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What design trends will 2021 bring? Biophilia and bathscaping…

It might sound like a particularly gruesome illness, but VitrA tell us Biophilia is predicted to be big in bathrooms for 2021. Biophilia is the integration and inclusion of nature as a focal point – with lavish greenery, natural wood finishes and subtle shapes and colours. 

A biophilic bathroom design features shapes and colours that have a relationship with the great outdoors.  Various ferns and air plants like Tillandsia will thrive in humid bathrooms. Succulent plants (plants that store water in their leaves) also love bathrooms.  To complement glossy leaves and foliage, white remains the top choice for sanitaryware – but splashes of subtle colour can be added with vessel basins.

“The return to the full-colour suite may not be around the corner,” comments VitrA’s Margaret Talbot, but a subtle hint of colour in a soft earth tone adds character and distinction to a bathroom.” is the other bathroom buzzword for 2021 –the art of creating a harmonising scheme that meets all the family’s needs while also being practical, clutter-free, and easy to look after. 

Clutter-free modern shapes create a peaceful atmosphere – something everyone is seeking after the stressful ups and downs of 2020. Plants play to this desire with consumers who have had time to spend time outdoors this year or are yearning tropical influences from missed vacations.

The connection between water, wellbeing and nature has never been easier with waterfall showerheads, walk-in showers, and statement baths. Elegant furniture that reflects this need for relaxation with nature-inspired wood finishes, presented with lush leaves and foliage will be popular with consumers happy to spend on home improvements in the absence of far-flung holidays.

Desogn trends for 2020 VitrA biophilia
Countertop basin from the VitrA Outline collection features VitrA Clean Glaze for added hygiene and easy cleaning shown in one of four matt colours – all inspired by nature.  White also available.

Cleanliness is very much in our thoughts and products that offer hygienic benefits, and easy cleaning will be a powerful feature in 2021.

Customers will appreciate sanitaryware featuring a glaze that does not allow grime to linger and slows bacteria’s growth.  Rimless toilet designs and those that offer integrated disinfectant flushes will be popular.   

Shower toilets will be seen in more and more British bathrooms thanks to their unrivalled hygiene and comfort advantages. 

 “There are many benefits to shower toilets,” comments Margaret Talbot. “Hands-free cleaning is hygienic and helps to stop the spread of illnesses, plus the cleaning and drying functions negate the need for toilet paper. For the consumer looking to stay at home, one is a vital consideration.”

VitrA Frame Bathroom Furniture
V-Care Prime launched Nov 2020.  Arik Levy Designed for VitrA – the new multifunction shower toilet joins a comprehensive line-up from VitrA at a range of price points.

Margaret Talbot predicts that sales of wall-hung fittings will also continue to grow. “Easy to install frame systems and retrofit products such as Vitrus have made wall hung easy for anyone wanting the most hygienic and up to date look.  Wall hung fittings give an uncluttered look which is very much in line with the bathscaping trend, and the bathroom is much easier to clean as there are no nooks and crannies and the floor can be cleaned without fittings getting in the way of the mop. Many of our wall-hung WCs feature Rim-ex – a rimless design that gets rid of one of the most unhygienic aspects of WC design without compromising flush performance.”      

About VitrA

VitrA is part of the Eczacıbaşı Group. Founded in 1958, VitrA has in recent years has expanded into international markets with over 70 per cent of VitrA’s total output now being sold outside of Turkey. From 13 production facilities in Turkey, Germany, France, and Russia, VitrA produces a full range of bathroom products including over 5.6 million pieces of sanitaryware a year along with complementary bathroom furniture, brassware, and accessories ranges, which are distributed to over 75 countries on five continents. VitrA UK, based in Oxfordshire, has been supplying the UK bathroom market for over 25 years and is an active member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).

