KITCHENS BATHROOMS INTERIORS
LAYERED IN Luxe
The latest kitchen surfaces making a material difference
TRANSFORMATION BY DESIGN
Jorge Hernandez on the ideas and inspiration driving new product development
BATHROOM BRILLIANCE
Highlights from Cersaie 2024
DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2024
Final call to book your place at the design event of the year!
Welcome...
to the October issue of designerati
ALTHOUGH WE’RE WELL INTO AUTUMN, this season brings a fresh burst of creative energy to our sector, thanks to a packed calendar of events. Over the past month, we saw new kitchen concepts revealed at Küchenmeile, the German manufacturer’s annual showcase. We’ll be highlighting some of the standout ideas in the coming months.
September also saw London buzzing with design innovation during London Design Week, which brought together the city’s creative hubs for a celebration of new products and installations. Meanwhile, interiors show Decorex is set to take the stage at Olympia this month, and we’re hugely looking forward to discovering the latest in interior trends.
It’s been a busy time for networking in the kitchen and bathroom industry too, with last month’s successful BMA conference in Leeds, soon to be followed by the highly anticipated Kbsa conference and awards at The Belfry in the West Midlands. Be sure to catch up on all the news and highlights at designerati.co.uk and sign up to our weekly newsletter for regular updates.
Finally, don’t miss your chance to be at the ultimate highlight of the year – the 2024 designerati awards! They take place on Thursday 14 November 2024 at City Central at the HAC, in Central London. Limited tickets remain, so do be quick to secure your place at the industry’s most important design accolades by booking your tickets at designeratiawards.co.uk
In the meantime, enjoy the issue!
Martin Allen-Smith Editor, designerati
Meet the designerati team
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October 2024 - Issue 282
6 SOURCE
Our round-up of the people, products, and places that matter from across K&B design, including a diamond of a design from Poggenpohl, a lesson in colour and balance from Alape, and a look ahead to this month’s Decorex interiors showcase
12 COSY IN COLOUR
Updating a house to create a cosy and highly functional space for busy family life, this kitchen needed to deliver in both looks and function
16 TOP OF THE TOPS
For any kitchen scheme, selecting the right surfaces for the job is vital. Our selection of recent additions to the market demonstrates why materials really matter
24 TRANSFORMATION BY DESIGN
With a huge number of new products emanating from Bathroom Brands this year, we caught up with Head of Design Jorge Hernandez about the sources of ideas and inspiration that drive his work
26 CERSAIE 2024
Some highlights from the latest edition of the annual bathroom and tiles exhibition in Bologna, Italy
30 COLOURFUL CALM
Fusing vibrant hues into an interior scheme founded in Scandi simplicity, this design manages to bring both excitement and relaxation to the home
34 HOSTS WITH THE MOST
Tile and flooring brand Domus has partnered with kitchen specialist Roundhouse and interior design studio Designed by Woulfe to create a new hosting kitchen facility at its showroom in Battersea, South London
36 KBSA CONFERENCE 2024
The Kbsa’s annual conference and awards takes place this month, with the theme of ‘empowering & enhancing excellence’
40 EXIT
Kitchen brand next125 teams with architect Francis Kéré to create a fireside-inspired showpiece concept
Shine Bright
Like a Diamond
Kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl presented some new concept creations during the house fair last month at its HQ in Herford, Germany. They included Diamond, a design featuring wooden fronts which the designers say were inspired by classic country house wall panels. It features an inlay-like use of wood as a material to create a modern reinterpretation that gives the kitchen a handcrafted character and the associated quality of workmanship. Poggenpohl / poggenpohl.com
Modern Classics
Abode has introduced its new Classically Collection range of traditionally-styled kitchen taps, sinks, handsprays and matching basket wastes and overflows.
Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode, said: “As classic style kitchen interiors continue to see huge value in a quality mix of materials, finishes and decoration, Classically by Abode offers a range of instinctively timeless kitchen taps with Victorian-style spouts and curved silhouettes, fine ceramic and solid brass handles, and the latest valve technology for smooth operation.”
