Issue 12 Autumn 2010

the quarterly magazine for kitchen retailers

Smart-ologic Living

Light Fantastic

Fresh Reviews Cool RefrigerationUltimate Extraction Systems

Illuminating tips from PWS

Inside Corian’s smart sustainable home

WRITING KITCHEN HISTORY

INTRODUCING FLEXINDUCTION.

HOW ON EARTH CAN

ONE ZONE HEAT FIVE PANS?

The Neff FlexInduction hob is designed to give

your customers complete flexibility. As well

as two standard zones, it boasts a large fl exible

zone that can accommodate several pans of

various shapes and sizes all at the same time.

Furthermore, the FlexInduction zone uses four

unique independent induction coils to give

consistent heat wherever a saucepan is placed

within it. To fi nd out more about working with Neff

or if you would like further information on our

newest products, please call us on 01908 328 352.

66583_Trade_FLEX_Fresh_297x420.indd 2-3 04/08/2010 18:20

WRITING KITCHEN HISTORY

INTRODUCING FLEXINDUCTION.

HOW ON EARTH CAN

ONE ZONE HEAT FIVE PANS?

The Neff FlexInduction hob is designed to give

your customers complete flexibility. As well

as two standard zones, it boasts a large fl exible

zone that can accommodate several pans of

various shapes and sizes all at the same time.

Furthermore, the FlexInduction zone uses four

unique independent induction coils to give

consistent heat wherever a saucepan is placed

within it. To fi nd out more about working with Neff

or if you would like further information on our

newest products, please call us on 01908 328 352.

66583_Trade_FLEX_Fresh_297x420.indd 2-3 04/08/2010 18:20

www.car ron . c om

S inks , t aps & accessor ie s

I N S P I R A T I O N F O R Y O U R K I T C H E N

0804Fresh297x210V2.indd 1 1/5/08 16:23:45

in this issue of Fresh

CREDITSFresh is produced by Barefoot Design & Beverley Moazzen Communications. If you are interested in contributing to Fresh, email info@beverleymoazzen.com EDITOR Beverley Moazzen - info@beverleymoazzen.comDESIGN Gabriel Muldoon - gaby@barefoot-design.com COVER Smart-ologic Corian Living, Corian.

Copyright 2010. AB Distributors Ltd/KAL GroupAll rights reserved. All by-lined articles reflect the authors opinion. Inclusion herein does not constitute an endorsement, and nothing contained herein shall be construed as legal advice or opinion on specific facts or matters.

11 Fresh ThinkingAdding the best new product lines is a great way to catch your customers’ eye, revitalize the sales team and keep you competitive, says Eamon Lennox.

12 A Sweet SummerThe Sweet program continues to inspire businesses both North and South of the border. This issue we talk to Brian Cronan from East Cork and Brian O’Kane of Woodland Kitchens, Ballymena.

16 Hot New Cooling Appliances from NeffNeff’s latest collection of full integration luxury appliances has an impressive range of practical features designed to keep food fresher for longer.

18 Ultra Smart FutureFresh takes a tour of Karim Rashid’s futuristic ‘Smart-ologic’ eco house for Corian.

21 Foodie CornerCatch of the Day. We follow Stephen Taylor Winter’s salmon from rod to plate!

22 FaceBookCheck out who’s doing what in our Facebook pages this month!

25 Lighting the WayYou can build a well designed kitchen, but it won’t look great unless you nail the lighting. Lizzie Beesley, conceptual designer at PWS gives Fresh some illuminating tips.

29 Product Review: stylish and practicalWe review Carron Phoenix’s new Revolution waste and overflow and competitively priced filtration Inca tap.

30 Elica Product HighlightsEffective extraction systems are a must have in any kitchen. This issue we bring you the latest high performance, supremely elegant cooker hoods from design leader, Elica.

33 The Big ChillWe review LG’s non-plumbed side by side fridge freezer.

34 The IKR AwardsThe first ever kitchen industry awards sponsored by KAL and AB Distributors was a roaring success. Check out the (well dressed) winners in our Photo Diary.

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Welcome to our Autumn issue, where we look back on some of the highlights of summer in the

world of kitchen design. Our all Ireland ‘Sweet’ programwas the inspiration for Woodbank Kitchens summer celebration - an evening of wonderful food, great music, surrounded by amazing kitchen designs and fantastic appliances... and even a supercar! Our photographer captured this fun evening on pages 14 and 15. There’s also a short film blog on abdistributors.co.uk/blog.

KAL and AB Distributors were proud to sponsor the first ever Irish kitchen industry awards. Check out the action from this fabulous gala evening at the Four Seasons with Patrick Kielty on page 34.

