designerati June 2024

Challenging Expectations

Design concepts that push the form + function boundaries

Style Counsel

More creative inspiration from Milan

MODULAR MARVELS

Building kitchen brilliance piece-by-piece

awards2024 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Welcome...

to the June issue of designerati

We take a further look at some of the latest designs from the kitchen sector this month with more from EuroCucina in Milan. The biennial exhibition always delivers plenty of talking points and the latest edition has certainly provided lots to consider in terms of materials, styles, formats and features. On the back of our round-up last month, we check in on a few more standout creations over the following pages.

Speaking of innovation, we also chat with InSinkErator’s UK MD Ashley Munden about kitchen practicality and sustainability as the brand prepares to launch its ‘next generation’ of solutions for the home.

Meanwhile, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that entries are now OPEN for this year’s designerati awards. Our highlycoveted honours exist to recognise excellence across kitchen and bathroom design and to showcase the very best products launched within the sector over the past year.

Head along to our dedicated awards website –designeratiawards.co.uk – to nd out more about this year’s categories. It’s easy and free to register and submit your very best work, so don’t miss your chance to get the recognition you deserve at our gala awards event in London on 14 November 2024. Good luck!

Martin Allen-Smith Editor, designerati

EDITORIAL

Martin Allen-Smith, Editorial Director martin@designerati.co.uk

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Contents

June 2024 - Issue 279

6 SOURCE

Our round-up of the people, products, and places that ma er from across K&B design, including precision controls by Phoenix Design for AXOR, an update for a Starck-designed Duravit classic, and a brass bespoke beauty from Westin.

12 THINKING SPACE

British designers and makers, Artichoke, has created a bar and kitchen for a revolutionary project in Hamburg, Germany, within a collection of nine historic 19th century townhouses.

16 MODULAR MARVEL

German kitchen brand Bulthaup presented a new system of builtin and modular kitchen elements, tools and accessories during Milan Design Week

20 FLOATING NEW IDEAS

Among a few eye-catching new presentations from German kitchen brand Eggersmann at EuroCucina in Milan recently was the bronzed brass-embellished Skywalk

22 EMBRACING NATURE’S IMPERFECTIONS

Kitchen brand TM Italia has revealed its limited edition Impexa, created in collaboration with US design duo MC+

26 MAKING LIFE SIMPLE

With its latest Next Generation range of waste disposer products on the way, InSinkErator’s EMEA MD Ashley Munden explains why this is a product category with an increasingly important role to play.

28 DESIGNED TO PERFECTION

This beautiful kitchen is the mostrecent winner of the Siemens studioLine Design Award. It was designed by the talented team at Cheshire-based Arthouse Creative Interiors. Emma Furber, Associate Director, talks us through how the project came together.

32 FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

InstallerSHOW – the UK’s largest event for installers, speci ers, and decision-makers from the heat, water, air, and energy sectors –returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 25-27 June.

40 EXIT

Clearwater teams with artistdesigner Emily Forgot to create a bold bath aesthetic for all seasons.

NIKOLATESLA SWITCH GLOW

DESIGN FABRIZIO CRISÀ

Source

Roll Out the Barrel

Duravit is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Starck Barrel with the launch of a re-interpretation of the Philippe Starck-designed classic using c-bonded technology to produce a more modern look, without losing any of the key characteristics of the original.

The colour variants extend to the wash bowls with ma and gloss black being introduced, in addition to a wide range of furniture handles colour options that can be co-ordinated with the taps. Choices include Chrome, Diamond Black, Brushed Stainless Steel, Brushed Bronze and Polished Gold. Duravit / duravit.co.uk

Look, no hands!

Kitchen sink and tap brand BLANCO has launched its BLANCOCULINA-S II Sensor tap, a semi-professional mixer tap that operates hands-free. Unveiled at Grand Designs Live show last month, the product is an extension to the BLANCOCULINA kitchen mixer tap range from the brand.

The tap features a exible metal hose to o er freedom of movement, while the two jets and integrated ow stop allow for an easy switch between ventilated so jet and a high-power spray function.

The hands-free operation is activated using a wave sensor located on the body of the tap and deactivated by using the same wave motion. Additionally, the tap is setup to sense a saucepan beneath the sensor and will automatically dispense water, stopping the ow when it is removed.

It is available in PVD Steel, while the wider BLANCOCULINA range is available in a choice of metal nishes including PVD steel, ma black, satin platinum and satin dark steel. BLANCO / blanco.com

Bold as Brass

Westin has produced a special bespoke brass version of its Status Air ceiling hood for a private homeowner in North London.

The standard Stratus Air is nished in pure white paint, but during the speci cation process, it was mentioned that there were many brass elements in the kitchen design and planned accessories.

