British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, shares its expertise by giving its five best power questions to ask your kitchen designer in order to empower you and your home. “As the kitchen living space is such a key part of today’s home and family lifestyle, it is crucial for consumers to have confidence in their design team and understand every aspect of the process. By facilitating open and transparent conversations between designers and clients, the KBB industry as a whole can provide exemplary service and help homeowners to find the right kitchen to suit their property as well as their daily routine,” said Managing Director, at Daval, Simon Bodsworth. 1: How sustainable is this kitchen? As the UK adjusts to life after Brexit and looks to support British manufacturing as well adopting more sustainable strategies when building, it is increasingly important to ask about sustainability when it comes to kitchen manufacture. Ask your designer about the provenance and longevity of materials and factory processes so you can build up a picture of how many ‘design miles’ your kitchen will need to travel and how eco-conscious the manufacturer is. It is also important to ask about various kitchen elements can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespan so you can make an informed decision as a responsible homeowner. A reputable manufacturer will be keen to mention its awards and credentials for ethical product sourcing and processes so it pays to do your research online as well as in the showroom to be sure that you are buying from a brand which inspires your trust. 2: How hygienic is this kitchen? With health and hygiene is a new cornerstone of family kitchen design, especially as the ‘worried well’ are taking a keen interest in optimising wellness. This is increasingly important in an open plan kitchen which is ‘the nerve centre of the home’ and experiences more foot traffic. With this in mind, look out for anti-bacterial adding extra protection to kitchen surfaces. These coatings are more resistant to the growth of bacteria and help minimise the risk of cross-contamination when prepping food. Anti-bacterial coating brings another level of protection to kitchen surfaces, especially if members of your household suffer from allergies, have low immunity or there are pets in the house. Stainless steel drawers, presentation-style glass panels and anti-fingerprint surface treatments also serve as a barrier and will protect you and your family against harmful substances so your kitchen furniture remains durable and non-toxic to your health and home environment. 3: Can this furniture be tailored to my needs? Custom-made kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow in popularity, and this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one. With this in mind, ask your designer about flexible features such as banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points which should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the ‘fundamentals’ are planned-in so that you can conveniently charge your laptop, smart phone or other electronic device in a dedicated area of the kitchen: great when working from home or enjoying some down time with friends and family. 4: Will this kitchen complement my house and lifestyle? The days of ‘off-the-peg’ kitchens are long gone as we all embrace our own personal style and individualism at home. If you are looking to create a particular look that you wish to carry through into the kitchen then flag it to your kitchen designer so that he or she can explore made-to-measure, made-to-order furniture which will fit your space perfectly. Always be honest about your practical needs too, especially if you are looking for a designated utility room or want to accommodate a pet bed. Do not edit yourself when it comes to talking about your favourite colours and textures in the kitchen as your designer needs to know what you like and how your prefer to use your space. Make sure that you can refer to a manufacturer’s website and social media for design inspiration so you can have a better idea of the how it will look in real life in different colours and finishes. 5: What are the storage possibilities? As the kitchen living dynamic has expanded to include home office and home entertainment elements, you need to be sure that everything from recycling bins to bar ware and paperwork can be stored safely when not in use. Careful thought needs to be applied to the layout of the kitchen as for instance, a larder will inevitably store food, groceries and other provisions and so it needs to always remain close to hand and be protected against adverse conditions like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. In fact, you are best served positioning any larder storage next to the fridge as it will ensure the pantry goods are right next to the fresh foods for optimum convenience. It also pays to enquire about high volume food storage so that you have peace of mind knowing your essentials can always be housed. For example, small mezzanine racks provide additional storage space in cupboards with pull-out rack systems and combination shelving is a way to create one complete area, which caters to multiple needs.

Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced an additional series within its premium Midas™ 220 mixer shower collection, featuring an elegant black metal finish. The Midas 220 in Black makes a bold, contemporary statement, and satisfies the growing consumer demand for black bathroom products and accessories. Manufactured to exceptional standards, the Midas 220 in Black shower series from Aqualisa is equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and each model complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality. Three options are available in the Midas 220 in Black line-up: • MD220S.MB – Single outlet bar mixer shower with adjustable shower head• MD220SC.MB – Dual outlet shower column mixer with 245mm drencher and adjustable head• MD220BSM.MB – Bath shower mixer with adjustable shower head Midas 220 in Black: Single OutletThe high-performance single outlet Midas 220 in Black provides a consistently safe and satisfying shower experience. Built from brass, this fully thermostatic valve with cool touch surface technology offers a five spray mode handset that can be easily adjusted to numerous heights and angles. Midas 220 in Black: Dual OutletA versatile choice, this brass, wall-mounted exposed bar valve with cool touch surface technology includes an integrated diverter for a conventional adjustable handset shower, or an exhilarating overhead drencher shower from a generous 245mm fixed deluge head. This model incorporates a telescopic rail for extra installation flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of showering spaces. Midas 220 in Black: Bath Shower MixerThis space-saving option provides the perfect combination of shower and bath fill for a flexible family bathroom experience. The quality engineered, brass deck-mounted valve delivers excellent flow rates to fill the bath quickly, as well as ensuring a powerful and invigorating shower – all with the safety assurance of thermostatically-controlled temperature and cool touch surface technology. The 24mm five mode handset included with each shower has been designed to be effortless to maintain, with rub-clean jets. An easy fit bracket is included with each product. “The black brassware colourway has never been as popular as it is now. Offering high-calibre performance combined with bold and distinctive styling, the Midas 220 in Black blends an iconic and trusted design with refined, on-trend styling for the modern home environment. With three stunning choices, this new collection makes an immediate impact, as well as offering the versatility to accommodate an array of different bathroom spaces, configurations and sizes,” said Tim Creedon, sales director at Aqualisa.

Abode Swich, award-winning designer of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions is among the top-tier global design talent to be awarded an SBID International Design Award 2021, as it’s crowned the winner of the Kitchen Product awards category for its innovative water filter system. The 2021 SBID International Design Awards winners were revealed at the Nobu Hotel Portman Square in London on Friday 22 October, each presented with a prestigious crystal awards trophy, designed by Sans Souci Glass Deco. Shining a spotlight on the world’s brightest design talent, the creative A&D community came together in a global celebration of interior design excellence to celebrate the industry’s most revered interior designers and makers. “For the first time, our customers are not restricted to the style of tap they can have in their kitchen and now, they can enjoy fresh filtered tap water while removing the need for a countertop water purifier or bottled water, which we all know is harmful to the environment. To be recognised by SBID and its panel of leading industry experts is a great achievement for Abode, acknowledging Swich for its outstanding examples of technical innovation, aesthetic creativity and fit-for-purpose functionality,” said Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode. Abode Swich is a revolutionary design solution that will transform a new or existing kitchen tap in to a filtered water tap that delivers a constant supply of crystal clear filtered water! The exclusive and patented Swich water filter system is a discreet yet ultra-luxe device, which is easy to use and install, either retro-fit in an existing kitchen or add to a new kitchen design. Swich works in conjunction with your normal kitchen mixer tap to improve the overall taste, appearance and quality of your drinking water without compromising on style. Available in four high fashion finishes – Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Chrome – simply turn the Round or Square control handle to indicate the type of water supply you wish to channel through the tap. Providing immediate access to both the domestic water supply and Abode-safe water, via the Swich filter cartridge, customers can enjoy clear refreshing results, every time! “Achieving an SBID Award is an unparalleled marque of design excellence. As another year draws to a close, the SBID Awards continues to empower the design industry to exhibit their creative work and celebrate their achievements on its inclusive stage, as a testament to the incredible outcomes that can be accomplished through the power of good design and quality craftsmanship,” added the SBID International Design Awards.

