Aside from the cabinetry and worktops, there are many elements that make up a kitchen design. This month we wanted to share with you some of the latest launches and new products that will elevate any space into something really special this summer…

FRANKE INTRODUCES TOUCH-FREE TECH

In premium stainless steel, the Atlas Neo sensor tap from Franke meets the hygiene and sustainability requirements of today’s kitchens head-on. It dispenses 2.5 litres of water with a simple wave of the hand, and is ideal for hand washing, filling pots and pans and cleaning vegetables without having to manually turn the faucet on (though it can also be operated manually too). The intuitive design responds instantly to a hand movement 5-10cm from the infrared sensor, helping to keep the kitchen germ-free as well as saving water and energy at the same time. The temperature can be pre-set and the tap automatically stops after 30 seconds, saving as much as 3 litres of water per hand wash. Scratch and stain resistant, it comes with a choice of a swivel spout or pull-out nozzle and is easily installed into a 35mm tap hole with the control box and battery case fixed in the cabinet beneath the sink. Suitable for high pressure systems.

www.franke.co.uk

SMEG GOES SLATE FOR A COFFEE BREAK

Now you can buy the DCF02 Drip Filter coffee machine from Smeg in a stylish Slate Grey to complement its kettle and toaster in the same sophisticated shade. The retro appliance is small yet stunning and features a user-friendly control panel with options for coffee strength, auto-start and multiple cups. It comes with a ten-cup glass carafe and a 1.2 litre water tank as well as a built-in warming plate for refills up to 40 minutes later.

www.smeguk.com

DOWSING & REYNOLDS’ LIMITED EDITION LIGHTS

British home décor brand Dowsing & Reynolds has teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Michael O’Hare to create a limited run of 50 porcelain pendant lights, hand painted by Michael in his signature style that he also uses on his restaurant dishes. Collaborating with renowned potters Laverick & Son to create the light shades, each one has been hand assembled in the UK. Using black porcelain slip and a variety of techniques including spoon drops and brush flicks, the abstract effect features a signature X with a smiley face motif and would look stunning hung in a row of three over an island unit or breakfast bar.

www.dowsingandreynolds.com

DULUX REVEALS ONE-COAT WONDER

You’ve probably seen the adverts on the TV starring the famous Dulux dog – now you can refresh the kitchen, dining room or any room in fact with just one coat of paint thanks to the new Dulux Simply Refresh range. This specially formulated paint guarantees a premium finish in just one coat, making it quick and easy to change the look of a room whenever you fancy. There are two ranges – Simply Refresh One Coat, a collection of 30 modern neutrals, and Simply Refresh Feature Wall with 15 trend-led colours to make an instant statement.

www.dulux.co.uk

SIEMENS PROVIDES A CLEAR VIEW

A new take on the downdraft extractor, glassdraftAir from Siemens is certain to become a showstopper in open-plan kitchens. Available in 80cm and 90cm widths, its single surface effect and clear glass design offers an uninterrupted view of the room as a whole. Powered by Guided Air Technology, vents behind the glass release a curtain of air to create a low-pressure area in front. Steam and cooking odours are then guided into the extraction zone for accurate, efficient, powerful yet quiet extraction. The climateControl sensor continually monitors any steam and odours then precisely adjusts the power level and it’s Wi-Fi enabled with the cookConnect system so it can be controlled from the hob as well as the Home Connect app. What’s more, you can also set the mood with emotionLight Pro, with a choice of nine pre-set colours as well as a huge choice of colours on the app.

www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com

SARSEN STONE GROUP COLLABORATES WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

Inspired by the properties, gardens, coastlines and countryside in its care, this stunning tile collection from Sarsen Stone Group with the National Trust features 10 collections of both classic and contemporary designs. Suitable for walls and floors, many of the products are inspired by the stonework and decorative tiles within National Trust properties such as Dyrham Dairy, Shoreline and Brewhouse. The collection is also an investment in our heritage in more ways than one, with a minimum of £10,000 from sales helping the National Trust continue its great work.

www.sarsenstonegroup.com/national-trust

PANASONIC REVEALS NEW BREADMAKER LINE-UP

Designed to make home baking hassle-free, this range of four new breadmakers from Panasonic features everything from automatic programmes and nut dispenser to gluten-free programmes allowing you to create authentic fresh breads including wholewheat, pizza doughs, brioche, cakes, jams and compotes depending on model. The SD-YR2550, SD-YR2540, SD-R2530 and SD-B2510 also come with dual temperature sensors that gauge both the room temperature and internal temperature of the appliance, adjusting and controlling the timing for perfect dough fermentation.

www.panasonic.com

BLUEAIR LAUNCHES ITS MOST ADVANCED AIR PURIFIER

The new Blueair HealthProtect can be popped into any room, including kitchens and dining spaces, for 24/7 protection against viruses and bacteria. It removes over 99% of nanoparticles down to 0.03 micron in 15 minutes and also removes up to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria from the air thanks to the filtration technology HEPASilent Ultra. It even works when it’s on standby mode and comes with a number of smart features when using the Blueair app.

www.blueair.com

KIT KEEPS DEVICES CHARGED AND ON-HAND

Smart accessories brand Kit has launched an innovative Wireless Kitchen Wall Charger, a mounted Qi-compatible stand designed to keep your devices charged, visible and away from cooking splashes and spills. Save worktop space, say goodbye to messy wires and use your device to follow recipes as you cook, all while charging up.

www.amazon.co.uk