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Hidden Wonders: A Tour of Callerton’s Clever Kitchen Storage

As you step into a Callerton Kitchens showroom, whether it’s our vibrant space in Newcastle or our inviting display in Berwick, there’s an immediate sense of calm. Gone are the everyday kitchen frustrations – the rogue spatulas, the elusive lids, the piles of forgotten gadgets. We all know that feeling, don’t we? In the very heart of your home, the kitchen, making smart use of every inch is absolutely essential.

At Callerton, we believe your kitchen should be a source of pure joy, not a constant battle against disarray. Our mission is to transform your cooking space into an effortlessly organised sanctuary. Each storage solution we present isn’t just about utility; it’s a carefully crafted piece of intelligent design, seamlessly weaving itself into the most beautiful interiors to enhance both function and aesthetics.

Allow me to show you around…

Integrated Bar Areas

Imagine a seemingly ordinary run of dark, elegant cabinets. But with a gentle push and a swing, a panel silently recedes, revealing a shimmering, fully stocked bar! Shelves lined with glassware sparkle under soft lighting, with space for favourite spirits, wine racks, and even a built-in fridge. When closed, it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen—elegant and understated. When opened, it transforms into a centrepiece for entertaining. It feels almost like a secret invitation to unwind.

Appliance Garages

Further along, we peek into a cupboard with smooth-folding doors. Inside? A cosy little “home” for everyday essentials—the toaster, the coffee machine, the blender. All within reach, but never left out cluttering the counter. Close the doors, and it’s as though they were never there. A touch of magic for anyone who loves a tidy worktop.

The Butler’s Pantry

For the true culinary enthusiast, we present the Butler’s Pantry. This isn’t merely a cupboard; it’s a dedicated wing of organised abundance. With expansive shelving, generous countertop space, and often bespoke lighting, it’s a hidden realm for all your extra appliances, bulk provisions, and cherished serveware. Imagine preparing a feast or arranging drinks without ever cluttering your main kitchen! It keeps the ‘show kitchen’ immaculate while providing a dedicated, beautifully organised backstage area for all your culinary magic.

Bi-Fold Doors

You’ll notice how seamlessly some of our larger storage areas unveil their contents. This is often thanks to the elegant dance of Bi-Fold Doors. Instead of swinging wide and potentially getting in your way, these clever doors fold back smoothly, tucking themselves discreetly to the sides. They’re perfect for those grand pantry entrances or wide appliance havens, allowing you to survey your culinary kingdom in one glorious sweep without a single door disrupting your flow.

The Space Tower: A Vertical Wonderland

Now, let’s turn our attention to the magnificent Space Tower Larder Unit. This towering pantry isn’t just deep; it’s ingeniously organised. With a soft pull, a series of internal drawers and shelves glide out independently, revealing every jar, packet, and bottle with perfect clarity. No more rummaging in the dark depths! Its clever design means maximum storage in a surprisingly compact footprint, making it a dream for bulk buying or simply keeping your provisions in pristine, easily accessible order.

Larders with Wooden Spice Racks: A Symphony of Flavours

As we admire the larder units, you’ll discover an exquisite detail: integrated wooden spice racks lining the inside of the doors. These bespoke racks are crafted from beautiful timber, holding your entire collection of herbs and spices neatly organised and easily visible. No more searching through chaotic cupboards! They transform a simple larder into a culinary haven, where every flavour is at your fingertips, adding both practicality and a touch of artisanal charm to your kitchen.

Le Mans Corner Units

Ah, the elusive corner cupboard! Historically a black hole for forgotten gadgets. But with our Le Mans Corner Units, named for their smooth, sweeping curves, this tricky space is tamed. Watch as these unique kidney-shaped shelves pivot and slide out of the cabinet, bringing every pot, pan, or mixing bowl within effortless reach. It’s an ingenious solution that turns awkward angles into accessible storage, proving that every corner has potential.

Secret Cupboards

And finally, for those who truly appreciate discretion, our Secret Cupboards are the ultimate design illusion. Blending seamlessly into wall panelling or disguised behind an unexpected facade, these hidden nooks are truly invisible until you know their trick. Perfect for tucking away precious items, unsightly necessities, or simply adding a touch of intriguing mystery to your design, they demonstrate that the cleverest storage can be the kind you don’t even know is there.

A Kitchen That Thinks Ahead

At Callerton Kitchens, our passion is to craft spaces that inspire, delight, and genuinely simplify your life. Each storage solution is meticulously designed not just for its clever function but to enhance the overall beauty and flow of your kitchen. We invite you to visit our showrooms in Newcastle or Berwick and experience the magic of a truly clutter-free kitchen, where every item has its rightful, happy home.

