Independent by Design: Vita Nova 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 Claire and Graeme Cross, owners at Vita Nova Interiors. 

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

This year, our family celebrates 50 years of running a business in Byfleet Village. Originally established as a DIY shop, the business has evolved over the decades into an elite independent kitchen showroom, providing a complete design, supply and installation service to homeowners throughout Surrey and the surrounding areas. 

What makes us unique is our highly personalised approach and commitment to delivering a true ‘white glove’ experience. We support our clients through every stage of their renovation journey, from the initial consultation through to project completion. We take the time to listen, guide, educate and share our expertise, ensuring every project is delivered to the highest standards and exceeds expectations. 

As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships with our clients. Much of our work comes through recommendations and repeat business, which we believe is the greatest testament to the quality of service we provide. 

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

What inspired us to enter the kitchen and bedroom industry was the opportunity to genuinely transform the way people live and enjoy their homes. The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home, while the bedroom is a place of comfort, relaxation and retreat. Through thoughtful design and a clear understanding of how our clients want to live, we can create spaces that enhance both functionality and lifestyle. 

What we enjoy most today is seeing the positive impact these transformations have on our clients. There is nothing more rewarding than presenting a completed project and seeing the excitement and satisfaction on a client’s face. 

The ultimate job satisfaction comes from receiving glowing testimonials and knowing that our clients are delighted enough to recommend us to their friends, family and colleagues. Those personal recommendations are incredibly valuable to us and reinforce why we love what we do.

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

Our design process begins with listening. From the very first point of contact, our focus is on understanding our clients, their lifestyle, their aspirations and their practical requirements. Once we have a clear understanding of their needs, we guide them through the design journey, working collaboratively to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. 

We believe successful design is built on communication, trust and attention to detail. Every client is different, so we tailor our approach to ensure the finished design reflects their individual personality and the way they live. 

Customer service has been at the heart of our business for more than five decades. From the moment clients walk into our showroom, we aim to make them feel welcome, comfortable and confident in their decision to work with us. Undertaking a kitchen or bedroom renovation is a significant investment of both time and money, so we place great importance on clear communication, transparency and responsiveness throughout the entire process.  

Our goal is to ensure clients feel supported, informed and reassured every step of the way.

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

If we had to select a standout project, it would be a kitchen renovation we completed in Horsell, Surrey, in 2025. 

This project was particularly memorable because the clients fully embraced our approach from the outset. They trusted our process, valued our expertise and worked collaboratively with us throughout the journey. As the project progressed, we developed a fantastic relationship with them, making it an absolute pleasure to be involved. In fact, by the time the project was complete, we were genuinely sad to see it come to an end. 

Their testimonial perfectly captured their experience and why this project remains one of our favourites: “Vita Nova are on top of their game and we would not hesitate to recommend them for any kitchen renovation project.” 

Read the full testimonial and view the completed project here: https://vitanovainteriors.co.uk/portfolio/classic-kitchen-horsell-e/surrey/ 

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

Our customers value the personal attention and continuity of service they receive when working with an independent retailer. They appreciate knowing exactly who they are dealing with throughout the entire process and having direct access to the people responsible for their project. 

Unlike larger organisations, we can offer a more tailored experience, taking the time to understand individual requirements and providing advice that is genuinely in the client’s best interests.  

Clients also value our flexibility, attention to detail and commitment to delivering a service that goes above and beyond expectations. 

Ultimately, they appreciate working with a business that genuinely cares about the outcome of their project and takes pride in every installation as if it were our own home. 

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

There are several qualities we look for in a manufacturing partner. First and foremost, reliability, quality and consistency are essential, as these directly impact the experience we can deliver to our clients. 

We also value having readily available support, whether for product information, technical assistance or project-specific requirements. Open communication is equally important, allowing both parties to share feedback, discuss opportunities for improvement and work collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes. 

We look for partners who continually invest in product development and innovation, ensuring their ranges remain relevant and aligned with changing consumer tastes and market trends. 

Marketing support, promotional materials and ongoing training are also valuable, helping us effectively showcase products and maintain a competitive edge within the marketplace. 

Most importantly, we seek partners who share our commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term relationship building. 

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

As one family business working with another, Daval shares many of the values that are important to us. Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, innovation and customer service aligns closely with our own approach, which gives us confidence when recommending their products to our clients. 

Daval’s extensive product range allows us to offer highly personalised solutions that cater to a variety of styles, lifestyles and budgets. Their continued investment in product development ensures we can present clients with contemporary designs and practical storage solutions that meet the demands of modern living. 

Having a trusted manufacturing partner like Daval enables us to deliver the high standards our customers expect, helping us create beautiful, functional spaces while maintaining a seamless client experience from design through to installation. 

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 growing the business while maintaining the high levels of personal service and attention to detail that have been the foundation of our success for the past 50 years. 

We have recently refurbished our front window displays to showcase the latest Daval collections, and we are excited to continue investing in our showroom environment over the coming years. By introducing additional Daval displays and product innovations, we can further inspire prospective clients and demonstrate the breadth and quality of what is possible. 

The response from visitors has already been extremely positive. One client recently sat down at one of the new displays and immediately said, “I love what you’ve done here, just replicate this!”.  Comments like this reinforce the importance of continually investing in our showroom experience. 

We see our partnership with Daval playing an important role in supporting our future growth, helping us showcase market-leading products, inspire our clients and continue delivering exceptional projects for many years to come. 

Visit: vitanovainteriors.co.uk

Instagram: @vitanovainteriors

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clareecross/

Enquiry Contact Email: inspire@vitanovainteriors.co.uk

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