Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

KUDOS staff hit £5,000 MIND charity target

May 23, 2024

Staff at Kudos have completed many fundraising activities over the past year and hit their target, raising over £5000 for MIND, their chosen charity.

At the start of 2023, these dedicated staff at UK shower enclosure manufacturer Kudos rallied behind MIND as their corporate charity. Their journey was marked by a series of inspiring activities, including the 3 Yorkshire Peaks, where a team of people with varied experience in endurance walking committed to weeks of training for the 24-mile circular walk with a total elevation of 1700m and completed the walk in an impressive 10 hours and 52 minutes. Other fundraising activities included taking part in the Cheshire Tough Mudder, where a team of 10 completed a 5km obstacle course, raffles and (of course) bake sales. These collective efforts culminated in a significant achievement, with a total of £ 5127.75 raised by the end of April 2024.

The MIND charity has existed for 70 years, supporting people with mental health problems. They do this through public campaigns and influencing decision-makers. They have local services in communities across England and Wales that try to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem can access the support they need. In 2022/23 MIND responded to over 130,000 queries to their support and information helplines, £10 helps 15 people to receive support through Mind’s online peer support community, £500 helps to answer 25 enquiries to its Legal Line, £100 is enough to run a virtual school support session. Overall, they have touched millions of lives, but with 1 in 4 of us having mental health problems, their work continues. A little goes a long way for charities like this, and the team at Kudos wanted to show their support.

Kudos has just announced that the staff this year has voted to make The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital their corporate charity for this year, and fund-raising events are already being planned to support it.

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Living La Dolce Vita – Ideal Standard’s new range celebrates all things Italian

May 23, 2024

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has unveiled its new La Dolce Vita range, the latest addition to its design-led Atelier Collections. The new range has been designed by chief design officer Roberto Palomba and has been inspired by its famous namesake expression – the sweet life.

Whether it’s an ice-cold negroni on the Amalfi coast or a dive into the turquoise waters of Sicily, the Italian lifestyle is all about indulging in beauty whenever you can. In 2024, Ideal Standard is allowing its customers to bring that beauty into their homes.

The collection features a complete bathroom solution – from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to mixer taps, shower products and accessories. Furthermore, the collection seamlessly integrates with Ideal Standard’s furniture selection and broader product range, all thanks to its Singular™ philosophy. This ensures designers and customers can explore and select elements that perfectly align with their vision and requirements.

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Dolce-Vita

Aesthetically, La Dolce Vita’s beauty is carefully balanced between geometric shapes and forms inspired by the natural environment. The tapered shape and curved edges of the ceramic vanities and toilets in the collection elegantly separate them from the crowd. At the same time, the deep, flower-shaped vessel basins are instantly eye-catching in both square and round designs. The accompanying vanities are available in six sizes, including standout asymmetric models with a practical storage surface. As a statement piece, the freestanding bathtub commands the space in any bathroom but still echoes the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian lifestyle.

Fittings and accessories follow the same lead, with basin mixers, vessel mixers, wall-mounted models, and bath and shower mixers sharing the same design DNA. The shower systems feature a sleek stem-like design with minimalist curves. They are available in classic chrome or Ideal Standard’s durable PVD colours: brushed gold, magnetic grey and silver storm.

It isn’t just style where La Dolce Vita thrives. Behind the elegant exterior lies innovative Ideal Standard technology. WCs feature AquaBlade® technology (or RimLS+® on wall-hung bowls) for excellent flushing performance and improved hygiene, while the FirmaFlow® ceramic cartridges in the taps ensure durability.

La Dolce Vita is now available, to find out more about Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, please visit: www.idealstandard.com

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300-year old ‘Etna’ volcanic ash product launches at UK Construction Week

May 23, 2024

A groundbreaking home decorating material, crafted from 350-year-old volcanic ash sourced from Mount Etna, made its world debut at UK Construction Week (UKCW) London this month.

Etna® is the brainchild of Sicily-based manufacturer Nikkolor Italia and is composed of volcanic ash from the Etna eruption of 1669, pure natural hydraulic lime, natural active ingredients and mineral aggregates.

Supplied as a dry powder, this innovative material transforms into a versatile plaster when mixed with water, allowing for a variety of stunning finishes and effects. Sustainable and breathable, Etna not only enhances aesthetics but also reinforces, protects, and restores both exterior and interior walls.

Etna® was the result of the REUCET 2018/2020 project (recovery and use of Etna volcanic ash) conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Catania and financed by the Ministry of the Environment.

