Cooking up style and function: Richard Ellard's kitchen makeover by Nolte Kitchens.

When Richard Ellard decided it was time to revamp his kitchen, he was determined to overcome two existing challenges: poor flow and insufficient storage. His existing kitchen had become a source of frustration, with its impractical layout and lack of functionality. Determined to create a space that not only met his needs but also exceeded his expectations, Richard embarked on a search for the perfect kitchen designer.

“I reached out to three designers, each with a clear set of principles and wants that I needed them to consider,” Richard recalls. “But it was Allan and the team at Nolte Kitchens Cheltenham that truly understood my vision. They didn’t just listen—they brought their own creativity to the table, transforming my ideas into something even better than I had imagined.”

A Seamless Design Process

Richard’s collaboration with Nolte Kitchens Cheltenham was characterised by a strong partnership from the very beginning. “The design experience was excellent throughout,” he shares. “From our initial discussions to the installation and fit-out, Nolte were incredibly responsive and helpful. Any issues that arose during the process, like quirks with plumbing and electrics, were swiftly addressed.”

One of the key improvements in Richard’s new kitchen is the enhanced flow. “Now, everything is where it should be,” he explains. “It’s so easy to navigate between the sink, the oven, and the fridge. Cooking has become a joy rather than a chore.”

But functionality wasn’t the only focus—Richard also desired a kitchen that was visually stunning. Nolte Kitchens Cheltenham delivered on both fronts. “We’ve managed to get our dream kitchen from an aesthetic point of view, and the practicality has exceeded our expectations,” Richard says proudly. The new kitchen boasts at least 50% more storage space, addressing one of the main pain points of the old design.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Richard had a clear idea of the colour palette he wanted for his kitchen, with a preference for lighter, neutral tones to combat the room’s limited natural light. However, he also wanted to introduce some colour to the space. “We chose Nolte’s deep blue for the island and tall cabinets, which ties in beautifully with some of the colours in our tableware,” Richard explains. “Nolte also suggested using their NeoLodge Diamond Oak range, which features bevelled oak fronts, for the fridge, freezer, and oven stack. This modern touch added brightness and tied in with the oak elements in our furnishings, like the light and kitchen stools.”

One of Richard’s favourite features in his new kitchen is the state-of-the-art Quooker tap. “It’s an all-singing, all-dancing tap that gives us instant hot water, as well as chilled, filtered and sparkling water,” he says. This innovative addition has quickly become an essential part of his daily routine.

Advice for Future Renovators

Looking back on the renovation process, Richard has some valuable advice for those considering a kitchen redesign. “Live in the property first,” he suggests. “We renovated the entire house and saved the kitchen for last. By then, we had a really clear idea of what we wanted the kitchen to look and feel like. Also, create a consolidated list of requirements with the absolute essentials you want. Then, let the designers do the rest.”

Richard Ellard’s journey with Nolte Kitchens Cheltenham is a testament to what can be achieved when expert design meets a clear vision. His new kitchen is not only a practical space but also a stylish, welcoming heart of his home.

 

Project Details:

Kitchen Furniture: Nolte Soft Lack in Sahara finish with Frame Lack in Deep Blue for the island and tall cabinets and Neo Lodge Diamond Oak for the tall oven run. Manganese Bronze ‘D’ handle. Worktop: 20mm Caesarstone, Bianco Drift worksurfaces and splashback. Sink and Tap: Blanco Andano 1.5 Bowl s/steel sink, Quooker Flex, S/steel finish with Cube accessory.

Nolte Küchen Cheltenham

4 - 5 The Courtyard,

Montpellier Street,

Cheltenham

GL50 1SR


Tel: 01242 573275
Email: cheltenham@nolte-kitchens.co.uk
Website: www.nolte-kitchens.co.uk