Clients Journey
Nick & Tina Garcia, Plymouth
Built for People Who Know Kitchens
With decades of experience in the catering industry between them, Nick and Tina Garcia had a clear sense of what a well-designed kitchen needed to deliver. Nick was the patron chef at the family's restaurant, Trattoria Pescatore in Stonehouse, while Tina manages local seafood company S&J Fisheries. When it came to their own home, the kitchen had to be as functional as it was attractive.
The Design Challenge
The kitchen is located at one end of a large, light-filled room that was recently built. The space used to be two connected conservatories, which the couple demolished to create their main living area. Since the room was still under construction when Nick and Tina first visited the showroom at Faraday Mill, the design process had to progress ahead of the actual space.
After visiting several kitchen companies, they chose KF Kitchens. Meeting Nathan, Derinda, and Connor in the showroom gave them confidence that the process would be managed properly. "We really liked them, they brought lots of ideas to the table," said Tina. "We went through various options and the design evolved over time. Nathan said it was about building the layers. It's a process, so you don't have to make all the decisions at the start. Nothing was rushed. And there was no beating around the bush with the costing, so there were no hidden costs."
The Solution
Nick and Tina wanted a contemporary look with a practical layout centred around appliances that would last for years. They had seen a kitchen in the showroom in a different colour and were taken to it. The final choice was Nolte in lava with anti-fingerprint doors. Above the sink area, the new Artwood striped cupboards in coffee colour add a contrasting detail. The island includes an extra table area, with a worktop in a contrasting tone featuring copper notes, sourced by Nathan from Mayflower Stone, who also supplied the remaining worktops and splashbacks. "I wanted a contrast to go with the overhead lights I'd bought, and Nathan sourced this worktop with copper tones from Mayflower. And it's perfect," said Tina.
The appliance specification focuses on Neff throughout: a fridge, freezer at the end of the island, main oven, microwave combi-oven, steam oven, coffee machine and warming drawer. A multi-zone induction hob on the island features a retractable extractor, keeping the chef at the centre of the room. A Quooker tap provides boiling, cold, and sparkling water. The sink, concealed bins, and dishwasher are all located within the same area of the kitchen. KF Kitchens also laid the flooring across the entire room.
Installation & Completion
The installation was overseen by KF Kitchens' fitter, Kevin, working together with the couple's own tradespeople: RGS Electrical and Maxim Plumbing. "Nathan and Derinda helped us decide where everything should go," said Tina, "and the installation by their fitter, Kevin, went smoothly."
The kitchen was completed in time for Christmas.
The Result
The finished kitchen is where Nick and Tina spend most of their time. "We haven't left it since; we don't sit anywhere else!" said Tina. "It's perfect for how we like to live. It's sociable rather than formal, with the stools at the breakfast bar. When we sit here in the evening, it feels special, like we're out to dinner."
"The kitchen is exactly what we wanted. Our three words for it are 'sleek, modern and enjoyable' or our 'new happy haven'. We can't recommend KF Kitchens enough!"
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