Sleek, chic and contemporary, matt kitchens are the latest trend to take the interiors world by storm. Moving away from their high-gloss counterparts, matt finishes are ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, easy to live with kitchen style. With this in mind, Symphony is proud to announce the launch of a brand new handleless matt kitchen collection – Brooklyn. Available in three colours – Matt Indigo, Matt White and Matt Pearl Grey – the new Brooklyn kitchen offers consumers an affordable solution that creates a high-end look for less. Matt kitchens are elegant and understated with a colour consistency that retains its solidity and depth whatever the light, wherever it’s installed and at all times of the day.
Brooklyn features ‘J-pull style handles’, which are integrated into the top edge of the cabinet doors and drawers. These allow for a seamless and streamlined look, providing a comfortable grip for opening and closing while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of a handleless kitchen. In addition, it is possible to incorporate end panels that mimic the J-pull style profile, ideal for use on islands to extend the clean lines and ensure a cohesive design.
“Following insights from industry experts citing the demand for even more trend-led matt kitchen ranges, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Brooklyn.” says Simon Collyns, Marketing and Retail Sales Director of Symphony, “This handleless style is perfect for modern and contemporary spaces or adding a juxtaposition of style to a period home. The three colours we are launching – Matt Indigo, Matt White and Matt Pearl Grey look stunning as a mix and match design or as a single block of colour.”
Symphony can help with visualising a dream kitchen with its online Kitchen Designer tool. This free interactive design application allows users to see what their Symphony kitchen could look like, from the comfort of their own home. Select from a range of contemporary and classic designs and customise cabinetry with a choice of colours, handles and worksurfaces. Once complete, users can email themselves and their kitchen designer with their choices and begin the exciting journey of planning their ultimate Symphony kitchen.
With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, Symphony knows how important it is to operate in a responsible and sustainable way. Fully committed to consistently learning, innovating and implementing its actions to limit its impact on the environment, the Group has successfully met its hybrid fleet target a whole year early with 75% of its fleet now being hybrid vehicles.
Selection of Symphony Group’s Hybrid Car Fleet at its Head Office in Barnsley
In April 2021 Symphony’s fleet funding and management partner JCT600 VLS helped the company successfully launch its new PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) inclusive choice list. Working in partnership, it was identified that plug-in hybrids would future-proof Symphony’s fleet while also supporting its sustainable agenda with significant carbon savings.
“At JCT600 VLS, we have a really strong partnership with Symphony going back many years,” says Ben Creswick, Managing Director at JCT600 VLS, “and this close working relationship helped to deliver a high quality, seamless and well-received transition. Using Symphony’s existing fleet data, including a detailed review of the different user groups and their operational requirements for the vehicles, VLS presented what the future could look like.
“This included modelling different fuel types, whole life costs and operational logistics, alongside a step-by-step plan on how the transition could work. The results speak for themselves, with over 75% (250 PHEVs) now operating as part of the Symphony fleet. Symphony’s partnership approach and commitment to carbon reduction has been exemplary, and we are proud to have been a part of its leap towards a more sustainable future.”
L-R: George Burtoft, Sustainability Analyst at Symphony, John Dunsford, Group Finance Director at Symphony, Ben Creswick, Managing Director at JCT600 VLS, Kevin Sykes, HR and Fleet Administrator at Symphony, Lindsay Francis, Customer Service Director at JCT600 VLS, and Joel Walls, Key Account Manager at JCT600 VLS
George Burtoft, Sustainability Analyst at Symphony, explains further, “Our fleet funding and management partner JCT600 VLS has supported us on our green agenda to make significant carbon savings through a detailed vehicle requirement review. This included modelling different fuel types, whole-life costs and operational logistics alongside a step-by-step plan on how the transition could work. We are so proud to say that we have met our target of having over 75% hybrid vehicles in the business a year early.”
The UK’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, Symphony is delighted to launch a brand-new design feature now available across a selection of ranges; Pocket Door Sets.
With open-plan living continuing to rise in popularity, this new addition of folding pocket doors offers a great space-saving and aesthetically pleasing solution that suits all types of layouts and lifestyles. Split into a number of zone options – Oven Zone, Utility Zone, Wet Zone, Pantry Zone, Bar Zone and Home Office, it is easy to see how flexible and desirable this functionality will be for many interiors.
