Close Menu

Popular searches

Recent searches

Bringing Shaker Style to the Bedroom in a Choice of On-Trend and Classic Colours

Symphony Aurora Bedroom Range in Fern Green

Symphony, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned manufacturers of fitted bedrooms, is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new bedroom collection – Aurora. With its subtle grain texture and slim Shaker frame, Aurora gives retailers the perfect opportunity to offer customers a blend of traditional and modern design. Available in two standard colour options – Fern Green and Harbour – along with 11 painted door finishes, Aurora has a wide choice of on-trend and classic colour palettes, ideal for creating a calm, tranquil bedroom for rest and relaxation. Whether planning a room revamp for the bedroom, updating a guest room or considering a loft conversion with master suite, Aurora is the ultimate in enduring, timeless design with storage to suit all spaces.

Symphony Aurora Bedroom Range in Fern Green 

 

Fitted bedroom furniture is designed to make the most of every inch, especially in period properties where walls may not be perfectly straight and homeowners face the challenge of awkward alcoves and sloping ceilings. The new Aurora furniture range from Symphony brings timeless and enduring Shaker style to the bedroom with its slim Shaker frame adding a fresh, modern touch.

With generously sized wardrobes packed with optional space-saving interior solutions such as racks, rails, pull outs, open shelving, cubby holes and more, alongside matching bedside cabinets and dressing tables, the beautifully crafted Aurora range is available in two standard colours – Fern Green and Harbour – as well as 11 painted door colours – Chalk White, Clay, Platinum, Sage, Cashmere, Pearl Grey, Stone, Providence Blue, Dusky Pink, Willow and French Grey.

“We’re thrilled to launch our brand-new bedroom range, Aurora,” says Simon Collyns, Marketing and Retail Director at Symphony Group. “The bedroom has seen a surge in interest lately, as homeowners look to create the ultimate calming and tranquil retreat. Space-saving and well-considered storage is key, so we’ve ensured our new collection offers multiple methods for maximising storage, from drawer packs and dressing tables to multiple internal wardrobe options, we have solutions to suit every need.”

 

   Symphony Aurora Range in Painted Willow 

 

Symphony Aurora Bedroom Range in Harbour

 

For further information about Symphony, please visit www.symphony-group.co.uk

Featuring on: George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds, Channel 4

Location: Matlock, Derbyshire
Client: Ben White and family

Retailer: Moorgate Kitchens
Designers: Mark Doble and Adam Thomas
Kitchen Brand: Freedom by Symphony

Homeowner Ben in his new Freedom kitchen

Homeowner Ben in his new Freedom Melrose Merlot Red and Costina Fresca kitchen

The Show

Renowned architect, George Clarke helps people decide how to split their budgets as they refurbish two vital aspects of their home in a new show: George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds.

The Brief

When Ben White and his partner were selected to appear on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds, they had a clear vision for their dream kitchen: stylish, accessible, and built for modern living. Ben has been a wheelchair user for 11 years following a sky diving accident during training for the national championships and knowing that Freedom by Symphony specialised in inclusive design, he reached out to renowned accessible design consultant, Adam Thomas whose work he had been following for a long time.

Design Challenges & Transformation

Ben moved into the property with his family in 2021. The original setup featured a kitchen with an island in a fairly small space and a separate dining room, which was narrow and limiting, meaning that Ben could not do much cooking. Working closely with George Clarke and the show’s production team, the design Adam Thomas proposed repositioned the kitchen, blocked off a doorway and removed the wall between the two spaces to create a large, open-plan environment that could better support freedom of movement and accessibility. To make this possible the design involved Ben agreeing to relocate a set of new sliding doors from the kitchen to the dining room, creating easier access to the outside and Ben’s new garden office.

Adam tailored every design element with accessibility and aesthetics in mind, stating:

“It was lovely working with George on and off camera. He showed genuine interest and had lightbulb moments around the topic of accessibility when I demonstrated some of the principles. I’m delighted with the result and that Ben is so happy with the kitchen.”

George even visited Adam’s own home during filming, gaining first-hand insight into accessible kitchen design in action – experiences that directly informed the final space in Matlock.

The new kitchen position brings together the eating, living, work, and play areas transforming the way Ben and his family enjoy their property.

