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Stephens + Stephens unveils 10 stunning new coastal homes

Cornish leading luxury property developer, Stephens + Stephens, is unveiling 10 stunning new coastal homes – Southshore in Seaton.

In collaboration with multi-award-winning interior design agency Absolute, Stephens + Stephens is taking its signature style and bringing Miami-Chic to Cornwall’s forgotten corner with the creation of Southshore.

Southshore will feature a truly unique collection of 10 detached four-bedroom houses. Just a short walk from the beach, the homes – which will be finished in 2023 – are perfect for those seeking a more tranquil lifestyle which more people in the UK seem to be embracing.

Stephens + Stephens is well-known for its team’s skills, vision, and new-wave approach to creating luxury properties in awe-inspiring locations. The team have looked at every element of the Southshore properties and endeavored to ensure they are not only the most efficient systems for the new owners, but that they have the least environmental impact too.

The 10 Southshore homes will feel as though they have been carved into the hillsides themselves, connected by a sloping, curved driveway. Striking square, clean lined architecture gives the buildings a second phase art deco feel known as the streamline modern.

The Southshore four-bedroom properties will start from £895,000.

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Ideal Standard exhibits landmark Atelier Collections at HIX

Ideal Standard showcased its design-led Atelier Collections at hotel design event, HIX, marking the first time the bathroom manufacturer has exhibited at the show.

The premium collections, first launched in 2021, bring together Ideal Standard’s extensive design heritage with the expertise of the world-renowned design studio, Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A).

Conceptualised by PS+A Founder and Ideal Standard’s chief design officer, Roberto Palomba, the collections draw inspiration from iconic designs of the past. The bold designs are modern and contemporary, with a classic, vintage feel.

Showcasing the breadth of its offering, Ideal Standard also brought a range of products from its brassware collections to HIX. This included its Ceratherm Navigo® built-in shower valves, which feature innovative push-button technology that makes temperature and flow selection intuitive and safe for anyone using it.

Anil Madan, non-residential marketing manager at Ideal Standard, said: “HIX is one of the most important design events of the year and provided the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our latest innovations.

“Having a range of products on show at the event also highlighted how all our collections work perfectly in unison through our Singular™ philosophy – an ideal solution for designers and specifiers of high-quality hotel bathrooms and washrooms.”

To find out more about Ideal Standard’s latest products and solutions, visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/

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IXMO – for the shower, bathtub and washbasin

KUECO IXMO

KEUCO showcased a variety of new ranges on its stand, including its IXMO system, launched in June this year.

The IXMO system combines the functions of up to three different water outlets within a minimalistic and stylish design.    This enables them to offer options with up to three different water outlets; the shower head, hand shower with shower rail or with a wall bracket can be blended with a dousing shower and hose in the shower, inlet in the bath.   

KEUCO

In addition to the recessed solutions for the shower and bathtub, the IXMO product family includes fittings for the washbasin and bidet.  The range has been extended to include IXMO sensor fittings for the washbasin – as free-standing and wall-mounted models.

The basin fittings are available as a classic single-lever mixer or as a wall-mounted fitting, each available in one of three designs: IXMO PURE, IXMO SOFT and IXMO FLAT.

•             IXMO PURE focuses on classic lines with a straight spout and rectangular handle.

•             IXMO SOFT, with its rounded spout and rounded handle, offering a softer shape at the washbasin.

•             IXMO FLAT combines round and angular shapes harmoniously

The cover plate can be combined in round or square for all three designs, matching the IXMO mixers in the shower and on the bathtub. 

There are seven elegant finishes available for the taps, shower, or bathtub solutions: chrome-plated, matt black, stainless steel finish, aluminium finish, brushed bronze, brushed nickel and brushed black chrome.

KEUCO

www.keuco.com

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Utopia expands 20mm solid surface worktop collection

Solid surface from Utopia

Utopia has added four new decors to its exceptionally popular range of 20mm solid surface worktops. Available with a choice of inverted chamfered or chamfered profile, the new decors include three on-trend veined marble effects, namely, Imperial White, Palladian Grey and Tempest Black, plus Metropolitan Grey, a granite effect worktop.  Imperial White and Tempest Black both offer striking patterns for a bold and dramatic statement effect whereas Metropolitan Grey and Palladian Grey are subtle patterns designed to blend unobtrusively with the overall interior design scheme of the bathroom.

The new decors combine the look of natural marble or granite with the convenience, warmth and versatility of a manmade material. All are solid cast which means the pattern continues throughout the thickness of the material adding to the realistic effect.

The new additions capitalise on current and future colour trends, complementing Utopia’s extensive range of door finishes. Together with the existing 20mm solid surface effects, Polaris Crema and Polaris White, Utopia is confident that these four new additions will offer the consumer a much broader and appealing choice, particularly in conjunction with its recent Roseberry launch.