38 Years On: A Callerton Kitchen Still Going Strong

At Callerton Kitchens, we know that the kitchen is so much more than just a room. It is the heart of the home where meals are cooked and shared, where families gather, and where kids sit at the kitchen table or perch at the breakfast bar, chatting about their day at school. Over time, it becomes the backdrop to countless moments, both big and small. That is why we take the investment in a new kitchen so seriously. For us, it is never just about cabinets and worktops. It is about creating a space that will serve and support your family for many years to come.

Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of seeing that long-term commitment come to life in a truly special way.

A wonderful couple visited us with a simple request. They had purchased their Callerton kitchen 38 years ago when we had a retail showroom in a Tyneside department store. Decades later, their kitchen is still very much in place, still in daily use, still the hub of family life, and still standing the test of time.

The reason for their visit? After nearly four decades of faithful service, one hinge on a cupboard had finally given way. Just one.

As we chatted, they shared memories of selecting and purchasing their kitchen all those years ago, and we even pulled out some of the original paperwork. It was a lovely moment of nostalgia for both them and some of our team who have been with Callerton since those early days.

When we mentioned the story to our founder Gordon, he immediately knew exactly which hinge it was. This is a testament to his knowledge and the consistency in the products we have used over the years. Rob was able to locate the newer version of the hinge, and we soon arranged for the repair.

With the replacement fitted, their kitchen is once again fully functional and as you can see from their smiling faces, they were absolutely thrilled to have it back in perfect working order.

This heartwarming story is a true reflection of what Callerton Kitchens is all about. Craftsmanship, longevity, and building kitchens that truly stand the test of time. When you invest in a Callerton kitchen, you are investing in decades of everyday living, family memories, and quality that lasts.

Callerton Kitchens. Built to serve. Built to last. Always at the heart of your home.

From Statement Island to Stunning Space: The Power of a Collaborative Kitchen Design

At Callerton Kitchens, we believe the most inspiring spaces are born from great collaboration. When clients bring vision, passion, and bold ideas to the table, especially when those clients happen to be creatives themselves, it opens the door to something truly special. That was exactly the case with Becca and Luke’s project.

From Inspiration to Reality

Becca Bird, Interior Design Director at a London practice with global projects to her name, had long envisioned the kind of kitchen she wanted for her own home. Even before planning permission had been secured, she and her partner Luke had already made a statement purchase: a stunning ex-display island from Rehome that they had completely fallen in love with. With this bold, character-filled centrepiece ready and waiting, they turned their focus to building a kitchen around it.

Enter Callerton Kitchens

With over four decades of experience designing and manufacturing premium kitchens, our team loves to be involved in collaborative projects like this—ones that challenge us to integrate existing pieces, work closely with architects and trades, and deliver a beautifully cohesive result.

A Dream Team Approach

This project was about more than just cabinetry and layout. It was about seamless integration across every part of the build. Becca and Luke brought on Victoria Ramez Architecture to lead the architectural design, and Johnny from Greens Building Solutions to take charge of the construction and of course Becca’s own skills and passion to deliver this project for her own home.

Our role was to listen carefully, collaborate closely, and create a kitchen that married the aesthetic of the Rehome island with bespoke cabinetry, functional flow, and premium finishes. Working alongside Becca’s keen design eye and the trusted build team, we ensured that every detail, from colour-matched cabinetry to the finer details, felt purposeful, considered, and completely personal.

A Little About How It All Began

Callerton Kitchens has its roots in the North East of England, with a story that stretches back to 1982. What started as a property development venture between two friends in Newcastle quickly evolved into something more. After importing kitchens from Germany, they recognised the opportunity to design and manufacture high-quality, design-led kitchen furniture right here in the UK.

That decision sparked decades of growth. Today, we’re proud to operate from our North East base, where our manufacturing site and two showrooms in Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed work closely together to deliver exceptional kitchens across the country. Our reputation is built not only on craftsmanship and design but on collaboration with architects, builders, and, most importantly, our clients.

The Finished Result

Back to Becca and Luke’s project. The end result is nothing short of sensational. The Rehome island now sits in harmony with the rest of the kitchen, thanks to expertly colour-matched cabinetry and thoughtful details that make the space feel connected and calm. Rich textures, elegant finishes, and smart storage solutions come together to support a lifestyle that’s both elevated and easy-going.

