To coincide with its Flair PRO Essential Collections launch, Flair Showers revealed its ‘Trust Flair. Trust PRO’ campaign at InstallerSHOW 2024. Flair highlights its hassle-free, quick and efficient installation process and emphasises that Flair is a trusted solution for professional installers, allowing them to choose and fit products they can rely on.
The campaign film ‘The Van’ begins at Flair’s HQ and shows the efficient ordering process from raising an order to selecting it and preparing it for delivery. Flair wanted to show the real-life process to installers to share how streamlined it is and highlight the level of support provided by the customer care team.
Running in tandem with the footage filmed at the Flair headquarters, the video shows a trade professional installing a Verve PRO shower door frame with Flair’s Click-Fit PRO Assembly System.
Flair has also generated a brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections brochure specifically for trade professionals as part of its ‘Installers Choice’ campaign. The new Flair PRO brochure will provide bathroom installers with information on shower enclosures, wetrooms, and bath screens. Installers can highlight that there is an affordable Flair shower configuration for every space and requirement that will stand the test of time. The new Flair brochure will also feature a QR code to allow for quick access to installation videos and spec sheets, further supporting the trade professional during the fitting stage.
Sarah O’Reilly, senior marketing executive, Flair Showers, says: “At Flair, we have created a brand new campaign, the ‘Installers Choice’, to show trade professionals that we are their trusted partner for showering solutions. Flair PRO is constructed with high quality materials and is engineered to save valuable time and energy from the fitter’s perspective. Our new van campaign film shows how quick and easy the installation of a Verve PRO shower door is, alongside details of our ordering, packing and delivery process.
“Visitors to InstallerSHOW were able to get hands-on with our brand new Verve PRO shower door at our demonstration area, and have a go at installing it as easily and quickly as shown in our new film.”
With an enduring dedication to protecting tile and stone, Schlüter-Systems offers more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone, including a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and wetroom drainage systems. The brand is an ideal choice for the premium end of the bathroom retail sector, especially for those looking to take a system-led approach to their bathroom designs and installations. Parts of Schlüter’s portfolio, such as the underfloor heating and tile trims, also appeal to premium-end kitchen showrooms and retailers.
Today we talk to Koralia Hume, director of Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, to find out why the companies work so well together.
Quarrybank’s story
We are a family-run business in the heart of Wilmslow, which was created by myself and my husband two years ago. We are a boutique-style showroom that offers a unique solution for bathroom spaces based on quality and creativity. We don’t sell just bathrooms – we sell visions which are always backed up by high-quality products. When our customers come to us they are looking for a top-quality service with top-quality products and oodles of creativity. I would like to think this is exactly what we offer; when a customer chooses to work with us, they know they will receive exceptional service. We are now an award-winning company after our installation team won a KBB Review award for Installation Company of the Year. This only confirms what we already knew: we are the best installers in our area! With that in mind, our reputation is on the line every time we go into the customer’s house to transform the existing, probably outdated space into something really exceptional. We provide quality, we install quality, and we guarantee quality.
How did you become involved in the bathroom industry?
My husband and partner, Steven Hume, has been in the plumbing and heating trade for many years. As he was already a successful installer of luxury bathrooms, it seemed a natural progression to offer a complete solution to our customers. We took the plunge(!) and opened our 600 sq ft showroom in June 2022. We chose Wilmslow because it has such a vibrant, positive town centre.
How long have you been a Schlüter-Systems retailer?
We have sold Schlüter-Systems products to our customers for two years. Steven has used Schlüter’s excellent products on many high-end bathroom installations over the years, and when we opened the showroom, we knew we wanted to offer these same products to our customers.
As a business, how have you adapted over the past three years?
Our customers like to see for themselves what we can offer them, and we currently have 15 displays. Choosing a new bathroom is a very personal experience, and people value a one-to-one discussion and actually seeing the displays we inspire.
Have you found customer demands changing in recent years?
Customers are definitely paying more attention to their spending and are looking for quality products, great workmanship and a beautiful finish in a bathroom that will last. Schlüter’s products help us to achieve our customers’ exacting requirements.
What, for you, is a typical bathroom installation size and value, and customer profile?
We attract customers from the Cheshire area. They tend to be in their 40’s with young families. With a typical space of up to 10m2, customers spend an average of between £23,000 – £25,000 for a fully installed bathroom.
Do you design, supply, install?
Yes, we look after the whole process!
How do the next five years look for Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms?
We want to be the go-to showroom in Cheshire, recognised for our creative approach to supplying unique solutions. We are looking to expand the installation side of the business alongside an increase in sales. Oh, and we’d like a Showroom of the Year award to go with our Installer Company of the Year award!
What bathroom trends are you seeing?
Consumers are really interested in sustainability and are looking to emulate natural materials with wood finishes and wood effect tiles. There is a trend for earthy colours, such as terracotta, in the bathroom.