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Hyperion Tiles predicts beige tiles will lead 2023’s bathroom trends

Hyperion Tiles

Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles predicts beige tiles will lead bathroom trends in 2023. This enduring neutral is not only endlessly versatile but it makes the perfect colour choice for a bathing haven. 

Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, explains: “Unfairly maligned for being bland and boring, beige is a shade with plenty of character. Mixed through brown and white or white and yellow, it’s a warm colour which works well with natural materials, such as stone, clay or wood.

“At Hyperion Tiles, we have a comprehensive collection of beige tiles, designed by leading tiles brands, such as Bert & May and Ca’ Pietra. This coloured tile makes an ideal choice for those who want to create a spa-style sanctuary.”

Hyperion Tiles






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2023 KBB home design predictions from Houzz

Houzz trends

As 2022 draws to a close, what design trends will 2023 bring? Houzz, a leading platform for home renovation and design, reveals unique insights into how people are designing their homes. 

Victoria Harrison, Editor for Houzz UK shares how nostalgic choices, ‘spathrooms’ and birch plywood are set to influence kitchen and bathroom trends going into the new year.

  1. Nostalgia (Pictured top – image credit: Sims Hilditch)

From the resurgence of ‘modern farmhouse kitchens’, which is up by 54% in searches on Houzz year-over-year, to the recent interest in cottagecore, homeowners are looking to the familiarity and comfort of the past and bringing elements of this into their modern cooking spaces. Freestanding elements such as pantries and cabinets and moveable kitchen islands or butcher blocks are also in demand, with searches for ‘freestanding kitchen’ up by 32% on Houzz this year. 

  • Pared-back ‘spathrooms’

With Japandi style continuing to be popular among Brits (the search term ‘Japandi bathroom’ is up 187% in searches on Houzz this year), the clean lines, muted colours and natural materials characterised by Japanese style is restful and understated, and seemingly sought after for 2023 bathrooms. Natural wood elements and panelling help to create a calm atmosphere and are popular among homeowners, with searches for panelled bathrooms up 2x this year on Houzz (up 113%). The ‘spa bathroom’ certainly seems to be the goal for potential renovators and the search term has increased by 77% this year on Houzz.

  • Ditching wall cabinets

Next year, we expect to see more homeowners ditch wall cabinets and embrace the feeling of space this can give to a room. Searches for ‘open kitchen shelving’ are up 36% year-on-year on Houzz and freestanding furniture-style dressers are also becoming more popular. With plenty of storage available in lower cabinets and large islands, designers on Houzz are using this opportunity to be creative with the wall space. 

  • Unique splashback choices

The splashback is set to take centre stage in the 2023 kitchen with more unique choices popular among homeowners. ‘Window splashback’ and ‘mirrored splashback’ are in demand, up by 67 and 58 per cent respectively. And last year designers on Houzz predicted that slab splashbacks would be a big trend, and we’re certainly seeing this come through in the most popular photos on Houzz, with kitchens featuring eye-catching quartz and sleek stone designs. 

  • Playful design 

On Houzz, we’ve seen an increase in the use of playful colour combinations, as well as the introduction of personal and quirky touches, such as wall murals. Moving away from the safety of neutrals, designers on Houzz are having fun with colour and being creative when it comes to designing spaces for clients. Searches on Houzz for ‘colourful bedroom’, ‘colourful bathroom’ and ‘colourful kitchen’ have all increased (up by 192%, 42% and 13%, respectively) and the search term ‘painted ceiling’ also saw an increase, up by 112%.

Recently, more and more Houzz designers have been favouring birch plywood for kitchen cabinetry, both for fronts and, increasingly, for carcasses too, which are often otherwise made from MDF. Birch ply is strong, durable, typically sustainable and has a contemporary, minimalist look. We predict it’ll continue to grow in popularity for 2023 and with searches for ‘birch ply’ spiking by 115% that certainly seems to be the case. The naturally pale colour of birch pairs perfectly with polished concrete and natural stone, making it a great partner for those after the Japandi aesthetic. The pared-back look also lends itself well to a handleless design, which is set to be another popular trend for 2023. 

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The Shower Lab awarded Environmental Management Certificate – IS0 14001

According to The Shower Lab, the company is focussed on sustainability and with the help of its team collectively supports the company’s environmental policy objectives.

The design-led company has been independently assessed and awarded the Environmental Management Certificate in recognition of its efforts. The accreditation demonstrates The Shower Lab’s genuine interest in minimalising waste and its focus on proactive sustainability management.

