World's Largest Kitchen & Bath Event is Moving to Las Vegas

More than 900 kitchen and bath companies will showcase the latest products and cutting-edge design ideas at the sold out Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS), May 9-12, 2005 in Las Vegas, NV. More than 50,000 national and international professionals are expected to attend K/BIS, the world's largest international trade event dedicated to the kitchen and bath industry.

Targeting dealers, designers, distributors, retailers, consumers, home centres and many other high-quality kitchen and bath professionals, K/BIS for the first time ever will be held in 'the most exciting city in the world' Las Vegas, NV at the new mega-resort, Wynn Las Vegas. The show will be 20% larger to accommodate the projected record number of attendees and will have an increased exhibition space exceeding 500,000 square feet, the largest in its history.

'We are very excited about having our conference for the first time in Las Vegas' said Jeff Cannata, President of the NKBA. 'Our attendees will experience what goes into the design of the kitchen and bath for the 21st century and beyond. We will present the kitchen and bathroom as the most important and creative rooms in the home.'

Keynotes
Kicking off K/BIS '05 will be an opening keynote by the resort's mastermind, Steve Wynn, also known as Las Vegas' best-known developer who also helped build The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio resorts. Wynn will discuss his newest venture, Wynn Las Vegas, and how he was instrumental in shaping Vegas into a modern resort and entertainment destination.

Other keynote speakers include:
Danny Seo,  four-time best-selling author and leading lifestyle authority on eco-friendly living
Richard Forbes, President and CEO of Masterbrand Cabinets, Inc.
Mike Seamons, Microsoft partner and one of the founders of Exceptional Innovation

Design & Innovation
Doty Horn, Director of Color and Design at Benjamin Moore & Co.
Jane Meager, nation‚s leading design center consultant and President of Success Strategies
Dick Duncan, Senior Project Manager at the Center for Universal Design

Leadership & Inspiration
Christine Corelli, business columnist and author of Wake Up and Smell the Competition
Alan Parisse, rose from a garbage collector to a Wall Street executive
Anthony Galie, Corporate Hypnotist, psychotherapist and published author 
Amanda Gore, an Australian physical therapist who helps build relationship skills

Business & Trends
Tim Sanders, best-selling author and Leadership Coach for Yahoo!
Bob Wendover, Managing Director of the Center for Generational Studies
Reggie Pasterczyk, founder and president of Intrepid Marketing Services
Robyn Waters, Vice President of Trend, Design and Product Development for Target

Expo Floor
At the expo, hundreds of exhibitors will display the latest products, creative ideas, and unique services inspiring attendees with exquisite designs and business solutions. There will be examples of upcoming products, appliances, electronics, lighting, countertops, flooring, bathtubs, spas, vanities, plumbing, machinery and more.

One of the highlights of the show and new this year will be the NextGen Design Idea Home, presented by NKBA, which will showcase the most current trends in whole house design with a special focus in the kitchen and bath areas. It will feature a contemporary floor plan with the kitchen as the centre of activity showcasing advanced electronics, products and design ideas to enhance any kitchen and bathroom.

Another attraction will be this year's Design Idea Center, NKBA's annual signature event of design and function. This year, the editors of Woman's Day Specials and Canac kitchen designers will present 'Ultimate Amenities' inspired by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and spokeswoman for Weight Watchers, and Food Network chefs Rachael Ray and Tyler Florence. They have created the plans for two kitchens and a luxury bathroom all contained within a single flow-through space.

Educational Courses
New additions to this year's educational courses will provide K/BIS attendees with more flexibility and options. In addition to four full-day courses, four new half-day courses have been added to offer attendees an invaluable opportunity to gain insight, learn practical solutions and enhance their professional development. Some new courses include:
Natural Stone Countertops
Lighting for Residential Interiors
Universal Design Strategies
20th Century Design and Beyond

CKBER Golf Tournament
The Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research (CKBER) will host its inaugural annual fundraiser at K/BIS with golf tournaments at the Stallion Mountain and Royal Links Golf Resorts to support the continued development of qualified professionals in the kitchen and bath industry. All funds will help promote the kitchen and bathroom industry as a dynamic career opportunity, encourage the development of innovative and responsible consumer solutions and ensure quality trained professionals can continue their efforts in the kitchen and bathroom industry.