Our cover story profiles Karim Rashid’s futuristic kitchen, showcased at this year’s Milan Design Week. The ‘Smart-ologic Corian Living’ showcases the strength and versatility of two new eco-materials which are composed partially of recycled material. The sculptural, organic design has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for Corian.

Lighting has crept up the design agenda and it’s hard to keep pace with the constantly changing trends. Lizzie Beesley, conceptual designer at PWS, who gives Fresh some illuminating tips on page 25.

No one’s going to pretend that the economy isn’t challenging, but Brian Cronin of Cronin Furniture in East Cork approached the recession as an opportunity and changed the way his company did business. The result? Appliance sales have increased from 10% of their kitchen sales to a remarkable 70%. Fresh caught up with Brian and asked him about the strategy behind his exceptional success. Read what he has to say on page 12.

Great showrooms reflect the design attitudes of the professionals who design and work in them. This issue we asked Area Sales Manager Eamon Lennox what makes a great showroom... his answer included coffee! Read his Fresh Thinking column on page 11.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Fresh, and as always would love to hear your comments.

Best Wishes

Beverley Moazzen.

7

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These elegant,bespoke kitchens arepainted to order in achoice of 14 beautifuland timeless colours.Available in fourranges, the extensivepalette gives youultimate designflexibility.

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ashing Machines April 2010

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LG Home Appliance products are now distributed in Ireland by AB Distributors and KAL Group.

As an Area Sales Manager every now and then I’m hit with the ‘wow factor’ as I walk into a

showroom. And while there isn’t one recipe for a memorable showroom, the ones that I find most impressive involve practical and imaginative displays, cutting edge appliances, well trained and friendly staff - and for the weary rep, a customer seating area with the inviting aroma of coffee never goes amiss!

We all know a great first impression doesn’t happen by accident, it requires thought and meticulous planning. So as we’re all firmly back in work mode after the holidays, it might be a good time to give your showroom a fresh look to see whether it is tired. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and look at your product displays; are they well presented and practical, giving potential buyers a taste of what it would actually feel like to live with one of your kitchens? Which appliances do you have on display? Of course you will have asked yourselves these questions, but how long ago? Three years is a long time in appliance design and innovation.

My one piece of advice to retailers is: don’t let your showroom date. I’ve seen how staff can lose motivation without new products and appliances being incorporated into displays as talking points. When your customer comes through your door it should

look like business as usual. During the last couple of years all of our successful brands have had at least two new product launches, leaving them in front of the competition. Therefore deciding which appliances to showcase can be a difficult choice, but there are a few ‘stand out’ products combining style and function that sets them apart from others in the market. Here’s my list of the must have items to include in your showroom:

The new Neff oven with a Slide-•Away door. A customer sold one in June to an elderly couple, who’s original kitchen budget was £3500 (the oven actually cost 20% of the original budget). When the sales person demonstrated the appliance the customer saw the benefits and it immediately became a priority item. The new Neff Flexinduction hob •(wired in), demonstrating the most efficient way of cooking. Great design benefits too as everything’s at your fingertips.A coffee machine, as so many •customers today are interested in this ‘lifestyle appliance’ (don’t underestimate the power of smell in your showroom).The new Insinkerator evolution •food waste disposer – the most undersold product in our market place! Once you’ve had one you will never be without it.

Ultimately, a showroom is a place of inspiration – to fulfil your customers’ aspirations for something better, something innovative. That means the best new products to catch your customers’ eye, revitalize the sales team and ultimately keep you competitive.

Do:Include a working kitchen (Neff is •preferable); customers want to try things outMake sure all your appliances are •up to dateAttractively fill your Kessbohmer •Storage solutions with pantry itemsIf possible, include a child •friendly area

Don’t:Leave gaps where appliances are •missing on displays, have handles missing on frontals or sample doors on the floor!Neglect lighting (see page 25 for •PWS tips on display lighting)

Eamon’s Offer! If you have an old model appliance in your showroom call me for a quote to replace it with a new model of your choice, then close the next kitchen deal with the old appliance at a discounted price (Bargain Hunter’s Delight!)

Fresh ThinkingDisplaying the best new products is a great way to revitalize your sales team and catch your customers’ eye says Eamon Lennox.

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No one’s going to pretend that things aren’t challenging, but Brian Cronin of

Cronin Furniture in East Cork approached the recession as an opportunity and changed the way his company did business. The result? Appliance sales have increased from 10% of their kitchen sales to a remarkable 70%. Fresh caught up with Brian and asked him about the strategy behind his exceptional success.

