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In a conversation with Linda Barker, the renowned interior designer and television personality from the iconic show “Changing Rooms,” Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), explores the trends reshaping bathroom design in the UK.

Linda, whose creative designs have long captivated audiences and transformed homes, shared her expert insights with delegates in the BMA’s Future of Water Theatre at InstallerSHOW 2024 on elevating the bathroom into a space of comfort, rejuvenation, and style regardless of size.

She highlighted the emerging trend of “humanising” bathroom spaces, which are becoming personalised sanctuaries to unwind and rejuvenate while incorporating sustainable materials and technology. This shift is evident in the growing popularity of features that promote relaxation, such as the positioning of the bath or shower to take advantage of a window view, plants and greenery (artificial can work just as well), curved designs, and innovative panelling. By incorporating these elements, homeowners can create a spa-like atmosphere in their own homes.

Linda also explained that with UK homes getting smaller, making the most of limited bathroom space is crucial. She emphasised the importance of clever design to make small bathrooms appear larger while appreciating the often-tricky task that bathroom installers take on.  One innovative solution is the use of Japanese-style freestanding bathtubs. These compact yet elegant tubs save space and conserve water, aligning with sustainable living practices. Additionally, Linda suggested utilising bold colours and tactile materials to inject personality and warmth into the bathroom. “Pushing the boundaries in the bathroom space is important”, she advised. “Even if consumers want a white bath and toilet, they can incorporate an unusual and bold basin to deliver on an individual’s personality.”

Free-flowing furniture is another trend that enhances the perception of space for small bathrooms. Homeowners can create an airy, uncluttered look by opting for wall-hanging toilets and basins. This approach maximises floor space and makes the room feel more expansive, creating a seamless flow and ensuring every piece of furniture adds to the sense of space.

Designers, installers, and bathroom fitters are crucial in bringing these designs to life. Linda urged these professionals to be brave in their discussions with customers and encouraged them to explore well-designed spaces and be inspired by the range of choices manufacturers offer. By guiding clients towards innovative and personalised design options, a functional yet beautiful bathroom is within everyone’s reach.

Linda’s insights provide a roadmap for transforming even the smallest of bathrooms into luxurious, personalised retreats. By embracing bold colours, tactile materials, and space-enhancing solutions, homeowners can create a bathroom that satisfies the necessities of daily routines and delivers a restful sanctuary. With the right approach, the humble bathroom can become the most rejuvenating space in any home.

In South Tyrol, Kastelbell, in the Vinschgau Valley, the new AMARIL hotel offers tranquility-seekers a place to re-energise. It is an out-of-the-ordinary retreat that combines luxury, wellness, and nature. In the adults-only ****S boutique hotel, guests can relax and recharge their batteries.

The accommodations at the ****S AMARIL boutique hotel offer suites and apartments, all with generously sized rooms. The clear aesthetics project a secure and warm atmosphere: the rooms are open, bright, and close to nature, perfect for daydreaming. The penthouse luxury suites cover two floors, each with a private roof terrace and whirlpool, breathtaking views, and pure seclusion. The large wellness and fitness area offers a variety of ways to replenish energy reserves.

The suites and apartments of the Naturhotel AMARIL feature a modern, upscale design where guests can indulge in stylish bathrooms detailed with brushed bronze KEUCO fittings. The invigorating design seamlessly blends the natural ambience of the surroundings to create a harmonious space that exudes warmth. The KEUCO bronze hue enhances this feeling, suggesting both cosiness and luxury, serving as a stunning accent, offering eye-catching highlights throughout.

The EDITION 400 fittings at the washbasin capture attention with their delicate design. Each product is like a unique sculpture. Soft, organic shapes combine harmoniously with straight contours and charm the viewer with graceful elegance. They are a central element of the style in the interior design.

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For discerning connoisseurs, the brushed bronze surface and superb craftsmanship of the EDITION 400 fittings are a visual delight. These luxury fittings offer a sensual experience with their exceptional quality and durable design. The special PVD coating on the brushed bronze ensures long-lasting surfaces, providing an intense, deep shine and exceptional toughness. Indulge in the beauty and durability of the EDITION 400 fittings for a truly upscale bathroom experience.

