Do I Have Room For a Kitchen Island?

A kitchen island can be the centrepiece of your kitchen, offering both functionality and style. As one of the most sought-after features in modern kitchens, an island provides additional workspace, storage, and a place for family and friends to gather. But is a kitchen island the right fit for your space? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities.

What is a Kitchen Island?

An Island is a functional freestanding piece of cabinetry that provides additional countertop space. An island can be made to any dimensions allowing it to be sized according to the space you have available. You can also purchase a kitchen island on wheels to increase a kitchen’s preparation area.

What Do You Need From The Space?

Before adding an island, consider its primary purpose in your kitchen. Do you need more storage, a place to install a hob or sink, or perhaps a breakfast bar? Islands can also help divide a kitchen and dining area or provide additional dining space. Modern kitchen islands often feature the latest conveniences like Quooker taps and built-in cooking surfaces which enhance their utility. You’ll need to consider your needs to make informed decisions and collaborate with your kitchen designer to optimise the island’s functionality.

Some popular kitchen island features include:

Built-In Appliances – You can integrate ovens, microwaves, or wine coolers.
Storage Solutions – Consider adding drawers, cabinets, and shelves for better organisation.
Seating Arrangements – Let you create a casual dining area with bar stools or chairs.
Multi-Level Countertops – These offer varied heights for different tasks and seating

Have You Got Enough Space for a Kitchen Island?

Islands can be made in many dimensions but if your kitchen is really small you must consider whether you will be able to open cabinet doors and dishwasher doors. If you don’t have the room, all is not lost. You could consider a kitchen peninsula instead. Rather than being placed in the middle of your kitchen, it sits to one side, normally at the end of a work surface. It still gives you the benefits of an island. With careful planning and consideration, your kitchen island will become a real asset to your kitchen and you will wonder how you ever managed without one.

Kitchen Island Ideas

A kitchen island is more than just a stylish addition to your kitchen, it’s a highly functional space that can transform the way you use your kitchen. Here are a few kitchen island ideas to enhance your space.

Kitchen Island With Storage

A kitchen island is a fantastic way to increase storage space in your kitchen. With careful planning, you can maximise its potential to keep your kitchen organised and clutter-free.

Deep drawers are perfect for storing pots, pans, and baking trays, while shallow drawers are ideal for utensils and cutlery. For a touch of style and functionality, consider open shelving to display cookbooks or decorative items. If you need extra storage for bulk food or appliances, a pantry-style cabinet within your island could be the perfect solution.

Kitchen Island With Seating

A kitchen island with seating can transform your kitchen into a social hub.

A classic breakfast bar is perfect for casual dining and entertaining, while integrated seating offers a more built-in look. Choose kitchen island stools that complement the room’s style and ensure comfortable seating. Remember to allow ample legroom and clearance between the island and surrounding counters for easy movement.

Kitchen Island on Wheels

A kitchen island on wheels offers flexibility and convenience. It’s perfect for small kitchens or those who love to reconfigure their space. You can easily move it around your kitchen to suit your needs. There is also the option to maximise its potential with drawers, shelves, or cabinets for ample storage. Use it as a serving cart, extra prep space, or even a mobile dining table. Be sure to choose a design that complements your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Trusted Kitchen Island Suppliers

A kitchen island can transform your kitchen into a more functional and inviting space. With careful planning and the right design, it can become a valuable asset in your home. Whether you’re considering adding a small kitchen island or something bigger, the experts at New Design Kitchens can help ensure you get the most out of your kitchen design.

Contact us for some friendly advice, browse our range of fitted kitchens or visit our two-storey showroom to get some inspiration for your kitchen island.

QUOOKER TAP – What is it?

It’s the smart kitchens must have gadget!

Quooker Taps give you the convenience of instant boiling water and/or filtered cold drinking water. No more waiting for the kettle or boiling water on the hob. No more buying expensive bottled water.

