Clients Journey
Lesley & Ray, Plymouth
The Statement Kitchen They'd Always Wanted
When Plymouth couple Lesley and Ray moved into what they describe as their forever home, they knew the kitchen had to match the occasion. "We wanted a statement kitchen," explained Ray, "something that's quite unique." After trying several companies without finding the right fit, they arrived at the KF Kitchens showroom at Faraday Mill without an appointment. By the time they left, the decision was made. "By the time we left, we knew they were the company for us."
The Design Challenge
The current kitchen was accessed through a door in the hallway, which then led to another door opening into the dining room. Units and worktop ran along the right-hand wall, with the oven immediately to the left of the entrance door. The layout felt disjointed and failed to utilise the potential connection to the dining room and garden beyond.
As soon as Nathan saw the space, he knew what could be done. "Any other company would have come in and done like-for-like," said Ray. "He immediately suggested that by removing the wall on the right and blocking the door to what was the dining room, it would feel more open." Lesley said that changing the space was the best thing they could have done. "Nathan talked about creating a flow to this whole area, which is what the design has done brilliantly. We've now got a kitchen that leads into our dining room with views to the garden, where before, it was blocked by the wall."
The Solution
Lesley and Ray had spotted a Nolte kitchen in the showroom but wanted a different colour. Seeing it in the newly introduced caramel shade settled the matter immediately. The caramel bank of units takes pride of place on the far wall, complemented by contemporary white cupboards and drawers. A peninsula with a venting induction Neff hob sits at the heart of the open space, and a statement worktop sourced from Mayflower Stone ties the scheme together. "When we saw it, we thought it would be perfect," said Ray.
All integrated appliances are Neff: a single slide-and-hide oven, microwave combi, warming drawer, venting induction hob, washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge freezer. A Quooker tap provides instant boiling water. Practical storage solutions include a carousel corner for coffee-making items positioned alongside the coffee machine and a large larder next to the oven. Karndean flooring runs throughout, enhancing the flow from the kitchen into the dining room. "We would never have thought of extending the flooring throughout, which has created a nice flow. It's like the finishing touch," said Lesley.
Installation & Completion
KF Kitchens completed the entire build in six weeks, including structural work, with their team managing building, installation, plumbing, electrics, decorating, and flooring. With three people living in the house throughout, including Lesley's elderly mother, KF Kitchens installed a cold water pipe to the garage and connected the couple's old washing machine to keep everything running smoothly. "Nothing was too much trouble," said Lesley. "And they're meticulous, even to the extent of having an appointment to discuss handles. It's those little things, the attention to detail, that really impressed us."
The couple were also surprised to find that only a £500 deposit was needed. "We were never pressured; we could take our time. And Nathan guides you to prioritise what you really want. They help you to make the right choices," said Ray.
The Result
The completed kitchen is now the centrepiece of the home. "We absolutely love the kitchen and how it has utilised our living areas," said Lesley. "Our three words for it would be stylish, contemporary, usable."
Ray added: "We're just so impressed with the whole thing: the kitchen, the experience, the customer service, the products, the workmen, everything."
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