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SplinterWorks – Functional Sculpture

Posted on Aug 31, 2011 in Contemporary Kitchens, English Kitchen Companies, European kitchen companies, European Kitchen Design, Modern Kitchen | 2 comments

Formed in 2009, by Miles Hartwell and Matt Withington and located just south of London, SplinterWorks is one of the best examples of ‘applied arts‘ I’ve seen in recent years. They have delivered projects all over the world, in the USA, UAE, Southern Ireland, Cyprus, France, Italy and even one in Australia.

SplinterWorks have a particular affinity with developing work that re-thinks how we prepare, cook and experience food. They bring the activities of the kitchenout of the grid shaped room at the back of the house and into the living areas creating works to be enjoyed socially, physically and visually.

The majority of their works are unique commissions where every element, from the intended location and practical elements, to striking a personal resonance with the commissioner, can be considered and accomplished.

my personal top 20 European kitchen brands

Posted on Jun 11, 2011 in English Kitchen Companies, European kitchen companies, French Kitchen Companies, German Kitchen Companies, Italian Kitchen Design | 38 comments

After many requests and lots of diliberations I’ve decided to post my own top 20 European brands. Top 20 European kitchen companies, because I simply felt that there are too many great European kitchen brands to limit the list to just top 10.

My Top 20 is based on the following criteria’s:

DESIGN – overall product design, esthetics and selection depth (colors, materials, design elements, etc.).
PRODUCT INNOVATION – is this a kitchen brand that takes risks, that is on the cutting edge of technology and innovates or just a company that copies others?
PRODUCT QUALITY – how well made is the product? Does the company ‘cuts corners’?
SERVICE – delivery on time, delivers complete orders, ‘after sale’ service, etc.

I have chosen not to take into consideration COMPANY SIZE, as there is no real direct benefit to the buyer and I’ve already listed the 10 largest European brands.

I also did not factor VALUE because I feel that value is very individual – what one consumer sees as a great value, another may view as cheap. Webster’s definition of Value is – “a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged”. Once a kitchen brand has top design, innovation, quality and service, the price will always be higher. Surprizingly, there are a few kitchen brands on this list that have a pretty good value, as well as ranking high on all the other categories.

In the Top 20 European Kitchen 11 Italian kitchen brands, 7 German kitchen companies, one English and one French are in the above list.

So, without further a due and in alphabetical order here are my Top 20 European kitchen Brands:

The Best of the Best in European Kitchen Design

: European Kitchens at the Top

: The Top Twenty European Kitchen Companies

Honorable mentions: there were a few companies that did not make it to my Top 20 European Kitchen Brands, but deserve a mention. Also in the advise of one of the readers of this blog, i’ve decided to update this post and add a few more (they deserve it!). We’ll call this section the “hors catégorie” (thanks Pierangelo):

Clive Christian – ranked high on DESIGN and if marketing was a category, will most definitely be included in the Top 20 list.

Marchi – ranked very high on DESIGN and INNOVATION.

Minotti – one of the best in creating the very unique, minimalist and clean look, that goes beyond a kitchen design. Not for everyone and is available only in selected few locations worldwide but Minotti is at the top of the design category.

kbb London to take place in May 2011

Posted on May 6, 2011 in English Kitchen Companies, European Kitchen Design, European Kitchen Trade Shows | 8 comments

UBM Live are pleased to announce the launch of kbb London which will take place from the 15th to 17th May 2011 at Excel. The runaway success of kbb Birmingham in March and with in-depth consultation with the marketplace has determined an unquestionable need and desire for a kitchen and bathroom show in the capital next year.

The show will target both the retail and contract audience and will showcase the latest products and services from the leading manufacturers in the kitchen, bathroom and tiling markets.

kbb Sales Director, Sam Cande commented, “kbb Birmingham was an excellent indicator that this market is regaining confidence after the last couple of difficult years. The launch of kbb London will give manufacturers the opportunity to display their products at a national event, with a key focus on the London and southern markets, offering a distinctive platform for the industry in its entirety.”

“A natural extension to the successful kbb Birmingham exhibition, kbb London will be targeting companies from across the market to ensure a diverse range of products for this exciting new exhibition. The initial response prior to the official launch is very encouraging and underlines the faith the industry has in our company to deliver a great exhibition.”

The kbb London Innovation Centre will award and showcase shortlisted entries recognising outstanding product innovation in terms of ingenuity, design and sustainability.
In conjunction with Designer Magazine our judges, including Seymourpowell and Studio Levien, have been looking for the most innovative products.
With 20 of the very latest innovations and new launches being displayed, The Innovation Centre at kbb London will ensure you’re up-to-date with what the market has to offer. The brands shortlisted include:

ABK InnoVent bv – i-Cooking gives the architect or designer freedom to create their own design with individual gas burners or induction zones.