Acquabella is inviting visitors to be inspired by the latest in bathroom design at kbb Birmingham 2024 – booth D44 from 1-4 March.
Spanish bathroom manufacturer Acquabella offers a range of products, from shower trays to luxurious basins and bathtubs, and says each piece is meticulously crafted to enhance both form and function.
As a participant in kbb Birmingham, Acquabella is set to showcase its latest collections, featuring cutting-edge designs and innovative materials. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the company’s signature blend of elegance and functionality, tailored to meet the evolving demands of contemporary living spaces.
“We are excited to be part of kbb Birmingham 2024 one more edition and to have the opportunity to share our passion for exceptional bathroom design with industry professionals and enthusiasts,” said Ken Bowman, UK and Ireland Sales Manager at Acquabella. “Our presence at the show underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, and we look forward to inspiring visitors with our latest creations.”
With its eye-catching booth, Acquabella aims to engage visitors and provide them with firsthand experience of its unparalleled design philosophy. From architects and interior designers to retailers and homeowners, everyone attending kbb Birmingham is invited to explore the Acquabella booth D44 and discover the future of bathroom.
A nationwide bathroom manufacturer has secured a £3.75m funding facility from Greater Manchester-based Praetura Commercial Finance amid plans to grow the business and preserve its late founder’s legacy.
Lakes Showering Spaces, based in Tewkesbury, has manufactured and supplied bath screens, shower enclosures and walk-in showers since it was founded in 1986. The business secured the funding to help meet rising customer demand and changing trends in bathroom and shower designs.
With Praetura Commercial Finance as a funding partner, Lakes plans to modernise its range, starting with the launch of a new collection of walk-in showers in various styles and colours. The Gloucestershire-based company also plans to explore overseas markets, securing future growth for the business.
Coinciding with the deal, the current Lakes Showering Spaces board also completed a management buy-out (MBO) of the company, which the business says will protect the ethos laid out by its late founder Robin Craddock.
Mike Gahir, managing director at Lakes Showering Spaces, said: “Lakes Showering Spaces is a family business built on family principles. We have over 130 staff across the UK and our wholly owned subsidiary in China, and everyone is committed to growing and taking on new opportunities.
“The key for us was preserving the legacy established by Robin, who sadly died seven years ago. Having an understanding and supportive funding partner in Praetura Commercial Finance will enable us to invest in the business he was so proud of.”
Stuart Bates, commercial director at Praetura Commercial Finance, said: “We instantly understood the vision laid out by the Lakes Showering Spaces team and their desire to continue building the brand Robin founded. Lakes is renowned for quality and innovation, so this funding facility is very much intended to keep the brand at the forefront of the bathroom sector, with new product launches and styles.”
The deal was completed by mfg Solicitors LLP, Squire Patton Boggs and Harrison Clark Rickerbys, who advised Lakes Showering Spaces, Praetura Commercial Finance and the vendors respectively.
Incorporate the trend for dark, sophisticated shades in bathroom design with the latest addition to the luxurious RAK-Cloud sanitaryware range from RAK Ceramics, now available in stunning matt black.
Giving designers the opportunity to create dramatic, monochromatic bathrooms that make an impactful statement, the matt black option on RAK-Cloud is fashionable yet timeless in its simplicity. Ideal for use as an accent and a focal point without being overbearing, the matt black finish gives a fresh and edgy look to this most popular Designer bathroom collection.
Created exclusively for RAK Ceramics by Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Cloud features fluid lines inspired by geometric swirls combined with changing shapes like clouds, producing a soft, enveloping effect resulting in a sophisticated yet functional and welcoming bathroom. The collection features back-to-wall, wall-hung sanitaryware, elegant freestanding bathtubs and washbasins, softly curved bowls or wall solutions for every need.
Team the sanitaryware with classy chrome brassware for contrast, or match it with matt black taps and accessories for a cohesive look.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
The UK hordes more clutter than the rest of Europe, using 37.6 million sq ft of storage space (the equivalent of 268,500 removal vans).* Whilst we may struggle to keep our homes clutter-free, the bathroom remains a high priority when creating a relaxing space; despite this, toiletries and cosmetics make up 53 per cent of bathroom clutter.