Following a phenomenal response to the company’s latest innovations that were revealed during the Küchenmeile on 18th to 24th September, Rotpunkt, leading carbon neutral manufacturer of quality German kitchen furniture follow-up with Hausmesse 21: a specially curated virtual in-house exhibition. Ensuring all UK customers can explore its latest product offerings – in person or remotely – Rotpunkt, now virtually open its doors so visitors can experience online: 2022 Brand & Product Presentation(s) in 3D 360° Virtual Tour: live interactive walk-through of the flagship Rotpunkt Showroom in Germany, made available online Downloads: 2022 Product Innovations | 90 Year Anniversary Book “In line with our 2022 brand promise to ‘stay connected’, we want to make sure our customers have the option to explore all of the new products around their business schedule, not ours. With supply chains facing unprecedented disruption globally, we are determined to safeguard our retailers and ensure plenty of resources for them to stay resilient, accessible and competitive in the marketplace,” explains Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt. “Our virtual tour is designed to be super-easy to navigate and our UK team are available to help customers choose the best individual packages for their retail profiles and customer demographics. A key marker of our sales and support strategy is to offer dealers the ability to present our full range of new products at the point of sale, which is why we are also upgrading our Inspiration Point concept next year, with a range of added-value digital solutions. “We predict in 2022 even more capacity for new kitchens and home improvements, with a focus on custom utility and storage zones, architectural kitchen living spaces and combinations of wood and block colour. With this in mind, we look forward to introducing our new product innovations at Kbb Birmingham 2022 next March, to continue connecting with our growing retail community face-to-face.”

Leading British kitchen and interior design studio, Brandt Design, has been commissioned to design and install a selection of contemporary kitchens for leading property management company, Peabody at The Scene, Amersham Vale: a landmark development in New Cross, South London in partnership with residential developer, Sherrygreen Homes. Situated in Amersham Vale, this landmark development of 120 apartments, houses and duplexes with select homes available through the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, are within a short stroll of Deptford high street, Market Yard and nearby New Cross and Deptford rail stations. The Scene in SE14, is a man-made urban village that transitions into Victorian terraces and newly landscaped Charlottenburg Park. The team at Brandt Design, is very proud to play its part in transforming this vibrant part of London in collaboration with PRP Architects and BDP Landscape Architects. “We believe in the democracy of design and feel that everyone should be able to enjoy a kitchen, which is efficient, beautifully designed and made ergonomically,” says Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design. “The Scene is a superb addition to our project portfolio, alongside other premium housing developments in Milton Keynes, Birmingham and high specification work across the luxury residential market. The growing appreciation for person-centred design means there is an expectation to pay close attention to the finer details and provide maximum utility to the end-user in order to ensure the UK property market remains buoyant, with variety and creativity at all levels,” adds Julia. Residents at The Scene in Amersham Vale will all benefit from contemporary handleless kitchens specially curated from the Brandt Urban Collection, with contemporary Putty Concrete Pearl Grey slab doors for the ultimate in industrial-style. Inspired by the suburban colours of the city, this high-performance furniture range is complemented by Silestone stone-effect worktops and upstands in Snow White alongside Amtico White Ash wood-effect flooring, which captures the essence of today’s popular mixed materials trend. All kitchen appliances are by Bosch, from the integrated oven, built-in microwave and electric hob to the well-hidden dishwasher and built-in fridge-freezer. Waste and recycling bins are also cleverly integrated within the kitchen for a hygienic and tidy work space, free from clutter. Freestanding Bosh washer/dryers are located in the hallway, to maximise available cupboard space and minimise the noise pollution in this open plan kitchen living environment: for extra convenience, recessed LED downlights illuminate the worktops for optimum lighting when preparing and cooking food. “We are delighted to be able to put our stamp on such an upcoming development in South London, using our experience to create stylish and practical kitchens for future residents. Choosing a new home is a big decision and so the provision of the ‘right kitchen’ can make a huge difference to quality of life, which is why we opted for a made-to-measure modern design to reflect the dynamic look and feel of The Scene in Amersham Vale,” concludes Scott Davis, Director, Brandt Design.

