Buying a kitchen is a big investment, so it is vital to get it right – and that means buying from the best provider.

In this article we will explain why it is better to buy from an independent kitchen company than a “big shed” retailer – and how to create a checklist to ensure your North East kitchen supplier is the right choice for you.

1. Check their credentials

Look for a kitchen company that is Kbsa approved and regulated. Kbsa is the trade association for independent kitchen providers. Using a Kbsa retailer should give you complete confidence that you are working with a reputable company. Kbsa members like Callerton Kitchens will have the Kbsa logo and their membership certificate on display.

2. A proper designer, not a planner

Leading on from this, did you know that most of the people working in kitchen “design” for the major retailers are probably not what we would class as designers? They are planners who are trained to use a software system to build your kitchen using fixed size units. Conversely, a true designer has the full skill set to create your dream kitchen. They can inspire you, guide you in choosing the right kitchen, then use their magic to bring it all together.

If you want the very best of the best, then look for companies who employ award-winning designers like Callerton Kitchens.

3. Bespoke elements

One way of telling whether you’re getting an off-the-shelf kitchen plan or a true design is bespoke elements. A good kitchen provider will be able to recommend and incorporate bespoke elements into your kitchen design.

4. Wide product range

Similarly, are you restricted to a few choices on styles? The best kitchen companies will offer you a wide range of products to choose from – and have the wisdom to recommend the right ones for your perfect kitchen.

5. Knowledge and experience

Look for a combination of experience and expertise – not just from the designer but the wider team. Don’t be afraid to ask!

6. Project management

A kitchen installation can be complex. Find out what level of project management is included in the price of your kitchen. A good provider will offer a complete, end-to-end management of your installation. Equally, if you have your own installer lined up, the retailer should be flexible enough to support them on a supply-only basis.

7. Points of contact

Check who your points of contact will be. If there are any challenges during or after installation, you want them resolved quickly – and that means being able to talk to the right person. Ensure your primary contact is someone who has the authority and skill set to iron out any issues.

8. Personal service

Buying a kitchen should not feel like any other ordinary transaction. A kitchen is a workplace, a hub of creativity and a safe, welcoming environment. A new kitchen is an investment in future happiness and should be treated as such.

Find a kitchen provider who feels as passionate about your kitchen as you do and who offers a personal service to ensure you realise your dream kitchen.

9. In it for the long haul

Last but not least, ask how long they have been in business. You don’t want to buy a kitchen only for the retailer to go bust a year or so later. If they have a long track record, like our impressive 40+ years, then you know that plenty of other people have put their trust in that company. It also means that, if you do encounter an issue in a few years’ time, you can go back to the provider for advice and assistance.

10. Find out more

To find out more about how Callerton Kitchens can deliver your dream kitchen, talk to us. Alternatively call into our showrooms in Newcastle and Berwick for a friendly chat.

What Can I Expect from My Kitchen Installation?

In between visiting the kitchen showroom, seeing your kitchen design and using your dream kitchen is one crucial step – the messy bit!

Installation is part of the process with the most variables. It also creates the most disruption and can be a source of annoyance if you don’t know what to expect. You don’t buy a new kitchen every day. So even if you’ve had a kitchen installed in the past, you might have forgotten what exactly it entails. In essence, it is a mini construction project. And given the amount of money you are investing it is vital that it is done correctly and managed well.

Callerton Kitchens has succeeded for more than 40 years because we exceed our customers’ expectations. You come to us from across Newcastle and the North East for a quality experience, which includes installation. The kitchens we design and install will last for decades – but perfection requires patience! A good installation takes time.

In this article we will explore:

• What takes place during a kitchen installation
• How to prepare for a kitchen installation
• Why communication and project management is important
• Why start and end dates can be fluid

What Happens During a Kitchen Installation

There are typically several steps involved in every kitchen installation.

1. Removing The Existing Kitchen

You will need to rip out the old kitchen cabinets and worktops. For once, this can mean everything including the kitchen sink!

You might choose to do this yourself, but think about the time and safety aspects, as well as disposal. For example, are you comfortable in ensuring that the gas, water and electricity supplies are all properly disconnected and made safe?

2. New Flooring

If you are installing new flooring, this needs to be factored into your schedule depending on what flooring material you have chosen.

3. Installation

The installation will include delivery of all the cabinetry and other components, which professional installers will fit together on site. We will agree with you a start date and give you a general schedule of works, return visit dates and keep you updated as your project progresses. There are a number of key stages throughout your fit – getting worktop template ready for the worktop fabricator to come and template for your worktops and of course getting some of your appliances up and running for you as soon as possible if you require.