Nikkolor Italia was among the 16 companies showcasing their innovations at the special Sicilian Pavilion during UKCW London, held from May 7-9. As the UK’s largest exhibition for the built environment, UKCW London provided an ideal platform for Nikkolor Italia to present its cutting-edge products.

The founders of Nikkolor Italia, Salvo Caniglia and Ierna Tiziana, said: “Visitors could not believe that we use volcanic ash that is older than any living creature on the planet. It was fantastic to use UK Construction Week London to launch our unique product to the world, and we hope this is the start of a promising relationship between UKCW and Sicily.”

Vito Ruscigno, Foreign Technical Sales Manager, Nikkolor Italia, added: “The reaction and feedback to the launch of Etna at our stand within the Sicilian Pavilion was brilliant – at some stages we had people queuing up to speak to us!”

Sam Patel, the divisional director – of construction, commented: “The launch of products like Etna at UKCW London helps to further strengthen the show’s international status and reputation, and it’s exactly what our event is all about – innovation, international collaboration and bringing the very latest products and learnings directly to those at the heart of the construction industry, from architects to contractors, surveyors to engineers.”

More exclusive launches and live demonstrations will take place at UKCW Birmingham, which runs from October 1-3 2024; UKCW London will return next year, from May 6-8 2025.

Registration for the Birmingham event is now live. click here to register.

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Bathrooms to Love adds texture with STRIATA fluted bath

May 22, 2024

The fluted finish bathroom trend is on the rise, leading PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand to add a stunning new fluted bath to its lineup.

‘STRIATA,’ the newest addition to the Bathrooms to Love Free-standing bath range. This luxurious model boasts soft vertical fluting and a pristine white finish.

Expanding the variety of trendy fluted designs in the Bathrooms to Love collection, which also includes furniture, wetroom glass panels, and washbowls, the STRIATA Free-standing bath is crafted from high-grade acrylic. Its design features smooth curves and a striking appearance. The fluted exterior introduces a stylish new element, making it a standout centerpiece for any bathroom project or showroom display.

Measuring L1700mm x W750mm x H570mm, this luxurious bath boasts a 260-litre water capacity and comes with a pre-fitted integrated waste. Pair it with a floor-standing bath shower mixer, like the ‘Pescara’ model in brushed brass, or opt for wall-mounted taps. Bathrooms to Love also provides matching waste cover kits in finishes such as brushed brass and matt black, ensuring a cohesive look.

Tanna Molyneux, Bathroom Product Manager, PJH, said: “The latest fluted look is a great way of introducing new textures to bathroom schemes, allowing the light to bounce over the surface for added visual interest. It embraces this season’s Bathrooms to Love theme, ‘Nature’s Palette’, taking inspiration from organic shapes and textures.”

Now in stock and available to order from PJH, the new STRIATA Bath comes with a competitive display deal and a package of showroom support. This includes a QR code with AR link for customer’s to view STRIATA in their own space, as well as this handy new video: STRIATA by BTL Video

Supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, STRIATA can be ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Clerkenwell Design Week reports 20% increase in registrations

May 22, 2024

Leading global design festival Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) opened on this week and marked its best pre-registrations, up by 20% from 2023. The 13th edition returns to the EC1 neighbourhood, boasting a programme of more than 600 curated events supported by over 160 local showrooms and 300 exhibitors spanning across 12+ venues. Register now for free festival passes.

Through 23 May 2024, architects, specifiers, interior designers and the public alike have the opportunity to discover everything from innovative furniture and lighting to cutting-edge kitchen and bathroom designs, materials, decorative accessories and more.

A key highlight of the festival is its curated series of site-specific installations, once again gracing the streets of Clerkenwell. Notable installations include Stay Playful (When No One Feels Like Playing) by 2LG Studio, featuring a vintage helter-skelter in Spa Fields inspired by old fairgrounds, as well as two interactive light features: Grid System by artist Ben Cullen Wiliams at Light, and PLUS by Jestico + Whiles in collaboration with Bolon at Sutton Yard.

While Duffy London partners with surface designer Orsi Orban for Gatekeepers at St John’s Gate of the Order of St John, two remarkable installations are presented on Clerkenwell Green, celebrating the sustainability, versatility and beauty of natural stone: Brick from a Stone designed by architects Artefact for Albion Stone and Hutton Stone, and Stone Tapestry: Beyond the Surface by Stone Federation.

