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Make your kitchen work harder with a layered lighting scheme that brightens functional space in different ways for different uses. The ongoing trend towards more open and broken plan rooms means that kitchens are more connected to our living spaces than ever. When it comes to lighting multiple use spaces, don't leave your kitchen out in the dark! Create a subtle and sophisticated feature with LED lighting. LED tape lighting can emit continuous light to highlight an area or draw your eye. It works well to create a silhouette of the kitchen during less high traffic moments and can even change the ambience of a room. Colour temperatures can be changed from cool white to warmer hues depending on the time of day or even your mood! Task lighting is essential in kitchens with less natural light but can benefit any kitchen as part of a layered lighting scheme. Integrated under-cabinet lighting can provide that all needed brightness when using a worktop or equally important illumination for larders when in use.
Our Rotpunkt smart-ready kitchen range integrates long-life, energy-efficient LED lighting as standard allowing you to plan your lighting at the start of the process in conjunction with the rest of the kitchen, rather than as an addition later down the line. The lighting can be activated from your smartphone or voice-activated devices like Alexa. Find out more about Rotpunkt's Smart-Ready range by visiting our showroom today!
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This autumn the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow between 31 October – 12 November 2021.
With news stories dominated by ways in which individuals, businesses and organisations can help to curb the climate crisis, it has never been more relevant to discuss how home renovations can reflect this change. Your first thoughts when designing a kitchen will likely be about the aesthetics rather than its green credentials. At Halo Interiors, we consider both of these interests on your behalf. We will present you with a kitchen design that provides quality, durability and sustainability that also looks fantastic. Win, win! Rotpunkt One of Halo Interiors most popular kitchen ranges, Rotpunkt, has already made great strides in reducing its carbon footprint. To help maintain their efforts for environmentally friendly kitchens, Rotpunkt has continued its history of innovation, with the BioBoard. BioBoard Gen2 is made up of 90% recycled wood, which is sustainable and preserves an area of forest the size of (approx.) 50 football pitches every year. This low carbon option makes it possible to uphold Rotpunkt's signature quality and style. Since 2017, the company has been reviewing and innovating the way they work to reduce their CO2 emissions. Rotpunkt has considered and negated the environmental impact of their kitchen range using the 'avoid-reduce-compensate' approach. This means that all emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced will be offset with environmental projects. Since 2019, Rotpunkt has partnered with myclimate for these projects which include supporting 849 families in Kenya with efficient cookers to reduce the time and effort of collecting firewood. Rotpunkt has a plethora of impressive sustainability credentials (read more here) which are certified by not only the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) but meet the F**** Standard for emissions of formaldehyde, CARB2, EO5 and Nordic Swan Standards for their Greenline BioBoard. Cosentino Silestone, owned by Cosentino, is made up of 90% natural quartz making it hardwearing and highly resistant to stains. This makes it the perfect finish for a kitchen worktop or splashback as it is not only unique but practical. Silestone is so confident in its product it comes with a 25-year warranty. To add to their already extensive credentials they have now launched their first carbon-neutral quartz and engineered stone collection to the market, Sunlit Days. Cosentino is using HybriQ technology to reduce its carbon footprint by using 99% recycled water from production processes and 100% renewable energy. Silica used in the production process has been reduced to only 50% (up to 90% for selected colours). Cosentino also volunteers with projects to offset emissions like the Seabed Preservation Project. The Sunlit Days collection is inspired by the earthy tones of the Mediterranean. Available in five colours, Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue and Posidonia Green, each with its own narrative. Find out more here. What can I do to reduce? Making your kitchen more sustainable is something you may already be doing. If you recycle, prevent food waste, use eco-friendly cleaning products or even grow your own window ledge herbs, you are doing your bit to help keep our planet healthy. That being said, have you ever given any thought to how sustainable your actual kitchen is (think units, fixtures and fittings)? If you are looking for a new kitchen you needn't compromise the style or quality for it to be sustainable and kinder to the planet. Find out more about our sustainable kitchen ranges by visiting our showroom today! The Ethereal collection from Silestone by Cosentino is inspired by the world of natural stone. The collection sees crisp white worktops peppered with deep blues and greys to create unique designs that embrace cutting edge, patented, HybriQ technology. Comprising of four sumptuous colours, the Ethereal collection adds elegance and style to your new kitchen. It emulates natural stone with all the benefits of Silestone. What is Silestone?Silestone is highly scratch and stain-resistant. Made from quartz, premium minerals and recycled materials it is durable and brings colour and texture to your new kitchen. HybriQ technologyCosentino's innovative HybriQ technology describes the manufacturing process which uses renewable energy and recycled water. There is also a minimum of 20% recycled materials, like glass, used in any HybriQ Silestone worktop. All this means that Silestone is sustainable as well as stylish. Ethereal CollectionEach of the four Silestone Ethereal colours emulates their namesake. Take Ethereal Dusk, its blue hues and veining borrow tones from the moments just after sunset and just before night. Ethereal Haze uses light and dark greys to create a smoky blend. Available in polished or suede finishes, it adds subtle depth to any kitchen. Using golds and greys, Ethereal Glow is an evolution of the internationally acclaimed Silestone Calacatta Gold colour. It radiates warmth with its nod to sunset. Last but certainly not least is Silestone's Ethereal Noctis. With deeper, darker greys and blacks it punctuates the cotton white canvas. See the collectionIf you like the sounds of Silestone by Cosentino's collection, visit our showroom in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex. Halo Interiors has over 30 years of interior design expertise, so we can advise you on the best finishes for your kitchen, including worktop.
