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ERA is a mix of evolution and revolution. It’s where technology meets design and where heritage meets modernity.

And it’s where glass is used extensively for the first time to create a striking, unified aesthetic that is beautiful, contemporary and fits perfectly into a modern kitchen.

ERA: The Glass AGA

When David Fisher, Chief Design Consultant to AGA, was asked to consider how a new, disruptive and mould-breaking cooker from AGA might look and feel, he responded with the tantalising question: why not a glass AGA?

David says: “The use of glass lends ERA a liquid quality as the sleek black glass cascades down from the top. The design is clean, cohesive and beautiful while also functionally brilliantly capable. It is modern and progressive while also faithful to a heritage stretching back more than 100 years.”

ERA: The Glass AGA

With a design, then, that is both discreet and striking, this exceptional, unexpected cooker has a natural place in today’s kitchen.

Each element of ERA – including the pristine lines of the glass-fronted oven doors and the ergonomically designed handles – has been carefully considered to create an appliance with premium design values, honest, hard-working materials and a quietly assertive aesthetic.

ERA: The Glass AGA

With engaging tactility and mindful detailing, life with ERA from AGA offers the best of both worlds – from a quick weeknight dinner through to the meditative practice that helps us unwind.

ERA offers an all-in-one solution. It takes a sensory approach to cooking, with every feature touch-screen controlled. There are details so cleverly designed they go unnoticed, but it is these touches that ensure you get the very best from the ingredients you choose to cook.

ERA: The Glass AGA

On top there is an induction hob beside a cast-iron hotplate. Alongside a fan oven, ERA also has two cast-iron ovens which cook using radiant heat. This offers an intuitive, kind-to-food way of cooking. It’s natural and elemental.

We think of it as akin to sunshine through a window. It’s a warm and penetrating heat made possible due to the thermal properties of cast iron. Food cooked this way tastes better because it has been treated gently. Radiant heat cooking is an effective, efficient and effortless way to roast, bake, grill, steam, fry and slow-cook and to get the most succulent, nutritious dishes.

ERA: The Glass AGA

ERA, then, is a cook’s cooker, created to fit seamlessly into your kitchen and to effortlessly integrate into your life.

Expect the unexpected with ERA. The new glass AGA.

About Middleby Residential Luxury and Premium Brands

AGA is part of Middleby Residential, a collection of premier international consumer brands dedicated to manufacturing and distributing many of the best-known and loved kitchen appliances in the world. Middleby is a world leader in developing advanced innovation and solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial foodservice. The company is proud to connect with communities through philanthropic engagement, sustainable initiatives and more. Middleby’s aim is to set the standard for tomorrow, with a goal of serving excellence in everything we do.

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Are you dreaming of a kitchen that perfectly matches your style and needs? Look no further than a bespoke kitchen designed just for you, such as those created at Ledbury Studio. Working with a kitchen designer can bring your vision to life and create a space that is both functional and beautiful.

Here, Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, rounds up his essential five steps to working with a bespoke kitchen designer.

1. Choose the Right Designer

The first step is finding the right professional for your project. Take the time to research different designers to ensure they have the experience and expertise in creating custom kitchens. It is also important to meet with potential designers in person to discuss your ideas and see if you have a good rapport with them. Chemistry is key in any relationship, and that includes the one you’ll have with your designer!

But, how do you really know if the designer sitting in front of you is the one for your project? Ask to see previous work. Looking at their portfolio allows you to see if their style matches your own. And if you’re still in doubt, ask to speak to a previous client. This will provide an invaluable glimpse into the creative process of your potential designer and their problem-solving abilities.

Charlie Smallbone, pictured in Ledbury Studio’s Rotherhithe kitchen.
The bespoke screen designed for the Camden kitchen.

2. Clearly Communicate Your Vision

Once you have selected a designer, it is crucial to communicate your vision clearly. Start by gathering inspiration from magazines, websites and social media platforms, and create a mood board to showcase your ideas. Share this with your designer to give them a better understanding of your aesthetic preferences. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words! For example, in our Camden kitchen, the client showed us an image of a 1970s screen she’d found in an antiques shop and requested a version of it for her kitchen. Inspired by this, I created this screen of brushed and polished stainless steel that can be used to divide the room, as required.

