The smart black and silver frontage of this shop was let down by the fact that there was no attractive window display just a stack of mirrors in dusty looking boxes.Inside, the showroom stretched back a surprisingly long way with displays of Ideal Standard, Sottini, and Villeroy & Boch.The displays were cluttered with taps and radiators on every ledge or wall and there were also some rather half-hearted props, namely worn-looking towels and the odd bar of soap.However the staff were friendly. A uniformed assistant (they all wear smart black shirts to match the shop fascia) explained that Doble couldn't offer an installation service, but he printed out a list of useful contacts and gave me a card for the designer who would be "happy to come out and measure up." 

There was no one in this showroom when I arrived giving me time to cast a critical eye over the kitchen display that was missing appliances, the badly painted walls and a bathroom set with grout smeared over the tiling. The windows needed washing and the carpet would have benefited from a run over with the vacuum.When proprietor Gurjeet joined me he explained that YQ could undertake my entire project as he works in conjunction with an interior design company called Concept. However he implied this would be expensive and therefore suggested I go away and gathered quotes from two or three alternative installers. "We can then meet your budget whatever it is as we can supply both top end or budget fittings."Gurjeet chatted away but seemed hurried as if he needed to be elsewhere. 

In contrast to the chilly reception I received at Roundhouse, just a few doors down the road, Quantum radiated warmth. The showroom has a corner location with big windows that are put to good use with a display of painted furniture in one and a curved walnut setting in the other. The lighting is flattering, the displays are attractively propped and the staff are friendly. It is worth noting that of the showrooms I visited this was the busiest.Moira joined me: "Everything is bespoke so we can create the exact kitchen you want," she said and showed me drawings for a project she was working on. Without being pushy, Moira assumed the sale and told me that she would shortly be taking a holiday. "The best thing you could do its tear out pictures from magazines of the kitchens that you like and we could have a chat before I go away, then I can be working on ideas to discuss with you when I get back."As I left Moira suggested I visit the website: "There are lots of ideas for you to take a look at there." 

Colori was two months off a move to a new showroom and was having a clearance sale, which could explain the broken tile leaning against a wall and the boxes by the door.Steve explained that he offered a full installation service: "We do it all ourselves, nothing is farmed out." He talked me through the merits of a wet room pointing out a slate tiled walk-in shower and a striking walk-through arrangement with overhead shower, glass frameless screen and blue glass mosaic walls. "It's best if I come out to look at the space, then I can see what's possible," he said.

This is a small showroom with a smart red and silver frontage. Charlie showed me brochures for Omega and Sheraton kitchens and explained the pricing: "Omega is cheaper and arrives flat-pack, but once installed it is just as sturdy as the Sheraton kitchens."Charlie said he could supply the units or do the full project, including building work, flooring and lighting. He also pointed out that he could source whichever brand of appliance I preferred. "If you are moving locally, you'll find we have fitted many kitchens in the area. Almost all our business is from word of mouth." 

There was no name above the shop and when I tried the door it was locked. Luckily Tavia saw me and opened up, but gave no explanation for the showroom being closed at 11.00am on a Tuesday.She seemed a tad put out by my presence but talked me through different worktops (I had admired a pink glass arrangement in the window) and gave me a Roundhouse brochure and her card. She suggested I bring some dimensions in "And then we can start work on a design for you." But she didn't ask any questions regarding what I wanted from my kitchen or what type of property I lived in. 

Quantum opened its Richmond showroom 10 years ago as a "window to its Staines workshop." The showroom proved popular and in 2005 the company bought the adjoining shops in the Poplar Court Parade and knocked through to create the large, spacious showroom it is today selling Quantum's own bespoke kitchens and the German RWK range.

Candice Sevenus said: "We have the ability to design to our clients' requirements. They come in with a wish list and we meet it. We have access to a great choice of materials and we have an excellent spray booth for gloss finishes." However Candice said it was not just how a kitchen looked that was important: "We pay a lot of attention to the layout of the kitchen. It is a working room and needs to function accordingly."