Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business 174 July 2020 by Immediate Media Company London Ltd.

Voted Best Trade Journal 2019

July 2020 Issue 174

www.kbbdaily.com

HUSH KITCHENS

GET INCLUSIVE

VOGUE UK

Spending time and money during lockdown to release longer-term benefits

Multigenerational living is driving demand for stylish, inclusive bathrooms

Coping with competition as it celebrates its 30th anniversary

Pg 22

IN THIS ISSUE

Pg 50

Pg 56

KICK STARTING CONFIDENCE: KBB COMMUNITY GETS BACK TO WORK

Pg 26

SPLASH HITS Successful splashbacks combine practical benefits with the essential character of a kitchen Pg 32

JAMES JAMES The new team breathing fresh life into James James Kitchens as it prepares it for the future Pg 15 & 46

ALL THE LATEST Discover new products, new looks and new trends for both kitchen and bathroom

With non-essential businesses finally able to reopen their doors, the number of kbb firms rising to meet the challenge has turned from a trickle to a flood. Hundreds of firms are Open door: Martin Moore is back pledging to offer the levels of customer care required to restore confidence and kick-start business after three months of inactivity. Bespoke kitchen maker Martin Moore’s UK showrooms will be ‘open in the normal way’. The company is implementing comprehensive social-distancing measures – made easy through the size of its retail spaces – while private appointments will be available and the firm’s designers are happy to do home visits. Vogue (UK), the UK’s largest maker of premium designer radiators and towel warmers, has resumed manufacturing and established a remote sales team to meet renewed demand, while the design teams are working on collections for 2021 and 2022.

Königstone’s fabrication partner, Midland Stone Centre Ltd, now has 100% of its manufacturing facilities open with a full order book. “After a necessary shutdown, we’re delighted to be back up and running,” explained Joanne Bull, marketing manager. Meanwhile, staff at Yorkshire-based fitted furniture-manufacturer, Symphony Group, have returned to work following a full COVID-19 risk assessment. Martyn Davis, executive chairman said, “ We have the stock and other resources in place to ensure the smooth continuation of both production and deliveries.” Leading bath maker, BC Designs, has resumed a full service to UK retailers. Darren Allison, managing director, said “We’ve looked at ways we can continue to support our retailers and continue with our marketing and PR efforts to keep front-of-mind with consumers.” Finally, British fitted-furniture manufacturer Daval has issued all staff members with reusable PPE packs on their return to work. The packs contain hand sanitiser, surface wipes, gloves, face masks and more, which are removed after use by an approved contractor.

TRAVIS PERKINS REVEALS PLANS TO CUT 2,500 JOBS Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins is to close 165 stores and cut 2,500 jobs, citing the ‘challenging outlook’ ahead for trading. The firm said that ‘while ‘Challenging outlook’ forces cuts there has been a significant recovery in trading volumes in recent weeks, it is evident that the UK is facing a recession and this will have a corresponding impact on the demand for building materials during 2020 and 2021’. As a result, 165 branches across the UK – around 8% of stores – are expected to close. Those affected

TOPS ON TOP Cindy Crawford on New Silestone Eternal Noir A product designed by Cosentino® Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F T ô

will be concentrated in the Merchant businesses, ‘focusing on small branches where it is either difficult to implement safe distancing practices, or where marginal profitability will be eroded in a reduced-volume environment’, the company said. In total, the Group expects to reduce the number of colleagues by around 2,500 or approximately 9% of the workforce. Nick Roberts, the group’s chief executive, commented “Whilst we have experienced improving trends more recently, we do not expect a return to pre-COVID trading conditions for some time and consequently we have had to take this very difficult decision.”

FUNCTION. ELEGANCE. HARMONY.

LEICHT UK 14 Alder Close Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9YE Phone 07718 226 723

www.leicht.com

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essentially... Saying that this has been a ‘great’ month seems a little blinkered at best and misguided at worst… But after the confusion, worry and wave of bad news, the repeated return of genuine optimism, smiles back on faces and a firm resolve of ‘business as usual’ wherever we’ve looked has been a heart-warming testament to the smart, slick and passionate people that make kbb happen. At the time of writing, lockdown measures are easing, the 2m rule is being questioned and the desire for the public to resume browsing, then going on to make those postponed big-ticket purchases, is obvious. We hope that as you re-open your doors, you’re treated to a (controlled, sensible and socially distanced) stampede of renewed interest! There may not ever be a ‘back to normal’ but the desire for, and appreciation of, innovation, comfort and style will never be abated. It’s up to us to reshape what we do so that that desire finds a home. We hope that the wealth of impressive new product, smart thinking and optimism in this issue encourages you back to greatness. Thanks!

26 38 46 56

Daniel Griffiths Editor daniel.griffiths@immediate.co.uk

this month... 1 K&B business news All the latest news in kitchens and bathrooms

KITCHENS

the team...

13 Kitchen inspiration The Supreme Line of cooling from V-ZUG 15 Kitchen new products The latest happenings in the world of kitchens 22 Profile | Hush Kitchens Spending time and money during lockdown to release longer-term benefits afterwards

Darren Summerfield

Emma Lewis

William Linn

Commercial Director

Production Editor

Designer

26 Special report | Splash Hits Successful splashback designs that combine practical benefits with the essential character of a kitchen 32 Profile | James James Breathing fresh life into James James Kitchens in the Wirral as it prepares for the future

Rebecca Messina

Thea Jeffreys

Kayla Rose

Digital Editor

KBB Daily

Brand Executive

Lara Sargent

Emma Hedges

Amelia Thorpe

Contributor

38 Special report | Clean Winners The advantages of the latest dishwashers

Paul Craig

Contributor

Photographer

ABC audited readership figures Average net circulation per issue.....9,212

www.kbbdaily.com

Winner of Best Trade Journal 2019

46 Bathroom new products If it’s new for bathrooms you’ll find it here 50 Special report | Access All Areas Multigenerational living is driving demand for stylish, inclusively designed bathroom products 56 Profile | Vogue UK Coping with growing competition from abroad as it celebrates its 30th anniversary

INFLUENCES 63 Influences Harvey Maria’s collection of Northmore tiles 64 Web doctor All the latest online offerings rated 66 Professional Focus Jessica Inglis of PWS gears up for the big re-opening

PUBLISHING

EDITOR Daniel Griffiths

MANAGING DIRECTOR Marie Davies

DESIGNER William Linn

PROMOTIONS & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Rosa Sherwood

PRODUCTION EDITOR Emma Lewis CONTRIBUTORS Amelia Thorpe, Paul Craig, Nicola Hanley, Emma Hedges, Lara Sargent, Katy Bell

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Lara Van Weber

ADVERTISING

CEO Tom Bureau

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mark Reen

Katy Bell

45 Bathroom inspiration Stunning washstands and more from Indigenous

EDITORIAL

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Darren Summerfield

Nicola Hanley

BATHROOMS

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Marshall CFO Kevin Langford

CONTACT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sophie North

Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Immediate Media, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST

MARKETING AND PRODUCTION

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Sarah Powell

Tel: 01173 008 804

JUNIOR PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Georgia Tolley

EDITORIAL

SUBSCRIPTIONS DIRECTOR Jacky Perales-Morris

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES

DIRECTOR OF LICENSING & SYNDICATION Tim Hudson

UK Tel: 03330 165 798

Email: ekbbusiness@immediate.co.uk

©Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, 2020, member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Unsolicited manuscripts and transparencies are accepted on the understanding that the publisher incurs no liability for their storage or return. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without permission. All prices are correct at the time of going to press. The publisher, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business is published by Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST, UK. Every effort has been made to secure permission for copyright material. In the event of any material being used inadvertently, or where it proved impossible to trace the copyright owner, acknowledgement will be made in a future issue. Immediate Media Co Ltd is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests. This magazine can be recycled. We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate. co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk or write to Legal Director, Immediate Media Co, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London, W6 7BT, UK.

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picture this... Silestone’s Spa Selection Cosentino’s leading quartz surface, Silestone, is featuring throughout The fire-pit area Carden Park Hotel’s luxury spa in Cheshire. Calacatta Gold and Silestone Marfil have been used for displays, seating and on sweeping and spiralling staircases, made by one of Cosentino’s Platinum Accredited Fabricators, the family-owned Bellagio Stone. “The service and attention to detail that Bellagio Stone provided were beyond compare,” said Steve Morgan, Carden Park’s owner.

Worcester Bosch raises NHS funds Boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch raffled two limited-edition versions of its most popular boiler – the Greenstar i – to raise money for NHS Charities Together, pledging to match donations up to £10,000. The limited-edition boilers are wrapped in rainbow designs following Worcester Bosch’s contribution of creating 500 metal ventilator casings for the NHS in its Clay Cross factory.

TOP TIPS FOR MANUFACTURING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC Neoperl UK supplies sanitation products to hospitals, meaning it was among the first companies that had to adapt to COVID-19. Managing director Kevin Gates explains how the company’s coping with the current situation. “We had to find new, safe ways of working early on, to ensure staff were protected and customer supply chains unaffected. Social distancing, hand-washing and temperature checks were implemented in February, with hand-sanitising stations at entrances and clocking-in points. We also increased the frequency of cleaning in all areas, including a deep clean every fortnight. Thermal-imaging cameras were introduced in

March, allowing staff to measure their temperatures on arrival at work. Face coverings are available on request. “We also ensured that regular Neoperl UK information was sent out to staff and customers using a range of media. This included the electronic display boards in the factory, group messenger to home-based staff and Zoom virtual meetings alongside instructional point-of-sale and traditional emails. Feedback from the workforce has helped, while observational auditing monitors how effective the process is.” For more, visit www.kbbdaily.com.

NHS rainbow boilers

Siemens helps fund community meals Siemens is supporting Kitchen Fuel for key workers Theory’s #soupswithlove, an initiative that gives those in need nutritious soups. When the creative kitchen experiences company was forced to halt its business operations, it switched its focus to supporting the community. Since March, Kitchen Theory has been producing and donating soups to AgeUK Barnet and Barnet General Hospital for NHS frontline staff.

