Case Study: How Symphony’s Freedom Accessible Range Helped to Transform Izzy Hussain’s Kitchen
As one of the UK’s biggest manufacturers of fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, Symphony knows what makes a successful kitchen design. Key components of safety, style and flexibility are at the core of the Freedom brand and its accessible design can be used by all ages and abilities, including those with mobility requirements. The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert and through 40 years of personal experience and research, his kitchen designs have helped to transform homes throughout the UK.
An example of Adam’s transformative work can be seen in Izzy Hussain’s property in Milton Keynes. In 2015, Izzy had an accident resulting in a spinal injury and is now a full-time wheelchair user. After she spent time recovering in hospital, she moved to a rented bungalow that just wasn’t practical and took away many of her freedoms. The kitchen wasn’t accessible, and she wasn’t able to cook independently. Izzy reverted to using a camping hot plate and an MDF worktop just so she could have the ability to cook for herself. Izzy says “I wanted to have the freedom to cook what I wanted, when I wanted and to fulfil my aspiration to be spontaneous once again, this reflects my personality.”
After a few years of recovery and planning, Izzy bought her own bungalow in 2018 which required a full re-design to become an accessible home to support her now as a wheelchair user. Her occupational therapist, Zoe Paye of OT Healthcare who oversaw the full design process from start to finish gave input and advice about working with builders and introduced her to design consultant Adam Thomas and the retailer Tara Neil Kitchens, whom she worked closely with to create her dream kitchen.
Patrick McGinty at Tara Neil Kitchens says “We are able to offer a tailored service to all our clients to understand their kitchen design aspirations, including those with mobility requirements. It’s about getting to know the client, taking the necessary measurements, and providing solutions that offer safety, style and flexibility working alongside our expert design consultant Adam Thomas. It’s an end-to-end support package including delivery and installation.”
Izzy’s Kitchen Design
Adam Thomas and Tara Neil Kitchens worked with Izzy to design a space that not only reflected her personality but also gave her back her independence. The look and feel of the kitchen were key factors to her design and Izzy chose the Alta kitchen by Symphony in Gloss Pure White with chrome handles for a light, bright and spacious feel. To contrast with the neutral cabinets, the statement worktop is made from Aurora Pink Quartzite and is truly a unique addition to the space.
Accessible Features
There were a few non-negotiable features that Izzy was keen to incorporate into her design. The first being a pantry/tall larder with pull-out drawers at the lower levels which provides lots of space for storing all kinds of dried food and tins and can be accessed quickly and easily. The second was a drinks cabinet as entertaining is a big part of Izzy’s life and allows her to host friends and family with ease. Adam also incorporated essential storage options into the design such as pull down i-move and pan drawers which provide easy access to everyday items, helping Izzy to feel independent in her kitchen once more.
Izzy was keen to incorporate an island into her kitchen space. As such, the team designed a pull-out table that has been installed for additional preparation space and is located directly across from the ovens, doubling up as a place to safely transfer dishes in and out of the oven and over to the island. This feature can also be used as a way to safely transfer pans from the induction hob on the island back over the sink area. Izzy was first introduced to the NEFF hide and slide oven, including heat proof resting shelf whilst on a spinal group on Facebook, Adam also provided guidance on which appliances should be installed.
The whole of the worktop with the hob is at a fixed height lower level and there are no units underneath so that Izzy can position her wheelchair and cook comfortably in this section of the kitchen. She also decided that there was no need to lower the worktop with the sink, there are no units under the sink worktop and most of the washing up will be done with the dishwasher. A slimline NEFF dishwasher was chosen for ease of cleaning crockery and kitchen utensils. Lastly, the Island prep space is on two levels, for all the family to enjoy, which is a real bonus – Izzy can be cooking, and she can entertain her guests at the same time.
Additional features include a hot tap which eliminates the back and forth when filling up a kettle, a well-equipped separate utility room incorporating a sink to wash her dogs as well as a handy pull-out dog treat drawer were a must-have for Izzy.
The project has been a huge success and Izzy felt comfortable dealing with Adam as he was able to provide her with some excellent advice, particularly as he is a wheelchair user himself. Adam says “I am so pleased with the outcome of Izzy’s kitchen project; it has not only given her the independence and freedom she needed but allows her to feel comfortable and safe in her own kitchen. The style reflects her personality, and it is a great example of how much can be achieved with accessible design.”
For further information about Symphony, please visit www.symphony-group.co.uk/brands/freedom