Nicholas Hythe Kitchen Design Studio | Ely

Nicholas Hythe Kitchen Design Studio has expanded with the opening of a second showroom in Ely, complementing its flagship studio in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

Since 2009, the family-run business has been designing and installing bespoke kitchens across Cambridgeshire. The new showroom in Ely features a carefully curated selection of layouts, finishes, and styles – offering both inspiration and a tangible sense of the company’s craftsmanship.
Directors Ross and Bill Halliday, whose family roots in Ely date back to the 17th century, describe the expansion as not just a business milestone, but a homecoming.

Nicholas Hythe offers a fully managed service – encompassing design, supply, and installation – as well as a design-and-supply option for clients coordinating their own fitting.

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Kutchenhaus | Orpington and Barnstaple 

German kitchen retailer Kutchenhaus has further expanded in the UK with the opening of a new franchise showroom in Barnstaple, Devon, alongside the relocation of its long-established Orpington showroom.

The new Barnstaple showroom is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Nick and Sue Hughes. Located in the Green Lanes shopping centre, the 1,722 sq ft space features multiple displays showcasing the latest Kutchenhaus kitchen furniture collections. It also includes a range of appliance brands such as AEG, Smeg, Bora, Caple and Quooker.

Kutchenhaus Orpington, meanwhile, has completed a move to a new site within the area after seven years in its previous location. The new showroom offers six full kitchen displays, along with dedicated living and utility areas, aimed at highlighting the diversity of product and layout options available across the range.

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Nolte | Nolte Kitchens Richmond

German kitchen brand Nolte has opened its first UK franchise showroom, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy within the British market. Nolte Kitchens Richmond is located in a 1,000sq ft studio on Richmond Road.

The franchise is owned and operated by Destiny Smith, who brings with her 17 years of experience in the KBB sector. Smith is joined by senior designer Rachel Scott, who, Smith says, will help her “deliver kitchens that are functional but also strikingly beautiful, while guiding clients through a smooth and inspiring design journey”.

Speaking about the franchise launch, Smith said: “For me, this isn’t just about kitchens – it’s about creating spaces where families live, connect, and make memories. To now be doing this under the Nolte name, in my own showroom, feels like a dream come true.”

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Olive Kitchens | Ipswich

Olive Kitchens has made the transition from a mobile, sample-based business to a bricks-and-mortar showroom, following four years of trading.

Founded by Stuart Townshend and his wife, the business was initially focused on taking door samples directly to clients’ homes for design consultations. Recognising the limitations of working without a physical display space – and with the right premises becoming available – the couple have now launched their first showroom in Ipswich.

The showroom features one main Mackintosh Kitchen display, a sample area, and a dedicated presentation room for design consultations. Plans are already underway to expand the showroom with additional displays, including a handleless kitchen to help clients better visualise the variety of styles and configurations available.