Architects and designers are grappling with the need to create space for much-loved possessions against a backdrop of shrinking bathroom dimensions. This means there is often very little wiggle room for additional design elements that may cause the visual disorder. Bathroom furniture delivers a one-stop, compact design solution.
Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard, agrees, “In the ever-evolving world of interior design, space-saving solutions have become increasingly vital, and the bathroom is no different. With the progressive reduction in bathroom sizes we’ve seen in new builds and refurbishments, additional storage is key in helping keep surfaces clutter-free.”
Creating space with wall-mounted vanity units and integral basins frees up floor space and delivers storage options. Pictured top, Ideal Standard’s i.life Collection includes various furniture options in seven stylish finishes, such as sand beige matt, carbon grey matt and natural oak, as well as chrome and silk black handles to match your brassware. The i.life S is specifically designed to fit into smaller spaces to take up as little floor space as possible but still provide reasonable levels of functionality.
Yiota Toumba explains, “With these spaces getting smaller and smaller, we’ve seen more and more consumers opt for these options as they look to get the most out of their bathroom both aesthetically and functionally.”
Also perfect for smaller bathrooms is the new Oak Venosa range from Bathrooms to Love by distributor PJH (pictured above). This month, the space-saving range has been extended with a new colourway in an Oak-effect finish. It is ideal for compact bathrooms with a small footprint of just 1100mm in width.
Live a colourful life
The colour and texture revival is in full swing, and we are experiencing some well-needed drama emerging from a blatant contrast of styles. Bold and bright colour schemes are reminiscent of the 1980s and are popular with boomers and Gen X, as are the mid-century styles of the 1950s and 60s. The contrast created by deep textures set against high gloss, vibrant hues married to gentle light shades, and elegant fixtures and fittings keeps this eye-catching trend at the forefront.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “2024’s colour palette will be the most expansive yet dramatic blues, immersive greens, vibrant terracottas and luxurious neutrals, and everything in-between. But it’s not just the variety but the application, colour groupings, glosses mixed with matts, layering and contrast groupings.
“Furniture will start to show its softer, more elegant side, incorporating rounder edges and sophisticated proportions. Fixture and fittings will also play a key part in making the whole concept work, with delicately proportioned handles, legs, and complementary brassware.”
Utopia’s Qube Modular is now available in a choice of Qube Glide, the original handleless door style, and the new Qube Edge, a stunning alternative style with the option for a top-mounted handle. The full collection offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue, verdant Wild Green, and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. The range is soon to be enhanced with a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection.
A family affair
Reducing conflict in the morning, keeping the bathroom clutter-free and ensuring bathroom spaces stay clean for as long as possible are all high priorities for the hard-working family bathroom.
Catering to all needs, HiB’s new Veles range addresses the challenges of both smaller spaces and multi-generational bathrooms. For example, the Veles Compact range boasts remarkable quality and finish in a reduced depth. On the other hand, the Veles Standard range caters to larger dimensions, making it ideal for family bathrooms where ample storage is essential. The range also incorporates the latest styling in matte finishes, which not only lend a sophisticated touch but also mitigate fingerprint marks.
Lighten up
Lighting no longer simply plays a practical role; it is now a significant consideration in bathroom design. Coupling customisable mood lighting with storage marries aesthetics and function in a way that transforms bathroom spaces.
Last year, Duravit launched Vitrium, by Christian Werner. The space-saving range includes washbasins and furniture manufactured with the newly developed DuroCast UltraResist material. As well as delivering ample storage, the reduced furniture depth with the projecting above-counter basin makes the design ideal for compact bathrooms.
Compassionate lighting is incorporated into the design via the console vanity unit. It has a fine metal frame and a choice of fronts made from backlit glass, wood, or various décor finishes.
