MBK Design Studio Knowledge Centre

Who am I?
My name is Stewart Woodruff and I started working with the company when it first opened way back in 1987, and it is my good fortune that many of the people currently involved with the company have all worked with me for many years.
Because of my experience in the industry I write a regular column in the Kitchen and Bathroom News, a national trade magazine and contribute to a leading consumer online blog, The Kitchen Think, a news blog on all things kitchen, where I write articles about design and products.
Stewart Woodruff

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Knowledge Centre
Please find below a number of articles which should answer some of your questions. We want to provide you with additional information about products and services that are available plus give you some useful tips to help you on your journey.

A Practical Guide to Fitted Home Offices
Our guide to fitted home offices explains how to plan a calm, hard-working study with tailored storage, lighting, power and a finish that lasts for years.

Sustainable Kitchen Materials for Lasting Homes
Choose sustainable kitchen materials with confidence. Compare worktops, cabinetry and finishes for a beautiful, hard-working kitchen built for daily life.

What Makes a Kitchen Timeless? 8 Design Principles
What makes a kitchen timeless? Learn how layout, cabinetry, materials and lighting create a practical, enduring room that will serve your home well.

Showroom Appointment Checklist for Your Home
Use this showroom appointment checklist to prepare for a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom consultation, ask useful questions and make confident early choices.

Why Bathroom Taps Limescale Up and What to Do
Wondering why bathroom taps limescale up? Learn what causes the marks, how to remove them safely and how to protect your bathroom finish for longer without damage.

Bathroom Extractor Fan Guide for Better Bathrooms
Our bathroom extractor fan guide explains airflow, noise, controls and building rules, helping you choose a quieter, drier bathroom that performs well.

Best Appliances for Small Kitchens That Fit
Choosing the best appliances for small kitchens means balancing capacity, layout and daily habits. Plan a compact kitchen that works beautifully for you.

Best Taps for Kitchen Islands That Really Work
Choosing the best taps for kitchen islands means balancing reach, finish, water pressure and daily use. Our guide helps you choose confidently at home.

How to Choose Bathroom Taps for Your Home
Learn how to choose bathroom taps for lasting style, practical water control and everyday ease, with expert advice on finish, fit, pressure and budget.

Can Porcelain Worktops Stain? The Honest Answer
Can porcelain worktops stain? Learn what causes marks, how porcelain compares with stone and laminate, and how to care for a kitchen surface that lasts.

Kitchen Design That Works for Everyday Life
Practical kitchen design advice for Kent homeowners: plan layouts, storage, lighting and budgets for a space that looks good and works hard every day well.

How to Protect Granite Worktops Properly
Learn how to protect granite worktops from stains, heat and daily wear, with advice on sealing, cleaning and preventing costly surface damage at home.

Bathroom Refit Duration Explained Clearly
Understand bathroom refit duration, from survey and design to fitting and finishing, with realistic timings and ways to keep your project moving smoothly.

Your Guide to Traditional Kitchen Details
Use this guide to traditional kitchen details to choose cabinetry, worktops, hardware and lighting that bring lasting character to your home with care.

Induction Versus Gas Cooking for Your Kitchen
Compare induction versus gas cooking for heat control, running costs, safety and kitchen design, so you can choose the right hob for your home today.

Our Guide to Kitchen Splashback Materials
Use this guide to kitchen splashback materials to compare tiles, glass, quartz and more, balancing style, cleaning, durability and budget for your home.

Bathroom Trends That Will Last Beyond 2026
Bathroom trends are moving beyond showpiece finishes towards calm, practical spaces, with ideas for choosing a look that will still feel right for years.

Porcelain Versus Ceramic Floor Tiles: Which?
Compare porcelain versus ceramic floor tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Learn about durability, cost, comfort and right choice for your home.

How to Plan a Period Bathroom Renovation
Planning a period bathroom renovation? Balance original character with modern comfort, practical layouts and long-lasting finishes with expert guidance.

Boiling Taps Safety for a Safer Family Kitchen
Understand boiling taps safety before choosing a hot-water tap: the safeguards that matter, everyday habits and design choices for family kitchens in Kent.

