Toncelli's
Systema TL looks good and functions smoothly. It also contains a number
of design innovations such as a remote control hob, sliding knife racks
and storage units on wheels. Mr Bhatia, from Evershine, says the thinking
behind the whole system is to save time and cut down the amount of movement.
Irwen
Martin from The Corner Fridge company was very pleased with the quality
of the show both from an interest point of view and for the quality of
visitors. 'A relaxed atmosphere makes for good business', he says. He
also said that his dealers who attended the Masterclass found it very
valuable.
Concrete
May Not be the New Marble but it's Very Trendy
Deane Thomas, of Quality Marble explained the introduction of Concrete
to the company's already extensive range of granite, marble, limestone,
slate, quartz and terrazzo worktops.
'Actually,
Concrete can be whatever colour you'd like it to be. You can choose plain
colours or different colour combinations or leave it in its natural state.
If you are feeling particularly creative, you may like to add other materials
to it as a feature. We have produced Concrete with inlays of natural stone,
metal, glass, fossils and even seashells for some of our particularly
inspired customers', he explained!
Other surface finishes include polished (as in Symphony's Kitchen Showcase
display), honed (matt/eggshell), trowelled (opaque and slightly uneven)
and acid washed (opaque and slightly rough). The urban look of plain concrete
is still a good seller, explained Deane further, but mainly for trendy
single people in Dockland type apartments who never actually do any cooking,
as it does stain rather easily.
One of the great advantages of concrete is that it can be easily integrated
with appliances, sinks etc. 'It's an extremely flexible material, and
we can create designs using colours or natural materials such as fossils
and shells to create a unique design for each contract', adds Deane.
'Concrete is an incredibly strong and durable material and exceptionally
versatile. You can have it made into many different shapes and sizes,
its form limited only by your imagination and practical constraints and,
before you start worrying about the mess, you'll be pleased to know that
all of our Concrete products are prefabricated in our factory, rather
than casting them on site. This makes installation simple, fast and clean',
Deane says.
http://www.qualitymarble.co.uk
Mirari
Brings European Influences to Kitchen Showcase
This year's Kitchen Showcase exhibition featured the first ever kitchen
collection to combine four different European design styles. The Mirari
collection was shown for the first time at the event being held at Kitchen
Showcase. Designed and manufactured by UK kitchen giant The Symphony Group,
Mirari was originally launched this Spring.
The exhibition display demonstrated how Italian, German, Spanish and British
design influences have been fused to create the ideal mixture of function
and form. Using monochrome styling, it featured an array of white units
and drawers in both matte and gloss finishes, along with innovative storage
units in grey and metallic. These are dramatically highlighted by the
use of the DuPont solid surface material, Corian in 'Night Sky'.
A kitchen and dining area were included on the set, showing the increasing
trend towards using the kitchen area as a multi-functional living space
rather than purely for food preparation and cooking.
Alison Andrews, group marketing manager at Symphony, commented: 'Mirari
is the product of two years of market research involving consumers, retailers
and developers. Kitchen Showcase 2003 provided us with the perfect forum
for people to interact with the Mirari brand and experience the quality
of the collection.
'The British influence is clear from the quality of the craftsmanship
and the Italian element is shown through the overall flair for kitchen
design. Our use of space and texture comes from Spain whilst the German
influence is demonstrated through the superior functionality that epitomises
a Mirari kitchen.'
Also exhibiting at the show are key partners who have provided the very
latest in appliances and accessories to complement and add style to Mirari's
display. In addition to the worksurface material made from Corian, appliances
- including a built-in fridge and coffee machine unit as well as an oven,
hob and hood - were provided by AEG. Blanco provided VARI modular stainless
steel tables, one with a Strato sink, the other with a hob cut-out, whilst
lighting and the InnoTech drawer system are provided by Hettich.
http://www.mirarikitchens.com
Charles
Yorke unveils Rio at Kitchen Showcase
Visitors to Kitchen Showcase were the first to see the latest design from
bespoke kitchen specialist Charles Yorke – Rio, which was created
for the show. A relative newcomer, although part of the Symphony Group,
Charles Yorke made its debut as an exhibitor and will also be appearing
at the new Autumn Ideal Home Show.
