Ideal Interiors East Africa Issue 11

Aug-oct 2013

ISSUE

#11

KITCHEN EDITION

EXPANDING SHOWROOMS Why interior firms are enlarging their territories

MDF OR PARTICLE

Where to use boards to uphold design and durability

COLOUR TRENDS

What’s very new? What’s next with paints?

What makes your cooking space functional and stylish?

When do you go for an island or peninsula kitchen?

Plus more on kitchen brands and accessories!

“Furniture design is a fine balance between ART and ENGINEERING”

RAMARA ASPIRE INSPIRE DESIRE www.ramara.co.ke sales@ramara.co.ke

0732 RAMARA (0732 726272)

Number 1 Mzima Springs Road - Lavington

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5 From the editor

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6-12

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TRENDING

Project Line Wallcoverings

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Colour Trends: 4 brilliant What’s New, space-saving Showcasing What’s Next? bathroom tips the finest

34 Sizzling kitchens

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Ideal Ceramics stimulate homeowners’ appettite

Kitchen island or a peninsula?

Flooring options for your kitchen

Varenna Kitchens by Poliform

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Kitchen Islands

Evaluate your lock security

Know it!

Better it!

Adding value into tiny spaces

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0700 333 888 / 020 2013511

5-9 March 2014

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

Introduces Passion for Floors

Lamett

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LAMINATE & ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING

“We believe in always offering better. We proudly introduce you to our newestproduct line, Lamett’s high-quality flooring solutions. With options of Engineered and Laminate, try out our elegantly sculpted, richly coloured and easy to maintain flooring, designed to last a lifetime.”

Come visit us now!

Mombasa Road: Kellico Complex, 1st Floor Westlands Branch: No. 62 Muthithi Road, Email: sales@antarc-ke.com Website: www.antarc-ke.com Tel: 020 503 5000 | 0733/4 503 500 Like us on

Follow us on

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COVER PHOTO

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Sizzling kitchens

38-45 Ideal Kitchens 46-47 52-60

Yaya Center, 1st Floor Tel : (020) 386 1357 Mobile : 0727 999 333

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Kitchen Islands

PAGE 62-69

The Junction Mall, 2nd Floor Tel : (020) 386 2384 Mobile : 0705 771 999

www.thefabricgalleryke.com

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

www.interiors.co.ke || facebook: /interiors.EXPO Twitter: /interiorsEA

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Adding value into tiny spaces

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From the editor

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Make a statement

his edition of Ideal Interiors brings an exciting and stylish voice to the world of home, office and hotel interior design and décor. It’s a copy on demand. Reason?

The timing of its circulation makes major reference to the 4th Ideal Interiors Expo an annual eagerly awaited event in East Africa.

Well, while publication offers you advice ranging from design trends and decorating projects to renovation solutions to business opportunities in the interiors marketplace, the expo enhances your connection with industry players the creative world of interiors.

Allow me note that our world of interiors is highly progressive. Many of us have only seen and experienced only a dot of what makes interiors experiential. Life must be good. Spaces must therefore be inspiring. Is yours exciting? If so; to what extent?

Quality and attention When my colleagues; Sam (creative designer), Jenny (marketing team-leader) and Oliver (editor) prompted me to manage this first ever interiors publication in East Africa as its first managing editor my desire was to keep the title authoritative, relevant, lavish – and unpredictable.

Like most of us, I’ve squarely learnt that quality and attention to detail are paramount in our worthy world of interiors. Our readers appreciate this.

By extensively highlighting on what makes a particular space appealing; we in each edition elaborate on mix of issues that makes that interiors spot appealing. This

edition thus covers by introducing new high-flying interior design insiders and passionate industry captains – without compromising the magazine’s spirit of originality.

This edition in effect, turns out more than just an ideas issue. We’ve called it Kitchen Edition. It dwells on thrilling kitchens – the heart of every home. While offering you the solutions, it also dwells on who to really connect with to actualize the kitchen of your choice. Elegant photography and beautifully designed pages gives you a glimpse of the kitchen you so much desire.

The must-have lifestyle And since Ideal Interiors is the must-have lifestyle magazine, advocating for interior design excellence; nurturing an interior design community; maintaining a high informative standard; and supporting its readers with visionary leadership, the publication shall uphold its quest of helping to reveal new design talent through a variety of trade show involvement and Interior Design/Architecture competitions honoring national and Eastern Africa based talents.

In the foregoing, make a statement. Ask the questions?

Share the ideas.

Solutions are with us!

Humphrey Odhiambo Managing Editor

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

PUBLISHER Real Wealth Ltd www.realwealth.co.ke EDITORIAL Editor: Humphrey Odhiambo Phone: +254 721 912 565 Email: humphrey@interiors.co.ke Editor: Oliver Owuor Phone: +254 721 658 788 Email: oliver@interiors.co.ke CONTRIBUTORS Hilda Otuga, Sally Aganda, Rupal Rach, Robert Yawe, Zameer Verjee, Ambra Montagna, Kate Smith ADVERTISING Jennifer Mbogori - 0733 585 480 jenny@interiors.co.ke Florah Mumbua - 0722 723 812 florah@interiors.co.ke Rose Andaro - 0712 511 888 rose@interiors.co.ke DESIGN Sam Morara sam@interiors.co.ke PHOTOGRAPHY Gitau Muti ADMINISTRATION Helen Achieng - 0735 247 923 helen@realwealth.co.ke Lydiah Opwaka - 0725 968 973 lydiah@realwealth.co.ke Marie Amanda - 0711 515 060 amanda@realwealth.co.ke Distributed in East Africa by Jetsam Distributors GENERAL ENQUIRIES 30 Westlands Road P.O Box 2097, The Village Market PostCode - 00621 Nairobi Phone: 0700 333 888, 0202 013 511 Emai: info@interiors.co.ke Website: www.interiors.co.ke DISCLAIMER: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused.

The opinions expressed in this Publication and in the Online version do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or their agents. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances.

The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing.

TRENDING

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Anti-Bacterial Paint in your Homes

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ith the aim of ensuring homes are non-toxic, Crown Paints has introduced an innovative paint that ensures a bacteria free environment that is ideal for use in kitchens and other areas within the home that may have a high bacterial risk.

Crown Medicryl silk emulsion has been analysed and is approved by the IMSL-UK

Due to the rising levels of resistant bacteria, the World Health Organization has raised a red flag to the world; and has released an informative document urging nations to collaborate on the containment of antibiotic resistance.

Developing nations have been urged to set up preventive measures to ensure reducing the risks of exposure to resistant bacteria. This innovative coating solution is comprised of anti-bacterial properties, and targets spaces that would benefit fromelevated standards of hygiene.

Crown MedicrylSilk Emulsion is a product that is aimed to cater to both homes and hospital areas and has been endorsed by the UKbased Industrial Micro-Biological Services.

The antibacterial paint is the evident choice for kitchen areas, with looming bacterial hazards such as salmonella, mildew and fungi. Microbes in both the kitchen and bathroom areas are a significant problem considering high humidity levels and dampness that can be found in the house particularly in these areas.

and is therefore suitable for regular cleaning purposes.

(Industrial Microbiological Service Limited) for its antibacterial properties. The Waterborne Paint is fast drying, virtually odourless and is fairly easy to apply.

The paint emulsion is resistant to E-Coli &a bacterium that affects the respiratory tract (Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria) and contains bactericides that fight against bacterial and fungal development. Once applied surfaces areas can be washed as the paint contains a high scrub resistant

Within the home environment, paints such as Medicryl should also be considered for those who may be caring for individuals with a low immune system or those that are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and are recuperating from home. For patients such as these the more sterile the environment the better, to prevent unwanted bacterial infections.

Besides Medicryl, Crown Paints has also introduced other innovative products in the local market such as Teflon Surface Protector which ensures walls and other surfaces remain easy to clean and resistant to stains.

Glass & Mirror CREATIONS LIMITED Karen Triangle Shopping Mall - Karen, Mobile: 0713 093 588 / 0717 372 452 Email: direct2hussein@gmail.com, P.O. Box 10717 - 00400, Nairobi - Kenya

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Expanding territories Interior showrooms have gotten into deliberate spree of expansion as means of offering buyers the experiential feel and taste of products targeting clients with different budgets.

Furniture Palace Leading the park of stylish-showroom expansion drive is Furniture Palace, the Eastern Africa’s acclaimed largest furniture and furnishings shopping mall. After the formidable Carzon Towers, it has now made its palatial debut in Eldoret and at the new Thika Road Mall. The next big stop is at the Riverside Drive says Rahul Haria, the firm’s managing director.

Rahul Haria, MD Furniture Palace

“Spaces can only become lively and live-able with enviable interiors,” said he said while giving furniture buyers quality assurance while the company deliberately inches closer to the people.”

Tile & Carpet Being one of the longest customer reference spot with an annual big sale, Tile and Carpet couldn’t evade its focus on expanding its showroom footprint on both Mombasa Road and at Hurligham – the home of its sister company TACC. “We are humbled and delighted with the expansion,” said Sachin Sanghrajka, the Tile & Carpet managing director adding that the company’s effort is that of showcasing a complete panorama of some of most advance products and solutions in interiors and design.

Sachin Sanghrajka, MD Tile & Carpet

Décor Interiors

Kamni Mehta, MD Decor Interiors

Standing out with a wide range of creative furniture and furnishings, largely executed by passionate weavers, Décor Interiors has exceedingly grown in size and sophistication.

Spiegel Interiors You simply can’t resist to walk in love with fabrics when visiting Spiegel Interiors, which has expanded its space at Oilibya Plaza, in Muthaiga. From the softest textures to the brightest colours, from the finest patterns to the coolest designs – here anything mixes and matches.