Through the Westin bespoke service, a custom solid brass version of the Stratus Air was manufactured, and a lacquer coat applied to keep the brass from tarnishing or naturally changing colour over time and ensuring a match with adjacent brass lighting and accessories. Westin / westin.co.uk

The Shape of Things to Come

Italian cooker hood brand Falmec introduced new designs at EuroCucina in Milan recently. Under the theme ‘beyond the shape’, the brand emphasised the design possibilities made possible by blending functional solutions with contemporary aesthetics.

Among the new designs, Level Invisible disappears from view as its top panel can be made from the same material as the worktop for full integration, while Jolie is a neat wall unit with integrated extraction hidden beneath the furniture for discreet ventilation and additional storage. Both models will be available in the UK from September 2024. Falmec / falmec.uk

Jolie wall-mounted extractor by Elica

Elica’s Level Invisible extractor

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

EDITOR MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH martin@designerati.co.uk

EDITOR MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH martin@designerati.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGE DEAN george@designerati.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGE DEAN george@designerati.co.uk

BRAND AMBASSADOR MELISSA PORTER

BRAND AMBASSADOR MELISSA PORTER

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CLARA PERRY clara@thedsgroup.co.uk

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CLARA PERRY clara@thedsgroup.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR ALLISTAIR HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR ALLISTAIR HUNTER

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR TRACY MEAD

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR TRACY MEAD

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE CHANTELL KESTON chantell@designerati.co.uk

CHANTELL KESTON chantell@designerati.co.uk

MARKETING

MARKETING

CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER DOM LITTLER dom@thedsgroup.co.uk

CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER DOM LITTLER dom@thedsgroup.co.uk

SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE TYLER CHASE tyler@thedsgroup.co.uk

SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE TYLER CHASE tyler@thedsgroup.co.uk

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR LEE THOMAS

ART DIRECTOR LEE THOMAS

Fully in Control

GRAPHIC DESIGNER BEN EMMERSON

GRAPHIC DESIGNER BEN EMMERSON

ACCOUNTS

ACCOUNTS

FINANCE DIRECTOR CHRIS CORKE accounts@thedsgroup.co.uk

FINANCE DIRECTOR CHRIS CORKE accounts@thedsgroup.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Bathroom brand AXOR has collaborated with design studio Phoenix to create the new slimline ShowerSelect ID thermostatic mixer, which extends a minimal 45mm from the wall thanks to AXOR’s iBox universal 2 ing.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER DONNA FENNELL

SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER DONNA FENNELL

To subscribe email subscriptions@thedsgroup.co.uk or phone 020 3538 0268. Only those who meet the terms of our controlled circulation are eligible to receive a free copy of Designer Magazine. If you do not reach the criteria, subscription rates are UK £35, Europe £70, Worldwide £115

To subscribe email subscriptions@thedsgroup.co.uk or phone 020 3538 0268. Only those who meet the terms of our controlled circulation are eligible to receive a free copy of Designer Magazine. If you do not reach the criteria, subscription rates are UK £35, Europe £70, Worldwide £115

Within its sleek pro le, a central temperature control dial o ers haptic and auditory feedback while surrounding paddles utilise the manufacturer’s Select technology, allowing the user to quickly and easily switch between spray types and outlets. The collection comes in three design styles – round, square or so square – as well as a range of AXOR FinishPlus surfaces and AXOR Signature custom inlay options. AXOR / axor-design.com/uk

awards2024 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Thinking Space

British designers and makers, Artichoke, has created a bar and kitchen for a revolutionary project in Hamburg, Germany. The New Institute is a collection of nine historic 19th century townhouses known as the Warburg Ensemble

The New Institute is an experimental initiative acting as a cultural and academic residency to help re-imagine the way people live and work to bene t future society. At the heart of the adjoining buildings is Artichoke’s home bar and the kitchen where fellows and their families can live and collaborate, bringing together the world’s greatest minds. Like so many of Artichoke’s projects, the brief was to create spaces that feel like they had always belonged there and that will remain for generations to come.

Artichoke acted as the interior architect, designer

and maker, working alongside an international team of architectural and interiors specialists, including Ilse Crawford. The vision was to create a continuous space that ran through the row of buildings allowing guests to circulate easily. Walls needed knocking down to open up the building –not an easy task in a cluster of historic properties.

This newly formed space showed the marks of its past, with many doors and entrances leading in di erent directions as well as ceilings of varying heights interrupting the order of the interiors. It was a seemingly irregular collection of rooms that contrasted with the organised and classical external facade.

The Kitchen

In uenced by the design principles of Ilse Crawford, the concept encapsulated the project’s philosophies with a humanistic approach to design, placing human needs and desires at the forefront.

The brief was to transform a space worthy of acting as a hub of international connection and culinary delight and to create an informal home from home where ideas meet. The result is a welcoming and elegant kitchen, equipped with everything needed for the residents’ needs. While there was a service kitchen in the basement for the bulk of the cooking, this kitchen had a higher purpose to create an

THE KITCHEN NEEDED TO BE OPEN, INVITING, AND INCLUSIVE, BUT ALSO ACT AS A CULINARY THEATRE

atmosphere of connection and interaction.