 Kitchen Features

The resulting kitchen is a showcase of elegant functionality and innovative design, tailored for Ben’s needs:

  • Freedom by Symphony Colours: Symphony Melrose Range in Merlot Red and the ribbed effect Costina Fresca, accented with bold brass handles.
  • Worktops: Corian® Calacatta Greige surfaces, including a waterfall-edge rise-and-fall section and windowsills. Distributor CDUK and fabricator Counter Production worked around the clock and went over and above to source this new premium décor in time for installation.
  • Adjustable Features: An all-in-one right angle rise-and-fall worktop section with a prep sink allows for height flexibility which is an essential for a truly inclusive kitchen.
  • Appliances & Smart Tech:
    • NEFF smart appliances including;
      • Slide & Hide oven with its unique hide away door, reduces the risk of burns.
      • Push to open DoorAssist fridge opens with a push on the door or by voice command.
      • All the appliances are operable via the HomeConnect app or voice activated by smart speaker.
    • ZIP Water HydroTap Celius Plus All-in-One provides boiling, chilled, sparkling and filtered water at the touch of a button.
  • Sink Configuration: Dual-sink setup for accessibility. One shallow prep sink and one deeper fixed-height sink.

Collaborative Design

Retailer Moorgate Kitchens played a pivotal role, with designer Mark Doble bringing Adam’s vision to life in-store. The Freedom team, production company, and Moorgate collaborated extensively, far beyond a typical kitchen install, to ensure every detail aligned with the needs of the homeowner and the production timeline.

“Working with Adam and George on this project was such a unique mix of excitement and challenge. The fast-paced world of TV doesn’t wait for anyone, with tight deadlines and constant pressure to deliver, every day was a race against the clock. But that’s also what made it so rewarding; there’s nothing quite like the rush of seeing everything come together just in time.

Ben and his family were an absolute joy to work with. From the very start, they were relaxed, easy-going, and completely trusted Adam and me to bring their vision to life. That trust made all the difference. In the end, we delivered not just a kitchen, but a space that truly felt like theirs.”

Adjustable height work surface

Adjustable height work surface

Homeowner’s Experience

Ben White, reflecting on the process in his TV interview, shared:

“Working with Freedom by Symphony was great. Throughout the process, all the way through, we were getting constant updates as to where things were at, when there would be fitting visits, when there would be more consultations, back and forth with the designs.”

“One of the benefits of good, accessible design is that it’s inclusive and is great for everyone. There’s now enough space in the kitchen for us to be cooking together as a family. We can lower the rise and fall worktop down and me and my daughter can bake. My partner, she can raise the unit up and we can have multiple people working and cooking food together whilst we’re preparing and cooking food in the kitchen space. The kids can be sitting at the breakfast bar and we can all be social as a family.”

Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds

This kitchen will air as part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds, where viewers can see the transformation unfold onscreen.

Freedom by Symphony is proud to have played a role in creating a space that isn’t just functional, it’s life-enhancing. As part of the episode, this project marks another step toward bringing inclusive design into the mainstream spotlight.

Mark Doble, Ben White, Adam Thomas and George Clarke

 

Freedom by Symphony, renowned for its accessible and aesthetically stunning kitchen designs, recently welcomed Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to experience its latest accessible kitchen design. With a career spanning incredible Paralympic achievements and advocacy for disabled people’s rights, Tanni brings a unique and personal perspective to the world of accessible kitchen design. Her involvement underscores the transformative power of Freedom kitchens, both in enhancing home functionality and in maintaining a stylish, inclusive design ethos.

Tanni is one of Britain’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes, with a medal tally of 11 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze earned over five Paralympic Games. In 2005, she was honoured as Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson for her services to sport. By 2010, she became Baroness Grey-Thompson, contributing actively as a life peer in the House of Lords. Her advocacy spans Disability Rights, Welfare Reform, and Sport.

Despite her demanding career, Tanni is a passionate cook and with her background in athletics understands the importance of nutrition more than most, meaning her kitchen plays a central role in her home life. Initially hesitant about accessible kitchens due to their typically utilitarian aesthetics, she was delighted to discover that Freedom by Symphony combined accessibility with beauty. Her personal experience with the brand and choosing her own Freedom kitchen encouraged her to raise awareness with other people of what could be achieved in a well-designed accessible kitchen today.

Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson in Freedom by Symphony Langdale kitchen in Fern Green featuring ZIP Brass HydroTap Celsius Plus and Corian Calacatta Greige work surface

Tanni’s Freedom kitchen has profoundly transformed how she experiences her home. Unlike traditional accessible designs that can appear clinical or overly adapted, Freedom kitchens prioritise style alongside functionality and safety. Key features such as the rise-and-fall worktop system and waterfall edges integrate seamlessly into the kitchen’s aesthetic while providing essential adaptability. Tanni worked with Freedom’s expert design ambassador, Adam Thomas to achieve a kitchen that works for both her, friends, and family.