Board of Directors'Gala
The NKBA will honour the 'Finest Professional in the Kitchen and Bath Industry' and thank volunteers, members and friends for their continued support and commitment at their annual Board of Directors' Gala. This year for the first time ever, winners of NKBA's annual Design Competition will be announced live, and the induction of the newest members of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Hall of Fame will occur.

Whether you‚re a professional in the industry, a student interesting in becoming one, or a member of the press, there are hundreds of reasons why you should attend K/BIS. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.kbis.com

Miele Takes Appliance Design To The Next Generation

Miele, a specialist in advanced appliance technology and design, is showcasing four of its premier kitchen appliances in the NextGen Demonstration Home during the International Consumer Electronics, National Associations of Broadcasters and Kitchen & Bath Industry tradeshows in Las Vegas.

The NextGen Demonstration Homes will feature Miele’s new CVA 2660 built-in capsule coffee system, DG155 Convection Steam Oven, plate and cup warmer, DA230 island hood and KM320G gas cooktop among other products that demonstrate the latest trends in home electronics and whole house design.

'Miele‘s105-year history of innovation began with our founder’s mantra of ‘Immer Besser’ – which in German means ‘Forever Better',' stated Paul McCormack, Senior Marketing Manager Miele, Inc. 'We are proud to continue that heritage by featuring our newest ground-breaking appliances in the NextGen Demonstration Homes - products that use advanced technology to offer luxurious convenience such as cappuccino, coffee or latte at the push of a button or to nourish a family with an entire healthy meal in under 20 minutes.'

The featured Miele products represent function, style and ease of use. The CVA 2660 built-in capsule coffee system uses Nespresso® capsules to turn kitchens into aromatic European cafés. The Convection Steam Oven allows time-stressed consumers to eat healthier meals and the plate and cup warmer add to the culinary experience by keeping crockery warm with Miele’s convection, forced air heating. The four-burner gas cooktop integrates high performance cast iron grates with completely sealed burners for easy cleaning and the powerful island hood effectively improves indoor air quality while adding a aesthetic design element.

Produced by iShow, the NextGen Demonstration Homes use cutting edge technologies, from advanced electronics to super-strong structures, to demonstrate the latest in how-to enhance quality, durability, efficiency, safety, and affordability. The homes include a contemporary floor plan with the kitchen at the centre, and an eclectic elevation that will fit into any neighbourhood. The theme of the demo homes at each tradeshow will represent the technological trends that are occurring in the electronics, media and home industries.
 
The 'Future is Here' Home kicked off the 2005 NextGen Demonstration Home Series at the 2005 CES in January with a first hand look at the converging trends of home electronics in a real home environment. Showcasing wireless, digital imaging, computing and networking technology to audio, video, electronic gaming, the International CES was the host to over 130,00 visitors and exhibitors from every consumer electronics niche.

In April, the 'First to the Future' Home at the 2005 NAB Show will showcase the many and varied choices that America has in the home when it comes to broadcast content, cable satellite signals, interactive TV , the internet and music subscription services. With more than 95,000 attendees from 130 countries gathering to network, collaborate and learn, the demo home will also today's most innovative ideas, presented by the broadcast industry's most influential thinkers.

NextGen is the Official Design Idea Home for K/BIS 2005 in May. Targeting dealers, designers, distributors, retailers, consumers, home centres and many other high-quality kitchen and bathroom professionals, K/BIS 2005 will bring together over 900 high-quality kitchen and bathroom companies and over 40,000 national and international industry professionals.

James Latham at the Surface Design Show

For the first time, UK panels distributor James Latham exhibited its popular LG HI-MACS® portfolio last month at the 2005 Surface Design Show.

Being unveiled at the show was the new sample case showing the updated range of LG HI-MACS® Natural Acrylic Stone™ colours now available through Latham’s UK distribution network. LG Product brochures plus the latest James Latham Natural Choice newsletter and current product guide will also be on show.

Specially trained James Latham product specialists were on hand at the stand to answer any questions and offer advice.

Manufactured by LG Chem, LG HI-MACS® is suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, shopfitting, healthcare and education and is available in a wide choice of decors including ‘Solid Colours’ and ‘Volcanics’. The range also comes in three thicknesses and over 60 decors, and has a hygiene certificate.

