When anyone mentions Italy, my senses are instantly enlightened; I find it easy to drift off and imagine the scent of garlic, the tingle of Prosecco on the tongue, the sound of a family's excited chatter round a kitchen table. It's easy because Italy has always been synonymous with a passion for food, families, fashion and innovation. The Italian kitchen is always the centre of activity in the modern home so it comes as no surprise that the Italians know best when it comes to kitchen appliance design.

Texture looks set to be a key trend for interiors this autumn and renowned for always being one step ahead of fashion, Smeg is launching a NEW limited edition version of its iconic FAB28QBV 50s Style Refrigerator with Ice Compartment in Matt Velvet.

The design team at Elica has announced an addition to the range of cooker hoods in the OM collection.

Mini OM, the smaller version of one of the company's best selling models, is now available in six colours including Apple Green, Electric Blue and Turquoise (seen above). Sunrise Orange, Curry Yellow and Provence Purple are also available.

The beauty of Cucina Colore is the way it has the design flexibility to create an individual look that oozes Italian design, sophistication and exclusivity without the designer price tag.

One of the best downdraft extractors on the market, the Parsifal from Air Uno has amazing pulling power. Sleek and streamlined, the 80cm wide extractor is available in stainless steel, black and white gloss or the 26 colours of Corian(r) allowing the homeowner to personalize their appliance and even match it to their countertop.

KA Distribution's portfolio of luxury kitchen taps now includes a range of ultra modern solid stainless steel kitchen taps from award winning Italian manufacturer MGS Progetti.

The latest design from MGS Progetti is the new DF-Dual Flow-version of the iconic MGS T45 mixer. Available in matt or polished stainless steel this tap delivers hot, cold and freshly filtered drinking water from a single spout and is being launched in the UK this month.

The latest inspiring heating design to launch from the Aestus Hotech collection is ‘Feather' designed by Monica Pilenghi.

‘Feather' instantly demands attention and could quite easily be mistaken for a piece of expensive art work. Although shown above in a bathroom setting, ‘Feather' would add visual appeal to any room.

Novellini UK Limited, Europe's leading manufacturer of shower enclosures and wet rooms, steam cabins and bathtubs used 100% Design to launch a line-up of shower enclosures and wet room products.