4. Completion and Sign-off

Upon completion of all works, you will be asked to sign off to confirm that you are happy with the finished product.

How to Prepare for a Kitchen Installation

As kitchen installation experts, we have compiled a few points to help you prepare for your installation and ensure it goes smoothly.

1. Clear The Decks

The installers will require clear routes to and from the kitchen. You might want to think about moving furniture out of the way and even taking down pictures, clocks, or decorations from the walls, just in case. Also make sure that other family members are aware – you don’t want kids dropping bags or bikes in the hallway, for example.

2. Make Room

You might need some storage space for the new kitchen components, ideally in a spare room or the garage if you’ve got one.

3. Empty The Kitchen

Take everything out of the kitchen – empty all the cabinets and drawers. This sounds obvious but you’d be amazed how easy it is to forget this step or leave it till the morning we arrive on site, which will delay removal of the old kitchen cabinetry.

4. Plan Alternative Meal Preparation

As much as we’d all love to live off takeaways, it is expensive and often not good for your health! So, think ahead about where you can prepare meals and what limits there are on your meal prep. For example, can you set up a fridge freezer elsewhere, so you’ve still got access to fresh milk and juice? You can even fill the freezer with ready meals that you can microwave to ensure everyone still gets some hot and nutritious food. An alternative could be a slow cooker or air fryer if you have the space.

5. Prepare for Dust

Almost any kind of building work in your home will generate dust and dirt. While our kitchen installers are super-considerate, there will be some dust ingress into other areas of your home. This is more of a mental preparation than a physical one – please accept that there will be dust and bear with the installation team as they do their best to minimise it.

The Importance of Good Communication

A high-quality kitchen company like Callerton Kitchens will provide project management during an installation. This ensures open communication lines and helps make a complex process more palatable. Our Installations team are your first point of contact and will manage the installers for you. Our installers have all worked with Callerton Kitchens and Interiors for many years and are familiar with our product and protocols!

Why Dates Can Change

One of the most common frustrations when it comes to a kitchen installation is that it did not start or end on time.

We will agree the start date with you but understand that this can change due to factors beyond your control. For example, the builders might not finish on time. Communicate with us as early as possible to help us reschedule.

Similarly, a kitchen installation can sometimes take longer than anticipated. These things are complex and often unforeseen challenges on site can appear once the installers get into the nitty gritty, which we will manage. We want to give you the very best possible kitchen and that takes time. We only work with selected installers who are extremely competent and experienced. They are working to provide the best fit for each kitchen component, meaning they are dealing with millimetres rather than inches. Rushing the installation is never a good idea!

Find Out More

Talk to us to find out more about what you can expect from a kitchen installation – or to arrange a consultation for your dream kitchen.

The Best of Both Worlds

Do you want a classic kitchen look, but modern functionality? No problem! A great designer can give you both. In this article, Michelle Pickstock, senior designer at Callerton Kitchens, explains how we can combine classic and modern to deliver something truly special.

Combining classical design with modern functionality in a kitchen can create a beautiful, timeless space that still meets all your contemporary needs. This can help ensure that your kitchen design aligns with the overall aesthetic of your home, without compromising on the utility you need from what is the busiest room in the house.

At Callerton Kitchens we have been helping homeowners to achieve their dream kitchens for more than 40 years. Here are some of our tips on how to achieve the perfect balance between classical and modern:

1. Choose a Timeless Colour Palette

• By far the most popular classic colours are whites and off-whites, which have been associated with a timeless kitchen for decades. We’re talking whites, tasteful creams, and gorgeous soft greys. These will form a fantastic foundation on which you can build your own unique classic kitchen design.
• If you want to incorporate modern accents, you can use bolder colours or metallic materials for décor such as cupboard, cabinet and drawer handles.

2. Incorporate Traditional Hardware

• Another way to get that classic look and feel but still benefit from modern, sleek design is to opt for traditional cabinet hardware such as knobs and pulls. These can still give off timeless vibes even when paired with minimalist cabinets.

3. Or Use Modern Hardware

• As an alternative, flip this 180 degrees by choosing modern cabinet hardware on traditional, panelled cabinets. You can even go handle-free! This gives your cabinets a much more modern feel but retains that timeless look.

4. Add Smart Technology

• Any kitchen is still going to need appliances. You can keep the classic look without having to use appliances from decades gone by! Make sure you do it subtly and choose smart appliances that fit with the classic kitchen look. This will hugely enhance the functionality of your kitchen without overwhelming the classic design or jarring with it.

