Milan Eurocucina 2010- the trends / our views

I decided to take a couple of my designers to this year's Eurocucina at Milan in April this year. Much is always anticipated at this event as it is only held once every 2 years and therefore the world's leading kitchen manufacturers use this event to showcase their cutting trends for the up and coming season. It was going to be the perfect trip but luck wasn't on our side as the dreaded Icelandic ash cloud hit!! (1st of all they snaffled my savings then they landlocked me in Milan! not chuffed!)  Anyway, 3 days- 4 train journeys, 2 bus trips + 1 ferry trip later, and we finally found ourselves back on good old Scottish soil!
Despite all that, our overview of Eurocucina itself was inspiring as ever and the irony of my design summary was the trend for the coming 2 years was simply -  
'kitchens are to be designed not to look like kitchens'
Ironic or crazy I hear you all say but to be blunt, it is something I really believe in - functions like washing/ cooking are hidden behind large sliding understated doors. Materials are more muted and understated with matt finishes looking much classier than the high gloss trends of the past few years. (personally ecstatic about this as kitchens will depend more on good design than bling materials!) With kitchens and living spaces becoming closer and closer in terms of form and function, this trend simply reflects that.
Anyway I will post photos from the show as soon as I work out how to work out these darn photo editors!!

Rational MOW show, Germany, taster...

Have just returned from the 2010 Rational MOW show in Germany. Some really exciting products and designs showcased! (pictures to follow shortly) A really worthwhile trip from a designer's perspective, the new displays were innovative and the added bonus of having a select group of my UK peers to discuss current trends was very refreshing! Once photos have been uploaded, will divulge the up and coming trends to hopefully grace our shores in the near future!  Ross.

P.S. Colin's off to see Hacker's new releases next month. Wonder if their trends will mirror Rational's?

Development Direct Kitchens named as Finalist in 2010 Design Awards

It was great to receive the official letter to announce that we've been nominated for finalist in the 2010 Design Awards!
The nominated kitchen design (designed by myself for an Edinburgh client) was also shortlisted for another design award. Our team at Development Direct are extremely pleased to be recognised in such a high profile event, where previous winners include internationally renowned designers Johnny Grey, Philippe Starck, and Mark Wilkinson. This is the third year in a row we've been shortlisted or nominated for the award  -  fingers crossed third time lucky!
The Design Awards were created to promote excellence in design in the home and are organised by the publishers of Designer Magazine and supported by the majority of leading UK bathroom and kitchen suppliers.
Both myself and Jenny travel to the Gala Award Ceremony, held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, on the 5th October 2010. Win or lose, I'm sure it will be a memorable day. Wish us luck!

Neff National Excellence Award 2010 for Best Kitchen Design goes to Development Direct Kitchens, Edinburgh!

 

I can't think of a better way to start Development Direct's new kitchen design blog than by making the fantastic announcement that Development Direct Edinburgh picked up the "Best Kitchen Design" Neff National Excellence Award 2010 last week! To be recognised by such a strong and well respected judging panel made the award all that more special!

PRESS EXTRACT

"Scottish kitchen studio,  Development Direct Kitchens of Edinburgh has won a MasterPartner® Excellence Award for the Best Kitchen Design. The Excellence Awards were sponsored by the UK’s built in kitchen appliance brand leader, Neff. 

Design Director Colin Wong and Senior Designer Ross Nimmo of Neff MasterPartner® Development Direct accepted the coveted award for Best Kitchen Design at a prestigious Awards Luncheon held on Wednesday 15th September at the famous Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s Restaurant in central London. The event was hosted by BBC News Journalist, Kate Silverton.

Development Direct of Dalry Road in Edinburgh was selected as the unanimous winner of the Best Kitchen Design category by the 5-strong Judging Panel, which included the editors of two national magazines: Beautiful Kitchens and Designer. The company was praised for demonstrating kitchen design of the very highest calibre, in use of space, colour and layout."

A great accolade, and one our whole team are very proud to receive! The kitchen design itself utilised cutting edge Neff appliances, kitchen furniture by German manufacturer Hacker, and worktops by Dupont Corian.

Great to hear that Ysanne from the Beautiful Kitchens team had as great a time as we did! Check out their blog here.