Daniel Ross

I'm a kitchen designer at our Exeter showroom with over 20 years' experience in mid-to-high-end kitchen design. My background in technical drawing gave me a strong foundation in spatial planning and proportion. I bring those skills to every project. As a result, I approach each kitchen with equal attention to how it looks and how it works. I'm a people person at heart. Working closely with clients, understanding their lives, and guiding them through the process is genuinely something I enjoy.

Tell us about your design style and approach?

My design style is centred on spaces that feel timeless and practical. I tend towards clean, modern aesthetics with warm, natural tones — designs that won't date quickly but still feel inviting and characterful. I'm particularly drawn to the interplay of materials and textures. Combining matt lacquers, wood grain finishes, and solid surfaces creates depth without overcomplicating a space. Ultimately, the goal is always the same: visual impact that doesn't compromise everyday usability.

What are your core strengths as a kitchen designer?

My approach combines client-led design with strong technical understanding and end-to-end project management. I focus on creating a beautiful kitchen. But equally, I ensure the entire process runs smoothly — from initial concept through to installation and aftercare. In addition, I have worked with John Lewis at Oxford Street to streamline their kitchen ordering processes. This involved improving coordination between suppliers, ordering systems, and installation teams.

Are there specific materials or finishes you love working with?

I tend to favour materials that strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. I work frequently with matt lacquer and anti-fingerprint surfaces — finishes that look refined and are genuinely easy to live with day to day. For worktops, solid surfaces such as Hi-Macs are a favourite — they give a seamless, clean finish. Stone and ceramic options are ideal where texture and durability are a priority. In terms of colour, I lean towards warm neutrals and natural tones. These feel timeless rather than trend-driven, and pair well with subtle wood textures to add depth and warmth.

What is your favourite Nolte Kitchen range/feature?

neoLodge. It's a real wood veneer door from Nolte's neo collection with vertical fluted detailing, which gives it a much more architectural, textured quality compared to flat doors. It's perfect if you want something warmer than a flat modern kitchen but still very sleek and design-led. Consequently, it's a range I find myself recommending across a wide variety of briefs.

What is your best piece of kitchen design advice?

The most important thing in kitchen design is making sure it works for how you live, not just how it looks. A great kitchen should feel effortless to use every day. Therefore, I always start with how you'll actually use the space, then build the design around that.

Any fun facts or hobbies outside of design?

When I'm not in the showroom, you'll most likely find me surfing — it's one of the perks of living down this way. Outside of that, I spend a lot of time with family, which keeps me grounded and gives me a good balance away from work.