LG HI-MACS® is carried across James Latham’s wide-reaching national distribution network. For more information e-mail mailto:marketing@lathams.co.uk, visit http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk, or call the marketing line on 01162 257 3415.

http://www.surfacedesignshow.com/

Electrolux Major Appliances and Wickes – An Ideal Home

Wickes Home Improvements Centres and Electrolux Major Appliances teamed up to show a stunning array of kitchens at last month’s Ideal Home Exhibition.

The 360 sq metre stand, which took centre place at the show, displayed a selection of kitchens, conservatories, bedrooms and bathrooms from the Wickes range.

Each of the seven kitchen displays contains AEG, Electrolux or Zanussi built-in appliances, each chosen to co-ordinate with the particular kitchen style. Visitors to the Wickes stand had the opportunity to win a kitchen to the value of £4,000. Visitors to the stand were also able to take up some special offers, including free appliances on purchases over a certain price.

The Ideal Home exhibition is at Earls Court from 3rd to 28th March 2005.

Consumer Contact Details:
AEG
Tel: 08705 350 350
Web:http://www.aeg.co.uk

Electrolux
Tel: 08705 950 950
Web: http://www.electrolux.co.uk

Zanussi and Zanussi-Electrolux
Tel: 08705 727 727
Web: http://www.zanussi.co.uk
Web: http://www.zanussi-electrolux.co.uk

Siemens Stars in Venetian Show House at 2005 Ideal Home Show

At this year's Daily Mail Ideal Home Show at Earl's Court in London, a selection of Siemens built-in appliances starred in the kitchen of the Venetian show house within the central Mediterranean living village.

Designed by renowned Interior Designer, Maggie Colvin, the Venetian show house - one of several European abodes within this village area - gave visitors to the show the opportunity of tasting Mediterranean life by offering a modern fusion of decorating ideas within a traditional Italian home.

Siemens built-in appliances - namely single oven with matching extra wide gas hob and chimney hood in stainless steel - were all featured in the kitchen of the Venetian home where Maggie Colvin is pictured with Siemens Contract Development Director, John Watson, trying out the products.

As well as designing interiors, Maggie Colvin also presents various TV programmes on the subject and is a prolific author and journalist. She professed to being so impressed with the Siemens appliances at the show that she is planning to re-design her own kitchen very soon and promises to be in touch!

For brochures & stockists, please call 0870 840 3300 or http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk

Experience Hotpoint at the Ideal Home Show

Experience Hotpoint's new range of appliances at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show. Taking place at Earls Court, London from 3rd to 28th of March, the Ideal Home Show is one of the UK's largest home interest exhibitions, renowned for showcasing the latest innovations in household appliances and furnishings.

Hotpoint's new Experience range of appliances will be on full view at Stand IB80, on the Ideal Home magazine stand.

The new Experience range extends Hotpoint's collection of built-in appliances and is suited to the minimalist, contemporary kitchen design on the Ideal Home stand. Consumers will be able to see the new single oven, which includes state-of-the-art Touch Controls, a pyrolitic Fast Clean programme and 7 Chefs+ for the budding chef.

The stand also offers consumers the first opportunity to view the coordinating touch control hob, hood, dishwasher and fridge freezer - all from Hotpoint's Experience range. Demonstrated on the stand, Hotpoint's Stainless Steel finish now includes a finger resistant finish, ensuring that the appliances maintain a pristine condition. The new range also includes a new coffee maker and a popular wine cooler.

Julie Watling Marketing Communications Manager - Built-In comments, ‘We are proud to be at the Ideal Home Show this year as it's a show recognised for exhibiting up-to-the-minute products with innovations in technology. Hotpoint's new Experience range is the cutting edge of design and these amazing appliances are bound to catch the eye of the modern day consumer.’

Tel: 08701 50 60 70
Web: http://www.hotpoint.co.uk

Trade Partners Given Special Section at AMDEA Show

A special section of The AMDEA Show is being created for trade partners offering services to the industry. Domestic and General and BEAB are the first to take stands at the show, being held at the NEC on 24 – 26 April this year.

The special section will be an added attraction to dealers attending the show. ‘D&G is well known and respected for the company’s range of services to both retailers and manufacturers, and BEAB is the UK’s own independent Approvals Body which ensures the safety of products that we make and the retailers buy in,’ said AMDEA Director General Peter Carver.

