With many of us heading outside to combat the scorching heat we’ve had lately, kitchens may not be at the front of our minds. But now is the perfect time to start thinking about updating the kitchen in time for the autumn/winter months ahead. Here’s our pick of the most inspiring ideas for a kitchen refresh this summer…

CROWN IMPERIAL’S NEW UNO COLLECTION

Crown Imperial has launched a sleek new contemporary kitchen collection called Uno. It comes in nine subtle shades and is designed as a palette that can be paired together, mixed with colour or texture and is ideal for open-plan kitchen-living with zones for cooking, entertaining and dining. Shown here is an island in Pearl combined with black handleless profiles and plinths for an on-trend colour contrast. Storage units in Dust help create the clutter-free look while the SPACE TOWER larder features fully extendable drawer pull-outs for quick and easy access.

HITACHI LAUNCHES PREMIUM FRIDGE FREEZERS

Keep food cool this summer with the new range of premium refrigeration from Hitachi, available exclusively through Euronics retailers. From 60cm wide designs to three-door side-by-side models with dedicated large capacity vegetable compartments and four-door statement styles with Selectable Zone cooling, touch opening doors, automatic ice makers and an innovative Vacuum Compartment, there’s something for everyone.

A unique refrigerator drawer seals airtight when closed then extracts air out automatically, increasing food longevity and retaining nutrients, colour, flavour and texture of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy. The proximity sensor meanwhile illuminates as you approach, allowing you to simply press on the door control to open the door – perfect for when you have your hands full after the weekly shop.

The collection also comes with coloured glass door fronts that are easy to clean, including a gently fading grey to black transition for an ultra-contemporary look, and high energy ratings. This is thanks to the energy-saving Invertor Compressors and dual fans, which increase the efficiency of both fridge and freezer compartments.

OPTIDEK EXCLUSIVELY PARTNERS WITH RED DOG GLASS DESIGN

Premium wall coverings specialist Optidek has partnered with Red Dog Glass Design, the Bristol-based company founded by abstract artist Sally Coulden, to create luxury bespoke glass wall panels for residential and commercial spaces. These art glass designs are expertly made to order and installed by Optidek and can be colour-matched to suit an existing kitchen. Made from high-quality heat-resistant 6mm low iron toughened glass, they can also be used as splashbacks, shower panels or as statement art pieces in any setting. Smooth, waterproof and easy to clean, they are also incredibly hygienic as there’s no grout for germs to hide.

FRANKE’S ACTIVE TAP REDUCES WATER USAGE BY UP TO 50%

Answering the call for sustainable products within the kitchen, Franke’s new Active Tap range has been designed to save water, energy and money. Featuring a new ECO-Cartridge, it reduces water usage by as much as 50% thanks to a two-step tap lever which, with an initial movement, opens 50% of the way to deliver sufficient water with enough pressure to suit most tasks such as handwashing, filling the kettle or washing the dishes. In addition, a temperature limiter, operated by turning the ring nut inside of the handle, allows you to reduce the amount of hot water used, saving both energy and money. It’s available in J-Spout and L-Spout designs, pull-out spray and swivel spout options and three stylish finishes in Chrome, Matt Black and Decor Steel.

WOODY’S CONCRETE COMPANY’S COLOUR MATCHING SERVICE

For co-ordinating or contrasting cabinets and worksurfaces, Woody’s Concrete Company creates handmade polished concrete surfaces that can be colour matched to suit your scheme. Ultra-durable, heat and stain resistant, they are ideal for the kitchen workspace, islands, breakfast bars, floors and more. This is achieved by hand mixing colour powder pigments with their own custom concrete mix, just like you’d do with paint. Great for textural appeal.

EVERHOT’S 160i IS ITS LARGEST RANGE COOKER TO DATE

Perfect for home cooks and aspiring chefs alike, the 160i from Everhot is its largest range cooker yet featuring four ovens with two top grills and an easy-to-use adjustable control panel hidden behind a fifth door. There’s also a double simmer and hot plates on top, alongside a two-zone induction hob. All are temperature adjustable, reaching 250˚C in the top ovens and 180˚C in the lower. Great for slow cooking, simmering, baking and roasting at the same time. We love this Marine Blue colourway too.

QETTLE’S SIGNATURE MODERN HOT WATER TAP

Beautifully engineered and British-made, the Signature boiling water tap from Qettle delivers hot, cold, filtered drinking water and 100°C boiling water, perfect for filling pans or making a quick cuppa. The tap is available with three sizes of boiler tank – 2L (4 cups of boiling water), 4L (8 cups) or 7L (14 cups) – and there’s the option of a chiller unit to cool the flow of filtered drinking water. Available in buffed stainless steel as standard or a coloured finish in copper, brass, matte black or gunmetal.