Apart from aesthetics, it is important to think about how you’ll be using your kitchen. Are you the ultimate host, needing a huge island for entertaining? Or perhaps you’re a culinary whiz with a big family and need space for all your cooking essentials. By clearly communicating any practical requirements to your kitchen designer, they can whip up a design that’s both stunning and perfect for your lifestyle.

Hackney kitchen with the bespoke drinks cabinet created next to the dining area.

3. Set Your Budget

Before starting your kitchen renovation project, it’s important to have a heart-to-heart with your designer about the all-important budget! By laying out your financial expectations from the get-go, you and your designer can work together to create a plan that matches your wallet. This ensures you won’t have to sacrifice your dream kitchen and helps your designer find the best quality materials, appliances and finishes to fit within your budget. Without a clear budget in mind, it’s easy to get swept up in flashy, pricey ideas that can come with big, surprising expenses later on. So, define your budget and ensure all costs stay within it.

In the Hampstead kitchen, the clients requested a drinks cabinet and a breakfast cupboard.
In the Hampstead kitchen, the clients requested a drinks cabinet and a breakfast cupboard.

4. Expect Lots of Questions

At the start of any kitchen design journey, a designer is like a detective with a million questions, trying to get inside your life to figure out how you live. Why? Because every home chef is unique and has different needs. A good case in point is the Hackney kitchen, where the homeowners were such keen entertainers that they requested a bar area next to the dining table. Meanwhile, in our latest design, the Hampstead kitchen, the clients asked not only for a drinks cabinet next to the table, but also a breakfast cupboard conveniently placed just behind the breakfast bar. By chatting about your cooking style, entertaining preferences and daily routines, your designer can get the lowdown on how your kitchen should be designed.

5. Collaborate and Provide Feedback

Finally, working with a bespoke kitchen designer is a collaborative process. Your designer will present you with initial design concepts and it is important to provide feedback and ask questions. Remember, the design process may involve several iterations before reaching the final design, so be patient and provide constructive feedback to guide the design in the right direction. Your kitchen will probably be the biggest investment you make in your house, so it is worth going the extra mile to make sure it exceeds expectations!

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

About Ledbury Studio Ltd

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Gaggenau, the luxury brand for professional grade home appliances, introduces its latest innovation, the Essential Induction cooktop. Seamlessly integrated into the kitchen’s worktop, it represents the epitome of freedom, flexibility, and cutting-edge design for culinary enthusiasts.

Gaggenau - The Essential Induction Cooktop

The new induction cooktop is distilled to its essentials: the LED ‘dot’, the worktop surface, and the performance control knob. These elements are all that are visible. The result is a clear countertop that provides unmatched convenience and aesthetic appeal, transforming the cooking experience into a true architectural masterpiece.

Gaggenau - The Essential Induction Cooktop

The Essential Induction cooktop is designed to integrate exclusively with Dekton stone countertops. These ultra-compact, stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces are available in 60 finishes, designs and colours to complement any kitchen design. Gaggenau’s distinctive front-mounted performance control knobs assist users throughout the cooking process. The dot, a smart centre light within the cooking zone, shows the user where to place the cookware, warns of residual heat and vanishes when not in use, transforming the cooktop island into a versatile area suitable for preparation, serving, dining, working and socialising.

Gaggenau - The Essential Induction Cooktop

To ensure efficient cooking, Gaggenau has developed removable magnetic surface protectors for your existing cookware. These protectors not only mitigate any noise of the pan moving across the stone surface and safeguard the worktop but also ensure the conductivity of the induction modules, guaranteeing optimal cooking performance. The Essential Induction cooktop offers the full Gaggenau capabilities: keep warm and boost functions and an illuminated performance control knob in stainless steel or black. Combining the Gaggenau ceiling extractors provides a harmonious kitchen environment, especially for open-plan designs.