Dutch engineer Henri Peteri designed the concept in the 1970’s and it has evolved over time.

There are eight tap designs available, each one sleek and beautiful, with three finishes to choose from so it’s sure to fit right in with your kitchen design.

Efficiency

The Quooker’s great high-vacuum installation design means that it costs 3p per day to have boiling water whenever you want it. Amazing and even more amazing is the COMBI tank, which supplies all of your kitchen’s hot water requirements. In a compact tank under your worktop it removes the need to pipe hot water from the main boiler to the kitchen sink.

It also gives you just the right amount of boiling water again saving energy.

Safety

Boiling water can be dangerous and there are hundreds of injuries requiring medical attention each year. The Quooker designers are very conscious of safety and therefore there are a number of features to help avoid accidents.

There is a childproof handle and the sides are insulated to make sure it is never hot to the touch. The spray is a fine spray allowing you time to get your hands out of harms way. The boiling water control is separate from the standard hot and cold.

Some Quooker uses:

Make tea, coffee and hot chocolate with ease
Cook vegetables
Cook rice and pasta
Blanch vegetables
Fill hot water bottles
Sterilize dummies and baby bottles
Clean pots and pans

Take a look in more detail on the Quooker website or don’t hesitate to contact us here at New Design Kitchens for more information.

Exciting Kitchen Splashback Ideas

There are now lots of different ideas for kitchen splashbacks. Obviously your splashback has a function to protect your walls from spills and splashes but it is also a really important component of the overall look of your kitchen. Here are a few ideas for materials you could use.

1. Tiles

It seems like forever that tiles have been the most common choice for splashbacks and indeed they are still a great option. Tiles come in all different colours, shapes and sizes. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are resistant to heat and moisture and are therefore an ideal choice. Tile to the ceiling or a whole wall to make your splashback a striking feature of your kitchen.

2. Brick

Exposed brick or stone looks especially effective in an older building giving a lovely rustic look. If you do decide to expose brick or stone you will need to ensure that it is cleaned and sealed.

3. Glass Panels

Glass panels give a contemporary look to a kitchen. The result is streamlined, modern, and easy to clean. Not having any grout lines allows for a flat surface, and reduces the risk of anything getting stuck in the grout. Light also reflects off the glass making your kitchen appear more spacious. Especially useful in smaller kitchens.

4. Natural Stone Slabs

Beautiful natural stone can be obtained in a range of prices and sizes, from small marble tiles to entire slabs of granite or marble.
Natural stone splash backs create a striking, unified look and can also reduce grout lines for easy cleaning.

5. Wood

This may seem like an improbable material to use as a splash back but with the right treatment it can bring a warm rustic charm. You would need to seal or treat the wood against water and other liquids, and you may wish to consider using a different material in particular areas, such as behind the sink, where it’s more likely for the wood to decline.

6. Metal Panels

Metal panels have become more common in recent years. As we have taken an increased love of cooking and baking our kitchens design has reflected the look of professional kitchens. These splash backs reflect light and give a sleek, smooth feel to our kitchens.

7. Wallpaper

Think out of the box and use wallpaper. You can obtain wallpapers coated in Teflon these provide a flowing surface that is easy to clean.

Whatever you choose I hope you have lots of fun choosing your splashback. Why not pop into New Design Kitchens where you can see lots of ideas I their fantastic two-floor show room at Octagon House, 236-238 Walsall Road, Cannock WS11 0JL. Alternatively, contact the team now to find out more.

High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets – The Pros and Cons

One decision that can make a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen renovation is selecting the right kitchen cabinet finishes. In recent years, high gloss kitchens have become increasingly popular due to their spectacular visual appearance, but is a gloss kitchen a good idea? While high gloss cabinets are better suited to contemporary-style kitchens rather than traditional styles, there are a few other factors to think about before you settle on your final kitchen cabinet design. Let’s consider the pros and cons of high gloss kitchen cabinets to decide if they are the right choice for your home.