The remarkable thing about EDITION 400 fittings is the perfection in detail. The single-lever mixers at the washbasin are the perfect example, the side lever is practical and aesthetically pleasing: When shutting off the lever with wet hands the spout stays dry, clean, and mostly free of water droplets. Another special feature is the adjustable aerator integrated into the spout, making it invisible from the outside.

With its extravagant looks, the EDITION 400 freestanding bathtub fitting has a separate hand shower and a practical glass shelf for bathroom utensils. The shower is supplied with IXMO fittings in brushed bronze. With the 2-way stop and diverter valve, guests can alternate between a large head shower or a hand-held rod shower head. The fitting element also contains the hose connection and hand shower bracket. IXMO is user-friendly, and the thermostat regulates the temperature.

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More news from KEUCO

Nine colleagues from leading KBB distributor PJH dusted off their walking boots and woolly hats in preparation for a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia, North Wales, raising an incredible £2,773 for PJH’s chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Rob Brooks, Kim Cooper, Sally Hough, Julie Lockwood, Rob McKie, Tanna Molyneux, Tara Morrison, Ian Parkinson and Carl Wheatley from PJH’s marketing & product team, trekked an impressive 15 kms, via the Llanberis path, taking eight hours to complete – smashing their original £800 target by a staggering 347%!

Despite dense fog and poor visibility on the ascent, spirits were high as the team tackled the long, steep path to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest mountain in the British Isles outside of the Scottish Highlands. Fortunately, the fog lifted at the 3,560 ft summit, revealing beautiful blue skies and spectacular views across the Snowdonia National Park!

Kim Cooper, PJH’s Head of Marketing & Product, said: “We are delighted to have raised so much money through this latest PJH employee fundraiser for Macmillan. The hike up to the summit and back had its challenges, but team spirit was high and ‘Together we’re better’! The Macmillan charity is such an amazing organisation that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of people affected by cancer, and we are pleased to add to our fundraising pot – which has a target of £10,000 that PJH pledges to double as soon as we reach it!”

Throughout the last year, PJH colleagues have organised a huge variety of fundraising activities, from ‘Three Peaks’ climbs to bake sales and football tournaments to fun days, with great determination to meet the £10k goal whilst also communicating the incredibly important work Macmillan Cancer Support does.

If you would like to add to the PJH Marketing & Product Team Snowdon fundraiser, please click the JustGiving link below to make a donation, however big or small: https://www.justgiving.com/page/pjh-snowdon-trek

For further information on Macmillan Cancer Care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk, and for PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

Bathrooms to Love by PJH is celebrating the arrival Summer with the launch of this beautiful new modular furniture range, MAYFAIR, presented in a MATT PEONY pastel pink.

The chic Mayfair collection is available in wall-hung and floor-standing options and boasts a ‘transitional’ style – a charming combination of enduring shaker design with modern-day twists. Drawer and door fronts blend fine shaker styling with contemporary, tactile super matt finishes.

Available in three on-trend Matt shades – Matt Peony (pictured), Matt Reed Green and Matt White, the units also feature a practical fingerprint-proof finish for long-lasting, flawless good looks.     

Offering ample storage space to keep bathrooms tidy and organised, the Mayfair range includes a choice of basin units (615-815mm widths), a floor-standing WC unit (500mm width) and a wall-hung tall unit (350mm width). Basin unit choices include wall-hung with two spacious drawers and floor-standing with doors, as well as a sleek, slim-edge, white ceramic sit-in basin. With shorter depth basin units in comparison to many others, a reduced unit projection of 395mm makes the Mayfair range suitable for space-challenged bathrooms and ensuites, too.  

To complete the look the new furniture range includes an impressive choice of 11 contrasting handles to coordinate with the units and customise designs. A choice of metallic handle finishes – matt black, brushed brass (pictured) and chrome – can also be found throughout a range of matching overflow rings, flush covers and seat hinge caps, for a totally coordinated look.

