Easter is almost upon us, and with a few days to go there’s still time to style up your showroom and/or your home to bring in a fresh, seasonal look. And some Easter eggs, of course. We’ve also taken a look at a new kitchen showroom which has just been launched at London Design Week – more news of innovative ideas and launches to come over the next few months…

ESPRESSO DESIGN LAUNCH A NEW SHOWROOM FEATURING CESAR

One of the events of London Design Week 2023 was the launch of Espresso Design’s new showroom at Chelsea Harbour (second floor of the Design Centre), which is dedicated to the Italian manufacturer Cesar. Andrew Hamilton Barr, Director, Espresso Design comments ‘Cesar’s Italian craftsmanship and industrial expertise in the production of cutting-edge kitchens, together with their sophisticated designs and innovate approach, made them a natural partner for this new collaboration’. Above, Tangram by Cesar from Espresso.

A CURVY CLOSE-UP OF TANGRAM BY CESAR FROM ESPRESSO DESIGN

The new Tangram by Garcia Cumini for Cesar from Espresso Design is inspired by an ancient Chinese game that allows different patterns and shapes to be created from seven ‘tans’ – polygons – that fit together to form a square and which are then used to make different shapes. We are very much looking forward to seeing more Cesar designs … watch this space!

REFRESH DISPLAY SPACES AND SHELVES WITH REAL PLANTS

Now we’re well and truly into summertime a home or showroom refresh is easily approached – adding spring-summer greenery and a fresh haul of indoor plants to any space is a welcome breath of fresh air. Literally, as plants are known to improve indoor air quality, as well as providing an uplifting indoors-outdoors vibe. A trip to a garden centre is well worth fitting into the schedule, and an armful of plants will definitely perk things up. These indoor plants are all from a very fine selection at Dobbies.

SUMMERY GREEN GAIA SOFA BY SOFOLOGY

A new kitchen-family room project often needs finishing off with a focal-point item, such as a grand statement sofa. This is the Gaia sofa, designed in collaboration with TV presenter and architect George Clarke. It uses recycled materials, and each element can be unclipped/unbolted/unscrewed when it eventually needs to be recycled itself – although with it’s 20-year structural guarantee, that’s a long way into the future! And if it’s placed in a busy family room, the fabric, treated with Aquaclean, is easily cleanable. Just add plants for a perfect green space…

EASTER ACCESSORIES IN PASTEL SHADES BY NEXT

Bring a touch of Easter styling into the kitchen with the addition of a few sugary, summery pastel shades, and perhaps a celebration cake as well. Think Mr Kipling Fondant Fancy shades! These delicious accessories are all from the Easter Collection at NEXT. The sets of four pastel mugs or four pastel wine glasses are very pretty and make a perfect seasonal display.

SUMMERY YELOW IDEAS FROM HABITAT

The colour yellow is trending this season, it’s not just for summer, it’s being used for walls, floors and cabinetry as well. There’s lots of opportunity to team it use yellow – or gold, or mustard, with natural materials, as it tones very well with timber and wood finishes, as well as with raw brick surfaces. Personally, I’m almost beginning to think of these golden shades as neutrals, as they can be teamed with so many other shades. Crockery, glassware, table accessories and cookware all from the latest kitchenware collection at Habitat.

A STURDY RUNNER FOR PRACTICALITY BY PAPPELINA

This Pappelina Pix runner in Beige, Vanilla and Ochre adds just the right amount of colour to an otherwise neutral kitchen scheme. Pix runners are made from woven plastic, which can be recycled, and this particular material is approved for use in the food industry and also can be used for toys. These rugs and runners, made and produced in Sweden, are reversible, washable, UV and water-resistant, and allergy-friendly. Oh … and they are also suited to outdoor use, so can brighten up a dull patio in the spring and summer months as well.

CARROTS ON DISPLAY … IDEAS BY DUNELM

We’re all for unusual display ideas – whether it’s for a seasonal showroom display or a rather more laid-back mantelpiece for home. Here, pastel coloured paper fan decorations and carrots in  jar do just the job for an Easter display. Keep the water fresh and you should get a few days value our of this idea! All paper decs, Easter rabbit and egg decorations, plus teapot and glass vase, from Dunelm

ANNABEL KARMEL AND DUALIT BANANA AND BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

The Easter holidays are upon us, and if there’s a bit of a scramble for suitable activities for little ones, why not think about making some muffins. Depending upon results, they can be served for high tea over the Easter weekend, or even presented as gifts. Click here for Annabel Karmel’s recipe, which is whisked up to perfection with the Dualit Hand Mixer.

EASY EASTER BROWNIES WITH MINI-EGGS BY ANNABEL KARMEL AND DUALIT

Who doesn’t love a chocolate brownie?! And the combination of chocolate brownie and mini-chocolate eggs has to be the best ever, especially as it also includes Crunchie bars and Curly Wurlys. These are Easy Easter Brownies, another great children’s recipe by Annabel Karmel, which will have the grown-ups jostling for position. So, get the Dualit Hand Mixer out and start mixing and cooking!

A SPRING-EASTER WREATH BY HOBBYCRAFT

We’ve done Halloween wreaths, Autumn wreaths and Christmas wreaths, so why not an Easter wreath. This Spring Wreath is available from Hobbycraft, and if you’re feeling creative make a list of all the items you’ll need to make future wreaths and seasonal decorations … it’s never too early to make a start!