Interview with Looeeze Grossman, Founder of The Used Kitchen Company

kbb Birmingham is delighted to welcome back Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC), which is once again partnering with the event and celebrating an anniversary of its own!

The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) works with showrooms and private customers to sell used and ex-display kitchens, offering one of the most extensive collections in the UK. With a long history of working together, there is much to reflect on, so we caught up with Looeeze as she shared her thoughts.

The Used Kitchen Company is now 20 years old - congratulations! What is your proudest professional achievement over this time?

Looeeze Grossman: Reaching 20 years is something I'm incredibly proud of, but what really matters is that we've normalised the concept of buying and selling used and ex-display kitchens. Two decades ago, the idea barely existed, and many people questioned whether the idea would even work. Today, we are widely recognised as a professional end-to-end service that takes the hassle out of selling, offers homeowners huge savings and is an environmentally responsible choice that makes sense on every level.

What started as a concept that faced real scepticism has become increasingly mainstream. We've watched showrooms integrate resale into their business models, and seen homeowners discover they can have their perfect kitchen without the premium price tag. Seeing the positive financial and environmental impact it has for both showrooms and homeowners is by far my proudest achievement. We've proven that circular economy principles are good business, not just good ethics.

As you know, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of kbb Birmingham - how do you think the show has influenced the sector over the years, and do you have a stand-out memory that you can share?

LG: kbb Birmingham has always been the place where the industry comes together for a rare opportunity to connect both socially and professionally. It’s a chance to catch up with everyone, share ideas, see emerging trends and begin conversations that shape the year ahead.

My standout memory is probably our first year at kbb. Walking the halls and seeing the level of interest, having conversations with manufacturers and showroom owners who suddenly understood the opportunity. It gave us the validation we needed to expand and the confidence that we were genuinely onto something that could change the industry. 

What are you most looking forward to at kbb Birmingham 2026? Does The Used Kitchen Company have anything special planned?

LG: We're looking forward to catching up with all our showroom partners and creating new relationships with those looking to introduce sustainable practices into their businesses. After 40 years of kbb Birmingham shaping the industry, and 20 years of The Used Kitchen Company championing the circular economy, 2026 feels like a time to celebrate how far we've come and to look ahead to what’s next.

We have some exciting collaborations and new initiatives planned, all designed to help retailers to increase revenue, and offer their customers more choice. Without giving too much away, let's just say we're focused on making it even easier for the industry to participate in the circular economy while delivering great value to end customers.

What trends have you become aware of in the kitchens sector that you expect to continue in 2026?

LG: Two themes are foremost in my thoughts for 2026:

Firstly, sustainability is becoming easier for businesses and consumers.  People want environmentally responsible choices without compromising on design or quality.  Our drive last year to encourage showrooms to promote the sale of their customers' old kitchens has really taken off. We now have hundreds of showrooms taking part in our “Complete the Circle” campaign, finding second homes for their customers' kitchens and giving them more budget to invest in their new purchase.

Secondly, we're seeing the painted kitchen make a real comeback. After years of handleless, high-gloss minimalism, there's a big shift back towards more traditional, bespoke furniture with warmth and character. Painted kitchens are timeless designs that age gracefully and don't need replacing when trends shift, which aligns perfectly with sustainability.

People are also researching much more thoroughly before buying; they expect transparency on value, materials and lifespan. This shift toward informed decision-making is raising standards across the industry.

In recent years, there's been a lot of talk in the industry about how we can improve sustainability; do you think it is now becoming easier for businesses to implement sustainable practices?

LG:  Yes and No. Sustainability is no longer optional but is increasingly built into how businesses operate, right through to end-of-life. 

While manufacturers still face challenges in delivering products that are both sustainable and cost-effective, real progress is being made. Retailers are definitely more mindful of waste and increasingly see ex-display stock as an opportunity, a way to reuse quality products and generate revenue, rather than something to store away or dispose of.  

And our service certainly removes the barriers that once held many businesses back. We manage the entire process, from finding buyers and managing logistics to addressing liability concerns and ensuring a smooth, end-to-end process. That leaves showrooms free to focus on their customers.

When we started 20 years ago, we had to convince people there was a market. Today, showrooms come to us either to sell their displays or because their customers are actively asking how they can sell their existing kitchen. That shift says a lot about how attitudes have changed.

What are your top tips for anyone considering buying a used kitchen?

LG: Do your homework. The better prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. Measure carefully, including ceiling heights, pipe positions, window sills, door frames, depths, and run lengths.

Be flexible. A willingness to adapt layout or choose alternative worktops can open up far more options. 

Viewing the kitchen is a must; failing that, a video walkthrough is the next best thing.  Go prepared with a checklist of questions covering the age of appliances, worktop materials, the condition of the carcasses, any damage or wear and tear, and how dismantling and removal will be handled.

Once you’ve done your homework, act quickly. A good used or ex-display kitchen will sell fast. It is often worth arranging storage if you find the right kitchen before you’re ready for it.

What are your kitchen must-haves for both function and design?

LG: Functionally, good lighting is key and should be arranged in zones for cooking, ambience and feature lighting for atmosphere. Storage is equally important; plan it when designing your kitchen, from spices to vases, cutlery to Tupperware.  Drawers are definitely the new cupboards - storing everything from roasting tins to cereal boxes. Clever storage solutions like pull-out shallow drawers for spices and herbs, baskets for veg, and even clever fridge storage is a game -changer.  Drawers come at a premium, so if they don’t fit your budget, consider internal drawers, which are a more affordable alternative.

On the design side, I am a true painted kitchen convert - they’re stylish, timeless and versatile. I feel a kitchen should encourage people to gather and feel lived-in.  I love seeing signs of life - cookbooks, herbs on the windowsill, wooden chopping boards. That's when you know a kitchen is working.

What do you love most about your job?

LG: What I love most about my job is the combination of diverse challenges and the satisfaction of making a real difference, from helping a family maximise their renovation budget or ensuring an ex-display kitchen finds a second home. On top of that, we’re constantly in touch with the wider industry; speaking with showrooms, keeping up with the latest trends, and collaborating with publications. I feel we have a unique perspective on the market. 

It’s hugely rewarding to see the real difference TUKC makes - helping customers save money, giving kitchens a second life, and making a positive impact on the households we work with. In many ways, we get the best of all worlds, combining hands-on work, industry insight, and a broader view of the market from every angle.

Tell us about your own kitchen and what you love most about it?

LG: What Our kitchen was a long time coming - I had years to plan it and ended up a bit obsessed with making sure everything has its place. I love cooking, so the layout and experience were key, and we entertain a lot. We prefer relaxed dinners in the kitchen, with everyone chatting while I cook, rather than formal evenings in the dining room, so the space works perfectly for us.

One of my favourite things is that it opens straight onto the garden, so there’s a real inside/outside flow as guests and food spill onto the terrace. The large island is a highlight too, both as a social hub and for storage, with all 12 drawers carefully organised. Having three ovens has been one of the biggest game-changers, and would I have a plate warmer next time? Probably not.  It’s a kitchen that works hard, feels lived-in, and is perfect for entertaining.