 In January 2021, VitrA will open a flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events, and workshops.

www.VitrA.co.uk          

More news from VitrA

Pivtured Top: Equal bathroom furniture collection in black patterned oak reflects the consumer interest in finishes reflecting nature – pictured here with a Prickly Pear Cactus.                                                                         

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My-Bathrooms is latest BiKBBi corporate sponsor

Online bathroom specialist My-Bathrooms have become the latest retailer to support The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) objectives, by becoming a Corporate Sponsor.

Via its network of approved installation partners, My-Bathrooms provide a turnkey supply and fit service to consumers via its website (www.my-bathrooms.co.uk) and is looking to connect with installation businesses to promote partnership benefits. The tie in with BiKBBI is a vehicle to connect the online business with a network of independently accredited institute members.

BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors support the organisation to promote education, high standards of professionalism and compliance, all areas that My-Bathrooms are passionate about.

My-Bathrooms MD Justin Adgar (pictured), commented on the sponsorship by saying: “BIKBBI is at the forefront of professional standards and it’s important that industry businesses like ours support them to do so. We’re particularly impressed by their approach to Apprenticeships and the obvious industry benefits that will follow.

Our national network of installation Trading Partners udertake comprehensive training on our product and installation method, which is currently achieved by in-house training supported by our suppliers; However, we understand that the topic of education is much wider than our own approach and we won’t be able to influence mass change on our own… this is where our collaboration with BiKBBI will help.”

Damian Walters, BiKBBI Chief Executive stated: “It’s great to be working with a familiar face in Justin and a business that shares our values, especially on the subject of education. We look forward to developing this partnership over time and are thankful to My Bathrooms for their support”.

More information about BiKBBI Corporate Sponsorship can be found at www.bikbbi.org.uk/corporate-membership 

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Trade and construction to remain open in Tier 4

Trade and construction

Trade and construction sectors prove to be essential, providing a backbone to the economy.

The Prime Minister has announced a Tier 4 ‘Stay At Home’ alert level in response to the rapid spread of the new Coronavirus variant. This will see various parts of the country set to remain in their homes; if they are unable to work from home, they will be allowed to travel to work. This is particularly applicable to the construction and manufacturing sectors. 

The tightening of restrictions has caused serious concerns for the UK’s economy, with many sectors and businesses fearing that they will have to close their doors for good. In light of these concerns, the industries that are allowed to remain open will prove to be the backbone of the economy during these concerning times. The construction and manufacturing sectors have seen particular growth following the lift in the spring lockdown according to PMI data, and this upward trajectory is hoping to continue. 

Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, discusses how British construction and manufacturing will fare in the winter and highlights the impact Tier 4 will have on SMEs in the trades.

“The economic recovery we have seen over the past months is indeed welcome, but of course with much of Britain being placed into Tier 4, this month and the subsequent winter season are of course going to present yet more challenges. That’s why it would prudent to look towards sectors that remain open, such as construction and the trades, to provide the kind of stability we need at the moment.

The new restrictions have had a negligible impact on the construction sector so far, and overall activity around construction has to be welcomed. Given the bonanza that housebuilders are currently experiencing from the stamp duty reduction, it’s no surprise that they are the best performing sector of the construction industry. Whether this boom for the housing industry will be followed by a bust is unknown. At the moment, most firms are just grateful for the good business they are getting right now given how much other sectors are suffering.​

It is disappointing that the supply of building materials remains a constraint and it could be argued that suppliers over-reacted to the first lockdown, creating this situation. The reduction in the rate of PMI growth could be the first signs of a drop in demand from lockdown related macroeconomic damage. Let’s hope that isn’t the case. However, it looks like the new restrictions will not impact the specific sub-sector of home improvement either, although the jury is still out. It may be that homeowners become more anxious over time, particularly if the virus continues spreading rapidly. The biggest concern overall is about the supply of materials. Fortunately, at the moment the indicators are that the shortage is easing.”

