Paralympian, peer and passionate home cook, Tanni Grey-Thompson has never been one to accept limitations. But when it came to finding a kitchen that worked for her – both in terms of functionality and style – she admits she didn’t think it was possible. That changed when she discovered the Freedom by Symphony range.

Designed specifically with accessibility in mind, the Freedom collection integrates clever design features with sleek, stylish aesthetics and, for Tanni, it was a game-changer. Speaking in the Symphony showroom that inspired her own kitchen, she says: “I was a bit hesitant about accessible kitchens because a lot of the ones I’d seen just looked quite clinical. But the Freedom kitchen completely changed my perception.”

Tanni, who has competed in five Paralympic Games and now sits in the House of Lords, worked closely with Adam Thomas, an expert in accessible kitchen design and Freedom’s long-time ambassador. As a wheelchair user himself, Adam was able to guide the process from both a professional and personal perspective.

“Working with Adam was amazing,” says Tanni. “He was very patient in showing us all the different options, but more importantly, he asked how we actually use the kitchen. That made all the difference and the design that we chose has just been absolutely perfect.”

The result is a truly inclusive kitchen that suits the needs of the whole household. “In the past, my husband and I had completely separate zones at different heights, which meant we were doubling up on storage and everything felt a bit disjointed,” she explains. “Now we have a space that works for both of us.

“In my daily life the kitchen is the centre of the house, so it’s not just where we cook and eat, it’s where we spend time together as a family and it’s where I work. It’s the heart of our house, so it’s important to get everything right and it’s got to work in lots of different ways. I now just love being in my kitchen because it works for me.”

The kitchen is based on Symphony’s Langdale range, in a striking Fern Green finish, paired with Corian Calacatta Griege work surfaces and brushed brass accents, giving it a warm, modern aesthetic.

But it’s the technology and adaptability beneath the surface that make the real difference. At the heart of the design is a rise-and-fall worktop system, allowing surfaces to be adjusted for different users. Whether standing or seated, short or tall, the surface can always be set at the right height – a simple concept that changes everything in practice.

“For years I’ve been used to worksurfaces and the cooker being up high but now I’ve got a worksurface that moves down, the joke in our family is that I can now see what I’m burning!” Tanni laughs.

The worktop system includes an undermount sink with integrated overflow waste, and the Corian waterfall edge makes the adjustable unit feel completely integrated into the space – no clunky mechanics on show, just smooth, seamless design.

The kitchen also features Ropox Verti Inside wall cabinets. These drop-down units are operated at the push of a button and come fitted with safety plates to prevent trapping items when paired with the adjustable worktops. Available in a stylish anthracite finish, the cabinets offer both convenience and a clean-lined aesthetic.

Accessible and smart

Tanni’s kitchen isn’t just accessible – it’s smart too. The Ropox Connect app lets users adjust worktop heights from their phone, with the option to save presets for different users.

Meanwhile, NEFF smart appliances bring even more ease to everyday cooking. The Slide & Hide oven, with its disappearing door, reduces the risk of burns when reaching in – and it can now be operated via a smart speaker, ideal for users with visual impairments or limited mobility.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever felt like I’ve had full control of an oven,” says Tanni. “The controls are easier to handle, and being able to use voice commands makes such a difference.”

The NEFF full-height smart fridge opens with a gentle push – or by voice – removing the challenge of handling large fridge doors for people with limited dexterity or full hands.

Another favourite feature is the ZIP HydroTap Celsius Plus in brushed brass. The touch-controlled tap dispenses filtered hot, cold, and sparkling water and includes a pull-out hose – the first hot water tap that can be safely mounted to a rise-and-fall worktop. For those unable to reach across, a remote-control option allows water to be dispensed at the touch of a button.

“In my daily life the kitchen is the centre of the house, so it’s not just where we cook and eat, it’s where we spend time together as a family and it’s where I work. It’s the heart of our house, so it’s important to get everything right and it’s got to work in lots of different ways. I now just love being in my kitchen because it works for me.”

And while Tanni was deeply involved in designing the space to suit her needs, she’s keen to stress the benefits this level of adaptability brings for anyone. “This isn’t just about accessibility in the traditional sense. It’s about future-proofing a kitchen for all stages of life, for families of different heights, abilities, and needs.

“Having a kitchen where the surfaces can move means it’s not just one person’s kitchen – it’s for everyone. I don’t feel like my kitchen was ‘adapted’. It feels like it was designed for me – and that’s a huge difference.”

Tanni’s experience has inspired her to spread the word about what’s possible in accessible kitchen design. “If you’re designing a new kitchen, it’s worth thinking about how it can work for you not just now, but in the future too.”

For more on the Freedom range, go to: https://symphony-group.co.uk/brands/freedom