Gaggenau - The Essential Induction Cooktop

“Our longstanding commitment to innovation has often changed the dynamic of cooking. From the first integrated, eye-level appliances, to downdraft ventilation and pioneering steam cooking for the private kitchens, our technological advances have always created genuine human benefits. Today we champion The Essential Induction cooktop, an innovation that will not only change the way people cook but also how they choose to interact and socialise in the modern, open plan kitchen.” – Dr Peter Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau.

Gaggenau - The Essential Induction Cooktop

The Essential Induction cooktop is a result of Gaggenau’s dedication to timeless design, craftsmanship and innovation. This addition to their renowned collection of luxury appliances is set to revolutionise the kitchen landscape, empowering users to explore their culinary passions without compromise.

The Essential Induction cooktop will be available for purchase beginning May 2024.

About Gaggenau

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The Sync design series from Dornbracht complements style-conscious and progressive kitchen interiors. The tapered design transition between body and spout is the primary characteristic of the fitting, with the inner contour of the groove-free lever running parallel to it. With its dynamic, forward-facing design language, Sync offers function as well as form for a timeless piece that is easy to use in the kitchen.

Product design: Sieger Design, Photography: Johannes Bauer and Jonas von der Hude, Copyright: Dornbracht
Product design: Sieger Design, Photography: Johannes Bauer and Jonas von der Hude, Copyright: Dornbracht

Whether paired with natural stone and concrete, copper and terrazzo or stainless steel and wood: Sync enhances texture contrasts in the kitchen to unique effects. The resulting creative ensembles satisfy both virtuoso cooks and interior enthusiasts.

Product design: Sieger Design, Photography: Johannes Bauer and Jonas von der Hude, Copyright: Dornbracht
Product design: Sieger Design, Photography: Johannes Bauer and Jonas von der Hude, Copyright: Dornbracht

Sync is available as a pull-down single-lever mixer with spray function, or as a professional single-lever mixer. There is a wide choice of finishes – from Dark Chrome, to Brushed Platinum, to Champagne (22kt Gold).

About Dornbracht UK & Ireland

Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets. As an ultra-luxury brand, Dornbracht prides itself on its innovative technology and “Made in Germany” manufacturing standards which are made possible by state-of-the-art production technologies and highly qualified employees. The brand is driven by its clearly defined Design Principles which ensure every product will remain timeless and relevant for generations to come, characteristics for which Dornbracht has achieved worldwide recognition.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The Myers Touch, renowned for its award-winning kitchen designs and commitment to brand-partner quality, is delighted to introduce its partnership with ADL Design, a leading Italian brand which specialises in the design and manufacturing of contemporary glass, wood, and aluminium-framed doors and room dividers.

ADL Design ‘IPE’ 4 sliding door system in green-toned glass

The partnership enables their design team to offer a variety of modern door systems and privacy solutions in a range of styles and finishes in an open-plan interior plan. The ADL Design collection seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, allowing designers to unify open-plan kitchen-living spaces in a dynamic, flowing manner while optimising natural light within the home.

ADL Design ‘Light’ sliding door pocket door system

ADL Designs’ contemporary collection offers 14 different types of door openings and room dividers including sliding systems, pull and internal wall sliding doors, swing doors, pivot hinge doors, folding opening systems, glass, and aluminium flush doors. Customers can explore studio showcases of the door systems and view finish samples at their Winchester studio.

ADL Design ‘Mies’ single glass wall divider system

For example, their range of sliding and hinged door models flexible room dividers have the advantage of buffering room acoustics due to their double glass design which is the ideal solution for creating a defined kitchen space, wine room, home gym or office within an open plan living scheme without compromising on natural light and connectivity. Additionally, for those looking for contemporary, swing doors their ‘Tesa’ flush door is the ideal solution for sectioning hidden kitchen spaces such as boot rooms, utility rooms or walk-in larder spaces.