Christian comments, “The starting point for this design concept was a rigorous interrogation of the habits we take for granted. With Vitrium, I sought to redefine the design of the bathroom and the associated routines. As well as the kitchen and living room, for me, the bathroom, too, is a place of comfort and refuge,” said Christian Werner.
“The basic design idea for the framed fronts and transparency of the furniture has been realised exactly as I imagined. Timelessly modern and unadorned – that’s the look I wanted for my Vitrium concept,” said Christian Werner.
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Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, calls for clarification of UK regulations to allow for the use of recirculating showers.
Anyone who knows me will know I could talk about water-efficient products for many an hour. Today, I want to delve into the revolutionary world of recirculating showers – an innovation designed to contribute to a sustainable water future. Picture this: showers that recycle water without compromising pressure, offering a game-changing solution to the ever-growing concern of water waste. The issue is whether they can be used in the UK under our current regulations.
Recirculating showers operate by cleverly incorporating a return pipe before the shower waste. This allows water to be efficiently cleaned, ensuring that the recirculated water is as fresh and invigorating as the first drop. The benefits are twofold: significant water savings compared to conventional showers and a noticeable reduction in energy costs associated with heating vast amounts of fresh water. It’s a win-win.
While this innovative technology has found a home in the EU market, the real question arises – can we bring the efficiency of recirculating showers to UK homes? Herein lies the challenge. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2010, and Building Regulations Approved Document G pose potential roadblocks to the widespread adoption of this technology in the UK.
The regulatory landscape’s uncertainty needs addressing before manufacturers can confidently introduce these groundbreaking products to the UK market. To tackle this ambiguity head-on, we suggest the next government establish a task force. Comprising manufacturers, water companies, and approval schemes, this task force should work collaboratively to secure the necessary technical assurances. This would ensure that recirculating showers meet and exceed the stringent standards expected in the UK.
Moreover, the task force should play a pivotal role in proposing any required clarifications or legal changes that would streamline the introduction of these innovative products. It’s a call to action – let’s come together to unlock the full potential of recirculating showers and pave the way for a more sustainable, water-efficient future.
Looking abroad, we find shining examples of how recirculating showers seamlessly integrate into daily life. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have successfully embraced this technology. As we navigate the complexities of UK regulations, these success stories offer a blueprint for the positive impact recirculating showers can have on our water footprint. If it can be done in there, why not here?
Designers should be able to envision a future where their designs captivate aesthetically and contribute significantly to water conservation. Championing recirculating showers would be a step in the right direction and usher in a new era of sustainable living and responsible design.
Porcelain and ceramics are the go-to surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms, and now solutions for all spaces can be found in one dedicated resource, with the launch of the new Surfaces brochure for 2024 from RAK Ceramics.
RAK Ceramics gives porcelain perfection and limitless imagination with unique and inspiring products that realistically resemble natural materials. The new brochure, spanning 132 pages, can be browsed in various ways – alphabetically, by look and by size – making it an important reference tool for retailers and designers whether seeking inspiration for their next project or to place an order with full specification details.
Style-wise the brochure features quality, highly durable porcelain surfaces that emulate the key trends in interior design, including marble, metal, concrete, stone and wood. These include Maximus slabs that provide seamless consistency when used over large areas such as feature walls.
For the kitchen, retailers can browse the RAK Ceramics countertop collection – the next generation of large format tiles that are versatile and highly technical, featuring through-body veining – while the range of ceramic wall tiles is just as innovative, meeting the latest trends and achieving original and eye-catching aesthetic results, with a wide range of structures and colours: from the latest pastel tones to the most intense material effects.
Surfaces for outdoor spaces also feature in the new brochure, with a range of sustainable and adaptable porcelain tiles suitable for redesigning and revamping gardens, patios, terraces or driveways.
The product guide includes technical features of each range, maintenance details and tile-laying recommendations.
Download a copy of the RAK Ceramics Surfaces Brochure 2024 at www.rakceramics.com/uk/ or call 01730 237850 to request a printed copy.
Bathrooms to Love from distributor PJH has extended its popular Venosa space-saving modular furniture family with the addition of a new colourway in an Oak-effect finish.