All units in the Mayfair range are specified with soft-close fixtures and fittings for an ultra-smooth operation and excellent durability.                                                                                                        

Now in stock and available to order from PJH, the stunning new Mayfair range comes with competitive display deals, product swatches and a package of showroom support. This includes QR codes with AR links for customer’s to view Mayfair in their own space, as well as this engaging new video: MAYFAIR By BTL

Supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, Mayfair can be ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99  / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Bathroom furniture manufacturer Utopia has launched a new section of its website dedicated to its Contracts division.  The move coincides with its recently announced partnership with the National Building Specification and product listing on NBS Source.

Utopia has had a thriving Contracts and Developer division for over 30 years, working with some of the leading names in the sector. Headed up by Chris Hewitt, the dedicated team works closely with builders, developers and retailers on projects from concept to completion.  Proud to design and manufacture all of its extensive range of furniture in the UK, Utopia leads the way in supplying innovative and tailored bathroom solutions to the sector.

In addition to detailing the range of services and products on offer, the new website content includes specific case studies which demonstrate Utopia’s creative and imaginative approach to any project, large or small.

For further information about how Utopia’s Contract Division can help your business, visit www.utopiagroup.com or contact contractsupport@utopiagroup.com.

RAK Ceramics, renowned for its premium ceramic tiles and sanitaryware, has launched its latest collection of bathroom mirrors: RAK-Teardrop and RAK-Scorpio. These new additions combine sleek design with cutting-edge lighting technology, perfect for enhancing any bathroom, ensuite, or cloakroom.

Both mirrors boast gentle curves that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bathroom. The simple, clean lines of the RAK-Teardrop and RAK-Scorpio mirrors make them perfect for modern interiors.

The RAK-Teardrop mirror (pictured top) is available in two sizes: 500 x 700 x 30 cm and 600 x 840 x 30 cm. Featuring a soft, curvaceous teardrop shape, this mirror embodies simplicity and elegance. Its minimalist design is complemented by state-of-the-art illumination, providing excellent task lighting and creating a soothing ambience. The RAK-Teardrop is an ideal choice for those seeking to add a touch of sophistication to their bathroom decor.

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The RAK-Scorpio mirror is available in two sizes: 600 x 600 x 30 cm and 1000 x 1000 x 30 cm. This round mirror offers a harmonious blend of style and functionality. Its smooth, circular form and minimalist design make it a versatile addition to any bathroom setting.

Equipped with the latest lighting technology, the RAK-Scorpio ensures optimal illumination for daily tasks while enhancing the overall atmosphere with its ambient light.

Both mirrors boast gentle curves that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bathroom. The simple, clean lines of the RAK-Teardrop and RAK-Scorpio mirrors make them perfect for modern interiors.

Contact:

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), part of DER KREIS, has reported its largest-ever Annual Members’ Meeting on Monday, 10th June 2024, at the National Space Centre in Leicester, sponsored by ArtiCAD.

The buying group was joined by 29 suppliers to create the biggest-ever exhibition at a KBBG Annual Members’ Meeting. The exhibitors were set amongst the galleries in the National Space Centre, which provided an exciting atmosphere for KBBG members to explore the opportunities available.

“It was great that so many of our suppliers supported our Annual Members’ Meeting by showcasing their products, creating a dynamic and vibrant Exhibition Zone. We want our members to not only benefit from the insights and takeaways shared during the keynote speeches, but also to discuss the new deals and opportunities available directly with our suppliers, to make the day spent out of their showrooms even more worthwhile. We had great success with this at Silverstone in 2023 and being able to outclass this and host 29 suppliers this year is a new milestone that we are very proud of”, says Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG.

During the conference, Bill Miller revealed a new supply agreement with one of the UK’s largest kitchen manufacturers, Omega PLC; “It was fantastic to be able to announce our new exclusive partnership with Omega PLC. We continually endeavour to broaden our offering and I am sure our members will benefit from the products that Omega PLC brings to the market”, adds Bill.

