June 20, 2017

Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOHSG) – ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – Manchester, 28 Sept 2016

How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? Date and location Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOSHG) event Wednesday 28 September 2016, from 13.45 St Antony’s Centre for Church & Industry, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1JF Event overview Afternoon meeting of Manchester Occupational Health and

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Persimmon still confident on dividends

©Bloomberg Persimmon, the UK’s second-largest housebuilder by output, said it remained confident in its ability to deliver a long-term dividend programme even as Britain’s vote to leave the EU has sparked broad worries about the sector. But its shares sold off by 7.2 per cent on Tuesday, in line with

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ABB and Fluor partner to deliver power substation projects globally

ABB and Fluor have formed a global strategic partnership for the execution of large turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects for electrical substations. By combining ABB’s world-leading technology and its market leadership position in power transmission and distribution with Fluor’s expertise and experience in delivering large EPC projects, the

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Poor plumbing cause of drinking water standard failures

Poor plumbing is a major cause behind drinking water failing to meet quality standards in customers’ homes. A report has revealed that nearly a third of water that fails is as a result of poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings in private pipes and properties after it

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College students Excel in Bricklaying and Plastering Competitions

Students from City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College and South Lanarkshire College competed in the 2017 Incorporation of Masons Pre-Apprentice Competition in Bricklaying and Plastering last week, which took place in Glasgow Kelvin College. In the plastering section, students were asked to render a rough wall with two coats

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BlueZone Technologies win High Commended Start Up Business of the Year

The third annual Business Eye First Trust Bank Small Business Awards, the premier awards for SME businesses in Northern Ireland took place on Thursday 15th June in the Crowne Plaza Belfast with BlueZone Technologies being selected as Highly Commended Start Up Business of the Year. Newry based BlueZone Technologies have

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Legal Sector Group complete proposals for Leasehold reform

The Legal Sector Group (LSG) – comprised of The Conveyancing Association (CA), the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), Bold Legal Group (BLG) and The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) – have today (20th June 2017) published its complete proposals on Leasehold reform. The Legal Sector Group has consulted widely

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The art of contrast in kitchen design

Clever kitchen design pays attention to tone and texture as much as overall style and functional excellence. Adding in spots of colour or creating interesting contrasts of tone within today’s modern kitchen can really make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. It’s an easy option to go all-white with kitchen

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

June 20, 2017

Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOHSG) – ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – Manchester, 28 Sept 2016

How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? Date and location Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOSHG) event Wednesday 28 September 2016, from 13.45 St Antony’s Centre for Church & Industry, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1JF Event overview Afternoon meeting of Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group that includes the above talk on ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? by Stephen Barnes, Chartered occupational Hygienist, Director & principal Consultant at Oak Environmental Solutions Ltd. A Workplace officer from the Health and Safety Executive is likely to be in attendance. Anybody is welcome to attend. Booking and information No booking required. Further information is available from cathy.nixon@mohsg.org.uk or visit the Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group website. Source link

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Persimmon still confident on dividends

©Bloomberg Persimmon, the UK’s second-largest housebuilder by output, said it remained confident in its ability to deliver a long-term dividend programme even as Britain’s vote to leave the EU has sparked broad worries about the sector. But its shares sold off by 7.2 per cent on Tuesday, in line with its peers, as investors became increasingly pessimistic about the future of UK property. More On this topic IN Construction “We remain confident in our ability to deliver the capital return plan to our shareholders,” the group said in a trading update, referring to a planned £2.76bn payout plan over 10 years, as it reported a 12 per cent boost to earnings in the six months to the end of June. The company offered little formal guidance on trading since the referendum, but Jeff Fairburn, chief executive, said: “The market is still there — people are still buying. Our net sales were in line with the previous few weeks’ trading.” He said the group had not reduced its rates of construction, despite an index showing on Wednesday that overall UK construction dropped in June to its lowest level in seven years, partly due to a decline in housebuilding. Persimmon said its private sales were 1 per cent higher than a year earlier in May and June, again defying a broader slowdown in the housing market in the period leading up to the referendum. Revenues were up 12 per cent to £1.5bn, while completions of new homes increased 6 per cent from a year earlier to 7,238 and selling prices rose by 6 per cent to £205,500. The group said it expected its operating margin to be even higher than the 23 per cent reported a year earlier. Its share price had outperformed rivals this year until the referendum partly due to a big increase in its dividend payout plan announced in February. But the sector has since sold off, along with real estate investment trusts, on fears of a drop in property values. Persimmon said £462m of cash holdings gave it the “balance sheet strength to navigate future changes in trading conditions”. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016. You may share using our article tools. Please don’t cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web. Source link