BSH perks up hospital staff’s coffee breaks BSH has donated 100 Bosch Tassimo coffee machines to over 20 NHS Trusts, along with a selection of Break-time bonus coffee pods, making over 5,000 hot drinks to provide a pick-me-up to NHS staff during their breaks. “We’d like to extend our thanks to all the amazing NHS staff and hope the machines and drinks can give them some comfort,” said Steve Green, director of consumer products at BSH.

Simon Acres gifts cakes to the NHS Aiden Cowell, general manager at Delicious delivery Simon Acres Group, delivered cakes to the Kettering General Hospital after the company’s latest quiz winner – kitchen designer Karl Graham – asked it to donate his prize money instead of receiving the usual bottle of champagne. “We’re delighted Karl chose the NHS to receive the prize and it was a pleasure to add a little brightness to their day,” said Cowell.

AXOR revamps its design website Online inspiration

High-end bathroom accessories brand AXOR has launched its revamped design website, aimed at architects and interior designers. The site, www.axor-design.co.uk, allows for direct product comparisons, complete with full specifications and technical drawings. Its enhanced shopfinder function also directs users to the nearest specialist retailer so they can see chosen products and FinishPlus colour finishes first-hand.

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Wickes launches new virtual design service Wickes, the homeimprovement retailer, has announced the launch of its new Virtual Design service for those unable to access their local store with ease. Customers can request a free-of-charge appointment via the Wickes website or by phoning the company. Once confirmed, a local design consultant will arrange a virtual face-to-face session to help guide the person through the design process. “We’re really excited to launch our first-ever virtual kitchen and bathroom-design appointments. We’ve responded to how customers are interacting with brands and how their behaviour has changed in recent months,” said Mandy Minichiello, head of marketing for showroom. Samples can be requested during the virtual call and the design consultant can even provide a full walk-through of the showroom to bring the products to life and help the customer make their choice.

TOPPS TILES AGREES SALE OF HEAD OFFICE AND CENTRAL WAREHOUSES National tile retailer Topps Tiles has agreed a deal to sell off its head office and central warehouses in Leicester to help firm up its finances in the face of the economic challenges connected to the coronavirus pandemic. UK Warehouse Properties Limited has bought the buildings for £18.1 million, including costs. Under the terms of the deal, Topps Tiles will pay an annual rent of £1.2 million to lease back the

properties, on the Grove Park industrial estate, for 20 years. Accordingly, right of use assets worth £15.7 million will be reflected on the Group’s balance sheet, along with associated lease liabilities of £15.7 million. In a recent statement, the firm said that “the proceeds from the sale will further strengthen the group’s financial position as it responds to the COVID-19 crisis”.

orcester Bosch, the boiler manufacturer, has launched an initiative that aims to support installers working in a home. Those who sign up to the ‘Safe in your Home Installer Bosch’s safety stamp Commitment’ will be given a pack to help them work safely in people’s homes and reassure customers that they’re doing this. The bundle includes a digital pack of assets with a digital stamp for use on the installer’s website and socialmedia pages, plus physical resources such as guidance documents for installers and homeowners (including current social-distancing and hygiene guidelines), a removable van vinyl of the Installer Commitment logo and an ‘Installer At Work’ sign.

INDUSTRY LEADERS MEET TO TACKLE KBB WORKPLACE “POTENTIAL TIMEBOMB” Representatives from the industry, including the BMA, the BiKBBI, Simon Acres Group and Logicom, attended a Virtual Roundtable hosted by Stress Matters, the workplace wellbeing organisation, to discuss how the issue of mental health in the workplace can be approached going forward. The group outlined workplace wellbeing progress so far with Gary Baker, CDUK MD and Chair of The Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA) describing the current pandemic situation as being a ‘potential timebomb’. Education was cited as the first step in changing the culture across the industry, and representatives called for collaboration across associations to raise awareness of the

connection between profitability and employees. Participants were clear that a Mental health matters more proactive approach was needed by the industry as a whole as well as by the individual organisations. Nathan Maclean, Logicom MD, said: ‘We need to be mindful that we’re not fooling ourselves that we’re doing all the right things. We need to do a reality check.’ Stress Matters is now looking to set up a network of wellbeing ambassadors in the industry, provide practical support on health and safety documentation and work with industry to activate a support line. If you have insights to share or would like to find out more, please reach out to james@stressmatters.org.uk. www.kbbdaily.com

Let’s party!

EK&B BUSINESS 2020 AWARDS NOMINATIONS: NOW OPEN

Spread the word: The annual Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Awards are back and it’s time to start nominating! We want you to help us celebrate the great and good from the world of kbb at our awards event on 3rd December (and by then we’ll all need a party!). Nominating your products, staff, campaigns and more couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.kbbdaily.com/

2020awardsnominations and complete your entry entirely online in minutes. A few words and some pics and docs is all we need to get your nomination in front of our expert panel (TBA shortly). It’s free, it’s quick, it’s easy and you’re welcome to nominate as many times and in as many categories as you like. Full instructions are on the site. And this year, for the first

ustainability pioneer The Used Kitchen Company is urging showrooms planning their reopening to inspect their storage areas for ex-display kitchens and list them for recycling. TUKC said “The first impulse of showrooms might be to spring clean the premises and put anything unwanted straight into a skip, rather than seeing if they can generate a sale from any stored kitchens or cancelled orders.” TUKC launched its ‘Kitchen Passport’ scheme at kbb Birmingham in March, focused on extending the cradle-to-grave lifespan of a kitchen. A TUKC Kitchen Passport travels with the kitchen throughout its life, carrying key details that promote its recyclability. Save those kitchens!

TKC LAUNCHES FINANCE SOLUTION TO HELP RETAILERS WIN BUSINESS TKC, one of the UK’s leading specialist suppliers of doors, accessories and components to the kitchen and bedroom industry, has announced its partnership with retail finance specialists, Ideal4Finance. The new partnership will see TKC give its retailers the ability to offer consumers credit terms at competitive rates, in a move designed to help them stimulate and win business.

Neil Taggart, marketing manager at TKC said: “We believe that post lockdown, and with limited ability to travel, consumers will look to spend money on their home, which has become a valued safe haven. We want to help retailers in practical ways that will allow them to focus on selling and marketing their business, and researching a reputable finance partner is one less thing for them to do.”

time, alongside our usual run of Star Appliances, Best Retailers, Best PR Campaigns and more, there are two exciting new categories to enter: Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. So get thinking and start clicking! Nominations close on 30th September 2020 so don’t delay, and we’ll see you at the Awards in London on 3rd December!

Kbb pays tribute to Graham Hopper 1959-2020 Representatives from the kbb industry have paid tribute to Graham ‘Mr Leicht UK’ Hopper this week, after he passed away in his home this April at the age of 61. Hopper was a partner in three separate kbb businesses, and instrumental in the building of a UK-wide Leicht dealer network. Ek&bbusiness’s Commercial Director Darren Summerfield said of Graham, “For 30 years, our friendship and business relationship never changed. As a former city boy, ‘your word is your bond’ is paramount to me, and Graham was the same. Not once did we sign a piece of paper or contract. Our relationship was built on trust, respect and friendship. I will miss him terribly, as will many. He was a real gentleman of our industry.”

stop press... Virtual Worlds signs Qualitex Virtual Worlds, the UK market leader in CAD technology for the KBB market, has announced that QX Bathroom Products will now be available on its design software. The partnership will see QX Bathroom Products visible in context, without designers having to expand their physical displays within showrooms.

Vogue recognised in industry awards Vogue (UK), the radiator manufacturer, has been highly commended at this year’s Electrical Wholesaler Awards. The company stated: “For Vogue (UK) to be

www.kbbdaily.com

acknowledged by the electrical wholesale communities is a true credit to our range of electricheating solutions.”

NEFF partners with ckbk The partnership will see the ckbk platform become integrated with NEFF’s Home Connect system, meaning users will be able to send the temperature, time and cooking method directly to their NEFF oven by selecting a Home Connectenabled recipe on the ckbk app.

Wren recommences showroom expansion Wren Kitchens opened its 92nd showroom in Banbury last month

and will open a further four showrooms throughout July and August in Worcester, Wakefield, Wolverhampton and Peterborough, with eight more – reaching their 100th – to follow before the end of the year.

UK Bathrooms partners with Ideal Standard The partnership will mean Ideal Standard collections, such as Concept Air, Tesi and Tempo, will be available from UK Bathrooms. “From initial design and raw materials, to testing and aftercare, Ideal Standard has built an enviable reputation,” said Graeme Borchard, managing director at UK Bathrooms.

movers & shakers the latest from the industry Grohe expands its projects team Grohe has five new members on its UK projects team, led by Glen New staff members Wilson, head of projects in the UK. The new members are: Liam Biggs, regional specification manager (London); Mark Dekkers, key account manager, residential; Danielle Matthews, regional specification manager (North); Luke Forster, regional specification manager (London) and Chandni Dalal, projects office manager.

Pronorm new national sales manager Contemporary German kitchen manufacturer Pronorm has promoted Richard Turner to UK Richard Turner national sales manager. Turner has worked for Pronorm for 14 years as area sales manager for Central England. He’ll retain responsibility for his territory, but will also have the overall responsibility for sales in the UK and Ireland. He’ll also be managing the sales team.

Ferguson plc group CFO steps down Ferguson plc, the world’s leading heating and plumbing distributor – operating as Wolseley in the UK Mike Powell – has announced the departure of its Group Chief Financial Officer. Mike Powell will be taking up a new role as Group CFO of paper and packaging company Mondi plc. The new Group CFO role will be based at Ferguson’s US headquarters in Newport News, Virginia.

New area sales manager at Pronorm German kitchen supplier Pronorm has welcomed Chris Cuthill as area sales manager for Scotland, Chris Cuthill Northern England and Ireland. Cuthill takes over the sales region from Jason Grinton, who is retiring at the end of May after 32 years. Cuthill will be responsible for providing business support to Pronorm’s network of existing retailers across the region, while also looking to increase the brand’s presence.