Quartz is distinctly on-trend at the moment. Its high durability and its stain and heat resistant properties make it a popular choice for hard-working areas like the kitchen. Quartz is fully sealed meaning you don't have to worry about spills or exposure to heat. It also means that dirt and germs can be easily wiped away with a gentle antibacterial cleanser. There are numerous colours to choose from, including finishes that emulate natural stone. The 'Hypernature' trend is the use of patterns you'd find in nature. For instance, a marble look finish can be achieved with quartz but without the disadvantages of a more porous stone. Cosentino's Silestone range is a hybrid of quartz and recycled materials. Silestone has recently introduced HybriQ+® technology. HybriQ+® technology has been created by the brand to help reduce the environmental impact of renovating your home. There is a minimum of 20% recycled material (such as glass) in their products and you can choose from three surface finishes; polished, suede and volcano. Consentino is also making the process far more environmentally friendly. By using recycled water, materials and renewable energy, Cosentino is offsetting the carbon footprint of their products. You can find out more about this and their new Sunlit Days collection here. Laura Davie, Marketing Manager at Cosentino UK advises that 'as homeowners seek out eco-friendly products more than ever before, this new technology from Silestone is the start of a new era of quartz manufacturers and the focus should be on helping reduce the impact on our planet.' Visit our showroom to discuss your new kitchen and the best worktop for you. Sustainable kitchen design with Rotpunkt
We are all familiar with the challenges that climate change poses to our planet. We are increasingly aware of the carbon footprint of the products we buy and their packaging. So why should it be different when it comes to a new kitchen? With Rotpunkt, it doesn't have to be.
Since 2017, the company has been reviewing and innovating the way they work to reduce their CO2 emissions. Rotpunkt has considered and negated the environmental impact of their kitchen range using the 'avoid-reduce-compensate approach. This means that all emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced will be offset with environmental projects. Since 2019, Rotpunkt has partnered with myclimate for these projects which include supporting 849 families in Kenya with efficient cookers to reduce the time and effort of collecting firewood. To help maintain their efforts for environmentally friendly kitchens, Rotpunkt has continued its history of innovation, with the BioBoard. BioBoard Gen2 is made up of 90% recycled wood, which is sustainable and preserves an area of forest the size of (approx.) 50 football pitches every year. This low carbon option makes it possible to uphold Rotpunkt's signature quality and style. Head of operations at Rotpunkt, Matt Phillips tells K and B magazine 'The sheer variety of new materials, colours and finishes available have ushered in a new era of design creativity with end-users demanding beauty and utility, as well as sustainability.' To find out more about Rotpunkt's sustainable BioBoard range visit our showroom today. If you have a compact kitchen you may feel you don't have as many options when it comes to your new design, which isn't the case. By employing some changes you could potentially gain more space than you think. Here we provide top tips for maximising every inch of your kitchen so you get the most out of the space you have available. Storage Make the most of corners and plinths. Not too sure what a plinth is? It is the space between the kitchen floor and the bottom of your cupboard and generally will be covered by a kickboard. It is almost always dead space and using this to store cleaning products or less used items is a great way to make the most of all the space in your kitchen. You can add drawers to utilise the space like in this example from Rempp. Make corner units work harder with a carousel fitting that allows you to access all of the space. Utilise wall space Using towers that include built-in appliances is a great way to create a more cohesive look. Extending cupboards across a wall will make an impact, allow you to integrate appliances to free up space that may not be as well utilised as counter space. By stacking more than one oven you free up lower level storage space. Ditch the kettle Free up counter space by swapping your kettle for an instant boiling water tap like Quooker. You will save space, time and maybe even water. So win-win! Lose the handles To create a more streamlined kitchen, remove handles that extend the width of your kitchen units. You can find handless options for almost all types of kitchen or at the very least a slimline built-in handle. Two-tone Colour can create impact but it can also trick the eye. By using darker colours on lower units and a lighter colour at the top, you will create the illusion of more space above head height which will make the room feel much larger. Extractors Switch your hooded extractor for a hob that does the job for you. Many models like NEFF and Siemens provide the option of a built-in extractor to eliminate steam and cooking odours. Appliances Incorporating more compact appliances is a great way to ensure you get the kitchen that works best for you. For example, if you don't think you have room for a wine cabinet think again! You can add a single zone wine cabinet with very little space. A smaller dishwasher may be more than enough for your needs. Are you feeling inspired?