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ABB and Fluor partner to deliver power substation projects globally

ABB and Fluor have formed a global strategic partnership for the execution of large turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects for electrical substations. By combining ABB’s world-leading technology and its market leadership position in power transmission and distribution with Fluor’s expertise and experience in delivering large EPC projects, the partnership will help meet the evolving need of power grids across the globe for safe, reliable and state-of-the-art electrical substations.   “We are proud to partner with Fluor to tap the vast opportunities of the ongoing Energy Revolution and related power infrastructure investments. Together, we intend to grow our businesses by complementing each other’s strengths in customer services for substation projects,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “Strategic partnerships like this are a core pillar of our Next Level strategy and help us to drive growth while mitigating risk.” Substations are key elements in power grid infrastructure that facilitate the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. They control and protect power flows, connect power stations to the grid and link transmission and distribution networks as well as end consumers. “Fluor’s new global strategic partnership with ABB targeting the substation market is expected to bring unique synergies to our power clients,” said David Seaton, chairman and CEO of Fluor. “This approach exemplifies our focus on addressing client needs with our unique integrated solutions offering.” ABB is a leader in air-insulated, gas-insulated and hybrid substations with voltage levels up to 1,200 kV. These substations facilitate the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity with minimum environmental impact. They serve utility, industry and commercial customers as well as sectors including railways, urban transportation and renewables. “This global partnership with Fluor reinforces our strategic focus on developing new business models as we continue to transform our business to generate enhanced customer value,” said Claudio Facchin, president of the Power Grids division. Source link

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Poor plumbing cause of drinking water standard failures

Poor plumbing is a major cause behind drinking water failing to meet quality standards in customers’ homes. A report has revealed that nearly a third of water that fails is as a result of poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings in private pipes and properties after it has been transferred from public water mains. The Drinking Water Inspectorate for England and Wales’ (DWI) annual report found that lead, nickel, taste and odour are some of the problems deteriorating the quality of drinking water. These are caused by wrong materials and fittings or inadequate protection from water ‘flowing back’ into internal pipework from household appliances. DWI chief inspector Marcus Rink said: “A skilled and competent plumber using approved materials provides confidence in water remaining wholesome right up to the tap.” WaterSafe, the national register for plumbers, is urging homeowners to use approved plumbers to help keep their drinking water supply safe. WaterSafe director Julie Spinks said: ²Water supplies in the UK are among the best in the world and we want to ensure that drinking water is as healthy when it comes out of customers¢ taps as it is when it leaves the water companies¢ treatment works and water mains. “The use of a nationally registered plumber such as the WaterSafe scheme goes towards securing safe clean water for all, delivering the high quality of water we have come to expect.” Each year, samples of water are taken from reservoirs, water treatment works, pumping stations, water mains and customers¢ taps to be tested for a range of substances and measured against standards set by the World Health Organisation. The overall pass rate for drinking water in England and Wales was 99.96 per cent. Source link

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Green Port Hull and Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal both shortlisted at the British Construction Industry Awards 2017

