Matthew Smith, director at independent retailer The Cheshire Kitchen Company, explains how refurbishing its showroom was a “transformative step” in attracting interior designers

Having been established for 16 years, The Cheshire Kitchen Co has recently undertaken a significant six-month refurbishment, which director Matthew Smith calls “a transformative step”.

It has installed new displays to meet a growing demand for high-end, handmade furniture which balances traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

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Director Matthew Smith explained: “We aim to elevate kitchen design, offering a range of bespoke, high-quality furniture that reflects our commitment to skilled craftsmanship.

“Whether our clients prefer modern, minimalist designs or more traditional aesthetics, we tailor every kitchen to their unique tastes and needs.

“The move positions The Cheshire Kitchen Co at the forefront of innovative kitchen design while demonstrating our focus on premium quality materials and meet current trends.”

Sintered stone specification

Using Neolith sintered stone surfacing exclusively for its kitchen displays, Matthew Smith says: “The use of Neolith’s Classtone range allows us to seamlessly blend modern and traditional aesthetics.

“This material not only offers the durability and practicality that today’s consumers expect, but also provides natural, timeless beauty”, explains Matthew Smith.

The showroom features Neolith Colorado Dunes, Himalaya Crystal, and Amazonico “to highlight its versatility across different kitchen styles.”

He continues:  “Even though we are based in the countryside, our kitchens don’t need to adhere to a country style, and can suit a plethora of design styles.”

Surface selection

Describing the process of materials and finishes for its new displays as “meticulous”, Matthew says it was sparked by the company’s long-standing relationship with Neolith.

“As someone who has been selling Neolith’s sintered stone materials for over a decade – and using it in my own kitchen – I was already well-versed in its qualities.

“I started by exploring Neolith’s website, reviewing images and specifications I could also share with clients during consultations.

“To finalise my choices, I visited Neolith’s distribution centre in Leeds to view the full slabs in person.

“Seeing these materials in their full scale helped refine my decisions, with some slabs winning me over only after viewing their grandeur in person.”

Aiming to showcase the breadth of Neolith’s capabilities, The Cheshire Kitchen Co displays include varying surface finishes such as Satin and Silk, along with different thicknesses, to demonstrate the material’s adaptability for a variety of applications.

“Beyond traditional worktops, we used Neolith for wall cladding, a custom table, and even bespoke wall lights with smaller remaining offcuts of slabs – highlighting its versatility.

“By integrating these materials into the showroom design, we’ve created a cohesive and inviting space that showcases the full potential of Neolith, while ensuring offcuts are repurposed in innovative and creative ways, adding value for our clients by reducing any waste”, reports Matthew.

He continues: “Neolith’s support throughout the process was exemplary.

“The company, and particularly its dedicated representatives, provided invaluable assistance as they have done over the years.

“They ensured timely delivery and addressed any issues swiftly. It gives us confidence in our partnership, reinforcing our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Positive feedback

Matthew says the feedback from customers to the renovation has been “overwhelmingly” positive.

He states: “Many clients are amazed to learn that Neolith is an architectural surface rather than natural stone.

“They are often delighted to discover its additional benefits, such as durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance.

“Seeing Neolith installed in real-life applications within our showroom has been a game-changer, as many visitors are now able to visualise these materials in their own homes.”

He explains the surfaces reflect the company’s design knowledge and capabilities: “They serve as a tangible demonstration of our attention to detail, particularly with features like matched veins on the sintered stone.

“This meticulous craftsmanship is something our clients truly value and it sets us apart from competitors.”

Expanding opportunities

However Matthew further exclaims the new displays have created “significant” opportunities for the business, which offers a comprehensive service from design consultation to manufacturing and installation.

Seeking to expand its consumer customer base, The Cheshire Kitchen Co is  now seeking to target professional designers and to partner with kitchen showrooms, offering bespoke furniture collections.

“The displays have piqued the interest of interior designers, who are increasingly referring their clients to us”, says Matthew.

He continues: “These collaborations have begun to open up new avenues for growth, particularly as we explore partnerships with other showrooms and expand our offerings into areas such as cabinetry and bedroom furniture.

“Looking ahead, we see exciting opportunities to expand our business”, he comments, concluding: “While we currently manufacture kitchens exclusively for our clients, we are keen to collaborate more closely with interior designers and partner with other showrooms to reach a wider audience.

“Our vision is to grow into new areas, such as bespoke cabinetry and bedroom furniture, all while maintaining the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have become our hallmarks”