“Working with Adam Thomas was amazing – he’s a wheelchair user, so he gets it. He’s thinking about things that other people don’t. He was very patient in terms of showing us all the different things that were available. But the most important thing was he actually asked us how we use the kitchen. And that meant that the design that we chose has just been absolutely perfect.”

Freedom Ambassador Adam Thomas with Tanni-Grey Thompson

Tanni highlights several elements that have revolutionised her cooking experience:

Rise and Fall Worktop

This transformative feature allows her and her family to adjust the worktop to a practical and comfortable height, making cooking tasks like chopping and stirring safer and more accessible. Tanni comments, “whether standing or seated, short or tall, the surface can always the right height for all members of the family to use, rather than it being the traditional choice of one height or the other”

Inclusive Storage

Previously, Tanni and her husband, Ian, had separate areas at different heights in the kitchen due to differing physical needs, meaning they often doubled up on storage items. With Freedom kitchens, shared, universally accessible storage solutions have brought new harmony to their space.

Design Integrity

The kitchen’s design ensures it doesn’t look like it was tailored solely for a wheelchair user. Features like the Corian waterfall edge and brass accents integrated into the Langdale range add timeless elegance.

Tanni says, “In my daily life the kitchen is the centre of the house, so it’s not just where we cook and eat, it’s where we spend time together as a family and it’s where I work. It’s the heart of our house, so it’s important to get everything right and it’s got to work in lots of different ways. I now just love being in my kitchen because it works for me”

“There’s a bit of a joke in our house because I’ve always been used to worksurfaces being high, and the cooker being up high, and the joke in our family now that I’ve got a worksurface that moves down, is that I can now see what I’m burning!”

Freedom by Symphony continues to innovate, recently unveiling updated and cutting-edge features that redefine accessibility and style. Some of the latest additions include:

Ropox Verti Inside Wall Cabinets

These electric drop-down cabinets are operated at the push of a button. Available in various sizes in an anthracite colour, they are fitted with safety plates and can be linked to rise-and-fall worktops using the SmartBox system. This ensures smooth and safe operation preventing items getting trapped between the wall cabinets and work surface.

Ropox Verti Inside Wall Cabinets

Bluetooth-Controlled Rise and Fall Worktops

The new Ropox Connect App allows users to control worktop height via their phone, with programmable pre-sets for multiple users. This design also features a new design Corian Calacatta Griege waterfall edge and integrated front and side fascias. The worktop also includes a matching reduced depth undermount sink and integrated overflow waste.

Rise and Fall Breakfast Bar

Designed to facilitate social interaction and food serving, this new unique system is designed to wrap around a breakfast bar for added accessibility, transforming the kitchen space into a social and welcoming environment to be shared with friends and family.

NEFF Smart Appliances

NEFF Slide & Hide® Ovens are recommended for their unique hide away door that is concealed beneath the oven, which eliminates the risks of the burns from the hot door when reaching into an oven. The latest designs feature flexible magnetic knob controls for ease of use and non-tip telescopic shelf runners for safe access to hot dishes. The NEFF ovens are now available to operate though an app or via a smart speaker. This enables someone to have full control of their oven for the first time, for example someone with a visual impairment or restricted hand movements can now talk to a smart speaker to operate the oven. Whilst NEFF’s full-height smart fridge opens with a push on the door or by voice command, addressing common challenges for users with limited mobility or full hands, especially for tall fridges. The door will gently open so that the user can then gain access easily.

ZIP Brass HydroTap Celsius Plus

A sleek, touch-controlled tap providing filtered hot, cold, and sparkling water, complete with a pull-out hose for added convenience. This is the first hot water tap that can be put onto a rise and fall worktop and that has a retractable pull out hose. It can even have a remote control which allows someone to fill a cup without reaching across the tap which is both safer and more ergonomic.

Ropox Verti Inside Wall Cabinets

Tanni knows first-hand about Freedom’s commitment to creating accessible kitchens that enhance lives without compromising on style, and wants to let more people know about the benefits this type of adaptability provides for quality of life. The idea of future-proofing the kitchen space is important whatever the situation or time of life, so it can be used and enjoyed by anyone and for every stage.

Tanni’s feedback on the thoughtful design and transformational features reflects the core values of Freedom kitchens: inclusivity, beauty, and functionality. “I don’t feel like my kitchen was adapted. It feels like a kitchen that was completely designed for me.”

You can find your local Freedom Retailers at: https://symphony-group.co.uk/find-retailers/ and discover more about Freedom by Symphony by visiting: https://symphony-group.co.uk/brands/freedom/

 

We are excited to announce that Belfast based W&R Barnett has acquired a majority shareholding in the Symphony Group.