What do you love about the industry?
As a designer, I love the creative process. Showing a new customer the endless solutions available and creating something spectacular is a big thrill!
Why did you choose Schlüter-Systems?
As a showroom of unparalleled reputation, we only work with top-quality products. Our reputation is everything to us and, as a showroom providing full bathroom services from design to supply and installation, it is crucial that only the best is offered to our customers.
When selecting our partners and suppliers, we carefully choose brands that align with our values and provide high-quality products across a wide range.
Schlüter-Systems is a tile installation expert with over 50 years of experience. When we discovered the company’s products, we knew it was a perfect match. After trying and testing the products, we found that they significantly enhance our installations, offering even more detail and unique solutions to our designs.
We pride ourselves on delivering unique solutions for bathroom designs, ensuring the longevity of the finished product, and enhancing the usability factor for our customers. With Schlüter-Systems, we can achieve all that and more.
What are popular products/ranges amongst your customers?
We love Schlüter tile trims. They are a joy to work with and our customers love choosing them. The variety of finishes and colours is vast, allowing us to play with samples during appointments and find the perfect match for each customer.
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT underfloor heating is also very popular when it comes to adding an extra heating system in the bathroom. The quality of this product is excellent, far superior to anything else on the market. What customers particularly appreciate about DITRA-HEAT is the second cable attachment feature. If anything goes wrong over the years, you can simply re-plug the system with a second cable – something other manufacturers do not offer.
How do you find the customer service from Schlüter-Systems? Is there anything that stands out to you?
The customer service at Schlüter-Systems is second to none. Our enquiries are answered promptly by attentive staff, allowing us to pass on complete information to our customers. Our rep, Philip Cutts, is a wonderful person inside and out. He visits us often to ensure we have the latest knowledge and products, offers training to both our showroom staff and installation team, and is generally a pleasure to work with. His attentiveness and extensive knowledge, particularly from his background in installation, are invaluable when we discuss complex design points. As a family-run business, relationships mean everything to us. Partnering with Schlüter-Systems has been a wonderful experience and journey. We always feel supported, inspired and encouraged.
Have you completed any exciting projects recently featuring Schlüter-Systems?
Every single project of ours is completed with Schlüter trims. We’ve been using their products for nearly two years and our installers find them super easy to work with, while our customers find them very attractive. It’s a great combination because our installers have a keen attention to detail, and when such skills are matched with the right product, the result is incredible.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
Design is at the heart of the new collection. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces feature contemporary and traditional styles. The shower enclosures offer a variety of styles, including quadrant, sliding, and hinge doors, while the brassware comes in multiple tap configurations with finishes that match the shower enclosures.
Colour features throughout the range are important, ensuring cross-product colour coordination to meet diverse design preferences.
Add a touch of paradise to indoor and outdoor spaces with Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. Creating a cool and contemporary retreat, Beach House brings tropical island living home with a range of beautiful products designed to work in harmony with nature.
Outdoor shower columns rejuvenate and connect you to the simplicities of nature, while sun-kissed teak furniture, stone composite BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs, shimmering metallic brassware, and whitewashed wood-effect tiles make for a complete bathroom solution that transports you to another world.
Made from Grade 316 stainless steel, Beach House mixers and shower columns offer lasting durability for outdoor use. Weather-resistant PVD brassware finishes in Brushed Stainless Steel, Oyster, Titanium, and PVD Brushed Copper add a touch of sophistication, complemented by travertine accessories reminiscent of soft sand beaches.
Light hues open a space, mimicking the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas, while organic, curved shapes advocate for moments of self-care. From stylish terrazzo and integrated basins to sleek natural wood vanity units and illuminated LED mirrors, every element is crafted to enhance the spa bathroom experience.
Leading surface and sanitaryware brand RAK Ceramics has launched its newest innovation, the RAK-Ingot washbasins. Crafted to redefine bathroom elegance, these washbasins captivate with their luxurious finishes, sleek shapes, and ability to integrate with any modern bathroom scheme.
Available in four distinct shapes – rectangle, oval, round, and square – the RAK-Ingot washbasins epitomise contemporary sophistication. The circle measures 360x360x110mm, the oval measures 550x350x115mm, the square basin measures 400x400x10mm, and the rectangle measures 500x350x100mm. These versatile dimensions mean they are compatible with a wide range of bathroom layouts.
The hallmark of the RAK-Ingot washbasins is their exquisite finishes, which are available in three stunning options: Matt Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel. Each finish exudes luxury, adding a touch of opulence to any bathroom space. These finishes are meticulously crafted to complement current trends for unique textures and metallics in contemporary bathroom design, allowing designers and homeowners to create truly bespoke spaces.
