, And Blend Your Aesthetics To Get The Look

Another way you can avoid getting in each others’ way is by making sure that you have enough appliances. Dual ovens and double-bowl sinks are two excellent examples, allowing you to cook or clean both at once and keep the smooth function of your two-cook kitchen.

Aesthetics are another key element of your two-cook kitchen, and it’s one that offers a lot of exciting opportunities. If you each prefer different aesthetics, you can design a kitchen that incorporates elements of both, to create a finished space that is truly unique. For example, you might want a traditional range cooker but handleless cabinetry, or a colour scheme that bridges the gap between blue and green. You might, for example, want a contemporary kitchen with traditional utensils and cutlery. Experiment a little!

redmond contemporary kitchen

You can even take it a step further, and find a way to perfect your kitchen’s style in a way that expresses your personality as a couple. This is exactly the approach taken by Chris and Anne Redmond, who wanted their dream kitchen to be incorporate their favourite shade of red as a key statement colour. Our designer Maxine was only too happy to oblige, and the result is a sleek handleless design that makes stunning use of red Lacobel glass.

It just goes to show that whatever your style, our designers will always go the extra mile to realise every inch of your dream vision for your kitchen. Pop into your designer kitchen showroom in Manchester, Blackburn or Barrowford, and we’ll see what we can do for you!

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How To Design The Perfect Kitchen For Cooking With Family https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/design-the-perfect-kitchen-cooking-family/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/design-the-perfect-kitchen-cooking-family/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:07:39 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=33727 With Shrove Tuesday falling today, lots of you will no doubt already be busy with the lemon juice, sugar and chocolate, making pancakes to your hearts’ content. Quite right too – we’re huge fans of the celebration here at Kitchen Design Centre, especially as it so often yields such delicious results! It’s a great opportunity […]

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With Shrove Tuesday falling today, lots of you will no doubt already be busy with the lemon juice, sugar and chocolate, making pancakes to your hearts’ content. Quite right too – we’re huge fans of the celebration here at Kitchen Design Centre, especially as it so often yields such delicious results! It’s a great opportunity for parents to do some fun, simple cooking with their children, and that got us thinking a bit about the implications… so today on the blog, we’re looking at kitchen design inspiration for spaces geared towards family cooking all year round!

What Will You Be Cooking?

Obviously, certain types of cooking lend themselves particularly well to being family activities, so it’s a good idea to consider those early. You may have seen our recent blog about baking, which is a great example of what we’re talking about. Baking is an ideal family activity as it encourages creativity, and like pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the results are always sweet – making it a big children’s favourite! It’s worth remembering they’re usually foods for sharing, too – again, making them great for a family activity!

Make Your Life Easier With Your Kitchen’s Layout

contemporary family kitchen

When cooking with particularly young children, a kitchen island is always an excellent choice. From a practical perspective, it keeps the messier activities confined to a single place, which might well make it easier for you to clean up afterwards. It also makes things safer – you can keep the more adult tasks (like chopping and blending) on your kitchen worktops, and keep the fun, safe activities (like mixing and whisking) on the kitchen island.

If you’re instead focused on keeping the island as simply a dining space, you’re also very likely to notice the benefit when the meal is almost done, too. Children and teenagers are notoriously impatient, so when the meal is finished, being able to transition directly from cooking to serving (without having to ferry plates from room to room) means that you can all be sitting down and eating in next to no time at all. It also means you get to keep an eye on the table, and make sure no one grabs a sneaky bite before everyone else has started!

Think About Appliances And Cabinetry

children in kitchen island

When it comes to safety and convenience – two of the most vital considerations with family cooking – appliances like the induction hob are fantastic combinations of the two. It uses an electromagnetic circuit to heat pans, so it’s only on for as long as the pan itself is in contact. This makes it far harder for children to accidentally burn themselves, while having the neat bonus of being easier and more efficient to use for you, too.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking at cabinetry we’d always recommend gloss cabinets, which are easier to clean and wipe down if you’re anticipating a bit of mess when cooking with family. Handleless cabinetry is also ideal, as it can be quite effective in reducing the temptation for exceptionally young children to tug at them and pull them open – a common response when they see mysterious handles! It’s worth remembering that doesn’t mean they won’t be opened, though, so make sure you’re smart about where everything’s kept. (In short, nothing sharp in drawers close to the ground!)

Don’t forget, our talented kitchen designers here at Kitchen Design Centre are always here to help. If you’re a bit stuck for inspiration, pop into your nearest designer kitchen showroom in Blackburn, Manchester or our brand new location in Barrowford, and one of our team will be only too happy to help you realise your dream vision for your kitchen!

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How To Design Your Kitchen To Be A True Social Space https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/design-kitchen-to-be-social-space/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/design-kitchen-to-be-social-space/#respond Wed, 27 Dec 2017 09:00:58 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=26074 With Christmas Day now done for this year, you’re probably already planning the next annual family gathering for 2018, and how you’re going to use your kitchen. Or, you might be thinking about redesigning your kitchen to become more of a social space – a common vision for many of our customers here at Kitchen […]

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With Christmas Day now done for this year, you’re probably already planning the next annual family gathering for 2018, and how you’re going to use your kitchen. Or, you might be thinking about redesigning your kitchen to become more of a social space – a common vision for many of our customers here at Kitchen Design Centre. Whatever the case, you’re sure to find this week’s blog equally useful, as we delve into the best ways to make your kitchen a true social space.

