Author

Diane

Browsing

In two months, the review website Yelp found an increase of 33% in searches using the term ‘lagom’, indicating that the lifestyle trend has entered the mainstream and the furniture industry should respond to consumer demand. Centred around the philosophy of ‘Lagom’, the Swedish concept champions perfect equilibrium in our living spaces, with everything in balance between the sleek and modern and those personal touches that make our houses our home.

Scott William’s, national sales manager, says: ”KBB will be a great opportunity for us to show the latest editions to the Passion for Colour range, following its initial success in 2020. We’ve been closely monitoring customer interests as they develop and wanted to expand the collection further. We noticed the earlier Hygge lifestyle trend had evolved into Lagom, with people wanting a mixture of minimalist furniture without compromising on homely effects. Thus, our aim with Laguna and Atlantico was to give people the chance to decorate their homes with colours that would act as an accent, rather than overshadowing, their personal belongings.

“For instance, Atlantico can be used with other shades of blue in a holistic approach. While an air of sophistication comes when using it in juxtaposition with the colour gold, or alongside concrete for a minimalist, industrial kitchen look. We anticipate Atlantico being popular with homeowner’s, following Pantone’s announcement that blue is the colour of the year. Our other new launch, Laguna, is a subtle greyish-blue that encapsulates the Icelandic geography when in situ against the earthy tones of greenish-grey and aged wood.’”

Rehau Atlantico
Atlanitico

Last year, REHAU’s Designing Different research campaign discovered that 60% of homeowners prefer calm and neutral tones with the addition of vibrant accessories to introduce character into their living spaces.

“In search of more tranquil colour inspiration, we looked to the enchanting Icelandic landscape. For Laguna, we were drawn to the bodies of water – each lake and lagoon unique in shape, colour and appeal – nestled within the island’s rugged terrain. While with Atlantico we channelled the Atlantic Ocean’s connectedness. The vast Ocean encompasses Iceland, connecting the island to the rest of the world through its seas, covering a fifth of the earth’s surface.” Scott Williams concluded.

Available in either high-gloss or matt, the RAUVISIO crystal range offers a versatile alternative to real glass without compensating on style or quality. The sheets are 50% lighter and ten times more break-resistant than glass. Able to be cut to size with standard woodworking tools, RAUVISIO can easily be milled or inlaid, resulting in less waste or costly breakages. Offering complete design freedom, there are multiple applications across the home, with thicker sheets used as front panels and utilised in recesses and wall panels.

Rehau Laguna
Laguna

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the REHAU Furniture team at booth R114 from 6-9 March at the NEC in Birmingham. Inspired by the magic of Iceland, Laguna and Atlantico are parts of a subdued colour palette that will accentuate furniture and ornaments in the Scandinavian style.

For further information about surface trends and to view REHAU’s ranges, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/interiors. You can also download REHAU’s Designing Different report which outlines changes in consumer preferences here: www.rehau.com/uk-en/designing-different

Kudos has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 luxury shower enclosures. It’s now offering a 1000mm quadrant, four new offset quadrants (900x800mm, 1000x800mm, 1000x900mm & 1200x800mm) and two new door sizes to the hinged range, 1100mm and 1300mm, that are suitable for use in either corner or recess installations.

Pinnacle8 is an elegant range of semi-frameless shower enclosure models initially launched in 2018. The collection has been increased by a number of additions in both 2019 and 2020 in response to increased demand. As one of the most popular selling enclosure ranges the collection has been expanded again and these new options are available to retailers from March. 

At 2000m in height, the Pinnacle8 collection offers enclosure sizes ranging from 760mm to 1800mm. All models feature crystal clear seals and 8mm toughened safety glass throughout which is treated with Lifeshield™, a lifetime protective coating for easy cleaning. The collection can be paired with the Kudos KStone or Connect2 shower trays and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.

Pinnacle8 enclosures are easy to install with a slimline wall profile with fully concealed fixings maintaining 20mm wall adjustment. SmartSeal technology is used on the crystal clear seals and glass-to-glass corner join seals, to ensure a clean uninterupted finish and a water tight bond. Kevlar impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall chromed hinges for consistently smooth opening and closing of the glass doors and aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in all sliding doors for smooth action and longevity. 

