COLOURFULLY CURATED KITCHENS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT DECOREX SA
Kitchens have progressed from merely a functional area in the back room to form the heart of the home where eating and entertaining converge. This move has seen kitchens adopting more inviting designs as well as bolder, brighter colours – prompting the theme ‘An Expression of Colour’ for this year’s Franke Kitchen Studio Project, endorsed by the Kitchen Specialists’ Association (KSA).
Decorex Durban, Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg – the leading décor, design and lifestyle exhibitions all sponsored by Kansai Plascon – will play host to this exciting feature. For the installation, four local designers in each of the three provinces will be given the chance to create ‘An Expression of Colour’ kitchen using the latest range from Franke SA. Each kitchen model will then be assessed by Franke and KSA, with the winning creator receiving R10 000 worth of Franke kitchen products.
Stephanie Forbes, National Manager of KSA, said the organisation had built up a great relationship with Decorex SA through this project and other features.
“Our relationship with Decorex allows for face-to-face interaction with consumers,” continued Forbes. “We use it as an educational platform to teach consumers looking into new kitchens, empowering them to ask the right questions of those in the industry.”
Franke SA’s National Sales Manager, Clinton Soutter, said Franke was pleased to once again be affiliated with the Decorex exhibitions. “We have found that the Decorex shows are the designers’ hub, offering the homeowner an array of inspiring new ideas and the latest in trends. This platform enables the consumer, interior designer and architect to engage with our brand and our customers in one place.”
An Expression of Colour
Soutter expanded on this year’s creative theme, stating: “Life is about using the whole box of crayons. At Franke we choose to live life in colour, believing that it can influence our moods and our thoughts. The colours you pick for your kitchen can express the different aspects of your creativity, personality and style. Colour can also change the perceived size and shape of the room so it’s important to use a carefully selected colour palette to create just the right look.”
He said this fitted in well with the Decorex #rhythmoflife theme as they felt colour reflected the ‘heartbeat of life and expression’.
Forbes praised this year’s theme choice because of the vital role colour plays in every kitchen: “It is one way for a consumer to really express themselves in the space, however, the choices of colour can also make or break a good kitchen design. Colour is intrinsically linked to mood and the sense of space so choosing the wrong colour can make the space feel claustrophobic while the right colour can reflect light and open the space up.
She said that colour choices should express the chooser while not creating an outdated kitchen: “If chosen incorrectly, the colour may be the reason you can’t sell your home when you decide to move on. Remember, colour is not only expressed on the walls or the doors of the kitchen, but through accessories and appliances as well.”
Kitchen Trends to Watch
Forbes said South Africa was still reflecting the 2016 and 2017 European trends so visitors could expect to see a lot of clean lines with minimal fuss.
“Materials such as matt and gloss, timber and steel are still popular, with reference to the industrial concrete look and imitation marble seen in tops,” said Forbes. “Surface materials are still varying in thicknesses while handless doors and drawers remain. Space-saving hardware is always a trend as spaces get smaller and we require better ergonomics in the kitchen.”
Soutter said this year’s project theme reflected the trend of enhanced colour inclusion into kitchens. There would also be more two-tone units – without upper cabinetry – fitted with brass and mixed metals. Smart Kitchens are also starting to dominate using integrated and hidden appliances, as well as personalised tile-feature walls and concealed lighting.
“At the Decorex Joburg show last year we launched our new range of sintered stone and quartz worktops, and this range will now be launched at Decorex Durban and Decorex Cape Town this year, along with our new solid surface worktops,” continued Soutter. “We are also very excited to launch our new stainless-steel range of hotel and residential bathroom accessories – available in two stylish designs – as well as our modern sink mixers.”
Check out these incredible kitchen trends, fittings and appliances and find the best option to suit your colourful #rhythmoflife at Decorex Durban, Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg – sponsored by #kansaiplascon.
DECOREX SA DETAILS
Decorex Durban
21 – 25 March 2018
21 – 24 March: 10am – 8pm
25 March: 10am – 6pm
Durban Exhibition Centre
Public holiday: Wednesday 21 March
Trade-focused days: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 March
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 95
Student/Pensioners – R85
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R85
Exhibitor – R85
Decorex Cape Town
27 April – 1 May 2018
10am – 6pm daily
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Public Holiday: Friday 27 April
Trade Day: Friday 27 April
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 110
Student/Pensioners – R100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R100
Exhibitor – R100
Decorex Joburg
8 – 12 August 2018
10am – 6pm daily
Gallagher Convention Centre
Public holiday: Thursday 9 August
Trade-focused days: 8 and 10 August
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 120
Student/Pensioners – R 100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R 100
Exhibitor – R 100
For more information, email decorexinfo@reedexpoafrica.co.za
Visit: www.decorex.co.za
Facebook: Decorex SA
Twitter: @decorexSA
Instagram: @decorex_sa
LinkedIn: Decorex SA
Pinterest: Decorex SA
Blog: http://www.reedexpoafrica.co.za/decorexblog/
Related Content