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Roca introduces Tura collection in collaboration with Andreu Carulla

May 22, 2024

Roca’s latest bathroom collection, Tura, was created in collaboration with designer Andreu Carulla, reflecting a fusion of design and sustainability. Inspired by Barcelona’s architectural heritage, Carulla’s Tura has soft finishes and natural textures reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The collection is complemented by durable ceramic, recycled cork, felt, and outdoor fabrics, showcasing Carulla’s mindful approach to environmental impact.

Tura seamlessly fits into various settings, whether a modern city apartment or a countryside dwelling. Its versatility allows it to harmonise with any interior design concept. Below, we highlight its notable features.

Washbasins

Tura’s washbasins are characterised by bold, modern design elements. An impressive feature of the basins is the concealed drain, ingeniously integrated into the design to ensure a seamless, uninterrupted bowl. The collection boasts diverse shapes and sizes, including asymmetric countertop models that offer extra surface area on one side, perfect for storing essential toiletries.

Furniture

Tura furniture is available in several options, such as a version with a drawer and an open bottom shelf, another with two drawers, and an option with two drawers and open-slatted shelves inspired by Mediterranean shutters, Available in Matt White, Light Noble Grey, and Light Terracotta, the colour palette evokes the essence of the Mediterranean. A standout feature of these vanity units is the innovative integrated siphon, designed to maximise storage space without sacrificing functionality in the top drawer.

Small-space solutions

Good things come in small packages, and Tura’s stylish designs are available in a full range of sizes, including for compact bathrooms. For example, basins start from wall-hung models of 550 x 275mm and 450 x 360mm – and there are corresponding vanity units too.

Baths

The shape of the Tura bath is inspired by an architectural cantilever system, creating the illusion that it is floating in space. This effect is amplified by the option of an LED light around the base. The bath’s success lies in its being made from Roca’s composite Stonex®. This robust material allows for a spacious and light bath, with elegantly thin walls and a slim ridge around the edge which accommodates a useful wooden bath tray. From a practical point of view, Stonex® is also warm to the touch, anti-slip and easy to keep clean.

WCs & bidets

The Tura WCs and bidets come in wall-hung, floor-standing and close-coupled options, designed to blend into any bathroom space. The floor-standing models are 42cm high as standard for added comfort for older people. Furthermore, all ceramics are available with Roca’s antimicrobial Supraglaze® finish, which makes it difficult for dirt and limescale to stick to the surface, meaning it is easier to clean.

Accessories

The Tura collection stands out due to its added extras. For instance, the bath tray, essential for all long soaks, is made of FSC®-certified wood and designed to sit flush on the tub’s edge. For added comfort, the Tura bath also comes with a height-adjustable headrest, made of recycled outdoor fabric, which is quick-dry and mildew resistant. The headrest features a wooden counterweight for easy height adjustment. Finally, the collection includes recycled felt storage boxes specially designed for the open shelves. Available in two different sizes, these lightweight boxes come with a recycled cork lid that not only keeps contents dust-free but doubles as a shelf over the washbasins (below, left).

The Tura bath is made of Stonex®, a smooth composite; the basins, WCs and bidets are made of ceramic and come in Gloss White, Supraglaze® White and Matt White finishes; and the furniture is available in Off-White, Light Noble Grey and Light Terracotta.

Stockist: 01530 830080 or uk.roca.com/where-to-buy-showrooms

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SIAMP named gold sponsors for BMA Charity Summer Social

May 22, 2024

SIAMP has been announced as the gold sponsor for the golf event at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s (BMA) Charity Summer Social, taking place on July 3rd, 2024, at Worsley Park in Manchester.

Established in Monaco in 1947, SIAMP now operates across all five continents. For over 75 years, SIAMP has been a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing an extensive range of toilet products and systems.

The BMA Charity Summer Social presents a prime opportunity for bathroom industry professionals to network, build new relationships, and support a charitable cause. The event kicks off at 11 am with registration and refreshments, including tea, coffee, and bacon or egg rolls. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to playing 18 holes on the esteemed PGA Championship Course, with tee-off times starting at noon. For those not interested in golf, the Soapbox Derby Team-Building Event offers an engaging alternative, ensuring an enjoyable day for all attendees.

“We’re thrilled to be the gold sponsors for the BMA Charity Summer Social golf event,” said Ashley Shires, managing director of SIAMP.

