Oxford’s New Graduate

Having worked with Kitchen Design Centre for many years on various property projects, including the prestigious Derwent House development, Debbie Benedetto and her husband Paolo knew exactly where to go when they decided a new kitchen was needed at their own home in Simonstone.

“We had a good idea of what we wanted and we already knew that the team at Kitchen Design Centre have a reputation for great design and impeccable service,” explains Debbie, who had already decided that the long narrow kitchen in their detached home, could be opened up and improved by knocking a wall down and moving the utility room to create more space.

“We discussed the layout with the designer Will, who came up with two or three great ideas. We very much wanted a family orientated kitchen, ideally with an island and breakfast bar, but didn’t know where these would go.”

Debbie and Paolo were lucky to be shown a brand new design from premier German manufacturer Hacker – the Oxford making them the first in the UK to acquire the design!

They fell in love with the Shaker style which blends clean contemporary lines with traditional design.

Choosing two different lacquer colours, cream and cashmere, and two different handle designs for each colour, gives the Benedettos a totally individual kitchen that is unique to them.

They also chose sleek Silestone work surfaces that are also incorporated into the window sills thanks to Will’s innovative designs.

Neff appliances were incorporated including an induction hob, a combination microwave oven, fridge freezer, oven and warming drawer – and to top it all the instant boiling water Quooker tap.

“I’m so impressed with the Quooker tap,” says Debbie. “In fact I love the whole design of the kitchen. Kitchen Design Centre has an outstanding reputation for service and they certainly did a great job designing and installing our new kitchen. It is just perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

Blackburn Manager and designer Will Hustler, was delighted that Debbie turned to Kitchen Design Centre for her own kitchen, saying: “I have worked with Debbie for a few years now and she knows what we can do and how we work. She has a very good eye for detail and liked to keep an element of traditional in the design style. It was a pleasure to create a dream kitchen for her family on a personal level.

“It was quite a long kitchen and not a particularly great layout but when we formulated the design to incorporate the utility space, it completely changed the dynamics.”

Placing the island in the centre of the kitchen created a stunning yet workable focal point, while the breakfast bar was designed as a substantial table to allow family and guests to gather round.

The result is a beautiful, yet practical, kitchen and living space.

“It is absolutely stunning,” says Will. “The flow and layout is now very open and balanced.”