SHAWS OF DARWEN WIN HIGHLY COMMENDED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

Shaws of Darwen, the renowned hand-crafted fireclay ceramic kitchen sink manufacturer based in Lancashire, won a Highly Commended International Award at the “North West Insider magazine International Trade Awards” ceremony, held in association with UK Trade and Investment.  Shaws was entered in the ‘International Company of the Year’ category with a turnover of up to £10m. 

When the Awards were first launched five years ago, there was a big push for companies to go global, to seek growth outside a slowing and stagnant UK market.  Since that time, Shaws have grown enormously and continue to celebrate their export success across the world, proving that British made quality products, are desirable worldwide.

This Awards event celebrates import, export and international business right across the North West of England.  Successful entrants were interviewed over a three day period by the team of judges and Rupert Cornford, features editor of Insider commented: “These Awards have gone from strength to strength and it’s great for local companies to be judged and rewarded for their successes”.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws was delighted with the Highly Commended Award and celebrated with some of his distributor partners, who were his guests for the evening.  “It’s always good to receive recognition for all the hard work put into running a successful company.  We are all very proud to be a British manufacturer with an international customer base”.

ARE YOU A PROUD OWNER OF A SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK?

Thank you to Mark & Mary Williams from New Zealand for sending us these pictures of their newly installed Belfast Sink in your fantastic kitchen.

One of their images will be used on our website www.shawsofdarwen.com and as a thank you, a free Accessory Pack is on its way to Mark & Mary.

If you are the proud owner of a Shaws of Darwen Kitchen Sink and want to receive a free Accessory Pack like Mark & Mary, please send a photograph of your kitchen to sales@shawsofdarwen.com and if the image is used on our website, we’ll send you an exclusive Accessory Pack straight away.

 

Belfast Sink Basket Strainer Proves a Storm

Since its introduction last year, our 1.5 Inch Basket Strainer Waste has proved to be very popular, outselling the conventional Slotted Waste (Plug & Chain) by 150%.

The majority of our Handcrafted Sinks require a 3 Inch Basket Strainer, but the Pendle and Belfast Sinks are fitted with a 1.5 inch accessory.

Previously, the only 1.5 Inch option was the Slotted Waste Plug & Chain and while this traditional look is still very popular for these kitchen sinks, the elegance of the Basket Strainer Waste has enhanced the accessory range to provide customers with more choice than ever before.

Our Basket Strainer Wastes are handmade in four colour options using the highest grade stainless steel and feature a ceramic indices with a bespoke Shaws insignia.

To find out more, please view our Accessory Range by clicking the link below.
http://www.shawsofdarwen.com/sink-accessories.cfm

FIVE COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2016

After examining colour and inspiration from areas such as literature, film, art, fashion and history, Dunn-Edwards Paints have forecast five colours that are set to take 2016 by storm by evoking different themes and moods within your home.

The report identifies trends fit specific characteristics: romantic, gypsy, adventurer, nostalgic and visionary.

To the Manor Born inspired by Romanticism and medieval design, To the Manor Born blends hushed neutrals like fleshy pinks, mauve and shades of grey for a palette that is surreal and fantastical. Historic architecture provides the inspiration from its floral designs, fashion and jewellery.

Midnight at Bar Do Copa - Inspired by the most bustling cultures abroad such as Rio de Janeiro’s streets, an Indian spice market and Frida Kahlo. This electric colour palette displays deep indigo and navy blues playing with vivid candy colours like fuchsia.

The An Island to Myself - Focuses on simplicity and purity explores the relationship between the digital world and spiritual retreats and is made up of crisp blues, soft grey, violet, taupe and cloud whites to enhance a quiet space for meditation

Back at the Ranch – Perfect for homes that display low-key decor colours and evoke a weathered saloon, safari lodge or farmhouse. It works well with natural materials such as wood and leather and complements earthy naturals like cinnamon with bright accents like marigold and tomato red.

Finally, Summer Camp - Is designed to remind you of family holidays at the seaside, camping trips and festivals. This playful palette includes sunny colours, sorbet hues and vintage blues.

The Dunn-Edwards Paints report includes a design checklist, suggested materials and colour palette for each trend.

See more at: http://www.kbbonline.com/news-and-features/Top-2016-Paint-Trends-for-the-Home-7616.shtml#sthash.w4VxT5BQ.dpuf

ARE YOU A PROUD OWNER OF A SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK?

Thank you to Maggie Glover from Western Australia for sending us this picture of her fantastic kitchen and #Ribchester 800.

This image will be used on our website www.shawsofdarwen.com and as a thank you, a free accessory bundle is on its way to Maggie.

If you are a proud owner of a Shaws of Darwen sink and you would like us to display a picture of your kitchen on our website, then please send your photos to sales@shawsofdarwen.com

HOMEOWNER KITCHEN DESIGN INVESTMENT CONTINUES

Kitchens continue to solidify their place as the centre of the home with many homeowners choosing to invest while the housing recovery continues.

The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2014, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.

Kitchen design is increasingly devoting more emphasis toward the space being a gathering spot for family and entertaining.

“The kitchen has become what we call the ‘activator,’ the main space in the residence, and the design requirements often include high functionality to accommodate multiple activities,” said James Walbridge, AIA, chair of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network.

Material composition is also becoming an essential focal point of the entire design. Natural products are becoming a lot more desirable as consumers consider personal environmental responsibilities within their home.

According to the survey, popular kitchen features continue to include LED lighting, a computer or recharging area, larger pantry space, a double island and high quality appliances.

TRENDS TO COMPLIMENT YOUR KITCHEN IN 2015

Apart from your superb sink, the first thing visitors notice when entering your kitchen are your cabinets. To make sure you keep up with the latest trends and technologies, below are a few popular suggestions we can recommend for 2015.

Add a Splash of Colour

Not everything is black and white, although in kitchen terms this has been the case in recent years. Either strong accent colours or perhaps lighter cabinet shades will change kitchens up and down the country to be more vibrant than ever before.

Laminate Speaks Volumes

Manufactured surfaces like textured laminate, get better and better. The wood look and feel is extraordinary. If you’re looking for a chic cutting edge finish, laminate could well be the answer for your modern kitchen.

Think Outside The Box.  

Touch-and-motion cabinet technology is starting to drive behaviour in 2015 and beyond as we all look for the next new thing. With just the touch of a finger cabinets will simple open and close effortlessly, providing easy access when your hands are full – and of course ‘wow’ your friends.

Let There Be Light. 

LED lights are now available in all kinds of colours and can easy compliment your kitchen shades or accents with warm or cool toned colours. Lighting options both inside and outside your cabinets make it easier for you to work and find the items you need quickly.

The simplicity of modern design is proving ever more popular during 2015. The new tends for 2015 go hand in hand with our Classic Collection to create a stylish contemporary kitchen you’ll be proud of for years to come, while everyone else catches up.