Well… March had a very busy and productive start, with a visit to the KBB Birmingham 2024 exhibition, which of course, was full of contemporary designs, exciting innovations and interesting ideas for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom designers.

WINNING PROJECT BY JAY POWELL OF INGLIS HALL

The winner of the Kitchen Designer of the Year Over £50,000 category, sponsored by Samsung, was Jay Powell of Inglis Hall, with his calm and beautiful project for a Georgian manor house and which we are very proud to say was featured as a case study in our August 2023 story, which you can see here

THE WINNING PROJECT BY INGLIS HALL FEATURED RICHLITE CABINETRY AND SAWN OAK

Other winners were Alan Drumm of Uncommon Projects in the £30K to £50K category, sponsored by Masterclass Kitchens, and Martin Baptie, of Baptie Design, in the under £30K category, sponsored by Franke. We are planning to catch up with and feature the story of the Kitchen Showroom of the Year award, won by Rencraft, in a future Kitchen Think story, so stay tuned!

NEW FROM CAPLE

We’ve already featured new products from Caple in our report from KBB Birmingham 24, see our previous story here, but wanted to bring you this as it’s a perfect example of how black glass fronts, seen here on the  ovens and hobs, can look extremely slick and stylish in a pastel kitchen. Black appliances do not necessarily have to be paired with dark cabinetry, and can add a dramatic contrast to softer shades. These are the Caple Sense Premium Ovens and Induction Hob, there is also the new Caple Plasma air cleaning solution, with a PlasmaMade® E-Filter with patented E-technology. More Caple Sense Premium details can be found on the website, along with the extremely desirable Smart Combi Microwave & Steam Oven in Black Steel

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES BESPOKE SERIES 7 OVENS

Samsung focussed on the new Intelligent AI Pro Cooking concept, with their 7 Series AI Pro Cooking Full Steam Ovens. The AI Pro Cooking system optimises cooking whilst monitoring the progress of the dish, and can be set to cook a recognised dish. Pair the oven with the SmartThings App and the cooking action can be monitored on screen if the chef needs to move away from the kitchen. The Bespoke AI™ Oven has an auto-open door function, handleless flat door design and a touch control panel to open the door as well as auto-open. And of course, the Dual Cook Steam ™ feature makes it simple and straightforward to adjust cooking styles to healthier options.

SPRING PASTELS BY ET LOREM

A few sunny days here and there have inspired me to start look at fresh, spring-like colour schemes, as we have all been putting a fair bit of focus on darker shades in recent months. This project caught my eye, it’s by Et Lorem and features painted cabinetry in Pigeon and Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball. It’s the cheerful pops of candy pink used for the dining chairs really add an uplifting feel to this stunning project.

CHEERFUL HANDMADE SHAKER KITCHEN BY OLIVE & BARR

This is a very warm and cheerful colour scheme, in a simple Shaker kitchen by Olive & Barr. We’re used to seeing rather more muted shades from the team, so this is a nice surprise … It’s Pink Ground and Bamboozle by (yet again!) Farrow & Ball. It falls neatly into the Peach Fuzz by Pantone Colour of the Year 2024 themes, and instantly adds a fresh yet cosy feel to a kitchen scheme.

DECORATIVE EASTER IDEAS BY GARDEN TRADING

These Easter ideas can be used in the showroom as well as in a home setting … suspended ceiling arrangements are, it has to be said, probably easier to create in a showroom situation too. Fresh greenery, spring bulbs and pastel table linens and cushions or seat pads all add up to a light and airy decorative theme. Chilford Dining Table and Bench, and accessories, all by Garden Trading

PASTEL SHADES FOR TIP TOP TABLES BY STAUB

I’m always able to rustle up an Autumn-themed tablescape, as my go-to colour for cookware and accessories is bright orange, but I have to admit I can struggle with a pastel or Easter theme! (I dig out appropriately coloured napkins and add a few bunches of tulips!). However, the new Cherry Blossom Cocottes by Staub from Zwilling offer a beautiful colourway that is set to become a classic, with Black, Cinnamon and Basil Green shades also available for anyone who still wants to match their traditional cookware shades.

FROSTED EGG DECS BY ELLA JAMES

Take a look through your Christmas decorations to see if there are any delicate colours that can be re-used for Easter, or go straight for these glass Frosty Green Easter Egg hanging baubles from Ella James. See the rest of the Easter Collection here.

BAKING AN EASTER CAKE? CHOOSE GINGER RAY MOTIFS AND DECORATIONS

If you’re thinking of baking for Easter celebrations, then the addition of mini-eggs or indeed marzipan eggs can more or less turn any plain cake into something worthy of an Easter family get-together. But, if you have a few minutes to order online from Ginger Ray, you’ll find their wooden decorations here. Visit the Easter collection for further sweet ideas that will get you thinking about building up a new ‘collection’, in addition to Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s themes!