The RAK-Ingot washbasins are engineered for seamless integration with RAK Ceramics accessories, taps and mirrors. This holistic approach to bathroom design ensures a harmonious aesthetic that elevates the overall bathing experience.
The RAK-Ingot range extends to stainless steel recessed Niches in Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass finishes. Available in various sizes, including 30×30, 30×60, 30×60 with 1 dividing shelf, 30×120, and 30×120 with 2 dividing shelves, these niches provide practical storage solutions while effortlessly complementing the RAK-Ingot washbasins.
PJH, one of the UK’s leading distributors in the KBB sector, has introduced 34 new delivery vehicles to its 130-strong fleet. 14 DAF XF tractor units and 20 7.5-tonne DAF LF box trucks join the distributor’s national transport network.
This multi-million-pound, multi-year deal investment is part of PJH’s ambitious fleet renewal programme. It ensures state-of-the-art logistics support for its expanding business needs and reinforces its commitment to sustainable delivery capabilities and exceptional ‘First Choice’ Customer Service.
The new fleet, acquired through Asset Alliance Group, includes comprehensive repair and maintenance services, providing PJH with reliable and consistent vehicle performance. Shaun Berry, National Transport Manager at PJH, remarked, “Our vehicle fleet has grown by 30% in just over three years, with this ongoing investment ensuring our vehicles are of the highest quality, reliable and provide our drivers with a comfortable working environment.”
The updated fleet will be used for PJH’s extensive distribution and home delivery operations, with an emphasis on maintaining high-reliability standards and a professional image. In addition to introducing the 34 new delivery vehicles, the refresh includes 21 vehicles due to be replaced later this year, ensuring PJH’s nationwide fleet remains ultra-modern and efficient.
Shaun added, “With PJH now making over 350,000 deliveries annually, many of which are next-day services, the new vehicles will enhance our customer service even further through their greater reliability, efficiency, and appearance.”
Acquabella, known for its avant-garde designs, continues to redefine bathroom aesthetics with its latest range of baths and basins. Specialising in mineral-based solutions, Acquabella products exemplify elegance fused with functionality, appealing to both modern and classic bathroom settings.
Their flagship products, including the stylish Noon Slate bathtub and the sleek Acquasolid collection, composed of basins and worktops, showcase Acquabella’s mastery when blending form and function. Crafted from durable and silica-free materials, these offerings enhance the visual appeal of bathrooms and promise longevity and ease of maintenance—a testament to Acquabella’s dedication to sustainable design practices.
On the one hand, the Noon bathtub features a Slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. At the same time, its smooth interior boasts a practical ledge, which is ideal for placing bath products or any accessories. Thanks to its material, Akron®, it can be designed in more than 2000 colours. On the other hand, Acquabella presents the Acquasolid collection, composed of washbasins and countertops (Tai, Kivu and Tana series) made of Solid Surface with a white, matt, highly resistant finish.
Acquabella’s commitment to innovation and quality reaffirms its position as a trendsetter in the bathroom industry. It continually pushes boundaries and sets new standards for elegance and efficiency.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced the addition of Dornbracht as its latest member.
Founded in 1950, Dornbracht is said to have been at the forefront of innovation in the bathroom and kitchen fittings sector, beginning with their invention of the pull-out spout. The company is known for manufacturing high-quality, low-maintenance and durable products.
Dornbracht’s innovation in hydrotherapy and chromotherapy recognises the benefits of innovative bathroom design to the body, mind, and soul. The recently launched Aquahalo and Serenity Sky showers reflect the priority on wellbeing, with both products offering a spa experience at home and inviting consumers to ‘follow your bliss’.
The company’s industry-first business model, Dornbracht ReCrafted, promises a new lease of life to its products when removed from residential and commercial projects. Dornbracht collects the fittings and takes them to its Iserlohn factory, where they are fully reconditioned and circulated back into the sales market. This process saves up to 40% of CO2 compared to manufacturing a new fitting.
Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s chief executive, welcomed Dornbracht to the association: “We are thrilled to welcome Dornbracht to the BMA. Their dedication to producing durable, high-quality, and sustainably manufactured products aligns perfectly with the BMA’s mission to reduce the environmental impact of the bathroom manufacturing sector.
“Their innovative approach and commitment to excellence set a high standard for the industry, and we look forward to the valuable contributions they will bring to our association.”
Craig Johnstone, UK head of sales and marketing at Dornbracht, shared his thoughts on joining the BMA: “Joining the BMA is an important step for us. As the voice of bathroom manufacturers, the association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our industry. We are proud to align ourselves with an organisation that shares our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow members to drive positive change and continue advancing the standards of excellence in the bathroom manufacturing sector.”
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications suitable for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury and drama to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models. Moreover, in addition to stunning centrepiece freestanding baths, Bathrooms to Love also offers space-saving options, such as back-to-wall and corner freestanding baths.
