July/August 2024 ertonline.co.uk


Daval Pembroke Forest Green Breakfast Cupboard


Would wood be good?


Rotpunkt is well known for its climate-friendly furniture and it’s responding to demand for dark wood with a sophisticated wood effect laminate in Italian Walnut – set to be the most popular wood choice this year.


The designers at Rotpunkt know a thing or two about ergonomics and space management, which is why it has introduced a new 750mm width unit to complement today’s supersized integrated appliances with enhanced storage space.


For a more classic look, Daval’s Linton


furniture collection is made of solid ash with contemporary narrow-framed Shaker-style cabinetry. This can also be carried through to the living and dining room as other types of furniture are now being designed in a similar style, according to Mr Bodsworth. He also believes that retailers don’t have to stop with just kitchens. As lifestyle priorities change in the coming years, consumers’ mindsets will be geared more towards “working to live”, he says, enabling kitchen retail specialists to expand their skills into more areas of interior design… “In fact the home bar, dedicated office space,


boot room, overflow laundry, and walk-in pantry storage will enjoy the same attention as the kitchen in terms of planning, utility and aesthetics for a welcoming ground floor,” says Mr Bodsworth. “I think that hybrid work patterns, the cost of living, an ageing population and ‘always on’ culture place new demands on interior design, but bespoke furniture options will continue to cater to unique style requests, architecture and customer demographics.”


Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at


Rotpunkt, adds: “Future interior trends predict a growing investment in clear conscience design that benefits both home and lifestyle. Some of the best climate-friendly kitchen solutions in 2024-5 will feature a range of ideas – including furniture made of recycled materials, indoor herb gardens, better air quality, and energy- saving smart home systems, from smart ovens and dishwashers to talking fridges!”


“If that seems appealing, hidden storage will be the key to a tidy, minimalistic kitchen,” adds Mr Phillips. “Our new Wooden Drawer Solutions are made of solid oak and are fully customisable with a series of interior storage modules including inserts for almost anything – a foil dispenser, tea bags, coffee capsules, spice jars, and small cookware!”


Do your homework Sirius’s Mr Jones says that for appliance retailers making the move into selling kitchens, he urges them to do their homework and find a supplier they know,


like and trust. One of


the buying group’s biggest supply partners is Symphony Group, which manufactures fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture; the company reserves and selects exclusive product collections that are available by invitation only to Sirius members. “I’m a strong believer that with the right


support you can make powerful changes in your business,” comments Mr Jones. “Relationships in business make all the difference, and as a progressive company we ensure our partners have the same measure of integrity and loyalty. “Independents want to remain independent, so enlisting a supplier partner is a great way to expand into new areas of trade, attract new revenue streams and offer a comprehensive product range with less of the risk. For example, our retailers have started to allocate floor space to include anything up to 15 different kitchen lifestyle displays to attract new business and compete on the high street.”


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Rotpunkt Italian Walnut Panelling Meanwhile, the kitchen furniture suppliers


that the KBBG works with also provide various products to create clever, multifunctional storage solutions. This was reflected on the Group’s stand at kbb Birmingham earlier this year; it showcased a kitchen from Nobilia’s Vivari range, which is exclusive to KBBG members, that included drawer organisation systems and a pull-out larder unit. On the opposite end of the scale, Mr Miller points out that, for some, it’s not all about hiding belongings away… “Many current kitchen designs allow for the character of the family or homeowner


to shine through,” he says.


“This includes open shelves, hooks and clear containers which can display items that add an injection of personality into the kitchen.”


Rotpunkt Textured Stone with drawer inserts


Looking ahead, GROHE’s Mr Neathey adds: “The future for kitchen retail specialists in the UK holds significant promise driven by ongoing innovation and consumer-driven trends. By leveraging the opportunities available to them, specialists can innovate faster, respond more effectively to market demands, and deliver solutions that exceed customer expectations.”


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