Paresh Shah, MD Vishelectric

Vishelectric Perhaps one of the most powerful a statement ever made in the creation of the entire universe was: “Let there be light”.

For Vish, it has been a long but a focused journey of wondrous lighting. Light Fittings that wow spaces prompted Vish Electric to go beyond its border to address the growing demand of lighting in homes, hotels and offices.

Of importance to Vish is both the aesthetics and durability of the latest products that are in high demand, says Paresh Shah the firm’s managing director. “We saw a niche market that required to be served with the latest and unique light fittings” adding, “We made are also present in Mombasa and Eldoret.

The exponential growth while running with a theme-line that appreciates Mother Nature, Décor Interiors sentimentally celebrates art and the contemporary earth hence its transformative expansion of its new showroom and design studio located in Nairobi’s Eldama

Ravine Road in Westlands, Nairobi.

The firm’s managing director Kamni Mehta is emphatic that Décor Interiors’ studious focus on expanding its premise was driven by the need to offer experiential shopping. Its new showroom is simply compelling.

Shahin Rajwani, the creative and charming force behind the business notes that Spiegel has been upbeat about expanding its space for over two years. “The timely opportunity to adjoin the current showroom to the new one came calling late last year,” she says. This new found space will enable us showcase the latest upholstery, curtains, wallpapers, carpets and work with clients to attain bespoke interior concepts.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

Shahin Rajwani, MD Spiegel Interiors

TRENDING

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Antarc rides beyond imagination The focus to provide consumers with sterling interior products and services has prompted Antarc, a furniture and furnishings powerhouse in Kenya to up the bar of shopping experience.

Its journey of being a one-stop solution interiors store for office and home furniture requirements has led Antarc to introduce a flexible three month payment plan for a range of products of every budget.

According to Ashit Shah, the establishment’s managing director: “Antarc is now more geared on spoiling buyers with a range of sofas, bedroom furniture, dinning furniture, kiddie furniture outdoor and bar furniture, special restaurant furniture and a huge range of beautiful home décor items.”

Among the fascinating décor items include the beddings, mattresses, mattress protectors, vases, mirrors, wall hangings, paintings, table mats and candle holders.

quality floors blends the product well with the furniture we have as we believe in unique designs,” adds Ms Malde.

Office front On the office front we have the widest range of ergonomic chairs which not only fit your budget but also take care of you posture and health, filing solutions, wide range of workstations and executive furniture. “To top it all we furnish offices with stationery and every small requirement which one may need to make the setting corporate and appealing,” says Ms. Neha Malde, one of Antarc’s directors.

Ashit Shah, MD Antarc Furniture

Dream to relax

An Antarc stock a famous LaZ-Boy’s this is comfort beyond imagination and every man’s dream to relax on this chair after a hard day’s work.

Antarc now stocks the best quality laminate and engineered wooden flooring which is not only easy to maintain but easy to install and gives the area a whole new elegant look once laid out. “Our passion for

The most recent collection of Antarc is the famous Fogarty brand of beddings, quilts and pillows. This brand has been in existence for over 50years in the United Kingdom. Antarc now has the wing to service its customers with the best beddings at an affordable price while also catering for a large range of hotel and serviced apartments, ultimately giving a better life to the end users.

In full appreciation of technology and innovation, the company has further steppedup its link to customers by associating itself with SAP a platform where leading corporate businesses run. Antarc are in this regard the first in Africa to adopt SAP HANA a real-time memory technology that heightens service delivery and value to its clients.

The Antarc team will be featuring at the 4th Ideal interiors exhibition at KICC with its unique line of products.

See our range at www.antarc-ke.com

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Firm on a tough furnishing mission

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ne of the leading firms in interiors in Kenya – Nishit & Company – is on a mission to meet the demands of an evergrowing interiors sector by providing products and services that can compete with the changing trends of the industry.

Transform from typical interiors to extraordinary Interiors Centre is an interiors firm based in Kenya, whose principal undertaking is to provide an inspiring experience in the provision of interior products and services.

Interiors Centre is established on the need to inject a fresh breath of amazing interiors to an industry that is

Nishit and Company is the result of 30 years of experience within the furnishing industry.

The firm designs fully upholstered furniture and amazing soft furnishing schemes to suit our clientele drawn from the hospitality and the interiors industry in East Africa.

The company also imports fabric from different parts of Europe, and work very closely

with our manufacturers and suppliers to customize designs to gratify our customer requirements.

Our services include all facets of planning and operating textile arrays. This includes site visits, fabric consultations, design implementations and product delivery to our customers Apart from the initial installation, we are well equipped to do maintenance on all our products.

Our vision is to provide customized design services from start to end of the highest quality to homes, offices and hotels. Our mission is to ensure our clients are contented with the products and services we offer.

rapidly growing in a modern environment. Whatever your tastes and passions, we are guaranteed to have something to excite your senses. While an image speaks a thousand words, nothing ignites your passion for living like standing in the middle of what may become your new kitchen or bathroom – or any other room – and experiencing it for yourself.

Interiors Centre was founded to address the needs of

• • •

modern consumers who desire more than just products and specifications for their homes. Interiors Centre offers you a new experiential concept that provides total interiors solutions from under one roof.

We believe that your interiors are there to be loved with a promise, bringing life, warmth and relaxation into your home. More than anything, we want to share our promise with all our customers.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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THE latest & BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SOLUTIONS

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Project Line Wallcoverings

By Rupal Rach

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allcoverings serve as a major element of a commercial facility’s interior design.

By virtue of its cost effectiveness, durability and ease of maintenance, wallcoverings help conserve resources. Moreover, the caliber of the facility, as perceived by the public, is positively influenced.

Awareness of these factors has caused savvy manufacturers of vinyl wallcoverings for the commercial market to design their products with special attention to technical construction.

Vinyl wallcoverings have been developed to functionally outperform other wall surface options, such as plain wallpaper and paint. The

aesthetic benefit of vinyl wallcoverings also plays an important role in providing a more soothing and comfortable environment.

Durability and Practicality Vinyl wallcoverings are extremely abrasion and impact resistant. Specially engineered backing materials result in a highly durable wall surface treatment that lasts three to five times longer than paint, for example, which needs to be reapplied an average of every 15 to 18 months. If material costs, labor expenses and disruption of work productivity are figured into the equation, vinyl wallcoverings emerge as an even more cost-­ efficient option. In fact, comparative life-­cycle costing shows that vinyl wallcoverings offers a 40 per-­cent to 60 percent savings over a five-­year period.

Vinyl wallcovering products usually are treated with biocides and mildecides that discourage the growth of mold, mildew and fungus. Design For Living’s extensive collection of over 3000 designs have all been treated to the highest quality by distinguished textile engineers and designers.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Additionally, an added benefit is that the vinyl composition makes the wallcoverings microbe and bacteria resistant, a significant consideration for any commercial facility where an antiseptic environment is a main concern.

Stain Resistance Stain resistance is of paramount importance to specifiers, and vinyl wallcoverings are constructed for a higher degree of resistance than other wall treatment options to potential staining agents such as ink and oils. Vinyl wallcoverings also stand up well to normal surface soiling in high-­traffic areas, such as waiting rooms and corridors.

They are scrubbable; maintenance personnel can apply a little soap and water during cleaning without the worry of fading and damage.

Specifications Commercial wallcoverings are produced specifically for use in hotels, apartment buildings, office buildings, schools and hospitals. They are manufactured to meet or surpass minimum physical and performance characteristics set forth in federal guidelines.

The guidelines focus on requirements

for flammability; tear strength, abrasion resistance, washability, scrubbability and stain resistance.

Type I & II Type I and Type II refer to vinyl wallcovering only. Type I (light-­duty) vinyl is typically used in office areas, hospital patient rooms and hotel rooms. Type II (medium-­duty) vinyl is typically used in high-­traffic/public areas, foyers, lounges, corridors, offices, hospital wards and classrooms.

Suppliers & Manufacturers At Present, Design For Living is the largest contract/project line wallcovering supplier in East Africa with a range of over 3000 wallcovering articles. The most renowned manufacturer they stock is Maya Romanoff, whom Ideal Ceramics will be showcasing in both their Westlands and Mombasa Road showrooms.

The Romanoff Studio line remains true to its founding vision of transforming modern design by combining ancient artistic techniques with the latest in production technology. Established in 1969, Maya Romanoff has consistently pushed technological boundaries to craft some of the most unique, influential designs in wall coverings, utilized in homes and hotels around the world.

Romanoff is a celebrated commercial wallcovering manufacturer in the World. The company owes its success to its founder Maya Romanoff who began designing and producing wallcoverings in the 1970s. Today Maya Romanoff is used in every commercial space throughout North America.

Design For Living Ltd 3rd Floor Sarit Centre (below AAR) +254 731 897 007 info@designforliving.co.ke WWW. DESIGNFORLIVING.CO.KE Also available at; Ideal Ceramics – Westlands & Mombasa Road

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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SURFACING

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Colour Trends: What’s New, What’s Next?

By Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Your home and closet will soon be full of bold reds, vibrant blues and vivid patterns - you just don’t know it yet.

Colour Trend Forecasters work hard for months, sometimes years in advance, researching fashion and design to predict

the colour choices we will all want to be incorporating into our lives. Much like weather predictions, Colour Trend Forecasters utilize a myriad of research and models for their industry examining trade shows, technology, magazines or really anywhere that may offer a hint of what’s coming down the line.

Fashion runways used to be the standard for locating these up-and-comers. Now, trends can be inspired from practically anywhere.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Economic conditions, the news or even a popular television show can pinpoint a new trend gathering popularity. Trends often translate into clothing, textiles, home decor and of course - colour.