5. Add Some Personal Touches

• If you’ve come to a North East kitchen expert like Callerton Kitchens, it’s because you have good taste! Use that innate ability to add your own personal touches to your kitchen. Display classic dishware or decorative elements that reflect your style, blending old-world charm with contemporary design. If you’re stuck for inspiration, we can help!

By thoughtfully blending these elements, you can create a kitchen that feels both classic and modern, combining beauty with practicality.

To find out more about how we can combine classic and modern elements to create your dream kitchen, talk to us or call into one of our North East kitchen showrooms and talk to one of our expert designers.

A Trusted Partner

There are three elements to being a successful independent business. You have to be loved by your customers and lauded by your peers – they both go without saying. But a truly great business is also passionate about its partners!

At Callerton Kitchens, we are proud to be an authorised Bora distribution partner, bringing the benefit of Bora to families and homes across the North East. Bora offers innovative products that can be truly transformational when it comes to raising your expectations of your new kitchen.

In this article we’ll explore what Bora offers and why we have no hesitation in recommending them to our clients.

The extractor factor

Bora offers a wide range of appliances now, but it began by developing a world-class extraction system in the original downdraft extractor. Bora cooktop extractors are effective without being intrusive – no more huge overhead vents! By applying the principles of fluid physics, a Bora extractor captures odours and grease particles as they emerge, processing them through its charcoal filter. It uses cross flow technology which essentially works faster than the speed at which cooking vapours rise.

The added benefits are that Bora extractors are quiet, open up more space in the kitchen and are easy to clean. A homeowner’s dream!

There is a broad range of cooktop extraction systems to choose from, so you’re not limited in the design of your kitchen. Want a kitchen counter in an apartment? No problem! Need an island kitchen in a larger house? Bora has got you covered!

Covering all bases

However, there is much more to Bora than its amazing extractors. Bora understands that kitchens are as different as the people who cook in them, yet they all have one thing in common: the kitchen is the heart of the home. Through innovative products it transforms kitchens from functional space to a genuine space for living.

Whether you are a budding chef who needs all the mod cons, or a tech lover who wants a smart kitchen for a smarter home, there is a product for you.

Let’s start by chilling out with BORA CoolSmart – not only is this a stunning fridge, it also takes refrigeration to the next level. Featuring two separate areasfor cooling and storing, CoolSmart offers ideal temperature conditions for various foods. At temperatures close to 0°C, the Bora Fresh zero area in the fridge comes with humidity regulation, meaning it is optimally designed for storing food.

Meanwhile, the Bora Freeze makes the unwanted build-up of ice in the freezer a thing of the past. Quiet and efficient, it is rated in class B for noise emissions, helping to keep the kitchen a tranquil place.

If you want both together, try the Bora Cool Combi for intelligent refrigeration and freezing combined.

Beyond that, there are really clever solutions like the Bora QVac integrated vacuum sealer, a space-saving way of storing food while still retaining its taste and appetising appearance. You can use the QVac for sealing food in vacuum boxes and bags, resealing opened bottles, and even marinating ingredients in your next meal.

Last but not least is the XBO oven, bringing the best in the commercial world of cooking to your home.

Bora products not only perform impressively, but they also look impressive too! A perfect blend of form and functionality, we highly recommend them.

All are displayed across our showrooms in Newcastle and Berwick – come and cook with us!

To find out more about how Bora products could work in your next kitchen, talk to us or call into one of our North East kitchen showrooms and talk to one of our Bora experts.

Call the Kitchen SAS

When it comes to kitchen appliances, not all kitchen providers are on the same level. NEFF is one of the leading kitchen oven brands and Callerton Kitchens is a part of its NEFFMasterPartners® network. In fact, we’re a 5-star MasterPartner! In NEFF’s own words, this is “a collection of elite retailers” – that’s right, we’re considered among the best of the best – think Kitchen SAS, not Kitchen SoS!

NEFF MasterPartners like us have specialist expertise and knowledge of the brand, meaning that you get the highest possible level of service when choosing your kitchen. It’s not just about stunning showroom displays – we also put on live cooking events to showcase the unique capabilities that NEFF can bring to your kitchen. If you have a passion for cooking, this is the type of support and expertise that you should expect from your kitchen provider.

Informed design

Our designers fully understand the aesthetics and performance of NEFF appliances. This means we can recommend the best kitchen appliances for your needs. We can guide you through each step of the process, making it easy.

We work closely with NEFF and invest in regular in-depth product training. This ensures that our team are fully up to date with the latest appliances and their features. We can answer your questions, walk you through the entire range, and help you choose the right kitchen appliances based on your cooking needs.