Registrations for the show have already topped 1,000, even though exhibitors have only just begun to send invitations out to their customers. And the quality of registered visitors is high. Nearly 90% of the dealers retail built in product, and 12.5% are kitchen specialists. 54% are in floorcare, 59% in small appliances – and 44% of registrations are from owners or proprietors. The regional breakdown shows that 25% of the dealers come from the South East region.

‘Given that we have hardly even begun the process, this is a very encouraging start,’ said Mr Carver. ‘The main mail out will begin in the next few days, and in the coming weeks we will be sending 100,000 invitations to the Show.’

A unique hospitality area is being put in place for Exhibitors to entertain and talk business with their customers. Entrance will be by special pass, and waitress-service refreshments can only be purchased using a credit card-based system.

‘These facilities will be for the exclusive use of manufacturers who support the Show. Companies who have decided not to support this initiative should not think they can turn up and do business with the visitors,’ said Mr Carver.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7405 0666
Email: mailto:info@amdea.org.uk

Exposure to Experts at EXPO

Inspiration, aspiration, knowledge and trend spotting - all can be found together within the seminar programme on offer at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO during 8th - 10th May 2005 at London's premier exhibition venue, ExCeL.

Running throughout the three days of the show, the seminar theatre is set to be a hotbed of topical debate and inspiration. Sunday 8th May offers a programme not to be missed by bathroom and kitchen retailers with TV's Naomi Cleaver kicking off the show, swiftly followed by Skillsmart Retail's top tips on how to maximise showroom and window displays. ICI Dulux shares its colour expertise and Franklite Decorative Lighting rounds off the day by presenting a real business opportunity for retailers with a look at the latest regulations in lighting, which now prevents homeowners from fitting their own lighting.

The exhilarating programme of the following two days begins with an interview with design guru Sebastian Conran on the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen design. Flying in from Italy, Alessandro Finetto, studio design leader of Whirlpool Europe will give us a taste of built in design for appliances.

Customer communications consultant and ex Housebuilders Federation marketing director, David Mote poses the question 'Do kitchens and bathrooms really sell houses?' and Joe Simpson editor of Tile and Stone Journal chairs a panel of experts on tiles who will battle out their views on tiles. Other topics give a nod to colour and lighting, smart controls and designing for the infirm and disabled.

'Bathrooms and Kitchen EXPO is the UK's premier trade show for the market and this seminar programme has been designed to reflect the hot topics and latest trends in the market. The speakers are all genuine experts in their field and we are confident that all delegates will go away enriched, empowered and entertained by every seminar.' comments event director Richard Dray.

The full seminar programme can be viewed on http://www.bkexpo.co.uk where you can schedule your place and register for free tickets to the show.

Blum at ZOW 2005

The 2005 edition of ZOW at Bad Salzuflen in Germany takes place this month and maintains its reputation as a premier forum of future concepts and cutting edge products. ‘Particularly’ says Blum UK Managing Director Michael Powell, ‘as a venue for design ideas and future orientated concepts.’ Fittings manufacturer Blum will use its products to thrust kitchen design to the fore and give a clear view of the future.

Using products and systems that have been developed to maximise and optimise the use of storage space in the kitchen, Blum will show the latest developments in the company’s Dynamic Space® concept where the kitchen is designed into activity zones for good ergonomics – saving time, energy and motion.

Blum will also have on display and demonstrate its ‘zone planner’ to allocate different goods, commodities and utensils to precisely the right areas and units. So not only is storage intelligently maximised, but it is properly allocated for the ultimate in functional kitchen use. All this will be achieved and demonstrated at ZOW using Blum’s fittings technology – heavy load, full extension runners and drawers fitted with Blumotion anti-slamming and self-closing, special unit applications like corner unit pull-outs, under sink drawers and plinth-level depth extensions.

The results of implementing Dynamic Space® on an individual planning basis are fascinating – actual energy and movement during kitchen use can be measured and compared. Add up all the time wasted using a conventional, randomly planned kitchen and another valuable dimension becomes part of the concept.

Tel: 01908 285700
Email: mailto:info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com

New Dates for the Shows Interclima+elec home&building (17th to 20th January 2006) and Idéo Bain (17th to 22nd January 2006)

Reed Expositions France has changed the dates for Interclima + elec home&building and Idéo Bain, which will be held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

• Interclima + elec home&building, the smart building technology week, will take place from 17th to 20th January 2006.

