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Thomas Crapper has announced plans to display a new range of products at Decorex in October. The iconic bathroom manufacturer will be found at stand P35 where you will find an impressive range of high-quality basins, cisterns and much more.

On show will be the iconic 814 cistern in a selection of RAL colours and a new range of bathroom furniture. You will also see the cloakroom must-have – the Bentham basin, in a variety of colours.

The Thomas Crapper team is excited to be taking part in this year’s exhibition to gain first hand insight into the upcoming trends in the interior design world and to introduce the brand to even more people.

If you are visiting Decorex and would like to arrange a meeting with a senior member of the Thomas Crapper team, please email lauren@tayloralden.co.uk.

For more information on Thomas Crapper, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com

Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the designer RAK-Petit collection of washbasins from RAK Ceramics, now available in square.

Creating a sense of orderliness and simplicity, the straight lines and square profile of the new washbasins in this stylish shape are available in a floorstanding or countertop version in striking Alpine White ceramic. Standing at a tall 900mm high, the floorstanding RAK-Petit Square washbasin is an excellent space-saver in en-suites and cloakrooms where floor space is at a premium, while the countertop version is half as tall yet equally as arresting in appearance.

Created for RAK Ceramics by renowned Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins designed with small spaces in mind. With minimal shapes and small dimensions, the collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units.

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation has announced Lakes Showering Spaces as the latest corporate sponsor of 2023. The showering enclosure manufacturer has pledged its support to the government-sanctioned organisation, and its work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards and compliance in the KBB installation sector.

Lakes is an award-winning family-run business, manufacturing innovative showering spaces including walk-ins and bath screens and was established in 1986. The company prides itself on designing and producing products that meet the needs of today’s lifestyles as well as its environmental responsibility, introducing 100% recycled packaging on all of its products in 2019 and achieving the Carbon Footprint Standard in March 2019 – the first company in the sector to become a Carbon Neutral Plus organisation.

Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes Showering Spaces commented ‘Our drive to make a positive difference does not end with our products and service to our customers. We are committed to doing more for not only our local community but for the wider KBB sector and we recognise the importance of the role that KBB manufacturers have to play in the future of the installation sector. We fully support the work that BiKBBI is doing, and we are keen to play an active role going forward.’

Lakes joins a growing lineup of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors pledging their support for the BiKBBI and the work that the institute undertakes to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector, particularly as the early effects of the skills shortage begins to be felt throughout all areas of the industry.

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said, ‘The work that we are doing within the sector is vital to the future of the industry, not just for installers but for all businesses operating in the KBB industry. We are delighted to have such a prominent and well-respected brand such as Lakes Showering Spaces as a corporate sponsor. From our early discussions it is clear that there is synergy between Lakes’ aspirations for the future of the sector and our strategic objectives and we look forward to working with them.’

Bathroom Review The Shower Lab Portrait Collection Triador

The Shower Lab, one of the UK’s leading shower space companies, has unveiled a stunning new addition, the Single Door, to its elite Portrait Collection.

The new single door is available in sizes from a modest 700 mm to a larger 900 mm model, all with a generous height of 2020 mm. The door is framed in a choice of profile finishes; matt black, white, brushed nickel, polished nickel and brushed and polished gold. The glass is available in clear, ultra-clear, fluted or a choice of four colours, satin etched, blue, bronze green, grey tinted and fluted glass.

The gorgeous shower space is further enhanced by the stunning Ring handle and the Axis wrap around solid brass hinge cover plate.

The Portrait 02 is shown with Polished Gold finish and Grey Tinted Glass, prices starting at £2344

Bathroom Review The Shower Lab Portrait Collection Estriada Gold

www.theshowerlab.com

More news and product information from The Shower Lab

The popular Sanicubic 2 Pro Smart is a pumping station designed to lift grey and black waste water from individual properties, small businesses and light commercial premises such as pubs and restaurants. The new brushless version extends the range to three models – the classic, the Pro Smart and the Pro Smart brushless.

