KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Abode

We first met Anne Lush (pictured below), our PR contact for Abode, at the last KBB Birmingham in 2010 so we were delighted that she was available to show us around Abode's stand this time around too - but that was after sitting on the stand's futuristic white sofas and drinking one of the best coffees we had enjoyed all week, while putting the world to rights!

The exhibits on the stand were too outstanding to ignore for long though, and soon Anne was showing us around and explaining the workings of each one and just why it had become part of the company's range.

"The designers at Abode have been working hard since KBB London last year, capturing new ideas and designs," she told us. "For 2012 we're launching new ranges of kitchen sinks - stainless steel, granite and composites, plus a traditional style ceramic Belfast. New taps include a 100 degrees C 'Thermofier' boiling water tap, (which Anne demonstrates in our picture), an Aquifier filter water tap with an innovative twist of the wrist action, plus seven other contemporary models.

"Bathrooms get more of a focus this year with 60 new products completing the bathroom brassware offer. We are also showing nationally, for the first time, our Quintessentially Abode range of more classically styled kitchen taps.

"Our stand this year is one of the largest we have ever had and as a result we have been able to show our new ranges in a more comprehensive way. As a retail brand, we like to show our retail customers first hand our new innovations and quality - it is only through seeing, feeling and touching can you compare the quality of products - far better than looking at images in brochures or on the internet."

We could only agree and I must confess that I felt a little guilty about touching everything we looked at. Before I joined this industry I'd have laughed if anyone had told me they felt compelled to stroke a tap but - well - what can you say? In my defence, I did polish off any greasy marks after I'd finished, but bearing in mind I wasn't the only one with this 'affliction' I probably needn't have worried!

Low-pressure and thermostatically controlled taps are important aspects in the bathroom today and Abode was previewing 60 innovative and exciting bathroom taps, mixers, bath fillers, thermostatic shower posts and showering accessories - including new families of low pressure, thermostatic bridge bath fillers.
A major new product line for the bathroom and on show in a stunning room setting was Candour - a beautifully designed, minimalist stainless steel basin and bath taps, free-standing bath filler, thermostatic deck-mounted bath fillers, thermostatic post shower plus other shower options.

Also clearly attracting lots of attention was Lisi - a uniquely styled thermostatic shower range specifically created for people who want the perfect blend of design, performance, quality and sheer luxury.

The range comprises a shaped white thermostatic wall shower with large shower head plus a chrome handset and hose. It also includes a very modern and stylish seat and co-ordinating shelf. The separate shower head can also be used separately in conjunction with any other Abode showering products.

Lots to see and covet then - but we mustn't forget the kitchen sink...

Anne explained that Abode sink work-centres and mixertaps are created to work together, integrating a combined logic, enhanced performance and simplicity of form.

New ideas improve the aesthetics and ergonomics of the sink area, making the products both practical and stylish. The use of glass, granite, steel and ceramics in the designs also brings the very best materials and natural textures into the home.

Abode offers a wide range of inset, sit on and under-mounted bowl solutions manufactured in ceramics, stainless steel and advanced composite materials. The ranges are designed to offer either a combination approach or individual installation, both of which co-ordinate perfectly in all kitchen situations. Teamed up with a range of accessories and glass sliding tops, make most sinks into practical work-centres.

First of the new ranges of Abode sinks is the Matrix GR10 - offering a really flexible approach. Sinks can be under-mounted with the tap deck exposed, covered or inset into the worktop as an under-mounted installation. The two models of Matrix GR10 sinks are manufactured from advanced acrylic materials - the black material has a metallic granite fleck, adding additional sparkle and the bright white tough, durable finish blending with other kitchen decor and appliances.

There are now four classic models in the Belfast and Matrix CR25, white ceramic sink collection offering both contemporary and classic sink options suitable for all homes. Matrix CR25 sinks can either be inset or under-mounted into a work top whilst the Belfast is a brand new sink into this collection and features the traditional weir overflow.

Abode mixertaps are available in a wide range of styles and designs forming a perfect partnership with the Abode sink portfolio.

" We call it Kitchen Sync!" laughed Anne.

"Nine new exquisitely formed kitchen taps have been created in our Barnsley studio and tested in our in-house laboratory to ensure they work perfectly," revealed Anne. "Each tap will fit into contemporary and classically styled kitchens and will stand the test of time, that's why we offer extensive guarantees."

New models include Hesta which features a tall swan neck with a practical but hidden pull-out spray (pull-out as opposed to exposed, as the hose will attract less dirt when inside the tap), Xoyo - the height of minimalism, which operates easily with a progressive valve control mechanism. Pluro is available as a contemporary single lever with a pencil slim handle or alternatively as a pull out spray model.

Finally, Abode has added to its professional series with Ultero, a tall tap with side lever and close-coupled hose and spray.

Abode's range of Aquifier Water Filter Taps is enhanced by one new model - the Triana, a new single lever Aquifier tap finished in chrome and black. The Triana uses advanced water filtration technology and twisting the hidden ring on the centre of the tap stem allows clean, pure, filtered water to run from a separate dispenser within the spout. No extra handles are required. Hot and cold water are available as normal using the single lever control.

Diagon is the new tap in Abode's stainless steel range of kitchen taps. With its simplicity of design, Diagon sits perfectly alongside taps already out in the marketplace.

The Atlas Thermofier is the new 3-in-1 tap from Abode, offering a dual lever 100 degrees C filtered boiling water tap which also delivers hot and cold water. All this is delivered with safety and subtlety with the boiling water unit being housed discreetly in the kick-space area of the sink unit.

Abode
Tel: 01226 283434
Fax: 01226 282434
www.abode.eu

23rd March 2012