Impey launches glass-screen range Workspace screens Always-innovating screen firm Impey has seized the current challenge and created Connect, a range of nine tempered safety-glass divider screens for installation in offices, workspaces and hospitality areas plus on shop counters and sales desks. The range, which is available for immediate order and made using sustainable materials, features 6mm transparent, tempered safety glass encased in an aluminium frame to create a physical barrier to help protect against the coronavirus. “In these difficult times, a safe workplace environment is imperative. We hope the new range – designed and engineered by our sister company Sealskin Duka – will help overcome some of the challenges associated with reopening businesses and offices,” said Natalie Paley, national retail sales manager.

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essential news | business update

PREMIUM ITALIAN BRAND BERTAZZONI CELEBRATES THREE SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF UK TRADING Valentina Despite 138 years of business across mainland Europe, the Bertazzoni brand is a comparative newcomer to the UK market, but it’s already making in-roads for similar success…

Bertazzoni Director of Style, Brand & Communication for Bertazzoni and part of the sixth generation of the family

Words Daniel Griffiths

remium Italian cooking appliance specialist, Bertazzoni (uk.bertazzoni. com), is celebrating three years of successful trading in the UK. Founded in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, in 1882, Bertazzoni opened its first UK premises in May 2017 in Prenton, Merseyside with a 1,600 sq ft facility. Since then, the company has secured partnerships with major UK retailers and upped its product portfolio to over 174 new lines. Known for cutting-edge engineering and exceptional design, the brand originally made freestanding cookers but has since expanded into the built-in, refrigeration and dishwasher categories, with products including ovens, hobs, extractors, dishwashers and refrigerators. Q

Tell us about the history of Bertazzoni. A: Back in the 19th century, Francesco Bertazzoni made precision weighing machines for local cheese makers in Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy. Observing trains arriving in Guastalla, Italy, he noticed they were heated by a new type of wood-burning stove – used to cook for the train crew as well as heating the carriages – and the innovation appealed to his entrepreneurial instincts and his love of food, family and engineering. How have the current circumstances affected your business? A: The pandemic hit very hard in northern Italy, so we had to face the health and financial implications head on. Thankfully lessons learnt from previous generations helped us manage the situation. People are truly Bertazzoni’s most important asset and, because of that, we took the decision to close the factory a week before it was enforced by the Government. We used the time to reorganise the production facility in order to guarantee the protection of our staff so that we could remobilise safely. Are things now returning to normal for you? A: We are optimistic about the second half of the year. A positive outcome of COVID-19 is that it has triggered a renaissance in cooking and people have had the opportunity to rediscover the pleasure of cooking for their loved ones. In addition, many have had the chance to re-evaluate their property, so we expect that this may lead to increased investment in the home environment and cooking in general throughout the remainder of 2020. www.kbbdaily.com

FOOD, FAMILY & ENGINEERING It all starts here: the production of the firm’s original woodburning stove. The Bertazzoni family’s values of food, family and engineering keeps them true to their roots, using traditional manufacturing methods to produce stylish, expertly crafted pieces that reside at the epicentre of the home and fuel family life

CASA BERTAZZONI Bertazzoni HQ is located in a region of Italy traditionally known as the ‘bread basket’, steeped in the ingredients that have made Italian cooking famous worldwide: Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma and balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar). Each successive generation is committed to handing over the business in even better shape than it was received

NEW FOR 2020 Their Modern Series BI pyro total steam is the headline product from Bertazzoni’s new range. Available in handfinished metals, including carbonio and copper, it’s rich in sophisticated Italian style with distinctive design and precision engineering including an intuitive touchscreen, userfriendly interface and a water reservoir cleverly hidden away within the lift-up control panel

ek&bbusiness

With the wonderful Vital Capsule filter System, the benefits are clear

Enjoy cleaner, healthier, better tasting water with the innovative Vital Capsule Filter System. The easy change filter removes 99.9% of bacteria, 99% of viruses, 99% of microplastics, plus rust, sediments and other small particles. Vital also helps reduce single use plastics and can save the cost of buying bottled water. Offering a choice of designs and colours plus an additional chiller option, the Vital Capsule Filter System is clearly like nothing else.

WATCH THE VIDEO Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

essential kitchens | design inspiration

KITCHENS

p13

– p 43

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

V-ZUG UK Capacity and luxury are the hallmarks of the new Supreme range of cooling from Swiss brand V-ZUG. The range consists of the CombiCooler V6000 Supreme (561 litres), with a freezer compartment that can be switched to a fridge using the MonoFridge function. The CombiCooler is shown here, clad in chrome steel panels, side-by-side with the WineCooler V6000 Supreme that can hold 72 bottles in two temperature zones. Also new is the Cooler V6000 Supreme large refrigerator with a 626-litre capacity. www.vzug.co.uk

Shelves are suspended on sliding tracks and freely positioned at any height, thanks to the new InfinityShelf system

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The MonoFridge function allows the freezer compartment to be converted into a refrigerator for extra chill space if required

“The new Supreme line meets the market trend for luxury cooling. As well as increased capacity, the design features make the consumer’s life easier”

David Knight, managing director, V-ZUG UK

ek&bbusiness

essential kitchens | new products

NEW PRODUCTS

A preview of all the latest product designs coming your way Words Lara Sargent

Everhot has launched a new Pillar Box Red colourway for its heat-storage range cookers

2 3 4 1

H WASH Hoover Tel: 01685 721 222 www.hoover.co.uk Hoover has launched its ‘smartest’ laundry collection to date with the H-WASH series. In white, black or graphite, the H-WASH 300 and 500 models work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Wi-Fi and NFC via the Hoover Wizard app. With an A+++ energy rating, the H-WASH 500, pictured, can hold 14kg, has a brushless Eco-Power Inverter Motor and Active Balance (for spin cycles) www.kbbdaily.com

CREAMWARE PENDANT LIGHT

LINEN EFFECT INTERIOR CABINET

Devol Tel: 01509 261 000 www.devolkitchens.co.uk Devol’s new Creamware Pendant Light is handmade in the UK using smooth, earthenware clay and painted with a cream glaze that subtly crazes over time. Inspired by vintage ceramic pendants and simple, creamware crockery of old French farmhouses, the lights are finished with antiqued brass fittings and brown, twisted fabric flex cord

Crown Imperial Tel: 01227 742 424 www.crown-imperial.co.uk Perfect for contemporary kitchens, the new Linen Effect interior cabinet finish from Crown Imperial has just launched. It joins the brand’s growing range of cabinet colours, which also includes White, Oyster, Cashmere, Silver, Kristal Oak and Sand Oak, designed to complement different door styles to give an individual look

PILLAR BOX RED Everhot Tel: 01453 890 018 www.everhot.co.uk Everhot has launched a new Pillar Box Red colourway for its heatstorage range cookers. The bold new hue would sit well in either a country kitchen or a contemporary design and is available across all six sizes. Everhot cookers are now available in 19 colours, including: Aubergine, Dusky Pink, Fern, Teal, Marine Blue, Burgundy and Dove Grey ek&bbusiness

GROHE BLUE PURE FILTER TAPS PURE TASTE, PURE ENJOYMENT Add great taste to your kitchen, effortlessly, with a GROHE Blue Pure Filter tap. The filter technology turns tap water into delicious tasting filtered drinking water, removing impurities that can impair the taste. The filter fits easily under your sink and the tap still offers the normal functionality of a kitchen tap. Available in 4 designs, Minta pull-out, BauCurve, Mono and Eurosmart. The GROHE Blue Eurosmart model (pictured) has also achieved the highly regarded seal of approval from Good Housekeeping Institute. Put pure, refreshing, filtered water at the heart of your kitchen with a GROHE Blue Pure tap. grohe.co.uk

essential kitchens | new products

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CARATTERE Scavolini Tel: 02080 900 909 www.scavolini.com Scavolini’s best-selling Carattere kitchen has some new options. The contemporary-classic, in-frame door is now available in four gloss lacquers – Cashmere Pinstripe Ash (shown), Cloud Pinstripe Ash, Capri Pinstripe Ash and Iris Pinstripe Ash – as well as matt lacquers. Optional extras include leaded glass-effect cabinets, a cornice and Magneto storage splashback accessories

MODE 175 GOLD & STEEL SINK Caple Tel: 01179 381 900 www.caple.co.uk For serious wow factor, Caple has launched the new Mode 175 sink in a two-tone gold and stainless-steel design. The brilliant finish features a PVD coating which is highly resistant to tarnishing, corrosion and scratches. Inset or undermounted, the 1.5 bowl sink is 760mm wide and comes with an optional gold or steel colander and fold mat

HOBD4 Smeg Tel: 03445 570 070 www.smeguk.com Smeg has unveiled a space-saving addition to its one-piece hood and hob range. Designed to fit into an 800mm cabinet, the new Hobd4 comes in black glass with four flexible zones that can turn into two larger multi-zones if necessary. It features a discreet integrated hood (with a 66db noise level and eight speeds), a red LED slider control and Smart Auto Pot Detector

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essential kitchens | new products

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TUSCAN TILES Indigenous Tel: 01933 824 200 www.indigenous.co.uk Tuscan, Indigenousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new collection of vintage-effect porcelain tiles, could help add depth and interest to a period look. Handmade in Italy, the distressed-look tiles come in four patterns in a mix of fawn, blue, brown and sage and measure 400 x 400mm. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re suitable for walls and floors, inside and outdoors. Pictured here is the blue-toned Saturnia Decoro www.kbbdaily.com

PROFESSIONAL+ 100 FX

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BRONZE & CUBAN OAK

Rangemaster Tel: 08008 046 261 www.rangemaster.co.uk Following the success of the Professional+ 90 FX range cooker, Rangemaster has introduced a larger, 100cm-wide version with drop-down door. In a choice of Black, Stainless Steel and Slate, the Professional+ 100 FX features two multifunctional ovens, chrome-finish rotary controls and handles and a white timer display

Candy Tel: 01685 721 222 www.candy-domestic.co.uk Candy has added an American-style fridge-freezer to its freestanding range, with a 436L total capacity, digital display and A+ energy class. In silver, the slim-depth, CHSBSV 5172XK 34004227 fridge-freezer features a variety of shelves, door balconies and drawers for flexible storage at an affordable price point

