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Kitchen Showcase 2004: What We Saw (Part 4)

Smeg Packs Kitchen Sinks into Kitchen Showcase 2004

Smeg says it is almost unique in being an appliance manufacturer that also manufactures its own sinks in three stainless steel finishes and has assembled a range of twelve taps that in many cases share aesthetics with other Smeg products, enabling a designer to achieve total co-ordination throughout the kitchen.

The UM3416-1 is a double bowl, undermounted sink combination. Both bowls have a practical and above industry average depth of 180mm.

Another product designed in collaboration with the renowned design studio Piano Design, Smeg's FPD34 fridge freezer comes in seven Japanese inspired colours.

Standing on castors, the interior is accessed via a sculpted handle that makes an audible 'click-clack' sound each time it is engaged. Inside, the FPD is finished in highly polished stainless steel and has hygienic and adjustable glass shelves in its refrigerator compartment whilst the freezer, which is accessed by its own dedicated stainless steel door, has three chrome baskets. The FPD34 retails for around £2000.

The Home Garden by Smeg enables its owner to grow and cultivate plants or herbs in the home in optimum conditions, all year round. Use it in the kitchen for a ever ready supply of fresh herbs, or locate it elsewhere in the house to grow plants or keep cacti. Shaped like a house and made of steel and glass, the Home Garden has programmable temperature and humidity settings and can be placed on any surface or on a specially designed pedestal. It costs around £900, or £1000 with the pedestal.


Tel : 01235 828315
Email : mailto:agiammetti@smeguk.com
Web : http://www.smeguk.com


Bushboard Displays New Additions at Kitchen Showcase

Bushboard displayed its comprehensive collection of worktops and splashbacks at this year's Kitchen Showcase. With new additions to its portfolio of Omega, Odyssey and Prima brands, Bushboard is looking to actively target both kitchen design studios, independent and multiple kitchen retailers and property developers.

The Bushboard Omega and Odyssey collections now exclusively offer built-in Microban® antibacterial protection on its worktops and splashbacks (with the exception of the Brushed Aluminium Splashback design), helping to inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Bushboard has also recently updated the 3 metre Odyssey collection, of which 28no 40mm designs co-ordinate with the Omega range to allow extensive choice and flexibility. Extending its patented Splashback System, Bushboard Splashbacks now offer a wider range of designs and finishes to complement any kitchen design.

Continuing to prove an attractive proposition to Kitchen design studios, retailers and developers, both Bushboard's Prima and Omega collections are available in sizes that can accommodate most kitchen configurations.

Both Omega and Prima ranges are supported by a display stand holding actual worktop samples and A4 brochures, A6 laminate swatch pack.

Martin Lowe, Bushboard Business and Development Manager Comments: ‘Kitchen Showcase was a great opportunity to demonstrate the exciting new features on our worktops and splashbacks. Supported by comprehensive marketing material, our portfolio now includes an extensive range of designs, sizes and unique features.’

Tel: 01933 232 242
Web: http://www.bushboard.co.uk
Web: http://www.microban.co.uk


Mirari Worksurfaces by Quality Marble

Supplier of natural stone surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms, Quality Marble, supplied the visually dramatic worksurfaces for the Mirari stand at Kitchen Showcase 2004.

The design team at Quality Marble worked with Mirari's own designers to create an entirely new stone worksurface. This original combination of natural stone underpins Quality Marble's approach to constantly highlighting the many possibilities that are available when different materials are brought together.



For the Mirari stand at Kitchen Showcase, the company created a 1200mm x 3000mm worksurface incorporating an island section made from 50mm thick Antique Finish Nero Assoluto, Granite with a honed finish edge detail (pictured above).

The adjacent 100mm thick breakfast bar is Anthracite, taken from Quality Marble's 'Pebble' range of Concrete, and comes with a matching circular base. Both of these items were hand crafted in Quality Marble's dedicated factory.

Speaking on behalf of Quality Marble, Managing Director and owner Carlo Fossaluzza says 'I have really been looking forward to Kitchen Showcase. I feel that the show is very well presented and perfectly suited to our target market. It provides us with a great plafform to demonstrate how we are able to work with kitchen designers to supply them with truly alternative worktop solutions'.

