The importance of light is not to be underestimated for both personal wellbeing and to create a cosy atmosphere – especially during the darker wintry months. As the bathroom is more and more often becoming a haven of regeneration and relaxation, the use of subtle, indirect lighting transforms a wet room into the perfect wellness setting.
Duravit explains how its bathroom ranges help create a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, fulfilling the need for retreat and sanctuary.
Vitrium: natural material combinations with strategically placed illumination
The defining feature of Vitrium from Christian Werner is the clever composition of different materials. Washbasins made from a tactile, softtouch cast mineral material are paired with console vanity units with a fine metal frame and fronts in back-lit glass, wood, or a range of décor finishes.
The natural-looking ensemble creates a warm friendly atmosphere which is accentuated by restful, indirect light sources. With the careful placement of cosy lighting the bathroom becomes an oasis of wellbeing.
Combined with the translucent fronts made from PARSOL glass, the Vitrium furniture brings warmth to the bathroom, transforming it into a space for personal relaxation.
Qatego: Linear furniture and softly rounded bathroom fittings
The Qatego bathroom by Studio F. A. Porsche is uniquely crafted with the focus on the balanced juxtaposition of geometrically designed furniture and rounded bathroom fittings. The eight colour options for the bathroom furniture are ideal counterparts to the white ceramic. Shades range from gleaming White through to the natural, restrained tones of Taupe Matt and Basalt Matt right up to the bold Graphite Matt with Wood hues completing the naturalistic colour spectrum of Qatego. Illuminated, open shelves soften the strict geometry of the furniture bringing an element of contentment and openness into the bathroom – the perfect place to showcase one’s favorite products or decorative bowls and vases.
KBB distributor PJH Group has launched an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a significant initiative to support the holistic wellbeing of all employees.
Working in partnership with Health Assured, the EAP forms part of PJH’s ‘always working with wellbeing in mind’ initiative and will help PJH employees deal with any personal and professional problems that could be affecting their home life, work life, health, and general wellbeing.
Offered through a complete and confidential support network, independent of PJH, the EAP brings expert advice and guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of wellbeing areas to support the mental, physical, and financial health of PJH employees. In addition, PJH employees benefit from an innovative “Wisdom” app, which provides personalised wellbeing content, including engaging videos, webinars, mini health checks, and health coaching as well as meal plans, recipes, and fitness goals – all tailored to the individual needs of each employee.
Speaking about the EAP, Jason Witton, HR Manager, PJH, said: “We’re excited to partner with Health Assured to enhance the support we offer our employees. The comprehensive nature of the programme, including the 24/7 helpline and the extensive resources available through the Wisdom app, ensures that our employees have easy access to the best possible support for their health and wellbeing, benefitting both them and PJH.”
This investment in staff through a partnership with Health Assured marks a significant step forward in PJH’s commitment to fostering a healthy, balanced, and supportive workplace, contributing positively to the overall productivity and satisfaction of its workforce.
With less than two months until the show opens its doors, kbb Birmingham reveals some of the biggest KBB design trends expected to make a splash in 2024. The sector continues to push the boundaries of design with new creative ideas and innovative products, a huge range of which will be showcased at the event. The increase in more sustainable solutions and technological advances are key themes which are driving consumer demand as well as supporting their changing lifestyle needs.
Bathroom Trends to look out for in 2024
By keeping interior design intuitive, we can make our bathroom environments look and feel harmonious through accentuated curve features, that are inspired by nature. By designing bathroom accessories and furniture with rounded edges and artistic curves, we can soften the bathroom for everyday living. Complementing these natural features with rich, earthy shades of rust, plaster, warm beige, and shades of green can further enhance the calm and sophisticated feel of the bathroom. Discover the new collections at the show from Acquabella (pictured top) and Roca, as great examples of this trend.
Through tactile finishes, consumers can step away from minimalism and add greater detail to their bathroom with slatted furniture, reeded bath panels, and fluted detailing on baths and basins. “Whether it’s through a vanity unit, wall panelling, vertically stacked tiles or details on the fittings themselves, texture is a key look to continue into 2024,” says Hayley Robson, Founder of kitchen and bathroom designers Day True.
Statement art in the bathroom in the form of bold furniture pieces or playful tiling can give the consumer more creativity through personalisation. Illustrative designs such as Ca’Pietra’s collaboration with one of its artists in residence Sasha Compton, push the boundaries and introduce something new into the bathroom.