Colour trends can inspire choices when decorating a home interior by allowing the homeowner to feel confident in the selections.

Unlike a fad, which rises in popularity quickly and often has a short-lived lifespan, a trend is longer lasting. One colour trend gaining in global popularity is Arty Expressionism offering a palette of lively colours fusing bold patterns with neutral hues.

Arty Expressionism Arty Expressionism is about dynamic colour choice. With a fast pace lifestyle, a bold use of colour makes a big style statement and replaces the need for extra furnishings to fill a room. Expressive patterns substitute for artwork and a few bright accents go a long way to communicate personality and mood.

The colours in this palette are chromatic, often combined in unexpected ways. Look for these hues to be used in oversized patterns on fabric or rugs to create a statement piece that unifies a scheme of many vibrant colours.

Urban Influence Experimenting with style, challenging boundaries and questioning authority are all elements of the Arty Expressionism trend.

Influenced by a need to regain our sense

of control and purpose after a declining global economy, urban development has emerged even in design. Using scale, colour and materials to take us out of our everyday experiences, colour choices are often highly intense or even clashing. Statement pieces are incorporated using bold, oversized patterns on window treatments or area rugs and then balanced by softer more translucent furniture choices.

Bold Colour, Brilliant Pattern Digital patterns, graphic prints and graffiti are expressions of individual creativity. The element of surprise in scale, shape, pattern and colour are inspired by pop art and pop culture where bigger and bolder is often better. Oversized wall or divider panels, tagged furniture, geometric tile and mixed patterns all intermingle to create interest and techno-style in a space.

VILLA INTERIORS

For Beautiful Interiors Speacialists in: Interior design Curtains Flower Vases Decor flowers Painting Beddings

Villa Interiors | Gandhi avenue, Nairobi West Opposite Equity Bank | Tel: 0720-683443 / 020 2176019 Email: info@villainterior.com

Drawing the Line Traditional and timeless patterns balance uber-stimulating graphic prints allowing a little calm from the rigor of daily life. Artful lines in stripes, patterns either thick or thin, straight, zig-zag, vertical or horizontal can be incorporated in any colour. The single pattern or mix of varied patterns can be applied to a limitless choice of materials and surfaces.

Colour Trend Forecasting is a vital tool in keeping up with selections in style coming on the market. Designers have come to depend on forecasters to keep their clients on-trend and in style. Creativity is inspired by the intense research and psychology behind developing these predictions. Entire markets are waiting with baited breath for these forecasts. Getting familiar with these global trends will allow incorporating the next big thing into your space.

Kate Smith is Chief Colour Maven and President of Sensational Colour, a company that develops colour information to help you confidently select colours for your home. As an internationally recognised colour expert, author and speaker, Kate has been regularly quoted in major media outlets and is a favourite as an on-air guest and speaker at top design conferences and trade shows worldwide. Together with Duracoat, Kate is working in East Africa to provide guidance on how to create colour harmony in your home.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

“Krono Original® indulge my exotic tastes with an ever-expanding choice of floorings, from Colonial African style to Zen style through to Country or Oriental style.”

Made in Germany

www.pgbison.co.ke

BATHROOM

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brilliant space-saving bathroom tips

By Oliver ODHIAMBO

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hether you just want to get in and out, or whether you want relaxing “me time,” everyone wants to find what they need, when they need it. The bathroom usually gets the worst end of the architectural bargain, often being sacrificed for that spacious living room or a grand kitchen. The key to making such a small room as comfortable and convenient as possible is to maximize the space. An organized bathroom will not only keep your space clean and tidy, but will also create a contemporary feel to the space.

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Shelving units : The square footage of your bathroom doesn’t have to put a damper on your design party!

The space from your bathroom floor to the ceiling is fair game for all your towels and toiletries. Shelving units can be attached to any open wall space in order to make up for space in bathrooms that have no vanities. They are great for stacking towels or displaying your favorite bathroom essentials. When mounting your shelves, be sure to drill your mounting brackets into studs as opposed to random spots on your wall.

By securing your shelves to the studs, your shelves can withstand more weight and are less likely to fall off the wall.

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Stackable drawers and crates : If you like your toiletries the way you like your secrets, then stackable drawers and crates are for you. For those of you who like to show some of the goods, manufacturers do make clear bins and mesh crates. These options also allow you to avoid using a hammer or a drill. The bins and crates can be used alone, or they can be

stacked, and if you can, then always add or take away these containers based on your needs.

Family members can do their part to keep the bathroom mess to a minimum by holding to this rule: If it doesn’t fit in your bin, then it doesn’t belong in the bathroom. As long as the bins and crates stay in the same colour or design family, then your bathroom can have a modern, streamlined look.

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Toilet maximization: Toilet paper

can become a great storage problem.

It is important to keep toilet paper available at all times, without sacrificing walking space. Because the toilet is a permanent fixture in a bathroom, the space on and around it should be used to its full potential. Over-the-tank toilet paper holders are a great solution to the toilet paper problem. A single-roll holder can help if your toilet isn’t located by a wall that can hold a traditional toilet paper holder.

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Space-saving shower storage:

Sometimes small bathrooms only come equipped with a standing shower, leaving little space for your toiletries. While most people usually use an apparatus that hangs from the showerhead, suction-cupped corner shelves are also a good alternative. They hold a lot of products and can be placed at any level, so you can avoid hitting it while showering. A shower shelf that extends from floor to ceiling gives space for the whole family. The shelf can attach to the corner of the shower that’s most convenient for all users. These shelves keep your toiletries at arm’s reach without cluttering floor space.

There are plenty of space-saving products for your bathroom, but the key is to keep things uniform in order to create your own unique look. By sticking to a colour scheme or design, your bathroom can be classy and full of character. Happy organizing!

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

The Elements Of Good Design How do we actually recognize good design?

After all, individual tastes can be so very different. Nevertheless, certain attributes serve as benchmarks and qualiers for innovation.

• International Design Awards: Duravit has been the proud recipient of numerous international design awards. These awards celebrate bold design, which has become Duravit’s hallmark over the years.

Duravit Living Bathrooms What wouldn’t you give to have somewhere you could escape to for a mini break – even several times a day? Somewhere you go in order to relax, refresh yourself and just to feel good.

A spa for the home where you can enjoy benecial water and wellness treatments. A dream bathroom that, with ultimate fusion of aesthetics and practicality, makes life a little more comfortable –as relaxing and refreshing as a mini break.

All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary high quality, highend materials, careful manufacture and, last but not least, timeless design of Duravit products.

• World Class Designers: Each designer is a specialist in his eld – a prominent global innovator with an inherent sense for good design. Good design, as Duravit and its designers see it, is never at the expense of practicality – neither is it interested in “design for design’s sake.”

• Customers’ Feedback: That’s you, the bathroom user, and your own set of needs and requirements. Thanks to an ongoing dialogue with its trade partners and sanitaryware dealers, Duravit is best able to address these needs and requirements in the brand’s designs. Simply put, Duravit recognizes good bathroom design by the fact that it seems speciallycreated to suit all individual tastes.

What’s New? 2013 is all about reduced design in the bathroom.Technology is increasingly used intelligently in the bathroom and enhances comfort or wellbeing. At Duravit, the latest technical highlights include a sound system that is invisibly integrated in the mirror cabinet and that brings rst-class audio quality into the bathroom. This system can be easily controlled via the standard user interface of a Bluetooth-compatible device.

Well-designed shower-toilets are also generating a growing amount of interest and acceptance. Duravit has extended its product range and adapted SensoWash® Starck C for the DuraStyle and Happy D.2 complete bathroom series. This makes the shower-toilet even more attractive for the project sector. Another highlight from the DuraStyle series is the rimless WC with its innovative, dynamic ushing technology that ensures optimum hygiene and short cleaning times.

Ground-breaking Hansgrohe shower technologies Water pleasure means something different to all of us. Some like it refreshingly sparkling; others like it soft and warm. Some need it in the morning to wake up, others in the evening to wash the day away.

Our passion is to create the water pleasure that is right for every individual.

ComfortZone, XXL Performance, QuickClean, and the unbeatably pleasant shower experience provided by AirPower Technology, are just a few of our innovations that also testify to the highquality standard of our products.

Please All Your Senses The bathroom has long since evolved from a purely functional room into a comfortable living space. A room where you spend time. Our products reect this balance between functionality and beautiful design. To us, design is an attitude—even a passion.

After all, you experience perfect water pleasure with every one of your senses, which is why we work with international designers to come up with excellent creations. The result: Hansgrohe is the award-winning, No.1 player in the decorative plumbing industry with over 350 national and international design awards.

We believe design is never an end in itself in our daily work; rather, it is the constant expression of the equality between form and function.

Last but not least: EcoRight Technology delivers water savings that do not come at the expense of performance.

Shower Pleasure has many Faces.

The Hansgrohe world of shower systems offers the perfect solution for each of your customers: from shower pipes as a simple exposed installation (ideal for quick bathroom renovations) to overhead showers with one, two or three spray modes or an extra-large spray surface, all the way to high-end installations with additional invigorating side showers.

Aesthetics - Safely hidden behind the wall, Geberit’s in-wall technology allows unique beauty from oor to ceiling.

Water Saving - Geberit puts sustainability at your ngertips – bringing real water savings through Geberit dual-ush technology.

Space Saving - Design possibilities are realized with elegance when the toilet is off the oor. For conned spaces, it’s the ideal choice.

Easy to Clean - Because the toilet is off the oor, cleaning the entire area is easy.

Flexibility - The adjustable-height carrier allows you to position the toilet 15” to 19” off the oor for meeting ADA requirements or personal preference.

