February 5th, 2010
We thought we would share some of our favourite blogs with you, and tell you why we love them. We have included the best places for finding bargains for the home, blogs for practical info about every query you could ever have for your home and blogs that look so gorgeous they will make you want to redecorate every week!
Let us know what you think and if there are any more you think we should have a look at.
Best for all round ravishing rooms
http://roomenvy.wordpress.com is a great blog for interior inspiration and it shows some fantastic pictures of rooms where things have gone just hideously wrong. This salmon pink bathroom is the stuff of nightmares! 
http://roomenvy.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/quick-before-this-happens-to-your-bathroom/
Best for country looks
If you aspire to live in the country or decorate your home with a relaxed, traditional look then the blog from the editor of Country Homes and Interiors is a great place to look for some inspiration http://countrydays.wordpress.com/.
Best for bargains
http://blog.mydeco.com/ 
If you have not been on already, go and try out the tool to create a 3D room with all the products on the site. Moodboards can also be created and stored on the site – perfect if you want to compare several ideas side by side.
Best for practical advice
http://www.home-blog.co.uk/ – includes updates on all the new rules and regulations covering paving on the driveway to electrics and environmental updates
Best for ultimate design dreams
Often, hotels lead the way in interior design and this blog looks at the best hotels around the world. Look here to source a sleek, five star look for your home http://home-design.blogofoto.com
Best for home envy
http://www.chictip.com contains thousands of images from stunning homes around the world. Some of them are just to drool over, but the affordable designs section includes items we can all afford.
Best for kitchen accessories
Once you have got your new kitchen have a look at http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/ which is a wealth of products and accessories to make the heart of the home your most loved room. 
Best industry blog
http://thekitchendirectory.wordpress.com/ is an industry blog which highlights different manfacturers and looks at different designs throughout the UK.
Happy blogging and interior designing!
Tags: design ideas, home design, interior design, interior design blog, kitchen blog, kitchen critic, my deco, room envy
Posted in Designs, News, Trends, kitchen | No Comments »
February 3rd, 2010
If you are looking to buy a new kitchen in 2010, have you been to your
nearest Magnet showroom yet?
If not, try and do so before the 27 February as there is a fantastic sale on with 50% off all kitchen units. This includes the new ranges as well as all the other great designs.
Also, for a limited time only there is a choice of:
- An extra 20% off furniture prices
- Stunning granite worktops are available with 50% off. A beautiful, natural material, granite is a stunning complement to timber and gloss kitchen ranges. Also on-trend for 2010, it can be purchased in a number of colours.
- Free AEG pack, including hob, dishwasher, oven and hood. Valued at £1117.
- Free Hotpoint Openspace oven with divider, available in either gas and ceramic hob versions
The Fiori was £818 full price for a 600mm base unit and this is now reduced to £409.
Have a look at www.magnet.co.uk for more info about the different ranges and the offers included in the sale
Tags: 20% off, great value kitchens, kitchen sale, reduced kitchens, sale
Posted in News | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
This week saw Gary Neville announce plans to build an £8 million zero carbon eco home in Harwood, Bolton.
At a whopping 8,000 sq ft, the modern home has six separate areas called ‘eat’, ‘relax’, ‘entertain’, ‘work’, ‘sleep’ and ‘play’.
The home will use energy produced from a wind turbine and also a ground source heat pump.
At the heart of the development will be a large central kitchen where Gary should think about using a Magnet eco worktop. These stylish and durable worktops are partly made from recycled consumer waste such as mirror, porcelain sinks, baths and tiles as well as industrial waste such as ash from power plants and stone scrap from quarries and worktops.
Using an eco-friendly resin, these waste products are bound together to create a range of beautiful composite worktops that are available in 10 different colours and styles including black forest and iron ore which would look great in any modern kitchen.
Society as a whole is becoming increasingly conscious about the environment and we are now seeing eco-products crossing in to all areas of life.
Tags: eco, eco worktops, environment, kitchen
Posted in News | No Comments »
January 20th, 2010
Big Brother has always been very bold with its interior design. The TV phenomenon has been at the forefront of using space and design to affect the mood of the contestants for years.