In both the bathroom and kitchen sectors, sustainability remains a key feature in interior design projects as consumers are keen to make conscious choices. “It has never been so important to encourage consumers to make water-efficient purchases for their bathroom to reduce household consumption” says Tom Reynolds CEO of the BMA. Many bathroom brands are following suit, emphasising their consumer and environmental focus with water-saving fittingsthat greatly reduce water use, such as those from Nobili, Flova and Imex.
Kitchen Trends for the year ahead
We are seeing similar conscious efforts in kitchen trends with the perfectly imperfect kitchen, which adds a personal touch with reclaimed materials and second-hand pieces. By embracing the unique characteristics of old furniture, we can refresh its purpose and combine it with new solutions to keep the design fresh for years to come. This highlights another trend of using wooden furniture in the kitchen where the natural grain of the wood is showcased.
Homeowners are increasingly looking for creative ways of hiding spaces in the kitchen, whether to rid the room of clutter or create clever multifunctional storage solutions, such as those offered by exhibitor brands such as LochAnna and Rotpunkt (pictured above). Utility-first designcan help as “with busy lives, clients want their kitchen to work harder than ever, so the design needs to incorporate everything from a laundry area, coffee station, built-in bar and breakfast cupboard to a desk and a place where dogs can be washed and kids can dump shoes and bags”, says interior designer Nicola Holden of Nicola Holden Designs.
Similarly, blended appliances can enhance the seamlessness of a kitchen in an open-plan living space. Brands such as Franke and Caple have designed discrete appliances to blend into the home and appear decorative whilst still maintaining their high-tech functions or energy-saving benefits. For a clutter free and minimalist aesthetic on kitchen worktops, check out the very latest trends in boiling water taps, such as those from Quooker, who will be launching new tap finishes to their versatile collection.
We can see many of these features accentuated by high-drama surfaces from brands such as Konigstone, Quartzforms, and Cimstone. Statement worktops and splashbacks with dramatic colours and veining are rising in demand, as they offer a wow factor in any design scheme.
The latest design trends will be on show at this year’s kbb Birmingham, taking place from 3-6th March 2024 at the NEC. With over 250 exhibitors and an audience of over 15,000 visitors over four days, the event is not to be missed. Register for your free kbb Birmingham visitor pass 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.
Shower designer and manufacturer Roman has sponsored the North East Bulls Wheelchair Rugby Club (NE Bulls WRC) through the County Durham Community Foundation to help the club fund new and existing players.
Roman has supported the County Durham Community Foundation for over 15 years and has sponsored many local people, initiatives, and charities.
Wheelchair rugby was first created as a sport for people with spinal cord injuries who were not physically functional enough to play other disability sports such as Wheelchair Basketball. All players at the club have impairments or disabilities effecting both their arms and legs meaning they struggle with a lot of day to day tasks. Wheelchair rugby is a sport that they can compete in equally and is adapted to their limited function. The NE Bulls WRC are one of two clubs in the north east and was first established in 2022.
Dale Thompson, Chair of the Committee, commented: “The club can be described as a lifeline for some of its members as without the provision of this sport, some members would be completely inactive. The NE Bulls would like to make the sport as accessible as possible for those with a disability and as such we raise funds on an annual basis in order to limit the financial impact our sport places on our new and existing players, especially during the current financial climate.”
The NE Bulls WRC use the funds donated to purchase wheelchairs which can be used by new players when they join the sport, and they also work hard to cover some of the financial burdens that come with playing the sport, e.g. wheelchair maintenance, competition costs such as tournament entry fees and overnight accommodation to attend competitions.
David Osborne, chief executive officer, commented: “We’re very closely engaged with our local community and are constantly assisting local projects and initiatives. When we heard about the NE Bulls WRC, we were keen to get involved and help the club to continue to recruit new players and support existing players.”
The UK construction industry has been grappling with the shrinking pool of skilled tradespeople, and now is on track to lose out on £98 billion of economic growth by 2030 due to a shortage of 250,000 tradespeople. Despite industry efforts, data by the Office of National Statistics unveiled the serious gender imbalance in the UK’s construction industry with only 15% of the workforce being female. As the industry needs to recruit 45,000 workers per year to meet government demands by 2027, experts discuss whether more women in the trades could be the remedy to this growing shortage. Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio – the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to builders – sheds light on this shrinking pool, emphasising the vital role tradespeople play in the economy.