Two major projects in the Humber region have been shortlisted at the 30th British Construction Industry Awards 2017. Green Port Hull and Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal have both been shortlisted in the Major Civil Engineering Project of the Year (over £50m) category at the British Construction Industry Awards, which recognises and rewards excellence in project delivery, design, construction and delivering outcomes for society. National construction firm GRAHAM has been recognised for its work at Green Port Hull; a joint venture with Lagan Construction, and the Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal, for ABP. GRAHAM Lagan Construction JV performed the design and construction of the works at Green Port Hull for the end user Siemens’ off shore wind turbine manufacturing facilities. The scheme included infilling one third of Hull’s Alexandra Dock with 780,000 m3 of material and reclaiming 7.5 ha of the river to create a new 650m quay wall, which can accommodate three offshore wind installation vessels. Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal was a £130 million project involving the design and construction of a facility for importing, storing and onward transfer of renewable fuels (wood pellets) at the Port of Immingham. Judges will visit both sites and carry out rigorous interviews as part of the selection process. The results will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner, held at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Wednesday 11th October 2017. Ian Schofield, Group Head of Asset Management from ABP, said: “We are delighted to hear that GRAHAM has been shortlisted by the British Construction Industry for the design and delivery of two major projects for ABP. The company¹s work on the Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal, and its joint venture with Lagan at Green Port Hull. Both projects are now significantly contributing to ABPs key strategic objective of Keeping Britain Trading, and we wish our partners from both companies the very best of luck at the awards ceremony in October.” Leo Martin, Executive Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re really pleased to be shortlisted at the BCI Awards, which is a prestigious and highly recognised awards ceremony. To be shortlisted twice is a credit to our planning, design and project teams, which on both of these projects have demonstrated professionalism, collaboration and a dedication to completing the work to the highest standards. “ABP is one of our key clients which we have an excellent relationship with, and so to be shortlisted for two projects with them is fantastic. We have enjoyed working with them on several schemes and look forward to further collaborations in future. “Both of the shortlisted projects have been high-profile civil engineering schemes which will play a key role in generation of renewable energy. We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for these awards and we look forward to the judges’ visit and awards ceremony in October.” GRAHAM is one of the most experienced and trusted names in project investment and management, civil engineering, construction and asset management in the UK and Ireland. Its civil engineering division has been involved in some of the most prestigious projects undertaken in the regions within which it operates, including the Tennison Road Bridge Replacement for Network Rail, the A138 Chelmer Viaduct for Highways England, the iconic Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin (which was ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2011 BCI Awards) and the M1/M2/Westlink upgrades in Belfast.

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College students Excel in Bricklaying and Plastering Competitions

Students from City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College and South Lanarkshire College competed in the 2017 Incorporation of Masons Pre-Apprentice Competition in Bricklaying and Plastering last week, which took place in Glasgow Kelvin College. In the plastering section, students were asked to render a rough wall with two coats of plaster to tight dimensions.  It took most of the day to level the wall, set out the area to be plastered, mount the borders and then plaster and finish the wall to a highly smooth standard. The competition was marked by Phil Inglis of City of Glasgow College and Lewis Anderson of South Lanarkshire College who were both impressed with the accuracy and quality of work by all the students.   The winner was Declan Collins of South Lanarkshire College. Like the Plastering Competition, the Bricklaying Competition was designed to stretch the students’ ability and also show the ability to work to a tight timeline.  The judges for this competition were John Weir of City of Glasgow College, Jim Neil a retired Senior Lecturer from Kelvin College and Ian MacPherson of CITB.    Once again the marking between students was very close, but the final winner was Matthew Callaghan from South Lanarkshire College. Craig Bryce, the Past Deacon of the Incorporation of Masons, said; “We are incredibly grateful to the three colleges for organising and judging these competitions, especially when staff are so busy at this time of year ensuring the success of as many students as possible.” Craig continued; “All the competitors did a marvellous job producing an outstanding level of work and enjoyed seeing their counterparts in action.” The winners of the competitions will both receive a cheque for £100, a certificate, a golden medal and an invitation to the Deacon’s Choosing Dinner as guests of the Incorporation of Masons. The Incorporation of Mason’s traditions are rooted in the Trades of Glasgow – having been established to protect the stonemasons and the City of Glasgow from poor workmanship when Glasgow Cathedral was being built – and is not connected to the Freemasons.   It presents prizes and an annual bursary to students and makes donations to worthy causes, maintaining its charitable work over the centuries.

