Lisa-Marie Johnson
If you are investing in a new kitchen, it’s worth thinking ahead…
While I’m chatting to Lisa-Marie Johnson, the Showroom Manager at Schmidt Kitchens, the temperature outside has soared over 30 degrees. West London is roasting and so, naturally, our topic of conversation is Christmas – but for an excellent reason…
‘I know, I know, no one wants to think about it, let alone talk about it,’ admits Lisa-Marie, smiling. ‘But in our business, there’s no choice. So many clients ask to have their new kitchen in place to cook the festive family lunch. It’s one of those trigger dates. That’s why planning needs to begin in September; it enables us to do the best possible job and we won’t be installing units on Christmas Eve. That has happened before – and it was chaos!’
Combining the precision of German engineering with French flair, Schmidt manufactures customised classic and contemporary kitchens in all colours, finishes and materials. For Lisa-Marie and her colleagues (Gudrun and Luis), good design is based on building close relationships. ’We provide bespoke solutions – our kitchens are individually designed and made to order – so we need to get to know the client,’ she explains. ‘We ask lots of questions about how the kitchen will be used and by whom. Armed with this information, we then come up with ideas that work in terms of space, budget and, most importantly, meets the demands of daily life.
‘The design process takes as long as is necessary to get every element – splashbacks, worktops, lighting, appliances – just right. The average is four weeks, and that’s why we prefer to start now. We can then order the kitchen in October and, with a lead time of six to eight weeks, installation will be in late November or early December.’
The Schmidt designers are happy to work from architects’ plans and the company uses three teams of experienced fitters. ‘We take pride in creating stylish, functional kitchens tailored to clients’ lifestyles,’ says Lisa-Marie. ‘And that’s why it’s essential to have enough time to achieve the perfect result.’ Even if that means thinking about Christmas in September!
Schmidt Hammersmith
323 King Street, W6 9NH
020 3714 6000
design@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk
https://www.home-design.schmidt/en-gb