Kitchen specialist John Lewis of Hungerford really can boast it offers the best-painted finish in the kitchen industry, after its Gloss paints were independently tested and awarded the highest rating available.

It’s official – independent tests declare:…

In tests by the Satra Technology Centre, the Gloss paint finish that the company specialises in, scored the maximum of 5 points in all 17 categories, from resistance to wet and dry heat to marking by liquids, oils and solvents, which means they are certified for ‘severe usage’, the highest possible rating. 

The finish is suitable for commercial, industrial and professional kitchen environments, making the doors of the Crème de la Crème and Cool ranges the hardest wearing painted doors in the world of kitchens.

The paint finishes are applied by John Lewis of Hungerford’s expert team, based at the Wantage workshop and incorporate up to 13 separate stages, completed with hand burnishing.
 
The specialist uses the latest, most advanced formula available to create this expert finish, which has been developed with decades of professional knowledge and regular independent testing.

Featured here is the Cool Kitchen – a clean, modern design:

• High gloss finished kitchens were sold originally by John Lewis of Hungerford during the early eighties.
• In recent years these modern classics have made a huge comeback due to the popularity of the clean, glossy lines.
• This Cool kitchen is finished in Piano Gloss, Pure White and is enhanced with rich Walnut worktops and wrap around worktop, above a wine chiller.
• The Piano Gloss, Noir, Cool Refrigerator, is an ideal freestanding element and completes the classic working triangle, between the cooker and sink in the island.

Not only does the company offer its own collection of over 90 beautiful colours, but with excellent results in the recent testing, combined with improved processes and the application of an additional primer hardening agent, the specialist’s kitchens and furniture really are the best they have ever produced.

To see the full ranges of John Lewis of Hungerfords kitchen furniture visit the website.

Tel:   (0700) 2784726

Leading UK kitchen retailer, In-toto, has launched its next generation of true handleless kitchens with the Inline range.

The sleek elegance and timeless contemporary design of In-toto Inline, combines additional cabinet features and dimensions, enabling even more flexibility and planning freedom in the home.

Every element of the Inline is fully co-ordinated, with a continuous handle recess punctuating the front and a seamless finish concealing a superbly functional kitchen beneath.

In-toto designer and store owner Shanti Panchani from Northwood Hills, London, said: “The Inline is the next generation of handleless kitchens, which offers stunning simplicity to any room by bringing an uninterrupted, minimalist finish, which facilitates the latest desire to extend kitchens into a living and dining area.

With two or three drawer combinations and motorised or push open doors available, Inline is available in laminates, lacquers and wood veneers with matching colours, contrasting colours or stainless steel effect. In-toto’s application of the latest technology means its horizontal and vertical rails match the material and colour of the doors to create an even, clean finish.

“While white gloss kitchens continue to be in high demand, the beauty of Inline is its colour options with the likes of stone grey and a complementary slate finish work surface creating a flawless, fully co-ordinated kitchen which brings effortless cleaning and stylish living,” Shanti added.

“The advent of handleless kitchens together with kitchen islands, means an even more streamlined overall finish is possible which can be further enhanced by installing LED lighting between the worktops and the door fronts creating a greater feeling of space and light.”

The Inline brings incredible functionality to a kitchen with an apparent two drawer frontage, which actually gives way to three draws of storage beneath – none of which is visible from the outside.”

The In-toto Inline collection is available from In-toto stores across the UK from £15k plus appliances and worktop.

For further information on the new In-toto Inline kitchen, or to find your nearest stockist, visit the In-toto website.
Tel: (01924) 487900.

A fashionable return to more traditional kitchen designs, brings a brand new beginning for Mereway Kitchens this summer, with the introduction of a new Revival Shaker style door for their English Revival range.

Originally launched 12 years ago, the English Revival brand has remained popular and with traditional handcrafted styles seeing a huge renaissance, Mereway Kitchens believe the timing of this new range is perfect for today’s market.