Architectural control and Artichoke’s signature approach of ‘room rst, furniture second’ unlocked the full potential of the project through dividing the space into distinct zones for speci c functions.

Critical details were added including the arch that overcomes the ceiling height change but achieves the perfect proportions for the cabinets and richly decorated Europeaninspired furniture.

The kitchen furniture was set into purpose-built deep frames to incorporate the cabinetry as part of the room. Practical elements include the large prep sink, O cine Gullo cooker, and bespoke display fridges. These

fridges are specially designed to take a cabinetry frame with wooden doors, and blend into the room.

The serving table in the centre features clever pull-out sections that serve a dual purpose: an extra surface for chefs to present food and maintaining a divide between the professionals and guests when necessary. Designed to appear as if it had been well looked a er over many years of use, layers of paint were introduced to hint at the passage of time. For a modern touch, Farrow & Ball’s Hay runs throughout.

The centrepiece of the room, the Cook’s Table, is made from bleached African mahogany and was designed to evoke the charm of antique European furniture.

“EVEN THE UNDERSIDE OF THINGS SHOULD BE BEAUTIFUL” –BRUCE

HODGSON, ARTICHOKE

Its intricate detailing, including a powerful, distinctive turned and faceted leg and brass angular handles, capture the essence of baroque cra smanship. Bruce Hodgson, Artichoke’s Founder, believes in the beauty of every detail, even when hidden from view. His philosophy is: “Even the underside of things should be beautiful.” It extends to the planks under the worktable, which Bruce likens to “polishing the heel and the toe”.

The kitchen needed to strike a perfect balance – open, inviting, and embodying a spirit of inclusivity but also act as a culinary theatre. The result is a place where cooking is an immersive experience and where guests can engage with the chefs and each other.

The Home Bar

Artichoke created the bar space to be informal yet modern with a distinctive presence. For the residents, the space acts as a café by day and bar by night. Inspired by the continental style of the 1920s, notably the fabulous ‘Bar di Passo’ in Milan, the quirky and playful drinks counter helped to unlock the design vision, resulting in a minimal style that gave the impression it had been there since the early 20th century.

The original houses were a mish-mash of neo-classical details that demanded modern intervention. A delicate balance was achieved between the traditional classical architecture and the progressive ethos of

The New Institute, retaining the character and atmosphere of the building’s original features. Together with a local plasterer, Artichoke explored the intricacies of cornices and ceiling details typical of the region’s architectural heritage. The subsequent commissioned artisanal plasterwork is characterised by the Sonian double ush beads in the plasterwork, a detail carried through on the bar furniture. Artichoke speci ed a rich, dark green painted nish on the cabinetry – gesso was used to create a ‘high build’ giving the appearance of a patina created over time. The uniform, ma e colour was then protected by polishable lacquer and for an extra layer of modernity, the same colour was used on the walls to unify the space and create a seamless visual ow. Artichoke / artichoke-ltd.com

The new modular Bulthaup kitchen island can be designed in di erent ways, with worktop in stainless steel or solid wood, steel or oak legs and solid wood or silk lacquer panels.

The new Bulthaup wall system with three-dimensional polygon wall in walnut.

The overall appearance of this room design is designed to be lively and dynamic. Polygon shapes can be individually designed for customisable functionality.

The Bulthaup functional wall is intended as a quiet, unobtrusive, even hidden ‘platform’ that allows a view of the essentials without distraction. Positioned in front of the wall is the newlydesigned Bulthaup kitchen workbench and height-adjustable rig. The kitchen workbench has an integrated cooktop with induction or gas, a sink, a barista drainer, a spray head and a pull-out chopping board in Hinoki wood.

Modular Thinking

Kitchen manufacturer Bulthaup aimed to go beyond form and function at its recent showing in Milan by adopting what it describes as “the human perspective”. It points out that a room is just an empty shell, but when people do something in it and with it, it turns the room into a place. Only through an action or interaction is an emotional connection created that gives meaning to this place that we call a kitchen.

Bulthaup’s new system is based on the so-called ‘94 line’. This is a horizontal line or plane oriented towards people, on which they work with knives, boards, pots, pans and other kitchen tools.

German kitchen brand Bulthaup presented a new system of built-in and modular kitchen elements, tools and accessories during Milan Design Week

The new bulthaup kitchen workbench pictured hanging on a functional wall. Above it is the structure element on which kitchen tools, leather pot holders and spice jar holders can be hung. The paper roll holder and utensil bag are also shown, mounted on a gentian blue silk lacquer wall.

Further elements can be added to this horizontal system line, enabling, for example, the individually elevated planning of a dishwasher, and the free planning of accessories and functions according to the individual wishes and needs of the user.

Bulthaup / bulthaup.com

design options.

The new functional wall can be used in various living spaces, such as the bathroom as shown here.

