Independent by Design: Ashford Kitchens & Interiors

Daval is a second generation, family-run business that is still proudly owned and managed by the family that started it in 1978.

As part of our family-run ethos, we’re passionate about supporting other independent KBB (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom) retailers through close-knit supplier partnerships that help them grow and succeed.

We’re hugely proud of the network of independent retail partners we work with across the UK, so we want to shine a light on what they do.

Let’s get to know Stephen Flower, Managing Director at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors.

Tell us a little about your business, it’s history and what makes it unique.. 

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is an award-winning independent kitchen, bedroom and living furniture specialist serving homeowners across Surrey, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.

Over the years, we’ve built the business around a simple philosophy: deliver exceptional design, high-quality products and outstanding customer service. While trends and technology continue to evolve, our focus has always remained the same – creating beautiful, practical spaces and ensuring every customer enjoys the journey as much as the finished result.

What makes us unique is our personal approach. We take the time to understand how our clients live, what’s important to them and how their space needs to function day-to-day. Every project is different, so we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we create tailored designs that reflect the individual needs and lifestyles of our customers.

What inspired you to enter the KBB industry, and what do you enjoy most about it? 

I was fortunate to grow up around the industry. My parents established the family business in 1984, so kitchens, design and customer service have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being surrounded by the business from a young age gave me a real appreciation for the impact a well-designed space can have on a family’s everyday life and inspired me to follow in their footsteps.

What I’ve always loved about this industry is the combination of creativity, technical expertise and working closely with people. No two projects are ever the same, and every customer brings a different vision and set of requirements.

Even after all these years, the most rewarding part is seeing a project come to life. Taking a space from an initial conversation and design concept through to a completed room that exceeds expectations is incredibly satisfying. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they walk into their finished space for the first time is something that never gets old.

How would you describe your approach to design and customer service?

For me, everything starts with listening. Every customer is different, so it’s important to understand how they live, what they want from their space and what’s important to them before any design work begins.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether we’re designing a kitchen, bedroom, dressing room, utility or living space, the goal is always to create something that’s tailored to the individual and works beautifully for their lifestyle.

Customer service is just as important as the design itself. Buying a new kitchen or fitted furniture is a significant investment, so it’s essential that customers feel supported and informed throughout the process. We pride ourselves on building strong relationships, being honest and approachable, and making the whole experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Tell us about a project you’re especially proud of, and why…

There have been many fantastic projects over the years, but if I had to choose, I’d say I’m most proud of what we’ve achieved as a business.

As an independent retailer, we’re incredibly proud to have been recognised with awards including KBB Retailer of the Year, NEFF MasterPartner of the Year, as well as receiving both the Business Excellence Award and Best Business in Ashford & Stanwell at the Spelthorne Business Awards.

Those achievements are particularly rewarding because they recognise not only the quality of our designs and installations, but also our commitment to customer service and the experience we provide. They’re a reflection of the hard work, passion and dedication of the entire team, and of the trust our customers place in us every day.

The awards are something we’re very proud of, but ultimately it’s the positive feedback from our customers and the relationships we’ve built over the years that mean the most.

What do your customers value most about working with an independent retailer versus a national brand? 

I think customers value the personal service above all else. When they walk into our showroom, they’re dealing with people who genuinely care about their project and who will be involved from the initial consultation right through to completion.

They also value the expertise and experience that comes from a family business that’s been serving customers since 1984. We take the time to understand their needs, offer honest advice and create tailored solutions rather than trying to fit everyone into the same mould.

Many of our projects come from recommendations and repeat customers, which tells me that people appreciate the relationships we build and the level of care we bring to every project.

What qualities do you look for in a manufacturing partner, and why are those important to your business? 

Quality is always the starting point. If we’re recommending a product to a customer, we need complete confidence in it.

Beyond that, reliability, innovation and great service are all hugely important. We want to work with partners who share our values and are committed to delivering the same high standards that we expect from ourselves.

Having strong relationships with trusted manufacturers means we can offer our customers a wider choice of products while maintaining the quality, flexibility and service that they expect from Ashford Kitchens & Interiors.

How does working with Daval help you deliver the best possible experience for your customers? 

Daval has been a valued partner because their commitment to quality, innovation and British manufacturing aligns closely with our own values.

Their product range gives us the flexibility to create highly personalised solutions, allowing customers to achieve a look and feel that reflects their individual style and requirements. That flexibility, combined with the quality of the furniture and the support we receive from the Daval team, helps us deliver outstanding results across a wide range of projects.

It’s important for us to work with manufacturers we can trust, and Daval’s reliability and continued investment in their products gives us confidence every time we specify their furniture.

What are your ambitions for the business over the next few years, and how do you see your partnership with Daval helping you achieve them? 

Our ambition is to continue building on the reputation we’ve established over the last four decades and further strengthen our position as one of the leading independent kitchen, bedroom and interiors specialists across Surrey, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.

We’ll continue investing in our showroom, our team and the overall customer experience, while embracing new ideas, products and design trends that help us deliver even better results for our clients.

Working with partners like Daval will play an important part in that journey. Their commitment to innovation, quality and British manufacturing allows us to continue offering customers exceptional products, while helping us maintain the high standards that have always been at the heart of our business.

Visit: ashfordkitchensandinteriors.co.uk/

Instagram: @ashfordkitchens

LinkedIn: Ashford Kitchens & Interiors

Enquiry Contact Email: info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk

To find out more about becoming a Daval Retail Partner, please email enquiries@daval-furniture.co.uk.