The Rio kitchen features book-matched fiddle-back sycamore veneers with
contrasting accents.
The sycamore’s shimmering grain patterns are allowed to shine through
thanks to a simple slab door with a discrete recessed handle. The recess
is backed with darker rose coloured timber, which creates a coach line
effect. Units are specifically positioned to maximise the impact of the
linear design as it flows from one unit to the next creating parallel
bands. The contrast theme is continued with the combination of a pewter
coloured AGA and polished concrete island-unit work surface
Manufacturing Director of Charles Yorke Mark Denman comments: “The
room set gives a very contemporary slant to our hallmark use of traditional
materials. This kitchen continues the Charles Yorke theme of softening
the boundaries between the traditional and contemporary, by introducing
unexpected elements. The contrast of the cool pale tones of the sycamore
with the rich warmth of the accents is a fine example of this design-led
approach to cabinet making.”
Charles Yorke is an independent division of the Symphony Group, which
produces bespoke kitchens in a range of timbers using a combination of
traditional cabinet making skills and state of the art technology.
Charles Yorke’s Rio kitchen at Kitchen Showcase, featured:
• The Amana MX-M fridge freezer, in stunning glass and stainless
steel, by American refrigeration specialists Maytag UK
• A polished concrete island-unit work surface, from Quality Marble
• An AGA range in Pewter
Glossy
good looks from Charles Yorke’s Valencia
Bespoke kitchen specialist Charles Yorke has come up with a brand new
way to give delicate timbers a French polished look, which is tough enough
to withstand the wear and tear of a working kitchen. This development
is used in the new Valencia range, which features high gloss bird’s
eye maple doors and drawer fronts framed with American black walnut.
Each Valencia kitchen is built to order using a traditional veneering
technique known as book matching – where the grain of the timber
is reflected like a mirror image from one door to the next.
To bring the design bang up to date the designers have contrasted the
gloss finish of the maple, with its intricate grain patterns and blonde
tones so redolent of Art Deco design, with the soft sheen of the dark
walnut frame
Feature areas are highlighted using the carefully chosen book-matched
bird’s eye maple veneers. Doors and drawer fronts can also be included
in a matt painted finish to tone with the maple and provide a textural
contrast.
Valencia is one of four exciting new collections from Charles Yorke available
through a network of carefully selected retailers. Whatever the design
each kitchen is designed specifically for its owner and their home. Following
an initial discussion with the retailer and a number of site visits, the
expert draftsmen at Charles Yorke create individual plans and 3D drawings.
The kitchen is then built in Charles Yorke’s Nottingham factory by
a team of skilled craftsmen using a combination of traditional cabinet
making skills and state of the art technology. Only the finest raw materials
are used to create furniture that will last for generations.
For information about your nearest stockist contact 01623 756 080
Smeg
Cements Design Credentials at Kitchen Showcase 2003
Italian
appliance manufacturer Smeg took an active part in the first Kitchen Showcase
Exhibition. Out of twelve kitchens designed by a creative collaboration
of influential manufacturers and designers, three featured Smeg's 'signature'
products: the AAA rated UKSTX2-2 fully integrated dishwasher, the FPD34
fridge freezer, and the latest version of Smeg's best selling 100cm wide
'Opera' Range Cooker, the A2-5.
The Smeg portfolio of appliances now numbers in excess of 380 items, the
flagship of the range being the Piano Design collection of ovens and hobs.
Created in partnership with Piano Design (one of the world's pre-eminent
architectural and design practices), these appliances, in distinctive
polished stainless steel, are visually stunning. The FPD34 fridge freezer
displayed at Kitchen Showcase 2003 (and pictured, right), was the latest
product to emerge from Smeg's ongoing collaboration with Piano Design.
Eric Ireland, Managing Director of Smeg UK Ltd says 'We are truly excited
about our participation at Kitchen Showcase 2003. Our brand has always
placed a heavy emphasis on design aesthetics and this pioneering event
has proved to be a celebration of much of the best our industry has to
offer. Being staged in the heart of the Capital, in addition to meeting
with our retail partners, we have aimed to cement our design credentials
with the architects and designers who have been be drawn to this innovative
event'.