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999.  Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

Andrew Knowles and Steve Clancy, both of Kroll, were appointed Joint Administrators of Mulbury Homes Limited (“the Company”) on 15 February 2022 and have ceased to trade the business as a going concern, making the existing staff redundant.

Headquartered in Lymm, Cheshire the developer employs circa 40 staff and had been struggling with trading and cash flow issues brought by the pandemic, planning delays and rising costs.

Andrew Knowles, Joint Administrator, stated: “The continued difficult trading conditions, rising costs, and financial pressures as a result of bad debt has led to a weakened cashflow position which has led to the appointment of the Joint Administrators.”

“The Joint Administrators are continuing with their duties following the sale, realising assets, and distributing funds to creditors as well as investigating the financial affairs of the Company as part of their statutory duties,” continued Andrew Knowles.

A statement from the Mulbury directors said: “Since we started the business in 2010, Mulbury Homes has worked in partnership with our housing clients to deliver over 2,000 homes across the North West and we are proud of our record.

“We had a strong pipeline of projects and we were hopeful for the future. However, we have not been immune to the very challenging conditions facing the construction sector brought by the pandemic, planning delays, cost increases and supply chain issues.

“We have been working tirelessly to keep the business going but the current conditions left us with no option but to call in administrators.

 “We would like to thank our staff, clients, supply chain and partners for their support to Mulbury Homes in the last 12 years.”

2020 is helping Homebase move its desktop design solutions for its showroom businesses to a fully digital customer experience.

2020 Ideal Spaces, the web-based inspiration and planning solution, will be integrated with Homebase and Bathstore systems to create a seamless end-to-end customer journey for designers and customers.

‘We are thrilled that Homebase continues to put their trust in our solutions,’ says Tim Lambert, managing director UK – Senior Director EMEA at 2020. ‘They have implemented 2020 Ideal Spaces in their stores and will soon be live on their website, to play an integral role in increasing engagement with prospects and inspiring their customers.’

Paul Cannon, IT director at Homebase: ‘2020 Ideal Spaces is truly market-leading and that’s why we’re excited to continue our partnership with 2020. We know that more and more customers are choosing to shop online or are looking for the ease of taking on bigger projects, like a new kitchen or bathroom, virtually. Working with 2020, we’ve made the experience not only more inspirational, but easier too.’

Ian Penney, business unit director: ‘Rebuilding the way we sell kitchens and bathrooms has been a real labour of love, from sourcing the right ranges to making sure we’ve got the most passionate, knowledgeable team. Making the design process easier was key and 2020 Ideal Spaces has done just that. It’s simple to use, quick to learn and fully integrated which means our team can focus on helping our customers create their dream kitchen or bathroom. The website and full project integration allows us to offer the best customer experience possible.’

The benefits of Homebase’s full implementation of 2020 Ideal Spaces will include:

  • Enhancing the customer experience by offering a fully flexible design journey online and in-store.
  • Closing more sales and expediting the process by facilitating collaboration between online prospects and expert designers.
  • Capturing better qualified leads through their website.

kbb Birmingham, the biennial kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms event, has announced this year’s shortlist for the 2022 Innovation Awards. The awards honour the best ideas in the KBB industry, recognising the most creative, sustainable and ground-breaking solutions.  

The shortlisted entries are:

•            Bora, X BO Steam Oven

The BORA X BO can be used for roasting, baking, steaming and more, it even cleans itself spotlessly after use.

•            Keuco, Shower Light

Pictured below, the Shower Light integrates a light and shower head to combine light and water, enhancing the showering experience.

•            Novy, Easy Pro Hob

The Easy Pro Hob is an induction hob featuring an extractor that automatically regulates extraction once cooking begins.    

•            Roca, In-Wash® In-Tank® smart WC

Pictured top – the In-Wash® In-Tank® combines maximum intimate hygiene and freedom of installation. It is the only shower toilet on the market that has an integrated cistern offering streamlined installation and easy maintenance.

•            Ca’ Pietra, Mermaid’s Garden Tiles

Submerge into the great underwater world with Ca’ Pietra’s stunning collection of Mermaid’s Garden tiles.