• Idéo Bain, the bathroom show, will be held from 17th to 22nd January 2006. (It will be open to the general public for the final three days).

These new dates have been proposed to by the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre now that the Salons de la Mode have finally agreed to the dates of 2nd to 5th February, instead of 20th to 23rd January 2006.

These dates offer two major advantages:
• For Idéo Bain, it means that a show open to the general public is not taking place during school holidays, which in 2006 begin on 4th February in the Paris region.
• For both shows, it means that the dates are further apart from those of Mostra Convegno, which opens on 28th February 2006.

Sales of space for the shows are proceeding according to target, with bookings currently standing at:
• over 50% of the available space at Interclima+elec home&building,
• nearly 60% of the available space at Idéo Bain.

>rational< Entertains at UK Homeshow

>rational< presented three new additions to the >r<130 range; arte cremona and telaio, at the company's annual UK homeshow in Cannock, Staffordshire. Following an extensive re-design of the showroom, the in-house show presented an opportunity for retailers to view an array of >rational's< kitchen displays as well as the new additions.

Robert Clayton, UK designer and training manager was keen to point out the advantages of a permanent showroom. He comments: 'We like to show our customers the design capability of >rational< products in a way that most do not have the space for. This helps them to gain a further understanding of the breadth of design available. We also offer free training days all year round; the more retailers that come the better.'

The four-day event proved to be a huge success, with over 142 visitors to the showroom. The homeshow also attracted media attention, with many key members of the home interest sector in attendance.

Tel: 01543 459459
Web: http://www.rational.de

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO set to ExCel

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO 2005, the UK's premier trade show for the bathroom and kitchen industry is set for another successful show with more exhibitors than ever before signed up to exhibit.

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO will once again be held at London's ExCel exhibition centre on the 8-10 May 2005 and will welcome a host of kitchen and bathroom retailers, architects, housebuilders, builders merchants and interior designers to sample the best in bathroom and kitchen related product design and services.

Anna Burns, marketing manager for Twyford Bathrooms said, 'We have exhibited at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO since it first began and it has established itself as the major show for the industry. The venue is fantastic and allows us to reach architects and retailers from the London area that we would not have previously had access to.'

William Ball will be exhibiting at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO 2005 for the first time. Terry Ball, joint managing director said, 'We have heard nothing but excellent comments from previous exhibitors who have re-booked again and again. We are looking to expand our business and Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO will allow us to reach a host of retailers and buyers.'

Among the many exhibitors will be A&J Gummers, American Standard Plumbing (UK) Ltd, Bristan Ltd, Commodore Kitchens, Dornbracht GMBH & Co / Splash, Formica Ltd, Heritage Bathrooms, John Sydney, Kaldewei, Luxair Hoods, Matki Showering, Neff, Nolte Kitchens, Pilkingtons Tiles Ltd, Rangemaster, Smeg (UK) Ltd, Stoneham, The Corner Fridge Company, Victory Spa and VitrA (UK).

Visitors can register for tickets and find out more information about exhibitors and the features planned for the show, including the seminar and workshop theatres by logging on to http://www.bkexpo.co.uk.

Bathrooms and Kitchens Awards Announces the 2005 Finalists

The prestigious Bathrooms and Kitchens Magazine lndustry Awards will once again be celebrating the achievements of its sector at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on the 1st February 2005. The premier awards for the bathroom and kitchen industry has been rewarding excellence in retailing and design for eleven years.

Following three days of intensive judging at the prestigious Royal lnstitute of British Architects (RIBA), in London, the finalists of the ten categories recognising design, showrooms, marketing achievements and the overall award of Master Retailer have been decided.

The judging panel included eight experts, who were chosen for their wealth of experience in spatial design, contribution to the industry and business acumen. Each has made a major impact in the industry and was especially selected for their specialist skills in the relevant categories.

Chairman of the judging panel, Philippa Turrell said, 'As always the standard of the entries has been extremely high. It is fantastic to see so many designers and retailers putting tremendous effort into their own work which shows through in the high calibre submissions.