Corner pull-out under stainless steel worktop.

Bulthaup sculpture in solid oak or walnut with two apothecary pull-outs for a wide range of storage and

Bulthaup vintage preparation island in solid oak and stainless steel base with integrated waste disposal unit, above which hangs a rig with pull-out grids for hanging kitchen tools.

Floating New Ideas

Among a few eye-catching new presentations from German kitchen brand Eggersmann at EuroCucina in Milan recently was the bronzed brass-embellished Skywalk

One part of the unique island, made of bronzed brass and quartzite Taj Mahal leather, appears to oat. The illuminated, diagonal shi is a detail which Eggersmann says helps to create an exciting combination of both elements

Known for its bold and ambitious use of materials in its kitchen designs, Eggersmann looked to push the boundaries once again with a number of creative ideas.

Its Skywalk kitchen design stood out for a number of reasons. The design aims to break up the monolithic character of classic kitchen islands, making island elements made of solid natural stone appear to oat thanks to a central structural element which provides both stability and space to accommodate some of the essential components.

A striking diagonal shi between the island elements elevates the design still further and ensures each con guration of the kitchen can be unique.

When it comes to metals, Eggersmann’s portfolio already o ers a choice of materials, such as black steel, brass in di erent designs and ‘silverTouch’ stainless steel. It has added to its o ering with new hot-rolled and black-touch stainless steel nishes. They have a special look and more nishing options, based on the robust material properties of stainless steel.

Included in these options is polished stainless steel as a front material in a thickness of 3 mm.

Eggersmann / eggersmann.com

Embracing Nature’s Imperfections

Kitchen brand TM Italia has revealed its limited edition Impexa, created in collaboration with US design duo MC+

Unveiled during Milan Design Week, the kitchen design sees California-based duo MC+ – Ma ia Biagi and Cardenio Petrucci – fuse the concepts of the imperfection of nature with a system of products conceived as functional artworks.

The internal structure of the three islands is made of panels produced from recycled materials and wood bres obtained from renewable sources. The side and front panels are made of steel, with two super-gloss nishes in dark gold and nickel tones, combined with a super-ma brass nish.

The worktops are made of ceramic in a dark slate shade and a 3D Vulcan e ect surface, inspired by solidi ed lava. The cooking island integrates concealed induction technology, exploiting the technical characteristics of the ceramic material that allow electromagnetic transfer even

“WE AIM TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP, CREATING PIECES THAT RESONATE WITH THE ESSENCE OF CONTEMPORARY LIVING”

Ma ia Biagi and Cardenio Petrucci of MC+

without a glass cooktop. The washing island is equipped with a hand-assembled single-material sink made using traditional stoneworking techniques.

Biagi said: “We were excited to present our new collections to the design community during Milan Design Week. It was an incredible experience to collaborate with esteemed brands like TM Italia and see our creations come to life. These partnerships represent a perfect synergy between our design ethos and the innovative capabilities of these renowned brands.”

Petrucci added: “Together, we aim to push the boundaries of design and cra smanship, creating pieces that resonate with the essence of contemporary living.”

TM Italia / tmitalia.com

NATURE’S CANVAS INSPIRED BY

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Scan to see the full Corian® Solid Surface collection.

Corian® Solid Surface—Calacatta Greige

InSinkErator’s Next Generation food waste disposer

With its latest Next Generation range of waste disposer products on the way, InSinkErator’s EMEA MD Ashley Munden explains why this is a product category with an increasingly important role to play

Making Life Simple

Unveiling a new brand campaign at KBB Birmingham earlier this year, InSinkErator previewed a range of product additions set to launch this summer in the form of its Next Generation food waste disposers as well as a new Brushed opper finish for its 3N1 and 4N1 instant hot water taps.

Representing a fresher, bolder look for the brand, the ‘It’s this easy’ campaign has simplicity at its heart, intended to convey how its products make everyday tasks simple. Ashley Munden, Managing

Director EMEA at In inkErator, explained: “The campaign communicates a fresh, succinct narrative around our products, showing just how simple they are to use, and works perfectly with today’s lifestyles.

“The new brand campaign dovetails the preview of our Next Generation food waste disposers which are coming in the summer. These products have been designed for the modern kitchen, able to easily tackle food waste thanks to advancements in technology.”

The new products and messaging represent the latest evolution from a brand

with considerable heritage. InSinkErator was founded in 1938 following the invention of the first food waste disposer by John W. Hammes in 1927. Since then, the business has been honing its products and conveying the benefits they can bring.

Extolling the benefits

“The questions we’ve heard for many years are ‘what does it do?’, ‘how does it work?’, ‘where does the waste go?’,” said Munden. We work very hard

Ashley Munden

with our communications to explain how simple, yet brilliant it is. It sits underneath your kitchen sink, hidden away, and yet it does an important daily job. We know from experience that those who install a waste disposer say they would never again live without one.”

