When Billy visited Grand Designs Live 2023, he wasn’t expecting to find the kitchen — but that’s exactly what happened. Drawn to the tactile richness of Neo Lodge Blackened Oak, the bold elegance of Neo Pure Metal Gold, and Nolte’s precision German craftsmanship, he left the show inspired — and ready to turn his dream kitchen into reality.

Fast forward just one year, and Billy's new kitchen is the centrepiece of his stunning extension in Derby — a true blend of high design, warmth, and personal touches that make the space not only beautiful, but unmistakably his.

A kitchen worthy of a Grand Design

Like many Grand Designs fans, Billy had been exploring multiple kitchen providers. Despite having a generous space to work with, none of the designs he received felt right. "They weren’t listening," he told us. "It felt like they were just filling the room with cabinets."

At Nolte Kitchens, they do things differently.

After visiting our Nottingham showroom post-event, they conducted a full site survey at his home — and quickly discovered several design constraints already in place, including existing plumbing, electrics, and a heating manifold that ran through the core of the kitchen. These fixed elements presented a unique challenge, but also an opportunity to push the boundaries of functional creativity.

Design that listens — and elevates

Nolte's goal was to elevate the large space into something stylish, layered, and full of personality — while keeping functionality at the forefront.

Some of the standout features include:

• A chic, illuminated bar area designed to showcase Billy’s drinks collection and add sophistication to evening entertaining.
• A bespoke coffee corner nestled under the stairwell — turning what could’ve been dead space into a stylish, practical nook, with hidden storage behind the Miele bean-to-cup machine.
• A display zone for Le Creuset and African artwork, bringing pops of colour and cultural identity into the modern German aesthetic.
• An elevated Walnut breakfast bar, offering a sociable dining spot with added texture contrast.
• A waterfall-edge island with Dekton Worktop, catching the light beautifully in the south-facing kitchen and grounding the space with a sense of permanence and luxury.

To pull it all together, they used illuminated Black handleless profiles, graphite interior carcases, and neo drawers — combining function with finesse.

Appliances that match the vision

To support Billy’s love of food, coffee, and entertaining, they integrated a full suite of premium appliances, including:

• Miele Coffee machine, wine cooler, and warming drawer
• Fully integrated dishwasher and combination microwave oven
• Flush sitted surface induction cooktop from Bora X Pure
• A BLANCO Silgranit sink in Rock Grey and Quooker Flex tap completed the look

flush fitted creating a seamless finish

“From the moment I saw it at Grand Designs…”

Billy’s kitchen wasn’t just a new interior — it was a design-led experience. From inspiration at Grand Designs Live, to concept development and technical installation, the entire journey was a collaborative, client-led process.

“From the moment I saw the Neo Lodge display at Grand Designs Live, I knew that was the one,” Billy told us. “Nolte understood my brief, added ideas I’d never have thought of, and created something with heart. It feels like me.”

See the inspiration in person

Billy’s kitchen journey started with a visit — and yours can too. Step into their showroom to explore the very materials, finishes, and design details that brought his vision to life.

Experience the textures, test the appliances, and chat with their expert designers who take the time to truly listen. Whether you're in the early stages or ready to begin, visiting a Nolte Kitchens showroom is the first step toward turning your dream kitchen into a reality.

Kitchen Breakdown

Door fronts:

• Neo Lodge Blackened Oak
• Neo Pure Metal Gold

Worktop:

• Dekton Laurent