'New to the awards this year, are the product innovation awards, introduced to honour our belief that dream living spaces could not be realised without the creation of innovative bathroom and kitchen products. ldeal Standard, Jacuzzi, Sunshower lnternational and lmpey UK have reached the final four bathroom products while Beyond, Bushboard, Rieber and Siemens are in the shortlist for kitchen products.'

Now it is all down to the industry to decide which product is the best. Votes can be submitted online at http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk.

Votes must be cast before December 20th, 2004 and the winners will be announced at the Bathrooms and Kitchens Magazine lndustry Awards in 2005.

To find out more information about the awards and the entries, or to vote online for the Product Innovation Awards, log onto http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards.

The finalists for the Bathroom Product lnnovation Award are:
ldeal Standard - Marc Newson - thermostatic basin mixer
lmpey UK - Aqua-Dec a preformed shower floor
Jacuzzi UK - Niagara under bath storage unit
Sunshower lnternational - Sunshower enclosure with UV tanning panel

The finalists for the Kitchen Product lnnovation Award are:
Beyond - The Scan & Learn microwave oven
Bushboard - Omega worktop & splashback
Rieber - Waterstation sink
Siemans - Variozone fridge freezer

Young Designer Award for Bathrooms
Darren Barker - Nicholas Anthony, Colchester
Julie Collins - Porcelanosa, Glasgow
Louise Tagare - Porcelanosa, Glasgow
Susan Quirke - Quirke McNamara

Young Designer Award for Kitchens
Martin Brown - Connaught Kitchens
Breeda O'Donoghue - Houseworks
Becky Spellman - Nicholas Anthony
Zoe Gething - Treyone Woodcraft

Designer Award for Bathrooms
Andrew Bannister - Design Republic
Andrew Rizza - Dream Design
Marie Laurence Camara Ferguson - Ice Cube Design
Alison Ebanks - Obsidian

Designer Award for Kitchens
Martin Holliday - Chiselwood
Philip Ozario - Connaught Kitchens
Vikki Service - Houseworks
Tristan de-la-Haye - Kitchen Culture

Showroom Award for Bathrooms
Charisma
Dream Design
John Nichols
Versatile

Showroom Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Design House
Houseworks (Belfast)
Nicholas Anthony (London)

Marketing Award for Bathrooms
CP Hart
Dream Design
Ripples (Chichester)
Versatile

Marketing Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Dream Design
Kitchen Culture
Norwood lnteriors

Master Retailer Award for Bathrooms
The Bathroom Boutique
CP Hart
Versatile
The Yard

Master Retailer Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Design House
Dream Design
Norwood lnteriors

KBSA Launches New Industry Awards

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is set to launch a new series of awards to recognise and reward the best designers, retailers and suppliers in the interiors business.

The awards will be sponsored by some of the most well respected companies in the industry and the inaugural awards will take place at a special ceremony on June 16th, 2005.

‘We are delighted with the tremendous support our members have given to these awards so far,’ says KBSA Operations Manager Lucinda Kenny.

‘Everybody has supported our view that this is an excellent way of raising the profile of our industry and encouraging excellence in design and service.’
The award categories include, Retailer Excellence, Kitchen Design, Bath Design, Bedroom Design, Flooring Design and Supplier Excellence.

‘The Award for Excellence for retailers will be unique in that it is not a panel of judges which decides who wins but real customers, who have returned questionnaires relating to the service they have received from KBSA retailers.

‘This will be the only award limited to KBSA members as the questionnaires form part of the KBSA's regular vetting procedures. All of the other awards will be open to the entire industry with no age restrictions attached.’

The award sponsors include Poggenpohl (kitchen design), Hepplewhites (bedroom design), Amtico (flooring design), Nicholas Anthony (supplier excellence) and Clearwater Collection (bath design).

Clearwater Collection will sponsor a special bath design award that will include a commitment to manufacture the winning bath as part of the prize.

The winner of each design category will receive a £1,000 cheque, plus trophy and certificate.

Application forms are available now and the closing date for entries is March 11th, 2005. Entry forms can be downloaded from the KBSA website or the website of any sponsor, and are also available from the KBSA head office.

Tel: 01905 621787
Email: mailto:info@kbsa.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Blum at ZOW Italy

The recent Italian edition of the ZOW exhibition maintained the reputation as a premier forum of future concepts and cutting edge products. ‘Particularly’ says Blum UK Managing Director Michael Powell, ‘as a venue for design ideas and future orientated concepts.’ Fittings manufacturer Blum used the company’s products to thrust kitchen design to the fore and give a clear view of the future.