Tell us about Cronin Furniture, what services do you offer?We’ve been in business since my father Michael Cronin started the company in 1978. We now offer a complete service from design and manufacturing to delivery and installation and are one of East Cork and West Waterfords leading kitchen manufacturers.

Cronin Furniture has seen exceptional growth in appliance sales during the last year. If you were to share some advice with other retailers on growing the appliance side of their business what would that be?I’d recommend they sign up for the Sweet program – it’s been a great help. The great thing about KAL is that they are constantly trying new things and investing time to help their customers sell products. The jargon buster consumer leaflet is a great tool which raises questions in customers’ heads about their kitchen that they might never have thought of. These questions can help us steer them towards upgrading to better or more products.

What other initiatives or factors contributed to sales? The Neff Scrappage scheme was a huge help in selling Neff appliances. People really need to see that they are getting a deal and this Scheme gives people the feeling they are buying quality appliances, but that they are also getting a bargain.

Sweet, launched by KAL and AB Distributors in February as a way to support retailers in a tough trading climate, has inspired businesses both North and South of the border. Here we talk to Brian Cronin of Cronin Furniture in East Cork and overleaf join Woodland Kitchens , Ballymena at their summer celebration.

13

It’s said that when times are tough, customers buy less, but buy quality. Have you found that customers are buying more ‘brand names’ this year?That’s true in our case. Our customers appear to be more quality-driven than they were 12-18 months ago. For us, it’s an encouraging sign that people are now asking for ‘all Neff kitchens’ or asking straight out for us to look after appliances, which hasn’t happened in a while. People are also increasingly Internet savvy and tend to look up everything before they set foot inside a store. However, we’re finding less and less that a customer would search online for a deal and ask us to match it. It seems they’re appreciating the better service that comes with buying their appliances from a retailer. We offer solid advice and expert fitting not to mention that there’s just one company looking after everything. The Sweet program helps us to drive that message home.

In a downturn, businesses face many cost pressures, and often staff training is compromised. Your staff are clearly well trained and motivated to sell; has that been an important tool against the recession?I can’t overstate the importance of training when it comes to motivating staff to sell appliances. As well as standard product training, we have great support from the team at KAL. Michael Coffey really invests the time to go through any new products that are in the pipeline. If we didn’t have an account manager like Michael, our sales levels wouldn’t be where they are today. Rather than just trying to sell me product, he gives me reasons to sell them on to the customers and keeps me motivated. Michael always asks for the sale and encourages me to do the same! Karen Finnerty is also a great help - before any demonstration, she takes the

time to refresh our training on the features and benefits of all the products, giving us all greater confidence. To sum up I’d say the benefit of training is confident, motivated staff, enabling us to deliver an outstanding customer experience, resulting in repeat sales.

Looking to the future do you remain confident of continuing sales success in appliances?I was very impressed by the new products which KAL launched at their recent trade show. I was very keen on the new Nordmende range cooker and I can see it being successful in the current market, as its an excellent product at a great price. As soon as we saw the new LG range, we ordered product straight away and already have it on display in our showroom. I also liked the new products that Amica had on display, and the Fratelli Onofri style of range cooker is very much in demand at the moment, so I can see them doing well.

Any last thoughts…When things get tough, nobody wants to feel they’re dealing with things on their own. Whereas a lot of companies can be ‘all take and no give’, KAL is one of the few companies to make an effort to proactively support their customers. I find them very effective with stock availability which encourages me to sell even more appliances!

I would say overall our success in appliances over the last 12 months has been down to a combination of the Sweet program along with sales promotions such as the Neff Scrappage Scheme, backed up with regular training and great account management.

Brian far right and the

team outside his East Cork

showroom

Other than your staff, it’s your showroom which is your most valuable asset for generating new business. One of the best ways to get customers through the

doors is to create a fun and exciting event, which also has the added benefit of creating goodwill which is likely to be remembered in the future.

In June Woodland Kitchens did just that, when they hosted a celebration night for customers and friends to thank them for their support. Brian O’Kane, General Manager Woodland says ‘over the last six months we expanded the showroom and added new kitchen displays. I’m delighted to report that we’re reaping the benefits, sales have increased and things look very good for the near future.’

A SWEET SUMMER

Beverley Moazzen and

Stephen Taylor Winter

Paul Lupari catches up

with Rob Bryce

Johanna Montgomery

and Eamon Lennox.

14

The Woodland recipe for a

perfect summer evening

– party people, non stop

entertainment and great

food!

