The Hidden Engineering Behind Beautiful Kitchens: Our Day with Blum
At Callerton Kitchens, we’re always looking for ways to make your kitchen not only beautiful, but a joy to use every day. Design, functionality and innovation go hand in hand, and that’s why we were thrilled to attend the recent Design Lab, hosted by Callerton and Blum at the Blum Experience Centre in Milton Keynes.
The event brought together designers from across Callerton’s retailer network to deep dive into the latest product, share cutting-edge designs and explore the latest in kitchen technology, functionality, and ergonomic design.
We were joined by designers and retailers from across the Callerton network, including representatives from Red Kite Kitchens in Beaconsfield, Nicholas Hythe Kitchens in Cambridgeshire, and Four Seasons Kitchens in Leeds. It was a collaborative, and creative environment that showcased our shared commitment to quality and innovation.
We left feeling inspired and full of ideas for how these insights can make a real difference in your home.
Discovering Design Innovation in Action
Blum’s approach to furniture hardwear is driven by research into how people truly live and move in their spaces. Every detail, from how you open a drawer to how easily you can reach what you need, plays a role in creating a kitchen that feels effortless.
One of the most fascinating parts of the day was seeing the Age Explorer suit in action. This specially designed suit simulates the physical effects of ageing and certain disabilities. When you wear it, you get a sense of what it’s like to move, bend, and see through the eyes of someone with mobility or accessibility challenges, whether due to age or disability.
It’s an eye-opening experience that reminds us why thoughtful design matters so much. Small adjustments in height, lighting, or layout can make your kitchen more comfortable and inclusive for everyone.
Our very own Francis Russell from Callerton Newcastle tried on the suit at the Callerton Design Lab, held at the Blum Experience Centre. Experiencing it firsthand really highlighted how good design can improve everyday comfort and independence in your kitchen.
Engineering Excellence Behind Every Hinge
We also had the chance to take a closer look at one of Blum’s signature hinges. Quite literally, it was taken apart to reveal all 54 individual components hidden inside. Each tiny piece plays its part in delivering the smooth, silent motion that Blum products are known for.
It’s this attention to detail that makes Blum a world leader in hinge and drawer systems, and why we’re proud to partner with them. Every Callerton kitchen benefits from that same precision and craftsmanship, ensuring your cabinets not only look stunning but perform beautifully for years to come – with a lifetime guarantee in fact!
What We Took Away
- Progress is never accidental; when innovation meets the power of data, every measured improvement, informed by real human behaviour, helps create a kitchen that works smarter, feels better, and supports you every day.
- Design with accessibility in mind; understanding how people of all abilities use their kitchens leads to spaces that are both practical and welcoming.
- Partnership makes progress possible; by working closely with trusted suppliers like Blum, we continue to bring exceptional quality and lasting value into your home.
Bringing the Inspiration Home
Events like the Design Lab remind us that great design always starts with curiosity and collaboration. By staying connected with forward-thinking partners like Blum and other retailers in the network, we can bring the latest innovations straight into your kitchen, combining style, comfort, and functionality in equal measure.
If you’d like to see how these ideas could enhance your own kitchen, we’d love to share more of what we’ve learned.

