Abode / abodedesigns.co.uk
Colour + Balance
German bathroom brand Alape has launched three new basins made from enamelled steel. Tendo is characterised by its unusual angled position, Tricolor features different colours on the inside, outside and the narrow edge of the basin, while Nib sits on a narrow base that gives the illusion of floating on the countertop.
Andrea Jürgens, Head of Design at Alape, said: “Our aim is to subtly enhance the clarity that defines Alape products –sleek shapes, precise geometries, minimal radii – by infusing them with greater emotion, poetry and sensuality.” Alape / alape.com
EVENT: Designer collaborations at
Decorex
Decorex returns to Olympia Events, London (6-9 October), aiming to help visitors source the latest interior products and also to showcase a number of designer collaborations across the show floor.
Taking centre stage as a place to meet, relax, reflect and unwind, the Decorex Bar for 2024 will be in collaboration with interior architecture and design studio, BradyWilliams. Inspired by a recent trip to Hiroshima and Sadako Sasak, the Decorex Bar will inspire through the eyes of the hummingbird. The installation will feature reflective finishes, with tones of green, silver and grey to reflect the iridescent plumage of its inspiration.
After a successful debut last year, innovative designer paint company YesColours is returning to Decorex to present the Synesthetic Studio. Renowned for their feelgood paint in bright colours, YesColours’ newly-launched interior design studio will be taking over the VIP area to bring their unique sensory vision to life.
Among the kitchen and bathroom brands exhibiting this year are concrete basin specialist Kast, cabinet hardware and accessories brand Armac Martin, and British brassware manufacturer Samuel Heath. Decorex / decorex.com
Shayne Brady, Co-founder of BradyWilliams
Cosy in Colour
Updating a house to create a cosy and highly functional space for busy family life, this kitchen needed to deliver in both looks and function
Located in West London, the project is for a family of six – two parents and their four children ranging from 8 to 17. The home is a Victorian terrace which was originally two separate flats, both owned by the family, which have been converted into one large, five-bedroom house. The current kitchen space was once a downstairs bathroom, bedroom and wardrobe.
For such a busy family household, the brief to designer
Alex Main, Director at The Main Company, was to create a stylish, colourful and functional kitchen that felt like a homely, cosy bar. The homeowners were inspired by the interiors of London locations like the Riding House Cafés and Soho House, so they wanted to introduce personality and elements from these spaces into their own kitchen, which was previously quite plain and clinical.
Main said: “To suit the request for a cosy yet bold colour scheme, we decided on
the blue kitchen cabinetry with bright orange accents – via the mandarin cooker from Lacanche and the Crittall floor-to-ceiling doors leading into the garden in the same colour.
“The cabinets serve as the primary colour in the space, painted in a bespoke colour mixed by the Little Greene Paint Company, while the orange adds a pop of fun and energy. To make it cosy, we added lived-in accents like the brass worktops, wood panelled wall and mixture of seating – both with a dining
Photography: Chris Snook
table and a bar at the kitchen island.”
The kitchen cabinets are a contemporary in-frame shaker design with modern brass hardware and hinges to match. The design suits the brief from the client for a cosy yet stylish feel to the kitchen, whilst also adding a subtle traditional element which matches with the large range cooker, butler sink and fluted wall cabinets.
To complement the colour scheme, Main introduced brass across different areas of the
kitchen for both practicality and a touch of elegance. Starting with the statement worktop, it is naturally textured and reflective, helping to bounce light around the room and providing a real focal point in the space. The worktops pair beautifully with the smaller brass touches via the hardware and tap, whilst also complementing the stylish wood panelled feature wall. Not only does the wood add warmth but it offers acoustic insulation properties which was important to the family due to the kitchen’s
lower ground location.
Other products selected for the scheme included alabaster porcelain flooring tiles from Floors of Stone, sink from Shaws of Darwen, Perrin & Rowe taps, refrigeration from Fisher & Paykel and a wine cooler by Caple.
