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.
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.
END
You can see more on our site if you enjoyed this Bathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
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.