Quality Marble supplies a complete range of surface materials including the world's finest granites, marbles, limestones, composite materials and fashionable polished concretes. However, lesser known is the company's ability to source both new materials and different thicknesses of 50mm to lOOmm to create bespoke and unique pieces to order. The company employs skilled artisans with a flair for design and a passion for quality.

Tel: 020 8805 6600
Email: mailto:info@qualitymarble.co.uk
Web: http://www.qualitymarble.co.uk


Kitchen Alliance at Kitchen Showcase

Kitchen Showcase 2004 is an exciting event for the Kitchen Alliance, providing many of its members with the perfect opportunity to launch new products into the marketplace.

Callerton Kitchens (pictured below) says it 'has a reputation for delivering furniture of outstanding beauty and exceptional quality, a statement our display at Showcase most certainly lived up to.' The company's new kitchen design is classic but contemporary in style, adopting an eclectic feel through mixing walnut and birch fumiture with glazed fronts, in a combination of curved and straight units.

The look is offset by two new worksurfaces. Zodiaq's 'Night Lights' is a surfacing material combining clarity, sparkling beauty and durability. 'White Cap' by Corian provides a dramatic contrast, but it too remains aesthetically satisfying, reliable and most importantly functional.

Smeg supplied the stainless steel appliances, a particular feature being the company's new 'Classic' flush-fitted gas hob. The understated lines and simplistic design make this a refined and elegant product.

The sinks provided by Carron Phoenix included the new ZX. This undermounted bowl in polar white granite is a fusion of contemporary materials, ergonomlc design and accessories. It proves less is more as its simple lines and free flowing design is modern, dramatic and edgy.

The latest Perrin and Rowe taps inject Italian urban style into the kitchen and complement the . Created from an imaginative perspective the company says these products will add individuality and desirability to any design.

The maple affect floor by Pergo is designed to stand the test of time as well as the test of living. This contemporary style adds another dimension to the appearance, feel and atmosphere of the entire kitchen.

Tel: 01289 386179
Email: mailto:salesandmarketing@callerton.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.callerton.co.uk


Alastair Hendy & Mirari Provide Food for Thought at Kitchen Showcase 2004

This year's Kitchen Showcase event saw the acclaimed food and lifestyle guru Alastair Hendy sharing his expertise with visitors to the exhibition as part of the Kitchen Clinic forum, held on the consumer day (Saturday July 3rd). Alastair appeared at the show as part of his ongoing partnership with Mirari - the European-styled kitchen collection.

Best known for his column in the Sunday Times and contributions to popular lifestyle publications such as the Mail on Sunday's You magazine, Olive and Vogue, the chef and author offered advice on how to design your kitchen for purpose and provided hints on creating a functional yet inspiring place to cook.

As part of this special guest appearance, Alastair was also available on the Mirari stand to sign copies of his new book, Home Cook. This practical and beautifully illustrated book contains over 150 recipes for the food we love to cook and eat at home.

Designed and produced by the Symphony Group, Mirari also showcased its latest designs from the collection, which fuses European function and form with British craftsmanship.

The collection includes a variety of contemporary and traditional materials, colours and accessories, and allows design-conscious consumers to choose one overall style or select items from a number of kitchens to create a unique environment for their home.

In keeping with his passion for function and flair within the kitchen, Alastair has previously worked with Mirari to produce a European-themed recipe book for the launch of the award-winning kitchen collection last year.

'The Kitchen Clinics were a brilliant forum for those who wanted to gain insight into designing the kitchen of their dreams,' said Alastair. 'I was also looking forward to working again with Mirari as we share a mutual belief in creating an environment within the home that enriches the whole cooking experience.'

Tel: 0113 230 8000
Email: mailto:info@mirarikitchens.com
Web: http://www.mirarikitchens.com


Parapan: The New 'Wonder' Material for Kitchens and Bathrooms

High gloss is big news in kitchens and bathrooms - the natural partner to the sleek architectural look. 'But lacquer and other gloss finishes can be very vulnerable to damage, so designers are increasingly using Parapan® - a new solid gloss material, now available in the UK and shown at Kitchen Showcase this year.' says the company.