A brand new, unique partnership between KBBG and the Kbsa was also announced at the Annual Members’ Meeting. Bill also explained the advances being made to the mykitchenspecialist.co.uk website, which was created to support KBBG members achieve more consumer leads. mykitchenspecialist.co.uk brings KBBG members together to form the UK’s leading network of independent kitchen specialists, to help consumers who are planning a kitchen renovation. The process in which leads are delivered to KBBG members is being enhanced whereby enquiries will be followed up by the mykitchenspecialist.co.uk team in the first instance. Individual sales briefs will then be created and forwarded onto the customer’s local mykitchenspecialist.co.uk retailer for immediate follow-up. This will ensure that only serious enquiries are filtered through meaning that the retailer can focus their attention on quality leads only.

In addition, the audience had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers during the conference. Alex Rollinger and Neil Metcalf represented event sponsor ArtiCAD and delivered a presentation on its latest innovations, highlighting the transformative potential of AI. Anthony Sant from Swift provided an update on the latest WEEE regulations. Finally, Social Media Expert, Will Francis guided the audience through social media trends, tips and tools, plus how to use video and AI to enhance a business.

Bill concludes: “We chose the National Space Centre as this year’s venue as we wanted the event to focus on the theme of moving forward. The centre certainly exceeded our expectations and we have received wonderful feedback from our members with many posing the question ‘how will you top that next year?’. A huge thank you goes to our sponsor ArtiCAD, our exhibiting suppliers and our speakers for making the day so memorable. Thank you to all of our members that attended too. We look forward to another successful 12 months for the KBBG.”

For more information on the KBBG, call Bill Miller on 07887 247811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk. You can also visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk

The leading bathroom brand Scudo from Harrison Bathrooms has added the Dawn range to their Scudo 18 portfolio.

This new and exclusive range features sleek and elegant enclosures, wet rooms, and bath screens, making it the perfect choice for adding chic sophistication to any bathroom. The versatile collection is well-suited to many shapes and styles of bathrooms and is sure to make an impact.

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Scudo’s 18 portfolio blends contemporary style with functional excellence in bathroom design. Known for its innovative approach, Scudo offers diverse products catering to modern aesthetics and practical needs. Scudo products are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality, whether it’s their sleek shower enclosures, stylish bath screens, or versatile bathroom furniture. The 18 portfolio enhances the bathroom experience through cutting-edge design, ensuring each piece harmonises seamlessly with residential and commercial spaces.

Houzz has uncovered the latest emerging trends in home design, drawing insights from a diverse community of UK homeowners, design enthusiasts, and professionals. These trends highlight a growing preference for integrating wellness features and soothing green tones to instil tranquillity at home. Additionally, there’s a noticeable trend towards expanding living spaces into the garden and incorporating elements of rustic charm. There is also a rising interest in designing dedicated spaces for leisure activities catering to adults and children alike.

Wellness Retreats 

Wellness continues to surface in trending searches on Houzz, with “yoga room,” “sauna”, and “home gym” all rising in the first quarter of the year compared with Q1 2023. Homeowners are also enlisting professionals on Houzz to create spa-like oases, with searches increasing for “indoor swimming pool” and “spa bathroom.”

Going Green

We’re also seeing interest in incorporating nature throughout the home. According to the 2024 Houzz UK Kitchen Trends Report, 1 in 6 renovating homeowners chose green cabinetry (16%), so it’s unsurprising that searches for “green kitchens” increased by nearly 1.5x. Searches for the colour green also climbed for living rooms, bathroom tiles, bathrooms and walls, compared with the same period in 2023.

Houzz-emerging-summer-trends-report.

Garden Structures

Homeowners are increasingly focused on maximising and enhancing their gardens, as indicated by a nearly 2x increase in searches for “raised beds” and “greenhouses”. The trend towards outdoor living is also evident in the growing popularity of “outdoor kitchens”, reflecting a desire to cook and entertain outside. Another notable trend is the rise in searches for “granny annexes, ” which facilitate multigenerational living by providing additional living space separate from the main house, often built within the garden area.

Impressionable Thresholds

A notable shift towards enhancing home entrances is evident in a 65% year-over-year increase in searches. Homeowners are focusing on creating impactful first impressions, with rising interest in terms like “hall”, “hallway storage”, and “Victorian entrance hallway” compared to previous years. Additionally, a growing emphasis on kerb appeal is reflected in increased searches for “bungalow front porch” and “front porch”. These trends underscore heightened attention to home entrances’ aesthetic and functional aspects.