Corian
and Zodiaq Provide Top Surfaces at Kitchen Showcase
Corian, the original solid surface made only by DuPont, offers a wealth
of options for the kitchen. As a high-performance worksurface, Corian
creates beautiful, durable countertops that are not only hygienic and
easy to maintain, but also can be customised to create unique design schemes.
The
material can be heat-shaped and seamlessly bonded, inlaid and carved to
stunning effect, while sinks, splashbacks and fascias can be integrated
to form sleek, continuous surfaces throughout. Special effects that are
both attractive and highly practical can be added, such as stainless steel
'hot rods' for pots and pans. Corian is available in an extensive palette
of over 70 choices for the kitchen and comes with a 10 year limited warranty.
Corian was at the Kitchen Showcase in a number of design schemes:
• The Kitchen Alliance featured Corian countertops in Pyrenees in
a collaborative design from leading kitchen brand names, which are part
of the Marie Curie 'Make a Meal' campaign (see below)
• Mirari, by the Symphony Group used Corian in Night Sky to stunning
effect, showing its versatiiity on worktops, shelving and other innovative
applications
• Now Group Plc featured Corian from CD UK Ltd as Blue Ridge worksurfaces,
with integrated Corian Mixa Sinks.
Zodiaq, a luxurious new worksurface and cladding material from DuPont,
is made almost entirely of pure quartz crystals, offering a unique clarity,
depth and radiance and a distinctive aesthetic not found in other surfacing
materials. Zodiaq is available in 21 colours, from classic and neutral
tones to bold, saturated shades. Non-porous and is inherently stain- and
scratch-resistant, Zodiaq does not need to be sealed and also comes with
a 10 year warranty.
• Mereway Kitchens/Wentworth Kitchens featured dramatic Indus Red
Zodiaq worktops in the launch of the new Monza range, perfectly complementing
the high-gloss Pergamon cabinetry.
http://www.zodiaq.co.uk
http://www.corian.co.uk
Orama
Mirror Finish Reflects Good Taste
and No Ripples
Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products, introduced a new-to-market mirror flat finish for its latest
gloss and silk worksurfaces, in the new Ardesco range of kitchen worktops.
Until now, the UK has suffered from surface ripples on worksurfaces which
are produced in the manufacturing process (known as telegraphing). These
surface ripples are particularly noticeable in fashionable gloss finishes,
which show up any distortion.
lnvestment
into a new manufacturing technique in its production facility has allowed
Orama to bring this new range of mirror flat finishes to market - delivering
a product to market at a level of quality never previously seen, the company
claims. The new finish has an unparalleled surface quality that in gloss
and silk worksurfaces gives the appearance of being mirror flat.
The new mirror flat finishes from Orama have been introduced exclusively
with the new Ardesco range. They are available in gloss and silk surfaces
from the range, including metro black silk, silica nero gloss and red
granite gloss.
This new laminate product finish is the only commercially available mirror
gloss and silk worksurface in the UK from an independent manufacturer,
exclusively from Orama. Peter Holt, Sales and Marketing Director for Orama,
states 'Mirror should take the UK by storm, because hitherto all gloss
worksurfaces on the market have suffered from telegraphing on their surfaces.
However, Orama made inroads in the production process including the replacement
of water-based adhesives with new adhesive technology. The result is a
unique and improved laminate surface that will put the Ardesco gloss products
in a league apart from other gloss worksurfaces currently available on
the market. When buyers and retailers see this new finish, they will realise
that gloss and silk worksurfaces will only be worth sourcing from our
Ardesco range!
'Our production team deserves credit for successfully allowing Orama to
develop this product, delivering a turnkey project with 5 month turnaround
from commissioning to production.
The new mirror gloss and silk worksurfaces from Ardesco can be seen in
the new mobile display vehicle which is on the road visiting locations
across the UK, as well as being shown in full colour illustrations in
Orama's new Ardesco brochure.
