Lisa Hamilton

I came to kitchen design via an unusual route. After more than a decade in banking, I took the leap into interiors — and it changed everything. My first role in home interiors gave me a strong foundation across all aspects of professional interior design. Subsequently, I went on to work with Benjamin Moore in luxury paint, then Industville providing lighting design consultancy. My first kitchen design role came at Olive and Barr, where I discovered a real passion for the discipline. Finally, at Nolte Kitchens Sevenoaks, I bring that full range of experience to every client I work with.

Tell us about your design style and approach?

My design style is contemporary with a subtle touch of wow — using considered pattern and texture to create that effect. When I start working with a new client, I want to understand how they actually live. Are they a family? Do they have children, and if so, what are their ages? Crucially, that information shapes everything. It helps me design a kitchen that supports their everyday lifestyle and, where it's their forever home, one that grows with them over the years. In addition, I ask every client about the pain points. A beautiful kitchen should solve real problems — not just look good. From there, I explore layout options and present a few design directions for the client to choose from.

What are your core strengths as a kitchen designer?

My background is genuinely unusual for a kitchen designer. I've worked across luxury paint, home interiors, lighting, and both handmade and German-engineered kitchens. As a result, that breadth means I can bring a wider perspective — whether a client gravitates toward bold colour, premium finishes, or a more traditional handmade aesthetic within a Nolte framework.

Are there specific materials or finishes you love working with?

I enjoy working with matt finishes and layering in textures to create interest and an element of surprise. Ultimately, it's about building depth into a design — making a kitchen feel considered rather than flat.

What is your favourite Nolte Kitchen range/feature?

neoSlim in Oak Bianco. There's a warmth and calm to it that I find genuinely beautiful. Moreover, it's one of those finishes that feels right in almost any space.

What is your best piece of kitchen design advice?

Don't be afraid to mix finishes or experiment with pattern and colour. Think of your worktop as the main part of your outfit — the dress or the suit. Your furniture is the coat: it should complement, not compete. And your accent colour or texture? That's the scarf — the detail that ties it all together and makes it yours.

Any fun facts or hobbies outside of design?

Overall, I enjoy keeping active — you'll often find me taking part in the 5k school fun run. It's a small thing, but it keeps me connected and gives me a good reset outside of work.