W&R Barnett is a fourth-generation family business committed to owning and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees. Founded in 1896, the W&R Barnett group has grown from its origins as a grain merchant in Northern Ireland to a group of commodity trading and industrial businesses across the globe.

The current beneficial owners of the Symphony Group, Doug Gregory and his family, will retain a significant share in the business and be represented at board level. Recently appointed Managing Director, Paul Whitehouse, who has been with the business for 23 years, will continue to lead the Symphony executive team.

W&R Barnett CEO William Barnett commented: ‘‘We are very excited to invest in the Symphony Group and look forward to working with the management team to continue its success and growth’’

Paul Whitehouse, Symphony Group MD, commented ‘‘W&R Barnett’s investment will place the Symphony Group in a strong position for long term success and strengthen our position as market leader. This deal will deliver security to all our stakeholders – employees, customers and suppliers.  We share with W&R Barnett many core values including a commitment to employee welfare, excellent customer service, innovation and an appetite for growth.’’

We are grateful to everyone who has been a part of the Symphony journey so far and thank all our staff, customers and partners for your continued support – the future is looking very bright!

As we look back over the past 12 months, one of the things we’ve enjoyed reflecting on most is our award achievements. It takes so many people to turn our kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms into reality – from the design and production to logistics and retailers, not forgetting the consumers and housebuilders who buy them and install them in their own properties and homes. These awards cement our stringent standards across all aspects of the Symphony business, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved! And here’s a snapshot of the achievements for 2024…

Barratt Redrow North Scotland – Supplier of the Year

We had the honour of winning Supplier of the Year at the Barratt Redrow North Scotland awards. This award recognised our consistent levels of outstanding service, ensuring our clients achieve and excel when it comes to their own targets.

Fortis Lightside Conference – Kitchen Supplier of the Year

A key independent mixed merchant buying group, Fortis recognised our outstanding support and service to its members, who include Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, EH Smith Builders Merchants, Howarth Timber & Building Supplies and Leekes.

South Yorkshire Business Awards – Large Manufacturer of the Year and Sustainability Award

Recognising business excellence in enterprises of all scales, the South Yorkshire Business Awards highlight the region’s vibrant economic landscape and dynamic achievements and we were thrilled to scoop two awards for our manufacturing and sustainability excellence.

 

FX Design Awards – Shortlisted – Product of the Year – Pocket Doors

We were also delighted to make the shortlist for Product of the Year at the prestigious FX Design Awards with our Pocket Doors. Judged by a panel of distinguished experts from the contract design industry, including designers, engineers and architects, we were thrilled to make this coveted list.

SBID Product Design Awards – Finalists – Kitchen Product Category – Pocket Doors

Our space-saving Pocket Doors were also recognised as a finalist in the Kitchen Product Category at the SBID Product Design Awards.

 

Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards – Finalists – Best Equipment Provider and Excellence in Equipment Innovation – Freedom by Symphony

Awarding relevant, appropriate, innovative, excellent and effective initiatives, treatments, techniques, products and services, the Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards are judged by an independent expert panel and we were honoured to be recognised for our inclusive and accessible Freedom by Symphony kitchen range.

 

Ideal Home Awards – Best Classic Bathroom Range – Winner – Symphony Amalfi

“A good bathroom design is one that stands the test of time, which will certainly be the case with Symphony’s Amalfi fitted bathroom. The Shaker doors are a classic option that will make a wash space feel homely and warm – ideal for a family bathroom.” These are the words from the judges at the Ideal Home Awards.

 

Ideal Home Awards – Best Modern Kitchen Range – Highly Commended – Symphony Costina

We were also highly commended for our Costina kitchen in the Best Modern Kitchen Range category. The on-trend ribbed finish has been designed for contemporary and multifunctional kitchens with a textural style that brings ‘feel appeal’ to any home.

Ideal Home Awards – Best Bedroom Storage – Highly Commended – Symphony Nexus

As well as highly commended for our Nexus in the Best Bedroom Storage award. Part of our Urbano Bedroom Furniture range, the new Nexus design brings a fresh new look to homes, with an elegant and refined Shaker style available in three on-trend finishes – Hunter Green, Charcoal and Pebble.

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

 

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

The Troke family’s new kitchen was designed by Adam Thomas to be easy to use and long-lasting, with the aim of providing an accessible, streamlined and beautiful kitchen for all members of the family to enjoy. Lucille Troke, aged 12, a wheelchair user since an accident in 2015, lives with her family in a bungalow in Aylesbury. Over the last few years, the property has been extended and renovated to enable Lucille, her younger sister Josephine and their parents, Leonie and Jon to use and enjoy the new kitchen. The Freedom kitchen was installed in October 2021, and the family were able to move in and enjoy their newly refurbished home in November 2021.

