There is not the slightest point making a comment about the weather, as the weather machine is definitely going awry at the moment! But hopefully Spring will continue to cheer us up, in between snow showers, and as it’s Easter, we can tentatively plan some outdoor entertaining. Here’s some colourful spring inspiration…

SHENAYA SPRING SHADES FROM CROWN

I was delighted to receive the latest Crown Imperial kitchens brochure, featuring some rather inspirational new colours and ideas, including the new Shaker Shenaya design, shown above in Grey Aqua and strong, vibrant Ocean Green. The trend for colour-blocking kitchens continues, and the concept definitely turns an island kitchen into a dramatic, design-led colour statement. The slim frame looks elegant, with a tactile painted finish, available in a total of 22 shades.

HANDLELESS SHAKER SHENAYA

The Shenaya design is also available in a sleek handleless option, as shown here, in Sage. The effect is striking when used for side panels as well as drawers, creating a symmetrical appearance. The handleless profiles are in copper, which combined with mirrored plinths, creates a beautiful and sophisticated look. The copper profiles can also be glimpsed here in the tall cabinets beyond the island.

EVERHOT ELECTRIC RANGE COOKER

We’re so used to seeing traditional-style range cookers as part of a classic kitchen that it’s delightful to see the latest colour from Everhot in a contemporary setting. Fandango Pink is vibrant and uplifting and definitely adds a zip of colour to a new kitchen. We’re also imagining it in a dark grey or black layout too! Everhot range cookers are powered by electricity, and can just be plugged in to a standard socket. The newest model is the 160i (larger than the Fandango pink model shown here), and provides four ovens, two grills, hot and simmer plates and an induction hob. For a complete guide to models and sizes, click here, and for more details on running costs, click here.

CABANA FLOOR TILES BY CA’ PIETRA

One of the joys of the KBB Birmingham 2022 exhibition was seeing so many colourful tiles and surfaces in real life. So … we’re delighted to bring you more uplifting designs from  Ca’ Pietra. Anyone embarking on a new kitchen project will no doubt be considering various colours and finishes for their cabinetry. Considering intensely coloured and/or patterned floor tiles can put a whole new twist on the final choice. Shown here above, Cabana Porcelain Sicily, which have a slip rating of R10 and can also be used outdoors to bring a vibrant, Mediterranean style to outdoor entertaining areas.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING BY DANETTI

As new kitchen projects tend to spread further than just the ‘kitchen’ here’s a little bit of inspiration for outdoors. After all, the garden-terrace-patio area is generally left clearly visible after the installation of the bi-folds/French doors … This is the Rio Grey 6 Seater Garden Table with Ice Bucket. There are also numerous Rio seats and benches  available to suit all entertaining configurations!

EDEN PROJECT SHOP SOCIAL PLASTIC DINING SET

Consider adding colour to the outside space – perhaps to reflect shades used indoors for a new kitchen project. These outdoor chairs are from the Eden Project Shop and it’s the Social Plastic Nassau 4-seater dining set in Peony, which also comes in Sage Green, Honey (a sunny yellow) and Coral Sand, the seats are recycled plastic and the legs and table area made of FSC Eucalyptus.

MORSO KAMINO FIREPIT FROM CUCKOOLAND

Having seen a fair few poorly designed firepits/outdoor fireplaces than have either rusted to pieces or simply not been up to the job, I’m firmly of the belief that anything cooking or heating-related for outdoor entertaining is definitely worth an investment. This is the Morso Kamino Outdoor Fire Pit from Cuckooland in cast iron, which will throw out enough heat to prolong those spring and/or autumn evenings.

COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN BY LUST HOME

Whilst we’re loving the trend for dark and bold colours for kitchen walls, that doesn’t mean to say there’s still an opportunity for bringing both colour and pattern into the equation. This is Tutti Frutti in Soft Pinks from Lust Home – a delightful splash of colour for a kitchen, utility, laundry or boot room. We’re thinking that cabinets and remaining walls could be in that deep plum or dark green featured in this design.

FOCUS ON COLOUR FROM PRONORM

This is the Carmine Red Matt Lacquer door option from Pronorm. As ever from Pronorm there’s a big choice of cabinet heights, a mixture of open and closed cabinets, and different work surfaces, so the creation of a show-stopping kitchen is unavoidable! This shade exudes warmth and energy, and is shown (next picture) paired with the new Hemlock Lava textured woodgrain door.

HEMLOCK LAVA IN INKY BLACK TEXTURED FINISH

The Pronorm Hemlock Lava finish is a black textured melamine door, which pairs and contrasts with durable matt lacquer finishes. This U-shaped layout featured X-Line Handleless and Proline ranges, with a split-level slab effect breakfast bar creating a sociable and practical working space.

MURALLA BRICK STYLE TILES

Exposed brick walls are super-fashionable in new kitchen projects, and can also be used as a design theme through to an outside terrace or balcony. To streamline the choices, consider Muralla Beige Brick Wall Tiles from Tile Mountain. They are tough enough for both outdoor and indoor use, look good as a splashback or an entire wall internally, or as an eye-catching surface finish for a new patio or balcony. And they don’t need sealing as they’re made from hardwearing porcelain …

MODULAR FURNITURE IN BLUSH PINK FINISH

We’re always keeping an eye on new bathroom trends and ideas as new kitchens often mean new bathrooms too, so it’s vital to be up to speed on the latest colours and concepts. The new colours from Utopia including this stunning Blush shade from the You collection of modular pieces. Shown here in Matt finish with Blush cladding panel and Carrarra Marble 12mm compact laminate work top and the Delux Eclipse mirror, and the aptly named Divine brassware.

DELIGHTFUL DINING BY STAUB

Step away from dull disposable serving dishes when entertaining outside, go ahead and use the good stuff! After all, cast iron casseroles will retain the heat as well as looking nice and colourful on the table, and there’s matching ceramics too. Check out the selection from Staub here.

RAISE A GLASS FROM NEXT

Fancy glassware and pretty Easter-inspired tableware makes for a festive look, whether it’s indoors or out. The Easter-themed idea from Next Home are wonderfully cheerful, and we particularly like the decorative glassware. Definitely an affordable indulgence! The Amelia range is available in wine, tumbler and  flute shapes.

SPRING SHADES FROM THE BRITISH BLANKET COMPANY

Keep cosy outdoors with a selection of spring coloured Diamond throws from the British Blanket Company. Available in Sea Green, Yellow and Mulberry (as shown above) and also Charcoal Grey and Berry Red. British made, with tasselled trim – perfect for a cosy snuggle indoors or out.