KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd November 2018
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International News
Products Sleek stainless steel tap for kitchen elegance
The L-shaped spout is practical as well as fashionable; it allows for plenty of space to fill and wash larger saucepans or vases and can be turned by 190 degrees for easy use while the cleverly-designed, retractable hose is seamlessly concealed within the spout which enhances the sleek style. Say hey, good lookin' - what ya got cookin'?
KitchenAid launches new freestanding combination microwave oven
With a 33 litre capacity, more than 50 pre-programmed recipes and five professional functions, the appliance is a triumph in the kitchen. British icons team up to launch bold new collection of bathroom accessories
Stoves launches retro-style fridge freezer
'Strength in Detail' with MGS Ergon from Grange Design
To answer this trend, UK based designer, manufacturer and specialist distributor, Grange Design, has introduced MGS's Ergon Collection: a knurled handle tap collection that optimises utility and impact. Stay trendy with Keller's industrial style
Rangemaster unveils broader strategy as it launches four new built-in products
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Mostly when I receive press releases for KBzine, I smile - particularly when I look at the fabulous images of all the things I can't afford. There probably aren't many jobs that create the 'I wants' as much as mine does, but at the moment, I'm enjoying dreaming... This week though, my inbox has been filled with releases that caused me to screw up my face. You may have guessed the subject matter of most of them: Black Friday - a tradition which, I feel, brings out many of the worst aspects of human behaviour. I don't think it does the retail sector any good in the long run, while the hype causes a panic amongst many of the general population that no doubt persuades the weaker-willed to buy things they wouldn't have bought in the first place, probably don't need and may not actually be able to afford. And as for the potential for being preserved for posterity by a film crew recording the disgraceful scrum - well, it doesn't bear thinking about, does it? Plus, it creates waste, with people replacing perfectly serviceable items just for the sake of having nabbed a bargain, and since far too many of us don't recycle in the way we should, this waste adds to our landfill problems. Then of course, it damages trust. If an item can be sold so cheaply on Black Friday, why is it so expensive throughout the rest of the year? Is it sub-standard? Has it been sold for less than the Black Friday price earlier in the year? Who on earth started this tradition and do they still have any friends, I wonder? The other releases I've not enjoyed reading are those regarding Smart Meters - a feeling not helped by the almost daily 'phone calls I'm receiving from my electricity provider, pretending that the free meter on offer is something of a prize. The view that these meters can cause ill-health has been around for a long time, as has the idea that they can be used to spy on us and that we'll end up being manipulated into paying more for our power if we're recorded using it in peak times. Then there's the possibility of them being hacked. The news this week that they may actually increase our bills hasn't gone down well and bearing in mind I already use as little electricity as possible anyway, the longer I can avoid having one, the better. How about you? Yours,
This Week's News
Freestanding Appliances Trends 2019 "Apart from cooking, where built-in is ahead, freestanding rules in the appliance world - especially in cooling, dishwashers and washing machines," says Steve Corbett, marketing manager at Amica. In this article, Steve discusses trends we can expect to see throughout 2019 and beyond... "Independent electrical retailers and big on-line groups such as AO and Appliance Direct and national suppliers Argos and Curry's are a major route to market for freestanding appliances - and the market is very competitive. This brings a need to be one step ahead with products that offer more. Architect@Work moves to Old Truman Brewery for 2019 Show Architect@Work, a carefully curated annual two-day trade event aimed at architects, interior designers and specifiers, will move to Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch for the seventh London edition 30th to 31st January 2019. Bushboard's statement splashbacks launch on Monday Available from Monday, Lush tropical palms, on trend Moorish patterns, 60s style geometrics, weathered London brick and soft, time faded vintage prints are just some of the inspiring options in Bushboard's new Vista splashback collection. The new collection, which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic, can be used to create either a focal point splashback behind a sink or a hob, to create a feature wall, or all around the kitchen if desired. Perfect for the festive season! Entertaining at home continues to be one of our favourite pastimes and William Garvey Furniture Makers' freestanding bar cabinets will enable householders to do it in style. A bespoke bar cabinet by WGFM is designed and made to suit the user's needs and lifestyle, in terms of overall size and the design of the storage space within, as well as the exterior design. Kitchen taps that dare to be different Move over bold colours and minimal design, there is a new trend on the kitchen catwalk and it comes in the form of the unusually designed tap! Choose a style or finish that breaks from the norm and an instant style update is made, transforming the entire kitchen and turning one of its busiest areas into a focal point. Jeremy Ling steps down from Bristan Group After nine years at the helm of Bristan Group, chief executive Jeremy Ling has announced that he is leaving the business. Darius Padler, vice president for Europe of parent company Masco Group, will take the reins as acting CEO whilst a replacement is found. During his time as CEO, Jeremy's leadership propelled Bristan Group to become one of the UK's leading names in the taps and showers sector. This was driven by an increased focus on design and innovation, alongside the Group's renowned service proposition. Win for Kitchens International designer Kitchens International tells us it is delighted that one of its designers, Angus Macintosh, has won the coveted Leicht Global Design Award for his kitchen design for an Edinburgh client. A modern twist to a classic sink The Silgranit Legra from Blanco UK is the ultimate classic sink design for today's kitchens. Each model has a wide tap ledge and a basket strainer to prevent food from going down the drain. Whether rinsing food, washing dishes or filling a vase, the large, deep bowl of the sink is ideal and most models in the Legra range are available for reversible installation. Franke cements stainless steel worksurface partnership with F Jones Cleveland CEO of F Jones Cleveland, Fred Jones, recently visited Franke's UK headquarters in Manchester to further cement its partnership as the nationwide installer of the company's luxury stainless steel worksurfaces. F Jones Cleveland is providing the specialist template and installation service for the range of products that will be manufactured in Franke factories, assuring installation within 21 days of order placement. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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