Exclusive offers

We understand that buying a new kitchen is a big investment – but there are ways to reduce those costs without cutting corners. As a NEFF MasterPartner, we can share exclusive offers and promotions with you. A great way to ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams without having to compromise on price.

Live cooking events

We work closely with our MasterPartners® to host live cooking events showcasing our range of NEFF cooking appliances. Hosted by our Specialist Home Economists, our live cooking events allow you to see our appliances in action and taste the delicious results of what you can achieve with a NEFF kitchen.

Why choose NEFF?

NEFF offers the perfect combination of style and performance. Its Flex Design range features interchangeable sidebars and handles, meaning if you want a new look for your kitchen, you don’t have to replace the entire appliance.

There are four distinctive colours to choose from, including brushed bronze, deep blac,, metallic silver and anthracite grey.

When it comes to performance, you benefit from some innovative thinking that makes cooking easier and simpler. Ideas include Slide&Hide® – the oven door that gets you closer to your cooking. Also unique to NEFF is the TwistPad® Fire. Activate it by then twist the illuminated dial to reach the desired power level. There are also genius ideas like CircoTherm®, which circulates the hot air to cook various dishes at once without risk of the flavours from one dish contaminating another.

Find out more

Want more information about how Callerton Kitchens can help you find your dream kitchen? Talk to us or call into one of our North East kitchen showrooms for a friendly chat.

Property experts believe that installing a new kitchen can add up to 10 percent to your house price. Of course, this varies wildly depending on the size, condition and location of your property. For example, if you’re fortunate enough to live in a £500,000 house, spending £20,000 on a new kitchen isn’t going to magically add £50,000 to the estate agent’s valuation! Similarly, if you’re in a £100,000 house, then a £20,000 on a new kitchen isn’t going to deliver a return on investment.

Place your trust in kitchen experts

The kitchen is the creative hub of your home, in two different ways. The obvious one is that it’s where we make create the food and drink we enjoy on a daily basis, from that first sip of tea or coffee on a morning to hearty evening meals and everything in between. However, your kitchen is also where you will make so many memories. It is the beating heart of every happy home and that’s why making sure you get the perfect kitchen is so important.

On top of that, a new kitchen is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner makes, so it’s vital to get it right. In this article we highlight five reasons why placing your trust in independent kitchen design experts can help ensure you get your dream kitchen and a great customer experience.

Price vs value

Have you ever heard the saying, “buy cheap, buy twice”? It is definitely true of kitchens! Investing in a quality kitchen that is built to last will ultimately save you money. No one wants a kitchen that is showing its age in five years – and you might be surprised at how affordable a better-quality kitchen can be!

Think of your kitchen like any other investment; if you get 15 or 20 years out of your kitchen instead of, say, a decade, thenyou’ve double its life span. Investing a little bit more in a kitchen that will last 100% longer – that’s surely a no-brainer!

A design for life

As well as wanting a kitchen that will last, you also need to maximise your use of space. Buying from a “big shed” kitchen company can mean you end up with fillers at the end of your cupboards – dead space you can’t use! By using expert designers at an independent kitchen provider, you get a design that fits your space, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

This also includes sharing knowledge with you on the latest kitchen trends and discussing how they could work for you. And if you choose Callerton Kitchens, you’ll be benefiting from award-winning design.

Appliance advice

In the same vein, an expert independent kitchen supplier will have a more in-depth knowledge of appliances, meaning they can give you good advice on which appliances are right for your kitchen. This could be as simple as understanding how you use your oven, fridge and dishwasher, right through to giving guidance on the benefits of incorporating smart technology into your kitchen. Think of it as the appliance of appliance science!

Proper project management

Getting a new kitchen is a big undertaking, so we work to make it as smooth a process as possible.

We provide full project management, starting with design and encompassing every step of the installation process – from removing your old kitchen to the finishing touches on your new one.

Every installation is different and we treat them as such. Companies like Callerton Kitchens stand and fall on their customer service. And we’ve been standing for over 40 years!

Where can I find out more information?

You can find inspiration for your kitchen here. Or contact us for a friendly chat.

Appliance science

While a kitchen should always look good, it is also the room where a lot of the essential work gets doneto run your home. From creating and cooking to cleaning up afterwards, the right appliances are vital to success. Peter Nolan, director of sales at Callerton Kitchens, explains more in this article.

How do I choose the right essential appliances?

When creating a new kitchen, a good kitchen designer will take into account how you use this important space – for example, how it connects to other rooms, as well as how often you use it for cooking and entertaining.

Within that, it is important for the designer to understand how you use your oven, hob, fridge and dishwasher. Armed with this information they can ensure that you get the right appliances to support your needs.