Best Kitchen Layouts for Families That Work
Explore the best kitchen layouts for families, with practical guidance on zones, seating, storage and safe circulation for busy homes in Kent daily use.

Best Kitchen Storage for Corners That Works
Find the best kitchen storage for corners, from practical pull-outs to tailored larders, and choose a solution to suit your layout and budget sensibly.

A Maidstone Kitchen Transformation That Lasts
Planning a Maidstone kitchen transformation? See how well-considered design, realistic budgets and managed delivery create a kitchen for everyday life.

Independent Kitchen Retailer Versus Chains Compared
Choosing an independent kitchen retailer versus chains? Compare design support, pricing, product choice, fitting coordination and aftercare before you buy.

How to Plan Kitchen Zones for Better Everyday Flow
Learn how to plan kitchen zones for a practical, well-organised space that supports cooking, cleaning, storage and family life and trusted expert advice.

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline Explained
Plan with confidence: understand a realistic kitchen renovation timeline, from design meeting and ordering to fitting, finishing touches and aftercare.

Do Boiling Water Taps Filter Your Drinking Water?
Do boiling water taps filter water? Learn what standard filters remove, what they cannot treat, and how to choose the right tap for your kitchen at home.

Sliding or Hinged Wardrobes: Which Works Best?
Choosing sliding or hinged wardrobes? Compare space, access, style and cost to plan fitted bedroom storage that suits your room and routine each day.

Are Fitted Bedrooms Worth It for Your Home?
Are fitted bedrooms worth it? See how made-to-measure storage, thoughtful design and long-term value can improve your bedroom and daily routine at home.

Bathroom Ventilation Planning Guide for Renovations
Our bathroom ventilation planning guide explains extractor sizing, duct routes and humidity control to create a healthier, longer-lasting bathroom space.

A Practical Guide to Fitted Home Offices
Our guide to fitted home offices explains how to plan a calm, hard-working study with tailored storage, lighting, power and a finish that lasts for years.

Sustainable Kitchen Materials for Lasting Homes
Choose sustainable kitchen materials with confidence. Compare worktops, cabinetry and finishes for a beautiful, hard-working kitchen built for daily life.

What Makes a Kitchen Timeless? 8 Design Principles
What makes a kitchen timeless? Learn how layout, cabinetry, materials and lighting create a practical, enduring room that will serve your home well.

Showroom Appointment Checklist for Your Home
Use this showroom appointment checklist to prepare for a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom consultation, ask useful questions and make confident early choices.

Why Bathroom Taps Limescale Up and What to Do
Wondering why bathroom taps limescale up? Learn what causes the marks, how to remove them safely and how to protect your bathroom finish for longer without damage.

Bathroom Extractor Fan Guide for Better Bathrooms
Our bathroom extractor fan guide explains airflow, noise, controls and building rules, helping you choose a quieter, drier bathroom that performs well.

Best Appliances for Small Kitchens That Fit
Choosing the best appliances for small kitchens means balancing capacity, layout and daily habits. Plan a compact kitchen that works beautifully for you.

Best Taps for Kitchen Islands That Really Work
Choosing the best taps for kitchen islands means balancing reach, finish, water pressure and daily use. Our guide helps you choose confidently at home.

How to Choose Bathroom Taps for Your Home
Learn how to choose bathroom taps for lasting style, practical water control and everyday ease, with expert advice on finish, fit, pressure and budget.

Can Porcelain Worktops Stain? The Honest Answer
Can porcelain worktops stain? Learn what causes marks, how porcelain compares with stone and laminate, and how to care for a kitchen surface that lasts.

Kitchen Design That Works for Everyday Life
Practical kitchen design advice for Kent homeowners: plan layouts, storage, lighting and budgets for a space that looks good and works hard every day well.

How to Protect Granite Worktops Properly
Learn how to protect granite worktops from stains, heat and daily wear, with advice on sealing, cleaning and preventing costly surface damage at home.

Bathroom Refit Duration Explained Clearly
Understand bathroom refit duration, from survey and design to fitting and finishing, with realistic timings and ways to keep your project moving smoothly.

