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At Tom Howley, every kitchen tells a story: rooted in craftsmanship, guided by design expertise, and, most importantly, shaped by the people who will call it home. To offer a closer look at what it’s like to design a bespoke kitchen with us, we spoke to Jack, one of our talented kitchen designers based in our Solihull showroom. His insights take us behind the scenes of the creative journey, where ideas evolve into beautiful personal spaces.
The Tom Howley journey begins with a conversation—whether in the comfort of a client’s home or within the inspiring surroundings of one of our nationwide showrooms. This first meeting is about connection and curiosity, allowing the designer to understand the goals, needs, and hopes each client brings to the table.
“We’re here to inspire and bring your vision to life,” says Jack. “For new builds or extensions, we’ll often look over architectural plans together in the showroom; it’s the perfect place to start visualising the possibilities. If you’re refurbishing your existing space, visiting your home gives us a real sense of how you use your kitchen and how we can enhance it.”
Jack explains how important it is to listen closely during this stage. Whether a client envisions a calm, family-friendly hub or a vibrant entertainment space, these early discussions provide the creative foundations for what’s to come. The showroom itself plays a pivotal role in this dialogue. Here, you’ll be guided through an environment designed to invoke creativity and explore possibilities. It’s a moment where aspirations and expertise align.
Designing a Tom Howley kitchen is a collaborative process where ideas are sketched, refined, and brought to life in tangible ways. Each kitchen is completely bespoke, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and personal taste.
“This begins with a thorough initial consultation. We explore their tastes and requirements while considering how they use their space day-to-day,” Jack explains. “This could mean introducing display cabinets to showcase cherished mementoes or ensuring the design integrates seamlessly with adjacent living spaces. Every choice reflects the individuality of the client, offering a solution that’s as practical as it is beautiful.”
Designers like Jack combine experience with intuition, gently challenging initial ideas when needed and offering fresh perspectives. With the help of detailed plans and interactive 3D visuals, clients can explore their future kitchen in remarkable detail before a single cabinet is installed.
“Our role as designers is to bring fresh ideas to the table while understanding the client’s vision. We encourage an open brief, using it as a foundation to explore creative solutions.”
As the design develops, collaboration continues every step of the way. We’ll work with you to fine-tune each element—shifting layouts, adding storage, refining materials or making finishing touches, until you’re truly happy to sign off. This considered, empathetic approach builds trust and ensures clients feel heard, understood, and confident in the final design.sures clients feel heard, understood, and confident in the final design.
One of the most impactful parts of the journey is the visit to a Tom Howley showroom. It’s a chance to experience design in its truest form: touching the surfaces, sitting at an island, opening the drawers, and stepping into different layouts to see what resonates.
“Our showrooms are designed to feel like real homes,” Jack explains. “From full-size kitchen and other room scenarios to hands-on samples, finishes, and real-life appliance setups, every detail is curated to spark creativity and help you truly visualise your future space.”
This tactile and immersive environment, paired with interactive design tools like 3D walkthroughs, helps clients refine their preferences and make confident decisions. “Most clients are visual thinkers,” Jack adds. “Guiding them around the showroom and showing them their space in 3D helps them truly connect with the design.”
One of the defining qualities of a Tom Howley kitchen is its bespoke nature. Every detail, from cabinet proportions and internal storage solutions to the overall layout, is thoughtfully crafted to fit perfectly within each unique space.
Whether adjusting the scale of refrigeration units or achieving symmetry between cabinetry and appliances, our focus on detail ensures a seamless, made-to-measure result. Paired with carefully chosen materials, this considered approach brings a refined, lasting aesthetic that defines the Tom Howley style.
But exceptional design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about how a space feels and functions every single day. Our designers take time to understand your lifestyle, designing with empathy and a clear vision of the bigger picture. The result? A kitchen that not only looks beautiful but feels effortlessly intuitive and personal.
“The kitchen is where life happens. It’s where families start their mornings and reconnect at the end of the day. These spaces are the emotional heart of the home.”
“Seeing that sense of joy and excitement is one of the best parts of what we do; it’s a special moment for everyone involved,” Jack adds. “Each kitchen is the result of genuine collaboration, and knowing it will be cherished for years to come makes it all worthwhile.”
The Tom Howley showroom experience bridges the gap between vision and reality, offering a thoughtful, bespoke service that results in kitchens as unique as the individuals they’re created for.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards creating your dream kitchen, we invite you to visit your nearest showroom or book a design consultation with one of our expert designers.
