Maria Miles

My passion for kitchen design started at home — doing up my own house and developing a desire to remodel spaces for others. I’m always looking for the best possible layout, symmetry, convenience, and aesthetics. As a kitchen designer at our Amersham showroom, my career started with bedrooms back in 1996. I did some web design for a while, then got hooked on kitchens in 2015. Ten years later and I’m still excited about every kitchen project as if it were my first day. Sometimes you are just lucky to enjoy your job. Feel free to book over the phone or online for an informal meeting — accompanied by tea or coffee, of course. The showroom is spacious with plenty of displays and worktop samples. In addition, we offer free parking at the front of the showroom

Tell us about your design style and approach?

Your journey with Nolte starts with an initial meeting at the Amersham showroom. Together, we discuss the best layout for your kitchen, choose finishes for your doors and worktops, and pick appliance types and brands according to your requirements. We work with your measurements or architect plans to start the process quickly. Subsequently, we then book a follow-up design appointment so your kitchen design can be viewed in 3D, with we provide your Nolte kitchen quotation at this meeting. Please allow 1 to 1½ hours for each meeting. My design approach focuses on what works for each client. It's based entirely on their specific kitchen experience. Ultimately, it’s customer centred — their needs are of the utmost importance, and I look for the best possible layout with those needs in mind.

What are your core strengths as a kitchen designer?

My core strength is listening to clients’ needs and interpreting these into their preferred layout using Nolte product. For example, I help new clients by first exciting and inspiring them with what the showroom has to offer — showcasing the Nolte product range and then moving onto personal applications for their specific home. I also help my colleagues whenever the need arises.

Are there specific materials or finishes you love working with?

The anti-fingerprint door is very versatile in terms of bespoke sizes and the protective finish it offers. Furthermore, the open base unit drawers can add an interesting and contrasting element to the design. The Flair door is also unusual and worth considering — it adds real character to any space.

What is your favourite Nolte Kitchen range/feature?

I feel spoilt for choice. Designing with Neo Lodge and Neo Pure delivers incredible results every time — I’m consistently blown away by how high-end and sophisticated these kitchens look when clients have them installed in their own home, especially for the price. The value added factor is superb. If pressed for a current favourite, I would love to play around with Tavola Oak Barolo. I fell in love with it at Nolte Forum Germany. It's a truly incredible 7,000m² showroom with everything Nolte.

What is your best piece of kitchen design advice?

A kitchen has to answer several requirements, and compromising across all of these gives you the best result. It has to work for you personally in terms of layout — where you position crucial appliances, prep areas, and seating. It also needs a symmetrical element. This makes it pleasing to the eye. The kitchen has to work hard and deliver maximum storage and convenience for the budget. Finally, the colour and texture combination must work for you and your home. The best question a client ever asked me after a kitchen design presentation is: ‘What else would you have done to make this better?’

Any fun facts or hobbies outside of design?

Beside frolicking around with my Corgi — whenever the opportunity takes her near the coast — I’m a keen gardener. I love to paint and embroider, go for long drives in the countryside, take long woodland walks, and admire and photograph nature.