Advantages of High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re asking yourself “Should I get high gloss kitchen cabinets?”, understanding the advantages can help you make make a decision.

Light reflection and brightness – The cabinets reflect light which in turn will make your room feel larger and brighter. This is particularly beneficial if you are working with a small space. Even if you choose a darker shade cabinet, the light will still be reflected around the room effectively.
Easy to clean – Easy cleaning is a big advantage and stains and marks wipe off easily with a damp non-scratch cloth. You don’t need harsh cleaning materials or solvents. This makes gloss cabinets a practical choice for busy households.
Waterproof and durable– High gloss cabinets are waterproof which makes them resistant to water-related damage (which could be inevitable in the kitchen!) Also, unlike other types of cabinet finishes, gloss kitchen cabinets do not require any special treatments or sealing.
Modern and luxurious aesthetics – High gloss cabinet doors give your kitchen a luxurious feel and will perfectly suit any modern home. The sleek, shiny surface suits contemporary design elements like modern appliances and minimalist hardware (this finish is great for handleless cabinets)

Drawbacks of High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets

Now we’ve looked at the benefits, what are the disadvantages of of gloss kitchens?

Visible smudges and fingerprints – Due to the reflection of so much light fingerprints, dirt and scratches are much more noticeable on high-gloss kitchen cabinets than they are on matt or semi-gloss cabinets. If you do choose a darker colour any imperfections are much more noticeable than they are on lighter colour gloss doors. As a result, this type of kitchen cabinet finish would need more regular cleaning.
Potential glare issues– In kitchens with an abundance of natural light, the reflective surface of gloss kitchen cabinets can sometimes cause glare, which might be uncomfortable or distracting. Your kitchen layout is worth considering if your sun receives a lot of sunlight, especially at times when you plan to use the kitchen most.
Higher cost – Due to the popularity of high gloss doors and the manufacturing process needed to achieve the superior gloss finish, these cabinets aren’t the most cost-effective. If you are working with a strict budget, this is an important factor to consider when planning your kitchen renovation.

Is a High-Gloss Kitchen Right for You?

Choosing the right kitchen cabinet finish for your kitchen depends on your lifestyle, budget and aesthetic preferences. High gloss kitchen cabinets are ideal if you are looking to create a modern, spacious and luxurious kitchen. If you have a small kitchen or limited natural light, you’ll benefit from their ability to reflect light and brighten the room. However, if you have a more traditional style kitchen or you’re concerned about maintenance, it’s worth considering another kitchen cabinet finish.

If you’re planning a new fitted kitchen, New Design Kitchens can help you with all your design choices and options for kitchen cabinet finishes. For more information, you can visit our kitchen showroom in Cannock, browse our range of kitchens, contact us online or on 01543 570468.

Budgeting for Your Dream Kitchen – New Design Kitchens’ Top Tips

Purchasing a new kitchen is a major investment and one that takes a lot of planning. The first thing you need to do is consider your budget and then you can begin the excitement of selecting your new kitchen. New Design Kitchens in Cannock have a great show room on two floors and this is a fabulous place to visit for inspiration. Take a look at the website to discover everything New Design Kitchens offers. Our staff are really knowledgeable and friendly and of course you are not obliged to make a purchase. Here are some tips I hope they help –

Top Tips for Budgeting for a New Kitchen

1. Decide what your budget is and then the more difficult part stick to it!

The budget has to be realistic and one you can manage and you also may want to consider whether you plan to stay in your home for a while if not you may not want to spend as much.

2. As with all plans – they don’t always go to plan!

So it is wise to put aside money for unexpected expenses. Most companies would suggest around 15% of your kitchen budget.

3. Prioritise – decide what components of the kitchen are more important to you than others.

This will help when you meet up with the professionals. It is also good to look around at examples of kitchens, visit a show room, buy magazines and there is always the good old internet. Setting the budget may mean making compromises. If you consider yourself an at-home chef and absolutely must have a high-end cooker, be prepared to allocate more of your budget towards appliances. Please follow the link to view some exceptional appliances https://newdesignkitchens.co.uk/appliances/. Be realistic about the components you need versus the items you want.