Your Guide to Traditional Kitchen Details
Use this guide to traditional kitchen details to choose cabinetry, worktops, hardware and lighting that bring lasting character to your home with care.

Induction Versus Gas Cooking for Your Kitchen
Compare induction versus gas cooking for heat control, running costs, safety and kitchen design, so you can choose the right hob for your home today.

Our Guide to Kitchen Splashback Materials
Use this guide to kitchen splashback materials to compare tiles, glass, quartz and more, balancing style, cleaning, durability and budget for your home.

Bathroom Trends That Will Last Beyond 2026
Bathroom trends are moving beyond showpiece finishes towards calm, practical spaces, with ideas for choosing a look that will still feel right for years.

Porcelain Versus Ceramic Floor Tiles: Which?
Compare porcelain versus ceramic floor tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Learn about durability, cost, comfort and right choice for your home.

How to Plan a Period Bathroom Renovation
Planning a period bathroom renovation? Balance original character with modern comfort, practical layouts and long-lasting finishes with expert guidance.

Boiling Taps Safety for a Safer Family Kitchen
Understand boiling taps safety before choosing a hot-water tap: the safeguards that matter, everyday habits and design choices for family kitchens in Kent.

Best Kitchen Layouts for Families That Work
Explore the best kitchen layouts for families, with practical guidance on zones, seating, storage and safe circulation for busy homes in Kent daily use.

Best Kitchen Storage for Corners That Works
Find the best kitchen storage for corners, from practical pull-outs to tailored larders, and choose a solution to suit your layout and budget sensibly.

A Maidstone Kitchen Transformation That Lasts
Planning a Maidstone kitchen transformation? See how well-considered design, realistic budgets and managed delivery create a kitchen for everyday life.

Independent Kitchen Retailer Versus Chains Compared
Choosing an independent kitchen retailer versus chains? Compare design support, pricing, product choice, fitting coordination and aftercare before you buy.

How to Plan Kitchen Zones for Better Everyday Flow
Learn how to plan kitchen zones for a practical, well-organised space that supports cooking, cleaning, storage and family life and trusted expert advice.

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline Explained
Plan with confidence: understand a realistic kitchen renovation timeline, from design meeting and ordering to fitting, finishing touches and aftercare.

Do Boiling Water Taps Filter Your Drinking Water?
Do boiling water taps filter water? Learn what standard filters remove, what they cannot treat, and how to choose the right tap for your kitchen at home.

Sliding or Hinged Wardrobes: Which Works Best?
Choosing sliding or hinged wardrobes? Compare space, access, style and cost to plan fitted bedroom storage that suits your room and routine each day.

Are Fitted Bedrooms Worth It for Your Home?
Are fitted bedrooms worth it? See how made-to-measure storage, thoughtful design and long-term value can improve your bedroom and daily routine at home.

Bathroom Ventilation Planning Guide for Renovations
Our bathroom ventilation planning guide explains extractor sizing, duct routes and humidity control to create a healthier, longer-lasting bathroom space.

A Practical Guide to Fitted Home Offices
Our guide to fitted home offices explains how to plan a calm, hard-working study with tailored storage, lighting, power and a finish that lasts for years.

Sustainable Kitchen Materials for Lasting Homes
Choose sustainable kitchen materials with confidence. Compare worktops, cabinetry and finishes for a beautiful, hard-working kitchen built for daily life.

What Makes a Kitchen Timeless? 8 Design Principles
What makes a kitchen timeless? Learn how layout, cabinetry, materials and lighting create a practical, enduring room that will serve your home well.

Showroom Appointment Checklist for Your Home
Use this showroom appointment checklist to prepare for a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom consultation, ask useful questions and make confident early choices.

Why Bathroom Taps Limescale Up and What to Do
Wondering why bathroom taps limescale up? Learn what causes the marks, how to remove them safely and how to protect your bathroom finish for longer without damage.

Bathroom Extractor Fan Guide for Better Bathrooms
Our bathroom extractor fan guide explains airflow, noise, controls and building rules, helping you choose a quieter, drier bathroom that performs well.

Best Appliances for Small Kitchens That Fit
Choosing the best appliances for small kitchens means balancing capacity, layout and daily habits. Plan a compact kitchen that works beautifully for you.

