KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th April 2019
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 International News
Products
Königquartz - 28 colours to keep kitchens on trend
Free up kitchen space with Fonda hob/extractor combination from Blanco by Gutmann
Perfect for small or large kitchen design schemes and flexible in terms of installation and location, the Fonda sits quietly and discreetly in a streamlined, functional space. Beko launches AutoDose Connected Dishwasher
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National Stress Awareness Month is in full swing; what I can't understand is why it's only for a month... Surely it should be a year-round thing? The wellbeing gurus say we should de-stress by lighting candles and playing tranquil music while taking a long soak in the bath. I wish I had the time... Mind you, with research revealing that just 4% of us indulge in a relaxing bath while 79% choose a shower, 17% must be either unwashed or using the basin, so perhaps I don't have much to complain about after all! It's not just our hectic lives that are the issue, but newer houses are smaller than their older counterparts, meaning that bathrooms offer little in terms of spaciousness. HiB's marketing director Steve Kaye says retailers can use this to their advantage: "Although a candlelit soak may have fallen out of favour, there's still a demand for a luxurious spa-like experience in the home," he advises. "Homeowners may be unsure of the options available to set the perfect bathroom mood, and by providing guidance on the latest and greatest products to achieve this, retailers can add value to their service." Steve agrees that music is extremely effective in reducing stress, and with the technology requiring little space, that part's easy to achieve. Japanese bathroom manufacturer Toto's new Relaxology baths are said to provide a feeling of wellness (to the lucky 4%) and may of course persuade the rest of us to join them (in our own baths, of course!). Its Floating Bathtubs promise all-round relaxation and regeneration, thanks to innovative technologies and materials used in a way to create an all-encompassing experience of comfort. A bathtub is an essential part of Japanese bathrooms. One tradition says people absorb nature's energy by taking a hot bath - especially in an Onsen, one of the many hot springs found throughout Japan. Toto's Floating Bathtubs emulate this experience with an internal design that puts the bather's body in an ideal position for relaxation. "An ergonomically shaped headrest allows the shoulders and head to relax fully," claims Toto. "The body reclines as in a comfortable embrace, keeping the natural S-curve of the spine from the nape of the neck to the lumbar vertebrae, for deep relaxation, and an all-encompassing feeling of tranquility and lightness." Sounds wonderful... but put one of those into my bathroom and you'd probably find me still in there the following day, fast asleep and with water-wrinkled skin... Yours,
 This Week's News
Bathroom design ideas from new website
It offers intuitive navigation, beautiful imagery and enhanced product browsing through a seamless user experience. Many new features help visitors throughout their bathroom planning journey. KBSA strengthens board with new retail member
Angela takes up her role with immediate effect and will work with the other board members to drive forward growth at the KBSA. BMA announces host and first speaker for 2019 Conference
Tim Pollard, principal of Pollard and Pollard, a consultancy service working in the fields of sustainability, energy and resource efficiency in the built environment, will be facilitating the event. BiKBBI Protected welcomes expressions of interest
BiKBBI plans a number of regional events to present the scheme to interested parties, following encouraging initial interest shown by the industry. Cool concrete sinks for today's industrial style kitchens
Oliver has been with LDL for 18 months in a sales administration capacity. During this time, he has perfected his product knowledge and forged excellent relationships with many customers. Before joining LDL, Oliver was a logistics operator for a transport network, specialising in a 'same-day service' and ensuring that customers' needs were fulfilled with speed and accuracy. Pronorm announces new managing directors as Heinz Hachmeiser retires
KBSA offers mediation service for members The KBSA has introduced a mediation service for members that can help resolve potential disputes swiftly and economically. The service is provided by Focus Mediation, a company that has an above average rate of over 90% in assisting parties to reach successful settlements and resolutions. KBSA members will get access to a team of fully accredited mediators, with one main point of contact and two dedicated mediators to handle each KBSA case. Mediations will usually be completed within 14 days, subject to everyone's availability. Grohe presents first 3D metal-printed taps
Grohe says it has 'advanced its 3D technology process to meet the unique challenges of metal printing, enabling a fascinating symbiosis of the latest high-tech and skilled craftsmanship, which redefines the possibilities in product design and creates individual statement pieces for the bathroom'. Bushboard Vista now available from Ireland's Potter Cowan
Adrian Allen, managing director of Potter Cowan says: "Vista is a great new product with a striking range of decors; summer palms, London brick, metro tiles and Moroccan designs to name a few. Complete colour coordination from Abacus
With colour taking a subtle centre stage in bathrooms today, Abacus has introduced four stylish contemporary finishes - chrome, bronze, nickel and black - which will be available across three popular brassware ranges as well as accessories such as towel rails, wetroom glass, valves and traps. Trend - for beautiful surfaces
The stunning results are seen in residential, commercial and public buildings around the globe and the UK has a network of franchisees with a commercial sales team to answer the demand for these stunning, bespoke surfaces.
Carron Phoenix releases 2019 brochure featuring new product ranges
The full-colour, 68-page Carron Phoenix Range brochure is easy to navigate with clear retail pricing and product codes, providing a useful resource to retailers and their customers. New products for 2019 include two new sink designs, the Aruba and Atoll and new tap Orla. Experience the future with app-activated and smart kitchen appliances
Luxury kitchens of 2019, it argues, have so many hi-tech options from app-controlled appliances, to sleek downdraft extractors, to the whole systems to control all appliances and many more, that cooking becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. Discover raw, urban beauty with stunning new Ark sink from The Poured Project
Combining industrial raw materials with traditional manufacturing techniques, the new Ark concrete basin from The Poured Project will take centre stage in any bathroom. Lovingly handcrafted here in the UK by artisan furniture makers Claire and Andy Pedley, this architecturally stunning basin is all about creating a show stopping design feature. 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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BMA says a voluntary label and changing consumer habits is best way to save water
Nuance bathroom wall panelling celebrates new patent with new dedicated showroom
LDL prioritises training and customer service
Literature
Karonia updates Mistral worktop brochure
New Dealer Inspiration brochure from Blanco is beautifully illustrated
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