Lucille’s parents Leonie and Jon explained the four-year process that started in 2017 with their purchase of the bungalow. The planning application for the transformation of the bungalow to suit Lucille’s needs started in 2018, and the practical planning, designing and budgeting soon followed. Despite pandemic interruptions, building work was able to proceed in March 2021. The Trokes worked with designers Adam Thomas and Pat at Tara Neil Kitchens, the retailer they chose to provide their new family kitchen. The Tara Neil Kitchen team recommended using the Freedom Kitchen from Symphony, and the family’s Occupational Therapist, Zoe Paye of OT Healthcare not only oversaw the whole design process but suggested expert designer Adam Thomas, of the Adam Thomas Consultancy, should be involved too.

The Challenges

The family’s previous kitchen did have a custom-made fixed lowered worktop, which was helpful to Lucille, but it was back-ache inducing for the rest of the family. The old kitchen was too small, with outward opening oven doors which were impractical for Lucille to approach, with the consequence that although Lucille was very enthusiastic about baking and cooking, it was simply impractical, if not dangerous, for her to use the oven. Her parents, Leonie and Jon, didn’t want her interest in cooking, baking and food technology, which she enjoys at school, to be affected by the limitations of the old kitchen. The couple realised that they would need to bring an entirely different approach to the design of the new kitchen.

The Design Solutions

The design of the new kitchen was radically different, with meticulous attention to the detail and practicalities of Lucille’s abilities. The new oven was positioned perpendicular to the work surface. The 90-degree angle to the lowered height work surface makes it easier, and safer, for Lucille to reach into the oven whilst seated in her wheelchair. There are I-Move pull-down units and internal pull-out drawers to make it easier for Lucille to reach into cupboards. When she pulls out a drawer, she can allow it to extend fully and then reach in easily for whatever she needs. The same applies to the crockery and pan drawers – the contents are visible at a glance and Lucille is able to reach things from her chair, as there is plenty of manoeuvring space incorporated into the layout. There are also Le Mans pull-outs in the corner base cabinets, allowing everyone to easily search for anything tucked away at the back!

The work surface arrangements play a huge part in the accessibility of this kitchen – not just for Lucille, but for her parents and younger sister, Josephine, aged 9. There is a standard full-height work surface, a lower height fixed work surface and an electric rise-and-fall work surface that includes the sleek induction hob and a sink. The rise-and-fall work surface has a grooved edge which is an important safety feature – it means that any accidently spilled liquids will pool into the groove, rather than spilling onto Lucille. Naturally, the waterfall-edge styling of the work surface also adds to the sleek and super-stylish look.

The Colours

Leonie oversaw the colour choices, initially drawn towards grey cabinet doors, but quickly changing her mind when she discovered Symphony had introduced the new Urban Indigo colourway to the range. ‘I had always wanted a dark blue kitchen’ she says, ‘so Urban Indigo was the obvious choice’. She had also originally been tempted by all-white for the work surfaces but with the help of the Tara Neil Kitchens team, got a bit more adventurous and decided upon a mix of materials and colours to add contrast to the scheme. The low-level work surface is pale grey, the higher level surfaces a pale quartz mix which is a striking and impactful contrast to the Indigo cabinetry and white walls.

Design Details

  1. The fixed low-level work surface near the ovens is a great setting down area for hot pans, as well as a baking area for Lucille
  2. Flip sockets in the rise-and-fall work surface are positioned to be within easy reach for Lucille
  3. Two sinks – one at a standard height near the dishwasher and the other, a prep sink in the rise-and-fall work surface are convenient for all members of the family
  4. Recycling and waste bins are integrated into cabinetry and accessible to everyone
  5. The hot tap is convenient for Lucille to use and keeps the work surface clear

 

In Lucille’s own words

‘I look forward to using this amazing kitchen every day! My mum has always been really good at baking pastries and cakes and now I can also enjoy cooking at home too – and maybe catch up with her skills! I’m able to use the kitchen and access the ovens without fuss; everything is at the right height and I’m able to put things into the oven and take things out easily. With the help of my OT team, brilliant advice from Adam Thomas, and the technical planning from Adam and Pat at Tara Neil Kitchens, we all now have a fantastic kitchen to enjoy and cook in for many years to come’.

For further information about Symphony, please visit www.symphony-group.co.uk/brands/freedom

Sally is a full-time wheelchair user with cerebral palsy.  She lives with her mum, dad, and grandmother. She can weight bare but not stand.