Johanna Montgomery, Sales Manager says ‘not many people will leave home for a sale pitch, but a fun night out is a different story.’ The inspiration for Woodland came from AB Distributor’s Sweet launch at the Baby Grand in Belfast. Johanna adds, ‘It was a great event and the supercar promotion really captured my imagination! For our event, we adapted the Sweet promotion for ourselves, and you can see for yourself a supercar parked outside the showroom has created quite a buzz here in Ballymena!’

Woodland filled its showroom with live entertainment and a cook off between AB Chef in Residence, Stephen Taylor

Winter and local restaurateur, Barry Dalet of Arbutus in Kilrea. The party gave guests the opportunity to enjoy an educational and entertaining demonstration, while Woodland was able to casually show off the company’s new products.

Brian says ‘the idea is to get people into the showroom, as once in here we feel that the showroom sells itself. We’ve had a brilliant night so far, the food is great, we’ve had a really good turnout and most importantly everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.’

Of course, there’s also the added benefit that comes from buzzy showroom events – word of mouth. Every guest is likely to tell at least one other person – and probably a lot more than one – what he or she “did last night.” And enthusiastic reviews from visitors will likely plant seeds of interest for future events, or indeed sales.

15

HOT NEW COOLING APPLIANCES FROM NEFF

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Neff’s latest collection of fully integrated luxury cooling appliances was launched this summer. The CoolDeluxe range has an impressive range of practical features designed to keep food fresher for longer.This outstanding new range consists of five new models: two fridges (K8115 and K8315) two freezers (G8120 and G8320) and one combination fridge freezer (K8345). All five models have earned a top A++ energy rating, which means that these appliances consume an astonishing 45% less energy than those in efficiency class A.

Following is our handy reference guide to the highlights of these extra efficient new models:

More Capacity. Changes to fundamental design, such as moving the condenser to the base of the unit, has freed up valuable space for more interior storage in the CoolDeluxe range. As a result the K8315 fridge has a massive 306 litre capacity, while its coordinating freezer B8320 holds 213 litres; that’s 25% more freezing capacity than current built in models.

Energy Savings. All five models in the new CoolDeluxe range boast top energy ratings of A++ for significant savings in utility bills and energy consumption.

Intelligent Cooling System. Numerous sensors on the CoolDeluxe fridges and freezers detect when food is being loaded. As a result, these models automatically adjust the cooling power according to the amount of food inside and temperature outside. Ideal for storing or freezing large amounts as this innovative system is around 30% faster than other models around.

Dynamic Cooling. This system provides an even temperature throughout the fridge, creating the ideal conditions everywhere, even after opening the door. VitaFresh with Humidity Control. All three fridges include special VitaFresh compartments which work independently from the rest of the appliance. Set at 0°C, they are comprised of 2 zones: the dry zone (at 50% humidity level to keep meat and fish fresh) and the humidity zone (at 90% humidity to extend the life of vegetables, salad, cheese and fruit). Both zones are designed to preserve the nutrients and vitamins and keep the food fresher for up to three times longer (see box out, right, on food wastage and making food last longer).

Electronic Touch Control. The K8345 integrated combination fridge/freezer features separate controls so you can set the two compartments individually. This provides exact temperature control, down to the degree.

Telescopic Shelving. All the drawers in the fridges are on a Telescopic FlexiRail shelving system, like the top of the range Neff ovens. Not only does this allow easy glide in and out, but also easy access to the food at the back of the fridge at all times. This means less wastage for leftover food forgotten at the back.

AirFresh Filter. The LED lighting positioned at both the sides and the front of the fridges keep energy usage at a minimum while illuminating the whole fridge in an even glow. Shelves are equally illuminated to ensure that you can see right to the back of the fridge, even when fully stocked. LED lighting lasts for the lifetime of the appliance, so never needs replacing. No more bulbs!

EasyLift Shelves and SoftClose Doors. With the dual built in benefits of EasyLift shelves and a SoftClose door system, each appliance in the CoolDeluxe range guarantees a streamlined appearance and excellent accessibility.

2-year Free Warranty. Like all Neff appliances, all five models in the CoolDeluxe range boast a 2-year free warranty on all parts and labour.

Don’t Waste Food... Choose VitaFresh from Neff!Did you know that in the UK and Ireland, we throw away a staggering 4.6million tones of food every year? If food is stored more efficiently in the fridge and freezer, this wastage could be significantly reduced. After all, how many of us can honestly say we never waste any food? When talking to customers and trying to sell the advantages of a premium refrigeration appliance from Neff’s new CoolDeluxe range, it is worth spending a bit of time explaining the concept of the VitaFresh compartment, as described above. The principle of VitaFresh is based on the desire to prolong the life of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, while at the same time ensuring that all the nutrients and vitamins are preserved too.