•            Røroshetta, Sense Cooker Hood

The Sense Cooker Hood range has integrated, silent, smart technology features that focus on indoor air quality and fire safety.

•            Liebherr, Peak BioFresh Refrigerator

Liebherr’s Peak BioFresh Refrigerator helps to keep fruit and vegetables crisp and fresh, whilst being energy efficient.

•            Perrin & Rowe, Armstrong Mini Tap

The Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Mini Tap offers instant steaming hot water and filtered water for drinking.

•            LoftRobe Storage Solutions        

LoftRobe’s Storage Solutions are raised and lowered by remote control to make the most of your small and unused space.

•            Furnipart, Ocean IX handles

Furnipart’s Ocean IX Handles are made of recycled materials from the maritime industry such as fishing nets, ropes and trawls.

Andy Bishop, Creative Director, kbb Birmingham commented:

“The standard of entries this year was incredibly high. The judges were so impressed by the quality and design of the products, which all demonstrate the truly exciting innovators in the KBB industry who are bringing something new, unique and forward-thinking to the market.”

The Innovation Awards 2022 is in partnership with manufacturer Blum. Amanda Hughes, architect & interior design liaison at Blum who is one of the judges commented:

“We are thrilled to be continuing our support of the kbb Innovation Awards programme. Blum is known as a pioneer of great design, so it feels like a natural fit to be partnering with these exciting awards. We are looking forward to celebrating these brilliant innovations, which cover several key issues that are important to the whole industry.”

The shortlisted entries will be displayed in a specially designed space (K74) on the show floor at the NEC, for the duration of kbb Birmingham and winners will be announced on the 8th of March 2022. As well as the judges’ winner, there will also be a special prize for sustainability. In addition, returning this year will be the popular People’s Choice winner, which is chosen by visitors to the show.

kbb Birmingham will feature over 200 exhibitors across 26 different product categories. The event expects an audience of over 12,000 visitors over the four days.

For more information on kbb Birmingham, to exhibit or to register to attend, please visit www.kbb.co.uk

kbb innovation awards
Keuco Shower Light

Online retailer Victoria Plum has created its first, exclusive kitchen collection to include seven ranges.

The new collection includes the New England, Chicago and Boston ranges which come in a selection of on-trend white, grey and mid grey tones. Cabinets come with matte and gloss finishes, and feature handled or handle-less designs.

Victoria Plum is also offering a variety of kitchen product solutions for that dream kitchen providing everything including the kitchen sink.

Solutions comprise a range of worktops, tiles, flooring, heating, lighting, Rangemaster sinks, and Bristan and Schön taps.

The collection has been designed to give peace of mind when renovating or revitalising the kitchen space. According to Victoria Plum, all seven cabinet ranges have been created to make the kitchen functional yet stylish and include all those little extra touches that buyers are looking for.

To find out more about the exclusive new Kitchen Collection at Victoria Plum visit www.victoriaplum.com/kitchens

Shower designer and manufacturer Roman has welcomed 5 News producers to its headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham on Friday 11th February.

Roman aired on 5 News with the company’s Chief Operations Officer, John Wright, discussing the challenges that the North East based manufacturer has faced due to COVID-19. As the challenges unravel, Roman’s objective is to get supply chains back to normal as global uncertainty highlights many strong reasons to buy products that are manufactured in Britain.

John Pearce, CEO at Made in Britain commented: “The perfect storm created by recent economic events has made conditions challenging for almost all British business, and manufacturers have it even harder than most. But I have the privilege of hearing on a daily basis about the work that being done by Made in Britain members such as Roman Ltd. Great companies like this epitomise the commitment, innovation, adaptability and resilience that are embedded in the DNA of British manufacturing – and ensure the sustainable growth of our sector.”

“It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Channel 5 news today regarding our current trading conditions in light of the GDP annual growth rate of 7.5% announcement today and the issues relating to Covid. I expressed the view that our strong sales growth more than reflected the GDP figure and explained the current challenges we are facing due to the worldwide increases in commodity prices and very high freight costs. All things considered we are extremely positive about Roman’s future” added John Wright, Chief Operations Officer at Roman Ltd.