4. Meet with a professional kitchen designer they will help you with a design and give you a comprehensive costing of your project.

They will also be able to give you a breakdown of costs. Look at their previous work and reviews. A professional who understands what you are hoping to achieve and the ability to work within your budget is crucial.

5. Do some of the easy stuff yourself wherever possible.

For example take out the old units, remove flooring etc.

6. Think about whether it is practical for you to remain in your home whilst work is going on and the possibility of overnight accommodation costs.

Kitchens make a lasting impression and the creation of an upgraded kitchen will go a long way to increasing the value of your home. Good luck with your dream kitchen. Contact New Design Kitchens now to find out more about designing your dream new kitchen.

Food Safety Tips at Christmas – Quality Appliances Matter

Food plays an important role in the holiday festivities. It is estimated that there are over one million cases of food poisoning every year in the UK. This is more prevalent during the Christmas holidays. What can we do to minimise the risk of food poisoning?

There are four basic steps:

Clean – wash your hands, kitchen worktops and utensils often to avoid the spread of bacteria. Clean your fridge with hot-soapy water and make room for new foods by throwing out any perishables that are out of date. Tidy as you go along and mop up spills when they happen.
Cook – Ensure cooking foods to the correct temperature kills harmful bacteria. The temperature can be easily checked with an instant read digital thermometer. Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food and continue to cook if the correct temperature has not been reached. Eat hot food while it is still hot.
Separate – Keep raw foods away from cooked and ready to use food to avoid cross contamination. Always wash preparation boards with hot soapy water and if possible use two one for raw foods and the other for fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods. If you buy a fresh bird, you should store it in the fridge and cook it no later than two days after purchase. Stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge so that its juices do not drip on other foods and risk contamination. If you have bought a frozen bird, put it into your freezer until you are ready to defrost it.
Chill – Always keep cold foods cold. The image above tells a story of how not to store food correctly. Bacteria can develop quickly when it sits in a warm environment. Always eat cold foods while they are cold. Throw away food that has been siting at room temperature for more than two hours. Any doubts throw it out!!

Other top tips are:

Don’t eat uncooked cake and batter mixes; they contain raw egg, which could contain salmonella. Kids are particularly at risk so don’t let them lick the spoon.
You can reduce the risk when making drinks by boiling fruit juices if the product has not been pasteurised.
Cook stuffing separately from the turkey if you do choose to stuff your turkey remove the stuffing after cooking.
Cold buffet foods can be kept cold by serving over trays of ice. Warm food can be kept hot using warming trays or crock-pots etc. Do not add new food to existing serving dishes use a clean one each time. Always provide serving utensils for every dish including crisps, peanuts etc. to prevent contamination between guests.
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge once cooled. It should not have a lid or wrapping placed around it until it is a fridge temperature. Leftovers should be used within two to three days or popped in the freezer immediately for use at a later date. Do not overload the fridge; cool air must be able to circulate. Refrigeration units should be maintained at 5°C for below. A domestic freezer should be maintained at -18°C. New Design Kitchens have a range of great quality integrated fridge and freezers follow this link https://newdesignkitchens.co.uk/appliances/. Leftovers should be reheated to a temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). Liquids should be brought to the boil

Hope these tips have helped and you have a happy and healthy Christmas! Thinking of treating yourself to a new kitchen this festive season? Contact New Design Kitchens to find out how we can help.

Christmas Dinner – The Main Event – Cooking the Turkey

Cooking the turkey for Christmas Dinner can be really stressful! 87 per cent of people in the UK believe Christmas would not be Christmas without the traditional roast turkey at the table. This can be a much easier process with the help of a CircoTherm Oven.

We have some great tips and advice that should make cooking that perfect turkey that little bit easier.