“Part of the challenge is getting in front of people and being able to show them how they work, and that includes designers – we really want them to see and understand how this can help them incorporate ways of recycling into the kitchen schemes that they are creating.”

As part of this communication mission, InSinkErator has produced a number of videos and other material to show specifiers how the product works and what it brings to the process in order to enable them to effectively sell the product to their customers. “It is a product that really should be in every kitchen and there is huge potential for this product category,” explained Munden. “Years ago, it was more of a ‘nice to have’, as most

people were in the habit of just putting their food waste directly into their bins. Today, there is huge emphasis on recycling and sustainability and so creating kitchens with the functionality of this process built-in has become really important.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in this product category since we launched our hot water taps in 2015-16,” said InSinkErator’s Ashley Munden. “It’s an important part of our business and really complements the waste disposer in terms of further delivering on convenience. It makes life easier, and that’s exactly what we strive for as a solutions-based company.”

“What’s really changed in recent years is that consumers think differently, and they’ve adapted to operate very differently when it comes to the whole topic of recycling. This represents a great opportunity for us. Sometimes you need the market to be at the right place for new technologies and new products to really find their mark, and it feels like that’s exactly where we’re at right now with food disposers.”

Future thinking

Munden added: “Since inventing this product in 1927, we’ve continually had to evolve, looking at better and more efficient ways of grinding food waste, and rising to our responsibility as a manufacturer of bringing new and more innovative products to the consumer.”

“The Next Generation range sees the addition of a fourth stage of grind so that

it’s grinding food waste down to as small as 2mm sizes, we’ve added more power, and we’ve reduced the size of the unit – particularly important in the context of kitchens where space is at a premium. It’s really always been about finding ways of making a very high-quality product even better.”

At the heart of product development for the company however, is a consistent focus on the end user said Munden.

“We have a big product development team in the US who are always focused years ahead, looking for the next idea or technology to add to our products. Moving forward and bringing fresh new ideas to consumers is very important.”

“Consumers have choices in how they want to manage food waste. We give them another option by providing a solution to an everyday need, and one that is growing. Kitchens are designed to look beautiful and a lot of time and money is invested in this showpiece of the house. The appliances that go into the kitchen need to fit with the lifestyle by delivering an important function and these products do this discretely and very easily.”

InSinkErator / insinkerator.co.uk

InSinkErator presented its new branding and portfolio additions at kbb Birmingham in March

Designed to Perfection

This beautiful kitchen is the mostrecent winner of the Siemens studioLine Design Award. It was designed by the talented team at Cheshire-based Arthouse Creative Interiors. Emma Furber, Associate Director, talks us through how the project came together.

DESIGNERATI: PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE SPACE

Emma Furber: Our client had toyed with the idea of moving, before deciding to build a large extension to the rear of their Liverpool home. The kitchen remained within the same footprint as the original, but it is now part of a light-filled open-plan space with dining, bar area and inviting lounge. The same flooring runs throughout to unite the different zones.

DESIGNERATI: HOW DID YOU DESIGN THE KITCHEN?

Furber: We specified a clean-lined handleless SieMatic kitchen in the Graphite Grey Velvet Matt finish. It makes a dramatic statement, though the client was initially apprehensive that it would be too dark. However, we assuaged their fears with a carefully-designed lighting scheme. The resulting balance of dark kitchen with light room gave them confidence and created an atmosphere that is both bright and warm.

A highlight of the design is the distinctive worktop, which mimics a stunning natural marble but in a more durable Marazzi Calacatta Extra porcelain surface. We’ve also used it for the bookmatched splashback, creating a showstopping focal point in the kitchen. Adding another layer of sophistication is the metal inlay frame around the furniture. It’s only a subtle touch but really dials up the opulence of the design.

DESIGNERATI: WHICH APPLIANCES WERE SPECIFIED?

Furber: All the appliances came from Siemens, which ensures they align perfectly, as can be seen with the bank of appliances. There’s a single pyrolytic oven, single oven with steam, compact oven with microwave and fully automatic coffee machine. Meanwhile, to maintain the uninterrupted lines of the furniture, we installed an integrated fridge and freezer, choosing fullheight models to offer maximum cooling capacity. Finally, to avoid the need for an overhead extractor, we specified a venting hob, so the chef can enjoy a clear view across the island – and chat with guests at the same time.

DESIGNERATI: ANY PARTICULAR HIGHLIGHTS?

Furber: The client requested recessed channel lighting around the furniture. It not only highlights the kitchen but really enhances the ambiance – particularly as evening falls. Another element that works well is the casual dining area at one end of the island. It elevates the space beyond a kitchen to a hub of social interaction within the home.

DESIGNERATI: FINALLY, WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES?

Furber: The client initially had trouble visualising the proposed layout and design, which was where CAD software was invaluable in recreating the space in a virtual environment. It really helped ease their concerns and give them confidence in the direction of the design. In addition, the fact that we were working on the project during the pandemic, and all contact was online, definitely added a layer of complexity. But I’m proud to say the team rose to the challenge and delivered a design that not only met the client’s expectations but went above and beyond!