The demand for tradespeople is set to dramatically increase, particularly with improving energy efficiency as the government highlights their net zero targets. Electricians, carpenters, and joiners are expected to be in short supply, with the West and East Midlands projected to face the most significant deficits, each exceeding 35,000 skilled tradespeople. A survey found that the shrinking pool of skilled tradespeople is already impacting the country with 19% having to cancel or postpone a project in the last five years due to a lack of suitable tradespeople.
By 2030, GDP growth in these regions is estimated to be reduced by £14.5 billion and £12.1 billion, according to research by Kingfisher and Cebr. These findings also highlight the economic benefits of increased gender diversity in the construction sector. Doubling the number of women in the industry could boost annual growth by over £800 million, but without action, the current predicted shortages may cost the nation up to £12 billion annually in missed economic growth by 2030.
Clive Holland, host of The Clive Holland Show on Fix Radio, shares his thoughts on how the skills deficit has affected the construction sector:
“The UK construction sector is facing a huge skills deficit – experienced tradespeople left the sector in droves during the pandemic and efforts to recruit young people into the trades are failing.
“According to government figures the number young people entering apprenticeships has fell by nearly 10% in the last year and the Construction Products Association estimated that over 220,000 workers have left the industry since the summer of 2019. The shortage of skills will make the building more expensive – last year saw 6% wage inflation.
“The construction industry is failing to address this growing problem. There needs to be a long-term strategy where construction firms and trade bodies work closely with the education sector and government agencies to achieve shared goals.”
Inspired by marble and working in harmony with other nature-inspired materials in the kitchen and bathroom, Luna Bianco is the latest addition to the CRL Quartz Marble Collection from CRL Stone.
The surface, with its super honed finish, is a cool grey and white, ideal for keeping things fresh and bright in the modern kitchen, with cloud-like swirls and soft grey veining adding warmth and character. With all the enduring and durable qualities CRL Quartz offers, this extremely versatile design can be paired with a multitude of colour palettes and textural design elements.
Luna Bianco can be chosen in 20mm and 30mm thicknesses and is supplied as a 3300 x 1650 mm slab format, for greater consistency of design over large areas such as kitchen worktops.
Keeping the surface looking its very best over time is simple too, thanks to the functional qualities of CRL Quartz. The material is scratch, heat and stain resistant and unlike natural materials such as marble, CRL Quartz never needs to be sealed. Requiring minimum maintenance to keep it looking as good as new, the non-porous surface makes cleaning simple, with soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is needed.
For more details call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk
Bathroom product supplier and innovator HiB, has released its bathroom trends for 2024. In an ever-evolving world of design, HiB remains at the forefront by introducing four unique trends, each designed to elevate and bring fresh inspiration to the bathroom.
The first trend, ‘Exhale’, takes inspiration from nature-inspired interior design trends. Departing from last year’s ‘Petrichor,’ Exhale embraces minimalism, mid-century style, and neutral tones without overusing nature in the space. Characterised by stone finishes, rounded shapes and tactile textures, this trend draws inspiration from the laid-back ‘California Casual’ aesthetic, favouring refined simplicity over rustic elements.
Also new this year is the ‘Euphoria’ trend, which blends nostalgia with contemporary design. Arches and curves lead the space, offering a sense of fluidity and movement. Geometric and abstract patterns, along with fluted textures add a contemporary touch, while a muted yet colourful palette connects the design to the organic world, bringing a breath of fresh air to any bathroom.
For those who like edgier styles, the ‘Elements’ trend exhibits a stormy aesthetic, using darker neutrals and cool blues to create a moody yet inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Wabi Sabi, Minimalism and Brutalism, Elements seamlessly blends nature’s imperfections with refined engineering. The raw and textured feel is achieved through the use of iron and gunmetal brassware, highlighting the beauty in flaws of organic materials.