Projects like this remind us why we do what we do. Designing kitchens isn’t just about cabinets and worktops. It’s about creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them. And when that happens through a spirit of collaboration and creativity, the result is something truly timeless.

Summer Serenity & Style: Kitchen Trends That Stand the Test of Time with Callerton

As summer 2025 unfolds, the heart of the home, the kitchen, is embracing a fresh wave of design innovation. At Callerton Kitchens, we’re seeing exciting shifts towards spaces that are not just beautiful, but deeply personal, functional, and seamlessly connected to their surroundings. Gone are the days of stark minimalism; welcome to kitchens meticulously designed for living, entertaining, and quiet enjoyment. Let’s explore the key trends shaping UK kitchens this season, expertly crafted within our bespoke Callerton designs.

1. Earthy & Nature-Inspired Colour Palettes

This summer, kitchens are drawing inspiration directly from the natural world, fostering a sense of calm and wellbeing. Green cabinetry, like the stunning muted sage tone in our featured North Avenue kitchen, continues its reign. These deep, calming shades, ranging from subtle sage to rich forest green, create a serene and grounded feel, reflecting a desire for tranquility indoors. They pair exquisitely with elegant white quartz or marble-style worktops to create a clean yet organically rich aesthetic. Beyond greens, we’re embracing warmer, earthy tones like clay, chocolate browns, and sophisticated burgundy, bringing a comforting warmth that feels utterly modern. The goal is a seamless, nature-infused palette that truly brings the outdoors in.

2. Statement Islands & Connected Layouts

The kitchen island has firmly cemented its place as the social and functional epicentre of the modern home. For Summer 2025, we’re seeing them evolve into true statement pieces with integrated breakfast bars and plush, upholstered stools. These designs are not just practical but also incredibly sociable, making them ideal for summer entertaining. Many incorporate induction hobs or sinks, maximising functionality while maintaining a clutter-free main workspace.

Beyond the island, the overall layout is shifting. While open-plan kitchens remain popular, there’s a growing trend towards ‘broken plan’ living, where subtle partitions or changes in flooring create distinct zones without sacrificing the sense of openness. Crucially, many of these contemporary kitchens are designed to feel intrinsically connected to the outdoors, featuring large windows that frame green views and facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor flow for true summer living. Light wood or neutral floor tiles further enhance this bright and airy feel.

3. Rich Textures, Warm Woods & Subtle Luxury

Detailing in kitchen design has never been more important, adding depth and a touch of subtle luxury. We’re layering textures through elements like reeded glass, textured backboards, and natural wood finishes. Contrasting cabinetry is key, with examples like deep purple/indigo tones combined with natural oak veneers creating striking visual interest. The warmth of wood is paramount; even in bolder designs, like the matt black cabinetry with warm wood insets and lighting seen in some of our more avant-garde collections, wood tones soften the aesthetic and bring vital tactility.

Integrated LED strip lighting, often within shelving or under cabinets, adds a sophisticated, hotel-like ambience. Finishing touches include the enduring popularity of brushed brass taps and handles, along with warm-toned taps in unlacquered brass, copper, bronze, and titanium, which contribute to a more characterful, vintage-inspired look. Functionality is subtly integrated too, with hidden storage solutions, minimalist handles, or even handleless cabinetry keeping the look sleek and uncluttered.

4. Smart Integration & Personalised Touches

Modern kitchens are embracing technology, moving beyond just appliances to integrate smart controls, touchless taps, and intelligent lighting systems, creating highly efficient and responsive spaces. This aligns with a broader trend towards highly personalised and bespoke design. Clients are seeking unique colour choices, custom storage solutions, and innovative layouts that perfectly fit their lifestyle. The focus is on timeless design and enduring craftsmanship, ensuring your Callerton kitchen remains a cherished space for years to come.

As the Summer season unfolds, let Callerton Kitchens help you transform your vision into a reality. Our expertise in creating stunning, functional, and trend-setting kitchens ensures your home is perfectly prepared for modern living.

Are You Comparing Apples and Bananas? How to Choose the Right Kitchen Company

When you’re investing in a new kitchen, it’s easy to be dazzled by glossy brochures, impressive showrooms, and big promises. But not all kitchens—and not all kitchen companies—are created equal.

At Callerton Kitchens, we believe that making the right choice starts with asking the right questions. Because when you know what to look for, you’ll quickly see the difference between a kitchen that’s simply sold and one that’s truly built to last.