ADL Design ‘Memetica’ doors has an aluminium frame and full-height handle
ADL Design Door & Room Divider Systems available at The Myers Touch www.themyerstouch.co.uk

For visual transparency in open-space spaces, their ‘Mies’ double-glazed partition system available in a range of different finishes is designed to be a continuous glass wall which allows light to stream into the surrounding space. The system also adds a greater perception of space to a home as the door system retains visual flow and connectivity in a home, whilst also creating distinct zones, so the illusion of a larger, more open area can be achieved.

ADL Design ‘Deco’ custom glass sliding door with a Tessil Brown frame as seen in The Myers Touch showroom

For a streamlined look, the ADL Design ‘Mitica’ glass door system is ideal for defining yet separating functional spaces in a home such as a kitchen and living spaces. The sliding pocket doors in this collection are available as both single and double panels, with a pull handle in the upright rod to close the recessed door which can fully recede into a wall when in use.

ADL Design Vertical ‘Line’ Aluminum Screen system

The ADL Design ‘Deco’ sliding door design, which can be seen in The Myers Touch studio featured as a divider on their own-brand Möbelife kitchen display, is an attractive door solution which acts as a striking moving wall. Fully customisable in terms of size and finish, the ‘Deco’ design is available in a range of glass with features such as internal mesh, texture, transparent or frosted, and its range of aluminium geometric frame options is the ideal choice for those looking to bring a touch of industrial-style chic to their home.

ADL Design Door & Room Divider Systems available at The Myers Touch www.themyerstouch.co.uk

Their ’Line’ screen divider is ideal for large open-plan spaces and perfect for those kitchen spaces that are created to have a ‘broken-plan’ kitchen layout, as it offers designers the flexibility to close spaces off, create privacy or provide sound insulation when other activities are taking place at the same time such as entertaining, relaxing, studying or cooking.

About The Myers Touch

We are The Myers Touch, award-winning interior architects and designers who specialise in creating luxury kitchen living spaces. Our goal is to enrich your life through the creation of an exceptional kitchen space that reflects your practical, aesthetic and emotional aspirations. We believe every kitchen should contain elements of beauty, efficiency and personalisation – a place that expresses Light, Space and Laughter for you.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

“When it comes to kitchen design, discussing the latest trends can be tricky,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “Unlike other areas of the home, such as furniture or decor, kitchens require a significant financial investment. Therefore, homeowners are more likely to choose timeless and durable materials and designs that will withstand the test of time, rather than embracing short-lived fads that quickly become outdated.”

Here, Charlie identifies six long-term trends that align with the need for durability and sustainability.

1. Transitional Design: When Old Meets New

Transitional design, a perfect blend of classic and contemporary styles, is a great example of a longterm trend. This design aesthetic combines the warmth and elegance of traditional materials with the clean simplicity of modern design. The result is a timeless and versatile style that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Ledbury Studio’s Hampstead kitchen perfectly embodies the spirit of transitional design, with its modern interpretation of a classic Shaker kitchen and stunning marble worktops.

Patinated copper cabinetry is the star of this compact kitchen in Rotherhithe and suits the industrial nature of the converted warehouse where the apartment is located.

2. Magic Metallics: Harnessing the Beauty of Metals

Our second trend is closely linked to the first, as metals have always played a key role in transitional kitchens – although primarily in smaller details such as handles or taps. At Ledbury Studio, we were ahead of the curve in expanding the use of metals beyond hardware and giving them a starring role in our kitchen designs. For instance, our signature copper-fronted kitchen cabinets are made by individually aging and patinating sheet copper to achieve a beautiful Verdigris effect. This approach combines the traditional warmth of copper with an on-trend aesthetic resulting in an entirely new look, which nonetheless won’t go out of style for years to come.

In the Camden kitchen textures include delicate reeded oak panels on either end of the island, as well as a reeded quartz splashback.

3. Feel Factor: Exploring Texture and Tactility

The rise of tactility in kitchens is not just a passing trend but a reflection of our desire for a more sensory and immersive experience in our homes. This has resulted in the popularity of tactile elements like fluting and reeding, which also add movement to surfaces and, when used sparingly, bring a subtle level of interest without overpowering the overall design. This technique is particularly useful for giving a contemporary kitchen a softer look and can be applied to various materials and surfaces. This Camden kitchen boasts many show-stopping features, as well as some more subtle additions that lend serious weight to the overall design. Take note of the delicate reeded oak on the ends of the island: it adds texture and depth to the otherwise flat surface.