If this has inspired you to renovate your compact kitchen then we can help. Halo Interiors can design, supply and install kitchens to fit your specifications and can help you make your compact kitchen work better for you. Contact us today or visit our showroom in Horsham town centre.
INDUSTRIAL STYLE KITCHENS
Kitchens are the heart of the home and need to be hardwearing and practical to withstand high traffic and daily use. So it isn't a surprise that there is a trend towards a more industrial look for our homes.
Whether you would like to introduce a subtle nod to the style or want something more bespoke, here is our guide to achieving an industrial look in any kitchen. Sinks When you think of an industrial interior, concrete is probably the first thing that comes to mind. If you love the look of concrete, we have a sink that will work for you. Blanco's Silgranit range features a concrete look sink but is made up of granite. Silgranit sinks are made from 80% quartz sand which is the strongest component of granite. It is hardwearing, hygienic, easy to clean and has the look and feel of concrete with all the added benefits of granite.
Durinox is a new stainless steel with a matte finish and is twice as durable as conventional stainless steel sinks. It is scratch and finger proof resistant making it easy to clean. The surface gets these properties from the process of blasting. The material is blasted with over 1 billion tiny stainless steel balls on both sides to increase its strength and produce its velvety texture.
Worktops Curating an industrial look with smaller items like sink and taps is a good way to introduce the aesthetic to your home. However, if you want to create a bolder statement, a concrete look worktop will work well. Cosentino's Dekton Industrial Collection has many concrete-inspired worktops. What's more, Dekton's high UV, scratch, stain and heat resistant properties mean it is a practical solution for your new kitchen. There are poured and matte finishes for a utilitarian style. Kitchen units Another great way to create impact is to consider the finish of your kitchen units. Rempp's Beton Dunkel range (pictured below) showcases two complementary greys. The lighter grey help keep the kitchen light whilst the darker grey adds depth to the room. Both colours emulate concrete. You can add warmth to the look with wooden accessories, chairs or units.
You can also get real concrete unit door options with Rempp. Yes, you read that right but don't worry, it won't be like the Flintstones. Specially manufactured, the veneers are only millimetres thick meaning they are lightweight but still retain the look and feel of real concrete. Rotpunkt provides a range of ceramic fronted doors which allow for a similarly tactile surface.
So, if you would like to add a little concrete chic to your home, visit our showroom to discuss your options. Halo Interiors has over 30 years of interior design knowledge and can advise you on the best ways to achieve a look. Visit our showroom today!
Have you ever looked at kitchens online and wanted a minimalist look but aren't sure it would work 'in real life'? It can be easy to dismiss a modern, clutter-free kitchen as a design that others can maintain or that only works if you don't use it.
If you have ever mused that a kitchen looks good 'but hey, where is their toaster?''. Chances are you have already seen the clever hack to hide small appliances with a concealed kitchen. Concealing appliances isn't a new trend. When you envisage a new kitchen, you would expect your large appliances to already be integrated as part of the design. The trend towards also concealing small appliances and workspaces is starting to become more popular in the UK. With many of us opting for open or broken plan living, the need for spaces that feel less busy is the driving force for the UK embracing concealed kitchens. For the streamlined effect, many manufacturers are using bi-folding or standard pocket doors that can be opened (and tucked away) to reveal the kitchen worktops, appliances and drawers. Take this Rempp example (pictured above), although it is clear from the kitchen island that this is the kitchen space they have removed visual barriers when the full-length units are closed. This leads to a modern and minimalist look that anyone can achieve. So now you know the secret to functional, streamlined kitchens you can hide your kitchen for all the right reasons! Find more information or to discuss the best design for your kitchen, visit our showroom today. ...without intermingling flavours or aromas.