Parapan
® is an acrylic sheet material which, because it is solid, is more hardwearing than lacquer and other applied finishes. The colour runs all the way through and apparently will never fade. Glossy, waterproof and repairable, it takes the knocks and bangs of daily living with equanimity. Kitchen and bathroom designers appreciate its colour range, its durability and because it can be thermoformed into curves or machined as easily as wood. Parapan® makes a suitable wall cladding too.

For details of kitchen and bathroom studios who use Parapan
® contact the UK distributor: Springwell Manufacturing Ltd.

Tel: 0113 201 2240
Email: mailto:info@parapan.co.uk
Web: http://www.parapan.co.uk


MK Kitchens Launches MK 7000 Calla High Gloss Lacquer at Kitchen Showcase

MK Kitchens chose Showcase 2004 to launch its new programme MK 70000 Calla High Gloss Lacquer. This new, tough lacquered finish will be avaiiable in five standard colours and is also possible in the complete RAL colour spectrum.

The display (pictured below) was in a combination of RAL 9001 cream-White and RAL 8028 Terra-Brown. These tones were specially chosen for the growing demand in the British market.

'The small family business of MK has been operating in Germany for over 50 years and while offering high quality German product, has developed a reputation in recent years for lacquer and high pressure laminate finishes along with other modern programmes. We are currently very successful in the Netherlands market and have enjoyed growing success since we introduced ourselves to the British and lrish markets just over two years ago.' says the company.

'We look to this exhibition to expand our network of kitchen specialist partners and support our existing outlets with information to both 'trade' (especially lnterior Designers) and the consumer markets.'

For further information please contact:
(GB & Ireland)
Neil Mackay
+44 19 93 81 15 70
Email: mailto:neil.mackay5@btopenworld.com

Web: http://www.mk-kuechen.de


Westin Extraction Systems - Featured Hood - SP900 - as Shown in the Charles Yorke Kitchen

The SP900 is part of the Synergy Built-in range from Westin. This range of extraction systems has been specifically designed for those kitchens with cookers or ranges sitting in chimney alcoves, recesses, or a variety of other overhead furniture.

Where the Synergy Built-in range does not meet the customers needs - or where something more individual is desired - Westin can provide a custom design service. This service allows Westin customers to specify their own unique extraction system, including any spotlight configuration and a choice of additional features - for example auto power-off when the fan has not been used for a predetermined time.

Further value is added for customers by Westin's support service: advising on choosing a suitable extraction system or designing their own; how to minimise performance loss when pianning ducting; correct installation; training; etc.

Westin designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of bespoke kitchen products in stainless steel - extractor hoods, splash backs, worktops, door and drawer fronts (also available in aluminium), and refrigerator panels. The company supplies hoods and built-in units to a number of the leading range cooker manufacturers. In addition, Westin is a distributor of ltalian kitchen products - extractor hoods, utensil racks, and built-in coffee machines - in its Synergy range.

Email: mailto:enquiry@westin.co.uk
Web: http://www.synergyappliances.co.uk
Web: http://www.westin.co.uk


Kitchen Showcase and Masterclass a Success for Planit

Software provider Planit International is delighted with the success of its recent sponsorship of the Masterclass conference and the results from participating at Kitchen Showcase recently.

The Masterclass conference was held on Friday 2nd July at the Commonwealth Institute Galleries in London as part of Kitchen Showcase 2004.

All of the speakers enjoyed a full audience throughout the day with the final conversation with Mark Wilkinson (Mark Wilkinson Furniture) being particularly well attended.

‘We were delighted to be able to sponsor the Masterclass conference as it provides an ideal forum for design innovation, education and networking,’ says Sales Director at Planit, Mark Plant.

‘Kitchen Showcase creates an ideal environment for kitchen furniture and appliance manufacturers to present a unified offering to the end user. Showcase also gave us the opportunity to meet with many specialist retailers who visited the Planit stand or attended one of our presentations. The presentations were well received and allowed us to illustrate the benefits and new functionality of Fusion, including the comprehensive customer information management tool, Connect and our innovative Design Wizard.’

Tel: 01233 635566
Email: mailto:eureka@planit.com
Web: http://www.planit.com



 

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