Designed to be utilised in a variety of open-plan settings, including kitchens, utilities and home office spaces, the Symphony sets are simple yet highly functional.
Oven Zone
This solution is a must have for small apartment spaces. The oven sits behind a single door while the integrated larder fridge can be set into the cabinet, with a co- ordinating door to get a symmetrical look.
Utility Zone
When it comes to laundry the biggest items in the kitchen are the washing machine or tumble dryer. This solution provides a clever utility area for when laundry is finished; it can be hung to dry/ready for ironing behind the folding doors.
Wet Zone
If space is at a premium, this sink area is a great addition. It can work alongside Oven and Utility areas to create a full run of hidden kitchen zones.
Pantry Zone
A very useful combination is a stylish pantry. Using additional shelving and base cabinets with internal drawers, this combination can free up worktop space in the main kitchen.
Bar Zone
Ideal for those who love to socialise, this zone features additional shelves for storing glasses and other essential bar items, plus a sink and tap area to clean it all away when the party is over.
Home Office
Compatible with the Symphony Urbano Home Office furniture, the new pocket doors can add a design element which allows access to the workspace when required but hide away when not in use, which is ideal for those working from home and want to switch off at the end of a long day.
Symphony Pocket Door Set Handles – available in Aluminium or Black
“We are consistently tracking and forecasting interior trends to see where new features and accessories could be added to our ranges, and Pocket Door Sets is a prime example,” says Simon Collyns, Marketing and Retail Sales Director of Symphony, “With open plan living showing no signs of disappearing, this neat, space-saving solution means that customers can house everything from sinks, appliances and coffee stations, to bars, laundry and computers behind stylish cabinetry without navigating open doors while in use.”
Available now in five on-trend colours across Symphony’s Urban, Linear Form, Linear Icon and Turin ranges, the designs suit a modern, contemporary interior and come in two inset handle options, co-ordinating with Symphony’s grey linen cabinets. Shelves and support bars are also available to create the multiple zone options and can be tailored to each user’s requirements.
For further information about Symphony, please visit www.symphony-group.co.uk
Adam Thomas is an accessible kitchen consultant who has been collaborating with the Symphony Group for a number of years. With over 35 years of accessible kitchen design experience, Adam is the industry’s leading expert, with an unrivalled array of achievements such as a KBB 2020 lifetime achievement award.
We sat down to discuss accessible kitchens with Adam Thomas, and also discussed how he feels about his recent award. We also wanted Adam to answer some of the questions he gets regularly regarding accessible design.
Adam, how do you feel about your lifetime achievement award?
My ambition has always been to change the face of accessible kitchen design, enabling ‘access for all’ by designing flexible kitchens that are inclusive and also look stylish in the home. This award from KBB is a step towards furthering my ambition of making accessible kitchens for all, and I would like to thank Symphony for their and support which I feel led to this award.
How did you originally get into accessible kitchen design?
I was already working for a kitchen company when I was injured in a road traffic accident at the age of 17 and since then I have been spinally injured and a full-time wheelchair user. I hadn’t ever thought about accessible design prior to this, and there wasn’t much in the way of accessible kitchens on the market at the time. This is when I realised that an accessible kitchen design was being treated as a niche market, filled with clinical looking spaces, which I wanted to change. That’s when I started looking into an accessible kitchen offer and how accessible kitchens could be brought into the mainstream market.
What is the most important thing to consider when designing an accessible kitchen?
You have to work closely with the customer during an accessible kitchen design, even more so than a standard kitchen. It is important to watch how they use their existing kitchen if there are any areas or tasks they are struggling with and how space is working for them. I then like to sit at a table and talk this through with the client and propose all the solutions that are available within the Freedom product that can make their experience in the space easier and safer. Once this has been discussed we will start looking at aesthetics, and what their vision for the room looks like, alongside how the accessible features will work within the area.
You have collaborated with Symphony to create the Freedom brand, what do you think makes this collection of accessible kitchens stand out?
Freedom truly is an exceptional collection of products, and I am so proud to have collaborated to create this brand. The collection houses such a wide array of features, that I know from experience encourage independence in the home, making it accessible and safer for all. Furthermore, Symphony has made its best selling ranges available within the brand, meaning that style doesn’t have to be compromised to have an accessible home.