A floor-standing collection, the new Oak Venosa range is perfect for compact bathrooms where its small footprint of just 1100mm in width is the solution. The introduction of this Oak grain finish enhances the range’s versatility, satisfying the enduring demand for wood-effect furniture in harmony with the evolving trend for nature-inspired materials and textures in the bathroom.
Featuring an intelligently crafted L-shaped unit, featuring a streamlined one-piece resin basin and worktop coupled with a basin and WC furniture pack, this unit will fit into the smallest of bathrooms or ensuites. Measuring in at W1100 x H860 x D395/210mm, a two-door cabinet sits beneath the basin, teamed with a connected housing area for a concealed cistern and back-to-wall WC. Left or right-handed options are available, as is a choice of chrome or matt black handles as well as coordinating push button and overflow ring.
Extending the compact storage space yet further is a matching two-door 350mm Tall Unit in oak. As illustrated, Oak Venosa looks stunning when combined with contrasting matt black handles, brassware, shower, quadrant enclosure, mirror and ladder radiator – all available from the Bathrooms to Love Collection.
Available from stock and supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new Oak Venosafrom Bathrooms to Love is now available to order via PJH’s class-leading Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
The world trade fair for HVAC + Water has announced a brand new concept and a new focus on visitors with eight solution fields said to be tailored exactly to participants’ interests. ISH 2025 will take place in Frankfurt from 17 to 21 March 2025.
Climate change is at the top of the agenda and at the heart of the sanitation, heating and ventilation industry, as it offers a mirror image of the market situation.
Against this background, exhibitors Messe Frankfurt and its partners have created a new, modern and future-oriented approach, which puts the focus of the fair more sharply than ever before on visitors and their needs.
Eight solution fields point the way
From bathroom designers, via specialists for heating and air-conditioning technology to experts for renewable energies and building-services control systems, the spectrum of visitors to ISH in Frankfurt is no less diverse than the spectrum covered by the industry. Under the motto, ‘Solutions for a sustainable future’, ISH 2025 will offer all participants a new, transparent and modern event structure. The centrepiece of the new concept comprises eight solution fields:
– Bathrooms
– Water-bearing systems
– Installation
– Heat generation
– Indoor air
– Intelligent building management
– Software
– Sanitary & HVAC products
“In principle, the event is undergoing a kind of metamorphosis from a straightforward product exhibition to a solution-oriented application show. To this end, the new solution fields will ensure improved orientation and exact matching between the demand and supply sides. This is the basis, the foundation for a modern and powerful international meeting place”, explains Stefan Seitz, director ISH Brand Management.
The new Hall 5, which was opened in 2023, is the key to the new ISH structure in 2025. Accordingly, the new concept will also be reflected by the layout of the fair in the individual exhibition halls.
Seitz adds, “In the future, content and knowledge transfer will take place in close thematic proximity to the relevant exhibitors, thus creating a stronger link between the presentations of innovative solutions with best-practice examples and information about developments in the market. After all, both are directly connected, and an advantage in terms of specialist knowledge is of indispensable added value for all visitors.” Accordingly, the themes will be determined at an even earlier stage, and also take account of the interests of international visitors.
Detailed information about the eight solution fields can be found at ish.messefrankfurt.com.
Harrison Bathrooms and MMB Distribution have announced an exclusive partnership to distribute the well-known retail brand Scudo in Ireland.
MMB Distribution now offers Scudo, renowned for its superior quality and affordability, with an unbeatable next-day delivery service in selected areas. MMB Distribution will initially distribute a selection of best-selling Scudo products along with the elegant Harrogate bathroom collection.
Speaking on the agreement, Shaun Corcoran, commercial director at Harrison Bathrooms, commented, “We have seen strong sales and growth in Ireland and our new partnership with MMB Distribution will allow us to take this to the next level to expand our presence even further. This will help us to provide an enhanced service in Ireland ensuring we can provide a wide range of stock next day to offer a superior service.”