Siemens / siemens-home.bsh-group.com ArtHouse Creative Interiors / arthousecreativeinteriors.co.uk

Designing Beyond the Kitchen

David Morris, Sales Director for KBB buying group MHK, explains how studios can win larger projects by tapping into the right suppliers and expertise. With MHK UK, retailers can expand beyond just kitchens to potentially entire homes

The UK is fortunate to have many talented kitchen designers who would be wonderfully skilled at turning their hand to other spaces – be it an outdoor kitchen, home o ce, home gym, games room and more. Any space that can be designed is an opportunity and o en the only barrier curbing a designer’s enthusiasm is lack of access to suppliers.

MHK has helped grow many kitchen retail businesses who are willing and ready to go ‘beyond the kitchen’ by giving them the support to bid for the whole home renovation project. MHK membership empowers designers to con dently start tendering beyond the kitchen thanks to access to leading suppliers across a full home interior product portfolio covering categories such as lighting, ooring, heating, outdoor kitchens and more.

By being a member of MHK you have immediate access to a range of industry suppliers and, crucially, can enjoy excellent payment terms allowing you to be competitive as you enter this new territory.

Memuna Ismail, MHK member and Senior Kitchen Designer and Showroom Manager at

Blackburn Tile Centre, has taken advantage of MHK’s o ering to work in many other areas of the home including indoor pool spaces, garden patios and changing rooms. Speaking on her approach, she advises retailers wanting to take the rst step into designing throughout the home to “make sure to ask what lies behind each of the room’s doors, include a dining table and

seating in the space and provide plans for innovative storage solutions”.

Memuna adds: “Filling empty spaces, asking about other areas of the home, and making bold design choices can surprise and delight clients, leading to repeat business and referrals. Even if they don’t have the budget to take on another room initially, they will remember your design

when the renovation bug sets in down the line. Even the great outdoors. The demand for outdoor kitchens is really growing and through membership of MHK we have access to a host of outdoor products which we are looking to include in phase two of our showroom expansion.”

Our advice is to start small. On the next project, ask ‘what’s on the other side of the wall?’. Perhaps there is a cinema room, home o ce or study that would bene t from a smart drinks fridge or upgraded sound system. Whilst not always an instantaneous upsell, what began as a simple kitchen project, months down the line may lead to repeat business when other rooms are renovated.

We are already seeing members yield tangible results across Europe from this strategy, particularly in countries like Germany where the concept of the ‘home living’ retail category has already gained signi cant traction. German retailers have adeptly positioned themselves as sellers of not just kitchens but complete lifestyle solutions, and the dividends are clear to see. Their ability to seamlessly integrate various elements of home design has resonated with consumers, opened the

opportunity for repeat business, and boosted sales in the process.

Of course, transitioning to o ering design in new areas of the home isn’t without its challenges. It requires access to a larger selection of products, which can be a risk for independent retailers who don’t have the capital to commit to large orders without the guarantee of interested consumers. This is where becoming part of a buying group really makes the di erence.

Members wanting to trial a project in a new area of the home will get access to a great product selection at superior prices negotiated by MHK without having to commit to high quantities. Our exclusive brand xeno further empowers independent retailers to design kitchens, utility spaces, home o ces, and cloakrooms with modern ed furniture in a variety of styles and beautiful nishes all at competitive prices. MHK is striving to break down the barriers to entry into new areas of business for our independent kitchen retailers. The rewards of designing beyond just the kitchen far outweigh any challenges it may present and, by embracing a more

comprehensive approach, retailers and designers not only future-proof their businesses and maximise their leads but also gain the ability to give their customers spaces that re ect their unique needs.

To learn more about what MHK membership can do for you, visit h ps://kitchen-experts.co.uk/

David Morris

InstallerSHOW – the UK’s largest event for installers, speci ers, and decision-makers from the heat, water, air, and energy sectors –returns to the NEC, Birmingham (25-27 June). 50% bigger than last year, over 20,000 visitors will be there for a full line-up of features, theatres and exhibitors.

Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms is set to debut at InstallerSHOW 2024, o ering a blend of technology, tools, innovation, and inspiration for a endees. This new addition aims to provide a unique content programme aimed at bringing the industry closer through education, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.

The dedicated K&B section of the show will o er an extensive content programme across two theatres covering topics such as water and energy e ciency, design innovation, sustainable and smart

technology, and changing legislation. It is backed by a number of industry organisations including the BMA, BiKBBI, NKBA, AMDEA UK and the Uni ed Water Label, as well as leading manufacturers.

Exhibitors in this area of the show include Der Kreis, Flova UK, Grohe, Hafele UK, Qe le, Waterline, Sensio Lighting, Symphony, Impey, VitrA, Aqualisa, Flair Showers, Hansgrohe, Mira Showers among others. There will also be a Kitchen of the Future display, sponsored by Symphony, showcasing the 4Gen kitchen concept, a collaboration between awardwinning designer and author Johnny Grey and ageing expert Professor Peter Gore.

