KITCHENS
Materiality matters UK consumers are attaching more
importance than ever to the choice of materials for their kitchens. Material type, finish, application, performance, and appearance matter in UK householder’s choice of kitchen design, according to Leanne Stansfield, digital & marketing director at Abode.
“As the kitchen remains the most important room for investment in the home, end users go beyond surface appeal in pursuit of top-tier materials, which stand-up to modern life. From product design and manufacturing to material integrity, and how different surface treatments, finishes, and textures behave over time, there is huge value in offering products that inspire a deeper bond between the user and their home environment,” she says.
In the wet zone, end users have become far more design-aware as material innovations
CLEARWATER Products has expanded its British Classics ceramic sink collection with Chanterly, a large-format undermount, solid ceramic double-bowl sink created for customers who cook regularly and need space to handle professional-grade cookware.
The main bowl offers generous depth and capacity, while the second bowl supports everyday food preparation and washing tasks. Chanterly features Clearwater’s durable, anti-bacterial ceramic glaze and is backed by a lifetime warranty. The sink includes a 90mm waste outlet and overflow and is supplied without tap holes to give flexibility in tap positioning.
A key feature is the low-profile internal partition, which allows installers and end users to choose how the sink is used. The bowls can operate independently for improved water efficiency, or be flooded together to create one large soaking area when required.
www.clearwaterproducts.co.uk
SYMPHONY GROUP has expanded its Décor Laminate Worktop Collection with two new designs: Nero Bronzo and Porterhouse Oak. Part of Symphony’s wider worktop collection which features 24 on-trend designs across marble, stone, woodgrain and industrial styles, the new decors combine high-end looks with the durability and easy maintenance of laminate.
Nero Bronzo delivers a bold marble-inspired design with striking natural veining. Its deep, dramatic tones create a sophisticated focal point, perfect for upgrading any kitchen space. In contrast, Porterhouse Oak offers a softer, more natural feel. Its pale woodgrain effect brings warmth and texture into the kitchen, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Both worktops are available in a choice of 22mm or 40mm thicknesses, including square-edged and postformed options (40mm only), they can be tailored to suit a variety of kitchen layouts.
May 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Made from 80% recycled chipboard, the worktops are also FIRA Gold certified, giving homeowners confidence in their quality and durability.
www.symphony-group.co.uk 29
advanced surface treatments are not only enhancing colours and finishes but also helping to repel water, dirt, and minimise fingerprints for effortless cleaning and greater durability. Stansfield says that, last year, the global picture for kitchen sinks showed that metallic design options equated to over 50.5% with composite materials like granite taking up roughly a third of the market, and this will only increase in 2026.
like PVD-coated steel and engineered granite go mainstream. Now a superior alternative to natural stone, kitchen sinks made of composite granite and PVD steel are leading the way in terms of style and colour options by allowing the sink to blend seamlessly with the furniture, worktops, and even brassware. Added to that,
ABODE’s new Arkitect, is a sleek boiling water tap with next generation PB3X boiler. It’s one of five new British-designed boiling water taps
“As more prestige is associated with these types of sink materials in the luxury kitchen environment, consumers and designers alike are appreciating their tactile qualities and visual hierarchy. Modern interpretations in steel are also helping to satisfy materiality in the luxury kitchen space, with PVD coatings’ fast becoming a measure of durability when compared to traditional sink and tap finishes like chrome,” she explains.
www.abodedesigns.co.uk
from the company in 2026. Delivering instant boiling water, refreshing filtered cold water and everyday mains hot and cold water, the new Abode Arkitect is available in five design finishes including Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Matt Black, PVD Brass, and Gunmetal, which offers a deep, charcoal-grey colour with the look of aged, burnished steel. Prices start from £649 including vat (Boiling Water, Chrome) with the featured Abode Arkitect Boiling Water & Filter Tap at £799 including vat (Gunmetal).
www.abodedesigns.co.uk
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