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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
8th March 2019

 

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Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.



International News
Products

KBSA says rise in induction hobs is changing dominance of gas in the kitchen

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The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association responded to the Committee on Climate Change's 'UK housing: Fit for the future?' report - published last week, by reporting that gas is losing its dominance in the kitchen in favour of induction for cooking.
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XSquare bathroom furniture range secures Duravit the iF Design Award 2019

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Duravit was among the winners at this year's iF Design Award; for the XSquare bathroom furniture series, created by Duravit in conjunction with the designer Kurt Merki Jr.

The XSquare furniture range is both impressive and striking, with contemporary, elegant style. The quadrant-shaped chrome profile which edges the furniture emphasises its characteristic design. On the floor-standing model, the transition from the body of the furniture to the base is absolutely seamless.
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Industrial design on tap with new Hex range

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Abode is often at the forefront of the latest kitchen trends and tapping into the burgeoning trend for industrial elements in kitchen design, Abode has launched Hex.
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Nuance now on ArtiCad

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The complete range of Bushboard Nuance waterproof bathroom panels is now available on the ArtiCAD design system. Designers will be able to show Nuance panels in 'real life' settings - and the picture can be changed in seconds so that customers can see alternatives.

"We are delighted that the Nuance range is now available on ArtiCAD," comments Paul Findlay, product sales manager for Nuance. "The ArtiCAD system means that consumers and specifiers can get a clear view of how the panels will look in any bathroom - and allows retailers to present different options for those who have problems making a buying decision."
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New Infinity: a design to suit bathrooms of any size or shape

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New from Crosswater, the Infinity enclosure collection is designed to offer the ultimate in-shower experience for everyday use. Available in a choice of enclosure styles including quadrant, pivot door, single slider and walk-in, the collection is designed for installation in bathrooms of any size or shape.

As with all of Crosswater's products, quality and long-lasting durability come as standard across the range of Infinity shower enclosures. Surrounded by a contemporary polished stainless steel frame, 8mm toughened glass offers a superior power shower-proof surface that will withstand the daily wear-and-tear of multi-person use.
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Introducing Köngistone: Feel at home

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Taking its name from the German word for 'king', Königstone was created in 2005 with the aim of providing quartz products of the highest quality for use as surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.
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New space saving cooling from Amica

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Perfect for a kitchen where space is short or as a replacement for an older appliance, Amica's new FC2093 larder fridge is just 55cm wide compared to the usual 60cm. There is a strong replacement market for 55cm fridges for both consumers looking for extra storage and this size is also popular in social housing.

The fridge is 1235mm high so there's an impressive 204 litres of cooled storage space - perfect for fresh foods. It has four shelves, a roomy salad crisper, four spacious door balconies and has an A+ energy rating.
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Practical, adaptable Evolve - top choice for Nest Kitchens' community project

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Good habits start young - which is why top-rated Bramhope primary school in Bramhope, Leeds, is introducing hands-on cooking lessons for its pupils. When the company heard of the project, Harrogate-based Nest Kitchens, which specialises in bespoke furniture, decided it would like to be involved.
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Unidrain: an exact fit for Copenhagen's Luxury Hotel Herman K

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Unidrain's HighLine drain and Reframe Collection of bathroom accessories were selected for all the Ahead Award-winning Hotel Herman K's designer bathrooms.
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45-litre cooling perfect second-tier option for retailers

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A small 45-litre refrigerator makes the ideal second-tier cooling option for retailers interested in this growing segment of the appliance market according to Canada's Danby Appliances.

The brand which launched with Exertis late last year is now unveiling a retro-inspired compact countertop refrigerator as it's second product for the UK and European markets.
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Bushboard invests in award-winning Nuance

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Striking, faster and more economical than traditional ceramic tiling, Bushboard's 100% waterproof Nuance bathroom panels have been a massive success in the domestic and commercial bathroom markets both here and now in mainland Europe.
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New Valarte makes classic current

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VitrA has announced details of a new bathroom range joining its Signature Collection during March. A perfect complement to the contemporary designs associated with VitrA, Valarte introduces the popular Shaker design which combines simplicity with fine craftsmanship and functionality.
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Schmidt makes the impossible possible

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Schmidt proudly presents the 'Vertical Home', a new concept that illustrates how nothing is too much trouble when it comes to challenges for ultra-personalised home living projects!
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Franke launches retailer incentive scheme for hoods

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Franke Impress hood in Metallic Grey

Franke has launched its first ever retailer reward and incentives scheme for its hood category and it is in operation now. Retailers can open a direct account with Franke to purchase hoods from its extensive portfolio, while also earning attractive margins.
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New Hotpoint freestanding microwave provides extra cooking space

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Hotpoint has launched a new freestanding microwave oven with grill and crisp plate) that features Flat Bed Technology, which creates more space for the user to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
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Welcome to the

KBzine 

 

Working across both the cleaning and the kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms industries, it's something I've often been asked about and ended up in discussion over, but I've never thought about delving into the past to get the answer... I'd always thought it was a matter of opinion. But no. 