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twenty2degrees to design Hyatt Regency Olympia

twenty2degrees, the design partnership that created the interiors for landmark London hotels, The Dixon and Hilton Bankside, has announced its appointment by Olympia London to design the interiors of the new Hyatt Regency London Olympia in West London.

As part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia London into a world-leading cultural destination, Hyatt Regency London Olympia will be located directly adjacent to the exhibition centre within an architecturally significant listed Art Deco building that previously served as a multi-storey car park.

Taking their cue from the architectural heritage of the building, that was completed in 1937, as well as from the hotel brand’s design values, twenty2 degrees’ schemes envisage a subtle introduction of Art Deco references into the refined and contemporary interiors that are the hallmark of the Hyatt Regency brand. The style will be clean and simple, using high quality materials and the ambience welcoming and offering the stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency brand ethos. Regular Hyatt Regency guests will find familiar features treated to twenty2degrees’ “measure of difference” which thoughtfully integrates context related to the history and culture of the immediate location.

The open-plan ground floor public areas will include Hyatt Regency staples such as The Market Café and Bar as well as “Make Space”, an area for informal meetings, together with a lobby lounge. The palette will be warm and comforting. A double height atrium over the bar will open up the area and lead to a mezzanine level where there will be an intimate lounge.

There will be 196 guestrooms and suites designed within Hyatt’s “Light & Airy” brand aesthetic to offer a calming and relaxing ambience. The guestrooms will include a ‘Groom + Prep’ zone, encompassing the entrance corridor, bathroom and open wardrobe, and a ‘Work + Play’ area combining the bed and desk, separated by Hyatt Regency’s ‘Tranquility’ sliding door with wired glass panels giving a nod to the history of the building. The twenty2degrees’ guestroom schemes will introduce forms together with a custom-designed carpet drawing on the Art Deco influence but the overall impression will be light and pared-back. Bathrooms will feature industrial-style floor tiles and pale marble vanities. The suites on the upper levels will offer views towards the surrounding leafy residential areas of Hammersmith & Fulham and neighbouring Kensington.

“We are delighted to have been entrusted with such a significant hotel development,” says Nick Stoupas, Founding Partner of twenty2 degrees. “This hotel will be a game-changer in the experience of visitors from all over the world attending events in Olympia as well as a destination for Londoners attracted to the area by its new cultural offering.”

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Record sales and double award success for Intatec

Intatec, a leading heating and plumbing product manufacturer has rounded off 2020 with its best ever month of trading and a major industry award win.

Intatec, based in Hixon, Staffordshire, achieved its best ever month across all sales metrics in October 2020.

This was followed by a double success at the annual H&V Awards, which recognises success in the world of plumbing, heating and ventilation.

The company, which began trading in 2002, has remained active throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, with a record 340,000 individual items picked, packed and dispatched in October. 

Part of the boost in sales comes from products such as its non-touch infrared tap, with adjustable 20 second timer designed for public washrooms, as well as its ActivFlo water conditioning unit that alleviates limescale issues in hard water areas.

Director, Stuart Gizzi, said: “Our team has pulled together magnificently throughout 2020, despite the challenges faced by all businesses as we adapted to ever-changing Government and health and safety guidelines.

“The credit for our success in October is shared across the board.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, but I’m pleased that we have been able to play our part in the supply chain that has continued to support our customers with the products they need to deliver their projects, many of which have been destined for improvements in healthcare settings.

“To have achieved what we have in such difficult circumstances is astounding and a source of great pride for myself.

“We have a number of exciting product launches coming in 2021 and we are looking forward to a brighter future for everyone.”

October’s success was followed by Inta taking home top prize in the Smiths Brothers Stores Commercial HVAC Product of the Year category and Highly Commended in Safety Initiative of the Year at the H&V Awards.

Inta’s thermostatic TMV 3 non-concussive tap took home the product of the year prize. The first-of-its kind tap combines time flow control, which prevents water wastage with thermostatic control, which allows accurate blending of water temperatures.