Saniflo says it is the first manufacturer to offer a brushless pump option with advanced technology that improves motor lifespan, product efficiency and reliability. It is widely used in various products, including power tools, boiler pumps, and appliances such as lawnmowers. It eliminates the electrical connection to the spinning motor, which can create heat, friction and noise. In the Sanicubic 2 Pro Smart, it allows the regulation of the motor to run at variable speeds. This offers further advantages, including:

  • Energy saving of up to 30%
  • High efficiency
  • High torque and thus better grinding quality
  • Lower noise

Tim Pestell, managing director of Saniflo, believes the new technology will appeal strongly to commercial businesses. He says: “As the pioneer of the macerator concept, Saniflo, true to form, is now pioneering the use of new brushless technology in lifting stations. We believe it will be a popular option with customers installing pumps for industrial projects.”

More news from Saniflo

LIXIL Corporation, the parent company of GROHE, has announced the decision by Jonas Brennwald, leader LIXIL EMENA, to leave the organisation. Bijoy Mohan, leader LIXIL International (pictured above), will step in concurrently as interim leader for EMENA.

Mohan will continue to deliver the company’s commercial strategy in the region with its tailored GROHE product and service portfolios. Jonas Brennwald (pictured below) will remain with the company for the next few months to support the transition.

Bathroom Review LIXIL EMENA Jonas Brennwald
LIXIL Enema Jonas Brennwald

“I would like to thank Jonas for all his contributions to the company and the GROHE brand over the past
12 years. He was pivotal in developing our end user-focused Go-to-Market strategy that is unique in our
industry and a clear commitment to our customer base.

Despite the challenging market environment our entire industry is facing, we are confident that our
differentiated product and service offering around GROHE Professional, GROHE QuickFix and our sub-brand GROHE SPA provide the best possible support for our B2B partners and an attractive proposition to consumers,” commented Bijoy Mohan, leader, LIXIL International.

“I am particularly looking forward to leveraging the skillsets and capabilities developed in EMENA around
the GROHE brand to focus even more on tailored approaches to address global markets for the brand,
which is undoubtedly one of the growth and innovation drivers for LIXIL globally,” Bijoy Mohan added.

HiB has announced its innovative, illuminated bathroom mirror, Cassini, has been selected as a finalist in the SBID International Design Awards, in the KBB product category.

The SBID International Design Awards is renowned for recognising and celebrating inspiring global design talent across various categories. Cassini’s inclusion as a finalist in the KBB product category is a testament to its exceptional design functionality, innovation, creativity and technical execution.

Evaluated by a panel of distinguished, industry-leading experts, success in the awards programme signifies the highest level of skill and professional mastery within the interior design profession.

Steve Kaye, marketing director at HiB said: “Cassini is one of our latest bathroom mirrors to be released to the market and has already proved a popular choice with our customers. Cassini offers a striking contrast to the ultra slim aesthetic which has become common place in bathroom mirrors over recent years and is inspired by a combination of the mid-century and the organic design style, rejecting straight edges in favour of a deep illuminated border that accentuates its curves. 

“We are delighted that it has been shortlisted in the SBID awards. It is a huge achievement for our in-house product design team, who work incredibly hard to develop solutions that not only look stunning in the bathroom but also feature important functionality and features.”

The next stage in the SBID award selection process is a public vote, which accounts for 10% of the overall results. Voting is open now and will close on 11th September.

To cast your vote for Cassini in the KBB product category, simply visit: https://www.sbidawards.com/finalistcategory-pda/2023/04-kbb-product/

More news from HiB

As part of ‘Always working with Wellbeing in mind’, leading KBB distributor, PJH has treated its 600-strong workforce to its twice yearly ‘PJH Get Together’ event, this time centred around a sizzling summer barbeque celebration theme – with the sun making a rare appearance too!

With employee health and wellbeing a priority for PJH, the company hosted eleven events across its nationwide network of offices and distribution centres. Hosted by PJH CEO, Richard George, each regional ‘PJH Get Together’ allows every member of staff the opportunity to have a relaxed catch-up and chat, as well as mix with other departments to connect informally.

