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Get ahead of the curve with Franke

by John Swain, Product Manager for Franke UK

The trend for curves in the kitchen - and indeed the home in general - gathers pace. Gone are the days of curve-free, boxy, linear rooms and furniture as the fashion for open-plan living and casual dining demands more flexible, soft lines.

Sofas, televisions and innovative furniture and storage systems now impinge on the previously exclusive kitchen cooking space.

In answer, curved cabinets and island units, in all sorts of materials, are a hot trend for 2012, as is a myriad worktops, flooring and wallcoverings in all sorts of creative finishes. In essence, the designer has an infinite array of creative, trailblazing options to look at when dreaming up a new kitchen space.

Yet in order to make sure that every design touch is considered, the demand for product development in smaller integral appliances and accessories needs to follow. At Franke, we have designed pioneering products so that the function of the kitchen is maximised - without comprising these new design trends.

Throughout its 101-year history, Franke has been known as a pioneer in the design of kitchen sinks, taps and hoods. Always looking forward, we launched the new curved Pebel sink (pictured) in Spring 2012; it has allowed us to extend our design proposals to enhance the kitchens of today... and beyond. Our sink portfolio is packed full of different styles, materials, sizes and prices so that this essential, discreet hub of the kitchen is not forgotten in the design stakes.

And, given that the tap is standing upright for all to see, this product is vital to the final look too. Not simply functional, a tap is a statement and can reflect the home's personality. Taps with curves, novel levers, pull-out nozzles, boiling water, filtered water and exciting finishes are all available to enhance the design scheme.

Finally, technology in the kitchen is demonstrated with state-of-the-art, accent-piece appliances and a ventilation hood is crucial if people are to enjoy living in a space without having to suffer cooking and other smells. The design parameters for hoods are virtually limitless and some of today's are positively space age - and, again, the contemporary hood is no longer a boxy, square non-entity; they are a enjoying a curvy revolution too for all to see.

T: 0161 436 6280
W: www.franke.co.uk

14th September 2012