Full details of these fully integrated appliances can be found in the Neff Collection Brochure on pages 227/228.

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Forget what you think a minimalist kitchen looks like Karim Rashid’s curvilinear futuristic kitchen, showcased during this year’s Milan Design Week was all soft organic shapes, light, colour, pattern and playfulness...

The “Smart-ologic Corian Living” by prolific designer Karim Rashid is an eco-friendly home concept that includes a futuristic kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room enclosed in gently undulating walls.

One of the most creative, colourful and inspiriting installations in Milan, the organically shaped home is designed to showcase the strength and versatility of two new eco-materials, Eco-Terrace which is composed of 25% recycled material and Eco-Concrete, which contains 14% recycled material. Rashid also designed several futuristic products that are displayed within the house like a free form bicycle and a blob-tastic plant stand.

‘The project ...is a metaphor for how materials, technologies,

Ultra Smart Future

18

housing, furnishings and space can work together to positively affect our psyche and also enable us to reduce the environmental impact of our daily actions’ says Karim.

Karim proposes a fun kitchen concept, characterised by fluid lines to create a pleasant living and working space. The open plan environment lends itself to socialising, cooking and entertaining.

The self supporting structure of the kitchen island demonstrates the impressive formability and structural possiblilities of DuPont Corian, shown here in the new 2010 colour Designer White [see image top right].

Composed of three petal-shaped sections, the kitchen island

rests on a slender support. Each petal section incorporates a different function: water (integrated sink), preparation and cooking (with an induction hob, designed by Karim that is quick and easy to use and offers low energy consumption).

In Karim’s vision, kitchen scraps can be composted for plants and garden in a specific container conveniently positioned at the centre of the island. Subtle lighting is provided by luminous LED cold light solutions, enhanced by the translucency of Corian.

Along the sinuous kitchen wall a vast unit made entirely in Corian provies ample storage and worktop space. The flooring is in Corian Blueberry Ice.(All trademarks acknowledged)

The island has a kitchen hood, (also Designer White) that mirrors the form of the island below.

Designer Karim Rashid applies his distinctive twist to Corian Milan

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Standing sodden on a riverbank I sometimes wonder what it is about human nature and fishing that makes me willingly spend time getting soaked, eaten by midgies and often not catching anything for days or even weeks... yet I still go with the same enthusiasm every day. I suppose it’s quite simple really, as a chef working in hot, pressured environments, the opportunity to see nature at close quarters - whether a Golden Eagle in a remote Scottish Glen or an otter in the Glens of Antrim fishing far more skilfully than any human could hope to - is the best way for me to relax and unwind.

Wild salmon can be expensive and rare thing to find, but on the right day it can actually be quite easy to catch. The best way to cook such a glorious fish is as simply as possible. It just needs heat through it, whether through grilling, poaching, roasting or frying. If you are not lucky enough to get a wild fish, there are plenty of reasonable priced farmed varieties available. I would suggest you try an organic variety which will do a lot less damage to the natural stocks - look out for Glenarm organic salmon, which is Irish and the closest thing you will get to a wild fish.

The best way to poach a whole fish is to use a fish kettle or a large baking tray. Put the salmon in, cover with cold water then add a tablespoon of sea salt, a couple of bay leaves, some black peppercorns, two thinly sliced onions, and a splash of white wine vinegar. Place on a medium heat and very very slowly bring to just before boiling point, i.e anywhere above 90 degrees. You should not do this too quickly as it will dry the fish out. When it has reached the right temperature, turn the heat off and let the water cool. This will very gently poach the whole fish. About two hours later the water should be cool enough to easily retrieve your fish. (If you want to want to eat your salmon warm, take it out when the water has reached a manageable temperature). Serve with new Irish potatoes, salad, lemon, salt & pepper and a big lump of butter. Simple, elegant and beautiful!

Catch of the DayFrom a sodden riverbank to memorable meal, we follow Stephen Taylor Winter’s salmon from rod to plate!

FoodieCORNER

Dates for Your Diary

AB Distributors Cookery Theatre with Stephen Taylor Winter

21st October, 2nd December

Neff Demonstrations are held in KAL every month by Mary Sheehan

and Eileen Hanlon. The next demonstrations are:

October 12th, October 19th, October 26th

November 2nd, November 16th, November 23rd & November 30th

All from 12.00pm - 2.00pm

Neff will be sponsoring ‘Catherine’s Fulvio’s Italian Kitchen’ at Taste

of Christmas in the new Convention Centre, 26th – 28th November.

