Studio F. A. Porsche designed the Qatego bathroom range for Duravit with a clearly defined style.
The Chicago Athenaeum bestowed the GOOD DESIGN® Award, one of the oldest and globally renowned awards, upon Qatego in the “Bathroom and Accessories” category. The GOOD DESIGN® award is a testament that the selected products meet the most exacting international standards in design excellence. The Duravit Qatego collection was published in the 2023-2024 GOOD DESIGN yearbook.
Harmonious bathroom ranges reference nature
The minimalistic design language of Qatego is about slowing things down. The range favours natural materials with tactile surfaces: wood, ceramic, and natural stone come together, creating a harmonious bathroom design with skillfully accentuated niches. The designers see the washbasins and furniture as a combination of design and functionality.
“With Qatego, we took our lead from people’s needs in the familiar yet intimate surroundings of the bathroom. That’s why it was important for us to lend the objects a strong emotional quality that goes beyond mere functionality,” said Henning Rieseler, design director at Studio F. A. Porsche describing the creative process.
The rounded form of the sanitary objects stands out against the linear and minimalistic design of the cabinets. The designers referenced archetypes in their creative process:
“As a material, ceramic tends to have softer forms due to the working and the firing processes, while our perception of furniture is generally box-like,” said the design studio.
Water Regs UK is issuing a vital reminder to all planning to renovate their bathrooms this year: plumbing projects are often best left to the professionals.
With the cost-of-living pressures, understandably, many will be tempted to fix any leaks and install new appliances. But enthusiastic DIYers can often make costly mistakes.
A survey conducted by Water Regs UK has revealed that plumbing mishaps are the number one DIY disaster in UK homes, with 18% of respondents admitting they had to call in a plumber to rectify attempted DIY plumbing jobs.
The survey, encompassing the experiences of over 2,000 people across the UK, highlights the prevalence of DIY attempts gone wrong and underscores that plumbing needs the specialist skills of a qualified professional. Plumbers emerge as the most sought-after trade for fixing DIY disasters, with electricians and plasterers following closely behind.
Julie Spinks, managing director of Water Regs UK, highlights the significance of hiring qualified professionals, explaining, “In challenging economic times we all want to save money. However, attempting DIY plumbing projects can make things worse and end up costing more. If a mishap occurs, it’s crucial to hire a qualified plumber. Every day, half of Britain’s plumbers are called in to fix mistakes made by unqualified individuals—emphasising the real risks associated with amateur attempts.”
45-54-year-olds are the most at risk of choosing an unqualified plumber, with 47% turning to friends and family for DIY plumbing, compared with 29% of 18-24-year-olds.
The top plumbing tasks that Brits are most likely to try and do themselves are:
Bleed a radiator (58%)
Check a stop tap is working (42%)
Fix a leaky tap (41%)
Install a washing machine or dishwasher and connect a hose to the water supply (36%)
Replace a tap (24%)
While many homeowners may have the skills to tackle simple jobs like bleeding a radiator or insulating a pipe, complex jobs should be left to professionals. Nearly 1 in 10 admit they would try tackling more complex tasks like installing a new toilet, which could lead to leaks and contamination if installed incorrectly.
Water Regs UK encourages homeowners to entrust plumbing and water fittings renovations to approved plumbers, such as those accredited by WaterSafe.
WaterSafe-approved plumbers are trained in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws, which are essential for preventing the risk of contamination of drinking water from substandard plumbing practices and fittings.
There has been a revolution in the bathroom – industrial-style – with black becoming a go-to colour for making a big impact in small and large spaces alike. From sanitaryware to brassware and accessories, black is a timeless choice that makes a statement: bold, tough, sleek, and calm.
With matt black featuring across several of its best-selling bathroom collections, RAK Ceramics offers five top tips for making black work in your bathroom.
Mix and match – black is a neutral colour so can easily be mixed with different materials like marble, concrete, stone or wood, and various earthy colours like white, beige and marble-inspired white. The result is a bathroom that oozes originality – the perfect way to really make this personal space your own.
Choose black as an accent – even using black to make a small change in an existing bathroom can have a big impact. Change up the taps, opt for a new washbasin or simply add some stylish matt black accessories.
Cosy up a small space – going all-out with black, or darker shades in general, creates a cosy ambience in a compact bathroom or cloakroom. If your bathroom lacks natural light, embracing black can complement the space, where bright colours and white may leave it feeling saturated.