The island is the hub of the kitchen, with the built-in sink, stools for socialising and an individual element in the form of the open shelves. Main said: “These small touches are what makes this kitchen really personal to the family, while sitting within their fun
and engaging design brief.
“The client’s favourite part was the open-plan layout which allowed for a family kitchen/diner with plenty of space. Coupled with the courtyard garden
within access of striking orange Crittal doors, it has a great indoor-outdoor feel during the summer months.”
The Main Company / maincompany.co.uk
Photography: Chris Snook
TOP
OF THE TOPS
FOR ANY KITCHEN SCHEME, SELECTING THE RIGHT SURFACES FOR THE JOB IS VITAL. OUR SELECTION OF RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE MARKET UNDERLINES WHY MATERIALS REALLY MATTER…
In demand colours and future-proofed basins
From timeless palettes to on-trend tones, solid surface brand HIMACS says it has the perfect colour and performance for every scheme. With solutions for walls and worksurfaces, basins and vanities, sinks and splashbacks, fascias and furnishing, the range is suitable for any application from residential to retail, hospitality to healthcare, workplace to public spaces.
The latest choices for seamless surfaces that are as practical as they are elegant include colours inspired by the beauty of natural stones. The HIMACS colour launches for 2024 consist of four new shades for the Aurora & Marmo collection, two new tones for the recently launched Gravilla, an addition to the Intense Ultra range, the reintroduction of Evergreen – a favourite in the Solid collection – and, to meet the demand for all things pink, an eyecatching new solid colour, Pink Leia, has been unveiled.
Aurora Modern Grey, shown above, has a contemporary aesthetic that complements diverse interiors and forms a subtle, neutral backdrop.
Additionally, 2024 has seen the introduction of five new undermounted basins, including an extra shallow model with
greater accessibility in mind for multi-generational and diverse bathroom use. While creating a sleek scheme that is ultrahygienic and easy to clean, silica-free HIMACS has strived to enable specifiers to ensure inclusivity for users, both now and in the future.
The new CB4628 basin shown here, integrated to a bespoke vanity made from HIMACS in a bathroom with wall cladding in HIMACS Terrazzo Classico, is an especially shallow design that allows wheelchair users to get extra close.
HIMACS / lxhausys.com/uk
Inspired by nature
Laminam’s new Hado series aims to meet the growing trend for natural, textured surfaces in interior design, particularly the revival of travertineinspired aesthetics. For retailers and designers looking to tap into this trend, the Hado collection sets out to offer a modern twist on classic stone.
The Hado series draws inspiration from travertine, with its distinct linear patterns and subtle colour variations, echoing the stone’s organic beauty. This makes it ideally suited to projects seeking to create a sense of tranquility and natural sophistication.
Available in soft, neutral tones such as warm beige and cool greys, Hado integrates well into various design styles, whether crafting a minimalist bathroom or a contemporary kitchen. The series is further elevated with the choice of two finishes: Rain, a subtle bas-relief that simulates the journey made by the flow of water; and Bush Hammered, an enriching tactile experience which gives the material a rustic appearance.
What further distinguishes the Hado collection is not only its aesthetic appeal but also Laminam’s durability and ease of maintenance. Retailers can confidently recommend Hado for high-traffic areas, as the porcelain surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat – crucial factors for both kitchen countertops and bathroom installations.
The Hado series is available in largeformat slabs, ensuring a clean, seamless finish with minimal grout lines, enhancing the sleek look that today’s clients seek. Additionally, the versatility of Laminam’s thin surfaces opens up creative possibilities for feature walls, cabinet cladding, and bespoke furniture.
The initial popularity of this style of surface has meant the range is now available in a range of thicknesses – including 3mm, 5mm, 12mm and Travertino Bianco in 20mm – offering huge creative scope for kitchen and bathroom retailers, interior designers and architects.