More Style And New Possibilities For The Toilet For over 125 years, Geberit has focused on innovation, quality and reliability. More than 40 years ago, Geberit introduced the rst in-wall system, and, ever since, the Geberit system has enabled designers and homeowners to create unique spaces by lifting the toilet off the oor.

By taking the toilet off the oor, you open the space to new possibilities. Geberit systems achieve a clean, modern look, greater exibility of toilet placement in a bathroom, improve accessibility, thus giving you more open space and better hygiene.

Strength and Stability - The Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System supports up to 880 lbs.

Accessible Maintenance - The Geberit system offers easy access to all internal components, including the ll and ush valves, through decorative actuator ush panels. No tools are needed for maintenance.

Hide What Shouldn’t Be Seen.

Safely hidden behind the wall, Geberit’s in-wall technology creates clean lines to show unique beauty from oor to ceiling. The concealed tank with actuator in-wall technology enables plumbing xtures to be mounted without the cumbersome tank – providing a clean, rened look that enhances design.

“Behind-the-wall” does not mean “out of reach.” The ll and ush valves and the supply stop are hidden from sight, yet these components are easily accessible through elegant actuator ush panels from Geberit for tool-free maintenance.

EXPO

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SHOWCASING THE FINEST

I

deal Interiors Expo annually hosts carefully selected exhibitors with compelling brands that make a difference and delight spaces.

Humphrey ODHIAMBO takes a look on the preparation of the event and what will be under one roof for buyers of ideas and compelling designs at the expo with several show-stoppers.

For the first time since inception of Ideal Interiors Expo in 2010, the exhibition – showcasing the finest will be hosted at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Decisive buyers including influential VIPs from the Eastern Africa are expected at the expo as it emerges as the ideal sourcing ground of ideas, innovative interior designs, creative interior designers and designer products for the multimillion dollar projects across the region.

Beyond an exhibition The Ideal Interiors Expo is not just the Eastern Africa’s number one event for sourcing the latest interiors and landscaping designs, it is also a platform for promoting and sharing new trends and innovations with the architecture and design communities.

Exhibitors make the time to share with clients more about what makes interiors connect with a people who indeed are searching for right solutions for their homes, hotels and offices.

Face-to-face interaction from over 6,000 industry professionals sourcing for the latest in five days makes the event appealing since the show accommodates 100 plus brands that prompt visitors to make the right choices at the KICC’s 2,400 sqm expo-space hosting mindblowing ideas!

Who will visit?

Being the only exhibition in Eastern Africa dedicated to interiors, the show turns out as

Decor Interiors stall at a past Ideal Interiors Expo

the most ideal platform to launch products, give demonstrations and network with industry peers. Among those expected to visit and qualitatively connect with the exhibitors at the expo range from interior designers, architects, consultants, contractors, distributors, procurement professionals, project managers, real estate developers, retailers, space planners, product specifiers and wholesalers.

Race to stand-out If one ever thought that it is only in abroad that stylish displays in exhibition can be found, then they are mistaken. Advance planning, creative thinking, learning the trends and exposure have put various exhibitors at the Ideal Interiors Expo to exude the international feel.

While undertaking to participate in this year’s expo, most of this year’s exhibitors were confronted with the fact that they’ve got to be equated with style. Their goal was therefore to make set-up stands that would attract, excite, engage and enable them evangelise more about their products and services to a range of prospective clients invited to the event.

Must-visit stalls Advance planning for the booked expo-spots prompted a number of exhibitors to quickly start the business of putting conscious effort to actualize must-visit stalls. Their though process was firmly guided with the questions: How shall we attract people to our stand? What will make us stand out? How shall we manage to excite with the purpose to engage and tell people about you services if your stand doesn’t tell the initial story?

It is in trying to answer these very real questions that JumboChem, Prafulchandra, Spiegel Interiors, RAMARA, Vish Electric deliberately chose to design show-stopper exhibitor stands and in advance shared their thoughts with Ideal Interiors, the organisers of the 4th Ideal Interiors Expo.

Early booking for their spaces prompted the companies to seek guidance from the event organisers in a bid to develop exhibition stands that are tailored and relevant to services as well as the products these companies offer.

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Inspired by trends of spaces

New thinking cap It was all evident that the companies were not only thinking out of the box but had worn a new thinking-cap. They deliberately chose to burn the box in-order to up the bar of their presence at the show of style.

The crystal message from the companies which chose to up the event’s game inclined on stating that stall-exhibition design, more so for interiors is a process of developing an exhibit—from a concept through to a physical, three-dimensional exhibition. It is a continually evolving field, drawing on innovative, creative and practical solutions to the challenge of developing communicative environments that ‘tell a story’ in a three-dimensional space.

During the expo, it will be exciting to see what these players finally build. What will be the extent of the attractiveness? Will the stalls be as attractive as they show on the three-dimensional scales? What other items will flavor their construction to hold the visitors? Will they catch the eye of the event’s adjudication team? Let’s wait and see…for more of these will be highlighted in the immediate next bulletin of Ideal Interiors as well as on the website www.interiors.co.ke.

We’ve noticed the world of interiors is coming to Kenya and by extension to East Africa with big business…I can’t wait for the next edition of the Ideal Interiors EXPO. His Excellency Stephen Kalonzo Former Vice President, Kenya

“I’ll always look forward to Ideal Interiors Expo because it has proven to be one Eastern Africa great event that indulges us with bold new ideas of bettering spaces.”

Hon. Bishop Dr. Margaret Wanjiru, Former Kenya’s Housing Assistant Minister

Since this is about transformation of people and spaces, each Interior Designer worth his or her salt have no choice but to diarize and indeed attend to experience the trends that make interiors.

Robert Yawe CEO, QuadrantShift Africa

“Ideal Interiors is absolutely a perfect fair as it is focused on interiors that guides appealing construction works. We’ll always love to be here in style!

Arvind Raghwani MD, Laxcon Hardware

I can authoritatively attest that having toured abroad and back Ideal Interiors Expo is this region’s extra ordinary Oscar event for persons passionate about refreshing ideas of spaces.

Shueb Eltaff, MD, Design Concepts

We annually look forward to Ideal Interiors as it engages us with highly decisive clients. It is one event that provokes our thinking on creative craftsmanship.

Anju Patel Quinn Peaks Furniture

Like us on Facebook.com/interiors.EXPO || Follow us twitter.com/interiorsEA

0700 333 888 / 020 2013511

5-9 March 2014

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

This is as always a worthwhile and exciting business moment.

It pays to exhibit at the Ideal Interiors EXPO. Joy Mbuthia GM, Classic Mouldings

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Sizzling kitchens Board

35

Making beautiful and functional rooms for cooking calls for one to be inspired and hands-on writes; Hilda OTUGA As kitchens have become more of the central focus as kitchens continues to provide the physical and seemingly the spiritual nourishment in homes, they are now fast graduating into being the real heart and soul of family life.

It is thus important to analyze your kitchen. Get to know the kitchen you have and the one you really want. Take advantage of the guideline in this edition of the magazine to get the full scope of the kitchen you so much desire. Your few minutes, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea as you physically re-tour your kitchen space, with a copy of this magazine will make a difference.

70 62

Look around the room. I mean really look! Look at the room as if you were seeing it for the first time. Write down the first 10 words that come to your mind. Here are a few words to get your creative mind going. Is it warm, cozy, inviting, cold, country-like, efficient, light, dark, stark, cluttered? Don’t think about this and spend a lot of time on it. This is just to get an idea of how you feel about your kitchen and what changes you would like to make.

When I look at my kitchen through a stranger’s eyes I see:-

72 Take some time to look over this list. Fill it out with as much detail as you wish. This is not something to rush through. Take your time; get the opinions of your family and friends, and when done, you will have a good idea of what you like, dislike, would like to keep and want to change.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

36

QUESTIONS COOKING SPACE

ANSWERS

What type of cook are you? Professional, cook from scratch, short order, takeout?

How many people cook or help out at one time?

Is the room adequate for everyone to move around comfortably and out of each other’s way?

Do children help out and work in the kitchen with you?

ENTERTAINING

If your kitchen is used for entertaining,

nn Neighborhood barbecues

do you:

nn Family get together bash

nn Have sit down meals

nn Cocktail parties

nn Informal buffets

STORAGE

Do you have adequate storage for your: nn Canned and packaged foods nn Refrigerated and frozen foods nn China and glassware

SPECIAL STORAGE

nn Paper goods nn Cleaning supplies nn Wine Collections nn Hobbies

Do you need space in your kitchen for:

nn Cookbooks nn Sound System nn Computer nn Telephone

What activities besides cooking are conducted here? Some examples are:nn Dining nn Meal Planning

CABINETS & COUNTERS

nn Linens

such as:

nn Television

ACTIVITIES

nn Small Appliances

Do you have a need for specialty storage, nn Heirloom china

ELECTRONICS

nn Cookware

nn Homework nn Laundry nn Entertaining nn Hobbies

Are you happy with the height of your counter? nn Can you work for long periods without getting a backache? nn Do you have work areas of varying heights to accommodate children? nn Can you reach the shelves in your cupboards without the use of a stepstool? nn Do the doors of your cupboards, closets, and appliances open conveniently on the correct side?

Is your traffic pattern from the stove, sink and refrigerator a convenient triangle?

CONVENIENCE

nn Do you have an area set up for prep work by the sink? nn Do you have an area set up with all your baking needs? nn Are all your herbs, spices, oils, etc. set up conveniently by the stove?

LIGHTING

Is there a lot of natural light? nn Do you have spot lighting by the stove and sink area? nn Is the lighting adequate over the kitchen table? nn Do you have good general lighting?