Go classic in monochrome – Black and white bathrooms will never go out of fashion – or be boring – and there are countless ways to really make this look work, including combining black sanitaryware with white tiles, or vice versa.
Take good care – put the chemical cleaners away and rinse away traces of soap and grime with a soft cloth to keep your black bathroom looking beautiful. Regularly cleaning with a mix of hot water, washing up liquid with a microfibre cloth will stop unsightly limescale forming.
There are just a few weeks left until over 320 exhibitors showcase the latest products in the kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms sector at KBB Birmingham 2024. Taking place at the NEC from 3-6 March, visitors will see a range of innovations, product designs and new trends.
Set against a backdrop of cutting-edge technologies and creative design, this year’s event promises to inspire the KBB community and will welcome retailers, architects, interior designers, installers, buyers, property developers and contractors. With so much to discover, here are just some of the highlights that visitors can expect to see on the show floor:
Exhibitor Highlights from the Kitchen Sector
KitchenEX Limited (L90) will exhibit two brands on its stand,ILVE, a manufacturer of professional-grade range cookers and ovens, and Faber, the inventor of the domestic cooker hood and one of the largest extractor manufacturers in the world. With a focus on innovation and design, Faber will unveil its latest range of sophisticated extractors alongside the In-Nova Zero Drip. This new technology protects cabinetry from damage by preventing condensation and will be available in a new design.
With thousands of bespoke kitchen design options, Nolte Küchen UK (P110, Q110) will reveal plenty of new product ranges. As an alternative to its longstanding favourite fluted wood front neoLODGE collection, the new Artline collection will launch at the show. Featuring two distinctive shades in Crema and Coffee, the collection exudes luxury with its seamless integration and sophisticated aesthetic.
Visit XTONE’s (P94) stand to watch a demonstration of INTO, its new hidden induction technology. A breakthrough in smart kitchen design, the INTO dual system serves as a cooking surface and powers household appliances. Its seamless design transforms countertops and allows for an expanded workspace for all your cooking needs. The brand specialises in large-format surfaces of sintered stone with the most advanced technical features and innovations.
Quooker (L100, M100), the leading manufacturer of boiling taps will showcase its two new finishes – Rose Copper and Gunmetal – across its Flex and Fusion tap accessories range. With a Quooker you can get instant 100°C boiling water, filtered chilled and sparkling water, and regular hot and cold all from the same tap. The full team will also be available at the show finalising applications for its new Premium Dealership Program launching early 2024.
Epitomising stylish, practical design, British kitchen furniture brand, LochAnna Kitchens (J98) recently launched the Kirkham collection in a utility room setting, complete with accessories and a new vertical washing machine and dryer stack. At this year’s show, the brand will launch its new ranges Newbridge and Lifford, bespoke, handmade in-frame timber doors available in over 270 colours and styles.
Exhibitor Highlights from the Bathroom Sector
VitrA (D60, C64)will showcase the contemporary M-Line collection, a range of furniture and washbasins consisting of two styles, Edge and Pure. The simple, yet eye-catching designers integrate various forms, colours, and sizes to create bathrooms that meet every need. The brand has supplied the UK bathroom market for 30 years and has created a UK industry first with its 100% recycled ceramic washbasin.
Look out for the new Wetroom Collection from MERLYN (D40), a brand that creates beautiful shower enclosures that are easy to maintain and have a lifetime guarantee. Available in Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Bronze, the support post and swivel panel can be retrofitted to existing glass and wetroom panels.
DUNE Cerámica (N94) is a brand that explores the technical and aesthetic possibilities of ceramics and at this year’s show, it will present its latest innovative release, Zement. Available in three formats, the tiles combine the texture of smoothed cement with the marks and cracks that appear in fresh cement when it sets. From brutalism to the warmth of the Nordic style, the series can adapt to a wide variety of design schemes.
Combining craftsmanship and advanced technology, DECOSAN (J87) will add the Glow collection to its Casual range, a trendsetting product characterised by its stylish design and textured finish. Already part of the Casual range is the Play collection, which emphasises modularity and personalisation, giving users the flexibility to tailor their bathroom style with its contemporary design.
Drawing on over 20 years of expertise, Giavani Bathrooms (E83) designs and crafts its collections with precision. The brand will exhibit its new Lux range with a variety of collections included in the launch. Available in matt black, mid-grey, and pearl grey, the Serena collection will have an exclusive arch design, handless features, and soft-closing doors.