Based on a brand new unit matrix, similar to Mereway’s main collection, the new range is stylish, easy to plan and has far greater unit availability:

• It is available in both stunning Natural Oak, as well as the same 5 popular painted colours as their Lincoln collection. A Ready to Paint option is also offered for those customers looking to create their own colour palette.
• With delicate 78mm stiles and rails and a beaded profile on all frames, the new Shaker design exudes quality and elegance. Solid 19mm glue and dowelled cabinets and the addition of solid timber dovetail drawer-boxes all go into presenting a truly exceptional product range that is built to last.
• “Timber drawers are often seen as the signature of a quality in-frame kitchen and our new in-frame Shaker is no exception.” Comments Ginette Crowther, Marketing Manager for Mereway Kitchens “It will be the first in our English Revival range to feature solid timber dovetail drawer-boxes as standard, as well as the latest fully adjustable soft close runner.”

The new Shaker is just the first in a far broader collection of in-frame products, Mereway Kitchens will be releasing for their English Revival range over the next 12 months.

The Mereway Group of Companies manufacture and deliver high quality kitchen and bathroom furniture along with a range of associated products.

All furniture is made to order and supplied rigid using traditional glue and dowel methods.

For further information on the English Revival kitchen range, visit the Mereway website.

 Tel: (0121) 706 7844

For a design with the longevity to last a lifetime, Edwardian is Moben’s latest addition to the collection of ‘Character’ kitchens.

With a stylish cream painted wood-effect finish, this kitchen will amplify the light in your home, whilst the black iron-cast handles give it a charming finishing touch:

• With deep routered door profiles and a traditional dresser design, this kitchen range gives a truly high-end look and feel, without the designer price tag.
• As a design to impress visitors and family alike – the sociable island unit makes a fantastically friendly kitchen.
• A traditional Belfast sink is used as a real focal point, with plenty of space for the family to congregate, and to help Mum with the washing up.
• What’s more, the solid granite Maia surfaces provide a hard wearing solution, no matter what culinary masterpieces or disasters come its way.

Terry Watson, Kitchen Planning Expert for Moben Kitchens comments:

“For a kitchen which brings the warmth of a classic kitchen – without looking out of place in a modern home, this range brings a real flexibility to your home.

Whether you are after a design, which will stand the test of time, but can be easily updated with accessories, or want a real traditional look this is the kitchen for you.”

Prices for a fully designed and installed Moben kitchen start from £6,000.

To view the Moben Character Kitchen ranges visit their website.

David Newell, design expert at Kitchens Direct, comments:

“A primary consideration for many homeowners choosing a new kitchen is longevity. Installing a new kitchen is a big project and if you are going to make the investment, you need to be sure the kitchen you choose, is not only designed around your lifestyle but is designed to last, in terms of quality and overall look.

“A lot of kitchen trends come and go, but there is one which never seems to go out of style; the white kitchen.

Extremely popular, white kitchens provide a neutral backdrop, allowing you to style the rest of the kitchen however you please and update this as frequently as you desire, but this isn’t to say that they have to be bland in their design.

“Meridian is the latest range to be introduced by Kitchens Direct and offers a classic look with contemporary detailing, making it perfect for young couples and families alike, who want a look that will last:

• Meridian features classic square frame tongue and groove doors but with a twist, as the door-frame is horizontal rather than vertical.

• This attention to detail provides a more modern edge and the overall effect is a very stylish kitchen that will look just as good now, as it will in a home five or ten years down the line.

• Add to this the striking new Argent chunky stainless steel handle, Maia solid surface worktop and glass splashback, and you have a practical kitchen with long lasting appeal.”

It Pays To Go Direct: Kitchens Direct is the smart way to a fully fitted kitchen, with prices starting from £4,995, for an individually designed and installed kitchen.

To view the new kitchens for 2010, or book your free design appointment, visit the Kitchens Direct website.