Where do you see accessible kitchen design heading in the future?
I think the kitchen industry is really taking notice of accessible design at the moment, and I think Symphony is leading the way with the Freedom product. Part of my work with Symphony is talking to their retailers, housebuilders and also those that are involved in home adaptations such as occupational therapists. I do this because I believe education is key. Until you talk to someone about accessible design and discuss the limitations a standard kitchen can have, I think it’s difficult to understand the importance of accessible design. I hope that with this educations housebuilders, architects and retail showrooms will all bring accessible kitchen design into their day to day running.
Adam Thomas is offering accessible kitchen training free of charge to occupational therapists, architects and other adaptation professionals hosted at Freedom by Symphony showrooms. If you are interested in the training sessions please contact Freedom@symphony-group.co.uk.
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On Thursday 29th February, we took part in a Wild Work Day with YWT and sent a team of volunteers into Barnsley. Our staff were planting trees at the Oaks Lane site as part of a project lead by Barnsley Council called ‘Branching Out Barnsley’.
‘Branching Out Barnsley’ involves planting native woodland on Barnsley Council owned sites which are currently known as ‘amenity grassland’ and have little value to wildlife or people. YWT want to create spaces which can be enjoyed by locals as well as providing wildlife habitat, capturing carbon, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
- Before
- After
We’d like to say thank you to Lucy from YWT and Amber from Barnsley Council for their help and guidance on the day, and a big thanks to the team of volunteers from Symphony!
We’re looking forward to supporting our local wildlife & wild places again at our next YWT workday.
To follow our progress with YWT, visit our website and social media pages.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to plan for a fresh new bathroom update. From existing suites that need extra storage to a whole new bathroom scheme or en-suite design, Symphony has the ultimate solution with the launch of its new Amalfi bathroom collection. This elegant new style has a classic Shaker look with a contemporary feel and is available in three on-trend and enduring colours – Charcoal, Hunter Green and Pebble. Perfect for creating a soothing sanctuary with a luxurious touch, Amalfi is part of Symphony’s Aquadi fitted bathroom range and is available to order from this month.
Amalfi in Charcoal
The Aquadi range of fitted bathroom furniture from Symphony is designed to make the most of every inch, providing a personal retreat with plenty of storage to cater for every need. A blend of classic and contemporary style, the Amalfi collection is a Shaker design that brings a sophisticated look to family bathrooms and en-suites with a choice of three timeless and trend-led colours to complement both modern and period homes. Charcoal is a dramatic dark finish, perfect for pairing with crisp white sanitaryware and brushed gold fittings, Hunter Green is intense with a timeless quality, which looks stunning teamed with warm wood flooring and gold or brass handles and taps, while the neutral tones of Pebble give Amalfi a calm and soothing feel, ideal as a backdrop for matt black shower fittings, taps and accessories. All three colours come in a smooth matt finish for a modern feel.
Amalfi Charcoal Under Sink Storage
“We are so excited to be starting 2024 by launching our new Amalfi bathroom furniture collection,” says Simon Collyns, Group Marketing Director at Symphony. “The three colourways – Charcoal, Hunter Green and Pebble – will complement all interior styles and are perfect for creating a sleek and sophisticated family bathroom or master suite and can also be matched with our new Nexus fitted bedroom furniture, which also comes in these three stunning colours for a fully co-ordinated home.”
Amalfi Hunter Green Under Sink Storage
The new Amalfi bathroom collection is crafted from super matt foil with a narrow frame for a Shaker look and feel. Both the Charcoal and Pebble colourways are made from material which is 70% recycled, making Amalfi an eco-conscious design for a sustainable home. Options include stunning tall floor-to-ceiling cabinets for additional storage space for towels and toiletries, vanity units and under-basin storage, WC cabinetry and wall cabinets, all of which can be complemented by a choice of handles and knobs in brass, matt black or dark brushed brass to enhance the luxurious look.
