KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2020
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International News
Products New year, new colour scheme: Vasco to launch six new on-trend colours for 2020
Enhancing an already impressive palette, the new 'Noble' colours introduce three metallic shades in bronze, gold & silver, the warm tone of curry provides interest & depth, whilst pearl beige and pink add light, providing the finishing touches for a modern interior be it in the home or office. HiB launches design-led Accessories range
Including a comprehensive selection of bathroom essentials, the Accessories range typifies the innovative approach for which HiB is known.
Bold as brass with Caple's new Frampton tap
Introducing Jet: a collection of the deepest black ceramic for dramatic intensity
Lighten up the kitchen with Königstone's Concrete Sand
The light tones of the worktop will contrast with dark cabinetry to lighten a kitchen scheme or will blend seamlessly with muted coloured doors and drawers. 'Go Figure' with Fog by Aestus
"Confirming once again that 'expressive shapes and creative forms' will become a key ingredient for next-generation heating solutions in 2020, Fog is a textbook choice for the modern homeowner wanting to create a statement piece in the modern bathroom," says Steve Birch, sales director, Aestus. The 2020 interior design trend is Timber-tastic, says German brand Schuller
'We can expect raw appeal with refined surface,' it says. 'Think natural wild oak and black flamed effect, all with high quality and low maintenance. Dine in style with afternoon tea on a Königstone worktop
That's why Königstone, the champion of engineered quartz and natural stone worktops, has pulled together a recipe to enable homeowners to invite friends over and enjoy afternoon tea at home. |
Stamp duty costs & the slow housing market in recent years have encouraged homeowners to renovate rather than relocate. But where do we go for our inspiration? Magazines? TV programmes? Exhibitions? Well, according to a recent survey, many of us copy our neighbours! website myjobquote asked 2,113 homeowners if they've ever imitated aspects of a neighbour's house & a whopping 66% admitted that they had! The figure could, in reality, be higher than that, as 19% said they were unsure. Only 15% gave a definite 'no'. When asked what they'd copied, the homeowners responded: Indoor furniture/items (72%), Colour schemes (57%), Outdoor furniture/items (53%), External house design (45%), Indoor accessories (41%), Garden design (34%), House architecture (29%), Room design (23%), Floor plans (9%). Respondents recalled a variety of emotions when learning that their designs had been copied: Discomfort (67%) came top, followed by flattered (56%, Challenged/competitive (49%), Violated (42%), Angry/annoyed (31%), Happy/pleased (24%), Anxious (20%), Inspired (18%), Pressured (13%), Sad (10%), Impressed (8%). Are social pressure and competition the drivers? Apparently so. When asked how pressured they feel to compete with surrounding properties, the most common answer was 'somewhat' (35%). This was followed by 'very' (23%), 'not very' (19%), 'a little' (15%), not at all (7%) and finally, 'depends on the renovation' (1%). Sadly for our industry, most don't have a huge budget for renovations, with the majority saying £0-£5,000 (31%). This was closely followed by £5,001 - £10,0000 (26%), then £10,001 - £20,000 (17%), £50,001+ (15%), £20,001 - £50,000 (11%). My thoughts were that the 9% admitting to having copied floorplans must have done so with their neighbours' blessings (as the plans will have had to be shared or handed over), & that the 8% of those who were 'impressed' at being copied must have been the same people. But the 1% difference? What happened there, I wonder? The survey reminded me of the time I had my roof done and the scaffolder loaned me his contraption for several weeks free of charge so I could regrout the brickwork whilst continuing to display his advertising board. I wondered whether any KBB retailers, fitters, or manufacturers ever offer discounts to those who are willing to place similar boards outside their homes, inviting passers-by to make an appointment to view the renovations. Judging by the survey here, it might just bring in some extra business, don't you think? Yours,
 This Week's News
Sovereign Bathrooms joins KBSA
Duravit offers new RIBA-approved CPD: 'Material Innovation in Bathroom Design'
BiKBBI welcomes Victoria Plum Trade as Corporate Sponsor
Yvonne Orgill joins board at NHIC
VitrA launches Smart Panel flush plate
As the digital home evolves, VitrA has combined smart technology with water-saving design in a modern and elegant flush plate. Made in glossy black glass, the panel features an anti-fingerprint finish making it easy to wipe clean. Steel Cucine: The appliance of design - with knobs on
Linear design with industrial influence features the latest matt black soft touch finish. This is a look that is leading trends into 2020 and beyond. The range includes extraction hood, single and double ovens with grill and pizza. The Kitchen Lab measures the power of ArtiVR
City Plumbing / PTS opens its latest branch in Filton, Bristol
Verona introduces its revamped product catalogue
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