Tel: (0800) 123 321

Cargo Granite is offering a free template and fitting service from February 1st – 28th, on all orders of semi-precious stones over 3 m² within a 150-mile radius of London.

February is famously known as the month of romance…and how better to demonstrate your undying love than investing in something that lasts a lifetime?

Cargo Granite, a leading UK supplier, fabricator and installer of granite, quartz and natural stone, has a gorgeous selection of semi-precious stones to create unique kitchen work surfaces of lasting beauty.

The glamorous collection is sourced from the highest quality semi-precious stones such as: Carnelian, Wild Agate, Labradorite, Petrified Wood and some of the most sought after quartz - Rose quartz, smoky quartz and Amethyst.

Each with its own unique colouring and depth, these dazzling stones create hand made worktops that glimmer; making them a gem of a gift for Valentine’s.

Featured here is Amethyst:
The colour purple represents wealth, royalty and sophistication and Amethyst stones have long been used as a power stone; said to possess a calming and healing energy.

With vibrant hues that subtly change from pale lilac to deep purple, the sparkling Amethyst work surface from Cargo Granite is the way forward this February. Prices from £1995 per square metre + VAT.

The beauty and strength of the stones combined with their natural properties, means their use is almost limitless, making them perfect for use in the bathroom, kitchen and throughout the home.

Who needs an eternity ring when rooms can dazzle with hundreds of semi-precious jewels…!

For further information please visit the Cargo Granite website.

Tel: (01234) 853439

Looking for exquisite design, contemporary elegance and personal customer service? Then step into the world of Brilliant Space and enhance your living space in the most inspiring way.

They recognize the crucial step in communicating your identity, image and personality - to create a new and exciting experience, encouraging a sense of calm, whilst creating feelings of luxury, tranquility and success.

Brilliant Space is an exclusive supplier and installer of high quality modern and contemporary Italian furniture and fittings, designed by names such as ‘Sangiocomo’ and ‘Mesons’.

Working within contemporary Italian design and style, Brilliant Space creates elegant design solutions effortlessly:

• Focusing on the Living Area, Kitchen and Bedroom, Brilliant Space innovate in storage solutions and design, offering a complete service, from expert advice on product selection to overseeing all aspects of the installation.

• The design simplicity of the products belies their impressive functionality, plus imaginative and efficient use of space.

• Meson’s kitchens are renowned for their high finish and use of unique materials that never fail to impress, and Sangiocomo wows with its quality furniture and competitive pricing.

• Sangiocomo have created a combination of units with doors, draws in different finishes, matt, or gloss lacquered colours and veneers.

• Wall units and cupboards in glass lacquer, free standing or wall hung, combined with floating shelving.

The bedroom furniture featured here, is the Arco bed in Dark Oak wood veneer, designed by San Giacomo
Headboard available in Teak and Dark Oak.
Base available in:Teak; Dark oak; Coloured matt lacquer and Gloss lacquer.
Club matching side tables and tall chests of drawers in Dark Oak.

Whether you are looking to create a warm, calming bedroom with practical wardrobe solutions, an inviting living area in which to relax, or a kitchen that can become the heart of the house, where the family can gather to eat, chat and relax, Brilliant Space is well qualified to do the job.

Visit the Briliant Space website to be inspired.

Tel: (020) 7372 5853

The Chiltern Marble Group’s owner, Paul Mullee predicts that colour is going to make a bold appearance in kitchens next year; the seemingly insatiable love of black granite finally appears to be abating.

Think glittering gems of purples, reds and turquoise, plus watery glass surfaces of blues and greens.

Another hot trend will be for leaner work surfaces, adopting the continental style of slim 20mm thick worktops - the result is sharp clean lines giving a more contemporary look.

Favoured materials will be semi-precious stones such as: Carnelian, Wild Agate, Labradorite, Petrified Wood and some of most sought after quartz - Rose quartz, smoky quartz and Amethyst; these gorgeous stones create striking worktops that glitter with exquisite jewels.