Daval Furniture Tel: 01484 848 500 www.daval-furniture.co.uk British brand, Daval, has launched Bronze and Cuban Oak textured finishes for a contemporary kitchen look. Bronze is a supermatt, metallic-finish lacquer with a stone surface texture (available on Varenna) and Cuban Oak is a rich, woodgrain-effect laminate with the look and feel of natural wood (available on Mayfair) ek&bbusiness

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essential kitchens | new products

13 14

15 12

CERA

CORE

4D TILES

Villeroy & Boch Kitchens Tel: 01922 698 000 www.euromobel.co.uk Cera is a new ceramic door from Villeroy & Boch Kitchens. It comes in nine finishes including the black marble Calatorao Silk, shown on the island and main run of units, above. The door – a 3mm-thick ceramic layer on a balanced particle board – comes in eight other stone and metal looks. The brand is created and distributed under licence by German manufacturer Störmer

Rotpunkt Tel: 01992 478 109 www.rotpunktuk.com Core is a new industrial-style kitchen design from German brand, Rotpunkt, available in four brushed-metal finishes. The new Core door is made from 14mm black MDF (which remains visible along the edging) with the front and back layered in a 1mm solid aluminium surface and finished in Carbon (shown), Bronze, Grey or Brown

Lapicida Tel: 01423 400 100 www.lapicida.com Modern and architectural, Lapicida’s 4D porcelain tile collection adds visual depth to wall surfaces. In white and dark blue, the striking tiles feature textured, three-dimensional shapes for a contemporary, graphic look and measure 800 x 400 x 10mm. Choose from Chevron, Hexagon or Drop shapes, or try using the different styles alongside each other

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ARTISANAL COLLECTION Bert & May Tel: 02073 524 904 www.bertandmay.com Inspired by Mediterranean skies and turquoise waters, Bert & May’s new Artisanal tile range takes its cue from Southern Spain’s colour palette and natural beauty. Available in three designs, the encaustic tiles are handmade by artisan craftspeople in Andalucia and can be used inside or out. Pictured is Formantera (150 x 150mm) in Azur and Brighton Stone ek&bbusiness

QUIETLY DOES IT New company Hush Kitchensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MD says that time and money well spent during the lockdown will result in longer-term benefits Words Amelia Thorpe Photos (except portaits) Pete Helme

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essential kitchens | Hush Kitchens

1 The induction top of

5 Shaker furniture hand

the Everhot 90i Cream

painted in Cheltenham with

range cooker 2 Shaker doors, hand painted

brushed-nickel cup handles,

in Bourton, with prep table

quartz worktops and Fisher

featuring an Aged Copper top 3 Siemens studioLine

& Paykel French-door

ust a few weeks after opening the doors to his new business in February, Chris Spink of Hush Kitchens in Cirencester found himself obliged to shut them again. It was the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. “All the momentum we’d been building got cut, instantly,” he says. But Spink is careful to describe the impact as “frustrating” rather than catastrophic. He’s furloughed his one member of staff, and moved to communicating with clients via phone, email and video presentations on Zoom and TeamViewer. “We’re still getting enquiries and dealing with clients looking to keep their projects moving forwards,” he says. “Once restrictions are lifted, I’m hopeful that all the customers who were looking before lockdown will come back – and we’re cautiously optimistic that we won’t lose too much ground." So how is he trying to drive forward orders? “We’re keeping our marketing strategy in place,” he says. “I know some people make the marketing budget the first thing to cut at times like this, because little can be done to save on things like rent, but I’ve made the decision to carry on, especially with social media, including Instagram and Facebook, and with PR. We’ve seen traffic on the website increase as a result.” He’s also quietly focused on reviewing his business processes, from manufacturing methods to the presentation of quotes to customers. “There are lots of things that can be tweaked and improved so we can see greater benefits when we come out of this,” he says. Spink, 35, studied mechanical engineering before building a career in kitchens and furniture that includes retail, manufacturing and design experience. Most recently, he had been working as a designer for kitchen company Olive & Barr, which used to occupy the 120m sq showroom space on the upper floor of the Beswick Stone premises on a busy industrial park in Cirencester. “The owner of Beswick Stone, John Forde, approached me to see if I would like to take over the space,” recalls Spink. “He knew I’d resigned from Olive & Barr because I didn’t want to commute to the planned new showroom locations, so our conversations progressed quickly. Setting up my own business has always been something I’ve wanted to do.” The business is called “Hush” because, says Spink, “customers come looking for stone floors and stumble across us as they come up the stairs, so in that way we’re something of a secret”. Kitchens are made to order to Hush designs in a workshop 20 minutes away in Woodchester, south of Stroud, with handmade hardwood frames and doors. Carcasses are made by another local supplier from oak-faced MDF. “We can make them inexpensively with high quality, accuracy and consistency and make them to any size,” he says. “This way, we can blend traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods to give our clients more for their money.” For now, however, the focus is on riding out the lockdown storm. “The situation is what it is – and everybody’s in the same boat,” he says. “We have to find the positives.” Q

Worldwidestones Carrara

appliances housed in

fridge freezer 6 RAK Ceramics Belfast sink

Contemporary Slab doors

and Perrin & Rowe Mayan

spray painted in soft satin

crosstop taps in polished brass

Box with matt-black knurled

with Carrara-marble worktops

handles on backplates 4 Chris Spink, MD of

and upstand 7 Chris Spink, MD Hush

Hush Kitchens

Kitchens outside showroom

7 www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

Q&A What is your greatest challenge? “The COVID-19 lockdown”

What is your greatest opportunity? “The lockdown has also given me time to do a deep dive into what we’ve done since opening and consider how to work more efficiently in the future”

Strange but true “We’ve found video conferencing a useful way of communicating with customers during lockdown, but it has to be said that some clients clearly forget they’re on camera!”

7 8 9

10 1 Carrara marble worktops and splashback

7 Shaker doors, hand painted in Bourton, with

complete this display of Shaker Westonbirt furniture 2 & 4 RAK Ceramics Belfast sink and Perrin &

prep table featuring an Aged Copper top 8 An Everhot cooker in Graphite is framed by

Rowe Mayan crosstop taps in polished brass with

an overmantel with Beswick Stone Glitzi White

Carrara marble worktops and upstand 3 Oak-lined drawer boxes and Westonbirt

herringbone-tile splashback 9 Polished-nickel cup handles finish the Shaker

hand-painted fronts 5 Shaker furniture hand painted in Westonbirt

prep table, painted in Bourton 10 An Aged Copper worktop, above an

with polished-brass handles and hinges 6 Bi-fold drinks cupboard with a real-oak-

oak-lined drawer box

veneer interior

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essential kitchens | Hush Kitchens

1 2 PROFILE Hush Kitchens Who are we? Chris Spink, MD Where are we? 11 Wilkinson Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1YT Tel: 01285 706 543 www.hushkitchens.com

3 4

What we do... Independent kitchen retailer Business history Opened in February 2020, Hush Kitchens is jointly owned by Chris Spink and owner of Beswick Stone, John Forde. The showroom is on the upper floor of the Beswick Stone showroom

Chris Spink studied mechanical engineering at university before joining a management scheme at B&Q, where he worked for about six years. He then joined Granite Transformations (Trend Transformations) as a designer, before moving on to work at contemporary furniture maker Tom Faulkner as an operations manager. He joined Olive & Barr as a designer in March 2019 Kitchen prices start from £15,000; average £25,000; most expensive to date, £100,000 including pantry, utility room and boot room

Appliances by Neff, Siemens, Everhot, Fisher & Paykel. Sinks and taps by Blanco, Franke, Quooker, Perrin & Rowe Sales stats “Before COVID-19, we’d forecast turnover to be £1.2million for the first year. Now, if we can hit £1million we’ll be celebrating,” says Chris Spink Staffing levels Chris Spink and a designer

1 Shaker furniture hand

3 Solid oak shelves above

painted in Cheltenham with

Shaker Cheltenham furniture,

furniture in Box 6 A Siemens studioLine

brushed nickel cup handles,

topped in Worldwidestones

induction hob with integrated

Worldwidestones Carrara

ventilation system, on a

quartz worktops and Fisher

Carrara quartz work surface 4 Pull-out oak chopping

& Paykel French door

board and tray, finished with

fridge freezer 2 Quooker Flex tap in

leather handles, built into

Cloudburst Concrete quartz 7 Quooker Fusion Square

Shaker furniture hand painted

boiling water tap in matt black

stainless steel with Cube

above Contemporary Slab

system, worktops of

in Cheltenham 5 Set on a Beswick Stone

Worldwidestones Carrara

Dijon limestone floor, Hush

drawers in spray-painted Box 8 Quooker Fusion Square

quartz and Neff induction hob

Kitchens’ Contemporary Slab

boiling-water tap

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worktop of Caesarstone

7 ek&bbusiness

A successful splashback design combines practical benefits with highlighting the essential character of your clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen Words Emma Hedges

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essential kitchens | special report

BESPOKE DESIGN AVANT GARDE Roundhouse Design Tel: 02072 976 220 www.roundhousedesign.com This brass wrap – a thin sheet wrapped around an MDF core – has been washed by hand with diluted acid to achieve the patinated markings of the Antique finish shown, and then waxed. While it’s worth highlighting to the client that it will continue to patinate over time, its reflective quality gives it visual depth, enabling it to work well alongside other materials and finishes if you want a rich, layered effect

n the context of a kitchen revamp, specialist surface materials for over 20 it might seem like a relatively years and we’re always able to see the straightforward addition, but trends for design and materials from choosing the kitchen splashback working with our suppliers and getting represents a seminal moment in insight into their product development,” the kitchen design process. Not he explains. “Over the last five years, only is it the chance to we’ve seen a strong define the look of your rise in the sales ratio client’s scheme, but it of splashbacks to also opens up a world worktops, reflecting of possibilities when the design trend to it comes to design create a streamlined direction – get it wrong and harmonious and it can overwhelm a look by matching the space, or worse, prove work surface and impractical. But get it splashback area,” right and the perfect he says. choice will make your He has, however, design more ergonomic noticed a significant and take it to a whole shift in consumer Katy Harris, marketing director new level aesthetically. tastes over the past for tile distributor Verona It is, however, not year and believes a selection that can homeowners be made in isolation. “As it’s a prominent are becoming more daring in their fixture of the room, the splashback can selections. “The last 12 months has seen dictate which other materials and colours our partners, such as Bushboard and are used and, from a style point of view, Formica, developing digitally printed mixing dark and light tones is very much designs in botanicals, metro tiles, on trend and creates an individual look,” Moroccan prints, as well as fashionsays Simon Boocock, MD for CRL Stone. “Consumers are increasingly using the splashback as an opportunity to add a pop of colour or pattern to an otherwise minimal space, particularly in a contemporary setting.” Ian Holmes, product director for work surfaces at International Decorative Surfaces, is a seasoned watcher of surface trends and agrees that the splashback is now much higher up the homeowner’s list of priorities. “We’ve been distributing

