When the Harvey Jones Edinburgh showroom needed updating, the team set about reimagining it as a more 'immersive' experience. We talk to senior kitchen designers Sally Hinks and Sarah McNeill to find out more.
Q: Why did you decide it was time to update the Edinburgh showroom?
A: The Edinburgh showroom has been open since 2011 but since then we have launched two new ranges and wanted to be able to showcase these. The old configuration of the showroom felt like separate displays but by reconfiguring it, we now have a space that feels more like a real kitchen environment. The refurbishment has also allowed us to use more up to date cabinetry options; storage types, interior finishes etc, and now it better reflects what our clients are choosing for their own projects and gives a better visual on the available choices.
Q: How long did the process take?
A: The refurbishment work itself took about three months all in all but there were months’ worth of planning prior to beginning the works. The refurbishment was over both floors of the showroom and we actually had a new wall built too so it was quite a substantial amount of work! The only real obstacles were delays on materials, which as an industry have been ongoing since the pandemic began and are something that we are doing our best to stay on top of. But it was a relatively smooth process and well worth the wait!
Q: How many displays are there?
A: We have displays over two floors which showcase our five different cabinetry styles we offer, with upstairs looking a little more traditional and downstairs a bit more contemporary. The individualised roomsets are designed to offer customers engaging visual environments. We also have an assortment of worktop and handle samples on display.
Q: How did you decide on the styles of the displays and which products to showcase?
A: From our Edinburgh showroom, the slightly more traditional look is most popular. We led in with a traditional feel upstairs with our Original, Shaker and Arbor ranges blended in one display. Popular wish list items for a traditional kitchen are included here – range cooker with mantle surround, a pantry larder, Belfast sink, glazed cabinets etc, all styled with brass hardware, and a natural statement stone. Downstairs, the more contemporary styling includes our Linear and Linear Edge handleless range, as well as more contemporary Arbor and Shaker displays, and we kept it monochrome and timeless in white with matt black handles and appliances.
Q: Are there any working displays?
A: We do have a working Quooker tap in the showroom and a Bora hob. We also have a French-style Fisher & Paykel fridge-freezer, which is a really popular size and arrangement our clients love in their projects.
Q: How are you planning to engage with potential customers in your area and attract them to the new showroom?
A: We recently did an Instagram takeover of a day in the Edinburgh Showroom. We are finding that since the pandemic, most people’s kitchen research begins online so we are working on our presence there.
Q: Compared to other kitchen showrooms, what's different about this one?
A: It’s actually smaller than most people expect! As we hand paint our cabinetry on site, you can have any colour, which means we don’t need hundreds of the same kitchen in lots of different colours with different hardware. Homeowners can have any combination they like! Our showroom focusses more on the cabinetry options and showcasing this.
Q: In your view, what sets Harvey Jones apart from other kitchen businesses?
A: Everything! The quality and hand painting are the main things that set us apart, but the way we work is more like an architect or interior designer. We work with our clients until the design is perfect for them. The aim is to provide a forever kitchen of unparalleled quality, tailored to their exact requirements.