Laminam / laminam.com
Seamless solutions
The demand for clean, minimalistic kitchens and bathrooms continues to rise, with seamless surfaces playing a central role. In contemporary design, smooth and uninterrupted lines are key to creating a sleek, clutter-free aesthetic. Corian Solid Surface excels in this area, offering the ability to be joined seamlessly, creating virtually invisible joints. This makes it well-suited for expansive countertops, backsplashes, and integrated sinks and basins with the visually appealing effect of one seamless surface. The thermoforming capabilities of Corian can further enhance the look, combining invisible joints with intricate and innovative forms.
Seamless surfaces reduce the need for additional maintenance as they are easier to clean and have excellent hygiene properties. Last year, CDUK introduced MIXA sinks and VIVARI basins to their portfolio, which can be seamlessly integrated into Corian worktops to create a bespoke yet unified look.
Enhancing the seamless aesthetic, the trend for ‘stone drenching’ is growing, where natural or engineered stone is used not only for countertops but also for backsplashes, cabinetry,
open shelving and even wall panelling. The idea is to create a cohesive, luxurious look by surrounding the space with the beauty and strength of stone. Marble styles with large, dramatic veining work well with this trend, adding visual interest and making a design statement.
Vicki Richmond, Marketing Director at CDUK, said: “Corian Solid Surface is an excellent choice for those seeking the
aesthetic of natural stone, combined with the practical advantages of modern materials. The new Corian Geologic Collection introduces innovative directional veining to solid surface. Corian Stonecrest Smoke and Calacatta Greige mimic the natural patterns of real marble, while offering the benefits of being non-porous, repairable, and the ability to be seamlessly joined.”
Corian / cdukltd.co.uk
“THE NEW CORIAN GEOLOGIC COLLECTION INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE DIRECTIONAL VEINING TO SOLID SURFACE”
The Planet collection by Quartzforms is made up of a range of slabs inspired by nature and its beauty. Following Forest and Ocean –surfaces that translate the allure of vegetation and the wonders of the marine world into material – the brand has continued its journey by striving to capture the aesthetic essence of space and its ecosystem. The result is a collection of surfaces that pays homage to the expressive power of the universe.
The 12 surfaces of the Planet collection are available in polished and brushed finishes, in a size of 320 x 164 cm, and with a thickness of 2 or 3cm.
Quartzforms / quartzforms.com/gb
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Sleek & chic
Surfaces manufacturer
Cosentino has added four new low silica colours to its offering with the new Le Chic Bohème by SilestoneXM collection.
Expanding on its initial collection launched in 2023, the new Le Chic Bohème collection of hybrid mineral surfaces introduces four new colours. Jardin Emerald, Rivière Rose, Château Brown and Blanc Élysèe all feature veining and nuanced patterns that have been designed to bring depth to designs.
The intricate, interlocking veins are made possible by a full-
Le Chic Boheme by SilestoneXM in Chateau Brown
Jardin Emerald
body molding system featuring integrated veined design across the entire surface and thickness. This enables continuity of the veining through finishes on edges and recesses, whether curved, die-cut or milled cut.
The range uses Cosentino’s Hybriq+ technology. Le Chic
Bohème is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporates a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition and contains less than 10% of crystalline silica. Silestone by Cosentino / cosentino.com
Above: Blanc Elysee
Right: Riviere Rose
Please tell us about your creative process and how you approach starting a new project?
In the early stages I look at a range of sources, from design history to nature, to architecture, finding details that are empathetic to the objective. Then, that’s where the fun begins, playing with the gathered ingredients to find new forms or combinations that spark ideas. Then it’s an iterative process, refining each concept until it feels right and achieves the specific impression I’m looking for.
With AI evolving so quickly, tools that allow us to visualize ideas in seconds are also becoming a key part of my process. It’s great we can now play with a simple doodle or phrase and bring it to life almost instantly. It’s a great tool to look for unexpected ideas.
Transformation BY
DESIGN
With a huge number of new products emanating from Bathroom Brands this year, we caught up with Head of Design
Jorge Hernandez about the sources of ideas and inspiration that drive his work…
What are the core values
or
principles that guide your work and design philosophy?