Dekton Tel: 01256 761 229 www.dekton.co.uk Launched at the beginning of the year, the Dekton Avant Garde series is inspired by natural stone but features the ultra-compact surface’s exceptionally hardwearing properties. It’s made in large-format slabs (up to 3200 x 1440mm), and comes in five thicknesses: 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm and 30mm. Pictured here is Laurent, which is inspired by the natural stone Port Laurent and features different shades and depths with gold veining

“Kitchen walls are now less of a blank canvas and much more of a personal space, brimming with intricate designs and bags of character̜

BIANCO NUVOLA

PLANET COLLECTION

Eggersmann Tel: 02070 789 640 www.eggersmann.com For a seamless and cohesive look, Eggersmann’s Bianco Nuvola Quartzite from its Unique range has been used for the entire splashback, sink and worktop area in this scheme. The heavily grained patina co-ordinates with the rich, dark tones of the E3.0 Core Ash Brushed kitchen cabinetry, while the quartz itself is durable, non-porous and resistant to cracks and stains, making it an ideal choice for a hard-working zone

palette plain colours that allow for more visually interesting and personalised design combinations,” he says. Katy Harris, marketing director for tile distributor Verona, agrees. “Kitchen walls are now less of a blank canvas and much more of a personal space, brimming with intricate designs and bags of character,” she says. “We love how consumers are experimenting with tile designs and making their splashback a centrepiece, often choosing the tile at the same time as their kitchen cabinets.” Jon Stanley, VP marketing for Caesarstone UK believes that, for best results, it’s a decision that should take place early in the design process. “The final design needs to have a suite of materials that speak to each other. Given the large scale of the countertop and splashback, many designers and consumers are choosing to start with these and then work back to cabinetry and flooring, before moving on to the finer details.” But while nailing the right look is a priority, Verona’s Harris cautions against losing sight of the splashback’s true function and reminds us to keep a material’s durability and ease of maintenance front of mind. “While splashbacks often dictate the style of the kitchen, creating an individual identity, it’s worth remembering that they are a permanent addition to the home, and have a vital role to play in protecting the walls,” she says. Q

Quartzforms Tel: 01279 413 077 www.quartzforms.com/en/products Scratchproof, stain resistant and heatproof, Quartzforms surfaces are extremely durable and resistant to corrosive substances, making them ideal for use in kitchens. Planet Halley, pictured here as a splashback, features a dark background with dramatic, brightly coloured veining, and is part of the Planet Collection, which comes in 10 colours, and large-format slab sizes of 3200 x 1640mm www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

QUARTZ REFLECTION

Materials checklist: Which surfaces make the best splashbacks? » “For those who want to create a specific look, such as marble or wood, without worrying about the hassle of maintenance, our Dekton ultra-compact surface is a great choice. It’s available in over 70 designs with a range of finishes including wood, concrete and metal, through to marble looks and solid colours. It offers a high resistance to heat, stains and scratches making it the perfect choice for a busy kitchen” Laura Davie, marketing manager, Cosentino UK & Ireland

CRL Stone Tel: 01706 863 600 www.crlstone.co.uk CRL Stone’s engineered Reflection quartz surface is non-porous and doesn’t require sealing. It comes in a polished finish and features a mirror chip set in a white surface to add a shiny element that changes according to the angle of the available light. Shown here in a sink area co-ordinating seamlessly with the work surface, Reflection is available in 1600 x 3200mm formats, and 20mm and 30mm thicknesses

BESPOKE DESIGN

» “Keeping a splashback clean is always important – and especially right now – but many cleaning products can be damaging to some surfaces, compromising their finish and integrity. Sintered stone’s special composition [it’s a blend of man-made and natural materials] means that it’s impervious to most chemical products, so robust cleaning agents can be used to thoroughly disinfect without harming the stone itself” Carlos Garcìa, head of product design, Neolith » “Performance-wise, quartz is perfect for kitchen splashbacks, and skilled fabricators can easily cut and finish the material to suit the kitchen, even cutting around plug sockets and other fixtures for a clean, integrated look. Choosing a Caesarstone splashback also streamlines the installation process as the countertop and splashback are fabricated and installed by a stonemason, meaning quicker completion” Jon Stanley, VP marketing, Caesarstone UK » “In terms of flexibility, solid-surface solutions like Karonia’s Mistral range [Mistral is an enhanced acrylic solid surface] are way ahead as virtually any shape or size can be offered without conspicuous joins. Design features such as curves and edge profiling are simple and straightforward, thanks to the completely solid nature of the material, and it’s also easy to incorporate additional items such as chopping boards, sinks, ports and sockets. Added to that, fitting is easy without the need for specialist tools” Andrew Pickup, director, Karonia

Day True Tel: 02077 889 229 www.daytrue.com The dramatic dark veining of polished Arabescato marble is shown to its best advantage in this kitchen design by Day True featuring a 20mm splashback teamed with a 40mm work surface. While the creamy tones and luxury character of real marble are extremely attractive, you should point out to the client that it’s a product that ages naturally, and needs sealing on installation and careful maintenance to avoid staining

MAYFAIR Pamesa Tel: +34 964 507 500 www.pamesa.com Launched at the beginning of the year, Mayfair by Pamesa is part of the Jubilee collection of porcelain tiles, which are suitable for both walls and floors. The design comes in a 198 x 228mm hexagonal format and is available in seven matt colours. Its Negro and Blanco shades are shown here in a simple but striking monochrome feature wall, with the lower splashback area in the darker shade for added impact

ARIA Karonia Tel: 08456 580 333 www.karonia.com Karonia’s Aria design is part of its Mistral range and features a sparkling white base with a classic marble-inspired vein woven through it. Mistral (acrylic-based resin compound and natural mineral) surfaces are non-porous, and heat- and flame resistant, are straightforward to install, and give the appearance of being continuous and join free. Aria is available in 25mm and 12mm thicknesses, and four sizes: 3010 x 650mm, 2100 x 940mm, 3010 x 760mm, and 3010 x 100mm

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MAINSTONE Museum Tel: +34 964 602 012 www.museumsurfaces.com Inspired by Breccia marble, Mainstone is a porcelain tile collection with subtle veined patterns to give it a contemporary feel. Pictured here in a 1000 x 1800mm format, it also comes in 2600 x 1000mm, 755 x 1510mm, 600 x 1200mm, 900 x 900mm and 600 x 600mm versions, with wall tiles also available in a 333 x 1000mm size, with a Natural finish as well as a Chevron décor. It comes in four warm colours: Cloud, Oat, Dolphin, and Moon, pictured here www.kbbdaily.com

essential kitchens | special report

CONFUSION DARK Gerald Culliford Tel: 02083 904 556 www.geraldculliford.co.uk For a client who’s keen to achieve a ‘wow’ factor in their kitchen design, a splashback in an exotic stone such as Confusion Dark marble from Gerald Culliford is an ideal choice. Quarried in Brazil, and featuring vivid swirls of intense dark veining with hints of lighter pink and lilac, this marble is guaranteed to create a stunning centrepiece. Pictured here in a Satinato finish, it’s available in 2440 x 1580mm slabs, with a 20mm thickness

BESPOKE DESIGN STATUARIO MAXIMUS

Alno by Diane Berry Tel: 02074 863 080 www.alno.co.uk In this scheme designed by Diane Berry, a bronze mirror is given a unique twist with a pattern that’s etched directly onto the glass, which is in turn then Rytec sealed to make it easy to clean. The pattern was designed in consultation with the client, and the frosted bronze mirror was chosen because it softens and diffuses light, as well as to introduce a different texture alongside the Alno kitchen cabinetry

Caesarstone Tel: 08001 588 088 www.caesarstone.co.uk This marble-inspired quartz splashback features a soft white base colour with broad, warm, grey veining, and works well in an understated, elegant design. Unlike the natural product, engineered stone is non-porous so doesn’t require sealing or waxing, and can be cleaned with regular detergents. It comes in 1440mm, 3040mm, 1640mm and 3240mm slabs, and thicknesses of 13mm, 20mm and 30mm

SILKEN PEARL Silestone Tel: 01256 761 229 www.silestone.co.uk Part of Silestone’s Eternal series, Silken Pearl quartz imitates the creamy look of natural stone with delicate white veining to introduce a pale, calm element to a scheme. The brand’s Eternal surfaces are manufactured using its N-Boost technology for easier cleaning and maintenance plus a more intense shine and lasting colour. Available in a range of thicknesses and sizes, it can be made in a number of ways, and is also durable, non porous and resistant to stains and scratches

LUNDHS EMERALD Lundhs Tel: 02083 904 656 www.lundhsrealstone.com/uk Quarried in the mountains of Norway, Lundhs Emerald Larvikite is dark with a silvery blue lustre and is said to be heat-, water-, scratch- and UV resistant, and require little maintenance. The splashback tiles are shown here with the same honed matte finish as the worktops and are also available with a polished surface. While the tiles were created especially for this project, the company says they will be available to order later in the year

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STAMFORD OAK DUNE PRIMA IDS Tel: 08457 298 298 www.idsurfaces.co.uk Specialist surface materials distributor IDS offers an extensive range of laminate splashback designs in a choice of colours and sizes from its broad portfolio of suppliers. With a wide choice of natural lookalikes, laminate is suited to splashback designs because of its ease of maintenance. Pictured here is a co-ordinating laminate splashback and work surface by Bushboard in its Stamford Oak Ultramatt finish