Cutting-Edge design & innovation
The Innovation Awards, in partnership with Blum, is another highlight, with shortlisted brands, including BORA, Ca’ Pietra, Novy, and Samsung showcasing their exciting products throughout the four-day event. On the final day, the finalists will be announced, and visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite innovation in the ‘People’s Choice Award’, alongside the expertly judged ‘Judges Choice Award’ and Sustainability Award’.
The event will also feature a series of roundtable sessions with industry experts including the BMA, as well as various drop-in clinics for small business support with Richard Hibbert, Chair of the KBSA. Over 15,000 buying professionals are expected to attend this year’s event, making it an industry essential with countless opportunities for networking and connection.
Register for your free kbb Birmingham visitor pass here.
On Tuesday, 6 February, the British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) held its 2024 conference in Westminster. This annual event, hosted at the prestigious QEII Centre and sponsored once again by Senstec and Quooker, is a crucial forum for professionals, industry leaders and experts from the KBB industry to gain insight, discuss key topics and make valuable connections.
BiKBBI’s 2024 conference theme was “Driving industry change through collaboration”, and speakers and panellists shared opinions and experiences and debated the sector’s challenges and opportunities across a series of engaging presentations and discussions. The event was hosted by Hannah Prevett – deputy editor of The Times Enterprise Network – who expertly guided activities and thoughts throughout the day.
The conference was opened by CEO of BiKBBI Damian Walters, who celebrated the existing collaboration from sponsors, retail partners and stakeholders which drives positive change for the sector but warned there is still much to do and a need for greater collaboration from the whole industry on the subject of education, standards, compliance and sustainability. Results of the BiKBBI Installer Survey 2024 were also unveiled at the conference.
Keynote speakers included Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director of Infrastructure Construction & Rail at the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) who shared the UK government’s predictions for 2024, highlighting that, despite the continued challenges with a shrinking workforce and the continued skills gap, there was growth potential with both consumer and business confidence increasing which would ultimately benefit the construction sector.
Emily Wallace, CEO of the Trade Association Forum (TAF), also presented on the topic of the value of associations and what can be achieved when industries work together to influence policy, face challenges and grow skills.
Industry insight data from AMA Research was presented alongside key findings from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s Understanding the Bathroom Installer Survey 2023 and kbbreview’s Retailer Survey 2024 as well as BiKBBI’s own Installer Survey 2024 – all highlighting collaboration as the pathway to success.
BiKBBI hosted a sustainability panel featuring Phil Viner from Triton Showers, Tom Reynolds from the BMA and Lyrical Communications’ David Ventris-Field to discuss how to reach and support KBB installers better on the topic of sustainability. BiKBBI’s Installer Survey 2024 highlighted that 1 in 5 installers have noticed an increase in customers asking for recommendations on environmentally friendly products, and over 50% of installers feel the industry is not doing enough to reduce its impact on the environment.
Diversity ambassador for BiKBBI, the Rt. Hon. Stuart Lawrence, supported by James Moore from the MoD’s Careers Transition Partnership and Apprentice Plumber Sophie Maguire, led a workshop on why and how the industry should work towards improving diversity and inclusion, highlighting the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to businesses and the industry. Stuart Lawrence then asked delegates at the conference to sign BiKBBI’s ‘Charter for Change’ – a commitment to work with BiKBBI to explore a revised inclusivity recruitment strategy– with 55 businesses pledging their support for the charter.
Education and apprenticeships also remained on the 2024 conference agenda, being a key area of focus for BiKBBI as a route to tackling the current skills gap. A panel of experts, led by Hannah Hockley from The Apprenticeship Partner, included Wickes Apprenticeship Programme Manager Connie Collett, independent retailer and apprenticeships champion Simon Taylor, KBB apprentice employer Paul Miles, and previous KBB apprentice Elliott Perry. The panel discussed recent advances in apprenticeships and training, including the new standalone Apprenticeship Standard for Fitted Furniture Installers reinforcing that access to education and training is integral to resolving the skills shortage, with Hannah Hockley highlighting the importance of the whole industry recognising the severity of the situation and the importance of support from all areas of the sector.
Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI, said ‘The BiKBBI annual conference has seen significant growth over the past three years, and it is not by coincidence. The attendance of so many brands and businesses here today is representative of the importance that installation plays to the whole industry and recognises the role that we fulfil as an institute. The theme of the day was collaboration, which was demonstrated by the 160 delegates who took time away from their busy day jobs to come here, join the conversation, and support this vital sector of the KBB industry. But now the real work begins, and we will continue to drive the agenda on the topics raised today with the support of our corporate sponsors, retail partners and wider stakeholders.
