Spring is often the time when our thoughts turn to the kitchen and how to create the ultimate cook centre in time for the summer ahead. There’s so much to inspire this month with innovations in cabinetry, appliances, taps, accessories and the finishing touches that bring everything together. Here’s our pick of the latest launches…

HUB KITCHENS GO HI-TECH

The TM Italia Petra kitchen from Hub Kitchens is a true innovator with different compartments that move at the touch of a button. You can see the full impact of the motorised elements here: YouTube

‘As kitchens are becoming more versatile spaces and with homeowners looking to save time and make their daily routines easier, design trends are moving from the traditional to the technologically advanced,’ says Daniele Brutto of Hub Kitchens. ‘Clever pocket door arrangements and moving countertops are just a couple of examples of how clients can now have a kitchen that better suits their multifunctional needs. Sliding worktops provide a multipurpose design solution, concealing a dirty sink and hob or extending for an additional dining or island feature. Bi-fold pocket door systems are great for hiding away appliances, larders and worksurfaces and when opened, slide away neatly. I believe technology will inevitably play a key role in the future of kitchen design, for example TM Italia currently has a kitchen that is controlled via a desktop application, so the tap rises and falls on the click of a button, the sink lid opens and closes on demand and the fridge doors can be opened without even touching the door. I’m sure this type of software technology will be the future for kitchen designs to coincide with the evolution of modern lifestyles.’

V-ZUG’S FIRST BUILT-IN VACUUM DRAWER

Aimed at home cooks who wish to prepare, cook and store food like the professionals, the V-ZUG vacuum drawer helps to preserve flavour, moisture, texture and nutrients by shrink wrapping food and liquid in airtight bags. This prevents the contents from being affected by ambient air or humidity and can help reduce food waste as it will last longer and can be portioned and readied for cooking at a later date in individual sealed bags. You can also cook sous-vide in a V-ZUG steam or combi-steam oven for perfect results every time.

Built-in is said to be better, as it creates a vacuum in the entire drawer, not just the bag. This means that no pressure differences can affect the food when the vacuum is created and makes it possible to easily vacuum foods with a high liquid content. The V-ZUG design has three sealing levels for fruit, fish and vegetables and meat and frozen food. It also has a soft-close drawer and mirror glass or chrome fascia.

ICONIC ITALIAN BRANDS PARTNER UP

Smeg and Dolce & Gabbana have announced a new partnership with an eye-catching range of hand painted FAB28R-DG fridges. The limited edition collection has been created by local Sicilian artists under the personal direction of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, with one-off works featuring provincial symbols and historical scenes.

SHARP REVEALS ITS NEW COOKING RANGE

With a variety of timesaving shortcuts, the new line-up of ovens, hobs and hoods from Sharp Home Appliances will speed up weekday meals with ovens that can offer 78-litre capacities and a third oven tray for extra dishes. Touch control operated, the A-rated ovens come with up to 10 functions as well as double and single grilling for better browning. Ambitious cooks can reach new culinary heights with the RoastPro cooking gadgets, a series of professional-style accessories that come as standard on premium models. There are 150 automatic recipes and Pyrolytic cleaning on selected designs. The new black ceramic hobs come in a Schott Ceran glass ceramic finish with slider touch control, digital timer and hot surface indicator while the induction range offers InductionBoost for every zone.

NEW COPPER KITCHEN FROM ROUNDHOUSE

Roundhouse has recently added a beautiful new copper finish to its unique collection of metallics. Always ahead of the curve, Roundhouse has created a copper kitchen to link to the on-trend, unusual metals currently being used for taps and fixtures. The brand new copper joins the existing palette of silver and bronze metallics; all available in burnished, hammered and patinated finishes in either matt or gloss. Used either for a single feature cabinet or an entire kitchen, Roundhouse metallics add a touch of warmth and glamour to any space.

SWEDEN’S ALCRO PAINT IS SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR KITCHENS

Sweden’s leading paint brand provides a durable and hardwearing finish that can be wiped clean and is resistant to cooking stains. Available in three sheen levels with the appearance of a spray painted finish when dry, Servalac paint can be used to revive and refresh tired kitchens. This water-based paint can be used for interior woodwork, joinery and primed metal so is ideal for cabinet doors, shelves and furniture. It will also eliminate brushmarks and comes in thousands of colours as well as bespoke shades for a precise colour match. Alcro

CAPLE LAUNCHES NEW SPRAY TAP

Sink and tap specialist Caple’s new Navitas spray tap features a black silicone hose, which complements the solid stainless steel body for a unique twist. It comes with an easy to use push-button sprayhead, single-lever ceramic valve and requires a minimum of 0.5 bar pressure.

URBAN INTERIOR INTEGRATES MULTIMEDIA MODULES

Tapping into the trend for home automation and smart technology, luxury interiors showroom Urban Interior has elevated its portfolio of designer kitchens with the integration of Multimedia Modules by SieMatic. From high-end audio and video systems to internet access and smart device charging stations, these are truly 21st century kitchens.

EVERHOT LAUNCH NEW TEAL COOKER

For the perfect blend of classic and contemporary styling, Everhot has unveiled a vibrant new colourway for its electric cooker. Ideal for bringing a burst of colour to the kitchen, it comes with the option of chrome hinges and handles and is one of the most energy efficient heat storage ranges on the market. This hand built design costs from £7,425.