The company’s renewed and revised anti-scald information booklet, titled ‘Inta’s Guide to Thermostatic Protection’ listing key safety information and product relating to anti-scald technology, was recognised in the safety initiative category.

This achievement marked the culmination of a decade of success, which has seen Inta nominated in at least one category every year since 2010.

Mr Gizzi said: “To be consistently in the conversation for leading products and initiatives in our industry is where we aim to be and I am delighted to have achieved this.”

More news from Intatec

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Buildbase becomes latest BiKBBI installation member

Buildbase has become the latest high profile retailer to adopt the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk platform for its retail kitchen and bathroom operation, an installation service with a number of unique features to protect both installers and their customers.

Acquired by The Grafton Group in 1997, Buildbase operates its retail kitchen and bathroom proposition from over 50 showrooms across the UK, previously offering a supply only service to its customers.

The new relationship with BiKBBI and the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk platform will allow Buildbase to signpost its customers to a national network of independently accredited installers, forming independent relationships between these installers and their customers for the installation element of the project.

ProtectMyInstall.co.uk is a free to use service for retailers, allowing them to focus on designing and selling kitchens and bathrooms, without the complexity of installation. The service includes a number of beneficial elements for both the installer and their customer, to include protected payments, Trading Standards approved contracts, itemised quotes and an insurance backed guarantee for workmanship. The service also includes a pathway for Alternative Dispute Resolution for added peace of mind.

Speaking on behalf of ProtectMyInstall.co.uk, Chris Parry UK Operations Director (pictured) said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by both the senior and showroom team at Buildbase. This is a business that is embracing industry change and proactive in the protection of its customers and those installers they engage.”

Andrew Arnold, National Showrooms Manager at Buildbase commented by saying: “We’re focused on providing our customers with a robust and innovative installation offering that provides a service that both meets customer expectations and protects the relationship. Adopting the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk initiative was simple for us.”

More information can be found on the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk website – www.protectmyinstall.co.uk 

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Bathroom promotions from GROHE for Boxing Day

GROHE has announced its latest pledge to support its retail partners with two new bathroom promotions, running from 26th December.

The offers will run into the New Year and beyond, providing retailers with an atrractive package for consumers who are planning their new bathroom projects.

Following on from what has been a difficult year for retailers, the new promotions will be available across more bathroom products than ever before, including the popular SmartControl showers range and innovative Sensia Arena shower toilet.

The promotions will see consumers receive a free bathroom accessory set worth £85.99 with every purchase of a GROHE Sensia Arena shower toilet or selected GROHE shower systems and thermostats, namely the brand’s award-winning SmartControl range and Grohtherm thermostatic systems. The promotion runs until 31st March 2021 with all claims to be made by 30th April 2021.

The 4-in-1 GROHE Essentials accessory set, will be gifted following the successful completion of the promotion claim form found on the groherewards.co.uk website. The set contains a towel ring, 600mm towel rail, robe hook and toilet paper holder, each of which is finished in the premium and durable GROHE Starlight Chrome, this set has everything any homeowner may need to create visual harmony and a stylish finish in their new bathroom.

This year, GROHE’s winter promotion will also be available on all eligible purchases of its Sensia Arena shower toilet as a result of increasing demand and a growing awareness of its hygiene benefits. The unique, personalised cleansing experience of the Sensia Arena is made possible thanks to a smartphone app where users can select their preferred temperature, spray pattern, pressure and more, even saving their preferred settings as a profile. Meanwhile, GROHE PlasmaCluster ion technology releases positive and negative ions into even the farthest hard-to-reach corners of the toilet bowl and in the air around the toilet, to inactivate bacteria. There is also an automatic odour extraction system integrated into the toilet system to ensure the ambient air remains free from unpleasant odours.

For those customers looking to upgrade their shower system, more than 30 GROHE models are eligible for the gift including exposed, excealed and concealed SmartControl systems which feature intuitive, award-winning design. Other models on offer are the new Grohtherm thermostatic systems, easy to install Tempesta systems which are perfect for retrofit projects and GROHE’s Rainshower 310 system.