GAUDI Verona Tel: 01132 444 984 www.veronagroup.co.uk Highly durable, waterproof and easy to clean, ceramic and porcelain tiles work well in both cooking and wet areas and can create a bold look that transforms the splashback area into a feature wall. Verona’s Moorish-inspired Gaudi ceramic glazed tile, shown here, is suitable for both walls and floors. Measuring 250 x 250mm, it comes in a muted colour palette, with the design running across four tiles to create a star-like effect

Corian Tel: 0800 962 116 www.corian.uk This co-ordinating worktop and splashback in Corian’s Dune shade from its Prima collection, shown here with a seamless integrated sink, features flowing patterns in a blend of caramel and white to create a distinctive look without dominating the rest of the scheme. With its ability to be shaped or thermoformed into virtually any design, Corian offers flexibility to both fitters and designers, and a choice of over 100 colours, 54 of which are recommended for kitchen worktops

Top tips: Melissa Klink, head of design for Harvey Jones, on creating a statement splashback

CALACATTA SILK Neolith Tel: 01279 454 301 www.neolith.com Inspired by Carrara marble, Neolith’s Calacatta sintered stone surface features grey striations complemented by a hint of gold against a white background. Large formats mean that it can be installed with minimal seams, and it comes in 3600 x 1200mm, 3200 x 1500mm, 3200 x 1600mm, and 2600 x 1200mm slabs, with the smallest available in a Silk finish only, and the others in either Silk or Polished finishes. Available thicknesses are: 3mm, 6mm, 12mm, and 20mm

» Bringing the same worktop material up the wall to create a splashback provides a balanced design and ensures a clean finish to the overall aesthetic. Corian in particular offers a smooth curve on the transition between worktop and splashback. You can then create an area of interest and function with details like a shelf ledge if you wish » Mirror and glass allow light to travel further within the room. Any use of mirrored surfaces will add energy to an area, helping the kitchen feel more open, and glass is a clean option that can accentuate a colour in the space

BESPOKE DESIGN Harvey Jones Tel: 08003 896 938 www.harveyjones.com An alcove housing a range cooker has been used to create a colourful design statement and provide a focal point in this bespoke scheme featuring Harvey Jones’ Arbor cabinetry. Bert & May’s hand-made encaustic Pradena tiles in pink and white measure 200 x 200 x 18mm, and offer wall protection and an easy-to-maintain solution for a hardworking cooking zone, while also transforming a structural element of the space into a design feature

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» Tiles are an increasingly popular choice and make it easy to personalize your space, with countless colours, sizes, patterns, textures and display arrangements. They’re a wonderful way to add character to neutral schemes, and are water- and heat resistant. They also wipe clean easily » Marble and marble lookalikes are a viable application for those in the market for an impressive piece. We try to encourage clients to avoid using real marble on workable surfaces because of its porous nature, but by applying slabs of statement marble in a splashback, you can achieve an instant layer of luxury and sophistication

ek&bbusiness

New to the industry, is breathing fresh life into James James Kitchens in the Wirral as she prepares it for the future Words Amelia Thorpe Photos Paul Craig

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essential kitchens | James James Kitchens

3 5

6 1 Maria Challis, director, James James Kitchens 2 Double drawers in a Rational Tio island, clad in

4 Siemens studioLine coffee machine and oven built into Rational Tio handleless cabinets 5 Rational drawer inserts

Bottega porcelain with Siemens

6 A Quooker Cube tap

studioLine induction hob and

dispensing hot, cold, boiling,

Falmec Sophie hood 3 Rational Tio handleless

filtered and sparkling water,

cabinets, islands and sink

worktop with wall units

inset clad in Bottega porcelain,

clad to match

set on a Bottega porcelain

plus Siemens studioLine appliances and Falmec

4 ith a background in a “When I took over, I spent time looking at completely different everything and listening to what the staff had sector, Maria Challis admits to say. The business was already working so she had limited knowledge there was no need to rush into changes,” she about the kitchen business says. Then she began a significant overhaul when she took over James with a showroom refurbishment, streamlining James Kitchens in the of the back-office Wirral. “When I started, procedures to make I said to people, ‘I know them faster and nothing – please help more efficient, and me!’” she says. introducing a customer“Nobody in the care manual, designed industry took to help clients with advantage, and I maintenance after really admire that.” purchase. She also Maria Challis, MD, James James Kitchens It was January 2019 employed a new when Challis, 45, designer and introduced acquired the wellEQ (Easy Quote) and established £1.1million-turnover independent 2020 Fusion software. “My main goal was to get kitchen retailer, which traces its roots back a good handle on the business and put it in the to David James founding the company in 1972. best position for moving forward,” says Challis. “I wanted to have something of my own again,” Prior to COVID-19, what did she forecast for she says, recalling the 15 years she’d spent 2020’s sales? “We were on track for about running her double-glazing business before £900,000,” she says. “Then we came to a halt.” taking on a job at an electrical wholesaler Staff have been furloughed and installations for three years. are on hold. While the situation will no doubt

“It brings me so much joy to see clients’ excitement when they get their new kitchen̜

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Sophie hood

have an effect on sales, Challis says, post lockdown, “the business will continue”, paying tribute to the “passion, creativity and resilience” of her team. After all, this is a business with an almost 40-year history and a reputation built almost entirely from word-of-mouth recommendation. “When I took over the business, David James came to see me and said, ‘success is all about the clients – it’s service, service, service’ and I wholeheartedly agree with that,” says Challis. There have been Macmillan Cancer Support coffee mornings, Christmas mince pie and mulled wine events and eye-catching seasonal displays less focused on product, more on accentuating the inviting nature of the showroom. “People were worried that we might change too much, so it’s been really important to respect that and demonstrate that we continue to be very much part of the community,” she says. And what does Challis make of her new career in kitchens? “It brings me so much joy to see clients’ excitement when they get their new kitchen,” she says. “You don’t get to see that emotion in many other businesses.” Q

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essential kitchens | James James Kitchens

1 3

Q&A

What is your greatest challenge? “Keeping a work-life balance” What is your greatest opportunity? “Working with some incredibly talented people” Strange but true “A repeat client came in to complain that her ladle didn’t fit into the new kitchen drawer, even though it had in the previous one. We explained that manufacturers do occasionally change their dimensions, and perhaps she could put the ladle into another drawer. But no, she wouldn't give up. We called it Ladlegate”

4 1 Laura Ashley Harwood

4 Laura Ashley Bedale base

furniture in Pumice with island

units in French Grey with Chalk

worktop in Mushroom quartz

White wall units 5 Laura Ashley Bedale

and Spekva breakfast bar 2 Laura Ashley Bedale

furniture in French Grey

larder unit in Anthracite

and Chalk White flanks a

with oak interior 3 Laura Ashley Whitby bar

Rangemaster range cooker

in Clay with Caple wine fridge, Neolith Iron Moss worktop and Spekva wooden shelves

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essential kitchens | James James Kitchens

2 PROFILE

3 James James Kitchens Who are we? Maria Challis, director

Where are we? 19-21 Grange Road, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 4DY Tel: 01516 259 329 www.jamesjameskitchens.net What we do... Independent kitchen retailer

4 Business history James James Kitchens was founded by David James in 1972 and has been in its current showroom since 1983. A logo featuring the letter ‘J’ with a shadow led to the company name ‘James James’. David James sold the business to mother and daughter team Vanessa Sharp and Dominique McLaughlin in 2006, before they in turn sold it to Maria Challis in January 2019

5 6

Kitchens by Rational, which it has sold for about 35 years, plus Laura Ashley, Symphony, and its own in-house bespoke brand. Kitchen prices start from £12,000 with an average price of £21,000. The most expensive to date is £58,000. Sales are approximately 90% retail, 10% builders and small developers Appliances by Neff, Siemens, Bora, and others as required. Sinks and taps by Blanco, Quooker, The 1810 Company and others Sales stats Prior to COVID-19, 2020 sales were forecast to be about £900,000 Staffing levels 5 including Maria Challis, 2 designers, a showroom manager and a delivery driver

1 An Elica vented hob set

1810 Company to tie in with

into a Corian Neutral

the handles and pillar cladding 4 Corian Neutral Aggregate

Aggregate worktop 2 Corian Flutter design splashback in Salt above James

worktop incorporating a

James brand Curved Super

charging point 5 A breakfast bar in Corian

Matt Indigo base units with

Salt, bridging onto a worktop

copper cup handles and

of Corian Neutral Aggregate 6 James James brand Curved

pillar cladding in rose-gold mirror glass 3 Corian Flutter design

Super Matt Indigo base units with Craft Oak wall units

splashback in Salt, with Copper with Black Flex tap from The

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ek&bbusiness

K SERIES 8 G6850.0 Küppersbusch Tel: 01922 698 000 www.kuppersbusch-home.com This fully integrated 60cm model from Küppersbusch can accommodate up to 13 place settings, and with electronic control with sensor touch controls, it’s ideal for handleless kitchen designs. It features six programmes – Intensive, Automatic, Economy, Silence, Glass Care and Pre-rinse – and operates at a 42dB noise level, which is reduced to 38dB during the Silence programme. It has 9.5 litres water usage and an energy rating of A++

CLEAN C E AN WINNERS Dishwashers are more advanced and efficient than ever before, but the challenge is still how to get this message across to consumers Words Emma Hedges

