HGTV, Pinterest boards, status anxiety... Whatever the motivation, homeowners are addicted to renovations and upgrades. And that includes ripping out perfectly good kitchens after five years. Somer, a new UK-based entrant in the kitchen cabinet market, is challenging throwaway culture with its intent focus on durability and circularity. The company's approach centers around solid wood construction and a buyback scheme, offering a sustainable alternative to the millions of pieces of furniture discarded every year.
At the heart of Somer's philosophy is a modular, adaptable system of cabinets designed to evolve along with their owners. The company offers four styles — Planar, Inset, Ovo and Overlay — all crafted from responsibly sourced solid timber. Each piece is built for longevity, with easily repairable parts and components that can be reconfigured for changing needs or a new home. This design ethos provides long-term value to customers while also significantly reducing waste. When Somer cabinets reach the end of their lifecycle with a specific household, the company's buyback scheme ensures they won't end up in a landfill. Instead, pieces will either be refurbished for a new owner or recycled.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, brands offering high-quality, long-lasting products with clear end-of-use solutions will find themselves at a advantage. How could your brand implement similar design principles to create products that consumers will be happy to hold on to?