Once you have completed this assessment of your kitchen, you should have a clear idea of the areas you are satisfied with and the things you wish to change. You may come up with more questions that suit your lifestyle. In any case, this questionnaire will give you a clearer picture of what you have and what you want to achieve.

Be sure that with these steps, you can only get better as you get involved in styling your kitchen space, which ought to look pretty. It is important to use this process, right from the day you decide to do something about your kitchen décor. For one, even if you just didn’t know where to begin, you will soon be proudly showing off your home, decorated to reflect your taste and personality to friends and family.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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KITCHENS

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Ideal Ceramics stimulate homeowners’ appetite Ideal Ceramics has pulled another first, the firm has launched yet another audacious move to provide the market with amazing Italian kitchens by proudly partnering with Snaidero Kitchens, currently the largest Italian kitchen manufacturer in Europe.

Ideal Kitchens have received rave reviews in the market and from pundits alike, and have become the talk of the industry owing to the wide variety from which one can make a choice, as well as a kitchen for everyone depending on one’s budget.

Snaidero kitchens have been established for more than 60 years and are renowned for the finest quality and design, from classic and contemporary kitchens to bespoke designs Mr Anish Doshi who is the Director of Ideal Ceramics says the flagship brands under the new kid on the block are from world renowned designer Pininfarina (Ferrari car designer) whose trademark OLA 20 has become a household name worldwide for quality, elegance and unique design variety.

When choosing a kitchen, a buyer should take into account the following, says Mr Anish Doshi;

1

The material: Snaidero kitchens come in various materials that include Melamine, Glossy laminate, Mat Lacquer, Glossy Lacquer, Micalized Lacquer, Glass and Wood. These finishes are available in various colours and textures giving customers a good selection.

2

Variety of design: Snaidero kitchens are available in various designs; Contemporary, Classic and bespoke as individual attention is given to design as Snaidero kitchens are designed by world-renowned architects to ensure customers have a variety of designs.

3 4 5

Worktops: Ideal Kitchens offer a range of worktops; Caesar-stone and silestone, which are quartz.

Quartz materials are scratch & heat resistant materials, which are available in many different colours.

Appliances: Ideal Kitchens offer Bosch Integrated Kitchen Appliances with their ranges of kitchens, it is important to offer the leading Appliance brand with our kitchens.

The budget: This is the most crucial aspect, for it will determine what kind of kitchen one will buy. It must come at the top of the list of this inventory.

“Ideal Kitchens is in the market, and we are here to change the matrix,” says Mr Anish Doshi. “You can sample our range of designs elsewhere in this edition of the magazine.”

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

Consider creating the perfect mood in your bathroom by ‘juicing’ it with décor flavours writes LYDIA OPWAKA.

www.idealceramics.com

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ORANGE

Snaidero Rino Spa, Viale Rino Snaidero 15 – 33030 Majano (Ud) - Italie Tél. 0039 0432 063533 - Fax 0039 0432063650 e-mail: press@snaidero.it, web: www.snaidero.com http://news.snaidero.it/en/

RANGE, RANGE, A KITCHEN WITH CLEAR IDEAS ORANGE, A KITCHEN WITH CLEAR IDEAS Essential aesthetic appeal, both stylish and refined, for a choice of safety, a choice that is “for life”. A strong design, based on flexibility devised with the consumer in mind for a kitchen that is easy to understand and easy to design. A combination that testifies once again to the ability of the team of designers at Snaidero to face the challenges and changes of the current market, with an innovative approach and in line with the times, revolutionizing the way of designing, building and marketing their products. The result of an innovative system of international codesign which involved a team of architects and engineers, the different company departments, the trade and the consumer along with an observation of the external scenario at 360°, Orange is the epitome of a complete revamping process.

ential aesthetic appeal, both stylish and refined, for a choice of safety, a choice that is "for life".

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke trong design, based on flexibility devised with the consumer in mind for a kitchen that is easy to

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LUX

Pietro Arosio Design Rigorous lines coupled with evolved technical solutions. Formal cleanliness enriched by stylish details. A project with a clear-cut personality.

The Lux kitchen, designed for Snaidero by Pietro Arosio, reflects a rigorous design philosophy denoting an architectural influence, in which the domestic space embodies an intelligent blend of function, emotion and personality, free of any excess.

The Lux project primarily aims to redefine the “orthodox� structures of the kitchen, by proposing a clear-cut division between the cooking zone and the organised area reserved for storage. These two areas are highly specialised, both in terms of their equipment and ergonomic arrangement.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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TIME

Lucci Orlandini Design Time is the newest collaboration between Snaidero and two designers Lucci and Orlandini.

The aesthetics of Time are based on concepts of perceived space, linearity, simplicity of design and a continuity of elements. From a functional point of view, the apparently essential design highlights the use of unusual applications, which make working in the kitchen easier. It is a fresh and essential product that features strong horizontal extension, thanks to its decisive lines, and to the possibility for customization. The design of light, airy, new composition solutions is made possible by the use of glass wall units, worktops of differing thicknesses, and above all by hanging bases. This new kitchen offers many possibilities in terms of modularity and finishes.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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GICIONDA

GIOCONDA is the outstanding example of a kitchen that squarely balances between tradition and current needs can be achieved by turning the original pre-industrial SnaideroRinoSpa,VialeRinoSnaidero15–33030Majano(Ud) archetypes into smoothlyTel.00390432.063533,fax00390432.063650 updated shapes and finishes. Its design area compares e-mail:press@snaidero.it,sitoweb:www.snaidero.com to that of the “New Beetle” in car racing design, it offers new life to a shape borrowed from our common memory. The name itself, GIOCONDA, represents a precise choice: it recalls the best-known among Leonardo’s works, a classic world masterpiece; but its essenceGIOCONDADESIGN reminds us of Marcel Duchamp’s irony and genius in turning classic into modern. The essential feature of the  new GIOCONDA DESIGN is IosaGhiniDesign that it offers countless ways of personalising your kitchen. 





THECONCEPT THECONCEPT

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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WAY

Way is a design with well-defined proportions, minimalist contours and a sophisticated range of finishes and colours. These are the key concepts behind the project, which completes Snaidero’s design challenge that started with Orange and continued with Code. The goal was to develop a modern, integrated commercial proposal that would distinguish itself on the market while at the same time responding fully to market demands in terms of design, quality, customisation potential and competitiveness.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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CODE

The CODE kitchen offers a style and a look that all of us would like to have in our own kitchen.

With CODE, Snaidero has created a kitchen design for those who love to express their individual lifestyle and choices for the home. The underlying feature is a desire to enjoy total freedom in the kitchen, redesigning shapes and redefining lines to create new living appeal with an “inverse code� that eliminates the superfluous for a creative and flexible layout based on customized space. So here is CODE, an extensive and versatile kitchen design, with two extremely distinctive features: COLOUR and WOOD.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Kitchen Island or a Peninsula?

Many home owners will certainly face the dilemma at one time, as long as that dream to have a good kitchen is yet to be fulfilled. The question, as Hilda OTUGA writes, is whether to go for a kitchen island or a peninsula.

Is it better to have a kitchen right in the middle of the room or one which extends the worktop?

For one, island kitchens do seem to be the trend. But why are they reckoned as such.

The major reason is their dimensions. As houses have become larger over the past two decades, kitchens have equally become proportionally larger.

In the progression of this change, it was discovered that as soon as you have one cabinet wall dimension of 12’ or greater, that 45’s into another cabinet wall, the functionality of the kitchen is improved if the third wall or “ leg” of cabinets is an island rather than a peninsula.

This is because it allows you twice the access to the long wall that is 12’ or greater, rather than just one access or traffic lane to access that whole wall and the other (probably shorter) wall.

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for dishes and saucepans and make up the kitchen block. Some or all of the electrical appliances can be put together on the island.

Peninsula: this module can also be an extra work surface and be used for storage. If the area is open plan, it can also visually separate the kitchen from the other room and be used as a table for lunch or snacks.

The necessary space Island: a kitchen of this type needs a lot of space. In our article you can discover very easily if you have room for an island.

What are they?

The names of the elements are borrowed from geography because the two arrangements evoke these elements in nature.

Islands are in fact separated from the other kitchen modules and are often placed in the centre, whilst peninsulas are modules which are open on three sides, but which are a continuation of the rest of the kitchen. Now let us look closely at the differences.

The functions Island: this element can be an extra work surface for food preparation, act as storage

Peninsula: being devised as a natural extension of the kitchen worktop, it can be used even in a small room. It is very useful in open plan areas because, as we have seen above, it allows the rooms to be separated “naturally” and it can also be used as a table.

Management of connections Island: in order to place electrical appliances, hobs and sinks in this space, it is necessary to bring gas, water and electricity to the kitchen block. It is a more complex operation because the pipes and wires must be placed under the floor.

Peninsula: this element does not need any particular work because it actually forms part of the kitchen module. The connections can be hidden behind the furniture.

The design Islands: are separate from the rest of the kitchen and therefore can be of a different shape and colour from the rest of the units.

Rectangular, square, round: they can contrast or match the rest of the units, allowing a great choice of styles.

Peninsulas: being “additions”, they need to be the same design as the units. Nevertheless they can be rectangular, oval or curved.

In larger kitchens, islands work better. In somewhat smaller kitchens, I prefer the peninsula. With a peninsula, you usually end up with more cabinets and greater square footage of counter top than when you cut up your space just to include a smaller island.