You read that correctly! We are going to tell you how you can cook three separate dishes in one oven, without compromising any of them. NEFF's CircoTherm® 3D technology allows you to simultaneously cook, roast and bake. In turn, this reduces the time you need to spend in the kitchen and is also more environmentally friendly than cooking three dishes individually. You'll find 3D CircoTherm technology in NEFF N50 single and double ovens. Circotherm® uses a powerful metal fan to extract air from the oven and redirects it to specially created ducts towards the back of the oven. There is also no need to preheat the oven as the Power Boost function with the 4D CircoTherm® system can be used for a short burst of heat to warm the oven quickly. Hot air is directed at food to create a seal that improves moisture and prevents flavour transfer. The 4D system boasts all the benefits of 3D CircoTherm® technology and is available in the N70 and N90 models. Find out more about our NEFF range by visiting our showroom. Colourful kitchens in earthy tones have been a real trend since early 2020. Traditional kitchens are now taking on a modern twist in bold colours like dark green, navy and grey. So is this trend set to continue? Well, according to Ideal Home magazine, it is! Choosing the right colour for your kitchen You can be bold and choose a kitchen in your favourite hue or, if you want something a little more subtle, you could punctuate the space with small pops of colour. Colour trends According to Pinterest data collated by Tap Warehouse, navy, green, sage and, teal are all timeless favourites that have been popular in 2020 and continue to be this year. If you wish to embrace colour, then these are a good place to start. If you want something a little different, try red and orange tones which are growing in popularity. Combination kitchen units If you are finding it hard to pick your favourite, why settle for one colour? You can easily combine two colours to provide a complimentary but less standard design. Here are some examples of combination kitchens for inspiration. Have a favourite colour but can't find a similar kitchen? We can provide a colour match service for some of our ranges. Splashback If you want to create impactful colour, a bold glass splashback could work well. Keeping the rest of your kitchen in a neutral tone will allow you to make a striking statement. The best part about capturing colour in a splashback is that you can update this alone (without the need to replace the whole kitchen) if you want to choose a new hue in future. Fittings Introducing colour to cabinet handles is simple, subtle and has the added benefit of being easy to change. Rose gold works very well with darker kitchen units and can match your sink and tap to create a cohesive look. Worktops When you think of worktops, you probably think of earthy granite or glitzy quartz. However, colours are making their way into this year's top trends. Silestone by Cosentino recently launched their Sunlit Days collection with five key tones that provide Mediterranean colours in a muted, but eye-catching palette. You can view our guide to Sunlit Days here. Walls Painting is a great way to freshen up a space and can create dramatic results without too much effort. If you aren't sure about being committed to a colour on your whole kitchen, keep your units bright and crisp in white and express yourself with paint on your walls instead! Accessories If you are hoping to introduce colour into your kitchen but prefer to change your decor frequently, adding accessories and plants is a wonderful way to brighten your space. If you are thinking of redesigning your kitchen, Halo Interiors can help. With over 30 years of interior design knowledge, we can help design, supply and install your kitchen. Benefit from our expertise today by visiting our showroom. Silestone, owned by Cosentino, is made up of 90% natural quartz making it hardwearing and highly resistant to stains. This makes it the perfect finish for a kitchen worktop or splashback as it is not only unique but practical. Silestone is so confident in its product it comes with a 25-year warranty. To add to their already extensive credentials they have now launched their first carbon-neutral quartz and engineered stone collection to the market, Sunlit Days. Cosentino is using HybriQ technology to reduce its carbon footprint by using 99% recycled water from production processes and 100% renewable energy. Silica used in the production process has been reduced to only 50% (up to 90% for selected colours). Cosentino also volunteers with projects to offset emissions like the Seabed Preservation Project. The Sunlit Days collection is inspired by the earthy tones of the Mediterranean. Available in five colours, Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue and Posidonia Green, each with its own narrative. Faro White When you think of the Mediterranean, the sun-drenched white walls probably spring to mind. Faro White embodies this and complements natural materials well with its matte finish. Cincel grey Great for light bathed areas like south-facing rooms, this colour will complement both white and deep dark colours in your kitchen. Arcilla Red Conjuring up thoughts of deep terracotta tile used so often in architecture in the Med, this is the perfect complement to a white kitchen unit and adds a bold pop of colour which is still natural in tone. Cala Blue This deep blue hints at the colours of the sea, sky and dusk all in one. It is an elegant tone that works well with either white or dark colours and provides richness to any kitchen worktop. Posidonia Green And last but not least, Posidonia Green (as shown above) is a subdued green inspired by the seafloor. Visit our showroom to view Silestone samples from this collection and their