Specialists in the design and installation of residential and commercial lifestyle interiors, Brandt Design, offer you expert advice on the most popular painted kitchen furniture designs. “Personality and flair is very much at the heart of the modern kitchen, with rich, painted finishes proving the ideal way to create an individual kitchen living space which enhances both your lifestyle and your family’s needs as we look ahead to 2022. Tailor-made kitchens which enhance and anticipate our needs as multi-faceted people who need to cook, entertain and relax quickly and easily are at the centre of residential interior design as we continue to engage with the changes brought by the pandemic and adjust to the ‘new normal’ with changes in work-life balance and new expectations when it comes to household management,” said Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design. A painted kitchen gives you the opportunity to explore a limitless variety of colour which can bridge home and garden, reflect and enhance your architecture or quite simply bring a shade your love into the kitchen regardless of trends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options available for your kitchen cabinets, it is wise to consider which direction your kitchen is facing so you can consider the impact of natural daylight as well as discussing the benefits of warm and cold colours with your kitchen designer. We all have an innate sense of colour, knowing what we like and dislike from our choice of clothing to our vehicles, so remember that inspiration is everywhere when talking about options with your kitchen designer. Keep an open mind as you work together as your expert will have many years of project experience to draw on. The team at Brandt Design are both creative and highly practical so that they will be able to advise on colour combinations which will suit your home, lifestyle and personality. Think about the quality of light in your kitchen and how it changes throughout the day. Are there areas in which you will need more illumination and if so how will this impact on the colours you are drawn to? How much time and effort do you want to put into maintaining your kitchen living space? Would a lower maintenance colour which is more forgiving than a pale or white option be a better option? Do you prefer a slab door for a linear look or does the detailing of a Shaker-inspired door appeal? Would you like the woodgrain to be visible under the paint? What sort of cabinet door furniture appeals to you? Do you want a high contrast between walls, units and worktops or would you prefer a mellower complementary feel? “Once we have explored the options which resonate with you, we can go deeper and work out the colour temperature of your lighting to complement your choice of paint alongside any neutrals and metals in the scheme,” added Julia.

Whiteville Ceramics, innovative Italian-designed sanitary ware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors launch ONDA: a new and modern sanitary ware collection with accentuating curved lines, ultra-luxe glaze and systematic design and function. “Luca has a unique design perspective that derives from his strong architectural background and this, coupled with his ability to balance artistry with product innovation has led to ONDA becoming one of our most ergonomic sanitaryware collections. Inspired by the beauty of natural movement, this series of designer basins and WCs are suitable in both residential and commercial environments making ONDA a luxe turnkey design solution for the modern bathroom,” explained Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group. Exclusively available in the UK, the new ONDA Collection by Whiteville Ceramics, combines innovative design and functionality alongside a rich, ultra-smooth glaze for a high sheen and well-defined shape and style. A modern sanitary ware collection where impeccable quality meets thin profiled basins, comfort seats and ultra-stylish WC’s, the new ONDA collection is available now and offers basins and WCs. Intrinsic to the ONDA Washbasin Collection, end users alike can enjoy a deep oval-shaped bowl with optimised proportions and rear countertop for added surface area. Each washbasin can be styled over-counter or wall-mounted, with the choice of a semi or full pedestal to accommodate a variety of applications. For added continuity, each basin in the collection is available with ONDA brassware in two contemporary designs: 1) ONDA Basin Mixer with Spring Waste and 2) ONDA Tall Basin Mixer, both finished in Chrome. The ONDA close-coupled WC is designed with an understated P-Trap and features the exclusive SAVER® water saving technology by Whiteville Ceramics, which reduces water usage by up to 50% on tank models: from 3 to 4.5 litres in full flush and 2.5 to 3 litres in small flush. Both ONDA models of WC, feature the company’s patented rimless design for optimum performance. By removing the rim, Whiteville Ceramics ensure better hygiene standards as every part of the WC can be easily cleaned as it prevents mould growth in hidden areas so users benefit from a rimless system that is functional and water saving.