If you think about it, all you are doing in changing from a peninsula to an island is taking away a piece of the peninsula to create a walk way that you really don’t need.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Flooring options for your kitchen Of the many things to consider when purchasing new flooring for your kitchen, these may be the most important: durability, stain resistance and style. Of course, no floor is perfect, so don’t expect a certain flooring material to be the most durable, the most stain resistant and the most stylish. Figure out what flooring features are best suited for your kitchen and select accordingly.

If you place a priority on the comfort factor, you’ll want to start with the most cushiony options like vinyl and linoleum. Or you might consider using other materials with throw rugs placed in strategic spots, such as in front of the sink.

You know you’re bound to spill something at some point on your new floor anyway.

Whatever the culprit, you’ll be able to wipe it up the easiest off of vinyl, laminate, and linoleum. Other materials, such as stone, wood, and concrete, will require special sealants to get that kind of easy cleanup.

Of all the choices, carpet seems to make the least practical sense for a kitchen floor, even if it’s a durable product. Try to keep it out of the main work area and just in the adjoining family room areas.

Be sure that the new flooring isn’t so high that it prevents your appliances from being rolled out for repair or replacement. Or better yet, install the flooring under all the removable appliances.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

KOMMA

Kitchen Units Model Tess design S. Barsacchi

The Centre Point 1st floor Parklands Road P.O.Box 45734 - 00100 Nairobi - Kenya Tel: + 254 20 3751342 / 3 or 3751302 / 3 Fax: + 254 20 3751260 / 1 Mobile: + 254 728 600303 / 735 751303 - E.Mail: pbl.3l@africaonline.co.ke Scavolini S.p.A. 61025 Montelabbate (PU) - Italy - Tel. +39 0721443333 Fax: +39 0721443413 - contact@scavolini.com www.scavolini.com

The “best seller� from Italy

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Flooring options for your kitchen Using tiles for flooring Pros of using tiles There are several types of tile.

nn There are many sizes, patterns, and colors to choose from.

Ceramic tiles are made from pressed clays covered with a glaze of metallic oxides and ceramic stains or finished with a matte surface.

nn Tile is durable.

Porcelain mosaic tiles are baked at a higher temperature, which makes them thicker. Their color also goes through the tile, rather than only covering the surface.

nn Cons of using tiles

nn Glazed tile resists staining and doesn’t require special cleaning or other maintenance. nn Tile is suitable for radiant heat. nn Glazed tile with no texture may be slippery and pose a safety hazard for the elderly and young children. nn Unglazed tile needs to be treated occasionally with sealants. nn Tile, like stone, can be a little hard on the feet if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Quarry tile is an unglazed mix of shale and clays that also has color throughout.

The spaces between the tiles are filled in by grout. An epoxy grout is recommended to help resist stains.

It’s usually best to choose a grout that closely matches the color of the tiles.

nn Individual tiles may crack over time so try to get some extra ones with your original batch so that the replacements will match the other pieces.

Hardwood as an alternative Oak and maple are common choices for kitchen flooring; pine is often used to give a worn effect. The wood is typically installed prior to the cabinets and laid in planks, narrow strips, or patterned parquet squares.

Pros nn You can keep a polyurethane-coated wood floor clean with a vacuum or broom. nn Wood provides a variety of looks. nn Long-lasting and durable.

Cons

A floor finished on-site with penetrating oil and wax gives you the classic look of hardwood floors and an even surface.

However, it will need to be waxed annually.

nn If water seeps between the boards, it may cause warping and buckling.

This type of treatment is more appropriate for the drawing room than a high-traffic, highspill zone like the kitchen.

nn You may need to refinish the entire floor to get rid of scratches.

A floor treated on-site or at the factory with a penetrating sealer like polyurethane won’t need to be waxed regularly. It can be kept fresh with a vacuum or broom and with a recoating every five or six years.

nn Floors with wax finishes require maintenance and may not be practical for the kitchen. They can be slippery too.

nn You have to guard against fading and be careful where you place throw rugs and mats—the sun could fade the floor around them, leaving a darker area underneath.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Flooring options for your kitchen

Laminates make good flooring Laminate flooring resembles hardwood or stone while offering the easy maintenance of vinyl. Some people turn their noses up at the idea of obtaining the look of natural materials from plastic laminate adhered to fiberboard or particleboard.

But you may want to consider the product, which has been popular in Europe for decades, if you want the look but not the price tag of real wood.

Pros of laminates nn Liquids don’t cause the damage they would to a real wood floor. nn No worries about staining or fading for at least a decade. nn It’s extremely durable and can handle lots of traffic. nn Cleanup requires just a broom or mop. nn Requires less maintenance than real wood. nn Costs less than real wood.

Cons nn If water seeps into its cracks, the laminated layers could break up. nn When it wears out, the whole floor has to be replaced rather than just refinished. nn More prone to chipping than real wood. nn Surface won’t be as even or as smooth and seamless as real wood.

How about linoleum?

Most often associated with the kitchen of your grandmother, linoleum has come back in fashion as an environmentally friendly product. Linoleum is often confused with plastic vinyl because they both come in sheet form. But vinyl is made from synthetics and linoleum from natural materials—it’s a felt or canvas coated with linseed oil, cork, and resins. The Latin root of the word linoleum means flax or linen combined with oil. It comes in plain or decorative patterns, including ones that resemble marble.

Pros nn Quiet, smooth, elastic, and comfortable. nn Takes a lot of effort to dent it. nn Fats, oils, and greases won’t damage it. nn Environmentally friendly.

Cons nn Has fewer colors and patterns than vinyl. nn Standing water can damage it.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

“ It’s all in the detail“

Fax: +254-20-823517

Mombasa Office / Showroom Tel:020 233 2456/020 234 6135 , Cell-0721 128346/0738 562281

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Tel:+254-20-823451/5, 825044/5

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Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Kenya

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Nairobi Office / Showroom

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www.sajceramics.com

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Flooring options for your kitchen

Stone does very well The most common stones for the kitchen floor are granite, marble, and slate.

Pros nn Tough and durable. nn You can use over a radiant heat system.

Cons nn Stone might not offer the comfort you’re looking for. It can feel like you’re standing on cold rock (because you are). Consider using mats or throw rugs in work areas. nn You’ll need to apply sealants periodically to prevent stains. nn Marble can be slippery and dangerous to fall on. The elderly and families with young children may want to consider another type of flooring. nn A light-colored grout in between stone tiles will show stains and dirt. nn The stones may chip, so you should keep extras on hand. nn The color of the stone that arrives at your home may differ from what you choose in the showroom if taken from a different lot. If you have the option, approve the slabs that will become your flooring while they are still at the distributor or manufacturer.

Using the durable vinyl You’ve stepped on plenty of vinyl in your lifetime. One of the most common kitchen flooring materials, it’s known as “resilient” because of its ability to bounce back into shape. That’s what gives it a cushiony feel. Vinyl comes in sheet or tile form (which can be easier to install but also more susceptible to water damage because of its seams) and in all kinds of colors and patterns.

When you choose vinyl, you’ll need to decide on a type: standard or inlaid. The key difference between the two is: Standard vinyl uses a rotogravure process in which the color and pattern are printed on one sheet layered between a thick, clear upper surface (the wear layer) and a foamy vinyl core.

In inlaid vinyl, the color and pattern go all the way through the core material. Inlaid vinyl is considered the more dense and durable of the two.

Both types of vinyl have a protective no-wax coating or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surface (the same water-resistant resin used on raincoats). Jump around on the floor samples before you decide, as the cushiness will vary depending on the thickness of the core material in inlaid vinyl and of the wear layer in standard vinyl.

Pros nn •

Endless options for colors and patterns.

nn •

No worries about water discoloring the floor.

nn •

No maintenance beyond sweeping and mopping.

nn •

Resists scuffs and stains from kids and pets.

Cons nn • Requires that you clean up spills quickly to avoid stains. It’s stain-resistant but not stain-proof. nn • If the installation isn’t done properly and as free of seams as possible, the flooring may peel up. nn • You shouldn’t wear pointed heels while you stir the spaghetti, as they could dent the vinyl.

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talk to

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Flooring options for your kitchen

The good old carpet option If you’d like to place carpeting in your kitchen work area, choose something durable, such as a stain-resistant material.

Pros

Make concrete your choice This mixture of cement, water, and sand or gravel isn’t just for the basement floor anymore. Color can be added to the mix, and it absorbs heat, making it ideal for a radiant heat system.

Pros nn As durable as tile and stone.

nn Quiet and comfortable.

nn The best choice if you want radiant heat.

Cons nn It doesn’t provide the durability and stainresistance you expect from a kitchen floor. nn It will be a chore to clean up everyday spills, much less major accidents. nn Can mildew easily, especially in areas of the country with humid climates.

5

nn You’ll be surprised at the number of colors and finishes.

Cons nn Requires a sealer to prevent staining. nn Heavy and requires strong support. nn Can be a dangerously hard fall for the elderly and children.

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KITCHENS

Minimal

VARENNA Kitchens by POLIFORM

T

he kitchen is protagonist of nowadays lifestyle: the different models enable to interpret different conception of living thanks to the utmost flexibility and the amble choice of finishings. The collection is always updated to the latest trends, with design solutions and technical details that give life to a unique home shaped on daily life. The kitchen becomes part of a total interior project in full continuity and coherence with the concept of home project distinguishing the collection Poliform.

Varenna is the kitchen department of Poliform, one of the leading companies in today’s international furniture scenario.

The company, which has strong roots in the north of Milan, Italy, made its continuous research for quality became its mission and, thanks to its large experience and specific

know – how, Varenna is able to produce and supply distinctive and exclusive products.

To produce a kitchen it is necessary to work with many different materials: from wood to steel, marble to aluminium, including some modern synthetic compounds. Selecting the best suppliers and using only materials

submitted to the most strictly test Varenna guarantees the reliability, safety and lastingness of its kitchens.