Tel 01773 520560.
http://www.orama.co.uk
lnnotech
Drawer Systems - Innovative and Useful
Innotech drawer systems featured in a number of the kitchen sets at the
Showcase, including the Smaart set pictured below - which is so new that
there were not even any brochures available - which offered shapely curved
lines, a bright laqueured acrylic finish and an equally curvy Corian worktop,
the combination of which, according to David Masters, had attracted a
good deal of interest. With the emphasis on design and a number of new
and improved features the lnnotech smooth action, self-closing drawer
system provides a functional and attractive solution for today's demands
of total space utilisation.
The comprehensive range of drawer accessories provides total organisation
for all aspects of the modern kitchen's storage requirements.
From the lnnoplus steel cutlery inserts to integrated storage jars and
dividers for storage of tins and packets plus fully adjustable plate storage
units give the broadest range of choices and options.
lnnotech drawers are now available with loading capacities to suit even
the largest drawer configurations, eg. 50kg for 1.2m wide drawers and
all drawer systems are available with the option of the Silent System
technology.
The Silent System ensures that drawers, in their final phase of closing,
will do so automatically, silently and smoothly and the system prevents
the possibility of accidentally slamming the drawers closed and ensures
that the drawers will always remain in their correct positlon, flush against
the carcase when not in use.
The Hettich Magic programme of low voltage and mains voltage lighting
are both functional and highly design orientated.
The wide range of lighting products are delightfully presented in the
Hettich Magic catalogue and enables the kitchen designer to enhance the
furniture and room with built-in down lighting, ceiling spot lights, surface
mounted lighting, mid-way unit lighting and the unique Minisys - mini
fluorescent lamp 4mm in diameter.
http://www.hettich.com
Showcase
is Ideal Launch Platform for Borma in UK
The
Kitchen Showcase saw the introduction of Ideal-Standard's Borma division
of luxury kitchen taps. Borma was founded in 1845 in the town of Horsens,
in Denmark and has become known over the years as Scandinavia's top manufacturer
of quality kitchen taps, which it supplies to an international market.
Borma joined the Ideal-Standard fold last year and the Kitchen Showcase
exhibition was the official launch of the kitchen range in the UK.
Designed with a particular emphasis on modern, minimalist styling by Christian
Bjorn Design and the Vanberlo Studios, the Borma collection shows the
complete UK offering with five different ranges: Al single lever monoblock,
A2 dual control monoblock, A3 single lever monoblock and A5 single lever
monoblock kitchen mixers encompassing Scandinavian style monoblock mixer
taps as well as the more unusual wall mounted and three-hole mixer. Available
in chrome, steel plated and solid stainless steel, each piece is precision
manufactured and incorporates ceramic disc technology for easy efficient
control.
Borma marketing manager in the UK, Alex Paul says: 'the growing use of
combi-boilers and un-vented water systems in the UK (6 million and rising)
allows us to bring in more and more designer products from our plants
in continental Europe, the Borma brand offers a perfect solution for kitchen
showrooms, interior designers and architects who are looking for great
quality, with a really modern choice of styling and sensible prices.'
All Borma models were on show at the Kitchen Showcase, and the range also
offers a complete range of complementary bathroom taps and accessories.
Visitors
Take the Springflow Taste Test
On
the Astracast Springflow booth visitors were challenged to 'Taste the
Difference' between ordinary tap water and Springflow filter tap water.
Those guessing correctly had their names entered into a draw to win Dinner
for two at the world famous Waterside Inn, at Bray in Berkshire.
The tall, swan necked Jordan Springflow tap teamed up with the Volcano
Black Korona Metallic sink, fitted into a topp worksurface. Astracast
is shortly expecting a new, sleek member to join the family of exclusive
Springflow kitchen filter taps, bringing the total to five models.
The existing family includes the stylish Triom, the popular styled Targa,
traditional Colonial and contemporary Jordan. These Springflow taps are
unique in that the patented valve technology gives ease of use by using
the existing cold handle with one simple operation. The taps combine hot
and cold running water, with a third source of crystal clear, odourless,
fresh filter water, by turning the cold handle in reverse. The original
Springflow tap, the elegantly styled Triom has two spouts and a separate
handle and is still as popular as ever, the company reports.
