The Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) was started almost 27 years ago by a group of responsible industry players as a means of self-regulating the local kitchen suppliers\u2019 industry, offering consumers an avenue for recourse and industry members an essential ethical bar, not to mention a means of support, networking, promotion and growth. In 2016, the Association will partner exclusively with Decorex SA in a nationwide collaboration that will benefit both exhibitors and visitors to the trio of exhibitions that have become the country\u2019s most widely attended in the d\u00e9cor, design and lifestyle category.<\/p>\n
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\u201cDecorex is synonymous with style, trends and inspiration and this is an ideal vehicle for our members to showcase their products and services,\u201d says Stephanie Forbes, National Manager for the KSA. \u201cMarketing what we do, and what our members stand for, to consumer and industry professionals is vital for the KSA. The Decorex SA portfolio of shows is well respected and attracts a good mix of consumers and industry professionals alike. We believe that working hand in hand with Decorex SA will bring both organisations an added credibility, not to mention much value to the industry as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n
Forbes explains that, in the absence of government regulation of the kitchen industry, the KSA, a not-for-profit organisation, has, over the years, worked tirelessly to offer consumers advise and support in the event of a dispute and to increase cooperation within the industry, with a view to enhancing its strength. \u201cThe KSA actively strives to promote our members and offers them added security when dealing with the consumer,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Indeed, there is arguably no room in the house that is currently receiving quite as much attention as the kitchen. Says Forbes: \u201cThe kitchen is probably the biggest investment you will make in your home. It can make or break a home sale and will be one of the most expensive spaces in the house to renovate. No longer a pokey little room where the hostess hides from her guests, the kitchen of today is an integral part of the home\u2019s living space, adapted to be both a food preparation area, a family room, a dining space and an entertainment area. Diversity is therefore key to current kitchen design, with elements being created in such a way as to make them resemble crafted furniture and not just functional storage.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for predictions on kitchen trends to look out for at the forthcoming series of Decorex exhibitions, the first of which kicks off in Durban on 18 March 2016, Forbes says, \u201cThere is still a focus on natural looks, colours and materials, but with a move away from the high-gloss finishes of the recent past to a more eggshell look with masculine undertones. Combining materials is still popular \u2013 especially when it comes to countertop materials \u2013 as are sleek lines, with integrated profile door handles and work surfaces becoming slimmer to enhance this clean linearity. And, of course, technology in hardware and appliances continues to be a huge focus.\u201d<\/p>\n
In keeping with its new theme, \u2018Take it Home, Make it Home\u2019, Decorex 2016 promises visitors\u00a0infinite takeaway ideas and inspiration for their kitchens. \u201cWhat Decorex SA continues to show\u00a0us is that South Africa has immense talent capable of setting standards on a global design\u00a0platform in the kitchens\u2019 sphere,\u201d says Sian Gutstadt, Portfolio Director of Decorex SA. \u201cWe are\u00a0thrilled with this collaboration with the KSA, which not only encourages local kitchen designers to\u00a0flaunt their stuff but to also make valuable industry contacts in the process, all with the\u00a0endorsement of the country\u2019s leading kitchens association.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Decorex and the KSA working closely together, we hope to be able to offer visitors a onestop\u00a0resource for all things kitchen, where they can not only see a variety of products and\u00a0services backed by the KSA in one place, but where they can also get crucial advice and\u00a0guidance directly from the experts,\u201d concludes Forbes, who adds enticingly, \u201cWe have some big\u00a0ideas in the pipeline that we will be looking to develop with Decorex over the next three years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Decorex SA details:<\/strong><\/p>\n Decorex Durban:<\/strong> 18 \u2013 21 March 2016 Decorex Cape Town:<\/strong> 29 April \u2013 2 May 2016 Decorex Joburg:<\/strong> 5 \u2013 9 August 2016 For more information, e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za
\nTime: 18 \u2013 20 March, 10am to 8pm; 21 March, 10am to 6pm
\nTrade days: 18 and 19 March
\nTicket prices: R75 for adults; R65 for trade, pensioners and students; R20 for kids under 12
\nVenue: Durban Exhibition Centre<\/p>\n
\nTime: 10am to 7pm daily (6pm Monday)
\nTrade Day: 29 April
\nTicket prices: R85 for adults; R75 for trade, pensioners and students; R20 for kids under 12
\nVenue: CTICC<\/p>\n
\nTime: 10am to 6pm daily
\nTrade day: 5 August
\nTicket prices: R110 for adults; R90 for pensioners and students; R80 for trade; R20 for kids
\nunder 12
\nVenue: Gallagher Convention Centre<\/p>\n
\nVisit: www.decorex.co.za Facebook: Decorex SA Twitter: @decorexSA
\nDecorex Durban forms part of the Decorex SA portfolio and is owned by the Thebe Reed<\/p>\n\n\t\t