Increasingly, incorporating smart technology is a consideration for kitchen appliances. Using smart tech can simplify the cooking process as well as making it more efficient. If we can combine that with a functional kitchen appliance that fits your aesthetic, then it’s a win-win scenario.

What other kitchen technologies should I be aware of?

If aesthetics is a priority, then think about Neff Collection ovens which provide client choice when it comes to the trims and handles which can blend in with your kitchen design. Their ‘’slide and hide’ oven doors provide an ability to save space and enhance your cooking experience.

They also are a great example of how smart technology can enhance the cooking process, as well as being able tolink to their Home Connect app for control from afar and system updates.

Another name to look for is Bora, who have revolutionised extraction with hob cooking. Their approach eliminates the need for the normal cooker hood, enabling you to place the hob almost anywhere in the kitchen. From a design perspective this gives us much more freedom and flexibility.

We hold regular cooking demonstrations with experts from Bora, Neff and Siemens to help our clients understand the science, the functions of their appliances and to get the most from their cooking.

Read more about our partners here.

What about other kitchen appliances like wine cabinets and coffee machines?

Kitchen wine cabinets can absolutely add a touch of elegance and style to any luxury kitchen.First and foremost, wine cabinets offer more precise temperature control for your wine, essential for preserving quality and taste. So,it’s ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Coffee machines have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, meaning it’s never been easier to perfect your favourite coffee at home – a great way to start each day!

At Callerton Kitchens, we offer the same level of expert advice for these additional appliances as we do for ovens and dishwashers.

How do I know if an appliance is right for our kitchen?

Somecustomers have a fixed idea of what they want before talking to Callerton Kitchens, but usually most clients need our help and guidance. In our showrooms, almost all of the appliances on display are working models. This means that we can demonstrate almost any function or requirement.

We can utilise our knowledge to cook a healthy and tasteful dish to demonstrate how easy the appliance is to use. This is a great way for us to involve the client, get them using the appliance and give them complete confidence that they are making the right choice. It also helps break down that barrier of concern that they won’t know how to use an appliance when it is fitted as part of a new kitchen – they’ve already had their hands on it.

Where can I find out more information?

You can find inspiration for your kitchen here. Or contact us for a friendly chat.

Shortlisted for two more kitchen design awards

We’re incredibly proud and excited to announce that Callerton Kitchens has made the shortlist for not one but two of our industry’s most prestigious awards!

The KBB Review Retail & Design Awards features Callerton Kitchens twice in its nominations. This kind of recognition from our peers proves that, when it comes to kitchen design and installation, we are right up there with the best of the best.

This builds on our recent success, when our director of sales Peter Nolan won the Kitchen Designer of the Year (up to £25,000) category at the Kbsa Designer Awards just a couple of months ago. Peter is up for a second award, with KBB shortlisting him for Kitchen Designer of the Year: project cost up to £30,000. Take a look at the amazing work he did on the kitchen here.

This is a highly competitive category and only four designers made the final cut. Peter will be flying the flag for Newcastle, along with his peers from Norfolk, Cornwall and Scotland.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but we’re also shortlisted for the Retailer of the Year, probably the most coveted award in our industry! This is the equivalent in our industry of winning the Oscar for Best Picture, so the competition is incredibly fierce. The shortlist represents the very top tier of kitchen design, so we’re proud to have made it this far and to be in such esteemed company.

Again, there are only four shortlisted entrants: Callerton Kitchens, Laings Kitchens, Cooks & Company, and Kitchens by JS Geddes – we know the latter well because they are also a retailer for Callerton Furniture, our sister company.

The KBB Review Retail & Design Awards celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, so the ceremony is going to be special. We’ll be attending a black tie dinner on 4^th March at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole when the winners will be announced – so wish us luck!

This is an overused phrase, but it really is a huge honour to be recognised with companies like these, it puts us in the premier league of kitchen design.

This is the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes that our clients never see. For example, we’ve invested in new systems and our own people, which has enabled us to become even more focused and efficient in our processes. This all stems from a customer-centric ethos, meaning that the end result is a best-in-class product and service for our clients.

The fundamentals to deliver the dream kitchen for every customer have long been in place at Callerton Kitchens. Being shortlisted for these national awards is recognition of that hard work and hopefully we’ll be celebrating next month when we bring the awards home for the North East!

We’re also very proud that Peter and the rest of the team are getting the recognition they deserve. We repeatedly get told by clients of how a member of our team went the extra mile, gave more of their time to really understand the customer’s needs, and were generally lovely!

If you want your next kitchen to come from our brilliant team and award-winning independent business, then get in touch.