Last but certainly not least, the ‘Enamour’ trend embraces vintage glamour and art deco, offering an air of quiet, timeless elegance. By blending old and new elements through upcycling, Enamour creates a classic contemporary aesthetic. This trend embodies the philosophy of ‘less is more’, promoting a clutter-free environment and contributing to what
Jasmine Rowe, HiB product designer, said: “The 2024 bathroom trends from HiB showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while maintaining a strong connection with nature and elegance. These trends are not just about aesthetics, they are about creating immersive, personalised and practical bathroom experiences. We’re confident that we will see these trends used strongly in designs and be a key steer in bathroom styles throughout 2024. “
HiB’s wide range of bathroom mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories are perfectly suited to bring these trends to life, offering a design that complements each theme. To explore the full Trends Guide and to gain even more bathroom interior design inspiration, visit https://bit.ly/3vtzk3f
January is a difficult month to love, but after the whirlwind of the festive season, it brings time to take stock, explore new design trends and plan new projects. Family-run, independent online tiles and flooring specialist Hyperion Tiles has some insights to inspire and inform.
Director, Richard observes: “It’s never too soon to start thinking about how to update your interiors for the year ahead. And there are lots of different ways to use wall and floor tiles – complemented by carefully chosen accessories – to add some high-end finishing touches to your luxury home decor.”
Here are some of Richard’s recommendations for an upscale interiors makeover:
Add texture to walls to create depth, dimension and an innovative point of interest. You can do this with silks, leathers and raffia – but for bathroom areas, use textured ceramic tiles, which are waterproof and hardwearing.
Plump for parquet: Synonymous with elegance and wealth, classic parquet flooring is an enduring feature of luxury home decor ideas. Add a twist to traditional herringbone with other patterns, such as chevron or basket weave.
Use statement tiles to create a feature wall. They are a fast and cost-effective way to transform a space, and work surprisingly well in bathrooms.
Indulge your creative streak with mosaic tiles. Use them sparingly as a border or accent, or transform an entire space with a wall-to-ceiling design.
Above R: Minoli Cosmopolitan Statuario Extra Lappato 80cm x 80cm marble-effect tiles (£64.10 each) are extra-large and ideal for a luxury home décor finish at a fraction of the price of real marble. They are made from rectified porcelain, and incorporate a striking veining for a luxurious look
Above L: If you want to elevate your home décor with a luxurious touch, Woodpecker Sandringham Royal Oak Engineered Wood Flooring design panels (£320 per sq m) could be the perfect pick. They are ideal for making a grand entrance in a hallway, and you get extra peace of mind from their 100-year guarantee.
Above L: Farmed from sustainable sources, our Siminetti freshwater pearl mosaic tiles are impervious to water, making them ideal for wet, humid environments. From a steam room and spa to a swimming pool, our Anthracite 25mm Square Mosaic Tiles (£174.60 per 0.5sq m) are perfectly designed for luxury home décor. Pic credit: Drom UK
Above R: Original Style Living’s English Garden Wall Mural (£595 per 8-tile panel) features three panels (A,B & C) which you can use separately or together to create a calming countryside setting for a bespoke bathroom, large or small. These decorative accessories will make a bold statement and can instantly add luxury to a distinctive bathing haven.
Hyperion say its highly skilled team is available to offer expert advice, technical know-how and in-depth product knowledge on solid and engineered wood flooring, tiles and LVT. They work closely with homeowners, designers, specifiers and architects.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, the bathroom has taken on the role of a sanctuary – a place of rejuvenation, relaxation, and self-expression. As we step into 2024, we’re witnessing exciting shifts in bathroom design catering to various needs and lifestyles.
Ruth Foster, Victoria Plum’s interior design expert, offers valuable insight into the most prominent trends that we will see shaping the bathroom landscape in the upcoming year:
Sustainable spa bathroom fixtures
Conscious choices are redefining luxury, creating havens that embody opulence alongside a commitment to environmental mindfulness.
Machine-Grade Stainless Steel makes for an eco-friendly material choice for tapware and showers. This is due to its high durability, recyclability, and low energy consumption during production, minimising waste and reducing its carbon footprint.
Making use of reclaimed wood is both environmentally friendly and striking in appearance. Incorporating air-purifying plants will help to foster a healthy, rejuvenating atmosphere, which in turn emphasises the spa-like experience.
Luxurious relaxation with smart technology
In 2024, we’re seeing an integration of smart fixtures and devices that enhance convenience, energy, efficiency, and overall hygiene.
Smart mirrors with integrated displays and interactive features provide personalised lighting and virtual assistance, seamlessly combining technology with sophistication.
Smart taps with motion sensors allow for precise water flow management and conservation, while smart light bulbs create a serene atmosphere with customisable lighting and energy efficiency.