InstallerSHOW – 2024 SPEAKERS

• Jay Rayner – journalist, author and food critic, will be talking about what home cooks want from a kitchen;

• Kerr Drummond – a property expert who will share his thoughts on design trends;

• Hayley Robson – Creative Director at Day True;

Outside of the extensive content programme, visitors to the show will also have plenty of networking opportunities, with multiple informal events planned across the three days, including networking over lunch at the Future of Water a raction, sponsored by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.

The ‘Invent’ area of the show is dedicated to groundbreaking new inventions from forward-thinking companies. The products featured range from ingenious tech devices powered by data, to cu ing edge digital solutions, o ering a glimpse into the next generation of industry innovations.

InstallerSHOW / installershow.com

• Mark Millar – carpenter, property developer and TV presenter from Northern Ireland, known for DIY SOS, C5’s Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms and Build Your Dream Home in the Country;

• Linda Barker – English interior designer and television presenter;

• Daniel Baines – Head of Training at Samsung UK Digital Appliances;

• Adam Thomas – Designer at The Symphony Group;

• Johnny Grey – Director & Designer at Johnny Grey Studios;

• Lucy Corle – Country Manager at RorosHe a.

How InSinkErator®

food waste disposers

help optimise kitchen space

Consumers are becoming more conscious about optimising their kitchen. As the room has morphed to become somewhere to cook, dine, entertain, and in some cases work from home, ge ing the most from the space has become more important. Add to that the fact that people are more conscious about recycling and waste separation than ever before, and it’s clear why an InSinkErator® food waste disposer can play a key role in a fully optimised, modern kitchen.

60% of UK food waste comes from households according to gures from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), and in 2021/22, UK households generated 6.4m tonnes of food and drink waste; 4.7 tonnes were edible and 2m tonnes of which were inedible or unavoidable. This equates to 95kg per person per year.

Food waste disposers dispose of unwanted food waste instantly and are a hidden product — tucked neatly away under the sink. Easy to install, they t in

standard kitchen cabinets of 600mm with no additional space required and work using standard plumbing. What’s more, InSinkErator®’s latest premium products have reduced in size, making them easier to specify for smaller spaces.

This means they’re gamechangers in kitchen optimisation, out of sight, taking up very li le space, but helping enormously with food preparation and mealtime clear up.

Anne

Kaarlela, Marketing Communications and Customer

Service Manager, Europe, said: “When optimising smaller homes, the kitchen may not always be a huge space, therefore maximising the area and having a food waste disposer means the simple disposal of vegetable peels or le overs without taking up room. Similarly, for those with bigger kitchens suitable for hosting guests, where the room has become a place for socialising and a place of pride, a food waste disposer is a clean dream, bringing tidiness in an instant fashion.”

She continued: “When it comes to speci cation, because of their simplicity, designers do not need to make signi cant extra considerations when planning the products in new kitchens. In the US they are commonplace, and here in the UK we’re on a journey to introduce them into more homes. We nd that once people have one, their mind is made up and they can’t then imagine life without the product – they become an important pillar of their kitchen.”

An InSinkErator® food waste disposer o ers a complementary solution to composting inedible food waste and council-provided food caddies for separating food waste in the home. Nearly 100 years of innovation has brought the brand to where it is today, continuously honing its marketleading products since their invention in 1927 by InSinkErator® founder John W. Hammes.

InSinkErator®’s Next Generation is available this summer, with new products boasting a range of advancements, but still disposing in the classic InSinkErator® way; quietly, safely and at the touch of a bu on.

For more information on InSinkErator® and its products, please call 01923 297880 or visit: insinkerator.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 9th OCTOBER

2024 AT THE BELFRY HOTEL & RESORT, WEST MIDLANDS

This ‘must attend’ event for all KBB retailers is designed to elevate your business to new heights. Join us for invaluable insights and networking opportunities to drive growth and innovation.

To book your place please contact the Kbsa 01623 818808 dawnharlow@kbsa.org.uk www.kbsa.org.uk/conference-2024

Available until 30th June

Open to all

Expert knowledge from guest speakers and industry debate will focus on areas including sales and marketing, artificial intelligence and business coaching. Seize the opportunity to develop your business, boost profitability and stay ahead of the curve.

The format will include the popular exclusive retailer dinner the evening before the conference, Tuesday 8th October. Experienced broadcast journalist Emma Crosby will host the conference and facilitate the Big Debate.

International Master Coach, Tina Southgate, will deliver a presentation to inspire the audience. As a seasoned leadership coach, Tina has helped hundreds of leaders create and establish businesses and grow their organisation to the next level.

Award-winning comedian and actress Ronni Ancona will host the 2024 Kbsa Designer Awards.