Nev Robinson, head of operations at MMB Distribution said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Harrison Bathrooms to become Ireland’s number one distributor of Scudo bathroom products. Scudo lead the field in innovative bathroom design at unbeatable prices and the agreement allows us to offer our customers a fantastic range of products with excellent stock holding and next day delivery across the vast majority of the country.”
The Innovation Awards Shortlist has been announced by kbb Birmingham, Europe’s biennial kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms event. With the show just around the corner, the awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate creative and ground-breaking solutions from brands in the sector. Visitors to the show can see the nnovations for themselves and even vote for their favourite in the ‘People’s Choice’ category. A panel of leading professionals and experts from the KBB sector will judge the final categories: the ‘Judges Choice Award’ and the ‘Sustainability Award’. Blum, a leading manufacturer of high-quality kitchen fittings, returns as a partner for the awards.
The brands that have made the shortlist include:
Woodio® UK – Woodio® Washbasin
Pictured top – Woodio® is the world’s first collection of 100% waterproof, solid wood composite washbasins for use in commercial interior schemes.
Space-Plug Limited – Space-Plug Evolution
Space-Plug Evolution is an adjustable spacer fixing that manufacturers can use to mimic the shortening of side panels. The solution saves material and makes smaller, lighter cabinets that installers can fit faster, easier and more accurately than ever before.
Rassam Innovations Ltd – Expand 2 Fit Furniture
Expand 2 Fit Furniture is a simple way of expanding storage structures such as wardrobes, kitchen units, sideboards, shelves, and cabinets to fit any space up to the millimetre.
Elica – LHOV
The LHOV establishes a new category in household appliances as a 3 in 1 solution that integrates hob, hood, and oven, making the best use of space in the home and a product that reshapes the cooking experience.
BORA Vertriebs GmbH & Co KG – BORA QVac – The built in vacuum sealer
The BORA QVac can be used to vacuum seal food for sous-vide cooking in the BORA X BO steam oven or a pan, marinating or simply to preserve food for longer.
Samsung – Less Microfiber™ Filter
The Less Microfiber™ Filter is an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfiber emissions during laundry cycles.
Hidealoo – Hidealoo
Pictured below left, Hidealoo is a unique steel mechanism that works with any standard wall-hung ceramic pan and cistern and allows it to be rotated through 90 degrees, meaning it can be hidden within a cabinet or cavity space.
Ca’ Pietra – Reform Composite Stone
Reform is a durable blend of recycled stone materials available in three formats and up to twelve different colourways. It is made in a carbon-neutral factory and has up to 60% recycled content. The tile can be used indoor and out, on walls and floors.
Triton Showers – ENVi® Next Generation Electric Shower
Pictured below right, Triton’s ENVi® is a first-to-market electric shower concept, featuring a unique control panel that encourages more sustainable showering habits.
Novy – Designer Lighting Collection
The new lighting collection is designed by Matthijs Jansen and Jorg de Bont and each of the three models features touch-free Gesture Control. Energy-efficient and using integrated LED technology, the products are fully recyclable.
“The Innovation Awards are always a highlight of the show and this year we had more entries than ever before. The shortlist demonstrates a range of products and solutions that are creating a real impact – both in the industry and the home. We’re excited for visitors to vote for their favourite product and to congratulate the innovators that have pushed the boundaries of design,” commented Sam Fisher, Event Director, kbb Birmingham.
One of the judges for the awards and Architect and Interior Design Liaison at Blum, Amanda Hughes commented, “We believe strongly in supporting innovation within the industry through the kbb Innovation Awards. Blum develops ideas for the future, and by partnering with the awards, we can celebrate ideas that can make a difference across the KBB industry.”
Visit the NEC Birmingham from 3-6 March to see all shortlisted entries on display alongside over 320 exhibitors in the KBB sector. The show will culminate with an announcement of the Innovation Awards finalists live on the 6th March. Register for your free kbb Birmingham visitor pass here.
For more information on the shortlisted entries, please visit the kbb Innovation Awards page here.
For all the latest news, check out kbb Birmingham’s new WhatsApp Channel where visitors can access the latest show news and on-site updates.
