Q&A with Family Kitchens – A Real Stories Campaign Winner

In this blog, we caught up with Clare and Tom Chantler of Family Kitchens, an independent kitchen and bedroom retailer based in Longfield, Kent. They are also one of our proud Real Stories 2024 winners, so we spoke with them to hear about what inspired them to enter, as well as their approach to designing a winning project.

What inspired you to enter the Real Stories Competition?

As a small family business that has been trading since 1991, we saw this competition as a fantastic opportunity to showcase our kitchens to potential clients. Over the years, we’ve poured our hearts into creating beautiful, functional spaces for families, and we wanted to share our story and craftsmanship with a wider audience, the Real Stories campaign has allowed us to do just that through STORI’s growing online audience.

Can you tell us about the vision behind this project?

Our vision was to create a family space which not only included the day-to-day needs of a working kitchen, but an area that would also include cater for entertaining and relaxing with extended family and friends in the comfort of their own home.

What drew you to the Winslow range from the STORI collection?

The Winslow range was chosen for its perfect balance of quality, design and colours, which blended seamlessly into our customers’ home. One of the standout features of the Winslow range is its attention to detail. Accessories such as stepped out plinths and pilasters add a touch of luxury and sophistication into the overall design.

How did you approach designing this kitchen to meet the homeowner’s needs?

We began with thorough initial design consultations. These meetings allowed us to understand the homeowner’s vision, preferences, and specific requirements. We paid close attention to every detail to ensure that the final design would align with their expectations and lifestyle and the customer had the opportunity throughout the process to provide feedback at every stage. We also used CAD software to show the kitchen as a visual 3D render, to allow the customer to visualise the space before final sign off.

How did you incorporate the unique features of the STORI collection into this design?

In designing this kitchen, we incorporated the unique features of the STORI collection by choosing the Winslow range in Shell for the cabinetry and Heritage Green for the island, which beautifully showcases its painted woodgrain and in-frame effect. These elements not only align perfectly with the desired aesthetics but also highlight the quality craftsmanship that the STORI collection is known for. Since this project was part of a complete house renovation, we focused on creating an inviting family hub; the large island serves as a central spot for dining and socialising, while ample storage solutions enhance functionality. The combination of the Winslow range and thoughtful layout transforms the kitchen into a warm and welcoming environment, ideal for family gatherings and daily life.

What part of this project are you most proud of?

We take pride in all our projects and hearing Mr & Mrs Levent say that they are overjoyed with their new kitchen always fills us with a sense of pride. We are also exceptionally proud of our skilled kitchen fitter, whose attention to detail was instrumental in bringing the design to life.

What do you think sets the STORI collection apart from other kitchen ranges?

What sets the STORI collection apart from other kitchen ranges is its exceptional quality and durability, ensuring that the designs withstand the test of time, while maintaining their appeal. The diverse colour selections available within the STORI ranges allow customers to find the perfect match for their vision, enhancing the overall aesthetic of their spaces.

STORI offers express options for convenience, making it easy for those looking for quicker solutions without compromising on style. The Paint to Order service provides an opportunity for customers to choose bespoke colours that align with their unique preferences, while the Colour Match Service allows for really unique hues. Furthermore, the Made-to-Order options enable the designer to customise according to the space available. Overall, the blend of quality, choice, and personalised service makes the STORI collection an outstanding option for kitchen retailers and customers alike.

What does being a 2024 Real Stori Winner mean to you, and what benefits do you see coming from this achievement?

Being selected as a 2024 Real Stori Winner is an incredible honour for us, and it means a great deal to our entire team. This recognition has significantly boosted our morale, reaffirming that our hard work and dedication to quality are being acknowledged and appreciated. It serves as a testament to the passion and commitment we put into every project, and it motivates us to continue striving for excellence.

One of the key benefits of this achievement is the enhanced credibility and visibility it brings to our business. Being recognised as a Real Stori Winner allows us to showcase our expertise and it will be a valuable addition to our marketing and advertising campaigns.