Design should be accessible. Too often, ‘designer’ implies luxury, but I believe great design can be both beautiful and functional without being expensive. Everyone deserves access to well-designed products, and that’s something I always keep in mind.
Sustainability is another guiding principle. As designers, we have a responsibility to reduce waste and prioritize reusability and circularity in our work. It’s about
making intentional choices –from the materials we select to the manufacturing process –and considering the life cycle of every product.
I also believe in the transformative power of design thinking. We often tolerate small annoyances in everyday objects until someone comes along and presents a better way. That’s the magic of design – finding those solutions that make us wonder how we ever lived without them.
Crosswater’s Tranquil light range
Which past projects are you most proud of and why do they stand out to you?
I’m proud of the tap ranges we launched with Crosswater last year, especially Foile and Lazo. Each inspired by a simple concept, one sleek and one playful, it was great to explore different textures, materials and forms to embody these concepts into products. The Tranquil light range is another project that stands out. Good lighting is essential to interior design, yet it’s hard to find quality options for bathrooms. It was exciting to work on a range that meets
a gap in the market and feels innovative. The positive response, with multiple award nominations, including Mix South and SBID awards has been really rewarding. Our latest release, the Tambour furniture, is also something I’m excited about. It’s inspired by a blend of influences – the Memphis movement, the playful 70s, and a touch of Scandi design. It feels fresh and offers something truly unique in the market.
How do you stay inspired and keep your ideas fresh in an ever-evolving industry?
Inspiration is everywhere, especially with so many amazing things happening in the industrial design and A&D communities. With macro trends in interior design pushing deeper into a culture of personality, expressiveness and sensory experiences, it’s a good time to be a designer. It feels like we can explore more wild ideas and people are more open to new and different products that challenge conventions.
What advice would you give to emerging designers looking to make their mark in the industry?
First and foremost, have fun with design. It’s important to find the aspects that bring you joy and spend time there. Creativity thrives in a playful space, so let yourself explore and experiment. Stay curious. There’s so much to learn, especially from the past century of design history. Balancing new technology with traditional craftsmanship is key. While modern tools are incredible, there’s something irreplaceable about working with your hands—craftsmanship is slowly being forgotten, and it’s worth preserving. Finally, don’t just consume design content – practice it. Like any skill, design becomes second nature the more time you spend actively doing it. Challenge yourself, and constantly push your boundaries. That’s where real growth happens.
Brassware from the Lazo collection
Crosswater’s Foile brassware range
Tambour bathroom furniture
Reshaping the Bathroom
Annual bathroom, tiles and surfaces showcase, Cersaie, took place in Bologna, Italy, last month. We pick out a few eyecatching new launches…
One of several new collections presented by tile brand WOW, Yoko is inspired by delicate Japanese origami. Through the different angular relief designs on the tiles, they aim to capture the paper folds used in this age-old technique, decorated with glossy crystalline glazes whose colours are paler along the represented folds. Yoko is available in eight different origami relief designs, and a choice of six colours.
WOW / wowdesigneu.com
TheArtceram presented a number of new bathroom basins, including Brooklyn, a distinctive design that aims to act as a ‘bridge’ between countertop basin and a console since it incorporates features of both.
The range is made up of four sink configurations, each with an integrated ‘band’ which divides the wet area of the sink itself with a dry area, designed to act as a pocket for the storage or placement of various accessories.
The ArtCeram / artceram.it
Surface brand Living Ceramics presented Oda, a French stone ceramic using the manufacturer’s 3D.FIT technology for printing the graphics and relief to match precisely. Oda, the design for which has been inspired by the fossilrich stone typically found on the west coast of France, is suitable for cladding, flooring, and washbasins. Living Ceramics / livingceramics.com
RAK Ceramics presented its collaboration with Lebanese designer Elie Saab featuring a range of classic and contemporary colour combinations across a whole bathroom and surface collection. It includes a colour countertop and freestanding washbasins, taps in a new gunmetal finish, as well as new slab collections as part of the Elie Saab Surface and Wellness project. RAK Ceramics / rakceramics.com
Colourful
Fusing vibrant hues into an interior scheme founded in Scandi simplicity, this design manages to bring both excitement and relaxation to the home
The character of Scandinavian style – renowned for its balanced blend of aesthetics and functionality –has been captured beautifully in a home recently renovated by Dutch architect Paul Noordijk. The design radiates freshness, lightness and liveliness, and challenges the neutral colour palette more typical to this decorative style.