Interestingly, in Celebrity Big Brother this year we have seen the usage of a stainless steel kitchen. This stark and clinical looking kitchen presents a very cold and unwelcoming environment for the contestants.
Stainless steel appliances are a great way to inject a contemporary feel to a kitchen, however a full, stainless steel kitchen hasn’t been on trend for a few years now.
Is it possible that CBB’s use of stainless steel in this fashion is a deliberate move to remind contestants that they are living within a controlled environment, and therefore preventing them from getting too comfortable?
At Magnet, we believe the contestants deserve a much more luxurious kitchen like the Acadian, which is both modern but welcoming with soft white timber doors and luxurious Corian Beach glass worktops to help create a stylish retro look.
Tags: big brother, celebrity big brother, stainless steel appliances, stainless steel kitchen
Posted in News, Trends, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 14th, 2010
A new concept in kitchen design is set to r
evolutionise the look and feel of the heart of the home.
It will allow you to truly personalise your space and make your kitchen totally ‘you.’
Exclusive to Magnet in the UK, this brand new design concept called ‘MagnetMe’ allows kitchens to be truly personalised by printing favourite images, designs or photographs direct onto the cabinet doors.
Choose from an array of images and designs at the virtual online kitchen where individual photos can also be uploaded, helping to create the perfect personalised kitchen.
Whether it be your children, your pets, your favourite food or even yourself, find an image or design that truly brings your kitchen to life like never before.
Simply visit www.magnetme.co.uk choose your design, choose your image and create a completely unique kitchen.
Tags: kitchen design, magnetme, personalise kitchen
Posted in Designs, Trends | No Comments »
January 7th, 2010
Lady Gaga is the latest A-list celebrity to brag about her kitchen exploits.
In a candid interview, the Bad Romance singer stated “The rumours I am a dab hand in the kitchen are completely true.”
She went on to say “I come from an Italian family – what more can I say? I love to cook.”
The award winning artist continued “I am really good at Italian food. So I make great meatballs, pasta and all sorts. I love it. When I get the chance I make a mean meal. Mmmm.”
Aside from taking advantage of the latest cooking gadgets to help with her culinary creations, Lady Gaga’s eccentric personality would be perfectly suited for a bright, bold kitchen, such as Magnet’s new Fiori kitchen.
Tags: kitchen news, lady ga ga, Magnet
Posted in News | No Comments »
January 4th, 2010
If you’re thinking of getting a new kitchen, there’s no time like the present.
This year Magnet has unveiled two brand new kitchen ranges, fresh for 2010 – The Fiori and Crème Lineaire.
If you fancy an injection of colour this year, then look no further than the Fiori which uses bold floral prints and the hottest colours for 2010.
It has transparent acrylic handles that add to the contemporary feel of this stunning kitchen.
A bamboo worktop adds a natural element to the contemporary design and the bold splashback complements the colourful prints.
The Crème Lineaire is the only Magnet kitchen to use both convex and concave curves in its design to create a truly contemporary feel. The kitchen is a new version of the Urban Lineaire which was featured in Channel 4’s ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Homes’. After gaining curves and a new colour it’s now bang up to date for 2010.
A combination of Zodiac Quartz Soft Mahogany worktop and natural walnut worktop provide a perfect balance to this stylish kitchen
Both of these kitchens are available now and included in the winter sale which means that there’s an incredible 50% off all cabinets.
You can also get 25% off installation of any ‘Uniquely Magnet’ kitchen plus choose from a free AEG functionally pack or a free Hotpoint openspace oven and hob.
The Crème Lineaire was £640 and is now £320 for a 600mm single base unit.
The Fiori was £817 and is now £408 for a 600mm single base unit.
Visit www.magnet.co.uk for more information.
The 50% off sale ends 30 January 2010.
Tags: Magnet, new ranges
Posted in News, kitchen | 3 Comments »
December 23rd, 2009
If you enjoy entertaining and want your kitchen to be ideal place for your guests congregate during the festive period, there are a number of ways to help create the ‘Perfect Party Kitchen’.