Thanks to Australian consumer group Choice, whose researchers have examined the patent for the traditional toilet roll and holder, the issue has now been solved. Choice uncovered the patent from 1891 with images depicting the paper going up and over the roll, rather than underneath it and down beside the wall.

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"We have a conclusive answer to the controversial question of whether to hang your toilet paper over or under the roll," says the group. "At risk of permanently losing members, we're here to answer it once and for all: over is the correct method. Perforated toilet paper was invented in 1871 by Seth Wheeler. He subsequently re-patented his invention in roll form in 1891. His patent application includes detailed diagrams that clearly show the paper going up and over the roll, not under. So placing your toilet paper overhand is using this wonder product precisely as its creator intended."

And yes - I've been doing it wrong all my life, but I put that down as much to always having had small bathrooms as I do to anything else. And no, I'll probably not change!

Most people have told me they hang the paper the same way their parents did; some like it going down the wall to prevent the end from tickling their legs, while others don't do it this way for fear of having users contaminate the wall as they touch it to tear off a sheet. Cleaning contractors I've spoken with have said that although the dispensers they use are designed for 'up and over', they deliberately insert the roll upside down to reduce waste, as it's more difficult to let the roll run free that way!

Having had a look at the pictures we've run over recent months, I can see that the consensus amongst the KBB marketing elite is that up and over is the right way to go. I should have looked before, shouldn't I?

Yours,

Jan Hobbs

 

 


This Week's News

Maxtop expands business with sales manager appointment

* Maxtop-sales-manager.jpgMaxtop Quartz has expanded its UK sales team with the appointment of Shawn Buckle as regional sales manager for the South of England. With 14 years in the industry, Shawn joins the Manchester-based company following a successful seven-year role as a key account manager at Bushboard.

In his new role, Shawn will focus on building relationships with new and potential distributors as well as working with independent retailers in the region to promote Maxtop Quartz.
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BMA announces date and venue for 2019 Conference

* BMA-conference.jpgThe Bathroom Manufacturers Association has announced the date and venue for the 2019 Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference: 7th and 8th October at the Carden Park Resort, Chester.

The 2019 conference will include a networking dinner on the Monday evening, following workshops and a General Council meeting. There will be a gala black tie dinner with the media awards on Tuesday evening after the conference.
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Entries now open for KBSA Designer Awards 2019

* KBSA-Entries.jpgThe Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association's Designer Awards 2019 are now open for entries. And if you're not yet a full Association member it doesn't mean you're excluded. New members as well as KBB retailers in the processes of applying for membership also have the opportunity to enter.

Retailers that have applied and whose membership is accepted before the award deadline and new members that have projects completed before they joined can enter too!
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VitrA launches Equal - a new bathroom collection created in collaboration with Italian architect & designer Claudio Bellini

* Vitra-Equal-MAIN.jpgPursuing its longstanding tradition of working with acclaimed international designers, leading bathroom brand VitrA announces its latest collaboration with celebrated architect and designer, Claudio Bellini.

Launched at ISH this year Equal explores the fusion between the organic shapes found in nature with the architectural lines present in an urban environment.
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Unified Water Label can help combat climate change

* Unified-Water-Label.jpgThe Unified Water Label can make a contribution towards combating climate change, says Bathroom Manufacturers Association CEO Yvonne Orgill.

Yvonne called for the industry to support the UWL, in response to the Committee on Climate Change's 'UK housing: Fit for the future?' recently published report.
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Abode partners with Compusoft to make 3D design a reality

* Abode-Compusoft.jpgDesigners will now find it even easier to include Abode products in their kitchen designs, as the sink and tap manufacturer has joined Compusoft.