The new Acquabella stand at KBB 2022 will be along the lines of previous shows– an airy, surprising design – but the specific theme will not be revealed until the start of the prestigious event.

According to Acquabella the space will be much more than just a showcase for the company’s products. The stand has been designed to offer a multi-sensory experience to bathroom professionals visiting the show.

Innovation and design, the leading features of Acquabella’s new products

As in previous years, Acquabella has chosen kbb to reveal its new range of bathroom products. The collections include designs recognised with prestigious design accreditations in Europe including the Red Dot, iF and SBID awards.

Whilst Acquabella will be displaying the infinite possibilities of Acquabella’s product portfolio and the performance characteristics of its materials, Akron® and Dolotek®, the Opal Quiz Bathtub will be the centre of attention. The Opal Quiz and the firm’s other new products will feature together at a stand that will immerse the visitor in a state of complete well-being.

UK Country Manager Roberto Heredia says, “after some difficult times, we are very excited to be able to meet again with customers and professionals who have been worked so hard to maintain the UK KBB industry. KBB Birmingham will be the ultimate reunion and certainly the celebration we all deserve”.

Visit Acquabella in Hall 20 Stand D41 www.acquabella.com/en

Lakes, a leading manufacturer of showering spaces and a carbon neutral plus company, kickstarts 2022 with a new #DesignedForLife brochure.

The 2022 brochure includes the all-new Ambient Walk-In – Lakes’ latest state-of-the-art showering space. These appear alongside the new Onyx and Wave Collections.

Lakes’ Ambient Walk-In is the first of its kind. This unique showering space features a PIR motion-sensor that triggers a built in LED lighting system concealed in the wall mount, that emits a soft glow of light along the low-iron glass edge of the walk-in panel. The ambience of the bathroom is subtly transformed by the use of soft lighting which gently illuminates the room, eliminating the need to turn on bright ceiling lighting, so night-time visits to the bathroom are safer and less disturbing for others.

The 2022 brochure also features Lakes’ new Onyx and Wave Collections. Onyx is stylish and modern, with a matt black finish to create a high-impact design for a statement showering space, whilst Wave is precision engineered to strike a perfect balance between function and stylish design.

Lakes’ #DesignedForLife brochure is a powerful sales tool for merchants, retail specialists and installers. Innovatively making the case for the whole showering space – the glass, tray, stylish hardware options to support multigenerational use, framing and optional extras – Lakes’ customers are able to make the most of new and growing markets.

Bev Brown, Lakes’ Managing Director, comments: “We think our customers will be delighted with our stunning new brochure for 2022. While it includes all our popular collections, we have added the spectacular Ambient Walk-In as well as the stylish Onyx and Wave Collections. We’ve also refreshed the layout to help customers easily compare different product options they may be considering, leading to an overall more enjoyable experience.

“We’re also delighted to continue leading the market with innovative products and stylish statement ranges for today’s lifestyle needs. With these sophisticated products and effective sales aids customers can meet the demand from a growing market and sell more. We’re particularly excited to see the response to these exciting new products and our latest consumer brochure.”

Lakes’ new brochure will be distributed directly to stockist customers and can also be viewed and downloaded online at: https://lakesshoweringspaces.com/brochure-request/

Utopia Furniture Ltd is continuing to invest in its local community by introducing an apprenticeship scheme. As a major employer in the Wolverhampton area, the company has many long-standing local employees and is keen to support and encourage new talent into the business.

The first two apprentices have already joined the company as part of the scheme which allows them to attend Dudley College of Technology for one or more days each week. Chloe Powell has joined as an IT Junior Apprentice for an initial two years leading to an Infrastructure Technician qualification. Adam Briscoe is a new Maintenance Apprentice and will work towards a Mechatronic Maintenance Technician qualification over the next three and a half years.

Dave Conn, Joint MD of Utopia, says “Young people are the lifeblood and future of our industry so it’s vitally important that we attract the next generation by offering a proper, structured career opportunity resulting in both formal qualifications and meaningful work experience. We look forward to nurturing this new talent and hope our apprentices will go on to have long and rewarding careers with us.”