Taylor Alden

02/06/2026

KönigZero wins Ideal Home Awards 2026 for Best Worktop

Konigstone takes the win with innovative KönigZero collection – a next generation, zero crystalline silica engineered stone with a refined marble aesthetic – has won the top prize in Ideal Home’s Best Worktop category.

The KönigZero collection offers a high-performance alternative to traditional quartz, responding directly to evolving health, safety and regulatory concerns around crystalline silica. Designed to meet the needs of modern manufacturing and installation, the collection delivers both peace of mind and exceptional design quality.

Commenting on the award, Holly Cockburn, Kitchens & Bathrooms Editor at Ideal Home, said “This stunning material replicates the look of Calacatta marble and solid stone surfaces – both of which are beautiful but expensive – offering a comparable aesthetic that is far more affordable and significantly more practical. It also comes in a choice of 28 colours and finishes and is extremely stain and scratch resistant. What's more… it's engineered without using silica.”

For further information on Königstone, please visit www.konigstone.co.uk.

18/05/2026

Heritage style continues to shape the way we design modern homes - and steel windows and doors are at the heart of this trend

Interior designer Amelia McNeil recently spoke with the Steel Window Association UK, highlighting how slim‑profile steel glazing strikes the perfect balance between period character and contemporary living. From creating elegant internal screens to framing expansive glazing, steel offers a timeless aesthetic while allowing natural light to flow through a space.

With a growing shift towards more defined ‘broken‑plan’ layouts, steel screens are also playing a key role in zoning interiors - bringing structure and calm without sacrificing openness.

Read more https://tayloralden.co.uk/interior-designer-amelia-mcneil-champions-steel-windows-and-doors-for-the-heritage-look/

Steel Window Association shares expert insights on steel windows, doors and screens, and their role in modern residential design.

06/05/2026

Haddonstone Ltd was pleased to welcome local councillor David A Howes and Shane Webster of Allotment Online to its Northamptonshire manufactory for a guided visit of the site.

The visit showcased Haddonstone’s production processes, studio and Show Gardens, offering insight into the craftsmanship, design and attention to detail that underpin the business.

Councillor Howes also recognised Haddonstone’s 55‑year heritage as a local employer, alongside its commitment to supporting young craftspeople, sustainability initiatives and responsible employment practices.

Read more about the visit here 👇
https://tayloralden.co.uk/councillor-david-howes-visits-haddonstone-manufactory/

Local councillor David A Howes toured Haddonstone’s Northamptonshire manufactory, exploring craftsmanship, sustainability and its 55‑year heritage.

30/04/2026

Tactile design meets natural materials in Natural Weave, Keller Kitchens’ latest contemporary kitchen concept.

Blending woven‑look cabinetry, layered textures and the new Ithaca matt wood‑effect range, the design creates a calm, organic aesthetic while meeting the practical demands of everyday living. Thoughtful detailing, tonal finishes and integrated lighting add depth and warmth throughout.

👉 Click the link to discover the full concept -

Tactile design and natural materials define Keller Kitchens’ Natural Weave concept, introducing the new Ithaca matt wood‑effect range.

01/04/2026

🔥 New insight: Heat pumps could help UK homeowners cut heating costs by up to 70%

With energy prices still fluctuating, heat pumps are emerging as one of the most efficient and cost‑effective heating solutions on the market.

In this article, Peter Beighton, MD at heat pump specialist TRIANCO, discusses the current energy landscape and explains how modern heat pumps deliver around 300% efficiency, why off‑grid households stand to benefit the most, and how the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme is making installation more accessible.

Read the full piece here:

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UK homeowners could cut heating bills by up to 70% by switching to air source heat pumps. Trianco MD Peter Beighton explains how heat pumps offer a highly efficient, sustainable solution amid rising energy costs.

24/03/2026

Looking for a reliable way to cut noise on your next build or renovation?

CaberAcoustic from West Fraser delivers impressive sound reduction, easy installation, and eco‑friendly materials - all in one smart flooring solution. Use it alone or pair it with CaberFloor P5, CaberDek or CaberShield Eco for enhanced performance.

Find the right system for your project:
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West Fraser UK is a timber specialist and a leader in offering high-quality sustainable wood panel production. Ideal for DIY, building & construction projects

17/03/2026

Natural stone has been a cornerstone of architecture for thousands of years, but with evolving design demands, sustainability goals and modern construction pressures, many are now asking: can cast stone be a viable alternative?

In this in‑depth piece, Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone Ltd, explores the key differences between natural and cast stone - from aesthetics and sustainability to performance, versatility and cost. She explains why high‑quality cast stone can match the look of natural stone, overcome many of its limitations and offer far greater design flexibility for today’s building projects.

Whether you’re working on restoration, new-build schemes or intricate architectural detailing, this is a valuable read for architects, specifiers and developers.

🔗 Read the full article: https://tayloralden.co.uk/cast-stone-versus-natural-stone/

Discover the key differences between natural stone and cast stone, and learn why cast stone is becoming a cost-effective, versatile alternative for today’s building projects. Haddonstone Production Director Katherine Kates explores their contrasting properties and modern applications.

05/03/2026

✨ Spacemann – creating spaces where people and ideas thrive ✨
We’ve just published a new feature on the Taylor Alden website, spotlighting Spacemann, a UK leader in innovative pod, booth and office screen design.

With over 30 years’ experience, Spacemann combines craftsmanship, sustainability and forward‑thinking design to create workplaces where productivity, privacy and collaboration can truly flourish. Every product is meticulously manufactured in Suffolk, supporting the UK supply chain and ensuring exceptional quality and durability.

From fully enclosed acoustic pods to open, flexible spaces, Spacemann’s ranges adapt as businesses grow - backed by in‑house logistics and installation for a seamless customer experience.

As Managing Director Jonathan Burrage explains "Spacemann has evolved, through investment, innovation, quality and people, into a leading creator of spaces where people and ideas thrive.”

👉 Read the full story here

Spacemann designs and manufactures high‑quality pods, booths and office screens in the UK, delivering sustainable, customisable workspace solutions for modern businesses.

05/03/2026

📚 World Book Day meets design innovation! 📣

As we celebrate the magic of stories today, it’s the perfect moment to spotlight the RIBAJ/West Fraser Europe £2,500 design challenge – a competition dedicated to bringing storytelling back to life for children across the UK.

With fewer young people reading for pleasure and traditional storytelling spaces disappearing, this year’s brief invites you to design a mobile, demountable storytelling centre: a place where reading, listening and imagination can thrive.

It’s part of the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading 2026 – and an opportunity to make a real impact through design.

Find full details and enter:

For this year’s RIBAJ/ West Fraser SterlingOSB Zero design challenge, we are asking you to design a mobile storytelling centre that will celebrate storytelling - and reading - nationally.

24/02/2026

Heritage restoration at its finest! 🏛️

Associated Steel Window Services LTD (ASWS) has once again demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise through its recent work on the iconic County Hall window restoration project in London.

From preserving historic steel windows to enhancing performance with meticulous refurbishment techniques, this project perfectly showcases why ASWS remains one of the UK’s leading specialists in architectural steel window restoration.

It’s inspiring to see heritage buildings treated with such care, precision, and respect for their original fabric - ensuring longevity while maintaining historical authenticity.

👉 Read the full story here: https://tayloralden.co.uk/asws-showcases-unrivalled-expertise-in-county-hall-window-restoration/

Expertly restoring historic steel windows at London’s County Hall, ASWS delivers specialist craftsmanship, safe working methods and exceptional project results.