An incredible home bar with illuminated fluted-glass cabinet, wine rack and wine cabinet is situated next to the dining area of the Hackney kitchen.

4. House Party: Bring the Bar Home

What could be better than coming home after a long day and heading to your own home bar to make your favourite drink? Or hosting friends and offering them a variety of perfectly chilled beverages instead of relying on what’s in the refrigerator? That’s why many people are now opting to include a home bar as part of their new kitchen. It’s also the reason why Charlie is increasingly being sought after to incorporate these bars into his designs.

The Hackney kitchen features a generously proportioned home bar with a Stone Italiana Ambra countertop that provides ample preparation space. There’s even room underneath for a pull-out wine rack and a compact wine cooler. However, the true highlight of this bar is the glass cabinet. It has fluted glass doors (another on-trend feature) and can be illuminated from within, creating a visually appealing display and adding fantastic mood lighting in the evenings.

The New Forest kitchen features a large and well-appointed breakfast cupboard.

5. Breakfast Cupboards: The Best Way to Start the Day

If breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, it’s no surprise that a breakfast cupboard is becoming a must-have in every Ledbury Studio kitchen. Whether it’s freestanding or built-in, a breakfast cupboard is designed to provide space for storing your breakfast essentials and keeping them conveniently in one place.

For this kitchen in an Edwardian home in the New Forest, the design brief was for a contemporary aesthetic. Charlie achieved this by combining beautiful book-matched walnut veneer and hand-patinated zinc panels edged in walnut. The addition of aged-brass handles adds an elegant finishing touch. In line with Ledbury Studio’s transitional design style, Charlie also created a spacious breakfast cupboard that pays homage to Edwardian homes while incorporating a modern edge. Inside, there are shelves for a microwave and breakfast items, with pan drawers below and fluted-glass cupboards on either side, illuminated from within.

The New Forest kitchen features a large and well-appointed breakfast cupboard.
A specially designed brass and oak screen sits beside the stairs to the utility room in the Stroud kitchen.

6. Back Kitchen: Double the Fun

A second kitchen is gaining popularity because it serves multiple purposes. It can offer additional prep or cooking space, double as a laundry or utility room, or provide storage for various items. Its versatility depends on its size, but its primary function is to relieve pressure from the main kitchen and provide a place to hide everyday clutter. This is particularly beneficial in open-plan kitchens where the main kitchen is always visible.

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

About Ledbury Studio Ltd

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a soft and elegant kitchen design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Poggenpohl Hampstead.

Poggenpohl Hampstead were commissioned to design, specify and install a luxury kitchen into a family home in Essex.

SBID Awards Category: KBB Design

Practice: Poggenpohl Hampstead

Project: Poggenpohl Hampstead – Collins

Location: Essex, United Kingdom

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins
Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

What was the client’s brief? 

To create a luxurious kitchen space showcasing Gaggenau appliances, featuring a soft and elegant colour scheme, and incorporating high-quality, durable countertops. The kitchen should provide a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a comfortable and visually pleasing environment for cooking, entertaining, and daily activities.

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

What inspired the design of the project?

It was important to have discussions with the client and view their previous kitchen for touchpoints on things they really loved and wanted to retain. We then wanted to frame the views through the large arched windows, and not disturb the eye with use of wall cabinets. The use of full height cabinetry in a metallic champagne coloured aluminium allowed dynamic colour shifts to the area throughout the day as the material has wonderful refracting properties of light.

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins
Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The bridged sink countertop in front of the arched window. We worked with the countertop supplier to not only ensure the weight was considered, but also that pipework for water inlet/ waste outlets had routes and access for servicing. Additionally the height was carefully planned to ensure the waste trap was not visible from inside or outside the kitchen at varying levels.

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The flexibility and freedom permitted by the client, the end result has a lot of technical aspects which tested the team to achieve something which covered all the client requirements whilst retaining a kitchen which can withstand daily use. The client was very happy, which ultimately is the goal of any project and this has already led to multiple referral clients.

