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Interior designers love the opulence of natural stone, but then, they are not usually footing the bill. That is why the more savvy among them have long had Granite & Marble on the radar.

Specialists in the manufacture of bespoke granite kitchen worktops, Granite & Marble’s factory in London’s Vauxhall plays host to over 50 different colours of stone from around the world.

Molten London offers full kitchen design service (from £150 plus VAT – fully refundable on order); its additional design services are NOT fully refundable on order as stated in Really Useful blog, 19th September. An Italian design firm, Molten cuts out the middlemen, and passes the savings on to its customers. It has been shortlisted for several design awards and, until 31 October, is offering readers 10 per cent off all kitchen units and Neff appliance packages (oven, hob and hood).

If you’re based around London or the Home Counties, and are on the hunt for a good kitchen company, pick up the phone to GLK Kitchens.
 

The practical merits of wine coolers have been evident to picnic goers and al fresco diners for some time now. What makes the range of Rapid Ice Drink Coolers from Vacu Vin that bit different though, is its choice of summery designs. Useful and good-looking, these include flowers, vineyards and beach scenes, with prices starting from £3 for a beer or small water bottle cooler and £6 for a wine cooler. Cheap, cheerful, and the perfect way to enjoy an alfresco aperitif. Call 01299 250 480 or visit Vacu Vin.com

Prevent kids’ fingers coming to any gruesome accidents with this Lock Block from Lakeland. Featuring a unique patented system, it secures up to five knives in place – and only by simultaneously pressing the safety buttons will the block release the blades.

For keenly priced kitchen furniture, work surfaces and appliances all under one roof, it’s well worth paying a visit to the recently opened Kitchen Art Ltd in Essex. A short journey from London will bring you face to face with hundreds of contemporary, modern and traditional styles, with work surfaces competitively priced and fitted to a very high standard.

Each kitchen is individually designed to suit your requirements and built by traditional craftsmen to the most exacting standards.

Even the most crowd-shy home owners could be persuaded to brave the bustle of the Selfridges Summer Sale these coming weeks, where there are discounts of up to 75 per cent on all areas. 30 per cent off furniture at the Nine Schools, 30 per cent off Lulu Guinness, 30 per cent off Moser Crystal stemware, 50 per cent off Kenneth Turner scented candles and 20 per cent off a range of bedding.

Watch out for the Fired Earth summer sale (23 June – 22 July 2007) where you’ll find up to 50 per cent off selected wall and floor tiles and 25 per cent off terracotta flooring. Additional deals include 20 per cent off bathroom accessories, basins and bowls as well as 20 per cent off selected Bastide and Original Shaker freestanding kitchens. This Bastide Belfast Sink Unit for example is down by £705 from £3,525 to £2,820.