Where there’s a will, there’s a WISA

If 2023 was the year furniture makers discovered that there was more to European birch plywood than Russia, then 2024 is set to be one where the material experiences a renaissance.

One of the highest quality, non-Russian brands available on the market is WISA Birch Ply from UPM. Manufactured in Finland with wood selected from officially certified, sustainable forests in a low-emission facility, it’s a carbon-neutral, ethically sourced, premium timber panel suitable for almost any residential or commercial furniture application, from chairs and benches to bedframes and wardrobes, right through to kitchen cabinetry.

It’s fast becoming a go-to choice for the UK’s furniture-making and joinery community, particularly for its relative lightness, visual and dimensional consistency,

ease of fabrication, and competitive price point.

Perfectly balancing form and function, its many fine attributes were recently showcased in a specially commissioned sideboard, made by Bristol-based designer KONK.

The ‘Kobi’ cabinet showcases the very best in contemporary British design. Comprising a WISA Birch Ply frame and scalloped doors in Black American Walnut, this piece highlights plywood’s timeless appeal and enduring elegance, especially as a product that not only delivers structural integrity but does it with a style and panache.

“A go-to choice for the UK’s furnituremaking and joinery community”

Kobi’s two-tone aesthetic also demonstrates its understated qualities, providing the perfect base on which to frame bolder colours, tones, and patterns. Going further, KONK was impressed with its long-grain surface, which achieved the visual continuity outlined in the client’s original brief.

UPM WISA Birch Ply is available from leading UK and Ireland timber, décors, and panels distributor James Latham. Stocking nationwide in 12 depots, it can be ordered in a variety of different sizes and formats, ranging from 6.5 – 30mm thickness.

To find out more about using WISA Birch Ply in your next project, visit lathamtimber.co.uk/products/panels/plywood/birch-plywood/wisa-birch-premium, scan the QR code, or contact info@lathams.co.uk

Putting extraction at the heart of your hob…

lica s NikolaTesla range offers the widest selection of extractor hobs available in the U

The range incorporates the latest technology to ensure both the best cooking experience as well as the effective extraction of fumes and odours. All models in the line-up have the highest extraction speed on the market at 5.1m/s enabling them to capture fumes and odours as they start to rise.

The collection includes NikolaTesla Fit, which brings style and performance to homes where space is limited. FIT is the first induction hob with integrated extraction that can be installed in a standard 60cm base unit. The standard FIT comes in two widths –60cm and 72cm – but both fit into a standard 60cm base. Also available is the 80cm FIT XL with four cooking zones, and if you need to cook with larger pans, you can combine them into two bridge zones.

NikolaTesla Unplugged the latest extractor hob which brings together the elegance of the hugely successful NikolaTesla Switch and the benefits of analogue control. Unplugged is controlled through beautifully machined knobs which provide smooth, instantaneous and intuitive access to all its features. In either all black glass or black glass and stainless-steel design with a clean separation of the cooking zone from the control area. Three automatic cooking features – Melting, Warming, and Simmering – make it a joy to use.

For those who prefer gas, NikolaTesla Flame has been developed in compliance with all safety standards to find the right balance between the burners and extraction from below that replaces a traditional kitchen hood. It has four burners and the most powerful one has two concentric burners: the central one can be used for small pans or both for fast cooking with bigger pans.

And then there is the iconic NikolaTesla Switch Glow, which takes care of extraction; the invisible and quiet built-in extractor automatically adjusts based on the quantity and type of fumes.

Or choose the competitively priced NikolaTesla Alpha, which automatically adjusts extraction power by detecting active cooking zones, and thus setting the most suitable fume and odour capture level. At top speed, Comfort Silence technology guarantees minimum noise disturbance at only 61 dB(A).

All come with a five-year warranty and flexible installation options.

Elica / elica.co.uk

Clearwater Interiors has teamed up with artist and illustrator Emily Forgot to create a limited-edition freestanding bath design.

A London-based designer whose multidisciplinary practice encompasses art, design and illustration, Forgot’s work is characterised by a playful and graphic visual language to explore interior architecture and colour, with a focus on threedimensional objects and spaces.

The collaboration brings an injection of colour to Clearwater’s eco-luxe bathroom collection.

Hand-painted at Emily’s home studio, ‘Apricity’ is an abstract depiction of all the four seasons. The geometric pa erns wrap around the bath, visualising the seasons through colour and composition.

Forgot said: “The design is inspired by the seasons changing, exploring their colour, form and composition. Creating the design during the period of winter turning into spring, the concept of ‘Apricity’ was born.

“I conducted four colour studies with the intention of representing the desire for

tranquil, enveloping warmth in the months of winter and the reinvigoration of spring when it arrives. These colours, including deep reds, earthy greens and sky blues, envelope the bath, tying in seamlessly with the engineered stone nish of the Clearwater Interiors bath.”

Clearwater Interiors / clearwaterinteriors.net