Despite the predominance of whites and greys, touches of colour have been incorporated through the different elements and accessories that give the rooms their own personality. This style is a hallmark of the architect, who considers that colour not only has a decorative
function but is also an ideal tool for underlining elements of structure.
From the intense yellow surrounding the staircase to the HIMACS Sky Blue surfaces that define the kitchen space, this home exudes striking colour combinations. This harmonious juxtaposition also lends warmth without compromising the overall feeling of brightness and space created by other elements, such as the micro cement floor and French doors.
Remodelled and repurposed
In keeping with the essence of Scandinavian design, the key aim of the project was to create a welcoming and visually appealing
CC
Photography: Miranda Koopman
home in which comfort would play a key role. The remodelling of the ground floor was one of the primary challenges in achieving this goal. The most significant difference between ‘before’ and ‘after’ is the way the kitchen is now accessed via the hallway instead of through the living room. This change made both rooms more accessible, giving each more individual purpose. A highlight of the transformation is the installation of an island with integrated sink to a pillar between the kitchen and dining areas.
Calm
The centrepiece kitchen perhaps reflects the principles of Scandinavian style best of all. The combination of HIMACS Sky Blue surfaces with the smoked oak of the cabinets gives it a unique identity, with a natural and fresh tone. The colour palette gives not only a distinctive look but delivers the cosy and social atmosphere for this integral space.
The challenge of finding a material with an appealing and eye-catching colour which could be used for the worktops, splashbacks and fascias was met by the Sky Blue shade from the HIMACS Solids collection. The hygienic properties of the solid surface material provide working surface well-suited
for food preparation, with the absence of pores or joins preventing bacteria or mould from lurking on or in the material. Its thermoformable flexibility and versatility also allowed fabricator Michiel van den Brandhof, from Aimeubel, to make this project a reality by implementing creative solutions. He was able to rout out some material from the fascias on the island to incorporate hidden hooks for kitchen towels without spoiling the streamlined look of the kitchen as a whole.
Space optimisation
Creativity also shines in other rooms where practical solutions were explored to rearrange the ground floor and optimise its
CC
Photography: Miranda Koopman
surface area. A clever approach to the design of the hallway – which is typically narrow in this type of older property –ensured the best use of the available space. This involved creating a void in the dividing wall that connects the hallway to the living room to insert a storage unit that serves as a discreet wardrobe on one side and a versatile multifunctional TV cabinet on the other.
This renovation project exemplifies how to successfully approach the comprehensive reconfiguration of a home with an outdated layout. As well as optimising space, the
incorporation of innovative elements that strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics provides a characterful touch that enhances its identity and evokes contemporary Scandinavian chic. HIMACS / lxhausys.com Paul Noordijk / paulnoordijk.nl
DTile and flooring brand Domus has partnered with kitchen specialist Roundhouse and interior design studio
Designed by Woulfe to create a new hosting kitchen facility at its showroom in Battersea, South London
The new space within the renovated showroom has been created to host product showcases, social gatherings, and educational events tailored for architects
and designers. The scheme features a fully functional kitchen, bar, and lounge area and is suitable for a variety of events, from roundtable discussions and networking breakfasts to CPD sessions, cocktail parties, and intimate dinners.
Designed by Woulfe has consulted on every aspect of the space, from layout and material selection to fixtures and fittings. The earthy tones of Argile’s Vert de Moneteau paint has been used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while lighting from Cameron Design House and J Adams & Co adds to the ambiance.