others. When Rotpunkt was foundedRotpunkt has a long history of providing top quality products. Halo Interiors designs and installs Rotpunkt's range of kitchens. Here we look at its 90-year history to see how the company evolved and innovated to ensure it is still just as productive (if not more) than when it first started. The company was founded in Buende by Heinrich Rabe and Wilhelm Meyer in 1930. Rotpunkt started its life as a cigar box factory because, at the time, Buende was the heart of the cigar-making industry. Between 1939 and 1948, the war and the subsequent currency reform meant that many families could only afford to purchase the absolute everyday essentials. So as not to rely solely on one product, Rabe and Meyer decided to use their wood processing machinery to produce both children's toys and sewing boxes. These innovations to their business helped them navigate through this traditional period, but it wasn't without its hurdles. Up until 1946, they hadn't needed to use large quantities of paint. The sewing boxes they had been contracted to create needed to be painted white. To allow them to manufacture this product, they incorporated a painting room. Solving this problem meant they could use their newly acquired knowledge in painting on a larger scale for their kitchen manufacturing enterprise. Rotpunkt's first kitchenIn 1950, Rotpunkt first manufactured a kitchen sideboard or so-called 'buffet-style kitchen'. This freestanding kitchen comprised of a lower and upper section designed to hold plates, cutlery and food. These were hugely popular and demand was high which in turn meant Rotpunkt needed larger premises. Once they constructed their new warehouse (which underwent expansion more than once to accommodate their growing business) they cemented their place in the kitchen furniture building industry. They went on to create Swedish style built-in kitchens with standardised cabinets in 1958 and later modular kitchens (like we see today) in 1967. The end of production for their mainstay product, cigar boxes, was secured in 1968. The business is going from strength to strengthThe now internally renowned kitchen brand, once known as 'Rabe & Meyer', was rebranded to 'Rotpunkt' in 1982. Since their rebrand, Rotpunkt has created colour matched cabinetry, handleless doors (2005) and their innovation has only sped up in the last 16 years. They launched their Greenline BioBoard in 2015, converted the interior appearances of their fittings and drawers in 2017 and were certified as having carbon-neutral production in 2020.
This family-run business now employs over 300 staff members! If you'd like to incorporate high-quality, German design and craftsmanship into your home, visit our showroom. You can see our two Rotpunkt display kitchens and discuss how to create your own. The Bootility room (yes, you are reading that right we haven't misspelt utility) is growing in popularity. Many of us have had to rethink the way we use our homes during the pandemic. Kitchens became homeschools, offices and where we (relentlessly) prepared all our meals during the lockdown.
Now, with the easing of government restrictions, our kitchen will hopefully be used for more social occasions. The new trend for open spaces that connect the indoors and outdoors spaces to create impactful and useable space. But, having a utility or Bootility enhances the way you can use your home. Isolating louder appliances, like washing machines and dryers, will provide a much more serene environment in which to socialise or indeed continue to work from home as many businesses explore a combination of virtual and office-based work. So that means no more spin cycles during your conference calls! The Bootility, which is a functional room for everything from your appliances to pet food storage, to boot/coat/shoe and sink is a great way to keep your open-plan space from feeling cluttered. It also provides additional hygiene as there should be less transfer of mud and outdoor debris from more practical tasks entering the kitchen. Just because the area is practical, doesn't mean it can't look great and feel like an extension of your kitchen. Using the same style cabinet and worktop as you have in your kitchen will create a cohesive design (and you won't feel like Cinderella!). So if you want to explore what a new kitchen with a separate Bootility room could do for your home, contact us today or visit our showroom. Sensa by Cosentino® range is natural stone sealed with Senguard NK stain protection treatment which prevents food staining, makes it a highly scratch-resistant surface and keeps the natural stone shielded from UV light. As part of the already handpicked Sensa range, Cosentino® has added five soft new tones to their portfolio. The collection is sourced from Brazil and India. The colour range from Brazil (four new shades) comprises of Siberia, Platino, Vancouver quartzites and Silver Grey granite. The unique shade from India is Graphite Grey and has an exclusive Cosentino® Carese finish, which gives it a distinctive texture and glossy appearance whilst allowing the natural colour to still shine through. Every Sensa worktop comes with a 15-year warranty which provides extra peace of mind. Visit our showroom to view samples of the Sensa by Consentino® range or find out more about their new Indian and Brazillian range here. Life can be busy and finding the time to cook from scratch can sometimes be hard. If you are creating a new kitchen for your home you will no doubt want to make the most of it and hone your cookery skills. To save time and produce wonderful home-cooked meals, Siemens IQ700 Studioline has a varioSpeed function. Variospeed combines an integrated microwave with the oven to cook in half the time of a standard appliance without comprising the quality of your food.
