Six things you need to know about designing a gloss kitchen

You might assume that gloss cabinets and kitchen worktops steal the show in any room they're in, but that's not necessarily the case. If you choose a neutral shade for your gloss units, they can be a fantastic way to bring a subtle, modern feel to the room.

Cream, light grey or pale blue all fall into this neutral category. They're a fantastic way to lighten up your kitchen, as natural light will reflect off the gloss finish to make the entire kitchen brighter. A cream gloss kitchen design in particular, is a very popular choice.

These colours also pave the way for adding other shades elsewhere, with kitchen colour combinations incorporated through accessories or paint, without overwhelming the space. They also make it easier to merge the kitchen with other design styles throughout the house – bringing in complementary colours from connecting rooms to create a seamless interior design experience.

Coloured gloss cabinets help to ensure that your kitchen is one to remember. Whether you opt for red, purple, yellow or blue, a bright colour scheme is a great choice for the room at the heart of your home.

If you're going all-out with a bright colour for your cabinets, plain walls are usually best, with the option to have a statement feature wall in an offsetting colour. Alternatively, tile patterns are a great way to inject character into the room, especially if you're feeling inspired by art deco or the 1970s.

When it comes to worktops, you can either choose to go for gloss as well, or opt for wood or a matt worktop for contrast. High gloss kitchen designs from ceiling to floor creates a smart look and is great if you want the ultimate modern kitchen, while matching gloss with wood opens up the possibility of a traditional feel.

Shaker kitchens have been on trend for a while now and don't look likely to disappear anytime soon. Simple design lets the materials do the talking – making them the ideal choice for a gloss kitchen.

The minimalism that Shaker style is known for ties in with the gloss effect to ensure the entire design isn't overwhelming – especially in tricky, smaller spaces.

This kind of interior design isn't new: Shaker style is inspired by the well-made, simple furniture by the Shakers, whose belief in honesty and utility are reflected in their designs. The beauty of this kitchen style is that you can make it what you want – the cabinets are just the starting points.

Whether you're redesigning your room or going for a facelift, good kitchen lighting works wonders. With the reflective nature of gloss kitchens, lighting can really affect the look and feel of your finished kitchen.

Natural lighting in a kitchen is a wonderful thing, but when designing your kitchen, you might not have the luxury of sunlight pouring in through the windows.

Integrated LED lighting is an ideal option for a contemporary setting. as it gives light to all areas, whether you opt for under-cabinet strips or brightening spotlights, so you can cook and socialise in comfort, any time of day, any season.

In the evening, soft lighting from floor level will give your kitchen a warm atmosphere as you wind down for the night.

If you opt for a gloss worktop on your kitchen island, low-hanging kitchen lights will reflect well off this, giving your kitchen some sparkle from the centre.

At the heart of a great kitchen is functionality. The kitchen is where you prepare the family dinner, bake birthday cakes or brew a pot of tea for your best friend, and it needs to be able to do these all-important jobs well, providing a stress-free environment.

A contemporary kitchen, decked out in gloss cabinets and worktops, can house the latest gadgets with ease. Innovations range from a standalone extractor fan, to a top-of-the-range fridge freezer, offering ice-cold water at the click of a button.

The addition of hidden charging stations and other functional technology can make your kitchen even more effective, and if you choose high gloss kitchen cabinets and worktops, the technology complements the modern-minded style.

To create an elegant and uncluttered kitchen, using your space cleverly is very important. Clever kitchen storage solutions ensure that, whatever the size of your space, you don't need to sacrifice the design to fit everything in.

Behind gloss cabinets can be unexpected corner storage units, or drawers personalised for your needs, including spaces built for all those necessary items, from scales to scissors. Places that you may never have considered, like steps, can be transformed into storage spots during initial design, freeing up worktop surfaces to show off the gloss finish, or allowing you to choose fitting accessories instead.

Gloss kitchens are a beautiful addition to any home, bringing an instant update to your interior design with their contemporary look and feel. To discover more high gloss kitchen design ideas,e get in touch today to book your free appointment with one of our kitchen design experts, who can help you create the perfect kitchen design for your needs and taste! Or alternatively, try our free online kitchen planner.