Using products and systems that have been developed to maximise and optimise the use of storage space in the kitchen, Blum presented the latest developments in its Dynamic Space® concept where the kitchen is designed into activity zones for good ergonomics – saving time, energy and motion.

Blum presented its ‘zone planner’ to allocate different goods, commodities and utensils to precisely the right areas and units. So not only is storage intelligently maximised, but it is properly allocated for the ultimate in functional kitchen use. Of course all this was achieved and demonstrated at ZOW using Blum’s fittings technology – heavy load, full extension runners and drawers fitted with Blumotion anti-slamming and self-closing, special unit applications like corner unit pull-outs, under sink drawers and plinth-level depth extensions.

The results of implementing Dynamic Space® on an individual planning basis are fascinating – actual energy and movement during kitchen use can be measured and compared. Add up all the time wasted using a conventional, randomly planned kitchen and another valuable dimension becomes part of the concept.

Tel: 01908 285700
Email: mailto:info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com

Kitchen Group Teams up with Ideal home Magazine

The Kitchen Group, Hopkinsons Fourways’ specialist kitchen division, teamed up with Britain’s best selling homes magazine, Ideal Home at the Autumn Ideal Home Show at Earls Court recently. Showcasing the ‘Kabera’ kitchen, from its K brand, The Kitchen Group room set was one of five Christmas room designs, created by Ideal Home magazine offering interior inspiration for the home during the festive season.

Attracting 96,715 home enthusiasts last year, this year’s show was even bigger and better, with over 250 exhibitors. The Kitchen Group report excellent visitor and enquiry numbers for its stylish Kabera kitchen, presented in a golden yellow and cream ‘feel-good’ effect, with an open-plan design perfect for the whole family at Christmas time.

The cream painted, shaker style Kabera kitchen doors combine a modern design with a traditional twist. Contemporary, curved pillars feature in the floor and wall units and brushed chrome handles complement the clean shaker lines. The kitchen is complemented further with an ultra modern, chocolate brown natural wenge worktop, shown on the stand display in a chunky 50mm width variety.

As well as this sociable kitchen/diner, entitled ‘The Uplifting Room’, other rooms on the Ideal Home magazine stand included, ‘The Calm Room’ (bathroom), ‘The Sensuous Room’ (bedroom), ‘The Relaxed Room’ (living room) and ‘The Sociable Room’ (dining room). Each room design aimed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions in interior design and home improvement, as well as create different moods and add a festive feel to the home.

Commented Sally Hough, marketing manager for The Kitchen Group: ‘We are continuously investing in building brand awareness and supporting our stockists with targeted consumer marketing campaigns. The Ideal Home Show is a high profile event, attracting much footfall and an ABC1 audience – perfect for our exclusive and upmarket K-Kitchen brand.’

For further information on the Kabera kitchen from The Kitchen Group’s K brand or details on how to become a Kitchen Group stockist, contact the company on Tel: 01204 707070 or http://www.thekitchengroup.co.uk

Festive Show Proves Success for Underwood

The Spirit of Christmas show at Olympia earlier this month proved a huge success for Underwood Kitchens, sponsor of the event’s Celebrity Cookery Theatre.

Bespoke kitchen manufacturer Underwood not only provided the cookery theatre, starring Ready Steady Cook regular and Underwood ‘ambassador’ James Martin, but also exhibited a display kitchen at an adjoining stand.

‘Although we have been associated with the Spirit of Christmas for several years, this was the first time we had taken our own stand,’ said joint Underwood managing director Jane Cheel.

‘This show is just getting bigger and better each year and we were delighted with the response of visitors, both to the celebrity kitchen and to our stand.

‘We had on display a selection of Underwood handcrafted kitchen furniture and also sold James Martin’s exclusive kitchen merchandise – and we were kept extremely throughout the show, thanks to a constant stream of people keen to both chat and buy.

‘We’ll definitely be back at the Spirit of Christmas next year!’

The show, supported by The Daily Telegraph and House & Garden magazine, provides the ultimate shopping experience for Christmas gifts, decoration, food and wine.

Tel: 01296 771800

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