For those looking to cut down their water consumption in 2021, some of the eligible models can also be
purchased with GROHE’s EcoJoy technology.

The promotional offers are available with the purchase of any qualifying product from a verified retailer
and customers can submit their claim and find all T&Cs at www.groherewards.co.uk/
(www.groherewards.com/ in Ireland)

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Showerwall introduces trade brochure & training videos

Showerwall brochures and training vidoes

Showerwall, the bathroom wall panelling brand, has produced a new trade brochure and two online training videos to help installers understand the benefits and features of their HPL and acrylic panels, demonstrating how easy they are to fit.

The new 20-page full-colour brochure offers a practical overview of the Showerwall range to aid plumbers, joiners, builders and bathroom retailer fitting teams. It includes helpful graphics that demonstrate how Showerwall’s large format panels offer installation time and cost-saving benefits compared to tiling, together with technical information about the HPL and acrylic systems including the accessories required to install the panels. Thumbnails of the 84 decors available in the full Showerwall collection are also included to aid consumer decision making. 

Two expertly produced online training videos have also been made available as part of the installer support package, reflecting the brand’s commitment to professional installation standards. The short videos highlight the benefits of each material, the tools and products needed to fit the panels and a brief overview of the installation process demonstrating how quick and easy it is to fit the HPL panels around a bath and the acrylic panels within shower enclosures.  

The new support materials have been produced to coincide with the launch of the Find a Fitter programme which aims to build a nationwide network of trusted installers listed in a directory on the Showerwall website. Installers can register for the scheme at www.showerwall.co.uk/fit-it.

For more information contact Showerwall t: 0845 604 7334, e: info@showerwall.co.uk or web: www.showerwall.co.uk

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European wide campaign launched to promote UWL

Unified Water Label UWL

A new marketing campaign is to be rolled out across the UK and Europe to promote the Unified Water Label and increase market representation.

The campaign entitled ‘PLUG’ is based around a slogan of #dontforgettheplug and includes key messages to promote the benefits of supporting the Unified Water Label- as seen here:

  • Promote the benefits of reducing water wastage
  • Link water, energy and carbon issues
  • Understand how much water is used
  • Gain from commercial advantage

Yvonne Orgill UWLA MD said, “The campaign will highlight that there is no single solution to creating change and driving forward the water efficiency agenda.  It will demonstrate that the Unified Water Label plays a pivotal role in educating, and is part of a collaboration of working together with all sectors of the industry. 

“The campaign is based around a comprehensive communication plan that will begin immediately in the UK and be rolled out via National Associations and partners across the EU next year.

“We have a unique opportunity to come together and take advantage of an increased awareness of the green agenda, and a drive by governments to support carbon reduction programmes, to aid economic recovery.”

Marketing collateral is available for anyone that wishes to support the campaign, email orgill@europeanbathroomforum.eu  for more information.

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Talent acquisition team expands at Simon Acres Group

Talent Acquisition Team expands at Simon Acres

Simon Acres Group (SAGL) has expanded its talent acquisition team with the addition of Lauren Wallace.  Lauren has recruitment experience from working with a local recruitment business and specific expertise within the construction and KBB sector.

The appointment reflects the need for Simon Acres Group to service more clients as merchants, KBB suppliers and retailers across the country, respond to the continued growth in enquiries from consumers wishing to invest in their homes.

Commenting on her appointment Lauren said, “I am delighted to be joining Simon Acres Group.  The company represents everything I love about recruitment, in terms of building long term relationships and trust with clients.  They are innovative and dynamic, and I am excited about contributing to the growth of the business.

Head of Recruitment Ben Paine commented, “Lauren is a welcome addition to our team.  Her experience and drive will be invaluable in helping us provide robust support to our clients, helping them navigate the ever-changing working environment that we all find ourselves in.”

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