04
Apr
Sponsored by Knaresborough Kitchens
Matt Johnson, owner of Knaresborough Kitchens, tells us more about how his family business of 30 years is helping local homeowners create stunning spaces for cooking, dining and entertaining.
The business was started in 1996 in Knaresborough, and we initially only occupied the rear of the building, so we had no high street frontage and just a small number of kitchen displays. Then the occupier of the front shop left in the year 2000, so we took over and knocked through. The next door shop then became available in 2007, so we took that over and knocked through again.
So, we’ve slowly taken over the whole building, and then in 2023 we managed to purchase it from our landlord of over 25 years, who had owned it since 1971. The building has loads of history, and with the purchase came lots of documents dating back as far as 1757.
We think we have something to suit every taste and most budgets, whether it be a traditional or more modern shaker style or a sleek handleless kitchen, in a variety of colours, textures, or wood-grain finishes.
From the high street it looks like we have a small shop with just three displays, but it opens up once you’re inside to reveal another two floors of displays, with 14 in total.
Numerous times over the last (nearly!) 30 years, customers have wandered round the showroom for a few minutes and then almost straight away said, ‘I want that one’ – meaning they like the layout, door style, colour, Quartz work surface, appliances, and even the flooring.
However, most of the time we end up incorporating elements from lots of different displays into the designs.
We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop, but in reality, we can do as much or as little as the customer needs. We mostly design, supply, and install the new kitchen, including all the plumbing and electrics – a complete project, as the customer wants any hassles taken away, and that’s what we’re here for.
Often the customer may have their own fitter, or if building work is involved, we may just be asked to install the kitchen with all the electrics and plumbing taken care of by the builder’s team.
We have been in our Knaresborough showroom for almost three decades, and throughout that time have remained a family-run business who takes great care in our work, with the sole aim of making our customers as happy as possible with their new kitchen.
That focus never shifts, and every day we strive to get better than we were the previous day. We eat, sleep, and breathe kitchens, and I think that shows in how we treat our customers – who are never just a number. We’ve become lifelong friends with some of our customers – and have been known to fit three kitchens for the same couple and then kitchens for their entire family!
We’re currently experiencing pretty much a 50/50 split between painted shaker-style with a modern twist and handleless kitchens – and we’ve got both of those bases covered in abundance.
Next year we celebrate our 30th year in business – and we plan to have a showroom party for customers past, present and future with loads of offers and giveaways. Keep an eye out for more news of this towards the end of this year.
Knaresborough Kitchens is at 94-96 High Street, Knaresborough HG5 0HN. Visit their showcase website here to view kitchens that have been transformed by Matt and his team at Knaresborough Kitchens, and to book an appointment to start your own journey towards your new kitchen.
Alternatively, pop into the showroom or call 01423 862286.
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