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BlueZone Technologies win High Commended Start Up Business of the Year

The third annual Business Eye First Trust Bank Small Business Awards, the premier awards for SME businesses in Northern Ireland took place on Thursday 15th June in the Crowne Plaza Belfast with BlueZone Technologies being selected as Highly Commended Start Up Business of the Year. Newry based BlueZone Technologies have developed an innovative software specifically for the manage­ment of health and safety within the built and compliance environment, which helps ensure your people are safe and healthy and your building portfolio compliant. Adrian Byrne, CEO, commented: “With a very high calibre of businesses shortlisted, we were delighted to be recognised by the judges and this is acknowledgement of the dedicated staff and quality product we have here at BlueZone”. BlueZone Technologies was chosen by the judges as they were deemed to be one of Northern Ireland’s most promising enterprises and illustrated what can be achieved by a Start-Up business. www.bluezonetechnologies.com Follow BlueZone Technologies on Twitter @BluezoneTech1 or LinkedIn.

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Legal Sector Group complete proposals for Leasehold reform

The Legal Sector Group (LSG) – comprised of The Conveyancing Association (CA), the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), Bold Legal Group (BLG) and The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) – have today (20th June 2017) published its complete proposals on Leasehold reform. The Legal Sector Group has consulted widely on the new proposals, including with The Law Society, and has drafted a wide-ranging policy document designed to reduce the potential for abuse of leasehold, speed up the leasehold conveyancing process, increase certainty for consumers and remove some of the unreasonable costs that can come with it. The Leasehold reform proposals have been split into eight key areas with specific policy initiatives for each. Those key areas are: Reasonable fees for administrative activities – covering a tariff of fees for quantifiable activities and the provision of standardised documents. Reasonable timescales for administrative activities – creating obligations for the Lease Administrator in terms registration and their provision of information within a certain timescale. Enforcement – with a mandatory requirement for all Freehold Management or Leasehold Administrators to be part of a redress scheme. Unfair lease terms – covering initial lease terms, rent review clause, escalating ground rents, and exit/event or transfer fees. Overhaul of tenure – covering a review of Commonhold regulations and a simplification of the process to extend leases and convert to freehold. Building insurance – obligations for landlords and requirements for Lease Administrators to ‘shop around’. Management regulation – covering reserve funds on leasehold/freehold management block and costs of management charges. Marketing of leasehold properties – covering the provision of upfront information on remaining term of the lease, ground rent, annual service charge, rent review clauses, lease clauses, etc. Following the conclusion of the General Election, the Legal Sector Group has now written to the new Housing Minister, Alok Sharma MP, outlining the proposals and requesting a meeting to discuss them further. The Group will also be presenting the proposals to the Law Commission and is looking to work with all stakeholders in order to bring in these much-needed proposals. Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery at the Conveyancing Association, said: “The Legal Sector Group, along with a number of notable stakeholders and contributors, have now been able to publish these Leasehold reform proposals, which we believe point the way ahead for a 21st Century leasehold process. The CA has long-campaigned for leasehold reform – it is a key work stream within our Strategic Plan – and we are now urging the powers that be to put in place a programme of change in order to provide both sellers and buyers of leasehold property with certainty, peace of mind, reasonable costs and a much greater degree of clarity in terms of what they are signing up to, and the responsibilities that are shared amongst those involved in their leasehold property. We are looking forward to working with the Law Commission and the new Government in order to make these proposals a reality.”  Rob Hailstone, CEO and founder of the BLG, said: “These proposals are much needed and if introduced will help the home buying and selling public and conveyancers in a number of ways. It is encouraging to see the CA, CILEx, BLG and the SLC working together with a common aim.”  Simon Law, Chairman of the Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC), commented: “The SLC has been advocating for many years that the serious shortcomings associated with leasehold title, and the process for buying and selling leasehold properties, are addressed for the benefit of homeowners. It is gratifying that the legal profession including solicitors, licensed conveyancers and Chartered Legal Executives have come together to arrive at a common set of proposals for both the Law Commission and the Government to consider. There is no individual or party better placed than those legal professionals who serve their clients day in and day out in buying and selling leasehold properties to architect the much needed reforms set out in these proposals.”  Martin Callan, President of CILEx, said: “CILEx hopes that the proposals will ensure fairness to consumers, speed up the sale and purchase of residential leasehold properties and lead to less abortive transactions and loss of fees. We, and the Group, have been working towards this for some time and it is encouraging that lawyers are presenting proposals to the Law Commission that if implemented will have a major benefit for all.” For further information on The Conveyancing Association including how to join, please visit: www.conveyancingassociation.org.uk For further information on the BLG please e-mail: Rob: rh@boldgroup.co.uk For further information on the Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) visit: www.conveyancers.org.uk, call 08714 237193 or e-mail info@conveyancers.org.uk For further information on CILEx, please visit: www.cilex.org.uk