The same weekend, LG will be sponrosing Top Gear Live, held at

Citywest. Neff will also be fitting out the showhouse at this years

Ideal Homes exhibition on 22nd – 25th October.

Karen Finnerty holds regular demonstrations and training throughout

the country, see events on www.neff.ie To organise a demonstration

or staff training with Karen, please contact your Area Sales

Manager.21

FacebookJohn Stakelum & Aidan

Dowling from Stakelums

in Thurles, with Donna

O’Donovan (KAL) at the KAL

Trade Show.

Michael Boland, Carlo Acquilanti

from Elica and Paul Lupari at the

KAL Trade Show.

Eadaoin Keane (KAL) with

Clodagh Edwards and Hazel

Pfeiffer from Image Interiors.

Senan Edwards (KAL)

showing John Rafferty

from Heavins Athlone the

benefits of the 11kg washing

machine from LG

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Karen Finnerty (KAL),

demonstrating at the Neff

Theatre in the Good Food

Ireland Village at the Curragh

during Derby weekend.

Steve Scully from LG demonstration

the features of the laundry range to

Edward and Barbara Kelleher from

Exclusive Fitted Furniture.

Rachel Allen teaching a

class at the Neff stand at

Taste of Dublin.

Darina Allen being interviewed while

demonstrating at the Neff Theatre

in the Good Food Ireland Village at the

Curragh during Derby weekend.

23

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LIGHTING THE WAY

Lighting has crept up the design agenda and it’s hard to keep pace with the constantly changing trends, which range from the ever popular fluorescent to incandescent, halogen, LED, energy saving and sensor lighting. However, as every self-respecting kitchen retailer knows, you can build a well designed kitchen but it won’t look great unless you nail the lighting. Fresh asked Lizzie Beesley, conceptual designer at PWS for some illuminating tips to give your kitchen design the wow factor through clever lighting solutions.

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Lighting is naturally space-enhancing and can make rooms feel bigger. Designed well, it is also a useful tool for highlighting certain aspects of the room

such as decorative features or particular objects. Lighting ideally needs to be both directional and atmospheric and for the kitchen there’s a wide choice available to suit both functions. We are all becoming switched on to changing the look and feel of the room at the touch of a button and if the kitchen is purely a food preparation zone then it will be primarily task lighting that is specified. However, with the kitchen becoming a key living area in the home, to change the mood from preparation functionality to pure chill-out and relaxation zone, this when lighting comes into its own. Consider backlighting glazed units, fitting lights into the plinth or installing a shelf light that doubles up as a display area.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) are transforming the way light is produced. The main difference between LEDs and standard light bulbs is that they do not contain a filament, instead a tiny clip (diode) converts electricity to light. Therefore with no filament to burn out, replacement light bulbs are not required and very little energy is produced.

Bouncing light off surfaces is an effective way of increasing the light in a kitchen and the effect of lighting on glass or highly polished granite surfaces can be spectacular. However ensure the plasterwork or the finish around tiles is up to scratch as imperfections will show up.

So how do we go about achieving this? Planning is key. Think of the room as a director looks at a stage set. Lighting should not be fixed but flexible enough to create a number of different effects dependent on the time of day or night and also the mood you want to set. Look at your room from different angles and at different times of the day. Effects can be achieved by using uplighters, spotlights, shelf lights and accent lights.

PWS has updated its lighting offer, responding to the growing demand for a greater choice of lighting solutions for the kitchen. At the core of the new range are 8 LED options with designs to suit both contemporary and classic interiors. The energy efficient LED collection features a line-up of new products from modern striplight systems to individual spotlights. The Modus under wall cabinet lighting system is a stylish modular system with an aluminium profile. It’s a very flexible lighting solution available in lengths from 300mm through to 900mm. Modus can be installed in continuous rows and connectors are supplied for ease of fitting. A diffuser ensures the correct distribution of light.

Another new LED design is the Idea range, a striplight that creates decorative point lighting and is particularly effective under cabinets or alternatively fitted to the underside of tables or breakfast bars.

Concludes Lizzie ‘We regularly review our lighting collection as we recognise that its an area of the kitchen planning process that is growing in importance. There will be further innovations coming very soon.’