Take care choosing your turkey

Always purchase from a trusted source, somewhere that will be able to tell you where it came from and how it was reared. This will provide you evidence that the turkey was treated well when it was alive and this produces better quality meat.

Organic turkey is expensive but the producer will have followed very strict farming standards throughout the turkey’s life. Look for the Soil Association label if you prefer organic.

Free-range turkeys will have had some access to the open air and are usually cheaper than organic. Look for the Freedom Food label used by producers that meet the RSPCA’s welfare standards.

Battery reared turkey are the most common and their low price is the give away.

Storing your turkey

As soon as you get home put your fresh turkey in the fridge. Remove all the wrappings, and then wipe it inside and outside with kitchen paper. Giblets be removed and kept in a covered bowl in the fridge for later use if required. Ensure the turkey is on a tray wide and deep enough to collect any seepage. Cover loosely with foil. If you are using a frozen turkey once it has defrosted store as above. Turkeys will normally keep fresh in the fridge for two days.

Preparing your turkey

Before cooking your turkey it should be at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge for at least an hour before cooking. Keep it covered in a cool place.

Cover your giblets with water and add a peeled onion, carrot, celery stick, bay leaf and a glass of red wine. Simmer for 40 mins, strain and you’ll have the perfect stock to deglaze your turkey roasting tin.

Remove the wishbone from your turkey this makes it easier to carve later, giving you lovely neat slices. Pull the neck skin back and find the wishbone. Cut through the flesh under the contour of the bone on both sides just deep enough to free it and remove.

How long to cook a turkey

The latest advice from the British Turkey information service is that; if the turkey is over 4kg, calculate 20 mins per kg, plus 90 mins. If the bird is under 4kg, calculate 20 mins per kg, plus 70 mins.

To test if it’s done, make sure the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh where it meets the body. If not, put it back in the oven for another 20 mins, then test again.

Cooking your turkey

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
Smear butter all over the turkey and season with salt and pepper.
For timing, always weigh your turkey after stuffing. You may need to use bathroom scales if it’s a really big bird.
Put in a roasting tin, breast side up, and roast for 40 mins per kilo for the first 4 kilos then 45 mins for every kilo over that weight.
Remove the turkey from the oven and rest in a warm place for 30-45 mins, this step is really important as the juices won’t be reabsorbed back into the turkey and will run out if you carve it straightaway. Don’t cover the turkey too tightly if you want the skin to stay crisp but keep it warm.
Before serving your turkey, check that the meat is steaming hot throughout, there is no pink meat visible and when you cut into the thickest part of the meat, the juices run clear.
Bon appetite – serve with all the trimmings and your loved ones.

A vario steam oven is a fantastic product that keeps food extremely moist a great example can be seen on the following link https://www.neff-home.com/uk/productlist/ovens-compact-ovens/ovens/single-ovens/B57VR22N0B

These ovens offer: –

Slide &Hide – unrestricted access in the oven interior and easy handling due to rotating handle
CircoTherm – the unique hot air-system for simultaneous baking and roasting on up to 3 levels
Vario Steam- Steam assistance for CircoTherm ovens, that cooks foods moist on the inside and crisp on the outside
Dual cleaning options
Pyrolytic following heavy use – just let the oven interior clean itself.

At New Design Kitchens, we have the perfect ovens to help make cooking the turkey a breeze this christmas. For more information, visit our showroom or contact us online or on 01543 570468.

12 Tips for Keeping Your Oven and Kitchen Clean This Christmas

We all love the festive period. Christmas carols, excited children, beautiful decorations, mince pies, mulled wine and people treating each other that little bit nicer. What we don’t like is the pressure, all that shopping, relatives getting stroppy after a couple of sherries, extra cooking and extra cleaning. Why spend Christmas cleaning your kitchen and oven? We can help!