Sally plays wheelchair football for a club called ASPIRE, which is a mixed group of varying ages, and she has been playing since she was 12 years of age. The team have won several trophies including last summer the European club championships in Paris.  Sally really enjoys sport and has a GCSE in Art and PE, which led her to take a teaching qualification to help children with special needs integrate into the local community from young ages. She has also enjoyed taking part in riding for disabled (RDA).

The family bungalow was purchased in 2021 and the family moved in during 2024, due to the time for the court case; plus, relocation along with the Architect/planning stage,  product research and selection, and installation.

Sally’s Occupational Therapist recommended Adam Thomas, expert in accessible kitchen design; to work closely with Sally and her family to design a kitchen tailored to their requirements.  Adam also recommended a nearby Freedom by Symphony kitchen retailer Tara Neil Limited; to assist with the cabinetry choices, appliances, accessories, and worktop selection.

The family chose Urban Indigo and Pebble; the indigo colour was selected for the base cabinets and tall units in pebble for a contrasting finish.  Sally also helped with other choices for their new family home such as App Control systems to operate lighting, doors and window blinds.

Sally has a full-time personal assistant / carer to help her with everyday tasks around the home, although Sally is able to use some accessible features such as the kitchen area:  

Freedom Specific features:  

Freedom Adjustable Height Straight Run Worktop  

A superb feature incorporating breakfast bar seating allowing Sally, the family, and her carer to socialise during meal preparation.  The adjustable height worktop creates a fully accessible area for Sally to cook and houses the hob and reduced depth sink area, whilst also providing plenty of preparation space.

 

Freedom Accessible Reduced Depth Sink & Tap   

A great addition for Sally, allowing comfortable seated access beneath the sinks, thanks to the reduced depth base. The front mounted tap also allows sally to control the water supply using the lever as Sally only has use of her left hand.

NEFF Slide & Hide Oven & Freedom Oven Housings with Heatproof Shelves 

The slide and hide oven is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the worktop; creating a safe environment for Sally to take dishes in and out of the oven.  Sally benefits from the heatproof shelf located below the oven, within the oven housings; as it provides an immediate safe resting place to transfer dishes to and from the oven and onto the worktop / induction hob area.

Freedom iMove Pull Down Baskets / Pull Out Drawers within Larder Units provide Improved Access  

The imove pull down baskets mechanism is fitted inside the cupboard and can be accessed via the extended handle, allowing sally to be independent in her kitchen area so she can access things higher up within larder cabinets more easily. 

The Wilson family own a farm in Ilminster, Somerset. During the pandemic the Wilson’s considered buying an additional Barn nearby with the idea to convert it to become an accessible holiday home specifically for people with severe disabilities and complex medical needs.

When they came into some money; the family were considering what to do with it and considered a holiday home for themselves however they felt a strong urge to help families living with complex needs / disabilities given they have relatives and friends who care for children with complex needs. Their Sister has cared for boys with Duchennes – a form of muscular dystrophy and their Brother / Brother in law’s child has a brain tumor plus a friend from university had a baby born with complex needs.

Shortly after the pandemic the Wilson family acquired the Barn/land and applied for planning permission. It took 1 year for completion and the holiday home finally opened for bookings on the 1st July 2024.

The barn offers ample space with open plan kitchen / living area and garden, a large downstairs bathroom with bath / showering facilities including hoist equipment and a standard en-suite with showering facilities.  The barn also has 4 bedrooms; 3 bedrooms on the ground floor (1 with ceiling track hoist and 2 profiling beds, a master bedroom, and a twin.   Further master bedroom on the first floor (with king size bed + single bed) along with upstairs living room area.

The kitchen area is particularly beneficial as it offers families the opportunity to go on holiday and make full use of the kitchen area.  How important is food and looking forward to a meal; especially for families with complex needs / limited mobility when it’s not as easy to get out and about or go very far. In this kitchen; everyone can take a turn at preparing a meal making it a truly multi-generational space for all the family.

In order to spec the inside kitchen area and other areas of the accessible barn the Wilson family took it upon themselves to carry out some research online.  They came across a few accessible holiday home websites which appeared to have a very high spec of bathroom and kitchen equipment catering for disabled needs:

  • Ablestay accessible holiday home in London
  • Flat Spaces accessible holiday bungalow, New Forest on the South Coast.

The Wilson’s reached out to Ablestay and Flat Spaces via social media to find out more about these properties and Charles Van Berckel from Ablestay was quick to reply and offered the Wilson’s a tour of Ablestay.  The Wilsons were particularly interested to find out where the kitchen was sourced from and Charles explained it was a range called Freedom by Symphony; designed in conjunction with expert designer Adam Thomas, who has 40 years of experience in accessible kitchen design.

