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.

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.

Home Renovation Plans That Prevent Costly Surprises
Planning a home renovation in Kent? Learn how to set priorities, protect your budget and manage design choices for a home that works beautifully every day.

How to Design a Practical Utility Room Well
Learn how to design a practical utility room with sensible storage, durable finishes and a layout that makes washing, drying and everyday chores easier.

How to Choose Kitchen Splashbacks That Last
Learn how to choose kitchen splashbacks that suit your cooking, budget and style, with practical advice on materials, joints, cleaning and lighting choices.

Bathroom Transformation Case Study That Works
This bathroom transformation case study shows how careful planning, honest budgets and coordinated workmanship create a bathroom built for daily life.

Induction Hob Review – Is It Worth Choosing?
Our induction hob review explains performance, pan compatibility, controls, running costs and layout choices to help Kent homeowners choose with confidence

Family Kitchen Redesign Case Study in Kent
This family kitchen redesign case study shows how a busy Kent household gained space, storage and a calmer renovation plan without guesswork at each stage.

Best Shower Enclosure Door Configurations
Compare the best shower enclosure door configurations for your bathroom, from sliding and hinged doors to walk-in layouts, with practical planning advice.

Quartz and Granite Sealer Stain Proof Original
Considering quartz and granite sealer stain proof original? Understand where it works, when quartz needs no sealing, and how to protect natural stone.

How to Choose Shower Controls for Your Bathroom
Learn how to choose shower controls for comfort, safety and style, from valve types and pressure to placement, finishes and future household needs too.

Independent Retailer Comparison for Your Home
An independent retailer comparison for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms: see how local expertise, choice, costs and aftercare shape a better project at home.

A Period Property Bathroom Case Study That Works
A period property bathroom case study on protecting original character while creating a comfortable, practical room well designed for everyday family life.

Can Quooker Taps Save Money in Your Kitchen?
Can Quooker taps save money? We assess running costs, upfront price, water use and the kitchen habits that determine whether one pays back in practice.

Underfloor Heating Review: Is It Worth It?
Our underfloor heating review explains running costs, comfort, floor choices and planning points for homeowners weighing up a warmer renovation project.

How to Design a Fitted Study That Works Hard
Learn how to design a fitted study with practical advice on layout, storage, lighting and finishes for a focused, comfortable home workspace that lasts.

Best Kitchen Appliance Features Worth Choosing
Choose the best kitchen appliance features for a practical, elegant kitchen, from quiet extraction to flexible ovens, efficient cleaning and storage too.

Do Quartz Worktops Scratch? The Honest Answer
Do quartz worktops scratch? Learn what can mark quartz, how everyday use affects it, and the simple care habits that keep a kitchen surface looking good.

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.

Home Renovation Plans That Prevent Costly Surprises
Planning a home renovation in Kent? Learn how to set priorities, protect your budget and manage design choices for a home that works beautifully every day.

How to Design a Practical Utility Room Well
Learn how to design a practical utility room with sensible storage, durable finishes and a layout that makes washing, drying and everyday chores easier.

How to Choose Kitchen Splashbacks That Last
Learn how to choose kitchen splashbacks that suit your cooking, budget and style, with practical advice on materials, joints, cleaning and lighting choices.

Bathroom Transformation Case Study That Works
This bathroom transformation case study shows how careful planning, honest budgets and coordinated workmanship create a bathroom built for daily life.

Induction Hob Review – Is It Worth Choosing?
Our induction hob review explains performance, pan compatibility, controls, running costs and layout choices to help Kent homeowners choose with confidence

Family Kitchen Redesign Case Study in Kent
This family kitchen redesign case study shows how a busy Kent household gained space, storage and a calmer renovation plan without guesswork at each stage.

Best Shower Enclosure Door Configurations
Compare the best shower enclosure door configurations for your bathroom, from sliding and hinged doors to walk-in layouts, with practical planning advice.

Quartz and Granite Sealer Stain Proof Original
Considering quartz and granite sealer stain proof original? Understand where it works, when quartz needs no sealing, and how to protect natural stone.

