We’re still enjoying hearing news of new designs and clever ideas for all areas of the home – our enthusiasm for updating and improving our interiors is still going full steam ahead. That’s aside from getting our exteriors Jubilee-ready, of course. More of which next month…

PERFECT SENSE IN BLACK AND WHITE

The new Perfect Sense model from Keller Kitchens simply comes in two shades – black and white. Shown above combined for a very stark and striking look, with a sense of warmth and texture provided by slatted panels for wall and ceiling. Full-height single piece doors are in Fenix ® which is an extreme matt finish that feels ‘soft’ to the touch. It’s anti-fingerprint and any micro-scratches that may appear are repairable.

CLASSIC MARLOW IN PORCELAIN

Benchmarx launched a new classic design, Marlow, which is a new, re-worked version of the endlessly popular Shaker concept. This is the Porcelain colour option, which is very much a colour suited to a traditional home. Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens, explains that homeowners are choosing designs that pair traditional details with classic colours. She adds ‘Porcelain white is a clean hue offering a fresh aesthetic, but without the harshness that a bright white can sometimes convey’. Shown above in an island configuration, and including a glazed dresser top.

MARLOW HANDLELESS IN STONE GREY

This interpretation of the new Benchmarx Marlow shows how it can work effortlessly and elegantly within a more contemporary setting. This is the True Handleless option, in a streamlined layout with island. Full-height larder doors are available, allowing plentiful storage to be provided in a streamlined manner.

The three shades of Marlow Porcelain White, Navy and Storm Grey, were specified and chosen to work separately and in any combination. The perimeter cabinetry here is in Porcelain White, with the perfectly placed island in Navy. There’s a wide choice of handles, including Brass and Pewter cup and knob handles, as well as knurled bar and T handles. See the handle selection here.

THE WHITE FUNKY KETTLE

The Funky Appliance Company have recently added to new colour options to their small but perfectly formed range of appliances. The Funky Iron was the first to be launched, and it’s very nice to use – weighted in just the right way to make the iron glide with very little effort. The Kettle is now available in White and Black, it has a large 1.7 litre capacity and boils quickly and quietly.

THE WHITE FUNKY TOASTER

The Toaster is very highly recommended, one of it’s most appealing features is that it will fit tall slices of bread. Warburton’s to be precise. Of course, it has all the expected features, including cancel, reheat and defrost controls, removable crumb trays and high lift function to remove smaller goodies such as crumpets and bagels. Also newly available in White and Black.

CERAMICA PAVIA RADIATOR

We’re always on the look-out for energy-saving ideas and suggestions, and apart from the usual suggestions of using less water, turning the heating down and so on it’s obviously now a case of making the right choices when updating our homes. Simon Morris, Marketing Manager, The Radiator Company, says ‘Aluminium radiators are energy-efficient, heating up quicker than steel models and using 50% less water. Our Ceramica Collection is manufactured using waste material from the production of marble worktops and shower trays, uses less energy and produces lower C02 emissions’.

ORIGINAL STYLE LIVING PALAZZO PIAZZE TILES

Choosing glamorous splashback tiles for a kitchen (or a bathroom) can elevate the look from a workaday, practical room into something a little more elegant and sophisticated. These are Piazze  polished glazed ceramic tiles, inspired by Italian marble, from the Palazzo collection by Original Style

ALUMINIUM BEAMS MONO ELECTRIC RADIATOR

Beams Mono electric radiators by Vasco have been installed in a rather beautiful hotel in Antwerp, the LWH Botanic Sanctuary. These tall, slim and elegant electric radiators combine the benefits of electric heating with pure design lines. The profiles are just 150mm wide and all connections are hidden. Additional fins increase the heat output and back cover panels match the front panels.

DUUX WHISPER FLEX ULTIMATE FAN

Keep your interiors cool in the height of summer at a very modest cost with the Whisper Flex Ultimate White fan by Duux. Chloe King, Duux Brand Manager, says ‘The Whisper Ultimate fan costs considerably less than an hour to run, and has a rechargeable battery and customisable automatic times to control costs’.

ERNEST RECHARGABLE LAMP BY POOKY

Cordless rechargeable lamps from Pooky can be used indoors and out (remember to bring them in at night!) and run on 2 watts of power. Rohan Blacker, Founder, Pooky, says ‘Opt for LED bulbs – LED is fundamental in low energy consumption versus old incandescent light bulbs’.

OUTDOOR IDEAS BY DOBBIES

And finally … for anyone who’s planning to start sprucing up the garden, there’s some lovely décor, pots and planters inspiration at Dobbies. Pick a colour theme for a pulled-together look, we rather like the blue theme here, creating a restful, beach-style look.