Sumptuous and striking wood grain finishes have become a major fashion for UK kitchens, overtaking plain coloured door finishes according to a leading national retailer, who has reported that its new plum wood-effect kitchen - launched just two months ago - has already become its best seller. Betta Living, which supplies thousands of homes throughout the UK with fitted kitchens and bedrooms every year, is reporting record sales of its new Phoenix kitchen in a plum wood-grain finish. The trend indicates that UK homeowners are turning towards a more luxurious look for the kitchen, and moving away from the minimalist white kitchen that has dominated sales for so long.

Designer Jamie Dean, from Betta Living, said: “There's been a massive resurgence for dark wood-effect finishes for the kitchen in recent months, and the success of the new Phoenix range in plum, introduced to cater for this trend, has been astounding. “I think its popularity is down to the fact that it works as well in contemporary homes as it does in more traditional styled houses. And it is probably one of the most adaptable ranges around, working well with white and cream worktops, floors and cabinet doors, but equally looks amazing with other rich colours, like aubergine and black.”

Top tips for creating this look: • The warm wood tones work fantastically well with stainless steel appliances and frosted glass for a contemporary look. • Don't shy away from white floors – they can look stunning against dark grains • Use clever lighting to show off the wood-effect – everyone will want to have a feel • Mix and match work surface colours and levels to create distinctive breakfast bar area versus worktop space Prices for Betta Living's Phoenix range start at £350 for a 600mm base unit. An average sized kitchen fitted with the Phoenix range in a plum finish would cost around £4000, excluding appliances and fitting. For more information visit www.bettaliving.co.uk or call 0800 269 945 for a free home design consultation. Ends For more press information or more images contact Kirsty Hunt on M: 07816 876091 T: 01625 530854 E: Kirsty@theprboutique.co.uk

About Betta Living Betta Living is a national retailer of fitted kitchens and bedrooms. It has a retail presence in more than 70 towns and cities throughout England and Wales, including 16 showrooms, 15 pop up stores and 40+ mobile design consultants, as well as a comprehensive website www.bettaliving.co.uk. Customers can either come in store to discuss their requirements or have a free personal design consultation at home by telephoning 0800 269 945. Bedrooms & home offices Betta Living's fitted bedroom and home office furniture makes the most of any space (including awkward spaces). The range includes more than 50 furniture styles and colours - including contemporary designs, kids ranges, classic looks, top of the range furniture and affordable chic designs. On average, customers invest around £2.5K in their custom made Betta Living bedroom or home office – combining a mix of fitted wardrobes, sliding robes, drawer, entertainment units and co-ordinating stools and trunks. Kitchens Betta Living offers more than 50 different designs of kitchens – from ultra modern minimalist styles to traditional and country bespoke designed kitchens. Customers on average spend around £7K on their Betta Living kitchen, and many ranges offer up to 60% off in the Betta Living sales. As well as cabinets, the kitchen division has a wide selection of worktops, handles, lighting, appliances by NEFF, Blanco, Baumatic and Hotpoint, and innovative storage solutions. Betta Living can offer expert advice on all areas of interior design, furniture finishes, space saving and current consumer trends. For more information visit www.bettaliving.co.uk http://www.bettaliving.co.uk or call 0800 269 945.

Kirsty Hunt Kirsty@theprboutique.co.uk