Karibu Italy is proud and honoured to be Poliform authorized dealer within Kenya and wider East Africa.

Poliform commitment to quality of materials, particulars, and international trends, reflects exactly the values that Karibu Italy carries through its presence in East Africa.

As a results of this commitment partnering with Poliform was the natural resolution to make. Karibu Italy showroom and offices are situated on the New Muthaiga Shopping Mall 3rd floor. In this premises, among other beautiful products, is possible to have a hands-on feel of Poliform uniqueness and discover, through guidance of their staff, the vast selection of products Karibu Italy is able to offer collectively to its clients.

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Alea

Alea. Primary form. A rigorous design for a new defining of the kitchen. A project by Paolo Piva featuring‘minimal’ formal characteristics: to convert every practical unit into sheer design, essential forms,maintaining the highest possible operativeness.

The aesthetic concept of Alea is linked to the strong prominence which singles out every composition, every element, and which is at times an edge, others a frame or structure. The containers, the work tops, the wall or island operative parts become perfect geometrical ‘solids’, surfaces which enhance the separate materials. Every Alea detail brings out the design drive of ‘giving shape’ to a new concept of the kitchen.

Door finishes: Embossed and glossy lacquered, mat and glossy laminate, pine melamine, lacquered pine melamine, glossy acrylic.

Woods: walnut c., eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, spessart oak, grey dyed oak, moro oak and elm.

Scotch brite steel.

Frosted and glossy glass.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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WINDOWS

My Planet

My Planet: this kitchen interprets the widespread desire for praticality and elegance. A sensation suggested by new components such as handles and countertops of various thicknesses, the use of light equipped panels and white and dark pine finishes.

Technically evolved solutions and fundamental design components that guarantee original compositions for even the smallest of kitchens.

Door finishes: Embossed and glossy lacquered, mat and glossy laminate, pine melamine, lacquered pine melamine, glossy acrylic.

Woods: walnut c., eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, spessart oak, grey dyed oak, moro oak and elm.

Scotch brite steel.

Frosted and glossy glass, with aluminium frame PR17, anodised finishing.

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Minimal

Minimal, design Varenna.

A project defined by aesthetical rigor and extraordinary versatility of the composition. The integrated handle is the “personality element� for all the doors: a very distinctive visual rhythm to the compositions. The possibility to combine different materials and finishing gives to Minimal the ability to propose extremely original kitchen solutions of both strong character and endless styles.

Door finishes: Embossed lacquered, glossy lacquered, open pore lacquered oak.

Wood: eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, grey dyed oak and moro oak .

Scotch brite steel.

Reflecting bronze glass, with aluminium frame PR19.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Matrix

A project with an extremely essential aesthetic, featured by great volumes and wide surfaces. It is targeted to a public looking for a kitchen of minimalistcontemporary style, which should be at the same time “important�, with the availability of large spaces in which the modular elements can be exploited.

Door finishes: Embossed lacquered, glossy lacquered.

Wood: walnut c., eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, spessart oak, grey dyed oak, moro oak and elm.

DuPont Corian.

Scotch brite steel.

Frosted and glossy glass, with aluminium frame PR16, anodised finishing.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Kyton

The research of simplicity through practicality and lightness: a bright, natural and technically evolved kitchen. Kyton, design CR&S Varenna, is a kitchen expressing an evolved and informal living solution. The freedom to live one’s personal space following the inspiration of the moment.

Door finishes: Embossed lacquered, glossy lacquered, open pore lacquered oak.

Wood: eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, grey dyed oak and moro oak .

Scotch brite steel.

Reflecting bronze glass, with aluminium frame PR19.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Twelve

Twelve, the research of a new essential design with minimal horizontal thicknesses and maximum wideness of the surfaces. Primary volumes characterized by the absence of handles interpret different stylistic values thanks to an exceptional variety of finishes and materials.

Door finishes: Mat laminate tuttocolore, embossed lacquered, glossy lacquered.

Wood: walnut c., eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, spessart oak, grey dyed oak, moro oak and elm.

Scotch brite steel.

Frosted and glossy glass.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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Artex

A project signed by CR&S Varenna with a contemporary design and a natural aesthetics. Ample surfaces and rigorous, essential lines highlight the quality of the materials.

Door finishes: Embossed lacquered, glossy lacquered, open pore lacquered oak.

Wood: eco canaletto, oak, siena oak, brown oak, grey dyed oak and moro oak .

Scotch brite steel.

Reflecting bronze glass, with aluminium frame PR19.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

KITCHEN

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Adding value into tiny spaces

By Elizabeth Omondi

T

he kitchenette (variously labeled as the mini or compact kitchen) is something that has been around for a long time, but has gained greater prominence as a byproduct of the modern space, in which large castles in wide open spaces are being fast replaced by minimalist living spaces in apartments and studios, most often than not, in a vertically integrated high-rise package.

As a consequence of the need to push in as much functionality to the small spaces afforded by a bigger sector of society, lots of innovation has been directed towards ensuring that the same comforts available to those with acres of space can be enjoyed by the simplest among us. In a sense, the design approach to the modern kitchenette is very similar to the design developments of the mobile phone, which started off quite large, and which took the odd reputation as one of the few gadgets for which smaller is better.

The challenge with the kitchenette (as with your phone) has always been how much function can be packed into a small space. The world of small kitchens has been redefined by an increasing association with the qualities of great aesthetics, functionality, and quality workmanship. One should always strive to imagine and design the best compact kitchen possible.

The modern approach is to create simple, sophisticated, and convenient designs that create a hyper-equipped kitchen that is both ultra-functional and smart.

A basic unit would typically include integrated fridge/ freezer, microwave, hob, mixer tap options, integrated dishwasher and cutlery bins. The use of storage solutions such as drawer organizers and utensils allows a kitchenette to hold more than one would think possible.

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Depending on area of application, kitchenettes could almost be made invisible, with handle-less cabinets and silent closing mechanisms that make the units available only when needed.

It is worth noting that kitchenettes, though labeled as smart kitchens for small spaces, are increasingly being used in both large and small environments, from the small studio apartment in which it will form a key function area, to open plan offices where these can blend into the more formal furniture concepts, and finally to large palatial homes with multiple function areas. In the latter, such application could be to a pool-house, study, family room or bedroom suite.

The kitchenette is a great spot for fixing snacks for movie or game watchers within the context of social activity. These could easily be included in the layout of a recreational area or family room.

Kitchenettes are great features for apartments, guesthouses, bed & breakfast facilities. To the designer, these offer an opportunity to express your inner design capabilities. The selection of a design language should always strive to complement surrounding dĂŠcor in both style and color.

Typical configurations have kitchenettes lined up along one wall. They can have a footprint as small as a corner cabinet. Kitchenettes could be tucked in the void below a staircase, or installed in a patio, allowing its use as an entertaining space that opens to the outdoors.

Elizabeth is the Managing Director of Kitchen & Office Interiors, Ltd, a leading interiors firm located along Mombasa Road, Alpha Centre in Nairobi.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

KITCHENS

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KITCHEN ISLANDS

I

n every kitchen there is the potential of great storage, display, functionality but the sad fact is that most kitchens don’t have enough of these. A kitchen island solves these problems and looks beautiful doing it. From mobile islands to seating area kitchen islands, the amenity of having one or two in your kitchen is an added bonus. If you are fortunate to acquire a professional designer or choose a home with a kitchen island you’re in for a treat.

Ask most homeowners and they’ll tell you that there’s not enough counter space in the kitchen, no matter how much or how little they have.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel that will include an island, consider these tips: nn Most importantly, there should be sufficient space between the island and other work surfaces to allow for opening cabinet and appliance doors, and for two people to work without jostling one another, a professional interior designer is in a better place to advice this. nn Depending on your specific needs, the island can be located so it functions as an integral part of the work area. It can also serve as a divider between the kitchen and the family room. nn Adding an island permits a reconfiguration of the classic “work triangle” of refrigerator, cooker top and sink, because it is an ideal place to relocate either the cooker top or the main sink, or to install a second sink as the focal point of a second work triangle. nn If the cooker top will be located in the island, with a wall oven elsewhere, consider pull-out trays or drawers below the cooker top to store pots and pans. If the island will be a second work station with a prep sink for cleaning veggies and the like, a professional designer can suggest including a pull-out wastebasket in the cabinet below.

With modern living, bar and wine cabinets are very essential especially in open plan houses writes SALLY AGANDA

nn Be sure to plan for the mechanicals necessary for locating the cooker top or sink in the center of the room. For the sink you’ll need to supply drain lines, and for the cooker top, a ventilation system-either an overhead unit or a downdraft model.

Both the plumbing and downdraft unit will require breaking through the floor. nn If your island will separate the kitchen and family room, it can become a multipurpose unit that shows a different face to the family room. The use of shallow, glass-fronted doors can be used as display space, while the kitchen side uses standard-depth base cabinets for no-nonsense storage. The generous countertop is ideal for staging a buffet. nn And finally, don’t forget about adequate lighting. Without it, the island will lose much of its functional appeal.

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A traditional Canadian Walnut kitchen with lit glass units Located in Swara Homes Karen.

Real Project:

Tel 020 2664783/4 mob 0721 904266 Fax 020 2664779 Email: info@foresightgroup.co.ke www.foresightgroup.co.ke

Ngong Rd, Near Ngong Race course next to Kenol Petrol Station.

Get what you want!