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essential kitchens | special report

hile you might imagine most “The most important factors for people when choosing a people in the UK own a dishwasher, new dishwasher are ease of use, water consumption and the surprising reality is that a noise generation, especially as there's more demand than slim majority of us actually still ever for open-plan living. In those instances, retailers don’t. We’re also lagging behind should recommend models that are A+++ rated and fully other European countries when it comes to dishwasher insulated to keep noise levels to a minimum.” ownership. “Dishwasher penetration here in the UK Smart technology is also making its way into dishwasher is still relatively low compared to other countries in design, enabling users to use voice control to start a Western Europe such as France programme or check on the time and Germany, where according to remaining via Alexa. “To give the the Euromonitor 2017 UK Market user ultimate control, our smart Trends Survey, penetration sits dishwashers have a programme at 75.3% and 54.9% respectively,” called Easy Start,” says Alex Lucas of says Whirlpool brand manager BSH Home Appliances. “The user tells Charmaine Warner. the Home Connect app what they’re According to the Trend-Monitor putting into a dishwasher and it Kitchen Behaviours & Product will pick the perfect programme to Maurizio Severgnini, MD for Bertazzoni Usage Report 2019, just under half ensure great results.” It also keeps an UK and Ireland of UK households, or 49%, have a eye on dishwasher-tablet supply and dishwasher. When it came to reasons sends a notification when supplies for not owning one, 54% of respondents to Trend-Monitor’s get low. It can even be linked to an Amazon Prime account survey stated that they didn’t have space for one. It’s a fact so that it can go ahead and make the order. that UK kitchens have been getting smaller since the 1960s, With ongoing innovation, the dishwasher market will but this presents an interesting challenge for the kitchen continue to grow, although Lucas believes that getting designer – could it be that perhaps, with careful planning, customers to understand how a dishwasher will fit into clever design and a real awareness of the different models their lives and how all the features will work for them is out there, a significant portion of that 54% could be vital. “Our retailers are key to getting those messages reduced? Warner thinks so. out to consumers, and we’re working with them to “Many consumers will tell you they believe there simply achieve that,” he says. Q isn’t space for a dishwasher in their small kitchen, but it’s important to tell them that there are an increasing number of models that are specially designed for smaller, modern kitchens,” she says. “There is a real opportunity for crossselling and educating the consumer on the economic and environmental benefits of owning a dishwasher too,” she adds. The fact is, the latest models are geared to cater precisely for all aspects of contemporary life, from small and compact kitchens to larger open-plan spaces, and from rapid-wash cycles to longer energy-saving programmes. “Today’s time-poor consumers want a tailored experience from their appliances, and advancements in technology have enabled manufacturers to meet this need,” explains Maurizio Severgnini, MD for Bertazzoni UK and Ireland.

“Today’s time-poor consumers want a tailored experience from their appliances...̜

SX878D26PE Siemens Tel: 03448 928 999 www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com Part of Siemens’ iQ700 built-in range, this dishwasher can be opened just by lightly touching the top of the door, while an electronic child-lock option can make it a double push to open. The brilliantShine system for glasses ensures they're completely dry thanks to the use of Zeolith minerals, and the VarioSpeed Plus button means the user can reduce washing time by up to 66%. It fits12 place settings and has a 41dB noise level and an energy rating of A+++

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HSIO 3T223 WCE UK Hotpoint Tel: 03448 224 224 www.hotpoint.co.uk Hotpoint’s fully integrated slimline model measures 448mm wide and has a 10 place-setting capacity. The company’s 3D Zone Wash technology lets the user direct up to 40% more cleaning power to a selected basket, or direct the water to a single basket to save up to 40% in energy usage. It has nine programmes including Eco and Hygiene, an A++ energy rating and a 43dB noise-level rating

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DD60SHTI9

Manufacturers’ top tips: Selling dishwashers to consumers

Fisher & Paykel Tel: 08000 886 601 www.fisherpaykel.com/uk The single DishDrawer has extra height for taller dishes and can be integrated into the kitchen design for a seamless look. Flexible racking complements the six-place-setting capacity, and it has 15 wash programmes, as well as a Quick wash modifier to deliver a faster wash, and a Sanitise option to provide extra protection by killing 99.9% of bacteria in the final rinse. It has a noise-level rating of 46dB and an A+ energy rating

» “Dishwasher technology has advanced significantly in recent years so it’s important that retailers educate and encourage consumers to take advantage of the wide variety of specialised cleaning programmes that are now available. By continuing to work together to educate consumers about the many benefits that dishwashers offer, market penetration will increase” Sara Bazeley, brand manager, Indesit » “If possible, retailers should have a machine available for demonstration, as features and functionality often need to be seen to be fully understood. Smeg’s Planetarium Technology, the upgrades to internals of our machines and our dB levels are all worth shouting about. We offer a range of marketing materials to support retailers in their efforts, including videos and POS” Laura Jones, product manager, Smeg UK

SMV68TD06G Bosch Tel: 03448 928 979 www.bosch-home.co.uk This fully integrated 60cm Bosch model has a 14 place-setting capacity, along with eight programmes and five special options. The PerfectDry function uses natural Zeolith minerals that absorb moisture and produce dry heat to help dry the load, while the Glass 40° programme is suitable for cleaning delicate crystal glasses. It has a noise-level rating of 41dB, while the Silence programme operates at 39dB, and it has an energy-efficiency rating of A+++

» “Having a good range of products on display is key. Explain the environmental benefits of owning a dishwasher to the consumer. Miele dishwashers are built with a professional pump that uses just 6.5 litres of fresh water in the automatic programme. This is considerably less than filling a kitchen sink, which can use up to 25 litres, and it takes as much as 100 litres of fresh water to wash up by hand after a large family gathering” Richard Treffler, category manager for kitchens, Miele GB

DI6FABWH DW60BITS Smeg Tel: 03445 570 070 www.smeguk.com Designed to co-ordinate with the 1950s aesthetic of Smeg’s iconic retro-style fridge range, this built-in model has room for 13 place settings as well as a half-load FlexiZone option. It has 10 programmes including Soak, Crystal, Ultraclean and Super Quick, and is able to wash at five different temperatures: 38°C, 45°C, 50°C, 65°C and 70°C. It boasts an energy-efficiency rating of A+++ and a noise-level rating of 43dB

Bertazzoni Tel: 01244 987 366 uk.bertazzoni.com The 60cm DW60BITS fully integrated model from Bertazzoni has a built-in sliding door for contemporary kitchens that are designed with a low plinth line. The model has a touch-control interface and internal LED lighting and, thanks to its three racks, it can hold 14 place settings. It has an A+++ energy rating and a 42dB noise-level rating and features eight programmes including intensive, eco, glass and rapid

ZWM628W Amica Tel: 01949 862 010 www.amica-international.co.uk This freestanding dishwasher from Amica has a removable top-level cutlery tray and an interior light for easy loading and unloading, as well as height-adjustable upper baskets to make it user friendly, plus rinse-aid and salt LED progress indicators. It can accommodate 14 place settings, eight programmes and has a delay timer so that you can schedule the start time. It has an A++ energy rating and a noise-level rating of 45dB

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essential kitchens | special report

WC680 CDA Tel: 01949 862 010 www.cda.eu CDA’s fully integrated A++ rated model has 15 place settings, a top-level cutlery drawer and an LED interior light. The sensor can identify the level of soiling on each load and work out exactly how much water is needed to clean the dishes. The TripleWash feature is designed to remove baked-on food, while a Directwash feature provides extra care for bottles, wine glasses and cups. The maximum noise-level rating is 45dB

AXI HDPN 4S603PX Hoover Tel: 03330 062 975 www.hoover.co.uk This 60cm model can accommodate 16 place settings and offers 11 programmes, including Total Care, Steam, Daily 55°C, and a Rapid 29-minute wash at 65°C. It offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with voice-assist controls as well as predictive washing and customised washing programmes. Operating at six temperatures, it has a better than A+++ energy-efficiency rating and a maximum noise-level rating of 41dB

Stats at a glance: TrendMonitor Kitchen Behaviours & Product Usage Report 2019 » Almost half of all UK households – 49% – have a dishwasher » Of those, 45% use their dishwashers every single day » Of the 51% who do not own a dishwasher, 54% of those say it’s because they don’t have the space » 20-30-year-olds tend not to have a dishwasher because they don’t have the space » Over 60s tend not to have a dishwasher because they believe they wouldn’t use one

G7360SCVI Miele Tel: 03301 606 600 www.miele.co.uk This brand-new integrated dishwasher benefits from Miele’s latest interior update. The 3D MultiFlex tray can hold cutlery plus small items such as espresso cups by lowering the right side of the tray, while the left side can be moved sideways to create more space for long-stem glassware in the basket below. With a better than A+++ energy rating and 43dB noise rating, the model also features AutoDos and PowerDisk functions for automatic dosing, and WiFiConn@ct and AutoStart functions

» Of the 49% who do own a dishwasher, only 6% ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ use it

DD60DDFHB9 Fisher & Paykel Tel: 08000 886 601 www.fisherpaykel.com/uk Fisher & Paykel’s double DishDrawer offers six place settings per drawer, and is an ergonomic design intended to reduce bending while loading as the top drawer can be opened and closed at waist height. With 15 wash programmes enabling it to wash everything from fine glass and crystal to heavily soiled pans, it has an eco option to minimise water and energy usage. The noise level on a standard cycle is 45dB and it has an A++ energy rating

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DSIO3T224EZUK Indesit Tel: 08000 921 922 www.indesit.co.uk This fully integrated slimline dishwasher from Indesit is only 450mm wide, but still has enough room to hold 10 place settings. The nine programmes include: Eco, Intensive, Delicates, Soak, a BabyCare cycle that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, and a Push&Go cycle that operates on a one-button system and begins a cycle without having to make adjustments. The machine has an A++ energy rating and a 44dB noise rating

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essential kitchens | special report

ADORA V-ZUG Tel: 02031 318 080 www.vzug.co.uk This new model from V-ZUG is part of the Adora range that recently won a Plus X award. Its OptiLift feature raises the lower basket to hip level when it’s pulled out so it’s easy to load and unload. With a maximum noise-level rating of 43dB and an energy efficiency rating of A+++, it can accommodate up to 13 place settings and has 12 programmes, including Silent, Sprint, Party, Intensive and Energy Saving

S517T80D6E

CSPN1D540PW

Neff Tel: 03448 928 989 www.neff-home.com/uk You can control this dishwasher and monitor progress of the cycle via the HomeConnect app. The fully integrated 60cm model has 14 place settings and foldable elements for easy loading. Its EfficientSilentDrive is quiet at 41dB, while water consumption in the Eco 50 programme is just 9.5 litres and it has an energy efficiency rating of A+++

Candy Tel: 01685 721 222 www.candy-domestic.co.uk With Wi-Fi connectivity, this 60cm freestanding model can be controlled and monitored via the Candy Simply-Fi app, and features a voice-controlled digital assistant, as well as Smart Check-Up, which keeps an eye on how well it’s working. It has 15 place settings, and nine programmes, including a Rapid 24-minute wash and Intensive 75 Wash Eco programme. There’s an energy rating of A+ and a noise-level rating of 45dB