Roundhouse Design’s contribution centres on the fully operational kitchen, which serves as the space’s focal point. Domus’s range of hard surface porcelain slabs by Tailor
Made, including Domus Yamuna, are prominently showcased on the kitchen worktops, splashback and central cooking island. The kitchen also features Gaggenau appliances.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the bar area – also designed by Roundhouse Design –highlights worktops made from Domus Eccentric Luxe Caramel slabs by Tailor Made, alongside a Gaggenau wine fridge and a Quooker tap.
Jon Newey, CEO of Domus, said: “With the shift in working patterns post-pandemic, we wanted to create a space that offers clients rich and engaging content, whether they choose to experience it in person or online. Our collaboration with Roundhouse Design, Brian Woulfe, and our other partners has resulted in a dynamic new environment where we can
continue to deliver thoughtprovoking events that educate and inspire the architecture and design community – a mission that has been at the heart of Domus since our inception.”
The hosting kitchen is part of a major renovation of the Domus Battersea showroom, the most significant since its
opening in 2004. The revamped showroom now features updated materials, refreshed room sets, and enhanced workspace and furniture for staff. Domus / domusgroup.com Roundhouse / roundhousedesign.com Designed by Woulfe / designedbywoulfe.com
Photography: Mark Cocksedge
Kbsa conference host Emma Crosby
Kbsa awards host Ronni Ancona
Keynote speaker Matt Elwell
Aiming High
The Kbsa’s annual conference and awards takes place this month (9 October, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield), with the theme of ‘empowering & enhancing excellence’…
This year’s Kbsa conference programme tackles a range of pertinent issues, from business know-how to empowering excellence through coaching, as well as the role of AI in the future of KBB design. The event will be facilitated by Channel 5 news presenter Emma Crosby who will introduce the day’s speakers. Keynote speaker Matt Elwell will be sharing his advice on how to sell, serve and exchange more contracts with ease and integrity. He brings 22 years’ experience as an entrepreneurial business owner and is co-founder and Director of the Elite Closing Academy. His sales career includes
kitchens, bathrooms and tiles, and in his current role, offers entrepreneurs, business owners and sales teams, training, coaching and mentoring packages, aimed at increasing sales and helping them grow their businesses.
Tina Southgate will explore how businesses can achieve excellence through coaching.
An international master coach, mentor, author and speaker, her work helps leaders to confidently grow beyond their perceived potential, with the aim of helping them to discover and activate their strongest abilities.
The hot topic of AI will be addressed by Alan Coleman, National Sales Manager for
the Kitchen Division at Cyncly. He will discuss how AI is transforming design processes, look at the benefits, provide tips for how to get started with AI as a designer and conclude with a review of future trends and opportunities.
The conference programme will be rounded off with The Big Debate, addressing a wide range of topics with the help of contributors Belinda Dangerfield of Qudaus Living, Dan Stronge from Jones Britain, Koralia Hume of Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, and Mark Butler from Butler Interiors.
The Kbsa awards will take place in the evening, with impressionist and comedian Ronni Ancona revealing the winners of this year’s trophies. The honours include kitchen, bathroom and bedroom designer of the year categories, as well as awards for young designer and kitchen concept designer of the year. Kbsa / kbsa.org.uk
Cyncly’s Alan Coleman
Coaching expert Tina Southgate
One last thing to inspire…
Kitchen brand next125 unites design and architecture with Fireplace, a collaboration with architect Francis Kéré that aims to highlight sustainability, the environment and nature.
The centre of the design is a kitchen cube made from bronze-coloured mirror glass with natural stone worktops and offset by deep onyx black veneered oak units.
The bronze mirror finish on the island aims to add sophistication with its reflective surface that transforms light. The minimalistic design hides plenty of functionality however, as the unit accommodates a full suite of appliances and storage options.
The kitchen features double veneer finishes and rich onyx colour on the back units, further emphasised with new height units and vertical handles in coordinating Onyx Black. next125 / next125.com
The next125 fireplace design aims to inspire new spaces and uses iconic furniture designed to stand the test of time. Shown is a breakfast bar which reimagines an elegant table design and comfortably seats three