Cubik LED light

Spotlight on glass is highly effective

The Modus LED light

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PWS has updated its lighting offer, responding to the growing demand for a greater choice of lighting solutions for the kitchen

Pan drawer lights

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AGA cooker, quintessence of high design

and passion for cooking

Discover the AGA way of life. To find out more about AGA Cookers call 01 4136444 or visit www.aga.ie

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AGA Export Advert_English_LR.pdf 29/04/2010 17:09:29

Carron Phoenix’s new Revolution waste and overflow provides a rather pleasing solution to those soggy

waste particles that can gather in the plughole of your sink. Underlining the principle of form and function in good product design, the clever new pop-up basket strainer waste collects them out of sight behind a smart polished stainless steel disk which is complemented by a concealed, flush-fitting branded overflow.

With Revolution, a 90mm basket strainer is concealed beneath the flat circular disk which sits flush with the base of the sink. The disk simply pushes up and down with a gentle click action to seal the sink and hold in the water, or to release it. As the water drains away, the basket collects any debris and the whole thing can be easily lifted out and cleaned, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Revolution is available on many of the new sink styles launched for 2010 including Bali Ceramic, ZX Elements as well as the Deca and Tetra inset models.

Neil Clark, sales & marketing director says: “Good design shines through in the detail and we spent considerable time developing Revolution into a stylish and workable product, not just a good-looking gimmick.”

Carron Phoenix’s new Inca tap opens up the filtration market.

With the demand for filtration taps continuing to grow strongly, Carron Phoenix’s new competitively priced

Inca filter tap is a smart choice for budget and contract housing kitchens. Designed to offer cost-effective filtration, Inca comes in at around half the price of many of the filtration taps on the market today.

Conventional in appearance so as to suit a host of kitchen styles, Inca is designed to look like a normal tap with just two handles. The cold water handle operates in two directions – forwards for normal mains cold water and backwards for pure filtered water. Available in chrome and fashionable brushed nickel Inca is extremely easy to install with the filter only taking up a small amount of space.

Neil Clark, comments: “The Inca filter tap has been positioned to address the demands of the value-conscious retail and contract customers, offering good filtration at a very attractive price point. Increasingly these customers are looking for ways of introducing environmental solutions into their housing schemes and with filtration taps eliminating the need to dispose of plastic empties, Inca is a good environmentally-aware choice of tap too.”

Stylish and practical the new Revolution waste and overflow from Carron Phoenix

Carron Phoenix’s new Inca tap is

conventional in appearance so as to suit a host of kitchen styles

Good design shines through in the

detail with the new revolution waste and

overflow

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Elica Product Highlights 2010

Effective extraction systems are a must have in any kitchen. This issue we bring you the latest high performance, supremely elegant cooker hoods from design leader, Elica.

PURE WAVE, luxerion purityLuxerion grew out of Elica’s experience with Evolution, the compact system that encloses all the airflow functions in a steel cylinder. To this Elica added HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter for purification. This next-generation filter captures dust, pollen, bacteria and even micro impurities. This sophisitcated technology is integrated with illumination, and with its glamorous styling, Wave is equally at home in areas other than the kitchen.

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Skin and Mini Skin – Air TuningSkin’s simplicity belies the sophistication of its airflow technology with a large (80cm) easy-to-clean, microporous steel filtering surface and bright directional LED lighting. Skin is also available in the 55cm Mini Skin version, suitable for smaller-sized kitchens. The Air Tuning system works using rotational control knobs reminiscent of those on old radio equipment.

Sinfonia – Leaves of glass

A vertical wall-mounted hood in black and white version, Sinfonia consists of two superimposed glass squares of different sizes; the larger includes a neon light in the curved upper side to provide better illumination of the cooktop, while the centrally-placed smaller square hides the hood’s filter section.

Bubble: a shell of air

Elica’s new iconic hood is a bubble that hangs, as if frozen from the kitchen wall. Its delicate shell (available in black, white and silver) is packed with concealed technology. Simple, user-friendly, brush-to-activate controls regulate airflow power and lighting. The hood is available in both recycling and duct-out chimney versions.

Ico – The power of high efficiencyThe most efficient hood in the world, Ico uses Synairgy, an innovative motor system that makes it possible to manage and optimize consumption, performance and noise level. Its simple graphic interface guides the user in selecting the best function depending on whether boiling, frying or roasting. LED illumination is not only atmospheric, but reduces consumption by 90%!

Paul Lupari visited Elica last month and made a short film blog of his tour: www.abdistributors.co.uk/blog.As you can see in the short film there’s massive emphasis on design, art and functionality in Elica’s approach to creating the world’s most efficient air quality control products for the kitchen. It was an inspirational tour, which clearly illustrated why it’s one of the ten top companies in Europe to work in, and a fantastic example of technology and creativity delivering high quality, yet affordable products to our customers.