Best Taps for Kitchen Islands That Really Work
Choosing the best taps for kitchen islands means balancing reach, finish, water pressure and daily use. Our guide helps you choose confidently at home.

How to Choose Bathroom Taps for Your Home
Learn how to choose bathroom taps for lasting style, practical water control and everyday ease, with expert advice on finish, fit, pressure and budget.

Can Porcelain Worktops Stain? The Honest Answer
Can porcelain worktops stain? Learn what causes marks, how porcelain compares with stone and laminate, and how to care for a kitchen surface that lasts.

Kitchen Design That Works for Everyday Life
Practical kitchen design advice for Kent homeowners: plan layouts, storage, lighting and budgets for a space that looks good and works hard every day well.

How to Protect Granite Worktops Properly
Learn how to protect granite worktops from stains, heat and daily wear, with advice on sealing, cleaning and preventing costly surface damage at home.

Bathroom Refit Duration Explained Clearly
Understand bathroom refit duration, from survey and design to fitting and finishing, with realistic timings and ways to keep your project moving smoothly.

Your Guide to Traditional Kitchen Details
Use this guide to traditional kitchen details to choose cabinetry, worktops, hardware and lighting that bring lasting character to your home with care.

Induction Versus Gas Cooking for Your Kitchen
Compare induction versus gas cooking for heat control, running costs, safety and kitchen design, so you can choose the right hob for your home today.

Our Guide to Kitchen Splashback Materials
Use this guide to kitchen splashback materials to compare tiles, glass, quartz and more, balancing style, cleaning, durability and budget for your home.

Bathroom Trends That Will Last Beyond 2026
Bathroom trends are moving beyond showpiece finishes towards calm, practical spaces, with ideas for choosing a look that will still feel right for years.

Porcelain Versus Ceramic Floor Tiles: Which?
Compare porcelain versus ceramic floor tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Learn about durability, cost, comfort and right choice for your home.

How to Plan a Period Bathroom Renovation
Planning a period bathroom renovation? Balance original character with modern comfort, practical layouts and long-lasting finishes with expert guidance.

Boiling Taps Safety for a Safer Family Kitchen
Understand boiling taps safety before choosing a hot-water tap: the safeguards that matter, everyday habits and design choices for family kitchens in Kent.

Best Kitchen Layouts for Families That Work
Explore the best kitchen layouts for families, with practical guidance on zones, seating, storage and safe circulation for busy homes in Kent daily use.

Best Kitchen Storage for Corners That Works
Find the best kitchen storage for corners, from practical pull-outs to tailored larders, and choose a solution to suit your layout and budget sensibly.

A Maidstone Kitchen Transformation That Lasts
Planning a Maidstone kitchen transformation? See how well-considered design, realistic budgets and managed delivery create a kitchen for everyday life.

Independent Kitchen Retailer Versus Chains Compared
Choosing an independent kitchen retailer versus chains? Compare design support, pricing, product choice, fitting coordination and aftercare before you buy.

How to Plan Kitchen Zones for Better Everyday Flow
Learn how to plan kitchen zones for a practical, well-organised space that supports cooking, cleaning, storage and family life and trusted expert advice.

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline Explained
Plan with confidence: understand a realistic kitchen renovation timeline, from design meeting and ordering to fitting, finishing touches and aftercare.

Do Boiling Water Taps Filter Your Drinking Water?
Do boiling water taps filter water? Learn what standard filters remove, what they cannot treat, and how to choose the right tap for your kitchen at home.

Sliding or Hinged Wardrobes: Which Works Best?
Choosing sliding or hinged wardrobes? Compare space, access, style and cost to plan fitted bedroom storage that suits your room and routine each day.

Are Fitted Bedrooms Worth It for Your Home?
Are fitted bedrooms worth it? See how made-to-measure storage, thoughtful design and long-term value can improve your bedroom and daily routine at home.

Bathroom Ventilation Planning Guide for Renovations
Our bathroom ventilation planning guide explains extractor sizing, duct routes and humidity control to create a healthier, longer-lasting bathroom space.