“At SIAMP, we’re committed to innovation and excellence in the sanitary industry, and we’re equally dedicated to giving back to our community. This event not only provides a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to come together but also supports the incredible work of Band of Builders, a cause that resonates deeply with us.”

The evening will culminate in a relaxed four-course meal, providing the perfect opportunity for attendees to relax and unwind after a day of friendly competition and team-building activities. Most importantly, the Charity Summer Social will directly contribute to the endeavours of Band of Builders, an organisation dedicated to helping those in need within the community.

“We’re excited to host the inaugural Charity Summer Social in collaboration with SIAMP and other industry leaders,” said Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA.

“This event underscores the importance of coming together as a sector to support meaningful causes while enjoying a day of fun and networking. Whether you’re a golfer or prefer team-building activities, there’s something for everyone at this event. We encourage all members of the bathroom sector to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable day.”

There are limited places available, but to register for the BMA Charity Summer Social or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the BMA Charity Summer Social website.

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BC Designs collaborates with COAT paints on exclusive palette

May 22, 2024

UK bath manufacturer BC Designs has partnered with COAT Paints to launch an exclusive range of paints for their painted baths and basin collections.

BC Designs’ painted baths are among their most popular products. Not only do they offer visual appeal, but painted baths and basins also provide a way to introduce vibrant colours into the bathroom, a trend that has dominated the past seven years.

Retailers can now offer this exclusive paint range, featuring six unique colours: Smitten Pink, Fresh Coast, Pebble Beach, Sand Dune, Olive Garden, and Meadow View.

Keeley Sutcliffe, brand manager at BC Designs, says: “As part of our brand strategy to take ownership of the luxury end of the bathroom market, we will be working with like-minded brands to launch collaborations which strengthen our offering to our retailers.

“The initial colour palette offers retailers a choice of popular colours such as blues, greens and neutrals in unique shades made to eco-formulas and with sustainability at the heart of the COAT brand.”

www.bcdesigns.co.uk

About Coat Paints

COAT Paints is a modern, eco-conscious paint company renowned for its high-quality, sustainable products. COAT offers a curated selection of premium paints which emphasise both style and environmental responsibility. Its paints are low in VOCs, ensuring a healthier indoor environment, and come in a range of contemporary colours crafted to suit any interior design.

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PJH appoints marketing manager to bolster brand initiatives

May 20, 2024

UK KBB distributor PJH has appointed Samantha Mitchell to its marketing team as a new marketing manager to support its Bathroom, Appliance, Sink and Tap categories.

Samantha is also tasked with developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies for PJH own-brands – such as Prima Appliances, Sinks & Taps, with her responsibilities including managing marketing collateral, developing brand websites, creating compelling content, and liaising with external agencies to enhance the company’s market presence.

Reflecting on her new role, Samantha expressed her enthusiasm, “I am pleased to be joining PJH; the company’s dedication to its employees, and its clear vision for the future drew me to this opportunity. I am excited to contribute to our own-brands’ growth, move them to the next level, and to implement innovative marketing strategies that resonate with our customers.”

Before joining PJH, Samantha honed her skills in various marketing roles, accruing over 15 years’ experience, most recently serving as Marketing Manager at Taziker, where she led successful marketing campaigns and initiatives.

Kimberley Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Samantha to our growing team. Her extensive experience and fresh perspectives on marketing are exactly what PJH needs as we continue to expand our reach and influence in the industry. Her strategic vision will be invaluable as we move forward with our ambitious growth plans.

PJH says it prides itself on its long history of service excellence, robust customer relationships, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing – like its motto ‘together we’re better’.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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Drummonds selected for Mediterranean retreat

May 20, 2024

What better place to entertain friends and family than in the sunlit hills of Spain’s idyllic coastline? This holiday villa is a Mediterranean sanctuary with enviable views of the sea and surrounding landscape. Natural light streams through every space, with large windows framing the picturesque scenery and bringing the coastline indoors.

The spacious bathrooms are central to the villa’s luxurious atmosphere, featuring Drummonds fittings throughout. Each of the seven spectacular bedrooms enjoys its own private en suite, showcasing the timeless craftsmanship of classic bathroom design.

Whilst the other six bedrooms burst with colour and texture, the master suite creates a calming atmosphere with subtle neutral hues. The unique stone, which resembles bamboo, was sourced in Belgium and needed delicate handling and installation. The result, however, was well worth it. The owners couldn’t be happier with the space they have created, “At night, with subtle lighting and candlelight, it creates a very calming and romantic feel.”

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