Amalfi Pebble Tall Cabinet
Whether updating an existing bedroom or guest room or planning a whole new look for a master suite or loft conversion, Symphony has the perfect blend of classic and contemporary style to suit all spaces. The new Nexus bedroom furniture collection is an elegant and refined Shaker style, which is available in three on-trend finishes – Hunter Green, Charcoal and Pebble. Each of these sophisticated colours has a timeless, enduring quality that will complement all styles of property, from enhancing a period home to adding character to a modern new-build. Part of Symphony’s Urbano Bedroom Furniture range, the new Nexus design brings a fresh new look to homes for 2024 and is available to order now.
Nexus in Hunter Green
The Urbano range of bedroom furniture from Symphony is designed to create a personal retreat, a bedroom that provides the perfect organised environment to start the day and a restful and relaxing space for unwinding during the evening. The new Nexus collection is crafted from super matt foil with a narrow frame for a Shaker look and feel and with a choice of three stunning colours, homeowners can enjoy their own soothing sanctuary with a personal touch, which can be enhanced with on-trend dark brass handles.
Nexus in Hunter Green
The new Nexus collection is a classic Shaker design with panelled wardrobe doors and a mirrored door option, ideal for saving space as it removes the need for a separate full-length mirror while also enhancing a sense of space in smaller rooms. Handle options include the Barrington dark brass pull handle or knob with backplate and the Cambridge matt brass knob or handle as well as plenty of other styles and finishes for a truly unique and bespoke look.
“We are thrilled to be launching our Nexus bedroom furniture collection,” says Simon Collyns, Group Marketing Director at Symphony. “The rich, dark tones of Hunter Green and Charcoal or the neutral hues of Pebble all come in an on-trend matt finish and can be complemented with our Aquadi Amalfi bathroom range for a beautifully co-ordinated en-suite.”
Nexus Drawer Cabinet in Hunter Green
The Nexus collection comprises fully fitted wardrobes to make the most of every inch alongside freestanding chests of drawers, dressing tables and bedside units for a fully co-ordinated bedroom scheme. Wardrobes can be customised with a variety of carefully designed storage solutions such as hanging rails, push to open drawers and compartment dividers while a home office can also be designed with matching furniture.
Nexus in Pebble
When you buy a kitchen, you want it to look as good as new for as long as possible. No matter the size, style or budget, a new kitchen is always an investment. That’s why here at Symphony, we want to help you care for your kitchen, from the worksurfaces and cabinets to the sink and appliances. It’s the one room of the home that gets constant use. From cooking family meals to sitting and snacking, socialising, entertaining, relaxing and even working, our kitchens need to cope with a multitude of tasks so cleaning them regularly and looking after their materials, finishes and colours is key to ensuring their longevity in performance as well as aesthetics.
General advice
Symphony cabinets are manufactured to comply with the British Standard BS 6222 and have been tested and passed FIRA Gold product certification, so you can be sure that you are getting a kitchen that is built to last. As a general rule, make sure the kitchen is always well ventilated when cooking, as any steam and condensation can result in damage to the doors and units. An extractor hood is a must and try to open the window a little too if it’s not too cold outside. If any spills or splashes occur when prepping food, cooking or dining (and they always do), then wipe away and dry straight away. Always wipe any water off cabinetry with a soft dry cloth, as cabinets aren’t made to be water resistant so could swell if left unwiped. Use non-abrasive cloths and check handle screws regularly to keep everything secure. Speaking of security, heavy items should always be placed on the bottom or lower shelves of cabinets and never be tempted to pop your kettle or a steamer underneath a wall unit or on worksurface joins, in order to minimise the harmful effects of condensation.
Cleaning the cabinetry
Make cleaning the cabinets part of a regular deep kitchen clean. Start by cleaning them with a slightly damp, non-abrasive cloth with a little dab of liquid soap then dry thoroughly. Never use strong chemical cleaners on doors, shelves or surfaces. Inside, try to take all the contents out on a regular basis and give the insides a good wipe down with a damp cloth before wiping dry. This is also a good time to check use-by dates and rotate items so that you’re using up food that needs eating and avoiding unnecessary food waste.