From the very first visit to our showrooms through to the final finishing touches, we offer design as a complete, fully managed service. You’ll get expert advice, mood board planning, full layouts, and a detailed quotation, so you can see exactly what you’re getting. We’ll work closely with you to create a kitchen that’s not only beautiful but practical and a real investment in your home that elevates your lifestyle.

Let’s dive into the key things you should be asking when comparing your options, so that you’re comparing apples with apples, not apples with bananas!

1. How Are the Cabinets Constructed?

Cabinet construction is the backbone of your kitchen. At Callerton Kitchens, we use traditional screwed construction for our cabinets, a time-tested method that offers superior strength and long-term durability. Many other companies opt for dowelled and glued construction, which can rely heavily on adhesives and may be harder to repair if issues arise.

Our cabinets behind the doors are edged all round which minimises the threat of water ingress. Our approach ensures your kitchen will withstand the demands of everyday life and not just look good on day one.

2. What Bespoke Elements Are Available?

Your kitchen should be a true reflection of your lifestyle, not just a row of cupboards.

Callerton Kitchens offers a huge range of bespoke features that many companies simply can’t match, to name a few:

Handcrafted dining tables and booths
Hidden key cupboards
Decorative canopies and pedestals
Truly bespoke breakfast and pantry cupboards
Statement cocktail cabinets
Media walls to seamlessly blend your kitchen into your living space

Whatever your vision, we can bring it to life with stunning, tailored solutions that fit beautifully into your home.

3. Are There Size Limitations?

Many kitchen companies work within rigid, standardised unit sizes meaning your design is forced to fit their framework.At Callerton Kitchens, we think it should be the other way around.

We have the flexibility to work outside standard sizing, creating a layout that fits your space perfectly. That means better proportions, more intelligent use of awkward spaces, and a kitchen that feels truly bespoke from every angle.

4. What Are the Weight Limits on the Drawer Boxes?

It’s not just about how your kitchen looks, it’s about how it performs every single day. Drawers should be designed to handle heavy loads like pots, pans, and stacked plates. This means they must be built with the right materials, robust construction, and heavy-duty runners.

At Callerton Kitchens, our drawers are engineered for strength and longevity. Other companies might offer drawers that look similar on the outside, but without the correct weight capacity, they can quickly deteriorate with regular use.

The majority of our moving parts for hinges, drawer mechanisms etc offer a life time guarantee.

Why These Details Matter

Choosing a kitchen is a big investment and it’s the little details that make the biggest difference over time.
At Callerton Kitchens, you’ll find:

Expertly constructed cabinetry using traditional, durable methods
Bespoke design to suit your lifestyle perfectly
Tailored sizing for a flawless finish
Strong, dependable drawers built for real-world living

We’re here to create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful today, but one you’ll continue to love for many years to come.

If you want a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but feels right and functions flawlessly, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Because when you do, you’ll see why Callerton Kitchens is the better choice—every time.

Debunking the Myth: Affordable Luxury at Callerton Kitchens Berwick

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, you’ll find a different kind of kitchen showroom. Our Berwick branch offers a unique experience, nestled in a quaint, almost hidden, suburban setting. It’s a place where community charm thrives, and a relaxed pace allows you to truly focus on creating your dream kitchen. While we might not be on the main thoroughfare, those who find us are often serious about kitchens and interior design in Berwick, and that’s just how we like it.

At Callerton Kitchens Berwick, we’re all about providing choice and expertise. Forget the idea that we only do high-end – it’s simply not true. We offer a range of options, from more affordable lines to bespoke kitchen masterpieces. So, it’s well worth a visit to our Berwick showroom. You might be surprised at just how Callerton Kitchens can create a beautiful kitchen for you, whatever your budget.

Leading our Berwick branch is Mandy Grimwood, a seasoned expert in the kitchen industry with 35 years of experience, including seven at Callerton. Mandy oversees the showroom with a strong focus on sales, design, and project management. She is supported by Stacy and Kellie, who each play a vital role in the team’s success. Stacy manages the showroom’s administration, handles ordering, and ensures everything runs smoothly in Mandy’s absence—she also has a talent for designing bedrooms. Kellie works closely with Mandy on designs, engages with customers, and specialises in selling and designing basic kitchens and bedrooms. Together, they form a dedicated team committed to providing a seamless and personalised service.

We sat down with Mandy to get her insights on the Berwick showroom:

What does a typical day look like for you?

