An interview with a Design and Marketing Director

Since the beginning in 2006. Having started Lima Kitchens with only mainstream kitchen design experience there was a lot to learn and develop as a business and on a personal level. Understanding the trial and error involved, the direction and section of the market we would be most content, challenged and successful in and how to get there was a big part of this.

There are what seem to be the obvious points such as the crash of the financial market, impact of Brexit and Covid but these all feel far too generic.

For me, there has been a lot of personal growth and understanding required. Accepting that no matter how hard you try, you can not please everyone. Realising that perfection is subjective and therefore unachievable. Working relationships can run their course and that does not mean either party has done anything wrong. That with growth there is a lot of hard work involved and that you have to be tolerant, trust and relinquish control of areas, even if they are elements that you enjoy and want to hold on to. At times, all of these things have seemed like immovable barriers let alone hurdles.

I am one of the lucky few that love my work. So many people chalk me up to being a workaholic but the truth is it feels like a hobby too – keeping me naturally inquisitive, enthusiastic and engaged. In the past, my inspiration has been closely linked with travel both abroad and here in the UK. With a great draw to the crisp lines and Scandinavian Hygge feel, Far East textures and British comforts.

I’ve always had a strong need to implement function into all my designs. Ergonomics have been a core to my design process and with an ageing population, you can see the need and understanding of this becoming more prevalent. To help achieve this, I spend a lot of time cooking from scratch and never miss the opportunity for a cooking lesson – especially when travelling. I find this gives me an insight and appreciation of differing cuisines, cultural technics and subsequently helps me understand the needs of my clients.

Of late, I have been more open to being challenged by those around me whose outlook and tastes are different to my own, helping me grow and expand my own repertoire further.

The answer to this is threefold for me.

Firstly, there is the styling. Having spent the past 8 years being light, bright and low maintenance there is a distinctive return to bold patterns and texture, warmer tones and generally more maximalism! Be prepared to see more and more earthy tones, greens and moodier environments.

Secondly, for the last few years there has been the term broken-plan emerging.  This is the shift away from open-plan to a more flexible approach. Don’t get me wrong, formal dining rooms are still out, as are the highest quantity of rooms possible. Cavernous spaces with no option of separation, privacy or noise control are on their way out too. Being replaced with an increase of room dividers, pocket doors and nooks.

Finally, and arguably the most important: sustainability. For our industry this is going to be a massive challenge. With our projects already being big ticket purchases, the frankly unbelievable price increases of the past three years then adding the upfront, short term cost of sustainability is a real challenge. That’s before you start with trying to access the information and unpicking the greenwashing that is occurring presently. The truth is, as an industry we are far behind sectors such as fashion, hospitality and the automative industry. There is hope though. We have a number of process in place to reduce our impact on the environment. These include, minimising printing, energy consumption, a mindset to reduce waste material without compromising finish. Our products are set to last upwards of 20 years with the view to have a resale value at the end of their life with you. We research products to understand the truth behind efficiency, their manufacturing impact and company values. Many of our suppliers are local. Manufacturing is often heated through waste material and the introduction of core material being available at 100% recycled is a great start. Not to mention the water savings with Quooker taps. Removing the need for chemical cleaners with pyrolytic ovens. Plus, true food waste limitation solutions with technology adjusting the temperature and humidity for specific foods in refrigeration.

Growth ambition and a more reserved approach to big ticket purchases than we have seen since the start of the pandemic.

We have a lot of exciting plans for 2023 which we have been patiently waiting to be in a position to move forward with for many years. Some of these challenges will include route to differing markets, finding and employing into new positions, more trial and error all whilst keeping our eye on the ball with what we do fantastically now but striving to improve. We know that our team are all up to the challenge. All striving for improvement with enthusiasm to continue learning and being a constructive and active part of the growth and success of Lima Kitchens.

Find the people and company that work for you. We are all individual with our own takes, pros and cons. Decide on the quality and lifespan you are after and work with someone who can balance out the true value of your project long term, as well as short term. Even if you are looking to move in 5-10 years, the best value may not be the lowest cost or least functional. Consider your time in it, the effect of ageing on your family and the products in that time and how this could impact the negotiation process when you do finally sell. Take time to think about what the products and design will give you over the years and trust your designer. Buy the products and colours you love. Everything dates. Trust the people you commission your project to. Let them take control and follow their process. This has been developed through trial, error and understanding how they can achieve the best service, result and satisfaction possible.

With the right design, products and people, it is not something you will ever regret!