KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
7th June 2019
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 International News
Products
Bring steel windows and doors into the bathroom
Grohe Bau: affordable bathroom solutions for low-pressure buildings
Super Subway shapes from Trend
AKW launches new plumbing fittings range
The sideboard renaissance, a contemporary serving by next125
"Originally gaining popularity in well-to-do households fortunate enough to have a separate dining room, sideboards became the statement piece for storage, display and serving.
TKC launches new sink and tap range
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). |
In my other life as a part-time estate agent some years back, I was showing a potential buyer around a smart apartment in a converted period mansion when we were both surprised to encounter our first bathroom with a washing machine in it. Luckily the Spanish owner of the apartment was in during the viewing (something general discouraged as it prevents the agent from selling properly, in cases where the property is perhaps cluttered, smelly or badly decorated and we can't be totally honest for fear of upsetting the vendor). I say 'luckily', since she told us that siting the laundry facilities in the bathroom was commonplace where she came from and that this layout was popular in Portugal too. She said she couldn't understand why we British have all the noise as well as the smells of the laundry process spoiling the convivial atmosphere where people gather and tainting the delicious aromas of cooking in the kitchen, which tends to be the hub of the household. We both agreed that she had a point; the viewer ended up buying the apartment and I was able to impart my 'superior' knowledge to subsequent viewers of other properties that had been fitted out in a way that combined laundry rooms with bathrooms, rather than kitchens.
I'd forgotten all about this until I came across the Twitter discussions this week, in which people from various parts of continental Europe were arguing that the bathroom is indeed the correct place in which to house one's laundry appliances, rather than the kitchen which is the norm in the UK for the many properties that don't have space for a utility room. Many of those who'd not come across the concept of being able to undress at night and put the discarded clothes straight into the wash, realised how useful this would be - something my Spanish vendor had pointed out to us. In my capacity as editor of an e-zine focusing on cleaning & hygiene though, I wonder how clever it is to wash, dry and wear clothes that are, potentially, splattered with faeces and tiny droplets of urine, which fly about the bathroom and settle on surfaces if the loo is flushed when the seat is open? It's known in the cleaning industry as the sneeze effect (image courtesy of purewashrooms.co.uk)... What's your take on this? Yours,
 This Week's News
Broadview completes acquisition of Formica Group
Verona taps into the tactile trend with the launch of Marmi
Made from premium Italian porcelain, Marmi replicates the look and feel of natural stone but with a whole host of additional benefits. Featuring a split face design, highly textured surface and realistic HD stone-effect print, Marmi brings depth and perspective to walls with detailed shading and veining adding to the visual interest of the tile for a striking aesthetic. Interested in sponsoring BMA Conference 2019? The Bathroom Manufacturers Association is offering a limited number of sponsorship opportunities for the event which are outlined below: £3,990 - ONLY ONE SPOT ArtiVR revolutionises design and saves money at TMS Direct Kitchens
It produces a high definition 360° VR walkthrough of a complete room, enabling designers to showcase their work as a web-based virtual reality presentation (which can also be shared via web links or embedded on web pages). TrustMark's new portal will improve communication between tradespeople and consumers
The portals, which are available on the TrustMark website, are part of TrustMark's commitment to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find reputable tradespeople. They will also be strengthened with advice and guidance that supports the Scheme's Code of Conduct and Customer Charter. Summer promotion launched for Bushboard's Vista
The Vista splashback collection comprises lush tropical palms, on trend Moorish patterns, 60s style geometrics, weathered London brick and soft, time-faded vintage prints as just some of the inspiring options in the new Bushboard collection which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic. Bette launches British Institute of Interior Design CPD factory visit
The CPD and factory tour provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, design and manufacture of glazed titanium-steel baths, shower trays and basins. Designers are provided with an in-depth look at the materials and processes used in manufacturing, along with installation and material experience workshops. Königquartz - 28 colours to keep kitchens on trend
Quartz is one of the toughest natural substances making it the perfect material for kitchen worktops. The stone is mixed with silica, and sometimes crushed glass, and is then bonded together with polyester resin and colouring. Due to this blend of strong materials, quartz worktops are highly scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant, have a consistent design from the engineered aspect and are easy to maintain.
The sleek new unit epitomises effortless luxury; edged with simple yet stunning illumination, Exos affords homeowners an added dose of glamour suitable for any bathroom. VitrA launchES WC with built-in bidet
VitrA Aquacare is an innovative solution that makes it easy and quick to install a mechanical bidet function within a WC pan, and the advanced technology prevents any possible contamination with household water supply. Vado: PHG Awards' 'Innovation Brand of the Year'
Led by some of the most experienced merchants in the country, PHG is a specialist plumbing, heating and bathroom buying group for the UK sector. Voted for by PHG members, the award recognises enthusiasm, differentiation and identifies what makes each company stand out against other supplier deals. Fisher & Paykel partner 'Ryan Riley's Life Kitchen' cookery school for those with cancer
Ryan Riley, food writer and stylist, has opened the UK's first cookery school dedicated to people living with cancer in memory of his mother who passed away from small cell lung cancer in 2014. Chemotherapy treatments can affect people's tastes and appetites; Ryan aims to bring back the flavours and joys of cooking and eating through accessible and creative recipes. 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
BMA announces first headline speaker for 2019 conference
PHG rewards Mermaid with New Supplier Award
Mermaid has been a leader in the shower panel market for over 30 years, specialising in design, quality and innovations like anti-bacterial finishes on panels for showers, bathrooms and wet rooms and striking decor designs. Final call for entries as KBSA announces Kevin Keegan as Awards host
Granite & Trend Transformations supplier visit: an inspiration
Bushboard Evolve stars in 'Your Home Made Perfect'
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. People
Marketing manager appointed at Kudos
Marketing
Hotpoint launches laundry cashback and free gift promotion
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