Wednesday, 11. November 2009
As the world’s leading provider of kitchen design and systems, a Franke Sink could add instant appeal and functionality to your new kitchen. With their renowned experience and expertise; their network of partners across the world can advise on which options would be best for your home.
This advice will be needed; with an impressive range of sinks to choose from and a veritable galaxy of options to tailor it to your most specific of needs. Whether you decide to choose from a Granite Topmount design, a rustic Fireclay Apron Fronted double sink for your country kitchen, or a more traditional single bowl Stainless Steel Worktop fitting, you are sure to find the ideal option.
Whatever you choose, you can be sure that only the best materials will be used. If you want something that will really stand up to anything you can throw at it, with no scratches or dents, then Granite should be your choice. However, even the Stainless Steel options will be more than adequate for the home kitchen. Whilst scratches will appear, these will soon blend into the finish and not detract at all from the operation or longevity.
If you opt for a Simple Stainless steel design, you are assured of only the best quality materials available. Such is the focus on design; a Franke Sink is equally functional in a home kitchen, or for professional usage, with gauges ranging from the commercial thickness of 16gauge right down to the more affordable 20gauge.
Whilst stainless steel is a brilliant material, it still needs some care and attention. For example; protective rubber mats should only be used sparingly, and removed immediately after use. If left in, these will only serve to trap iron deposits and cause discoloration. Once you have finished using the sink, give it a wipe with a dry cloth to remove all excess moisture and allow it to breath.
For all other care and maintenance issues, and advice on how to add to the appeal of your sink Franke can be relied upon for a dedicated system of support and guidance. Available worldwide via the phone, online, through email or in store through their network of providers, they will be only too happy to answer your questions.
Ensuing good maintenance will bring its own benefits. It has been delivered to you in the best possible condition, and a Franke Sink can be considered a small investment to your home and lifestyle. It is also a focal point in the heart of the home. Look after it well, and it will look after you.
Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.
Posted in Cooking by Lucy Marciani -
Saturday, 17. October 2009
A popular new trend has began to appear in the world of high fashion and home decorating: the use of the colour pink. What began as a fashion statement has become a personal obsession, as pink lovers discover new ways to use pink in every aspect of their daily lives. The history of pink provides interesting insight into the rising popularity of the colour pink.
The History of Pink – Pink has been used as a colour in fashion and make-up for centuries. However, it was only after the second World War that pink became associated with femininity. Before World War II, baby boys were often dressed in pink, as red was viewed as a masculine colour, and pink was just a “watered down” red. (By contrast, baby girls were typically dressed in blue.) However, after World War II, pink began to be associated with traditional womanhood.
As women began to return from the wartime factories into the home in the 1950s, there was a rise in consumer goods, which prompted women to purchase more pink products. (Pink represented the blush of health and vitality, and was particularly popular as a make-up color.) Audrey Hepburn, the great icon of 1950s femininity, appeared in the film “Funny Face” in 1957, which included the song “Think Pink.” The pink-clad Barbie doll was also introduced in the 1950s, further linking the color pink to girlishness. In the 1960s, pink became the color of anti-masculinity in film “The Pink Panther”. In the 1980s, songs like “Pink Cadillac” and “Pretty in Pink” played with the idea of pink femininity, and in 2000, the singer Pink emerged on the scene with a shock of hot pink hair.
What Started the Current Pink Obsession? – The real cause of the current pink obsession may be the 2001 film “Legally Blond.” In the film, Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, a law student with a pink-clad Chihuahua who manages to overcome the sexism of her cruel boyfriend and the legal system by pluckiness and a love of the colour pink. The film, which depicts how a woman can simultaneously be intelligent and sexy, was so popular that it was even turned into a Broadway musical. The popularity of pink climbed as women began to embrace the colour as the perfect symbol of modern femininity.
Pink in the Home – Those in search of a rosier world can now find a wide range of ways to decorate their homes in fashionable pink things. Pink can be the dominant colour scheme for a room, or it can be used as an accent colour to bring a little fun to the everyday. In the bedroom, pink blankets and sheets create a cosy haven, with pink fuzzy slippers waiting at the foot of the bed. In the bathroom, pink toothbrushes and shower curtains can create a sense of pampering, and pink clocks and rugs create elegant touches for the living room as well. Pink has even invaded the kitchen. Now pink kitchen accessories are available, from pink kettles and toasters to a pink microwave oven!
Pink on the Road – Pink lovers are starting to bring their passion to their travels as well. Pink car accessories are now available, ranging from car mats to key chains. A pink steering wheel cover allows drivers to make a statement. Travellers by rail or air also have a chance to accessorize: elegant pink luggage is easy to pick out from at the airport carousel.
Pink Princess – A “pink princess” is a woman who has decided to surround herself with a world of pink stuff. She has adopted the colour pink as an identity and as a personal statement. Why would someone do this? It goes back to what pink has come to symbolize: softness, flirtation, and beauty on the one hand, and elegance and high fashion on the other. The budding field of colour psychology suggests the use of pink for soothing, too: there have even been reports of criminals behaving better if their cells were painted pink!
The rise of pink may be driven by these new psychological explanations. Pink lovers are doing more than just choosing a few fashion accessories. They are hoping to “see the world through rose-colored glasses,” to use the power of a positive colour to bring more happiness to their lives.
Ian talks about new automobile trends like pink car mats alternatively known as rose accessoires auto
Posted in Cooking by Ian Tyrrell -
Saturday, 5. September 2009
Beautiful kitchens take time to create. Understanding kitchen design equals a great kitchen. It is important to imagine what you want from your kitchen and what uses it will have other than eating, and meal preparation. It must be a well organized space, and every area must be accounted for and used to the maximum. Every square inch of such counts.
The layout must be well thought out. Never buy anything before knowing exactly what you want the finished product to look like. To start with, the layout should incorporate the triangle, which is ensuring that the sink refrigerator and stove form the shape of a triangle. It is actually a proven design that was created to eliminate steps.
Of course, kitchen design goes further than simply finding the right area for the triangle. It means getting the traffic flowing properly to allow more than one person in the kitchen at the same time. It also means that food preparation can be accomplished with ease. But there’s so much more than that! Getting the right style and color of the kitchen cabinets is very important, as the cabinets are very huge part of any kitchen.
The floors and countertops also play a big role. They make up a lot of visual space, therefore must tie in with other elements. When considering a new floor, try to remember how much use it will get before committing to a product. Above all, durability is the most important factor in choosing a floor.
Not only is durability key in choosing the right floor, but also in choosing the countertops. These are also subjected to much use and abuse. Imagine the counter is being used by someone who rarely will chop on a chopping block. In this case, durability is imperative otherwise, the counter will be destroyed very early on.
The sink has also seen a lot of changes in the last few years. Many different models have broadened the choices that homeowners have. More and more, they are choosing the deeper sinks, to make washing dishes and pots and pans, much easier. In addition to that, the faucets and other such details are also being given a lot of consideration.
Lighting is another issue that must be addressed in order to achieve a great kitchen. This is a room that requires detail and good lighting from various sources in order to prepare and cook the meal. Under-cabinet lighting is very big in new kitchens. It enables the user to see better under the cabinets where otherwise would cast a shadow due to the overhead lighting. In addition to that, recessed lighting splashed throughout the ceiling, along with lighting over the sink and stove are absolutely necessary.
April Kerr owns website Euro Fronts which is all about really inexpensive kitchen design ideas including floor plan designs for your kitchen.
Posted in Cooking by April Kerr -