From Glasgow to Greater Manchester to Enfield, colleagues were treated to VIP brunches, lunches, and dinners to enjoy a delicious spread of BBQ food and drink, and even the appearance of an Ice Cream Van at some sites!

Richard George delivered an informal and engaging business update, followed by a Q&A session, leading up to the highly anticipated raffle. Plenty of prizes were up for grabs, with the chance to win hampers, afternoon tea, an extra days’ holiday and gift vouchers.  

“It’s great to get everyone together like this and celebrate the hard work and dedication from all”, explained Richard. “Our Get Togethers are an integral part of PJH’s wellbeing employee benefits which includes focusing on the social wellbeing of every member of staff. It’s a terrific opportunity for us all to enjoy meeting colleagues from other departments and learn a bit more about how the business is doing. The raffle also went down very well and we had some delighted prize winners!”

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

More news from PJH

With shapes modelling a dewdrop, the new Antao collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms the bathroom into a space which invites nature and mindful moments.

The collection, which includes washbasins, baths, furniture, mirrors and taps, is all inspired by nature. With the German design duo kaschkasch, Villeroy & Boch has encapsulated a peaceful mood that makes the bathroom a welcoming haven for relaxation. All items in the collection, which has won international design awards, coordinate perfectly and come together in a complete design concept.

The quest for a perfect shape, with a natural rather than perfectionist look, was the starting point for Antao. The ultimate inspiration for the collection, the dewdrop, provides a common theme linking all elements: from ceramic to bath, furniture, mirrors and taps. Its shape is most clearly recognisable in the surface-mounted washbasins: organic with a slight asymmetry, and completely harmonious and balanced.

Just like in nature, where no two dewdrops are the same, a separate shape has been developed for each washbasin size in the Antao collection. The Antao taps also pick up on the dewdrop theme with soft contours and a unique shape, ideally complementing the collection with 11 different models in the finishes of Chrome, Matt Black and Brushed Nickel.

As well as classic white in a matte or glossy finish, the ceramic also comes in the on-trend matt colours of Matte Black, Almond and the new shade of Morning Green. These mellow, earthy colours convey a sense of peace and relaxation in the bathroom.

Antao furniture coordinates perfectly with the ceramic elements in the collection while at the same time adding its own special highlights, with high-quality natural materials, textured fronts and a harmonious selection of colours. As well as high-quality painted surfaces in mellow, natural trend colours, the Antao furniture programme also includes real wood furniture in Honey Oak and Warm Walnut as well as an elegant natural stone panel in real Botticino marble.

Another highlight of Antao is the free-standing bath. The bath naturally reflects the theme of the collection: a subtle asymmetry makes the designer piece an eye-catching feature that also meets the very highest requirements in terms of ergonomics and functionality.

To accompany, the organically shaped Antao illuminated mirror, in three different versions sets, the perfect mood in the room with atmospheric background lighting – via touch-sensor or optionally with smart ZIGBEE control.

All products in the Antao range are available to purchase now. Please visit https://www.villeroy-boch.co.uk

Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles offers homeowners and designers expert cloakroom design advice to create the wow factor. This area can often be overlooked, however, a cloakroom can add value to your property if you decide to sell and is one of the key rooms a guest is likely to visit.

Director Richard Skeoch explains: “You don’t spend much time in your cloakroom, so this space can give you the chance to experiment with bold colours, patterns and textures, and if your guests are going to see it, you can certainly justify making this an enjoyable space to visit.”

Richard’s top tips on how to create a super-stylish cloakroom are:

* Tiles make a fantastic option as they are easy to clean and can be ultra-durable
* If you’re keen to make your space feel bigger, choose light, neutral tile shades, which will reflect light
* Experiment with a wall mural or create a feature area behind a basin or as a backdrop for a WC
* Consider mosaic tiles, because these can be easier to fit into awkward spaces, such as around pipes
* Pick a statement mirror, perhaps with illuminated or magnifying options, and use it help maximise the light
*Get your artificial lighting right and work through your needs – do you require task, ambient, accent or decorative or perhaps a combination?
* Add suitable cloakroom accessories – shelves, bins, towels, towel rails and plants

Click the link for more surface design ideas.