“If there’s one thing I can say about my job, it’s that it’s never boring! My days are incredibly varied, which is something I really enjoy. It all depends on appointments and installations. Some days I’m in the showroom, meeting with clients, discussing their ideas, and working on designs. Other days, I could be out visiting clients in their homes, taking measurements, or checking on the progress of installations. I have a real passion for design, so I always make sure I dedicate time to that. I also spend a fair amount of time on the road, travelling to see clients.”

There’s a perception that Callerton Kitchens is only for those with big budgets. Is that the case?

“That’s a misconception we’re keen to dispel. While we certainly excel at bespoke kitchens in Berwick and offer high-end designs – we also provide options for a wider range of budgets. We stock Brown and Hood kitchens, which are priced to compete with the larger retailers. We believe everyone deserves a quality, well-designed kitchen, and we strive to be the kitchen designer in Berwick that can make that happen, whatever your budget.”

What makes Callerton Kitchens Berwick different from the competition?

“For us, it’s about delivering a complete service, with a focus on design and customer satisfaction. Buying a kitchen is a big investment, and we understand that. We take the time to really listen to our clients, understand their needs, and create tailored designs that work for them. We also provide proper project management, from the initial design right through to the final installation. It’s this commitment to quality and service that sets us apart.”

Final Thoughts: Why Should Homeowners Visit Callerton Kitchens Berwick?

If you’re thinking about a new kitchen, don’t let misconceptions hold you back, come and see us! Whether you’re looking for bespoke kitchens in Berwick or a more budget-friendly option, we have something for you. We pride ourselves on offering honest pricing, expert design, and a truly personalised service that big retailers just can’t match.

Visit the Callerton Kitchens Berwick showroom today. You might just find your dream kitchen waiting for you!

Bringing you the best value for money kitchen

Callerton Kitchens has thrived for more than 40 years because we refuse to accept second best. We have built lasting relationships with some of the best kitchen manufacturers in the business. This ensures that we bring you quality, durability, and value for money.

Every good recipe starts with the best ingredients. You can’t create a premium quality dish by cutting corners! And in the same way, a great kitchen is only as good as its components.

Kitchen manufacture is far more complex than most people realise. Did you know that there are more than 1,000 separate components in the average kitchen? At Callerton Kitchens, we believe in ensuring that every single component is up to scratch – that means it will meet or exceed its functional requirements, is durable, provides value for money and most importantly built to last.

We are very careful about the partners we choose to represent. They must meet all six of our key criteria, which is our proven formula for giving our customers the best possible experience.

Let’s run down the list:

1. Product variety

We fundamentally believe that every customer should get the kitchen of their dreams. This means offering a huge range of options, giving you the opportunity to choose exactly what you want.

One of our furniture suppliers, Callerton, has a manufacturing facility in Sunderland and creates a diverse selection of innovative design concepts, ranging from the traditional Origins range and Legacy series to the timeless appeal of Boutique and Elemental, plus the ultra-contemporary Lifestyle, Vision and 780 ranges.

Our German product range we import from one of the largest German manufacturers Häcker. A climate neutral company that uses renewable and recycled materials whilst delivering excellent quality and exceptional style.

2. Product flexibility

Along with giving you plenty of design options, we also want to make the best possible use of your space. So, we only work with suppliers who understand this design principle – unlike some of the “big shed” kitchen retailers we aren’t limited on size or off the shelf product so can maximise your space.

3. Product quality

Of course, every kitchen provider will tell you that they are focused on quality. But our advice to you is, always look beyond the marketing blurb. What do they actually do to ensure quality?

We look closely at every single one of those 1,000+ components in your kitchen to make sure it’s the right part for the job. Our partnership with Blum ensures your ‘moving parts’ such as hinges and drawer mechanisms are offered with a life time guarantee.

4.Process quality

We demand transparency and clear communications from our suppliers. Did you know, ordering your kitchen can take more than 15 hours of processing and reviewing before the order goes to the manufacturing floor? Our team is in constant contact with the manufacturer to ensure the details are right.

5. Ongoing support

We look to build long-term relationships with the best suppliers. We are fortunate to work with the Callerton factory, which has been in business for as long as we have and is naturally our closest partner.

However, to offer our clients even more variety and a continental offering we also work with global leaders like Häcker, one of the largest kitchen manufacturers in the world. Häcker invests a great deal in supporting us. Although it is a German company it has opened a UK office to be closer to partners like us. It also provides training seminars in both its London facility and at its campus in Germany, as well as online.

6. Value for money

This all adds up to more value for money for you! We have absolutely no interest in being the cheapest on the market. But a kitchen is more than the ticket price you pay up front. If it uses cheap components and materials, it will only last years rather than decades. You’ll bear the expense of replacing them when they break.