Abode's extensive range of kitchen sinks and taps, plus the Pronteau range of hot water taps, is now available on Compusoft's kitchen and bathroom design software, Winner Design, enabling the very latest sink and tap designs to be included in the powerful 3D planning tool for the first time.
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ViClean-I 100 combines purism with technology and comfort

* ViClean.jpgViClean-I 100 from Villeroy & Boch sets a new standard in the design of shower toilets. It looks just like a conventional toilet, as the technology has been integrated into the ceramic and not the seat.

ViClean-I 100 boasts clear lines and a minimalist look, accentuated by the ultra-flat toilet seat. Add to that the intuitive use and convenient shower functions and the new ViClean-I 100 becomes a subtle centerpiece in any purist bathroom.
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Brexit or Flexit - InHouse opens impressive new HQ, showroom and training facility for UK retailers

* InHouse.jpgAt a time when other companies are approaching Brexit with caution, InHouse Inspired Room Design opens the doors to an innovative new headquarters, training facility, conference centre and retailer showroom, showcasing Europe's leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom brands.

With over 650sq.m of floorspace and an impressive 63 displays, the new Hexham based headquarters acts as an extended showroom for over 500 independent InHouse retailers, who are able to invite customers to view the very latest furniture ranges, appliances and innovations. InHouse represent Schüller, next125, Pelipal, Geha, Aster Cucine, Steel Cucina and designer extractor brand, Wave.
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Acres consultancy sponsors kitchen design degree student

* Acres-consultancy.jpgAcres Consultancy has sponsored Andrea Williams, a student studying for the Foundation Degree in Kitchen Design at Buckinghamshire New University. Andrea funded herself through the first year of the course and is delighted to have received a financial contribution towards the second year of her course from Acres Consultancy.

"I am grateful to Acres Consultancy for its contribution," says Andrea. "Having completed the first year of the course, I am determined to complete it and fulfil my dream of becoming a kitchen designer. This financial contribution is a great help."
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LDL to offer L&S Italian lighting range

LDL-LandS.jpgL&S, the Italian lighting specialist, is the latest addition to the LDL portfolio of premium furniture component brands. Established over 40 years ago, L&S is an internationally renowned pioneer of high-tech lighting solutions for the home.

LDL is delighted to be the official UK distributor and to represent such a well-established and innovative brand.
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Danby helps Syrian families

* Danby-helps.jpgFood is on the way to needy families in war torn Syria thanks to Canadian appliance manufacturer Danby who hosted an event for leading charity GlobalMedic. More than 200 volunteers gathered at Danby Appliances in Guelph, Canada to put the meals together and over the span of a few hours around 67,000 meals were mixed, packed and stacked, ready to be delivered to families in need.

Volunteers were assembling the dry mix to a traditional Syrian dish called mujadaar (also called mujadara). The meal plan was created by the Toronto-based non-profit Newcomer Kitchen, a group of Syrian women who cook traditional Syrian meals each week in a small cafe called The Depanneur.
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JHC adds Bushboard Vista to showroom displays

* Bushboard-MAIN.jpgNorthern Ireland's JHC Hardware has become the latest of over 500 stockists nationwide to stock Bushboard's latest innovation; Vista statement splashbacks and using the products to create striking new displays for the showroom in Belfast.
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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.

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How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

Bathroom Brands to join BMA

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The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, has announced that Bathroom Brands is the latest company to join the Association.
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Farnborough's first Homebuilding & Renovating Show smashes expectations

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The potential concerns surrounding Brexit and the property market were debunked at the first South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2019, which defied expectations despite the stuttering UK climate by attracting 50% more visitors than anticipated.
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Marketing

Smeg UK announces super Spring offer for its retailers

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Coinciding with the key buying time for kitchens, Smeg will be introducing an incredible new offer exclusive to its retailers this Spring. From 1st March until 30th April 2019, Smeg stockists will be able to offer a free slow juicer for every Victoria range cooker purchased.
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Wilsonart launches #wilsonartquestionhour

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Wilsonart has launched a question and answer hour on twitter. #wilsonartquestionhour is an open invitation to customers, retailers, installers, housebuilders and anyone using any of the Wilsonart worksurfaces and splashbacks.
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Literature

New 2019 bathroom brochure by MGS is exclusively available from Grange Design

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UK-based designer, manufacturer and specialist distributor for the bathroom industry, Grange Design, has introduced the new 2019 Bathroom Brochure by MGS.

Featuring a host of solid stainless steel eco-friendly taps and shower solutions for the contemporary homeowner.
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