NEW YEAR. NEW KITCHEN. NEW DEAL.

Thursday 13 January 2011 17:21
Great Danish design has arrived in Thailand, with the opening of Kvik Hua Hin on January 12th, 2011 and Kvik Bangkok on January 15th, 2011. Operating on the philosophy that “Everyone has the right to a cool kitchen’’, Kvik offers the very best of Danish design and quality at surprisingly affordable prices. And this uber-chic brand plans to launch its first Asian stores with a bang, offering amazing opening deals on some of their most popular kitchen series.

With over 118 stores throughout Europe, Kvik has become legendary for creating stylish kitchens that become the centrepiece and social focus of the home — at prices that leave their legion of loyal customers often shaking their heads in disbelief. Extra-high and extra-deep cabinets, exceptionally functional and ergonomic design, eco-friendly materials and superb built-to-last quality are the hallmarks of every Kvik design.

“We are excited and delighted to be introducing Kvik to Asia, and there could be no better place to launch than Thailand, which is such a regional hub of creativity and has such a great appreciation for good design,’’ says Kvik CEO Carsten B. Andersen.

“Thailand is ‘the door to the East’, with a large affluent middle class and many expats, and has been marked by a boom in construction in homes and condominiums, many built for and purchased by foreigners. We will not enter the market with inflated prices to signal high-end. Instead, we will be on the same price level as local providers and our point of difference will be fast delivery and beautiful Danish design, which in Thailand has a very high status.”

“We really do believe that everybody has the right to a cool kitchen. It’s not some empty slogan. It is the guiding vision behind everything we do, and we leave no stone unturned in coming up with innovative ways to make sure we can offer the very finest and most stylish Danish design at prices that are within the reach of a large percentage of the population in each of our markets. With the success we expect in Thailand, we can pave the way for further expansion in the East and other overseas markets.”

“And we’re putting our money where our mouths are. Our local franchisees are cooking up some very sweet deals on our tasty Danish designs.’’

The face of Kvik Hua Hin is Danish resident Ole Frendesen, who also owns Kvik Odense in Denmark.

Says Frendesen: “It’s tremendously exciting to be bringing this brand to Thailand. Hua Hin has a booming villa and condo market, and I’m sure Kvik kitchens will be very appealing to home owners and developers looking to add an edge to their offering with stunning Danish design.’’

In Bangkok, the architect and design power couple behind Space Interiors and Scandi Kitchens, Chalermkiat and Alisara Suwanprinya, are the Kvik partners. Their 800 sq m store in Rama 9 Road is expecting a brisk trade as locals and expats discover the beauty of Danish kitchen design at very affordable prices.

“From an architect’s point of view, space planning and allowing for various shapes and sizes — especially when it comes to kitchens — is a vital part of designing residential projects. Kvik’s Danish designed kitchens are crafted with simplicity and functionality so they adapt perfectly to any available space. We are proud to be the owners of one of Kvik’s first stores in Asia, and to be the brand’s representatives in Bangkok.’’ says Chalermkiat.

The Sociable Kitchen

Mr Andersen, elaborating on the company’s ethos, says: “We believe the role of the kitchen has changed dramatically in the modern home. It’s not just a place to prepare food. The kitchen has become the social hub of the home, a large and inviting communal area for the family, a focal point for fellowship, fun and good times.

“Of course we want to sell lots of kitchens. But more than that, we hope we can help Thai families to rediscover the meaning of kitchens in a whole new way. Of course we are new here, but we understand the world class nature of Thai cuisine and the passion Thais have for cooking and eating and sharing their meals. So in that respect we feel Thailand is the perfect market for our launch in Asia.’’

Extra Cabinet Space

Kvik believes the dream kitchen should be easy and comfortable to work in, whether preparing a leisurely weekend feast or a quick bite on the go. Says Mr Andersen: “All Kvik cabinets are 80cm high, and depending on which worktop you choose the total height, including plinth, is 90-100cm. We call this height X-Large, and it offers the best ergonomic working conditions. We also have a new XX-Large solution, with extra-deep base cabinets, providing up to 40 percent more space than traditional cabinets.’’

Crafted to Fit Your Lifestyle

Exceptional flexibility is another key feature of Kvik kitchens. Once you have decided which design and finish your favor, you can chose a kitchen with a half-island, with the appliances built into one wall, reflecting a traditional kitchen arrangement but making it easier to talk to people while you cook. The L-shaped kitchen is a great option for large square spaces, and allows for two appliance walls. Or you may choose to make your kitchen the home’s central axis, with an appliance wall at one end of the room, a work island in the middle, and a large dining table as an extension of it.