In the kitchen with our customers

Choices, choices, choices. That’s what our customers want when it comes to a new kitchen and we're listening

The kitchen is the hub of many happy homes. We know how important it is to get the design right so it’s not only fit for purpose but it also looks good and reflects the personal style of our customers.

Two groups of residents have been telling us what they’d like to see in their dream kitchen and we’re using their feedback to shape our designs.

The importance of choice was highlighted by everyone as a priority so we’re finding ways to be more flexible when it comes to preferences on appliances and decoration.

We are now appointing a new supplier to help us carry out our rolling programme of 200-250 new kitchen installations each year. Once appointed, our customer groups will help select the colour and style ranges of units, worktops, splashbacks and tiles for residents to choose from.

You said, we listened..

• Worktop upstands and cooker splashbacks - This contemporary and easy-to-maintain wall finish will be offered as an alternative to traditional tiles
• Separate oven and hob - Customers may be able to choose whether they’d like to install a cooker or if they’d prefer a separate, built-in oven and hob
• Sink and a half units - Wherever space allows, sinks will include a half bowl for easy disposal of waste while washing up.
• Dishwasher space - Even if customers don’t currently have one, we’ll plan ahead for future changes so a dishwasher can be easily plumbed in
• Lighting - New sleek fittings will be effective and affordable to run
• Corner shelving - Where possible we’ll consider new carousel shelving to make corner storage more useful
• Wall units - Pull out style wire baskets could be considered to help customers who struggle to reach wall units
• Single, curved mixer taps - Modern fixtures with arthritic-friendly levers for hot and cold water

"It’s the first time we’ve taken this approach to involving customers in design choices but it’s the way we’ll be doing all things in future. By involving customers in projects, to modernise and raise standards in their homes, we can give people what they actually want – not what we assume they want. Our ultimate goal is to create kitchens that are a pleasure for customers to spend time in."

David Milburn, Head of Investment