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National Energy Foundation Chief Executive awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Dr Kerry Mashford, Chief Executive of the Milton Keynes-based National Energy Foundation, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to the Energy Industry. The National Energy Foundation has been at the forefront of improving the use of energy in buildings for more than 25 years. Since her appointment as its Chief Executive in December, 2012, Kerry Mashford has helped pioneer the Foundation’s work advising and delivering more comfortable energy-efficient homes and workplaces, including wining a number of national awards. Kerry has increasingly focused her work on bringing together the forces of engineering, technical and business innovation to address the challenges associated with developing a more sustainable future. She believes that we must change the way we generate, distribute and use energy as quickly as possible, and that addressing the demand side of the energy equation is equally as important as generation in making the transition to a low-carbon, low-energy future. It’s estimated that buildings account for around 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 43% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. These figures could be easily and dramatically reduced by improving the energy performance of existing buildings and making sure new buildings are built to the standards of energy performance that are fit for a sustainable future. This requires a focus on high quality retrofit and refurbishment, an Assured Performance Process for new buildings and a widespread improvement in energy literacy.  Kerry’s work with her colleagues at the National Energy Foundation aims to inspire action, advance knowledge and deliver practical projects to lead the way. After hearing the news of her award, Kerry Mashford commented: “I am both delighted and humbled to receive this honour as my individual efforts seem tiny in comparison with the challenges that face us all in creating a more sustainable future. I hope that it will help raise awareness of the important work the National Energy Foundation does to help improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings, and enable more communities and organisations to benefit from working with us. “This award also recognises the hard work and dedication of everyone at the National Energy Foundation. I’d like to pay tribute to their tireless support, and the guidance and encouragement of our Trustees, President and Patron.” Andrew Pakes, Chair of the National Energy Foundation, congratulated Kerry on her award, saying: “This is a great honour for Kerry and a tribute to her leadership on greener, more energy-efficient homes and workplaces. Better buildings, smarter homes and tackling the legacy of fuel poverty and poor energy efficiency have always been at the heart of the National Energy Foundation. With Kerry’s leadership the team has really been driving this message home nationally and through delivering innovative solutions and partnerships at all levels.” In December, 2015, Kerry’s achievements in improving the use of energy in buildings were recognised with the Environment category award at the inaugural Women Leaders MK Awards, and in December last year, she was recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for her contribution towards engineering a sustainable future by being the first recipient of a new award. Kerry’s passion for energy efficiency and excellent building design extends into her personal life. Over the years, she and her husband have commissioned three bespoke homes of their own, combining practical design, innovative materials and intelligent building controls to significantly reduce and better manage energy usage. Kerry holds a first degree in mechanical engineering, masters qualifications in Interdisciplinary Design of the Built Environment from the University of Cambridge and in Applied Mechanics from Cranfield University, and a doctorate in Design Theory and Methodology from Brunel University. Kerry is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Engineering Technology and of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