Come Into The Light

roof lights

Humans are daylight creatures; put simply, natural light makes us happy. It also helps us to feel more energised, so it’s no wonder it’s such a common requirement for customers who plan to have spend a lot of quality social time in their kitchen. Lots of natural light not only makes us happy, but it also gives the illusion of more space (we’ll come to that in a moment). If you have the option, designing larger windows into your kitchen will create a noticeable vitality and energy in your finished kitchen. Our recent case study featuring a contemporary family kitchen is a brilliant example of this principle in action!

Gather Round Islands And Breakfast Bars

A wooden breakfast bar design

Central islands and tables (such as the one featured in another of our recent case studies) fulfil many roles for your kitchen. As well as being fantastically useful when cooking, storing and preparing food, they also provide a brilliant ‘anchor’ for your kitchen. In other words, a place for you and your family or friends to gather round, chat and spend quality time as you eat or drink. And that’s just everyday living – they really come into their own in a party scenario! They’re great for showcasing nibbles or hors d’oeuvres, and people can introduce each other or chat as they collect and enjoy their food.

The Space To Be

 shaker style design

All of the kitchens we design here at Kitchen Design Centre are open plan, blurring the boundaries between cooking and living. Giving people the space to move around goes a long way towards making them feel comfortable, and the seamless transition from cooking to dining helps people to think of your kitchen as a true social space. This traditional shaker style kitchen with a modern twist is an excellent example; its spacious feel makes it a fantastic place to settle into and spend quality time, whether with family or visitors.

Include Quirky, Intriguing Focal Points

Designing your kitchen to showcase one or several unique focal points is a brilliant idea – not only does it help you express your style and personality, but in social situations it can even provide an icebreaker for your guests! In this case study, aptly named a Quirky Social Space Unlike Any Other, a colourful chair provides a fascinating focal point – at the customer’s request, it served as the bedrock for the rest of the design!

At Kitchen Design Centre, our mission is to help you make your dream kitchen a reality. If you want your kitchen to be a true social space, you can count on our talented designers to come up with creative, beautiful solutions, sure to be the envy of everyone who attends your next Christmas party! Feel free to pop into any one of our designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Barrowford or Blackburn, where one of our designers will be only too happy to sit down with you to discuss your ideal kitchen.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @modernkitchens

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How To Add Beautiful Festive Touches To Your Kitchen https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-add-beautiful-festive-touches-to-your-kitchen/ https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/our-world/how-to-add-beautiful-festive-touches-to-your-kitchen/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:16:09 +0000 https://www.kitchendesigncentre.com/?p=25537 The lights are going up, and there’s a chill in the air… it can only mean one thing! Christmas is almost here, which makes it a brilliant time to think about perhaps putting some festive cheer into your own kitchen. Like all things around kitchen design, it’s all about reflecting your personality, so we’ve got […]

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The lights are going up, and there’s a chill in the air… it can only mean one thing! Christmas is almost here, which makes it a brilliant time to think about perhaps putting some festive cheer into your own kitchen. Like all things around kitchen design, it’s all about reflecting your personality, so we’ve got a couple of quick tips for you to get started.

Creating A Christmas Atmosphere

celebrating christmas

One of the most wonderful things about Christmas is that different people have different interpretations of it, and personal preferences on how they enjoy it. You might want a cuddly, cosy Christmas with a quiet, reflective atmosphere, or you might love all the laughter, loudness and merriment that it brings each year. Quite rightly, the atmosphere in your kitchen should reflect that. If your preference is for a quiet, intimate Christmas, you can opt for dimmer lighting and elegant, strategically placed candles for a truly cosy feel. On the other hand, you might want to go brighter and bolder, with vivid kitchen lighting to illuminate the cheery festive colours from your baubles, fabrics and statement pieces.

It’s The Little Things That Matter

christmas decorations

When it comes to design, several smaller elements, if used well, can have just as much impact as even the most commanding statement piece. You can incorporate festive colours of green, red and white into your furniture and fabrics through the use of silky throws, vibrant tablecloths and comfortable cushions.

Traditional Christmas decorations are famously versatile as well, and always go down a storm. You might want to temporarily replace a painting or art piece with an exquisite Christmas wreath, or lay a couple of pine cones in carefully chosen corners for a lovely rustic touch. If you’re thinking about replacing any utensils, now can be a great time to do so, and further brighten your kitchen with a dash of red from a boldly-coloured toaster or kettle. (Our Purple Reigns case study is a perfect example of how utensils can be used in this way!)

Draw The Eye With Stunning Statement Pieces

 

 christmas candles If you still think your kitchen needs that extra something special, a statement piece might be just what you’re after. A good place to start is a table runner with an endearing Christmas motif, or pretty bows for your dining chairs. It’s worth mentioning candles again, which can add an air of effortless elegance to the proceedings. Meanwhile, a miniature Christmas tree can be decorated in the festive colours of your choice, bringing an instantly recognisable Christmas cheer to the space.

These are just our ideas – don’t hesitate to branch out with your own! Here at Kitchen Design Centre, our talented designers are always happy to give you a helping hand or a word of advice. We’re all about making your dream kitchen a gorgeous reality. Pop into any one of our designer kitchen showrooms across the North West to see how we can help you – or, you can always book an appointment!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @modernkitchens

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