Keeping that oven clean

If you don’t clean your oven regularly it can soon become one of those tasks that seem too difficult and painstaking to even contemplate. You find excuse after excuse but unfortunately it gets worse and worse. Horrible smells begin to waft out of your oven when you turn it on – there’s no avoiding it the job has to be done!

Our top tips for an oven that looks and functions at its best.

Self-cleaning ovens – choose a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven. These types of ovens are so worth the investment. They are absolutely fabulous and use a high temperature to burn off any residues from any cooking method leaving a fine ash that can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth. A highly recommended example of one of these ovens can been found on the following link https://www.neff-home.com/uk/productlist/ovens-compact-ovens/ovens/single-ovens/B57CR22N0B.
Be practical when spills occur – If spills happen during the cooking process wipe them up immediately after the oven has cooled. This will make life so much easier in the long run.
Exterior clean – Don’t forget to clean the exterior. This is best with a mild soapy solution. Be careful not to damage your glass with an abrasive scrubbing pad. Use your manufacturers instructions to remove the oven door for a thorough clean.
Loosen the dirt first – place a heatproof bowl full of hot water into the oven to soften grease and grime.
Know your products – Most products used to clean ovens are degreasers and are used when an oven does not have a self clean facility. Always take care, they can be dangerous, and you should always follow instructions carefully. Allow plenty of ventilation they are often toxic. Gel cleaners normally come with a brush to aid easy application and they don’t have the potent chemical smell. Cleaning bags are excellent to clean dirty shelves, leave overnight and while you’re dreaming of a white Christmas your shelves are cleaning themselves. We are all looking to use eco friendly products so how about making your own cleaner. Professional cleaning specialists advocate using a mixture of baking powder and vinegar.

That oven is now turkey ready!

Keeping the kitchen clean

Our top tips for a clean kitchen whilst cooking

Clean Kitchen – It’s so much easier to cook in a kitchen that’s clean. You know that everything is ready to go and you won’t need to waste time cleaning appliances and tools as you go.
Ingredients and equipment – gather all your ingredients and equipment before you start constructing your creations. It saves time and stress.
Rubbish – Before you start your preparation place a couple of bags or bowls nearby to use for recycling and rubbish. This will keep your kitchen tidy and save you time.
Preparation – Prepare dry ingredients first, then vegetables and lastly raw meat. Transfer prepared ingredients into bowls to keep organised. Ingredients that are required at the same time can be put into the same bowl
Clean as you go – Cleaning as you go is the best method to keep your kitchen clean while cooking. A quick bit of washing up here and there or slotting items into the dishwasher makes a surprising difference when it comes to the big clean up at the end when your meal is all cooked.
Soak dirty dishes – as you are working any dishes that have ingredients stuck onto them, pop them into a sink or bowl of warm soapy water this will enable them to be cleaned quickly and easily when you are ready.
Finally a united effort – share the duties, get some help, it’s Christmas for you too!

Thinking of traeting yourself to a kitchen refresh this Christmas season? Contact New Design Kitchens now to find out more and get started.

Introducing our New Trade Kitchens Brand – Jigsaw!

We are delighted to introduce our new trade brand Jigsaw.

A new kitchen is a huge investment and isn’t something that you buy every day. Jigsaw have spent years developing a product range to give you confidence in your choice of kitchen. From sourcing environmentally responsible timbre products, to guarantees and product design, you know that every detail from our trade brand, Jigsaw, has been carefully considered.

Design
Combine door styles and colours with stylish components and cabinets for a truly bespoke feel.

Quality
Our exacting specifications ensure that Jigsaw kitchens will provide both delight and longevity.

Choice
We’re confident that we’ve got something to suit almost every part of the kitchen.

Personal
With a colour match service to create any door colour you want, our kitchens can be as unique as you are.

Accessories
We have everything to complete your design from storage to handles and lighting because a kitchen is more than furniture.

Piece of mind with Jigsaw at New Design.

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm and Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Come and visit our showroom

We are the area's largest independent kitchen and appliance specialists