Springflow filter taps freshen the taste of mains water and reduces chlorine,
herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and organic chemicals by up to 99%.
The filter unit is fitted, out of sight, under the sink and connects to
the existing water supply.
A Springflow filter treats up to 2,500 litres of water or up to six months
use, whichever is sooner. It also significantly reduces the build up of
lime scale in appliances and kettles and enhances the taste of tea and
coffee and even cooking. A comparison between Springflow and standard
taps is the chlorine levels in standard tap water remains at roughly two
parts per million. The Springflow system reduces chlorine levels to as
little as 0.1 parts per million.
http://www.astracast.co.uk
Mereway
Monza Balances Neutral Colours and Clean lines
To meet the Kitchen Showcase theme for 'cutting edge design' Mereway presented
New Monza, a premium high gloss painted lacquered door which has been
introduced to meet the increasing trend towards neutral colours and minimalist
clean lines. Currently available in soft Pergamon with a choice of sleek
aluminium handles, the door is already proving popular with city based
studios and has been well received by consumers and retailers alike particularly
for the apartments market.
'We were delighted to be asked to exhibit at Kitchen Showcase as it has
given us the ideal opportunity to present Monza to the target market it
is specifically designed for.' says Ginette Crowther, Mereway Marketing
Manager. 'We have worked closely with a group of companies from across
the industry to create a set with real 'wow' factor for the show. These
include an exciting new finish from Corian, some sparkling ideas from
Amtico, and the very latest in 'intuitive appliances' from DeDietrich.
The 2 trade days were fronted by Mereway Contracts, a separate company
formed by Mereway to respond to the needs of the building market. The
consumer day was led by Mereways' own branded Wentworth studios.
http://www.wentworth-kitchens.co.uk
Glass
and Stainless Steel Amana Fridge Freezer Steals the Show
Maytag
UK, the American refrigeration specialist showcased the Amana brand of
genuine American refrigeration at the Kitchen Showcase. The originators
of the American fridge freezer with an established appliance business
spanning almost 100 years, Maytag remains an innovator in the world of
American refrigeration today. Showcased at the exhibition was the contemporary
and chic Amana MX-M, featured in a stunning glass and stainless steel
combination, set in perfect surroundings, a bespoke Charles Yorke kitchen,
reflecting the brands ability to be totally customised and flexible to
meet all aspirations.
Area sales manager Jason Barron pointed out some of the nifty features
of the Amana, including the chiller which can be activated to blow extra
cold air into the drinks compartment for that super cool beer of a quick
chiller job for a bottle of champagne when an impromptu celebration pops
up. The latest models are also enhanced by a cabinet depth of just 597
mm.
The Amana range of side-by-side and bottom mount refrigerators are available
in numerous elegant styles and finishes including the stainless steel
Classic and Pro Line designs and the latest is the chic MX-M Design, a
combination of stainless steel inset with a choice of coloured or mirrored
glass. The optional stainless steel perimeter kit is designed to surround
the freestanding appliance, building it into a run of kitchen units flawlessly.
Delivering up to seven zones of food preservation, ice and water options
on side-by-side models and 'A' energy ratings, 'Amana continues to be
the first choice for the discerning purveyor of genuine American refrigeration'.
Ellis Bardsley, Managing Director, Maytag UK says, 'For lifestyle aspirations,
through customisation, to create the ultimate in sophistication in American
refrigeration, Amana epitomises the consumers' need for self expression,
as well as the need for one-upmanship. Amana delivers a winning combination
of features, devastating styling cues secured with the core brand values
of dependability and performance.'
http://www.maytag.co.uk
A
Touch of Flamenco from +Segmento
Poggenpohl showed the star of its 2003 product range and ad campaign,
the Spanish Red and stainless steel +SEGMENTO at Kitchen Showcase. +SEGMENTO
was a radical new kitchen look unveiled in 2000. It immediately captured
world attention when it took the Good Design title from The Chicago Athenaeum:
Museum of Architecture and Design's annual international awards. It is
+SEGMENTO's sleek, almost weightless, look that won international recognition
for advancing originality and design innovation.