Rustic Farmhouse Style

The rustic farmhouse design trend reflects a strong desire to incorporate countryside charm into modern homes. Searches for “roses” have surged nearly 6x, while interest in “country cottage gardens” has nearly doubled year-over-year, indicating a growing enthusiasm for creating picturesque outdoor settings this summer. Inside the home, “country cottage interiors” are gaining prominence, with searches for this term increasing by almost half. Additionally, there’s a rising interest in features like “walk-in pantries” and “farmhouse bathrooms”, which evoke the tranquillity and comfort associated with rural living.

Leisure Spaces

Interest in creating dedicated leisure spaces within homes is rising as homeowners seek cosy areas for reading or solitary relaxation, with searches for “reading nooks” nearly doubling. There’s also growing interest in entertainment-focused spaces, with searches for “music room” and “media wall units” increasing by nearly 1.5x. Home cinemas have seen an 11% year-over-year uptick, indicating a preference for spaces dedicated to enjoying music and television or film.

Indoor recreational areas are also gaining popularity, with searches for “game room” and “family room” rising by 29% and 23%, respectively. These trends highlight a growing desire among homeowners to create functional and enjoyable spaces tailored to their leisure activities within their homes.

Youthful Havens

Homeowners are prioritising spaces where kids can express their personality and feel a sense of ownership within the home, according to trending search data. Searches for “teenage girl bedroom”, “teenage boy bedroom”, “teen room”, and “kids room” have all experienced significant traffic increases compared to the previous year. This surge reflects parents’ desire to find inspiration on Houzz for creating environments that cater to their children’s evolving needs and preferences.

Homeowners looking to begin renovating or decorating their homes can get inspired and find the best home professionals for their projects on Houzz.

*Source: Data reflects year-over-year growth in UK-based searches on Houzz from January-March 2024 versus January-March 2023. Read the complete report here.

Picture Credit_ Oakwrights © Guildford Photographer

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks has added to its family of concealed cisterns, flush plates, and buttons with its new entry-level Conceala 3 range. 

Perfect for commercial and residential settings, the Conceala 3 in-wall cisterns join the existing ProSys® premium cisterns and frames offering and are available in top, side, and bottom water supply inlet variants. Conceala 3 can use both pneumatic and syphon lever flush activations, and there’s also a cable-operated model on offer, fitting seamlessly into bathroom furniture units. The variety of models gives installers and developers installation flexibility for projects of all kinds. Furthermore, the flat back design and lack of bottom lugs on the tank make installing it easier, saving time across projects.  

Conceala 3’s pneumatic models feature a new 2-inch water outlet improving flush performance, whilst an innovative ‘silencer tube’ and mesh filter on the inlet valve ensure a quieter filling process – ensuring the entire mechanism is truly out of sight and out of mind. 

To complete the look, a dedicated range of pneumatic buttons and flush plates are available in traditional chrome, stainless steel and sleek black finishes, enabling developers and contractors to coordinate a full suite of products easily. Conceala 3 also works with several of Ideal Standard’s existing ProSys® flush plates, which offer extended colour choices including the Solea plate in white, chrome, brushed chrome, and black, and the Septa Pro push button in white. 

With sustainability being such a huge focus for developers and specifiers, considerations have been built into Conceala 3’s dual-flushing models, which deliver a flush of 6/4 litres as standard. This can be further reduced to a minimum of 4/2.6 litres with a simple adjustment during installation. Single-flush models are also available. Delayed fill inlet valves are standard across all models, stopping water waste during the flushing process and further decreasing Conceala 3’s environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Ideal Standard’s ProSys® cisterns have SmartValve water-saving technology that cuts water usage by up to 63 litres a week in an average four-person household. 

Both Conceala 3 and ProSys® are ideal behind-the-wall solutions for commercial and residential projects where sustainability and water reduction are a priority. The ranges fully support building accreditation for BREEAM and are compliant with all UK water regulations. 

To find out more about Conceala 3, visit: https://www.idealspec.co.uk/product/conceala3.html