Organic materials and textures
Natural elements such as textural stone, wood, and terracotta are gaining prominence, infusing spaces with a sense of warmth and serenity.
These materials not only add a tactile dimension to the bathroom but also evoke a connection to the outdoors. With a focus on sustainable and biophilic design, the integration of organic textures promotes a harmonious balance between modernity and nature.
Artistic tiling
From intricately designed mosaic tiles to bold geometric patterns in lively colours, this trend embraces a diverse range of tiling styles. Moroccan-inspired zellige tiles bring a vibrant, hand-crafted quality, while fluted tiles offer a striking and versatile backdrop.
Terrazzo tiles add a contemporary touch with their speckled, textured surfaces, while delicately embossed tiles create a unique and detailed feature. Picking the right tile for your bathroom can transform the space into a stunning gallery of personalised artistic expression.
Quiet luxury
This look focuses on investing in minimalist pieces of the highest quality with timeless appeal. It advocates for a seamless fusion of understated design with luxurious materials, cultivating a calming yet indulgent space.
Sleek, high-quality fixtures, such as antique bronze tapware or slipper baths, exude an air of refined simplicity. The use of soft, neutral shades and subtle textures, coupled with ambient lighting, further enhances the sense of understated luxury.
Pleated, Rounded & Shell-Like Shapes
These elements are of a whimsical elegance, and they infuse spaces with playfulness and grace. Pleated accents can be incorporated into the bathroom through beautifully designed radiators and window treatments, adding texture and refinement. Curved vanity units and rounded, freestanding baths evoke a sense of fluidity throughout the bathroom’s design.
Shell-inspired mosaic tiles, lighting fixtures, or decorative accessories echo a coastal charm, bringing the serenity of the ocean indoors.
Glasswork
Unique glasswork introduces an ethereal and bespoke dimension to living spaces, infusing them with a delicate yet striking appearance. Incorporating hand-blown glass pendant lighting adds an element of artisanal sophistication and creates a beautiful focal point.
Textured or stained-glass accents in windows, vanity units, or countertop basins casts a mesmerising play of light and colour within a space. Utilising custom-designed glass screens nurtures a sense of openness and luminosity, enhancing the perception of space.
By embracing these trends, individuals can transform their bathrooms into havens of comfort and serenity, creating a space that aligns with their unique tastes and lifestyle preferences.
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced that premium bathroom retailer Easy Bathrooms has become a BiKBBI Retail Installation Standards Partner in preparation for the launch of its national installation service. Install, which will provide customers with a turnkey fitting service across Easy Bathroom’s impressive 139 showroom estate, is working closely with BiKBBI to deliver a robust proposition for its customers.
Speaking on behalf of Easy Bathrooms, head of installations David Rowley (pictured) said: “We’re delighted to be working with BiKBBI as we develop Simply Install across our showroom estate over coming weeks and months. I have worked with BiKBBI for many years and enormously value the work they drive within our industry. At Easy Bathrooms, we completely understand the challenges facing the industry, especially the evident shortage of skilled labour across the construction and home improvement sector. We’ll work with BiKBBI, not only to connect and work with the very best specialist bathroom installers, but to collaborate efforts in the building of a sustainable future pipeline of professional installers for tomorrow.”
David went on to say: “BiKBBI is a key strategic partnership for us for several reasons. The organisation manages and maintains the bulk of our compliance requirements, ensuring that risk to our customers and brand is minimised with their leading compliance management tools. Additionally, they help us to connect with new installers, deliver training and development to both our installers and internal management team, provide us with an inspection service and generally support the complex task of Easy Bathrooms delivering a leading installation solution for our customers.
Christine Masson, spokesperson for BiKBBI’s registration team added: “In addition to the benefits for a retailer to partner with us [BiKBBI], it’s important to recognise the many benefits that professional installers gain in registering with the UK’s only institute dedicated to their sector. We help these businesses, often micro-SMEs, to gain a bigger voice, join with thousands of other like-minded professionals, get access to news, technical updates, commercial cost-savers, training and development and specialist support for their business.
The British Institute of KBB Installation works with local, regional and national retailers of KBB product and invites any business wanting to know more about becoming a Retail Installations Standards Partner, to contact its commercial relationships manager Leon Rowland (leon.rowland@bikbbi.org.uk).