+SEGMENTO
was, until this year, available exclusively in white laminate. The architectural
elegance of wide vertical spaces with sleek worktops can now be enjoyed
with rich high gloss lacquers (such as Spanish Red), natural woods and
stainless steel.
The stainless steel surfaces, chosen to contrast with the Spanish Red,
are inspired by professional kitchen surfaces. The Blanco sink is an integral
part of the work surface. +SEGMENTO also offers the same stainless steel
finish for the 15cm vertical pillar elements. The solid aluminium 'shell'
handles have a comfortable inset recess. Handle-less base units in the
two free-standing island blocks feature a variety of internal pull-outs
with +MOTION closure mechanisms on heavy-duty runners. The pull-outs have
profiled aluminium drawer boxes, each marked with the Poggenpohl logo.
A system of adjustable railings helps divide the drawer into compartments.
The railings are just one of Poggenpohl's vast choice of storage and organisation
solutions for cutlery, crockery, pans, utensils and groceries. lnside
the tall storage units are sturdy chromium plated wire baskets.
Siemens KF18W420 wine cooler units were integrated in the tall storage
units at eye level. The show kitchen also featured a Gaggenau AH 590-120
1200mm island canopy. The large aluminium sections give the appliance
a solid look and feel, and the glass bead blasted finish is scratch resistant
and does not show finger marks. The soft-light halogen illumination comes
on gradually and can be adjusted to provide the intensity required for
cooking or dimmed for atmospheric background lighting.
A Gaggenau EB388 90cm stainless steel pyrolitic oven combined design and
technology with inspirational results: it is the largest built-in oven
in the Gaggenau collection, around 30% larger than conventional models.
The hob is a new Gaggenau KG291 90cm gas hob being previewed at Kitchen
Showcase and available this month.
Martin Gill, Managing Director of Poggenpohl UK: 'Kitchen Showcase provided
us with the opportunity to allow people to 'walk around our brochure'
- a Poggenpohl kitchen is about so much more than great looking furniture.
The Kitchen Showcase display was based on the kitchen layout featured
in our literature, but with the twin islands rotated and fitted with the
latest appliances'.
http://www.poggenpohl.co.uk/poggenpohl/start.html
Slovenian
Appliance Manufacturer Employs Italian Style Guru
Gorenje,
the Slovenian appliance manufacturer that 'took Germany by storm', has
now launched its Pininfarina range of appliances into the UK.
The co-operation between Gorenje and Pininfarina, the world-renowned design
house known especially for designing fast red Ferraris, resulted in a
range of technologically perfect lhousehold appliances with a beautiful
metallic look and soft lines that match the sophisticated interior ofthe
products, the company says. Paolo Pininfarina, whose philosophy is that
'the secret is in the detail' has interwoven functionality and elegance
into one.
The handles are of ergonomic shape, the surfaces easy to maintain. The
most sophisticated technology is built into the appliances; however they
are very simple to operate.
Gorenje have introduced the first cooker in the UK where the hob is operated
by a simple touch, the operation can be adjusted to aid either the complete
novice or to accommodate the skills and temperament ofthe more experienced
and sophisticated cook. The oven is also economical to run.
Also introduced is a new fully electronic washing wachine that is super
silent and is equipped with advanced features that let you select all
kinds of programmes and combinations. No matter which programme you choose,
it will always use the least amount of water necessary and reduce washing
time down to minimum. The electronic display keeps the user informed of
the water consumption, time remaining, spin speed and the moisture level
left in the clothes. The machine also has the ability to operate an additional
extra rinse, therefore if you are allergic to washing detergents, you
can use as little as possible and choose an extra rinse. With its 1600
rpm spin speed it has the best possible AAA rating for wash performance,
energy consumption and spin drying.