The Wilson family made contact with Adam and Symphony and their ideas for the kitchen space were carefully considered and a design quickly followed taking into consideration fundamental design principles to achieve the most inspired space:

Main Kitchen features chosen by the Wilson family:

  • Freedom Adjustable Height L-Shape Worktop

A superb feature allowing for wheelchair users, adults/carers, young adults and children (supervised), to adjust the height of the worktop, making food / drink preparation enjoyable for all the family to take part in.

  • Freedom Accessible Reduced Depth Sink & Tap

Great for wheelchair users / small adults; allowing comfortable seated access beneath the sink thanks to the reduced depth base, whilst front mounted tap allows control of the water supply without reaching across the sink.

  • NEFF Slide & Hide Oven & Freedom Oven Housings with Heatproof Shelves

First seen by the Wilson’s on Channel 4’s “Bake Off” program;  the door slides underneath the oven allowing users, including wheelchair users; safe access for lifting baking trays / cooking pots in and out of the oven.  The heatproof shelf directly beneath the oven within the oven housing also provides a safe resting place for hot food before transferring to the adjacent worktop.

  • Freedom iMove Pull Down Baskets for Improved Access

Provides access to items from higher up, the pull down baskets mechanism is fitted inside the cupboard and can accessed via the extended handle allowing independence in the kitchen area for access to items higher up without having to ask others.

  • Freedom Cabinet with Recycle Bin

A really good addition to the kitchen space; it has encouraged holiday makers to recycle their waste into the appropriate compartment making life easier for sorting the rubbish before it is collected by the council.

All enquires for the accessible holiday home are welcome and should email for more information, they are now taking bookings for 2025: info@thebigtinbarn.com

 

When choosing a new kitchen, as well as the style and design, it’s all about the colour. Selecting the perfect palette for this hub of the home will make the kitchen ease effortlessly into any décor and with a wide range of both trend-leading and enduringly timeless styles and colours to pick from, fitted kitchen specialist Symphony is proud to introduce two new eye-catching colours to its popular Paint to Order collection – Caramel and Willow.

Inspired by nature and connecting inside and outside spaces, the stunning new Caramel and Willow cabinetry colours are ideally suited to both classic and contemporary kitchens and are available on all nine Paint to Order Symphony kitchen ranges.

Caramel is hot on the heels of the recent surge of interest in yellow kitchens. Bringing warmth and lightness to a space with limited natural light, Caramel cabinetry is uplifting and inspiring, perfect for brightening up cooking, mealtimes and the dreaded cleaning up afterwards. This sunny shade is sure to rejuvenate tired cooking and dining spaces and it looks spectacular paired with contrasting colours such as an intense and moody Black, adding a glamorous and sophisticated finish to both modern and traditional interiors.

Symphony is also excited to launch another new Paint to Order colour – Willow. This rich, muted olive shade takes up the enduring trend for green cabinetry and gives it an earthy slant ideal for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces and perfect for kitchens that open up on to the garden as well as bringing the biophilic trend into city living.

These new Paint to Order colours are available on all nine of Symphony’s Paint to Order kitchen collections – New England, Austin, Wexford, Waterford, Princeton, Alta, New York, Ashbourne, Langdale and Linear Avant, with a style to suit all spaces.

Symphony can help with visualising a dream kitchen with its online Kitchen Designer tool. This free interactive design application allows users to see what their Symphony kitchen could look like, from the comfort of their own home. Select from a range of contemporary and classic designs and customise cabinetry with a choice of colours, handles and worksurfaces. Once complete, users can email themselves and their kitchen designer with their choices and begin the exciting journey of planning their ultimate Symphony kitchen.

For further information about Symphony, please visit www.symphony-group.co.uk

At Symphony Group, we are proud to support initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to contribute a key feature to their new head office at Grimaldi Building. The RNIB approached us to design and supply a bespoke worktop for a communal coffee area, and we were delighted to offer our support.

About the RNIB and Grimaldi Building

The RNIB is a leading UK charity offering support, advice, and information to over two million people living with sight loss. The organisation’s vital work ranges from practical support and specialist information to campaigning for the rights of blind and partially sighted individuals.

Grimaldi Building, the RNIB’s newly opened head office, is more than just a workspace for employees, it is a hub of innovation and support, designed to empower the visually impaired community. The building provides a welcoming and inclusive environment, where the RNIB can continue its mission to create a world where there are no barriers to people with sight loss.