“Our sustainability campaign is important to us, enabling us to be proactive in designing a shower enclosure in an environmentally considerate way. Receiving the ISO 14001 accreditation is a fantastic achievement of which we are very proud. Over the past 12 months, our team has been working hard to reduce waste and our environmental footprint. Some of the changes have been small, and others have been significant. However, working towards this certification has allowed us to highlight the areas of improvement that exist and make changes to advance them.” comments Max Finaldi, managing director, The Shower Lab

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New showroom spearheads specification push at Harrison Bathrooms

Harrison Bathrooms

Andy Bentley, national specification manager for Scudo and 1 of 1 Bathrooms, part of Harrison Bathrooms, has led the specification area of the business, overseeing sales increases of + 35% YTD since he joined the Leeds based distributor last year.

As part of the development of the specification business, the company has invested in a state-of-the-art showroom for architects, specifiers, and contractors with plans for a further showroom to showcase the 1 of 1 brands, Dawn and Harrogate.

Most recently the company has entered into Supply Agreements with renowned regional house builders such as Anwyl Homes and Kellen Homes along with city centre developers such as DOMIS Construction, The Heaton Group, Midgard and London Square to name a few.

Andy commented ‘‘SCUDO is a young mid-market brand that doesn’t try to be something it isn’t, we aggressively attack the market going after share but have the financial strength to be a genuinely stock driven business with a One Stop Shop offering for the Contracts Sector which mitigates supply issues when dealing with multiple supply chains, most if not all our competition tends to stick to single Product Type Portfolio’s………. It’s a fairly unique position to be in and I have to say I absolutely love it.’’

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Nature gives life to Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2023

Dulux Wild wonder 2023

Dulux is celebrating two decades of Colour of the Year and has just launched its colour for 2023: Wild WonderTM  – and four complementary, versatile colour palettes that can be used to create stunning spaces across all sectors.

Wild WonderTM – a soft gold with hints of green inspired by fresh seed pods and harvest grain – is Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2023. Its upbeat glow connects us with nature, creating a sense of energy and positivity.

As people search for support, connection, inspiration and balance in the world today, they’re diving into the wonders of the natural world to find it. Extensive research conducted by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals found that even with so many challenges ahead, there was hope at the heart of global social, design and consumer trends.

Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux UK, says: “Our relationship with the natural world feels more precious and precarious than ever. As well as understanding the value of nature more keenly, with climate change becoming a reality for all of us, we also feel the urgency of reconnecting with nature and the necessity of working with rather than against it.

“The earth and its materials have been inspiring humanity for centuries. Now is the time to put them centre stage and bring the outside, in.

“We’re re-evaluating our relationship with nature and sensing the importance of learning from it not just about it. We’re understanding afresh that nature is the source of everything, bringing us solace, inspiration, materials and a myriad of blueprints for living. That’s why, this year, we’ve put the wonder of nature at the heart of our colour story.”

“Wild WonderTM speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand,” says Heleen van Gent, creative director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre, which chooses the colour. “Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes. That’s why, for the first time in 20 years, our entire colour palette is inspired by the rhythms of nature.”

The name Wild WonderTM was created on the basis that ‘wild’ conjures up the freedom of nature and ‘wonder’ conveys the natural magic we see all around us. Wild WonderTM is a positive, natural tone that, by connecting us with the natural world, can help us feel better in our homes.

Four decorative paint colour palettes have been designed around Wild WonderTM:

  • Lush Colours – beautiful forest hues that are inspired by the plant-filled habitats of gardens and woodlands
  • Buzz Colours – upbeat tones of pinks and ochres that capture the bustling biodiversity of a wildflower field or grassland
  • Raw Colours – harvest shades that mimic nature’s raw materials
  • Flow Colours – warm neutrals and deeper seashore tones that bring a sense of fluidity and momentum

Lisa Pilley, Dulux trade commercial colour consultant, adds: “Wild WonderTM and its four versatile colour palettes reflect the natural world and intuitively connect with nature’s supply of substrates and materials – whether structural or aesthetic. As the world strives to re-use, rescue and build sustainably within commercial design programmes, placing humanity and environment at the heart of design is becoming increasingly essential.

“Colour can be transformational and guide occupants’ feelings and emotions. This year’s Colour of the Year and associated palettes open opportunities to connect the natural world with our everyday lives in the built environment.”

The year 2023 brings two major milestones to the Global Aesthetic Centre. Its ColourFuturesTM trend forecast will celebrate its 20th anniversary, while the team also reaches three decades of trend analysis, colour research, colour design and art direction at AkzoNobel.

The launch of Wild WonderTM is supported by the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2023 Specifier brochure, designed to inspire commercial design professionals working in all sectors, from hospitality to healthcare.

This brochure is part of Dulux Trade’s ongoing dedication to supporting specifiers with their latest projects, and is part of a wider package of ColourFuturesTM content. The package includes design mood boards and advice videos that can be harnessed by professionals looking to create the perfect space – in any setting – using Wild WonderTM.

To download the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2023 Specifier Brochure and for more information visit www.duluxtrade.co.uk/COTY23 and follow #CF23 on social media.

Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2023 Wild WonderTM and the palettes are available to specify from 13 September 2022.

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