Steve Williams
Google verifiedJul 2026
My wife and I spent a couple of months discussing with a number of kitchen designers our plans for a new kitchen and laundry to replace the original 25 year old setup. While the designs were ok, they all worked on the premise that we would manage the project. In practise while these designers had access to preferred sub-contractors - electricians, plumbers, plasterers, decorators - we would have had separate contractual arrangements with each with all of the timeline coordination and (possible) dispute resolution issues to contend with. We did not want this. We wanted a company to come up with a great plan, but also to take overall ownership of the installation. We called into Benchmark Kitchens in Kidlington after a frustrating meeting with another design company and it was the best decision we made. Within a few days of meeting him at the showroom, we had an on-site consultation with Richard - both the owner and primary designer at Benchmark - who subsequently came up with a fabulous design that, with relatively small changes and customisation, we were happy to agree to. Richard knows his stuff. He has an eye for a design that aligns with the room layout, yet was comfortable in recommending changes - for example relocating the sink and ovens away from their previous positions. With the exception of a new floor (but where Richard also recommended an excellent company for an Amtico replacement to the old tile floor), Benchmark took overall responsibility for the whole project. The cost-competitive quote we received covered all of the electrical, plumbing, plastering, decorating work necessary as well as the installation of the kitchen and laundry units themselves. In addition to the overall project management we wanted, another benefit was that based on years of experience, Richard had laid out when each contractor would appear at the house to do their bit, so that no time was wasted. From start to finish the whole project took around 3 weeks. My wife and I are very happy with the results of our new kitchen. I have attached a couple of photos of the old kitchen, and some of the new kitchen and laundry outcome. If you are in the market for a new kitchen and/or laundry, then I would highly recommend Benchmark Kitchens. You will end up dealing with a no nonsense designer in Richard who has years of design experience together with his company that has a track record in managing the whole project in the shortest possible time and to an exceptional standard.