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The art of contrast in kitchen design

Clever kitchen design pays attention to tone and texture as much as overall style and functional excellence. Adding in spots of colour or creating interesting contrasts of tone within today’s modern kitchen can really make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. It’s an easy option to go all-white with kitchen design, and white high-gloss kitchens definitely look great. But if you really want your kitchen to stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to push the boundaries a little bit further. Using contrast in the kitchen is a great trick for creating a visually stunning space. It is understandable most people feel compelled to play it safe when it comes to a kitchen remodel. It is after all one of the most expensive home improvement projects you are likely to undertake (unless of course you are extending your home). If you don’t feel confident making decisions about using contrast in your kitchen redesign, you could consult a kitchen design expert, such as The Brighton Kitchen Company. If you are brave enough to go it alone, read on. We’ve put together some great design ideas to help you make the most of contrast in your kitchen remodel. Countertop sectioning It’s easy to assume that all of your countertops should be the same to create a sense of flow and continuity in your kitchen space. But demarking your kitchen into different spaces by dividing up your countertops and using contrasting materials can really bring a sense of interest to your kitchen. This is a great design idea for the larger kitchen, especially if it involves an element of living space. Carefully crafted, countertop sectioning can divide spaces and create a visually stunning look. Play with dark and light and different materials. A white countertop with a dark section to match base units looks very effective. Equally a stylish wooden breakfast bar is a wonderful addition to sleek high-gloss countertops. For a quirky twist, try adding in a section of reclaimed wood. The stand-alone island Why not make your kitchen island the centrepiece of your kitchen? In a contrasting colour to the rest of your kitchen cabinetry, your kitchen island can become a cool standout feature and the hub of your kitchen workspace.  Vibrant small cubby holes If you are looking to add a pop of colour to your new kitchen, using colour in a few of the on-show small cubby holes is a great way to stylishly brighten up your design. Bright colours such as yellow or orange look fabulous against a white kitchen and will give your nearly all-white kitchen a unique twist.  Mixing up the tones – base units and wall cabinetry Your kitchen cabinetry doesn’t all have to be uniform. Even a section in a slightly different tone can make all the difference. Dark muted brown can work with lighter beige tones and black works brilliantly with white and dark wood. Bringing some different textures in also helps to create interest in your kitchen design. It’s worth heeding a little constraint. Don’t go mad and introduce too many colours and textures as that will distract from the overall style you are trying to create. Wooden elements Wood is often left out of modern kitchen designs unless there’s a desire for a Scandinavian element. But, wood can add a really stylish element to any kitchen design. Wood grain can warm up a dark colour scheme, and can prevent a white kitchen looking too stark and unwelcoming. Modern wooden kitchen cabinetry creates a great contrast against neutral or dark colour schemes.  The statement floor If your heart is set on a single colour for your kitchen, using the floor as a springboard for some contrast is a great idea. Dark floors look great with white cabinetry and white walls, or patterned tiles can add an interesting vibe. The type of flooring you choose can make all the difference to the look you are trying to achieve. Black and white: the ultimate contrast Monochrome kitchen designs are popular and work surprisingly well, especially with classic black and white. Pitch black and white against each other, and you can create a stylish contemporary kitchen or more of a retro look. A great tip for using black and white is to make one shade dominant, rather than give both black and white equal prominence. Graphic patterned wallpapers look great too if used in moderation. Curves and sharp corners Using form to create contrast is another interesting design feature to play with. Curved countertops sitting proudly on sharp-edged cabinets create a real sense of opposites. Kitchens can feel very boxy with lots of square edges, so adding some curves cleverly softens the kitchen design. Good luck with your kitchen redesign. Use contrast cleverly and you’ll have the wow-factor kitchen you are hoping for.

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