An Elburton couple who decided to give their kitchen a complete makeover were pleasantly surprised to discover that local suppliers proved more competitive, convenient - and responsive - than the big national chains.

David and Sally Hosking have lived in their five-bed roomed detached home for 16 years and have extended and improved it over that period, "The kitchen last had a makeover around 1O years ago and earlier this year we felt it was looking outdated and in need of something more substantial," said David, a refired naval officer.

"We spend a lot of time in the kitchen and it is very much at the heart of our home," said former teacher Sally. "So we wanted to make the most of the opportunity." "Having checked prices from national kitchen companies we decided to use local suppliers, so we started looking for two good quality Plymouth companies with a proven repufation in the market so that we could compare them," said David.

"We had seen KF Kitchens' advertisements and were impressed by the customer testimonials on their website. We frequently drive past their showrooms in faraday Mill, so decided to visit them and discuss our needs. "Right from the first moment we met Nathan Damarell and the team at KF Kitchens we were impressed with their professionalism and responsiveness.
"within a few minutes of looking at our kitchen, Nathan had already formed a clear idea of what he wanted to propose. He was imaginative and innovative in his proposals and he delivered his first outline designs within 72 hours as promised.
"He explained that his estimate was based on a mid-range price that would vary no more than 1O per cent up or down, depending on the kitchen appliances we chose," said David, "And that was how if turned out.

"We had no hesitation in appointing KF Kitchens, parficularly as their payment terms simply required a £500 deposit to secure the order. We paid the balances as the units and appliances were delivered and as the fitters and other trades people finished their part of the work," added David.

The Hosking's kitchen and neighbouring utility room have been totally transformed as a result of the five-week project. Ceilings and walls were re-plastered, new electrics and low-energy lighting installed and plumbing adjusted.

We now have twice as much work surface than before and 50 per cent more storage space, all within the same kltchen," said Sally.

They Chose Coral gold granite worksurfaces supplied by local company Mayflower Stone, while the matching Karndean vinyl flooring was supplied and fitted by Richard Harding of Plymouth-based furnishing Collections.

The Alabaster kitchen units extend along three of the kitchen walls, and include a peninsular feature with storage space, wine rack and room for kitchen stools. Similar matching storage units have been installed in the utility room which included boxing in the gas boiler and also creating more larder and broom space.

Every inch of space possible has been utilised thanks to KF Kitchens' manufacture of bespoke units to exactly fit the space available.

A range of built-in Neff appliances have been installed including an Aqua Assist oven, steam oven, combination oven, warming drawer and coffee machine, plus Neff hob and stylish extractor.

A bold lime green and red colour scheme sets off the new kitchen, creating a fresh and contemporary feel. "One of the great things about KF Kitchens is that they are entirely bespoke - they make the units fit the space available, not the other way round," said David.

"We are absolufely thrilled with the finished result and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending KF Kitchens," added David.