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Benefits of having great kitchen islands

1

An island adds storage area in addition to cabinetry: If your kitchen

is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem. With the option of additional drawers, pull out shelves, and cabinets, the island is an extension to your existing casework. Ever thought you didn’t have enough room for recycling bins? Under a kitchen island makes a great accessible space because it doesn’t interfere with the main preparation area of the rest of the kitchen.

2

A kitchen island is perfect for kids: Whether it is homework time

or they pitch in to help make dinner, a kitchen island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close eye view. Another option for kitchen islands is to place kid’s height amenities like a microwave and refrigerated drawer in reach.

For after school snacks and Saturday morning early breakfasts, amenities that the kids can feel independent using are a good idea for some households.

3

Extra seating is a major asset: A

kitchen island can act as informal dining area for the kids or it can act as additional seating when entertaining. Having access to your family or guests is always an advantage while cooking and preparing meals. Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island. Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it’s always a plus to be able to seat more people.

4

A movable kitchen island adds versatility: Need extra counter

space and at other times need more floor space? A movable kitchen island offers more room when you and your friends want to cook a huge meal and each person takes a section of the kitchen to prepare. Once your meal is complete, roll your kitchen island out of the way for added space.

Movable islands are ideal for smaller kitchens that need the best of both worlds.

5

Place additional kitchen amenities at your island: For larger kitchens

the ability to add preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional cooking area is a way to make your kitchen more functional and

useful. Since larger kitchens have the ability to have plumbing and electrical services run to them the options are limitless. Add a range hood over your stove/grill and now your island becomes the main hub for cooking and entertaining.

6

The material options for an island are endless: Whether you are using

your island for utilitarian purposes or you want the island to be the show stopper of the kitchen, there is a counter top surface for you. If cost is a concern, consider laminate or solid surface man made finishes. For mid level spending consider higher grades of solid surfaces or stained concrete. At the high end of the cost spectrum are quartz, granite, and custom exotic wood varieties. Visit Foresight interiors limited for inspiration or look through a kitchen and bath magazine to get dream kitchen island ideas and Foresight interiors will act the part of delivering them to you. If you think a kitchen island is just for show, you now have legitimate reasons why your kitchen can benefit from one. From storage to additional seating, any sized home will love the versatility a kitchen island offers.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

SECURITY

76

T

Evaluate your lock security

aking the time to research and install the best door hardware for your home can help you provide a first line of safety for your family and personal belongings writes ROSE ANDARO. There are many home security methods that are used to ensure the safety of property and loved ones. It is advisable to re-evaluate these methods from time to time. This helps to check and effectively address the areas that require improvement.

Door and Window Locks Though locks may seem simple, they are actually quite powerful in preventing theft.

Criminals today are bolder than ever and may decide to attempt to break into your home despite any high tech home security methods.

If they cannot get past the lock, they cannot enter your home. This is a simple fact that is often overlooked.

“Ours is about holding the hands of our clients as they make preferences on a range of interiors hardware solutions and while evaluating and purchasing locks for homes, offices and hotel rooms,” says Smita, the Interiors Evolution managing director.

Services that range from consulting and specification writing services ... unique needs of various types of facilities, access control and egress requirements - all the things you need in specifying door hardware solutions are also offered by Interiors Evolution.

closers are always the centre of attraction.

The entrance depicts a lot of significance towards the entire house hold when speaking of safety.

Door hardware like door locks, handles, knobs,

A review of your facility’s security hardware is one such preemptive practice that should be conducted annually to engender a safe, secure environment for students, staff and the community as a whole.

As any security expert will tell you, the worst time to review the integrity of a school’s door security hardware is after an incident occurs, such as a break-in, theft, assault or fire.

Unfortunately, many administrators overlook this vital building component until it’s too late; to take preventive measures.

Evaluating your home security level should include replacing any locks that are not functioning correctly. It would also be wise to replace older locks, as you simply have no way of knowing how many people may have keys.

Some doors allow free access while others require a key, card or pass code to enter; still others may prohibit any passage. It’s all a matter of access privileges and not of interest to most people until something goes wrong.

Advisable in this regard is to allocate a budget for installing new quality locks on doors, windows, and garage doors. Locks should always be considered your first line of defense. They therefore should not be overlooked.

Among the proven quality of locks and lock systems include:-

Evolution of safety

MORTISE LOCKSETS — these are locks that fit into a mortise in the door edge and typically feature levers to operate a latch bolt. They provide greater torque resistance, security and a variety of functions more than the typical cylindrical locksets. You’ll recognize these, by the separate cylinder (where the key goes in)

There are many different locksets available on the market, but you should be able to make a safe choice if you engage with an outlet/ vendor who is ready to share detailed tips for choosing home locks. Among the showrooms more that’s more willing to offer such safety highlights is Interiors Evolution.

IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

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above the lever. They are applied to any door in a facility that requires latching or locking.

AUTOMATIC OPERATORS — Automatic operators provide for the ultimate in convenience and door control. With a simple push of a button, a door can be opened, held open to allow passage and then closed. These entrances are not only for physically disabled, but for many situations when a person may not have their hands available to push or pull a door open (ever have your arms full of books?). Many automatic door operators have the ability to be interfaced with electrified hardware such as electric strikes and the electric latch retraction exit device in order to provide a complete and secure entrance solution.

PANIC HARDWARE -A Panic Bar (also known as a crash bar, exit device, panic device, or a push bar) is a mechanism for unlatching a

door, consisting of a spring-loaded metal bar fixed horizontally to the front of the door and hinged. It is operated by pushing on it, which unlatches and opens the door.

Door hardware like door locks, handles, knobs, closers are always the centre of attraction. The entrance depicts a lot of significance towards the entire house hold when speaking of safety.

P.O Box 808-00606 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 375 4 323/324 Fax: +254 20 375 4 325 E: info@interior-evolution.com

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Evaluate your Know it! lock security

Better it!

There’s no doubt that the path to gaining knowledge is sharing. Bettering interior spaces thus calls for one to in totality appreciate what works at the prefered space and useful in its beauty writes ZAMEER VERJEE and AMBRA MONTAGNA. The first step to change your home is to know where to start. It may seem obvious that you know your home but the main question is: do you really understand how it works?

It is critical that you know how the common areas (kitchen, dining room and living room) communicate?

Do you know the dimensions of the rooms, ceilings, doors, windows and the size of the stairs? Do you know the importance behind the different shapes, scale and orientation of the spaces? If you are aware of the above, you will be far more likely to draw up a successful scheme for change.

Getting started in assessing your home for changes requires an objective list of both positive and negative qualities of your home. The best way to do this is to imagine a scenario of you selling your house to a prospective buyer or if this may result hard another way would be to take a picture of the interested areas and analyze it with a critical detached eye in order to spot all the imperfections.

What needs alterations The next step is to identify precisely what needs alterations. Pay attention to the everyday experience of using your house and get opinions from all your family members in order to develop detailed understanding of what need to be done.

Some of the questions we suggest you ask yourself during this process are:

• What pleases you most about your home? / What annoys you most about your home?

• Are there bottle necks where people always seem to be treading on each other’s toes?

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Professionals in Home & office refurbishment, furnishing, Interior design & decor and special finishes on interiors & exteriors.

Suppliers of Gypsum Cornices, Gypsum Boards & Gypsum Accessories

Cornice & Decor (K) Ltd Lusaka Road, Georges Plaza, 1st Floor, Opp. City Stadium P.O Box 5503 - 00200, Nairobi Kenya Tel (Office) 0700 523833, Mobile: 0722 538697 , 0722 865946

Drop by and you will have dropped all your worries!

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DEALING WITH A NARROW SPACE: Placing a oversize mirror on top of a oversize vanity sink help to elongate the space. The half moon shape of the vanity sink gives multiple benefits such as freedom of mobility, sleek look, and functionality.

IDENTIFICATION OF STRUCTURAL FEATURES: The sheer delight of the staircase makes a strong architectural statement. Assessing your home for such structural features gives you the chance to use them at your advantage.

• Is there a room that is underused or one that people tend to avoid? • When analyzing a specific area can you see a defined balance in the organization of the room?

work should be carried out by yourself or not.

An essential part of the process of assessment is providing yourself with a concrete framework to test your ideas.

Some areas may seem obvious for improvement but before giving out the job it is important to understand how your ideas relate and harmonize with the existing elements of your house. This may take form of making floor plans, modeling, further research or seeking professional guidance. These are the preconditions that should allow you to make an honest and realistic decision on whether the

USE OF SPACE: Thoughtful allocation of space is essential in the functioning of multipurpose areas. The dining area creates the common link between the kitchen and living room.

Professionals to carry Many people are doubtful of interior designers yet they are there to make life easier for you during the process of renovating your house. In the case that the task you have taken is too big to be carried out by yourself you are on the way to disaster.

Reversing this will be costly, time consuming and will involve further disruption which in turn will lead you to waste instead than save your money. A better option would be to ask for help and advice to professionals which can be chosen through recommendation from previous clients.

Having the right professionals to carry out your plan will give you the advantage of a better understanding of the realization costs, the scope of the work and the potential loop-holes of the

Many people are doubtful of interior designers yet they are there to make life easier for you during the process of renovating your house IDEAL INTERIORS MAGAZINE || AUG - OCT 2013 || www.interiors.co.ke

USE OF MATERIALS TO CREATE THE STYLE: Detailed selection of material sets the tone to create the desired style. No matter what the budget you can get still get your desired final impression.

project. Most importantly, hiring an interior designer will give you the point of view of a trained eye capable to visualize your idea therefore enhancing and adding value to your home.

THE BEST ITALIAN DESIGN NOW IN NAIROBI NEW MUTHAIGA SHOPPING MALL 3RD FLOOR | THIGIRI RIDGE TEL. +254 723 595 426 WWW.KARIBUITALY.COM