Looking after laminate
Laminate surfaces have come a long way in recent years and they are now an attractive and affordable alternative to natural stone and wood. Another benefit is that this cost-effective solution is also designed for easy maintenance and a long life, so clean up finger marks, tea and coffee spills with a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Use a chopping board for cutting ingredients and a worktop saver or trivet for hot pans. For stubborn stains, start with a damp cloth and mild detergent then switch to a mild household cleaner with a soft bristle brush. If this still doesn’t work, try baking soda or a non-scratch cleaner with a soft bristled brush. Don’t be tempted to use acidic or abrasive cleaners nor polish, especially on glossy finishes. Another tip is to never wear a PVC apron when cooking, as over time it can rub against the laminate and cause a change in the texture and colour of the surface!
Giving granite a deep clean
Granite worksurfaces bring natural stone beauty into your kitchen and look stunning for years to come with a little care and attention. If you choose granite with your Symphony kitchen, you’ll get an MN Easy-Clean solution, which removes grease, oil and general dirt from granite surfaces. Use in conjunction with MN Power-Clean for stubborn stains and refine the shine every now and then with Lithofin MN Polish Cream. A going over every month or so will add extra protection against scratches and water marks, especially on marble and limestone worktops.
Caring for quartz
You may have selected Silestone quartz for your worksurfaces and these are also low maintenance, as their low porosity prevents them from absorbing fluids. As a daily routine, wipe them every day with soap and warm water to help them retain their natural shine. Always rinse and dry after cleaning and any stubborn marks can be tackled with a cream cleaner and non-abrasive pad. Never use harsh chemicals or solvents or any product with a high alkaline/PH level. You should always ensure you have a trivet underneath any hot pans and a chopping board when using sharp knives.
Enjoying Earthstone worktops for longer
When your new Symphony kitchen includes Earthstone worktops, you’ll get a Scotchbrite pad, Countertop Magic Polish and microfibre cloth in your Care and Maintenance Kit. Once a week, wipe surfaces with warm soapy water then buff dry and apply a thin, even coat of Countertop Magic before wiping off immediately with a clean microfibre cloth. Once dry, repeat this process then buff again. If you spill anything like coffee, tea or juice, some mild discolouration can occur so clean with a mild detergent and water. If it’s not budging, try a mix of domestic bleach and warm water, wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands. Anything more stubborn will need a non-abrasive cream cleaner and nylon brush, rubbed gently over the stain. And for really difficult stains, try rubbing a Scotchbrite pad dipped in warm soapy water in a circular motion. Whichever method you are using, always rinse with warm water afterwards before buffing dry and applying two coats of Countertop Magic Polish across the entire worksurface.
Sinks need careful cleaning too
As well as cabinets and worksurfaces, the kitchen sink should also be cleaned daily. Use a mild cream detergent to prevent stains and be careful when placing heavy or sharp objects into the sink. Something we don’t tend to think of is leaving open containers of cleaning products under the sink. Try to make sure they are closed and well contained at all times, as this avoids condensation forming under the sink. Everyday tea stains can be treated with a cream cleaner on a soft cloth. The same goes for general grease and limescale. Brown spots and light scratches on stainless steel sinks can be removed with a stainless steel cleaner such as Bar Keeper’s Friend and, as with every element of your kitchen, after cleaning always dry the area thoroughly.
Appliance Care
When it comes to your appliances, every manufacturer should supply general cleaning advice within their manuals, so make sure you read these before cleaning.
If you’ve just moved into a new home, you’ll find a Welcome to your new home brochure from us in your new kitchen. You can also find more hints and tips here.
Paint to Order Colours
Find the perfect colour scheme with our choice of on trend finishes
Chalk White
Harbour
Cashmere
Stone
Clay
Platinum
Pearl Grey
French Grey
Providence Blue
Hessian
Sage
Fern Green
Willow
Dusky Pink
Carmine Red
Caramel
Anthracite
Midnight Blue
Indigo
Hunter Green
Bottle Green
Black
Paint to Order Colours
Find the perfect colour scheme with our choice of on trend finishes
Chalk White
Harbour
Cashmere
Stone
Clay
Platinum
Pearl Grey
Providence Blue
Sage
Fern Green
Dusky Pink
Willow
Paint to Order Colours
Find the perfect colour scheme with our choice of on trend finishes
Chalk White
Harbour
Platinum
Pearl Grey
Stone
Sage*
Fern Green
French Grey*
Providence Blue
Cashmere
Dusky Pink
Ivy
*Please note these paint colours are not a match to the Laura Ashley paint colours of the same name.
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