Situated in a row of Regency villas, Vale has made the best of its location with a smart sign and window frames in matching burgundy.

The Miele and Rational kitchens showroom was on two floors. The displays were clean and nicely accessorised. "We can start the process of choosing a kitchen by visiting you at home," explained Anthea. "At this stage, we find out how you use your kitchen, how much you like to cook, if you like to entertain, whether you're looking for a family room or something with a wow factor. We can offer you both traditional or modern designs or something in-between, such as a classic door with a modern stainless steel handle."

Anthea explained that Vale also worked with a British manufacturer if I preferred a traditional, bespoke kitchen.

Youthful designer Alex was charming, interested in my project and full of ideas. 

I commented on the cream gloss kitchen in the window and Alex pointed out the soft-close action on the drawers and said: "In a big area, you could introduce low-level wood units or a coloured splashback to break up the expanse." A large cooker hood dominated the display. "I call it the Marmite hood," he said. "You either love it or hate it." As I fell into the hate camp, Alex suggested a slimline, concealed hood instead.

Alex told me they start with a consultation in the showroom to look at door, worktop and appliance options. "Bring in pictures of the kitchens you like. This is a vast range and I am sure we'll be able to do something for you."

My only criticism is that when he showed me an example of a white Silestone top, it had tea stains.

In the heart of the upmarket Montpellier shopping area, this showroom looked the part with a soft grey awning and clipped box in terracotta tubs by the door.

The shop specialised in selling design classics. A Cesame Art Deco console basin was in one window, Flaminia's column basin and pedestal in another. Inside, Keramag's wall-hung basin looked as fresh as when it was designed in the 1960s.

Ian Hughes explained that the showroom was not tied to any particular manufacturer: "If there is something you want. we can get it for you. We are not the cheapest. but we are true specialists."

Montpellier Interior Classics covered three floors with a stone gallery in the basement, basins at ground level and a room full of freestanding baths on the first floor. It had the feel of a design museum and it was a pleasure to browse round the beautiful pieces. However, the decor didn't quite live up to the showroom's exclusive persona as the worn carpet and faded paintwork made a shabby backdrop to the glossy products on display.

Siematic and Schmidt kitchens were on the ground floor, with bathrooms from Duravit in the basement. There was plenty to see here without displays appearing cramped or overcrowded. 

Dave was an excellent salesman and took his time to show me the kitchens, discussing the various merits of the brands and asking enough questions to establish exactly what I was looking for.

"Take your time and come back when you want to start the process. We don't put pressure on you, we consider ourselves designers, not salesmen," he said.

I didn't want to take any brochures, but Dave handed me a neat A5 Masterpieces leaflet as a useful aide memoir.

Pittville Bathrooms, Prestbury Road

The egg-shaped Victoria and Albert bath with floor spout, set against bold wallpaper, made a strong impact in the window. 

After chatting to Susan for a while, she said: "You strike me as someone with a keen interest in interiors. If you have your own ideas or you would like to bring in pictures from magazines, we will be able to help you. We pride ourselves on being very honest with our customers regarding what can and can't be done. There will be no nasty surprises in terms of costs."

Susan reassured me that the company had undertaken various installations within listed buildings and also managed to work into the conversation that Pittville was currently working on prestigious projects in London.

This large, modern showroom was well laid out with bathroom displays on the ground floor, kitchens upstairs. 

Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware was arranged in realistic-sized bathroom sets with attractive tiling, mirrors and accessories under flattering lights.

Upstairs, Sheraton and Nolte kitchen displays were equally well presented. However, the two girls sat at the reception desk eating chocolate bars were too engrossed in their conversation to notice me when I entered the shop.

I walked round the bathroom displays twice without attracting any attention, so thought I would try my luck upstairs. Here, two designers stayed firmly rooted to their desks, failing to even look up and make eye contact, even though I lingered for some time within easy view, deliberately showing a lot of interest in the kitchens.

Simon Butland's background is in building and installation. Three years ago, he decided to open his own bathroom showroom to sell the products he wanted to install. 

"Sixty per cent of our business is with private customers, but we also supply developers and interior designers," he said. "Once people work with us, they tend to use us again and recommend us to their friends."

Simon is currently developing the Pittville profile with displays of Hacker kitchens at the back of the shop. He is also planning to expand into the basement of the showroom.

"Our customers appreciate our honesty and the fact that we have no preconceived ideas about what a customer should spend. If someone comes in to buy a toilet roll holder or to spend £35,000 on a bathroom, we are equally friendly and polite."