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.
Statement colours are set to join warm neutrals, cool tones and marble finishes in comprising the most popular bathroom trends requested of retailers and installers in 2024, according to bathroom wall panel specialist, Mermaid Panels.
While a new year is expected to bring a variety of new trends to bathroom designs, true bathroom staples like marble finishes are expected to remain in demand. Viewed as the perfect natural base, marble pairs with a plethora of colour palettes, particularly when used across bathroom walls and floors.
Due to its typical association with a hefty price tag, in addition to the challenges of maintaining the finish, homeowners often rule out marble as a viable option for their design. However, marble-finish bathroom panels can put retailers and installers in a position to offer this type of luxurious look for those customers working to a budget. As they are easy to cut, size and install, bathroom wall panels are an obvious choice for 2024 designs.
Owing to their ability to create a multi-dimensional design inspired by the natural world, warm neutrals are set for popularity in the coming year. Accompanied by earthy hues, which can provide a neutral base to be built upon, both create an inviting bathroom space that moves away from traditional white, minimalist designs.
“As we look forward, offering on-trend products that retailers and installers are confident will sell will be crucial to navigating what could be a challenging market in the new year,” commented Elliott Fairlie, product lead at Mermaid. “Bathroom wall panels are a popular, cost-effective alternative that will no doubt appeal to those looking to upgrade their bathroom on a budget in 2024.”
Cool tones are similarly anticipated to remain in style throughout 2024. Bathroom wall panel finishes like slate, grey stone and Swedish cedar are great options for retailers and installers looking to offer a cool, calm and collected design.
Households wanting to create a vibrant bathroom design are expected to opt for bold and bright colours and patterns, in addition to panels that mimic the effect of tiles, such as Abruzzo. With the colder months going nowhere, bright hues like Aqua and Mist are perfect to combat dark and dreary days.
Elliott continued: “Following Dulux’s announcement of Sweet Embrace as its colour of the year, retailers and installers should expect a heightened demand for blush pinks across the entire home, including the bathroom, in 2024.
“Bathroom wall panels allow retailers to cater for those customers looking to achieve a daring design without long-term commitment. With that being said, it’s important to opt for panels that will stand the test of time, such as those offered by Mermaid, that provide peace of mind with a 15-year guarantee.”
Award-winning designer and distributor of kitchen and bathroom solutions has launched two new brochures in January 2024:
Leanne Adamson, marketing manager at Abode says, “We are thrilled to present our latest innovations across two new brochures, which are individually designed to serve both the client and design specialist. Simply visit our website, and customers can either select the brochure icon to view online, download as a PDF or alternatively, receive a hard copy in the post. Our one true aim as a dedicated sink and tap manufacturer is to support the home interiors market with a continued stream of informative and reader-friendly product resources for the kitchen so our products continue to play an integral role in the UK home.”
Homeowners
New 2024 Kitchen Sink & Tap Brochure: 320-page full colour brochure of premium kitchen sinks and taps by Abode, which are consistent with the latest home design trends and lifestyle preferences in 2024. From the latest micro and mega sink designs in premium grade stainless steel, SiOForm® granite and the finest fireclay ceramic, through to its iconic range of Pronteau instant hot water taps, Aquifier and Swich® filtered water solutions, and broad mix of contemporary and traditional kitchen taps, Abode is able to create new opportunities to streamline, simplify and synchronise the UK washzone and kitchen space.
Allowing homeowners to discover the full range of premium sinks and taps by Abode, the new Kitchen Sink & Tap Brochure is designed to enhance the customer experience and influence the creation of original kitchen interiors that are distinct and beautifully refined. This new catalogue includes:
The 2024 show takes place at the NEC on 25-27 June and show organisers, Lyrical Communications are expecting more than 20,000 visitors.
New for 2024, Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will showcase the role technology and innovation play in shaping the kitchens and bathrooms of the future, to a dedicated audience of installers, specifiers, designers, developers, manufacturers and retailers.
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “I am delighted to be partnering with the successful Installer show once again. The event provides the ideal platform for us to promote our water efficiency message.
“Installers have a crucial role to play in influencing consumer choice by promoting products that carry the UWL. The outstanding growth we have seen in the use of the UWL, presents installers with a huge selection of innovative products that are designed to use water wisely, without compromising on quality. Installers do not have to compromise on design or performance when selecting environmentally friendly products to promote to their customers. These products can be sourced easily from our database of almost 17,000 products.
“Many of Europe’s most well-known and well respected brands offer bathroom products that carry the UWL, providing significant choice to the consumer.
“We will have a host of FREE information and marketing tools for installers at the show and look forward to engaging with them.”
Approximately 300 items from kitchen, bathroom and bedroom specialist Custom Design in Bishop Auckland are currently up for sale via two online auctions, with the bids closing from 12pm on Thursday, February 1.
Asset advisory firm Walker Singleton, who are hosting the online auction, has invited bids on the company’s stock and operational equipment following the appointment of joint administrators.
The first auction includes showroom contents such as new and display kitchens and appliances by NEFF, Bosch and Elica, from double ovens to fridge freezers and dishwashers. It also includes bathroom stock such as freestanding baths, heated towel rails alongside fitted bedroom displays.
Interested parties are able to bid for products online now until the auction closes from 12pm on Thursday, February 1
The second auction consists of the contents of the joinery workshop, including a SCM edgebander, Altendorf panel saws, and woodworking machinery and stocks. The auction closes at 12pm on Friday, February 2.
In total there are 301 items from Custom Design now currently up for sale by online auctions. All of the lots can be viewed here.
Walker Singleton will be holding an appointment-only view day at Custom Design’s showroom on Wednesday, January 31 from 10am until 2pm, the day before the auction closes.
Walker Singleton associate director, Luke Hartshorn, commented: “The wide range of equipment and stock available will appeal to a multitude of buyers, from kitchen, bathroom and bedroom fitters through to those looking for a new oven or other domestic appliance and furnishings.
“We would recommend anyone interested in taking part in the auction to view the lots and see for themselves the breadth and standard of items available.”
For further information on the online auction and to view the lots, search ‘Walker Singleton Custom Design online auction’.
Studio ovre.design®, an artistic designer specialist in luxury hospitality, has recently renovated the Junior Suite design at the Hotel Baia del Mar. Strategically positioned by the Jesolo seafront, Hotel Baia del Mar is a 4 stars superior boutique-hotel with an elegant and chic ambiance, and authentic excellence in hospitality.
The core of the concept revolves around creating distinctive suites, by transforming them into experiential havens overlooking the sea. Between the fourth and fifth floors of the building, the Junior Suites stand aims to provide guests with an elegant stay.
The entrance immediately reveals a sophisticated combination of contemporary design elements. The design had to focus on the well-being of the individual by reorganizing the setup in terms of space.
The real showpiece of the suites is the private sauna, separated by a glass door to give the impression of space and lightness. A window overlooks the sea, offering a panoramic view and creating a connection with nature. The wellness area extends to the terrace with an outdoor bathtub.
The finishing touches and the materials used are of the highest quality. A contemporary boiserie (wood panel) with a semi-transparent glass wall and frosted glass separates the sauna and the bathroom area from the other areas of the suite, creating a visual division that strikes a balance between intimacy and spaciousness.
The living area is modern and characterized by a boiserie extending on the vertical side and converging with the roof, giving a sophisticated style to the suite. The chromatic harmony of the materials, textures and presence of a perfectly integrated bar. The interior is defined by soft and bright colours in contrast to the vibrant furniture’s vibrant red. Except for the armchairs, the furniture is custom designed by ovre.design® Studio