How to Choose Shower Controls for Your Bathroom
Learn how to choose shower controls for comfort, safety and style, from valve types and pressure to placement, finishes and future household needs too.

Independent Retailer Comparison for Your Home
An independent retailer comparison for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms: see how local expertise, choice, costs and aftercare shape a better project at home.

A Period Property Bathroom Case Study That Works
A period property bathroom case study on protecting original character while creating a comfortable, practical room well designed for everyday family life.

Can Quooker Taps Save Money in Your Kitchen?
Can Quooker taps save money? We assess running costs, upfront price, water use and the kitchen habits that determine whether one pays back in practice.

Underfloor Heating Review: Is It Worth It?
Our underfloor heating review explains running costs, comfort, floor choices and planning points for homeowners weighing up a warmer renovation project.

How to Design a Fitted Study That Works Hard
Learn how to design a fitted study with practical advice on layout, storage, lighting and finishes for a focused, comfortable home workspace that lasts.

Best Kitchen Appliance Features Worth Choosing
Choose the best kitchen appliance features for a practical, elegant kitchen, from quiet extraction to flexible ovens, efficient cleaning and storage too.

Do Quartz Worktops Scratch? The Honest Answer
Do quartz worktops scratch? Learn what can mark quartz, how everyday use affects it, and the simple care habits that keep a kitchen surface looking good.

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.

Home Renovation Plans That Prevent Costly Surprises
Planning a home renovation in Kent? Learn how to set priorities, protect your budget and manage design choices for a home that works beautifully every day.

How to Design a Practical Utility Room Well
Learn how to design a practical utility room with sensible storage, durable finishes and a layout that makes washing, drying and everyday chores easier.

How to Choose Kitchen Splashbacks That Last
Learn how to choose kitchen splashbacks that suit your cooking, budget and style, with practical advice on materials, joints, cleaning and lighting choices.

Bathroom Transformation Case Study That Works
This bathroom transformation case study shows how careful planning, honest budgets and coordinated workmanship create a bathroom built for daily life.

Induction Hob Review – Is It Worth Choosing?
Our induction hob review explains performance, pan compatibility, controls, running costs and layout choices to help Kent homeowners choose with confidence

Family Kitchen Redesign Case Study in Kent
This family kitchen redesign case study shows how a busy Kent household gained space, storage and a calmer renovation plan without guesswork at each stage.

Best Shower Enclosure Door Configurations
Compare the best shower enclosure door configurations for your bathroom, from sliding and hinged doors to walk-in layouts, with practical planning advice.

Quartz and Granite Sealer Stain Proof Original
Considering quartz and granite sealer stain proof original? Understand where it works, when quartz needs no sealing, and how to protect natural stone.

How to Choose Shower Controls for Your Bathroom
Learn how to choose shower controls for comfort, safety and style, from valve types and pressure to placement, finishes and future household needs too.

Independent Retailer Comparison for Your Home
An independent retailer comparison for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms: see how local expertise, choice, costs and aftercare shape a better project at home.

A Period Property Bathroom Case Study That Works
A period property bathroom case study on protecting original character while creating a comfortable, practical room well designed for everyday family life.

Can Quooker Taps Save Money in Your Kitchen?
Can Quooker taps save money? We assess running costs, upfront price, water use and the kitchen habits that determine whether one pays back in practice.

Underfloor Heating Review: Is It Worth It?
Our underfloor heating review explains running costs, comfort, floor choices and planning points for homeowners weighing up a warmer renovation project.

How to Design a Fitted Study That Works Hard
Learn how to design a fitted study with practical advice on layout, storage, lighting and finishes for a focused, comfortable home workspace that lasts.

Best Kitchen Appliance Features Worth Choosing
Choose the best kitchen appliance features for a practical, elegant kitchen, from quiet extraction to flexible ovens, efficient cleaning and storage too.

Do Quartz Worktops Scratch? The Honest Answer
Do quartz worktops scratch? Learn what can mark quartz, how everyday use affects it, and the simple care habits that keep a kitchen surface looking good.