The purpose of Grimaldi Building is to serve as a central space for collaboration, bringing together staff, volunteers, and visitors in an environment tailored to their needs. Every detail of the building has been carefully considered to enhance accessibility and comfort, ensuring that people with visual impairments can navigate the space independently and confidently.

A Bespoke Surface Designed with Accessibility in Mind

As part of Symphony’s contribution, we provided a bespoke waterfall edge worktop, designed to enhance accessibility in the new communal coffee area of Grimaldi Building. One of the standout features is the contrasting colour edge, with a white surface and a dark grey edge. This contrast allows individuals with visual impairments to easily identify the boundary of the work surface.

The worktop also features a raised lip, which offers a tactile guide for users, helping them feel the edge of the surface and preventing spills from flowing over. This thoughtful design helps make the communal area not only functional but also safer and more user-friendly.

Moreover, the choice of a plain white surface over a patterned or speckled worktop was intentional. For individuals with sight loss, patterns can be confusing, as they might be mistaken for objects placed on the surface. A clean, plain surface allows users to better locate and identify objects, promoting independence.

Symphony’s Commitment to Accessibility

At Symphony, we believe that accessible design should never come at the expense of style or functionality. Our Freedom Kitchens range is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering solutions that meet the needs of people with varying abilities.

Robert Newton, Head of Marketing at Symphony Group, commented on the project, “We are absolutely delighted to support the RNIB in creating an accessible and welcoming space at its new head office. This project is a great example of how we can design solutions that meet the specific needs of individuals, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy functional and beautiful kitchen spaces.”

A Word from the RNIB

Tricia Smikle, Director of Office of CEO, from the RNIB also commented, “The contrasting edge and tactile features of the worktop provided by Symphony make it easier for people with sight loss to navigate and interact with the space. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design can make everyday tasks more manageable for those with visual impairments.”

Freedom by Symphony: A Kitchen Range Designed for Everyone

Our Freedom Kitchens range is designed with accessibility at its core, offering features such as adjustable worktop heights, easy-to-reach storage solutions, and contrast-rich designs that enhance usability for people with visual impairments.

In the past few years, the kitchen retail markets have focussed more and more on sustainability, showing retailers and consumers alike that there are greener, more eco-conscious alternatives available for renovation projects within the home.

Here at Symphony, we want to show that our actions speak louder than words and we’ve already implemented lots of changes in line with our sustainability target concerning packaging specification and minimising single use virgin plastic. Our cabinet legs for instance, are made from 100% recycled materials. These recycled materials are primarily from the motor vehicle industry such as old car and lorry dashboards and other interior parts that have been remanufactured to give them a new lease of life.

Our recently launched Ocean handles are another example. They are made using recycled plastic such as fishing nets from the maritime industry, so you’re not only getting sleek and stylish designs for your cabinets but you’re also choosing a truly sustainable solution that prevents the need for single plastic use. Take a look at our Turin kitchen in Alby Blue below to see how good they look.

But we know that’s not enough. All our timber-based materials are FSC® certified (license code: FSC-C008501)  and we only use water-based paints on our Paint to Order ranges. We only use 100% recycled materials for our cardboard packaging too and 0% of our manufacturing waste is sent to landfill.

We’re constantly updating our product and packaging to be better. In 2023 we changed our worktop protection to a new recycled plastic material called ProlexRE®, which is made using 60% recycled content from post-consumer waste. We also use pulp corner protectors on individual doors and panels, saving around 4.5 million plastic corner protectors from being used each year, and our reusable transport blankets have been part of the Symphony model for over 40 years.

When you choose Symphony as your supplier, you can rest assured that all our team are experts in helping you to make a more sustainable choice. We can recommend energy efficient and water-saving appliances, taps and technology for your new kitchen. Our Cam & Dowel manufacturing process means individual panels can be removed so our products can be ‘Repaired, Not Replaced’, saving damaged cabinets from being sent to landfill.

Our Symphony teams are also making an impact on local wildlife and natural spaces too, with our Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) Wild Workdays. A charity dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places in Yorkshire, the YWT has worked with us on a variety of practical projects including tree planting, meadow management and pond cleaning. We also help YWT with local council initiatives, such as ‘Litter Free Leeds’ where we help clean up our local community.

Changing to more sustainable solutions is part of everyday life now, and here at Symphony we are proud to be a committed member on this journey to making our planet healthier for everyone. Click here to read more about our sustainability initiatives and practices.

View Brochure(s)

"*" indicates required fields

Postcode*
Select Brochure(s)*
I would like to receive:
Privacy notice*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ask us a Question