Step One – The Wine Fridge
No party kitchen is complete without a built-in wine cooler which are designed to store bottles at the right temperature. Keep them well stocked to make sure that no party, whether planned or impromptu, leaves guests with a dry mouth.
Step Two – Ice Dispenser
A constant supply of ice is vital for any party. Whether mixing cocktails or fruity soft drinks, ice dispensers are great for keeping drinks chilled this winter. They come as standard in most American style fridges.
Step Three – Kitchen Island
At most parties guests have a tendency to congregate in the kitchen. Installing a kitchen island provides the perfect place for revellers to gather ‘round. They are also a great place to dispense drinks or food from.
Step Four – Lighting
The position of lighting can be used to create the right ambience in the kitchen. When hosting a party never switch all the lights on – select carefully and you’ll be able to create the perfect party atmosphere.
Step Five – Coffee Machine
Vital for the morning after the night before. Help put the hangover on hold with a professional coffee machine. Forget instant and enjoy the taste of real percolated coffee, ideal for those who like a strong espresso to start the day.
Tags: american fridge, christmas party, coffee machine, festive kitchen, island unit, kitchen appliances, Magnet, magnet kitchens, wine cooler
Posted in Designs, News, kitchen | No Comments »
December 14th, 2009
This month sees the return of Kirstie Allsop to our screens with her Homemade Christmas three-part series. Following on from the success of her summer series Kirstie Allsop’s Homemade Home, she gives endless hints and tips on making your home a perfectly festive hub over the yuletide period.
From recipes and handmade decorations, to your own crackers and the perfect Christmas table, Kirstie gives her expert advice on enjoying a happy family Christmas.
As the kitchen retailer of choice for Kirstie, she opted for Magnet’s simple and stylish Urban Lineaire. This streamlined, glossy kitchen gives a fantastic contrast with the pretty, rustic style of the rest of the room in her traditionally styled home in Devon.
Urban Lineaire was also the kitchen choice for property expert, Amanda Lamb. She loved the clean, simple lines and proved that this kitchen is on trend and a firm favourite with the homes gurus.
Alan Titschmarsh, another A-lister fan, opted for traditional with the Appleby range. A Shaker style with a duck egg blue painted finish, this style has been a best seller for the past 15 years and was brought up to date with a colourful touch.
For a touch of country styling, Aldo Zilli loved the Rustic Oak kitchen range. The traditional warmth of the kitchen creates a homely atmosphere, which is further emphasised by the dresser with open plate rack.
Other celebrities who have chosen Magnet kitchens include Radio 1 star Sara Cox, celebrity chef Tom Aiken, Harry Enfield, Vinnie Jones, Ali McCoist and Beverley Knight.
For more info on Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas visit the Channel 4 website
Tags: Christmas kitchen, Kirstie Allsop, kitchen experts, Magnet
Posted in Designs, News | No Comments »
December 14th, 2009
Not the first place you would normally think of when decorating at Christmas, but a few well chosen items can make your kitchen feel especially festive and will get you into a seasonal mood while preparing the Christmas lunch.
Please see our tips for what to do and what not to do for a stylish kitchen this Christmas
Don’t – put up fussy decorations, they will just get in the way
Don’t – use fabric decorations, they will absorb the cooking smells and may not look the freshest when it is time to take them down
Do – buy pretty poinsettias. Everyone’s favourite plants at this time of year look lovely and freshly festive
Do – find Christmas tea towels and table cloths to add more subtle seasonal cheer
Don’t – position anything flammable close to the hob
Don’t – clash the colour and style of the decorations with your kitchen units and appliances
Do – use fresh holly and ivy to create table decorations which can be left on the table in between visitors
Do - decorate the top of wall units if there is space with fairy lights and holly and ivy strands
Please upload any pictures of your kitchen beautifully decorated to the blog and we will send you a Christmas surprise!
Tags: Christmas kitchen, christmas table decorations, holly and ivy, kitchen decorations, table decorations
Posted in News, Trends | No Comments »
