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STORI Announces Top Real Stories of 2024
After receiving hundreds of amazing entries from across the UK & Ireland for the 2024 Top Real Stories competition, each project was thoughtfully assessed for its design excellence, innovation and skilful use of materials.
These exceptional projects highlight the very best of creativity and craftsmanship from the talented network of STORI retailers, notably; Broomside Design, Stag Kitchens, Kitchen Ergonomics, Ella Austin Kitchens and Family Kitchens.
The judging panel, consisting of five experienced members from the STORI team, each brought their unique perspective and approach to evaluating the submissions. Drawing on their substantial industry experience across diverse areas, including sales, marketing and design, the judges meticulously evaluated each entry, applying a thorough scoring process to identify the very best.
Commenting on the high calibre of projects, Sara Cotter, Category Manager, shared her thoughts:
“We are absolutely thrilled with all the submissions we received for the 2024 campaign. Narrowing down the entries to just five projects was tough, but each one stood out for its creative design and innovative use of our ranges in real homes. From kitchens to bedrooms and living spaces, it’s an honour to see our products featured in such wonderful homes across the UK & Ireland, designs which have been expertly created by our experienced network of STORI retailers.”
L to R: Judging Panel – Oliver Phelan, Sales Director (NI/ROI) | Sara Cotter, Category Manager | Dan Winchester, Sales Director (GB) | Linda Murray, Graphic Designer | Jack Pullan, Showroom Designer
Broomside Design, Yarm
Introducing our overall Real Stori winner – Broomside Design! A refined expression of modern design, this contemporary open-plan kitchen/dining area with a hidden pantry/utility has been skilfully designed to offer a flawless blend of on-trend aesthetics and functionality for Mr & Mrs Simpson. Featuring two popular STORI ranges; Rezana which features an Espresso stained woodgrain finish and Zola Matte in Taupe Grey, a slab door with a painted smooth matte finish, both of which complement each other perfectly in terms of colour and style.
Rezana – Espresso & Zola Matte – Taupe Grey | Retailer: Broomside Design | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs Simpson
Rezana brings a depth and richness to the room, grounding the space with its luxurious yet understated appeal. It creates a timeless, organic feel that is ideal for kitchens that are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The use of Zola Matte in Taupe Grey is an excellent choice for creating a refined and balanced space. Its calm, contemporary tone provides a subtle contrast to the deeper Rezana espresso-stained woodgrain, allowing the rich brown to remain the focal point without feeling overpowering. The muted grey complements the earthy warmth of the mocha hue while adding a modern, clean aesthetic that softens the overall look.
Full height wall cabinetry provides ample space to store and organise a wide array of kitchen utensils, while built-in shelving provides easy access to plates, pans and spices without sacrificing the look!
The nearby island features a luxurious marble countertop with surrounding bar stools and a built-in induction hob, making it an efficient cooking zone for prepping meals, casual dining and entertaining guests.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the bespoke floor-to-ceiling doors add an element of surprise and functionality, seamlessly blending into the design whilst also revealing a hidden pantry and utility area. Tucked away are many of the homeowners’ larger appliances and everyday items, helping to maintain a minimalist, clutter free appearance.
Stag Kitchens & Interiors, Lymm
Showcasing a stunning classic design that seamlessly combines a kitchen, dining and pantry space, this forward thinking open-plan layout by Stag Kitchens & Interiors creates a harmonious flow between the different areas, allowing Mr & Mrs Bathgate to enjoy their home to the fullest. Featuring the Belgravia inframe shaker cabinetry painted in Shell with a complementary dark green Colour Matched hue and an authentic woodgrain finish, this space exudes next-level elegance, style and substance.
From a Made to Order curved barrel unit with oak chopping boards to a Belfast sink and state-of-the-art appliances, this kitchen beautifully blends traditional design details with a range of modern features throughout. Other design highlights include crittal style doors which allow for seamless access from the pantry to the living area, as well as a custom-made drinks cabinet with a wine cooler, creating an impressive focal point in the dining space.
Belgravia – Shell & Colour Matched | Retailer: Stag Kitchens | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs Bathgate
Kitchen Ergonomics, Stevenage
Featuring an elegantly contemporary open-plan design which incorporates a kitchen and living space, this breathtaking space by Kitchen Ergonomics creates a bright, airy and sophisticated environment for Mr & Mrs X to enjoy. Showcasing the Zola Soft-Matte foil slab door range n Indigo, this space utilities the handeless cabinetry to create an ultra-modern sanctuary for the homeowners.
Full height cabinetry with integrated appliances, an induction hob, as well as a mix of quartz and oak countertops are just some of the highlights that make this kitchen, not only aesthetically pleasing but exceptionally practical. Additionally, it’s large ‘L’ shaped island with barstools provides the perfect setting for both dining and entertaining, with tea/coffee appliances conveniently accessible, yet discreetly hidden behind the nearby dresser.
Zola Soft-Matte – Indigo | Retailer: Kitchen Ergonomics | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs X
Ella Austin Kitchens, Farnham
Demonstrating the classic charm of neutral colour, this wonderful design by Ella Austin Kitchens creates a bright, inviting space for Mr & Mrs Lindsay, perfectly suited for entertaining. Proudly featuring the Belgravia inframe shaker-style cabinetry in painted Light Grey and Cashmere, with an authentic woodgrain finish, this kitchen extension offers an awe-inspiring blend of calm and tranquillity. The full height bi-folding doors lead out into the garden, seamlessly connecting the outdoors with the indoors.
Featuring an integrated larder, a Belfast sink, and a range of modern appliances with rustic brass accents, this chic kitchen is as practical as it is stylish, offering ample storage, while radiating timeless charm. Beyond the kitchen, the design extends into a fantastic bootroom that features tall triple panel doors as well as integrated bench seating and T&G panelling, making it the ideal spot for the homeowners to get ready for their dog walk!
Belgravia – Light Grey & Cashmere | Retailer: Ella Austin Kitchens | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs Lindsay
Family Kitchens, Longfield
Starring one of the popular STORI inframe effect ranges, Winslow, Family Kitchens has crafted a classically refined open-plan kitchen and dining area, enhanced with distinguished modern touches in Mr & Mrs Levent’s newly renovated property. The design of the cabinetry, painted in Shell and Heritage Green, creates the illusion of a true inframe with router line detailing, a beaded centre panel and a painted woodgrain finish.
Prioritising storage, the large island incorporates a mix of open and concealed shelving, while the surrounding barstool seating provides a convenient space for both dining and socialising. Behind the island, the surrounding wall cabinetry provides an exquisite backdrop and includes a mix of clear glass Georgian frames as well as a canopy, giving this kitchen a touch of sophistication and prestige.
Adjacent to the island is an open plan dining area which includes a rich oak dining table with contemporary studded grey chairs, which blend in flawlessly with the rest of the décor. Complemented with nearby full-height wall cabinetry framing a double fridge-freezer, a range of modern appliances, this home renovation has been transformed into a delightful open-plan haven.
Winslow – Shell & Heritage Green | Retailer: Family Kitchens | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs Levent
Commenting on the 2024 competition, Shaunagh Devlin, STORI Brand Manager, says:
“We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding quality of entries submitted by our approved retailers for our 2024 campaign. This competition has truly highlighted how fortunate we are to have such talented retailers throughout the UK and Ireland representing the STORI brand. Congratulations to this year’s winners! A sincere thank you to all participants for their remarkable contributions, and we look forward to seeing even more incredible projects in the coming year.”
Looking for more inspiration?
Check out more Real Stories projects here. Ready to get started on your journey to your new kitchen, bedroom or living space? Book a design appointment to get started!