There will also be an increasing shift towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable materials such as recycled quartz.

Using a combination of reclaimed quality quartz and recycled glass this is an ideal eco-friendly and stylish choice for kitchen, bathroom and workplace counter tops.

Featured here is Ciltern Marble’s product material: Rojo Eros.
Available size: 20mm and 30mm.
Price: List price 20mm - £380 per sqm. plus vat.

Visit the Chiltern Marble website to view their exquisite range of materials.

http://www.chilternmarble.co.uk
Tel: (0845) 5210171

evitavonni’s in-house team of specialist designers are leading the way in 2010 kitchen trends with their custom-built designs.

Tristan de la Haye, Design Consultant at evitavonni comments, “In 2010 we will see more traditional styles mixed with contemporary shapes; at evitavonni we are also predicting a resurgence in dark wood kitchens, which work well balanced with circular units, contemporary lighting and light-coloured work surfaces.”

Stark minimalist kitchens are waning in popularity as consumers opt for a warmer at-home look, with the focus remaining on a social space for entertaining.

• Wood is being used as a raw material, with rich and sophisticated grains such as maple and walnut, providing an elegant backdrop to the kitchen.

• The look is juxtaposed against unusual shapes, including circular designs and rotating islands.

• An intelligently designed kitchen should look good, work effectively, suit the desired lifestyle and be as environmentally friendly and as sustainable as possible.

• Green issues have been part of the kitchen design conversation for some time, but their effect on overall interior design has been fairly minimal to date, partly due to the quality and limited availability of good ‘green’ products.

• Consumers are looking for high performing equipment to fully flex their culinary skills with high-spec stainless steel appliances on full display instead of built-in.

• Luxury appliances including coffee machines, ice makers and wine storage are becoming the norm in high-end kitchens making them ideal for practical use and entertaining.

Featured here is the evitavonni Wenge timber kitchen with detailing in Indian Rosewood priced from £75,000 Inc VAT.

evitavonni’s ‘Lifestyle Gallery’ in Surrey, showcases inspirational room sets including kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces, featuring an extensive range of internationally renowned brands and bespoke products. 27 Station Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AQ.

To be inspired by the stunning collections please visit the evitavonni website.

Tel (0800) 130 3180

2010 looks set to be a year full of potential, with more people looking to invest in their homes, and there is no time like the present, because the amazing half price January sale from Moben Kitchens, Sharps Bedrooms and Dolphin Bathrooms, is full of style, choice and promise.

Starting at 10am on Saturday 26 December and running throughout the whole of January, any kitchen, bedroom or bathroom is half price, including the exciting new ranges for the New Year, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste and your budget.

And because each leading brand offers an all-inclusive service, taking complete care of the process from initial design to planning and installation, making over your home is sure to be stress-free.

Pictured here is the Geneva: Moben’s stunning new kitchen for a decade of design .

Meeting consumer demand for sleek matt finishes, this kitchen is a refreshing new take on the popular urban design of the Cortona kitchen launched by Moben in 2009.

Available in a combination of anthracite, chalk and lemon matt finishes, Geneva is designed with modern living in mind.

New things on the Horizon for Sharps Bedrooms
As a UK first; Sharps bedrooms are taking the popular ‘waistband’ wardrobe design across from Europe and into British homes. With sleek white high gloss doors and a walnut waistband feature, this is a gorgeous design that won’t date.

Relax in geometric bliss with Dolphin’s new Cube design
With the chic and soothing tones of cream and anthracite, Cube really is a bathroom you can take refuge in.

Whether you fancy a quick revitalizing shower under the deluge showerhead, or a relaxing soak in the striking designer L-bath, there is something to suit every member of the family.

Heading to Moben, Sharps and Dolphin’s January Sale could be the best move you make this year.

To see the new ranges for 2010 visit the websites:

www.moben.co.uk      www.sharps.co.uk       www.dolphinbathrooms.co.uk