If you love to bake, the bakingSensor and pureSteam functions will be the perfect companions to create delicious baked goods. The bakingSensor automatically monitors the humidity in the oven so it can tell when your dish is ready. The pureSteam function helps you reheat dishes without them drying out and provides moisture when baking so that bread will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It isn't just time-saving technology that redefines this range of appliances, its features like Home Connect which help you can control the temperature of the oven from your phone. Got your hands full? No problem. With the Alexa Voice Assistant* you can tell your oven to open its doors with the voice-activated control. Now that is clever! The time-saving functions don't stop there. Its activeClean® setting means the oven can heat to high temperatures (don't worry it locks during this cycle for safety) so residue can be easily wiped away from the specially coated interior to save time. Finally, with the IQ700 range you can mix and match appliances that all have the same intricate details to create an integrated feature that looks flawless. Visit our showroom or talk to us today to discuss your new kitchen. Add a touch of glass to your kitchen with a Siemens glassdraftAir extractor. Reduce obstruction between kitchen and dining areas in open-plan layouts with this seamless transparent design which is not only translucent but highly functional. Powered by Siemens Guided Air Technology, it uses an air curtain behind the glass to improve airflow quietly and its robust extraction reduces steam and odours. The extractor can be controlled using the handy Home Connect app on your device(s). You can change the emotionLight Pro from task lighting to a softer, more ambient light with a tap on the app (choose from nine colours) or receive notifications when the filter needs changing, directly to your phone. Its filters and glass panel can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for simple cleaning. It also features a cookConnect system that can be set to automatically start when the hob is in use so both appliances are in sync. The Siemens glassdraftAir extractor has climateControl sense which continually monitors the odours and steam generated by cooking and adjusts to the most efficient extraction (and the lowest noise level) accordingly without you having to manually adjust it. So if you want uninterrupted views whilst you cook and an extractor that can tuck away when not in use, contact us today or visit our showroom for more information. Instant hot water taps are increasing in popularity and show no signs of losing momentum. Kitchens are the heart of the home but over the past year, they have been put through their paces as home offices, classrooms and a way to stay busy when the world closed (we're looking at you banana bread)! If your kettle has been on overdrive, maybe it is time to invest in a Quooker instant hot water tap. Not only will it save you time (no more watching the pot boil) but it will reduce the energy your household uses. Anne Kaarlela of InSinkErator told Kitchen and Bathroom News that: “According to the Energy Saving Trust 40% of households boil the kettle at least four times a day, with 75% admitting to boiling more water than they need, accounting for a significant amount of water and energy wasted every year. Homeowners can save water, energy and time, with a specialist kitchen tap.” If the thought of instant hot water gives you concerns over safety, especially with young children, Quooker reassures that the highest safety measures are in place. The tap is insulated to ensure it doesn't heat up during the production of boiling water. Unlike a pan or kettle, the tap can't tip over meaning there is far less risk to children in its vicinity. Finally, its child-safe handle requires the user to press twice and then turn it to release hot water, which makes the risk of accidentally turning on the boiling water very small. Read more about Quooker's safety measures here. Along with instant 100°C water, Quooker provides filtered chilled and sparkling water all from one tap meaning your water taste better and has fewer impurities. You will also gain prime worktop real estate as you ditch the kettle in favour of a four-in-one solution. Visit our showroom today to see our Quooker tap in action. Halo Interiors specialise in English and German kitchen design. We work closely with the German kitchen manufacturer, Rotpunkt. Rotpunkt will be undertaking a three-year, multi-million euro investment plan to boost its training capabilities and manufacturing. This hearty investment will see an increase in their factory space, a new showroom and training centre where their extensive product range will be displayed. Rotpunkt also realise the importance of sourcing sustainable materials to aid the reduction of their carbon footprint. With this in mind, they are launching a collection of furniture this year focusing on sustainability, which will add to their already impressive sustainability credentials (read more here) which are certified by not only the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) but meet the F**** Standard for emissions of formaldehyde, CARB2, EO5 and Nordic Swan Standards for their Greenline BioBoard. Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt tells Creative Build Magazine “We strive to make every client feel part of the Rotpunkt family with our excellent customer service. That is the secret to our continued success. We pride ourselves on our attitude, our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with the people we are working with, and our understanding of their needs and requirements." Rotpunkt's people-focused mentality means both their staff and their clients are at the centre of their work. One example of this is in their heavy investment in wearable technology for their dispatch team (Exoskeletons). The Rotpunkt team aren't strangers to change. In their 91 years of trading, they have evolved from a cigar box manufacturer to a sewing box and wooden toymaker and are now best known for their internationally exported kitchen brand. Their investment will see them continue their maturation up to, and past, their centenary in 2030. So, if you want to want to tap into over 90 years of design expertise, along with environmentally friendly manufacturing and design, talk to Halo Interiors about creating a Rotpunkt kitchen now! Induction hobs are growing in popularity and are increasingly the hob of choice for those installing new kitchens and are likely to dominate the market moving forward. Venting hobs combine the technology of induction cooking with slimline extraction seamlessly integrated into their design. This allows you to have more flexibility in where you place the hob in your new kitchen. As well as looking more modern, sleek and streamlined, induction hobs are also more environmentally friendly. They are more energy-efficient than their gas counterparts and as they only heat the pan when it is in situ, do not lose excess heat. NEFF N90 T58TL6EN2 hob is just one of their suite venting induction hobs. Here we explore the key features and benefits that make this the perfect hob for your home. Automatic Air Sensor and Home Connect Technology Smart technology is at the heart of the trend towards incorporating induction hobs into the home. Not only is the N90 T58TL6EN2 easily controlled from the Home Connect app on your phone it also uses automatic air sensor technology to sense steam and combat cooking aromas with the touch of a button. You won't need to manually adjust as it automatically turns itself up or down as and when needed. Reduce background buzzing You may already use an extractor to dispel steam and aromas from your kitchen. If yours makes an audible humming sound that you can hear in other rooms, you will love NEFF's reduced noise venting options. Their 90 T58TL6EN2 benefits from lower noise levels meaning you can hear the sizzle of your steak (or the radio if that is more your style)! Cooking zones This hob features three separate cooking zones that provide boiling, simmering or warming heat. You can place your induction pan anywhere within the Flex Induction zone to heat it where it stands (as opposed to set hob rings other appliances have). You can also use the power transfer to move your pot and the hob will recognise the size of the pot and previous cooking temperature so it can transfer these settings to the new location. You will also be able to use the cooking sensors to provide consistent levels of heat to stop overboiling and burning. You only have to lift a finger Lastly, you can control all the settings on your hob easily with the patented TwistPadFire®. this removable button is easy to use, easy to clean, easy to remove (leaving you that sleek, level surface when not in use and provides added safety for family homes. If you are considering a new kitchen and would like some help to find the perfect hob for your home, talk to Halo Interiors today. Making your kitchen more sustainable is something you may already be doing. If you recycle, prevent food waste, use eco-friendly cleaning products or even grow your own window ledge herbs, you are doing your bit to help keep our planet healthy. That being said, have you ever given any thought to how sustainable your actual kitchen is (think units, fixtures and fittings)? If you are looking for a new kitchen you needn't compromise the style or quality for it to be sustainable and kinder to the planet.
Halo Interiors work with kitchen supplier Rotpunkt to ensure our kitchens are sustainable as well as stylish. Rotpunkt kitchens use Greenline BioBoard which is made of, among other things, fast-growing yearly corn. Due to its high levels of natural compounds, it can be recycled, ensuring less material ends up in landfill. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit organisation for the protection and management of forests. Greenline BioBoard has been PEFC certified which means any wood used is guaranteed to come from sustainably managed forests. BioBoards' accolades don't stop there, the new Greenline BioBoard Gen2 meets the worlds strictest standard for chipboard (F**** Standard for emissions of formaldehyde) and has CARB2, EO5 and Nordic Swan Standard eco-accreditations. If that wasn't enough to convince you of Rotpunkt's dedication to sustainability, then their CO2 site balance sheet provides information about their reduced CO2 emissions and their energy-efficient machinery to keep them hitting their goal of 100% climate-neutral production. So now you know you will be playing your part, why not browse soRotpunktme Rotpunkt kitchens? If you want to know how the new Rotpunkt kitchen could work for your home, contact us today. If you are a wine lover and have a collection of bottles gathering dust in a forgotten corner then maybe you need to rethink how you are treating it to ensure it is perfect when you come to enjoy it.