I would like to personally thank all contributors, speakers and panellists involved in today’s event, along with all of the delegates who, through collaboration, made the event a success and have given the industry a solid platform to move forward from.”
The results from the BiKBBI Installer Survey 2024 can be viewed here.
Kinedo has unveiled a robust suite of marketing resources to support showrooms and merchants for the new range of Kinewall panels. This includes a trade and consumer advertising campaign, web page, brochures and a number of eye-catching promotional tools designed to raise awareness of this game-changing bathroom panel range.
To enhance the in-store and showroom experience, the team from Kinedo has produced a comprehensive package of display items, including posters, leaflets and dispensers, cube displays, strut cards, wobblers, floor stickers, window stickers, floor mats, wall boards, swatches and totems. These materials showcase the diverse patterns, styles, and colours of Kinewall panels, whilst the actual showroom displays of Kinewall offer the opportunity to feel and touch the quality of the panels themselves.
The web page on the Kinedo website at kinedo.co.uk/kinewall features an installation video and technical guides to installation – highlighting the simplicity and speed of transforming a bathroom, cloakroom or utility room with Kinewall. It also showcases the full range of 70 Kinewall patterns available. A comprehensive advertising campaign has been designed to create awareness of the new range and to drive traffic to showrooms and merchants.
When a customer orders Kinewall, they can rest safe in the knowledge that there will be swift delivery of the 21 core designs stocked by Ideal Bathrooms (Kinewall distribution partner) whilst other designs are available with a 4 week lead time.
Situated on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest in the UK, Kast is said to be celebrated for its unique and colourful concrete wash basins. Its latest collection, Holm, adds a fresh dimension of style to its line of innovative wash basins.
The collection features basins named Anno, Nema, and Mesa, which transcend mere functionality, transforming into artworks that embody Kast’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve.
“Holm’s charm lies in its sophisticated blend of terrazzo and concrete. The concrete serves as a canvas that masterfully frames and accentuates the striking textures of terrazzo creating a visual and tactile experience that is truly distinctive,” said Amy Bartlett, creative director at Kast.
Aligning with the broader trend in design, traditional materials, like terrazzo, are reimagined in fresh and innovative ways. Terrazzo, with its rich history dating back centuries, provides a unique canvas for experimentation. Designers can reinterpret its patterns, colours, and applications to craft contemporary designs that make a lasting impression. The bold and visually striking patterns achievable with terrazzo create statement-making surfaces, contributing to a design landscape that values uniqueness and individuality.
The terrazzo insert serves to conceal the basin waste discreetly, infusing a touch of minimalism and fostering a streamlined appearance. For added convenience, the insert can be effortlessly removed for cleaning purposes.
Priced with an RRP starting at £1,500/$2,250/€1,800, the collection is meticulously designed to offer versatile installation options. The Nema and Mesa models can be elegantly wall-hung, while the entire range provides the flexibility of surface-mounting. Furthermore, the Nema and Mesa variants present the option of deck-mounted tap holes, enabling additional customisation to suit individual preferences.
Russell Stewart joined Kudos Shower Products as a retailer support manager a little over two years ago. He has now been promoted to an area sales manager covering the Midlands to Southeast region.
Russell is now part of a new team of area sales managers for the business, and he has been appointed specifically to support National Merchants and Buying Groups customers in his area.
“I am really pleased to have been promoted after just two years with the business, and I’m excited about being a part of this new team.” Said Russell. “I may have only worked with Kudos since 2021, but I sold their products in my previous role for many years as showroom sales manager for a national merchant. Kudos offers a quality product, and it’s great to see our parent business, the Ronal Group, investing in its growth.”
Nick Graville, sales & marketing Director for Kudos, explains, “Over the past four years our customers have been supported by our 8 strong Retail Support Managers (RSM’s), all of whom provide support to showrooms with technical and installation assistance. As we continue to grow there has clearly been a desire for us to provide more sales support, so in addition to the recent appointments for our independent showroom retailers we are building a team of merchant focused area sales managers, who will also work alongside the RSM’s, improving the depth of support and communication with our customer base. We are delighted that Russell Stewart has become part of this team.”
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria 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.
The Göttingen-Weende Protestant Hospital is the largest general hospital in southern Lower Saxony; here, the dedicated staff use compassion and cutting-edge medicine to aid the well-being of patients. KEUCO designed the bathrooms in the new House 3 building, Comfort Wards, with an emphasis on accessibility, style, and a sense of calm.
