KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
13th February 2015
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 International News
Products Bespoke screens designed by SWA members are gracing the best bathrooms
A little Kitchen Magic will help spread some cheer...
Abode welcomes a further sink model to the successful Connekt family
ProApp delivers Geberit know-how straight to your Smartphone
Kilrock combats household damp with launch of new Damp Clear moisture range
High impact basins from Arcade offer several design options
New & innovative product for members unveiled
Abode Tempeau: an installer's dream
Buckinghamshire New University to provide FDA sponsorship of the 2015 KBSA Designer Awards
Total relaxation in a customised luxury bathroom - what Grohe Spa is all about
Barwood Products welcomes DisabledGo report
Tap into traditional and contemporary bathroom interiors with Laura Ashley
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I’ve never been a fan of all the St Valentine’s Day hype… I’ve always been an “If you love me, show me you love me every day; not just when someone else tells you to” type of gal. Plus I could never stomach having an ‘intimate’ romantic dinner in a crowded restaurant where the waiting staff are rushed off their feet, or being presented with a dozen long stemmed red roses which have been purchased at outrageously inflated prices when red roses have never been a particular favourite of mine. Far from being the party pooper though, it seems I’m not the only one to feel this way about the big day tomorrow… Research carried out recently by Heritage Bathrooms, reveals that men should forget the chocolates and overpriced flowers, because all we women really want is a home makeover! Apparently, just a third of UK women would actually be grateful for a traditional gift, as the majority would prefer the promise of a handyman. With costs for Valentine’s Day including gifts, dining out and travel expected to reach just over £200, women across the UK are wishing that the money could be diverted into getting their house up to scratch – particularly as 43% of those questioned only expect to spend £500 or less updating the décor in their homes across the entire year! Quizzed on how they would utilise a handyman’s time, 45% would stretch to a bigger £1,500 spend getting as many rooms in the home finished off or updated as possible, while 35% would use the same budget to focus on an entire revamp project such as updating an ageing bathroom. The research also found that 39% of women, when looking to move to a new property, would seek somewhere that needed redecorating in the living areas, but boasted designer statements elsewhere around the home, while 32% of men see newly painted walls and new carpets throughout as the deciding purchase point. As far as I’m concerned, the results of this research are bang on. I would however - bearing in mind the problems I’ve had in the past – add the proviso that the handyman would have to be truly excellent!
Yours,
 This Week's News
The European Water Label: a force for good
Using the online database of 8,000-plus products from almost 80 brands, consumers and industry professionals alike can choose bathroom and kitchen products to suit their lifestyle and budget - and - since most are looking to reduce their utility bills, the most water-efficient products will be chosen first, thus causing both water and energy consumption to tumble. Here, Yvonne Orgill, director, European Water Label, explains the development of this crucial scheme and how it to get the most from it... Abode Verla receives award nomination
Verla is an innovative new take on kitchen mixer tap styling with a 'V' shaped body design. The smooth curved radii of the tap come together perfectly from the architecturally tall spout design, to the easy-to-operate style handles. Amica opens first strategic showroom in UK
Based in Andover, Hampshire, the new Amica showroom is a dedicated, branded space displaying a range of freestanding and built-in appliances from all categories. Choose a kitchen in any colour with new RAL options from Alno
The German manufacturer now offers six different kitchen ranges that can be ordered in any RAL or NCS colour. With thousands of options available, this colour matching service provides guaranteed colour accuracy. T: 0113 3315 100 Gone grey - Burbidge's contemporary classic Malmo in the shade of the decade
One for the true urbanites, the sumptuously soft hues of Light Grey work in perfect juxtaposition to the sharp styling and sleek handleless design of the Malmo. The result is a look which is boldly contemporary while retaining an air of light delicacy. Continued growth for Classic Kitchens
The group, established in 1987, now has showrooms in four locations across Worcestershire and the West Midlands and, according to director Gareth Davies, there are plans for continued growth. Systemline S7 installed at prestigious showroom in London Design Centre - Victoria + Albert Baths
S7, which is discreetly built into the fabric of a building, was primarily targeted at domestic settings, but in this case it was chosen for the substantial new showroom of high-end bathware manufacturer Victoria + Albert Baths.
Simon Ogden, LDL Director, comments: "We are always seeking to expand our family of leading brands as part of our commitment to offering our customers the best products available. Quality is at the very heart of our business and, as such, Spax is a perfect business partner."
Twenty-two-year-old Dan is originally from Exeter but now lives in Cardiff and will work with the development team at Masterclass Kitchens, focussing on new concepts and design features for the company's expanding of quality kitchen. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. News in Brief Congratulations to In-toto Kitchens, celebrating 35 years in business – www.intoto.co.uk ... Whirlpool’s new Jet Chef 33L ‘6th Sense’ microwave can store 30 recipes; perfect for time-poor consumers – www.whirlpoolcorp.com … Smeg has unveiled two new finishes for its award-winning SFP140 oven – E: [email protected] … Winners announced for 2015 Neff MasterPartner Awards - www.bsh-group.com How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Do it right and you can build the perfect wetroom
"There is one thing that must rank before all others with any shower or wetroom installation - it must be leak free. Deciding how this is achieved should come at the earliest stage of planning and design. Of course, the waterproofing properties of any product cannot be considered in isolation; aesthetics and ergonomics are also key factors in the decision-making process, along with practical thoughts about how the work will be executed on site. Some like it hot... (but women like it hotter)
 May Design Series returns for 2015
Inclusive kitchen and bathroom products to grow by 20% to 2018
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