Here are some top tips for storing your wine correctly: Keep your wine at the right temperature Storing your wine at too high a temperature (anything over 21°C) can affectively 'cook' the wine and mean you lose flavour and aroma. Storing it at too low a temperature (under -4°C) will make it freeze and accelerate the ageing process. The ideal temperature is between 7°C and 18°C but you can check with your wine manufacturer if you are unsure. The most important thing to ensure is that the temperature is stable as fluctuations can cause contraction and expansion in the cork and lead to air entering the bottle (or worse, allow wine to seep out). Wine prefers darkness to light Keep your bottles away from light and UV rays to keep them at their best. Sunlight in particular damages the flavours and aromas of the wine if you have a bottle close to a window, move it away now! No good vibrations Vibrations from stereos, washing machines or similar will disturb the sediment which is essential for ageing wine. For wine, there is no such thing as good vibrations. Store bottles horizontally If you plan to store your wine long-term you should store bottles horizontally. This will mean the cork won't dry out so there is less chance that air will enter the bottle. There's no harm in storing screw-top wines vertically if you wish. Invest in a wine cabinet If you are buying wine as an investment, a wine cabinet is a necessity. A good wine cabinet will ensure no UV rays reach your wine, that the temperature is steady and vibrations aren't present. So all you have to do is sit back and wait for its quality to increase. Not sure where to start? We can help you find the perfect storage unit for your new kitchen. Don't throw out opened wine You can extend the life of any open bottle of wine by using a rubber stopper. This can extend the shelf life to between 3-5 days. This guide can help you find the best wine stopper. Having appliances, fixtures and fittings in your kitchen that have more than one use is a great way to maximise space and keep your kitchen streamlined. Blanco's EVOL-S Pro semi-professional tap has no less than four functions. The 4-in-1 tap has a unique rotary measuring dial that allows you to control the exact volume of water dispensed and provides cold, hot, filtered cold and filtered instant boiled water. The filter system has five stages which remove limescale, metal content and other impurities so you are left with a perfectly PH balanced glass of water, every time. The mixer tap is finished in stainless PVD steel and combines two mixer levers that have safe-to-touch insulated spouts. The flexible upper spout allows more movement, has a magnetic holder and dual spray for mixed water. This product is not only sleek, it will save you time, space and water. Talk to us today about adding a Blanco EVOL-S Pro 4-in-1 tap to your new kitchen project. When planning your new kitchen, the hob is a key consideration. Induction hobs provide a powerful cooking experience, as well as a design aesthetic that doesn't detract from the kitchen's finish. This Caple Gunmetal Induction hob can be mounted flush with your chosen work surface and will complement grey or black counters, to create a sleek finish. This also matches Caple's existing signature gunmetal appliance, sink, and tap collection.
The hob is made up of four zones, each can be operated independently with the slider touch control. There is a built-in anti-overflow and overheat sensor, automatic pan detection, 99-minute timer and you can pause cooking. There are also added safety features like child safety lock, automatic shutoff, and residual heat indicators. Learn more about the Caple C864iGM Induction Hob today. You may think that choosing handles for your kitchen will be the last thing on the list when selecting your perfect units, but considering the best finish is something you should make a priority. The very first thing to decide is if you want any handles at all!
Discrete built-in handles If you are working in a small space or would like to create a streamlined, contemporary look, you should consider recessed door handles. Traditional If you are considering a traditional shaker style kitchen, you will need to compliment this with handles to match. Cup Pull Handles make a great statement while retaining a contemporary edge. Have you got your heart set on a simple finish to your kitchen units? Add a touch of vintage glamour to your home with an ornate drop handle. If you are sold on a farmhouse style kitchen, you could consider the established elegance of a round doorknob. Use brass or even porcelain for a hard-wearing versatile finish. Contemporary If you have decided on a contemporary kitchen, there are many options that can complete the look. Pull handles are robust and classic that will let your unit doors take centre stage. Use bow handles as an ergonomic alternative to pull handles. The curve creates a softer look as an alternative to a more rigid rectangle pull handle. Or, if you like the idea of a handleless unit but don't want to commit to losing the hardware, these trim and inset door handles will be a great way to get the look without losing the shine. If you want to find handles that work for your new kitchen project, talk to Halo Interiors today. Are you a fan of The Great British Bake Off? Yep, us too. If, like us, you regularly covet the ingenious ovens with the disappearing doors then read on...
The patented NEFF Slide & Hide® oven is the only product on the market that's door slides under the oven cavity. It is perfect for any kitchen but particularly so for compact kitchens where space is key. The disappearing door means you can get closer to your cooking (no longer a door length away) and not feel squeezed or squashed in your space. The innovation doesn't stop there. NEFF's ovens have functions that include Vario Steam, Pyrolytic cleaning, and CircoTherm®. Vario Steam is perfect for baking, roasting, and reheating. It allows you to choose between three intensity levels of steam for just the right amount of moisture in your cooking. Yum! CircoTherm® saves you time. Cook your dinner and heat your dessert without any mixture of flavours. The unique fan technology and up to four shelves mean you can create little chambers of flavour with no intermingling, oh and you'll use less energy. What's not to love. Do you dread cleaning up after all that wonderful cooking. You don't have to put it off or call in the professionals, with Pyrolytic cleaning your oven will be even easier to clean with just a touch of a button. Self-cleaning ovens...the future is officially here. If this all sounds too good to be true, then visit our Horsham showroom to see one in action. Halo Interiors can supply and install all your appliances as part of your new kitchen. What are you waiting for? Contact us today. |