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins
Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have often entered the SBID awards as they are a prestigious, trusted, and recognised company viewed by many industry professionals. With the client’s permission we wanted to showcase our work to a wider audience and demonstrate the journey Poggenpohl has been on. The company ethos, design flexibility and material libraries have rapidly increased in the 12 years I have been part of the team, and we are proud to have a product which is exquisitely engineered to last for decades.

Poggenpohl Hampstead - Collins

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We were thrilled that the judges felt the kitchen merited being a finalist, and hope the public vote reflects this too. As the Poggenpohl brand continues to grow in diversity of design, it is our intention to showcase our finished work more regularly via professional and prestigious avenues such as SBID.

James Kalozois, Studio Manager at Poggenpohl Hampstead

Questions answered by James Kalozois, Studio Manager at Poggenpohl Hampstead.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a secretive, Art Deco-inspired bar design by LW Design, click here to read it.

Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects at Gaggenau has given her insights into the industry.

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with over 60 flagships and showrooms in major cities around the world.

What are the origins of the brand?

Our story begins back in 1683 in a small village called Gaggenau on the edge of the Black Forrest. The aristocratic ruler of the area wanted to improve the lives of his farming communities and built a smelting plant. From forging nails to enamel signage to bicycles, Gaggenau build many products before concentrating on domestic appliances in the 1950s. From there, a series of industry firsts began to shape the luxury appliance market. In the mid 1990’s BSH bought the company and the investment meant that they had a premium brand in the portfolio and Gaggenau had the investment to further define luxury within today’s kitchens.

Gaggenau

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

When looking for the “best in class,” whether it be quality, style, functionality or luxury, designers have been recommending Gaggenau for decades. The available sizes of appliances like ovens, hobs, refrigeration and extractors means that designers will find perfect fit for their kitchen designs. We offer our trade partners aides like a full ventilation planning service and a home visit for end client to understand the functionalities of their steam ovens, for instance. Interior designers can rest assured that working with a Gaggenau partner they will receive the best service.

Gaggenau

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

Because we do not supply end clients directly, we ensure our trade partners are trained and have a selection of working products on display and can offer the best in design service, M & E specification as well as supply. Knowing the products have been correctly specified and installed, allows us to offer a 5 year warranty on all Gaggenau products.

Gaggenau

How do you work with interior designers?

We promote our products through an authorised network of professional kitchen design studios and project partners, who work with lots of the UK’s top interior designers. Whilst we do not supply directly, we welcome interior designers and their clients to Gaggenau London in 40 Wigmore Street to view and see our products demonstrated.

Gaggenau

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

One of the best examples of working with a partner to achieve a luxury installation has to be the 85 apartments at the Old War Office, in the very heart of Whitehall, central London. Gaggenau supplied its suite of sleek built-in appliances from cooking to cooling and dishwashing which enhance the beautiful cabinetry.

Gaggenau

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

Down draft or integrated extraction with our cooktops has to be one of the most popular ways of designing the quietest ventilation. We have excellent solutions for all projects backed up with an individual design service to ensure the correct ducting, motors or recirculating methods are offered. We have also been pleased to see an increase in steam cooking. Our combination steam ovens offer plumbed in or tank solutions and features include sous-vide cooking, steam reduction and self-cleaning programmes.

Gaggenau

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

We recognise the importance of good interior design to enhance modern day living for clients. Taking account of sustainability, longevity and creativity for home design is becoming more important and we certainly hope to engage more with Designers.

Gaggenau

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

Gaggenau is always at the forefront of design and innovation so whilst we can’t divulge too much, one of our newest products for 2024 will be Essential Induction; hobs which are invisible and operate underneath the worktop, using the latest tech to ensure safety and design.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner collaboration mean to you?

A collaboration with SBID means that we can grow closer to this important area of design and expertise in our industry. Gaggenau looks forward to promoting our CPD to SBID members and engaging through networking events and offering as much help and assistance with product advice and integration with our trade partners.

Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects at Gaggenau

About Gaggenau

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Charlie Smallbone is well known for going to great lengths to create exquisite furniture for his clients. And now, in his designs for the open-plan kitchen of this 23rd-storey penthouse in London’s Canary Wharf with stunning views of the River Thames, he has taken his craft to great heights too.

Charlie tells us how the Canary Wharf project came together.

The island features a Fior di Bosco marble waterfall worktop
Wall cabinets were extended all the way to the ceiling to maximise storage space

What was your brief for the kitchen?

Our client wanted a kitchen for entertaining that could accommodate large parties of friends, as well as cosy suppers for two. The design also had to deliver wow factor, but through elegance and simplicity rather than fancy or complicated elements. This was music to my ears, as I always prefer the beauty of natural materials to shine through!

The Choppy Water design is carved into the oak on the outside of the island
The drawers and doors feature a special cut-out handle with brass inlay

How did the space create challenges in the design process?

The kitchen is part of a spacious, open-plan room that also houses the dining and sitting areas. Despite its size, not a huge amount of space has been allocated to the kitchen, so we had to be creative with the layout. There wasn’t much room for tall cupboards, for example, not least because the client had specified a full-height Sub-Zero fridge-freezer and wine cabinet. To maximise storage space, we extended the wall cabinets to the ceiling, but added glass fronts to stop them from feeling too imposing. In addition, we designed the base cabinets to be roomy, avoiding smaller cupboards that are less efficient in terms of storage. In this design, every inch of storage space had to count!

The drawers and doors feature a special cut-out handle with brass inlay
The Choppy Water design is carved into the oak on the outside of the island

What can you tell us about some of the materials used?

The design for the dark-stained oak cupboard doors began with the cut-out handles, which our client had seen and loved. To add an element of drama, we incorporated brass inlays behind the handles and a matching kick plate. The requested wow factor is in the detail of the beautiful book-matched Fior di Bosco marble waterfall worktop, which cascades down the sides of the island. To make the island stand out even more, we placed a panel of our signature Choppy Water carved oak on the outside. Its grey tones work perfectly with the marble. Finally, the splashback is antique mirror, which offers a suggestion of the views behind without an outright reflection – so much more intriguing, to my mind.

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

About Ledbury Studio Ltd

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

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Premium manufacturer Dornbracht enhances the kitchen assortment: From now, the Lot series of fittings created by Sieger Design will be available as a single-lever mixer, and in new finishes. The fitting blends perfectly into the “Layers of Black” kitchen architecture.

Dark stained wooden surfaces and high-quality materials shape the design.
Lot in Platinum fits naturally into the structure.

Striking and variable: Lot by Dornbracht
Precise architectonic expression, combined with striking, minimalist aesthetics: Lot features a flat, one-piece spout that makes the fitting seem almost sculptural. The new single-lever mixer – also offered with a rinsing spray on the side – adds another variant to the series. Lot is also available, amongst others, as a two-hole fitting and as a Bar Tap. The warm tone of the new Champagne (22kt Gold) and Brushed Champagne (22kt Gold) finishes is captivating, whereas the Dark Chrome finish exudes an impressive, mystical elegance. Chrome, Brushed Platinum, Platinum, Brushed Durabrass (23kt Gold), and Brushed Dark Platinum complete the range of finishes.

Lot in Platinum.

“Layers of Black”: a kitchen architecture for purists
The “Layers of Black” kitchen architecture shows how the Lot single-lever mixer combines harmoniously with its surroundings. The design is intended for purists and perfectionists: graceful, back to basics, without any unnecessary decorative elements. Dark stained wooden surfaces shape the minimalist ambience, with high-quality materials such as glass and natural stone. Timeless black – combined in different nuances and textures – seemingly commanding and stylistically assured, yet also radiating mystical depth. The fitting by Dornbracht in Brushed Dark Platinum or in Platinum belongs naturally in this structure.

Timeless black – combined in different nuances and textures
Radiates mystical depth in the “Layers of Black” kitchen architecture.

About Dornbracht

Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets.

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