One of the newest additions, the STRIATA freestanding bath, is a luxurious new model featuring soft vertical fluting and a crisp white finish. The fluted finish bathroom trend is gaining momentum. In response, STRIATA’s soft fluted exterior adds a stylish new depth to the design, making it an obvious statement piece for any bathroom or showroom display. Measuring in at L1700mm x W750mm x H570mm, this sumptuous, deep bath has a 260-litre water capacity with a pre-fitted integrated waste. Pair with a floor-standing bath shower mixer, such as the ‘Pescara’ model (as shown in a brushed brass finish) or wall-mounted taps. In addition, Bathrooms to Love offers compatible waste cover kits in coordinating finishes such as brushed brass and matt black.
Meanwhile, opting for a coloured bath exterior is becoming very popular, especially when coordinated with other pops of colour in the bathroom – as shown at the top of the page – in the beautiful BELMONT freestanding bath in a bold matt blue finish. Curvaceous and streamlined, this double-ended bath has a generous capacity of 245 litres, delivering a spacious bathing area. It is also available in a subtle grey as well as white, and like all the freestanding baths from Bathrooms to Love, it is made from high-grade acrylic.
There’s nothing better than a classically styled floor-standing bath for traditional bathroom projects, yet with all the benefits of modern-day manufacturing. The Bathrooms to Love GRACE floor-standing bath oozes old-fashioned beauty and charm with its roll-top styling and chunky base. With a slipper-style shape, GRACE has a practical yet elegant back-to-wall design and a water capacity of 175 litres. Teamed with traditional brassware, it is the perfect showpiece for any classic bathroom.
Always in stock and available to order from PJH, the Bathrooms to Love freestanding bath collection is supported with a package of showroom support, as well as Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes and to store or home), and can be easily ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
Duravit explores how materials can impact design. Whether selecting velvety cast-mineral materials or distinctive natural patterns, designers can raise the bar for bathroom design.
Intriguing textures, the best materials, and bespoke surfaces can create a personalised atmosphere highlighting individual design styles. A harmonious mix of materials can be achieved by comparing the different effects of the various elements used and how they interact.
Glass: lightness and transparency
Glass conveys a feeling of spaciousness and freedom and helps to create an elegant and airy atmosphere in any room. The Vitrium bathroom, designed by Christian Werner (pictured top), skillfully places this effect centre stage: the smoke-coloured glass fronts lend the furniture a light, almost floating appearance. Conversely, the black textured glass fronts combined with the wooden carcass on Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha range imbue the bathroom with a sophisticated elegance.
This makes glass a true all-rounder, which is especially effective when combined with other materials.
Natural stone: pure beauty
Choosing natural stone brings an element of nature into the bathroom. Natural stone conveys unique qualities with its individual colour nuances, textures, and patterns. A distinctive stone panel in three different tones brings a natural, timeless constancy to the Qatego designer bathroom range by Studio F. A. Porsche.
Metal: a variety of interpretations
Metal’s currency in the furniture sector is partly due to its versatility. With a range of different variants, the material can provide an extra-special look in any bathroom. For instance, a minimalistic piece of metal furniture can create a futuristic and pared-down impression or a gentle and softer effect can be produced when combined with wood.
The Viu/XViu model perfectly exemplifies how a sleek metal frame can mix with a delicately worked ceramic basin to create a washbasin with sculptural style. In turn, the Aurena bathroom range blends Italian elegance with a touch of modern industrial style by combining the metal frame either with ceramic panels for a marbled look or embossed ebony to create a highly elegant ambience.
Wood: cosy warmth
Surfaces with a wooden aesthetic imbue the interior design with warmth more than virtually any other raw material. Décor surfaces with a wooden texture make rooms homely and comfortable, creating a calming and relaxed atmosphere. Their natural colour palette makes them a perfect match for other surfaces, always fitting in while remaining unobtrusive. Above all, combining a wooden vanity unit and a ceramic or cast-mineral washbasin creates a sense of timeless elegance.
Ceramic: undisputed bathroom classic
Robust, durable, and easy-to-clean ceramic is practical and looks great. The innovative material DuraCeram® enables washbasins with extremely thin walls and precise dimensions to be manufactured without affecting quality and durability. A case in point is the washbasins of the Luv range, featuring clear contours and edges. They can be interpreted in various ways: sometimes elegant, sometimes minimalistic, but always unique and a design statement.
Cast mineral: tactile newcomer
There are many reasons why washbasins and bathtubs made from cast mineral are becoming increasingly popular. The unique feature of DuroCast, the cast-mineral material developed by Duravit, is the velvety matt surface that looks elegant, and allows extremely precise shapes to be crafted.
DuroCast feels extraordinary to the touch and brings a warm yet elegant atmosphere into the bathroom, it can be perfectly combined with other materials such as wood and glass.
