Today we got to meet Travis, the Company Director of Zeal Interiors. We are big fans of Zeal and think they have one of the most considered collections of kitchens and bathrooms around. What we love most, though, is that you are not buying an off-the-shelf solution. Zeal helps clients design and create spaces that are shaped around how they live. From built-in pantry cupboards to drench showers and beautifully resolved boot rooms, they take a thoughtful, tailored approach to every brief.
Read on to find out more about this brilliant local company.
Hi Travis, tell us all about Zeal
Zeal was formed with a clear intention to do things differently. We wanted to create a studio where time, care and attention were genuinely built into the process, because kitchens and bathrooms are considered purchases, not one-size-fits-all decisions.
Our focus has always been on understanding how people actually live and designing spaces that support that. It means spending time with clients, asking the right questions and shaping solutions around individual briefs rather than pushing pre-set products.
With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, we understand the landscape well. Much of the market sits at either end of the scale – volume-led and price-driven, or high-end with limited flexibility. Zeal was created to sit confidently in between, for people who are discerning and value-led. Clients want quality, longevity and thoughtful design without unnecessary excess.
Everything we do is centred around putting the right product in front of the right person. That starts with listening. When clients are open about how they want a space to function and feel, we can design something that genuinely works for them. Four years in, with a strong collection of five-star reviews, we remain focused on delivering an experience that feels personal, honest and accountable from first conversation through to long after installation.
What is the market like at the moment? Are people renovating more?
This has been reflected for us as well. It has been a quieter period for many in the industry, but what we are seeing is that clients are being more considered rather than disengaged. They are taking longer to commit, asking better questions and looking for reassurance that they are making the right decisions.
For us, that has meant more detailed conversations and a greater focus on value and longevity. While volumes may be steadier, the people who are moving forward are often investing more thoughtfully into their homes. We have also continued to invest in the business, including growing the team, which allows us to offer an even more considered, design-led service.
What are the most popular ranges you sell and why do you think that is?
There is a strong move towards calm, natural interiors. Japandi-inspired spaces remain popular, with an emphasis on neutrals, stone textures and wood tones. These schemes feel grounding and timeless, which appeals to people making long-term decisions.
We are also seeing continued interest in practical spaces such as boot rooms and utility areas, designed to work hard without compromising on appearance. Brand choice plays a big part in this. We work with manufacturers whose products are built to last and designed with intent, including Duravit, where we are the only local stockist, Matai showers and British-made Masterclass kitchens. This allows us to offer solutions that range from simple to highly tailored, depending on what the client wants to achieve.
Do you put together the plans yourselves or work with an architect?
It can be either. We regularly collaborate with practices such as Marraum and Studio Gather, but we also manage the design process in-house. Our trade background informs how we approach every project, considering how spaces function within the home as a whole, not in isolation.
Design and practicality are treated equally. We involve trades early, plot surfaces carefully and resolve details at design stage so projects progress smoothly on site. This joined-up approach avoids unnecessary revisions and gives clients confidence that what they see on paper will translate into the finished space.
Some clients come to us for a single product, others for a full reimagining of their home. We always start by asking what worked before and what did not. From there, we design around how the space needs to function, while allowing personal taste to lead the aesthetic. One
person’s idea of the perfect bathroom can be completely different from the next, and that individuality should be embraced.
What sets Zeal apart from other kitchen and bathroom businesses in the area?
We focus on being open, honest and accessible throughout the process. Clients know they can speak to us directly and that accountability does not end once an order is placed. That level of continuity matters when you are making significant decisions about your home.
The name Zeal reflects our approach. It represents energy and intent applied thoughtfully, which underpins how we design, specify and support every project.
Does installing a new kitchen or bathroom add value when selling a home?
It can, within reason. Understanding the market is key. Overly personalised schemes may not appeal universally, so we often recommend designs that feel timeless rather than overly trend-led. When done well, kitchens and bathrooms should enhance a property’s appeal without limiting its audience.
There’s a perception that studios are unaffordable. What would you say to that?
This is something we encounter regularly. Many people assume a studio environment places us outside their budget, but that often changes once they visit and understand how we work. We are focused on matching the right product to the right brief, not pushing people beyond what feels comfortable.
When clients are open about their budget and priorities, we can guide them towards solutions that deliver quality, longevity and considered design at a level that feels achievable. The aim is always to exceed expectations and meet people where they are.
Wow, thank you so much Travis. It has been wonderful getting to know you better, and the showroom tour was perfectly timed with our Marketing Manager planning her own new kitchen. We highly recommend visiting Zeal Interiors in person at their showroom on Kernick Industrial Estate, or exploring their highly entertaining and engaging social channels.
