Space Fitting Furniture, Colchester Avenue

This kitchen showroom, specialising in Rational, has a smart exterior and the interior lived up to expectation.
Despite limited space, Steven and Claire Bloom have not been tempted to cram in furniture, which has allowed them to create a few bold displays.
Steven joined me when I entered the showroom and Claire got busy with the griddle, soon presenting me with a plate of delicious Welsh cakes. As I tucked in, Steven explained his philosophy: "I like to work on the design first, what you want from the kitchen and the layout.
"I'll put it on the computer and then we can play with different door finishes. It's hard to decide on a finish until you know how the kitchen will look."
He then talked me through worktop and appli-ance options and demonstrated an induction hob.

Score: 8/10
Steven is a good salesman while Claire made me feel welcome - an excellent team

Taylors Etc, Colchester Avenue

If you haven't been to Taylors Etc, it really is worth a visit, as this was not like any other bathroom showroom I've seen.
A combination of an interior design business with a bathroom shop, Taylors Etc was unashamedly feminine with draped fabrics, piles of cushions, attractive toiletries and a coffee shop. There was also a good selection of baths and sanitaryware on display. A small bathroom with Japanese deep soak tub was fully tiled in pink glass mosaics.
Kelly joined me and explained: "The design service costs £200 per room refundable on orders over £2,500. We produce drawings and a full mood board with samples."
It seems churlish to find fault with this exceptional and award-winning showroom, but there were dead insects in both the working whirlpool baths.

Score 8/10
Unique showroom, almost perfect apart from the bugs

Sigma 3, Colchester Avenue

Next door to Space Fitting Furniture, Sigma 3 was a very different showroom. Aimed at the mid-market, the large space housed a great many displays, illustrating the variety of doors available from this British manufacturer.
I noticed the Lansdowne natural oak kitchen, which featured some attractive curved units, as well as the Waverley painted door and Avant gloss vinyl.
Wai asked if I was happy browsing or would like some assistance, so I asked her advice on choosing a kitchen.
"It helps if you have a wish list and a budget. We will stick to whatever budget you give us and can always suggest next best options to stay within it. We sell a variety of appliances and our kitchens fall into different price groups."
Wai then went through the Sigma 3 brochure with me, pointing out the different door finishes and marking the kitchens that I had shown an interest in.
As I left, she said: "If you want to see kitchens we have installed, I could arrange that for you. We can take you on a factory visit, too, if you would like that."

Score 7/10
A pleasant showroom and Wai showed a genuine interest in me as a customer

Cardiff Bathroom Centre, Hadfield Road

Clearance prices and 20% discount notices were attached to most products in this vast showroom. And in case you missed them, further notices on the walls announced 'Discounts Available Please Ask For Details'.
The displays were clean and nice enough, but the bright lighting meant they lacked warmth.
A helpful woman at the front desk said that the company did not make home visits, but added that "if you bring in a rough plan, we will create a design and suggest products".
She handed me a printout with the details and dimensions required. "We can't recommend fitters, but we have a list of people we've used before."

Score 6/10
This large showroom was rather lacking in atmosphere

Avantgarde, Dumballs Road

On a dreary trading estate, Avantgarde made a good impression with a bold sign.
The company had a smart website and presen-ted customers with brochures in a glossy Avantgarde folder. It was a shame that the showroom did not live up to the excellent marketing.
Inside, the kitchen displays were divided by temporary walls, but, with no false ceiling or sus-pended lighting, my eye was drawn to the expanse of cold corrugated metal above. Taps were missing from displays and an unfinished Stoneham kitchen looked desolate without its worktop.
Proprietor Kevin pointed to a granite worktop and said: "I can see dust all over that." So could I.

Score 4/10
This showroom needs to radically improve to live up to its marketing

Elegance Kitchens & Bedrooms, Heol-Y-Deri

Situated in a pleasant parade of shops, Elegance sold German Brigitte kitchens.
The showroom was simple yet attractive and Howard was enthusiastic about the products he sold. He walked me round the displays, pointed out all the internal fittings available, chatted about his close relationship with the manufacturer and explained his membership of the TrustMark and Fairtrades register.
However, by the end of my visit, I also knew what schools his two children attended, what he wore to the Brigitte annual party (he dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow), the degree he took at university, his two previous employers, his nickname and that the butcher over the road was training for a charity hill run.
I liked Howard, but found this barrage of information overwhelming.

Score 7/10
Sometimes it is better to listen rather than talk

WINNER'S PROFILE - Space Fitting Furniture

Space Fitting Furniture was established by Steven's father back in 1972 and in 1975 it became one of the first showrooms in Britain to sell Rational.
When Steven and his wife Claire moved the business to the unit on Colchester Avenue, they took the decision to install just seven displays.
"What people want now are large open-plan kitchens with island units. Four of our displays have islands.
"We try to show kitchens as they can look in the home and there is no point-of-sale in any display," explained Steven.
Most of the appliances work and Claire often cooks. "She's known for her cakes and the other day she rustled up lunch for customers," said Steven.
"It feels like we live here. We want customers to feel comfortable and welcome the minute they step through the door."