The tall Gorenje Pininfarina fridge freezer 'excels in functionality'
with a perfectly equipped interior that include glass shelves and chrome
wine/bottle rack. In case the door is not closed properly or the interior
becomes too warm, an electronic alarm is triggered.
http://www.gorenjegroup.com/pininfarina/check/default-en.asp
Making
a Meal for Cancer Support could win you a Kitchen
The Kitchen Alliance's involvement with 'Make a Meal for Marie Curie'
is explained by James Herriot of the Callerton Kitchen Company, a founding
member.
'I, like many others, have friends, coIleagues and family who have contracted
cancer and have witnessed the results. It is for that reason that Callerton
and the Kitchen AIliance members support Marie Curie's initiative by donating
all the products involved in the 'Make a MeaI ' kitchen.
'Make a Meal for Marie Curie' is a very simple concept and began Iast
year, whereby people are invited to host a dinner party, barbecue, picnic,
take away or whatever - invite friends and instead of bringing chocolates,
flowers, etc - they make a donation to Marie Cirrie. The names of all
those who take part and make a donation go into a prize draw and one luckyperson
wins the kitchen.
Last year was the first year for 'Make a Meal' and raised in excess of
£90, 000 for the charity. This year we want to do much better. So,
if a kitchen such as this appeaIs and you are pIanning a dinner party
or maybe even your lunch or a picnic why not do so in aid of Marie Curie.
http://www.kitchenalliance.demon.co.uk
Or contact James Herriot via email james.herriot@callerton.fsbusiness.co.uk
or visit on line at http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/makeameal
Smarten
up the Kitchen with Powerdesk
PowerDesk UK Limited, the intelligent furniture system, in association
with The Callerton Kitchen Company, leading designer and manufacturer
of kitchen furniture introduced the PowerDresser at Kitchen Showcase 2003.
The PowerDresser is a practical application, bringing a total multi-media
solution into the kitchen. The kitchen is the hub of family life, and
the PowerDresser is the one-stop solution for all multi-media needs for
this living area.
PowerDesk has integrated its patented multi-media system into Callerton
Kitchens' Nu-Veau dresser, also enjoying its debut at Showcase, with a
19" screen mounted in the centre between two cupboards. The PC, CD,
DVD, radio, TV, speakers and online capabilities are housed solely within
the dresser's central section.
PowerDesk recently unveiled its latest stylish intelligent furniture design
portfolio of seven integrated computer desks and multi media stations.
The designs range from the Madrid, a traditional partner's desk, through
to the Tokyo an exclusive design by Almen and Gest in steel and glass.
http://www.powerdesk.co.uk
Blum
Identifies Storage Space as Major Consumer Issue
Blum has developed and manufactured advanced fittings for kitchen and
cabinet furniture since its founding 51 years ago and, in particular,
over the last 30 years their products and innovations have set the trends
for modern furniture design and functional performance.
Having developed a comprehensive range of products designed to perform
for life Blum has been able to apply these to areas of design where international
research has identified problems. A survey of new kitchen buyers showed
that 66% of whom were dissatisfied with the amount of storage space once
the kitchen had been installed. Blum set about wide ranging analysis of
kitchen usage and began to identify, design and manufacture systems and
product that could yield up to 55% extra storage space than the 'conventional'
kitchen.
By taking a radical look at how kitchens were designed and used Blum has
devised methods that turn the kitchen into an efficient working and living
area. For instance the comprehensive inclusion of full-extension pull-out
shelves and drawers has maximised the use of internal cabinet space -
much of which was being permanently wasted. Greater access, higher and
deeper storage, use of hitherto inaccessible areas has contributed to
the revolution in kitchen design and use.
Blum has gone one step further and taken an analytical look at modern
kitchen in the the context of today's lifestyles. Dynamic Space is a new
concept registered by Blum to zone the kitchen by areas of use and then
design the appropriate storage and functional systems into these zones.
Four basic zones have been identified: Preparation, Cooking, Cleaning
and Serving (which now usually includes entertainment)
The
innovative configuration developed for an under-sink drawer is an example
of how a designer and manufacturer can achieve both the ergonomic ideals
and optimal storage for individual kitchen users to create their perfect
scenario.
A Storage Planner can be found at http://www.blum.com