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multifunctionovens

matching extraction system

various cook topigurationsconf

Classic SteelSteel’s legendary high performance appliances

delivering professional cooking quality

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McGovern KitchensDerrylinn028 6774 8855

Parkes Interiors Belfast028 9020 9209

Lonsdale Woodcraft Belfast028 9065 7373

The Steel range is available from the following retailers:

Kitchen Design CentreBelfast028 9066 4455

AlwoodLurgan028 3832 3296

Pennys Kitchens & Bathrooms, Larne028 2827 2899

R&G Kitchen DesignCoagh, Cookstown028 8673 6881

Wilsons Bespoke Kitchens, Dromore028 9269 2304

Mark 5 Joinery Maydown, Co. L’Derry028 7186 1288

Kitchen ConceptsBallymena028 2565 8111

McAuley KitchensBelfast028 9038 8222

Donaghy BrosKilrea028 2954 0429/0

With so many manufacturers now offering American-style, or side-by-side fridges, choosing the right mix for your showroom

display can seem complicated. Not only do you have to contend with style, size, capacity and the ratio of fridge to freezer, there are also a myriad of extra features to consider. This issue we review LG’s non-plumbed water side-by-side Fridge Freezer. This new appliance in our brand portfolio provides a stylish alternative to the many ranges in the market that need plumbing in; LG’s requires only a power source – making it easy to place in any kitchen.

Available in black or brushed steel, these fridge freezers feature a generous total capacity of 538 litres, and a water and ice dispenser with LED display. The ice dispenser is door mounted, creating more storage space in the freezer, and the self sufficient plumbing system means that not only can it be installed anywhere with a plug socket, but there are no unsightly hoses and no need to replace the filter.

It also features the LG Moist Balance Crisper, a special lattice-type box cover which maintains moisture at optimum level. Moisture from stored food is evaporated and then condensed on the lattice, which keeps items super fresh.

While some fridges still come without frills, the LG non-plumbed water side-by-side fridge freezer has an impressive array of features:

Non-plumbed water and ice dispenser: no more •fussing with filtersDoor Mounted Ice Maker: offering extra interior space•Electronic temperature control•Express freezing – particularly useful if you want to •retain more nutrients when freezing fresh food or when putting a number of items in the fridge at the same timeLED touch display•Door open alarm•Child lock•Dairy Corner•A Energy Rating: saving on running costs•Moist Balance Crisper•

For more information on LG please contact your ASM (KAL 01 4136400 or AB Distributor 028 3832 6943).

THE BIG CHILL

LG’s side by side fridge freezer in black (also available in stainless steel)

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Fresh Photo Diary of the first IKR AwardsThe first ever kitchen industry awards, sponsored by KAL and AB Distributors, was a roaring success. Over 250 guests, including compere Patrick Kielty, attended not only from Ireland but from the UK and Europe. Richard Broderick presented the Master Retailer ROI to Joe Nash, Celtic Interiors and in Northern Ireland, Stuart Robinson of Robinson Interiors picked up his award from Paul Lupari. Two of KAL and AB Distributors’ brands were also highlighted during the evening - InSinkErator’s food waste disposer was shortlisted for the Environmental Product Award and Neff’s SlideAway Oven won the Product Innovation Award. Adrian Gough commented, ‘I was delighted to attend the first KRI Awards ceremony and highly honoured to receive the Product Innovation Award. I will be passing news of this prestigious award back to everyone in design, production and marketing as recognition of their part in the award.’

We also warmly congratulate Wilson Briggs, Managing Director of Alwood who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Wilson’s belief that business is all about relationships was confirmed on the evening, when this well respected industry figure received a standing ovation from his many friends and colleagues.

Richard Broderick, Managing Director, KAL presents Joe Nash of Celtic Interiors with Master Retailer ROI Award.

Wilson Briggs, a well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award

Compere Patrick Kielty entertained us all with his unique comedy edge!

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Wesley McAuley picks up Showroom of the Year for McAuleys Kitchens

Paul Lupari with Stuart Robinson, Robinson Interiors, Winner of Master Retailer NI

Richard Broderick with his wife Geraldine pictured at the champagne reception.

Lynn and Seamus Naughton, Rhona and Peter McAuley, Eadaoin Keane and Richard and Geraldine Broderick.

The Men in Black! AB Distributors’ Eamon Lennox, Paul McCahon, Paul Lupari with Joe Ferrara of InSinkErator.

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LEAVES OF GLASSSINFONIAWind-furled leaves of glass overlap airand light in a play of curvilinear perfection.A user-friendly composition combiningsimplicity and innovation.A silent Symphony of air and light.

International Showrooms Milan - Osakawww.elica.com