'I had a client who didn't cook and wanted her kitchen to look like a bookcase': Cheltenham designer reflects on 25 years of creating the heart of the home

Kitchens are perhaps the most important room in the home, whether you're an expert cook or someone who prefers to spoon out a takeaway.

Craig Lacey, resident kitchen designer at Cheltenham's Lansdown Kitchens & Bathrooms, has almost 25 years of experience creating dream kitchens for Gloucestershire residents.

SoGlos sits down with him for a chat to find out what people really want in their kitchens and what the future of our kitchens might look like with technology playing such a key role in convenience.

How did you get into kitchen design?

My journey in the industry began with designing kitchens for B&Q. Despite being the youngest designer in the entire company, I quickly gained invaluable experience working with a variety of clients.

I was then approached by The Kitchen Workshop, where I honed my skills and learned the importance of flexibility, quality and customer satisfaction. We produced our own furniture, which taught me a huge amount about the technical and manufacturing side of the kitchen industry.

After the owner retired and sold the business, I was asked to manage a new showroom in Bishop's Cleeve under the banner of Neu kitchens. I really enjoyed the six years I worked at Neu and the challenge of starting up and running a successful showroom, before I decided to progress to the top end of the market by joining L'una Design in Montpellier, specialists in high-end Italian kitchens and interior design.

Although I enjoyed my time working on such high-end projects, I ultimately realised my passion lies in connecting with clients on a more personal level. Hence, my decision to return to working for a company where I can truly understand and cater to the needs of everyday homeowners.

How do you help clients balance their dream ideas with practical realities like space, budget and functionality? 

Creating a beautiful space with an endless budget is easy. Trying to create a beautiful space without going crazy on budget is what I love about my job. Using clever techniques and spending the money where it matters is how you achieve a kitchen with a more luxurious look. Considering secondary storage and the flow of the space are the key for both functionality and aesthetics.

What’s one feature you think every dream kitchen should include?

This is a tricky one, as every customer has different needs. For example, a family of five living in a large house will need features a young professional couple living in a town apartment may not need, and vice versa. This is why having a thorough initial meeting is so important to understanding the space and how it will be used.

Can you share a favourite project or transformation you've worked on, and what made it special? 

Several years ago, I had a client who, in her words, 'didn't cook' and wanted the kitchen to look like a bookcase or library. I was asked to create a beautiful piece of furniture with hidden appliances. Very unusual but great to have free reign.

What kinds of common mistakes do you see people make when they try to design their kitchen without professional help? 

Tolerances. How much space is needed for doors to open correctly. Will the drawers in the fridge pull out? Being able to stand at the sink with the dishwasher open etc. It's very easy to get caught out on these factors.

Could you shed some light on the design elements that can significantly impact a kitchen's usability and longevity?

Durability is really important, especially as homeowners are looking for kitchen solutions that require minimal upkeep. Deep drawers, fingerprint-proof cabinets and durable surfaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a kitchen's longevity. 

The key is striking the right balance between aesthetics and functionality to ensure the kitchen remains both visually appealing and practical for years to come. 

If you are selling your home five years after buying a new kitchen and it's still looking as good as the day it was installed, then you know you've invested in quality.

How have kitchen layouts evolved over the years and what trends do you foresee gaining traction in the future?

Over the years, kitchen layouts have undergone significant transformations.

When I first entered the industry, kitchens were quite different from what we see today: gloss white finishes, American-style fridge freezers and 1.5 bowl sinks were once prevalent but have now fallen out of favour somewhat. 

Just like trends in the fashion industry, some elements remain timeless, such as the classic shaker door design. However, there are also trends that have proven to be impractical in real-life settings. 

Take plinth lighting, for example, it may look impressive in showrooms but in households with active families and pets, it quickly becomes apparent that lighting up a floor that hasn't been cleaned in a week isn't the most sensible idea!

Recently, there has been a growing trend towards taller kitchen cupboards. While this style is appealing to many, it's important to recognise that it's not suitable for everyone. 

While tall cupboards offer a sleek look and maximise vertical space, the primary concern shifts to accessibility and practicality. Reaching items stored in these tall cabinets often requires steps, making them more suitable for less frequently used items rather than everyday essentials.

Lastly, could you share any insights of emerging kitchen technologies that might shape the future of kitchen design?

We're seeing some exciting innovations on the horizon. For example, there's a growing interest in invisible hobs, which are seamlessly integrated into the worktop without any visible markings, giving the kitchen a beautifully seamless and sleek look. 

Similarly, invisible phone chargers are becoming popular additions to kitchen designs, providing a convenient and clutter-free charging solution. 

Additionally, Quooker taps are fantastic for their ability to dispense 100-degree boiling water instantly, distinguishing themselves from cheaper alternatives that may not reach the same temperature, do not carry the same safety features and quality of finish. 

Another promising development is the huge upturn in sales of true self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens, which offer a hassle-free way to maintain a clean kitchen environment. These advancements are just a glimpse of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in kitchen technology.

To book a consultation with Craig at Lansdown Kitchens & Bathrooms, call 01242 501208 or visit lansdownkb.co.uk.