There are 20 rooms in the Comfort ward; patients can enjoy the panoramic views of Göttingen while relaxing on the roof terrace or their balconies during recovery. The rooms are tastefully designed with well-being in mind and furnished with KEUCO’s accessible products
Two of KEUCO’s interior finishes have been used – lustred chrome and matt black. The chrome and matt black surfaces complement the sand-coloured tiles, and warm natural tones accentuate the ambience.
The IXMO FLAT single-lever mixer tap, the PLAN hair dryer, the iLook_move cosmetic mirror, and the PLAN CARE sanitiser dispenser work together to create an elegant look. The matt black interior PLAN towel hooks add the finishing touch.
KEUCO’s iLook_move cosmetic mirror with fivefold magnification, surrounding LED illumination and hinge design enables the cosmetic mirror to be used whilst seated, and it can be adjusted in every direction.
Every bathroom is furnished with a PLAN stool, which is suitable for accessible wet areas. Patients can sit comfortably in the IXMO thanks to its innovative thermostatic mixer. The mixer combines multiple functions in the smallest of spaces with the choice of handheld and head showers. The AXESS rail system and grab bars offer a sense of security and help the occupant to stand up after showering in a sitting position, whilst the chrome finish PLAN shower basket is poisoned at a height that is within easy reach and holds all the necessary toiletry products.
The PLAN toilet paper holder and grab bar are mounted at an ideal height, whilst the premium KEUCO AXESS drop-down supporting rai is located at the WC so that less-abled patients can support themselves. This minimalist rail is elegantly designed and can be dropped down when in use or folded away when not needed. It lies extremely flat against the wall and is hardly recognisable as a supporting rail.
With their clear contours and linear form, KEUCO products work in combination with the bathroom furnishings in the Comfort ward of Göttingen-Weende Protestant Hospital, perfectly demonstrating how visually appealing safety and convenience can be designed.
From compact vanity units for the guest bathroom to double-washbasin vanity units in the family bathroom up to tall cabinets, Duravit’s extensive bathroom furniture portfolio offers an extensive variety of designs, finishes, and sizes across a range of furniture categories.
Today, Duravit explains why its bathoom furniture is ideally placed to all support daily routines and budgets.
The right furniture for every bathroom
The Duravit product range includes a wide range of vanity units – an essential for any bathroom. Vanity units enable essential items such as toiletries, bath towels, and cleaning products to be stored safely and conveniently. The optional organiser ensures items will always be where you need them. Resulting in a relaxing yet orderly bathroom. The vanity units come in a range of sizes, making them suitable for bathrooms in all shapes and sizes. Tall or semi-tall cabinets can offer additional storage space in larger bathrooms, whilst a mirrored cabinet is ideal for compact bathrooms, providing room for the most important everyday bathroom accessories.
Flexible mobile storage units can be positioned andthen relocated as and when additional storage space is required.
Design versatility and creative freedom
Do you prefer high-gloss or matt lacquers? Unique real-wood veneers or easy-clean décor surfaces that offer a natural bathroom ambience? Doors or drawers? Duravit combines elegant design with functionality – as the correct bathroom furniture can help create a unique feel-good oasis even where space is at a premium. Duravit’s bathroom furniture is available in a wide range of varied designs, and an almost infinite array of finishes and colours. Combined with the high-quality washbasins, toilets, bathtubs and much more from Duravit, a harmonious bathroom that satisfies any personal requirements can be created.
Bathroom furniture made in Germany
Duravit’s furniture stands out because of its product variety and attractive designs, along with its quality: the bathroom furniture is subjected to exacting quality standards – from the affordable entry-level segment right through to the exclusive designer ranges. To safeguard this quality, 100% of the complete bathroom manufacturer’s bathroom furniture is produced in Germany using PEFC*- certified wood. The furniture is also perfect for wet rooms – its lack of open edges protects it from splashes and high air humidity.
Pictured top – Duravit_Happy_D.2_Plus
The circle and oval are key stylistic motifs of the Happy D.2 Plus series from Duravit and sieger design. The unmistakable design language creates a harmonious whole, extending from the washbasin across the bathtub and right up to the bathroom furniture.
Pictured bottom – Duravit Zencha
The linearity of the minimalistic furniture, with its plentiful storage space, creates a harmonious Herkner. The furniture is designed along modular lines and can be used in a wide range of settings. Combined with the above-counter basin, it becomes an eye-catching centerpiece in the bathroom.