If you change your mindset to view your kitchen as a lifetime investment, then you’ll agree that we offer an incredible return on investment.

Find out more

To find out more about the quality of our kitchen suppliers and the value for money we can offer, talk to us.

In the first of our new Meet the Designers series, we talk to Michelle Pickstock, Senior Design Consultant at Callerton Kitchens & Interiors.

Michelle has worked for Callerton Kitchens for around 11 years, delivering hundreds of kitchen designs for homes across North East England. We caught up with her during a rare break to find out what she loves about her job – and what keeps her inspired.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I enjoy all aspects of the job, but by far my favourite moment is when we surprise and delight a client. I always listen to what the customer wants, then set myself a goal of exceeding their expectations. We get a real buzz out of going beyond what they hope for in a kitchen, to give them what they dreamed of instead.

What aspect of the design process are most clients unaware of?

This varies significantly from client to client – there can be huge differences in their experiences. One that does crop up quite often is when we get a new customer who has previously bought a kitchen from one of the “big shed” retailers. They are often surprised at how much freedom we can offer them.

The bigger retailers don’t tend to have what we would class as proper designers – they are sales teams trained to use a software platform that builds a kitchen using cabinets and worktops with set dimensions. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it can be quite restrictive if your kitchen isn’t the right size or shape for that building block approach.

True design means starting from a blank canvas and delivering the kitchen the client wants, rather than trying to shoehorn and off-the-shelf design into their kitchen space.

How do you stay inspired? And where do you find new inspiration?

One of the best sources of inspiration is always the client! It’s a real pleasure to work with customers who are bursting with ideas. Another element of my job is to keep on top of trends, so I do extensive research across a variety of media. I do enjoy visiting kitchen trade shows to see new products – and of course keep up to date with trends via social media and the trade press.

What is a design trend you’re excited about right now?

A really exciting trend right now is the transition away from dark greys and blues and more neutral colours. They have dominated for a few years, whereas now we are definitely seeing more creative use of the colour palette, particularly pastels for furniture.

Complementing this is the move away from safe and perhaps unexciting worktops to stronger and bolder patterns. Together they are reinvigorating kitchen design, giving us designers a wonderful new tool kit we can play with!

Where can I 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.

Don’t fall for the Shamuary Sales

Folk love a bargain, but they also hate having the wool pulled over their eyes – and rightly so. Purchasing a new kitchen is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, so it’s important to avoid getting caught out by a bogus sale in January, what we call the Shamuary Sales!

At face value, saving money by buying a kitchen in the January sales seems like a smart move. And there are some reputable retailers who genuinely offer significant discounts at this time of year.

However, sometimes a sale is not always as good as it seems. Most people are aware of the January sales trick that many retailers use, from white goods and sofas to computers and – yes – even kitchens! These retailers, including some well-known kitchen providers, love to promote a big January sale. But in some cases, these kitchens are discounted down from artificially higher prices.

It’s a tried and tested sales tactic; put a higher ticket price on a product earlier in the year, then they can claim you are buying it at a big discount today. What is actually happening is, you are probably paying roughly what you would for the same kitchen if you bought it any other month in the year!

Ask the right questions

As you can imagine, the rules and regulations around these types of promotions are quite strict, as they are meant to protect consumers from rogue retailers. So these types of promotional tricks are usually perfectly legal.

It used to be that all a store had to do was offer the kitchen at the higher price for 28 consecutive days in a six-month period for it to qualify as a “now/then” type sale. However, the UK Government has since tightened up the law. Today, retailers have to offer goods at the higher price for a longer period than the sale – but that is still open to abuse. They could simply hike up the prices in November and December for a sale taking place in January.

By asking the right questions, you can find out from your retailer how long the kitchen was available at the higher price before January. If it is a relatively short period, be suspicious of their claims as to how much you are really saving.

Genuine deals

Of course, there are some genuine deals to be had at this time of year. Kitchens are no different to other segments of retail; January and February are typically quieter months. In addition, the good independent kitchen providers may have offers on ex-display items.

What you also get from a family-owned business like Callerton Kitchens is a superior, design-led service, which is why we’ve won national awards for our work! You get honest pricing, all year round and a kitchen that is built to last, as well as proper project management from design to installation.

If you want a kitchen that will be genuine value for money, talk to us – or call into our showrooms in Newcastle or Berwick.

How Do I Choose the Best Kitchen Provider?

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.

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