KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd May 2019
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 International News
Products Transform bathroom designs with new panelling from Abacus - a clever alternative to tiling
Launched as the perfect alternative to tiles, the inspirational home-improvement range is equally at ease in both modern and classic schemes and offers the retailer and designer the edge in a competitive world. New Origin brassware and accessories come in copper, matt black, brushed nickel and chrome
Subtle elegant design is the key theme of the outstanding new Origin brassware and accessories range from VitrA. Origin presents retailers, designers and consumers with a complete and versatile collection that is the perfect partner for contemporary sanitaryware. Crosswater introduces Svelte grey ash veneer & mirror collection
Ideal for the design conscious, the Svelte collection focuses on the key principles of practicality, simplicity and beauty to create stunning furniture for the bathroom. Specially manufactured using the highest quality materials, the collection is presented across four distinct sizes and finishes to suit all bathroom schemes. Keller's elegant Elba: warm wood with a sturdy industrial touch
Whether it's a large open plan kitchen where units have been used to create an island, or a narrow kitchen where homeowners have opted for the galley-style design, they can add stylish components such as copper light fittings or an integrated extractor hood (as pictured). Saniflo launches Kinedo Kinespace shower enclosures
Shine bright with gold mosaics
Traditional with a modern twist; Blanco's Faron sink
New cool compact wine storage from Danby
Striking concrete-style worktops from Königstone
Wall-hung WCs made easy with striking glass casing Vitrus from VitrA
Orsoni from Trend for beautiful mosaic surfaces
Award-winning artist Dror designs masterpiece tap for Franke
Bora Pure: Design on a whole new level, scaled down to the bare essentials
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Although I spend a lot of my working week looking at (and drooling over) the latest offerings from the KBB industry, I only get to hear what consumers really want to be able to get their hands on when I'm chatting to family and friends. It was with some interest then that I opened up a new report commissioned by www.Showerstoyou.co.uk to discover the list of 'I wants'. Apparently, sanitising bathroom accessories top the list of bathroom technologies homeowners wish to try, with 83% desiring a self-cleaning toilet, 66% wanting mood lighting fitted in their bathtub and 69% dreaming of digital controls for precise temperature, spray and timing in their shower. Me? I'd just like a bathroom that doesn't have an unfathomable leak! My dining room ceiling, below, is testament to the fact that we do indeed have a leaky bathroom, but can we find the cause? No! Looking more closely at the latest smart bathroom technologies available when it comes to the toilet, after the self-cleaning feature, we most desire a self-deodoriser function (55%) and the ability to generate a heated seat (31%). When it comes to showers, mood lighting (55%) and built-in sound - ideal for those that enjoy a shower-sing-along - at 48% also feature strongly. Similarly, once the mood lighting's been sorted, a built-in scented mist dispenser (62%) and a built-in heated backrest (41%); top the list. In terms of general bathroom tech, the majority (62%) selected temperature control/thermostat smart control. Water conservation technology came second (41%); highlighting the fact that we're becoming increasingly environmentally conscious within their homes (or is it, I wonder, the increasing numbers of us who have water meters?). Wall-mounted, touch-panel interface was voted the third most-desired general smart bathroom technology, at 34%. Asked which of these emerging technologies they'd most like to try in the future, the response was: sanitising bathroom accessories, such as gadgets that use UV light to disinfect damp towels - leaving them fresh, fluffy and clean (59%), warming drawers (think heated towel rack but in drawer form) 52%, Fitbit Wi-Fi scales which track weight, lean mass, body fat and more - and sync data wirelessly and automatically to your Fitbit account 48%, virtual reality showers 45% and cooled cabinetry (essentially refrigerated bathroom cabinets) 28%. Anything you'd particularly like to try, or are in the process of designing? Please share... Yours,
 This Week's News
Final call for entries as KBSA announces Kevin Keegan as Awards host
Kevin began his football career in 1968 at Scunthorpe United, making his debut as a 17-year-old. During his career he spent time at Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle as well as with the national side. Kevin captained England for six years until his international retirement after the 1982 World Cup. He was capped 63 times for England, scoring 21 international goals. As a manager, he was in charge at Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City, and England.
Granite & Trend Transformations supplier visit: an inspiration
The franchisees were inspired by the excellent advice from Craig Condie which focused on selling not only the aesthetics of the new sinks and taps but, more importantly, the functionality and revenue development.
Developed and made in Switzerland by Franke, the water filter system features pioneering and patented technology. It is the first ever filter system to combine activated carbon with a high-tech membrane filtering water through 0.3 micrometer pore holes, almost 100 times finer than a human hair, setting the new standard for filtered drinking water. TKC launches new sink and tap range
The new 14-strong sink collection includes eight stainless steel, three ceramic and three granite sinks available in inset and undermount styles to suit both contemporary and traditional kitchens. Bowls come in single and 1.5 options, some of which are fully reversible for design flexibility. Bushboard Evolve stars in 'Your Home Made Perfect'
The first show, which was broadcast in early April, featured home owners Andy and Esther, parents of three small children who found their home too cramped and inconvenient for comfortable family life. Moores head of product development, Andrew Story, appointed to FIRA Council
Moores Furniture Group manufactures and installs kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and accessories across the contract and retail markets. Moores has a three-brand strategy including the Affinity, Definitive and premium Roux Kitchen range in partnership with Michelin star Chef Michel Roux Jr. Make a statement with the new patterned tile collection from Verona
Tapping into this incredibly popular design movement is the new patterned tile collection from leading tile distributor, Verona. A range of statement ceramic tiles, each design has its own inimitable style, where old meets new and function meets form. Marketing manager appointed at Kudos
Katie, who studied marketing management at Copenhagen Business Academy, joined the team at Kudos from the wallcoverings industry, so brings with her experience from within the interiors market. She joins Kudos at a busy time with many new products currently being designed, developed and produced, ready to launch over the next few months. Carron Phoenix gives its website a design update
The website's redesign allows for easier navigation around the site so customers can find everything they need in a few simple steps. It features clearly defined sections for taps, sinks, waste management systems and a newly added section on hot water taps. The update also allows customers to view products in every available colour and finish. 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. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
ArtiCAD to sponsor Bathroom & Kitchen Conference
"Use UK training providers or risk losing them", warns FIESTA chairman
Franke sinks and tap chosen by couple on new TV show, 'Your Home Made Perfect'
Leekes become latest high-profile retailer to join BiKBBI and Roman becomes sponsor
Kitchens International launches commercial interiors division
LDL takes next steps in environmental campaign
The move follows the recent announcement of LDL's zero-plastic packaging pledge by 2020 and the phasing in of eco-friendly recycled cardboard. According to managing director Simon Ogden, it's all about continually making little steps to pave the way for big change. Designing outside the triangle
BMA supports Water Saving Week with two consumer videos
People ask friends, family, or Twitter for water saving advice, rather than their plumber
Grohe's XXL Truck Tour returns to the UK for its third year
Exciting plans in store for Moores and Roux Kitchens
Marketing
Hotpoint launches laundry cashback and free gift promotion
Literature
'Free Trade' with Euro Brochure by Vogue (UK)
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