WIO3O33DEL

DI13TF3

Whirlpool Tel: 03448 111 009 www.whirlpool.co.uk This fully integrated Whirlpool model features 6th Sense PowerClean Pro technology, designed to eliminate the need for pre-washing thanks to its water jet system. The machine has a 14 place-setting capacity, flexible loading options, 11 cleaning programmes, and water consumption on the Eco programme is 9.5l. It has an A+++ energy rating and a 43dB noise-level rating

Smeg Tel: 03445 570 070 www.smeguk.com This 60cm fully integrated model has 13 place settings and operates at six different washing temperatures: 38°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 65°C and 70°C. As one of the new Smeg models, it has benefited from an internal update including a flatter inner door, which has allowed for a 2cm increase in basket size. With 10 programmes including Soak, Crystal, Eco, Rapid 27min and Eco Quick, it has an A+++ energy rating and a 42dB noise-level rating

DI481 Caple Tel: 01179 381 900 www.caple.co.uk Caple’s Di481 integrated slimline model measures 450mm wide and can accommodate up to nine place settings. There are five programmes to choose from: normal at 55°C, intensive at 65°C, economy at 50°C, one-hour express at 60°C and rapid at 40°C. A delay timer means it can be set to start after three, six or nine hours. It has an energyefficiency rating of A++, and a noise-level rating of 49dB

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essential bathrooms | design inspiration

BATHROOMS

p45

– p61

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

INDIGENOUS Using skills passed down through generations, the new, handmade Bone Inlay washstand from Indigenous is made from sustainably sourced bone, ebonytoned resin and mango wood. Featuring intricate petal and star patterning, this statement washstand has slim, bowed legs and is compatible with any type of countertop basin www.indigenous.co.uk

The eye-catching mottled turquoise patina seen on Indigenous’ Oxidised copper basin is achieved by applying salt to the highly polished tin and heating the surface. The basin measures 370mm x 180mm, has straight edges and a gently flared opening

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The stone-like material of Indigenous’ Petrified wood basins is created by petrification, when the wood is starved of oxygen. Made from salvaged wood buried underground, the basins come in countertop and pedestal designs

“An elegant basin sitting atop a washstand brings glamour to the bathroom. Contrasting materials work really well together, especially rustic-wood and smooth-stone finishes with metals and bone inlay”

Joss Thomas, founder and designer, Indigenous

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NEW PRODUCTS Your monthly update of the latest bathroom designs Words Nicola Hanley

Spanish tile manufacturer Pamesa’s latest collections of glazed porcelain tiles

2 3 1

PARADE Nuie Tel: 01422 417 100 www.nuiebathrooms.com Roxor has added a new finish to Parade, its value-led Nuie brand’s collection of modular bathroom furniture. Grey Mist Gloss joins the white gloss finish already available in the range, which features wall-hung and floorstanding vanity units topped with a white polymarble basin. They come in widths of 600mm and 800mm and are complemented by a 550mm WC unit, 600mm mirrored cabinet and 350mm wall-hung tall unit. The products have soft-closing doors and drawers and come with a five-year guarantee 46

ek&bbusiness

FLAMINGO WALL PANEL

AGATHA 21 FESTA AND MAGIC TILES

Showerwall Tel: 08456 047 334 www.showerwall.co.uk Unveiled at kbb Birmingham in March, Flamingo is one of five new wallpaper-style designs that have been added to Showerwall’s Custom digital-print collection. Suitable for creating a feature wall or for use in shower enclosures or around and behind baths, these square-cut panels come in widths of 900mm or 1220mm and are 2440mm high and 4mm deep. They’re designed to be waterproof and come with a 10-year guarantee

Pamesa Tel: +34 964 507 500 www.pamesa.com Spanish tile manufacturer Pamesa’s latest collections of glazed porcelain tiles by designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada are new to the UK. Characterised by soft powder colours and geometrical shapes in a variety of formats, they’re suitable for walls and floors. Agatha 21 is pictured above on the wall in 198mm x 228mm hexagons in Aqua and Amarillo. Also on the wall in 198mm x 228mm hexagons is the striped Festa in Aqua www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | new products

4 5 6

100% MATT FINISH Victoria + Albert Tel: 01952 221 100 www.vandabaths.com Victoria + Albert Baths says that its new 100% matt finish, which is applied to the exterior and interior of its most popular baths and basins, is designed to create a ‘serene, calming and spa-like’ experience in the bathroom. Made from the same volcanic limestone and resin Quarrycast material as its glossy counterparts, the new matt finish is created using a different casting process. Pictured in the new finish is the 1511mm (L) x 802mm (W) x 600mm (H) freestanding Ios bath www.kbbdaily.com

COMBY TOWEL WARMER

MANHATTAN FURNITURE

Vogue UK Tel: 01902 387 000 www.vogueuk.co.uk Designed to heat and store towels, Comby is a recent addition to radiator manufacturer Vogue UK’s portfolio. Made from mild steel and available in a mirrored-chrome or white-painted finish, it’s suitable for central-heating, electric or dual-fuel installations. It comes in widths of 600mm or 500mm and is 1200mm high x 85-100mm deep, with heat outputs ranging from 377W to 683W (and when the shelf’s closed, the heat output is lower)

PJH Tel: 08008 778 899 www.bathroomstolove.uk Manhattan is a new range of modular bathroom furniture, described by PJH as ‘classic-meets-modern’ in style. In Indigo Grey with a matt finish or White Ash with a textured woodgrain finish, the freestanding vanity units come in a single 600mm and double 1200mm version. Both are available with a marble or grey laminate worktop and ceramic or polymarble basins. Other features include vintage silver handles, soft-closing drawers and a slatted storage shelf ek&bbusiness

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DESIGN 8 SHOWER ENCLOSURES Crosswater Tel: 03458 738 840 www.crosswater.co.uk Design 8 is a new shower-enclosure collection from Crosswater. Made from 8mm-thick toughened glass, this contemporary range includes sliding, hinged, pivot, quadrant and walk-in designs in a variety of sizes with matt-black or silver anodisedaluminium finishes. Pictured above is the 1950mm-high frameless Design 8 1400mm walk-in, easyaccess enclosure with side panel, which is reversible to suit leftor right-hand installation 48

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SBOX HOSE SYSTEM

STREAM+ BATH

Hansgrohe Tel: 01372 472 077 www.hansgrohe.co.uk New from German brassware manufacturer Hansgrohe, sBox is a concealed roll-up hose system for hand showers thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed to provide a minimalist, clean aesthetic. The hose extends to a maximum length of 1.45m when in use and tidies away neatly afterwards. The company says the integrated system, which comes in a rectangle or oval shape and a variety of finishes, can be fitted to all conventional baths or within the tile rim as long as the rim is wider than 71mm

Waters Baths of Ashbourne Tel: 01332 824 166 www.watersbaths.co.uk Waters Baths of Ashbourne has added Stream+, a super-sized version of its freestanding Stream bath, to its i-Line collection. The company says this tub, which measures 1800mm (L) x 880mm (W) x 580mm (H), was created in response to demand for a version big enough for two people. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made from a single piece of 100% recyclable white Lucite acrylic and has the same polished curves and 20mm-profile edge as the smaller 1700mm and 1540mm models www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | new products

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MARMORI TILES Gemini Tiles Tel: 08000 142 994 www.ctdtiles.co.uk Gemini Tiles has introduced Marmori, an elegant new collection of marble-effect tiles, to its portfolio. Measuring 1200mm x 600mm or 600mm x 600mm, these largeformat porcelain tiles are 10mm thick and are suitable for use on walls and floors. They come in five colours: Royal Cream, Calacatta White (pictured, with its bold veining), Pulpis Bronze, St Laurent Black and Cloud Grey, each of which is available in a polished or matt finish www.kbbdaily.com

ORB MIRROR & LIGHT Astro Lighting Tel: 01279 427 001 www.astrolighting.com Inspired by the mechanics of an orrery (mechanical model of the solar system), lighting brand Astroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Orb features an adjustable magnifying mirror, which orbits around an illuminated spherical ball. Created by co-founder and design director James Bassant to go next to a bathroom mirror, it provides task lighting. It comes in polished chrome or matt black, pictured, and measures 434mm (H) x 210mm (W) x 92mm (D). The Orb Single comes without the mirror

LIBERTY FLUTED GLASS WETROOM PANELS Roman Tel: 01325 311 318 www.roman-showers.com British shower enclosure manufacturer Roman has added this elegant decorative-glass option to its Liberty range. Unveiled at kbb Birmingham, the 8mm-thick Liberty wetroom panel with fluted glass comes in a silver chrome or matt black (pictured) finish and with an optional 350mm pivoting deflector panel. The five sizes range from 800mm-1200mm and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suitable for tray or wetroom installation ek&bbusiness

CAYONOPLAN SHOWER TRAY Kaldewei Tel: 01480 498 053 www.kaldewei.co.uk Kaldewei says that its floor-level shower trays and wheelchair-accessible wall-hung washbasins provide affordable, flexible solutions for those looking to future-proof their bathroom. The Cayonoplan shower tray, pictured, comes in over 15 colours and sizes and can be finished with a slip-resistant coating for additional safety

ACCESS AREAS

ALL

The rise of multigenerational living is driving demand for stylish, inclusively designed bathroom products that meet the needs of all, regardless of age or mobility Words Nicola Hanley

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www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | special report

STARCK SENSOWASH F SHOWER TOILET Duravit Tel: 08455 007 787 www.duravit.co.uk Duravit’s Starck Sensowash F shower toilet, designed by Philippe Starck, features all the technology within its ceramic body for a sleek, hygienic solution. Functions, which include the shower flow, flush and odourextraction system, adjustable temperature of the seat and the warm-air dryer can be operated by a remote control or an app that can also save personal settings. The shower toilet is coated with a HygieneGlaze surface and also has discreet motion sensors that activate the lid so that it opens as a user approaches and closes as they leave

CAMPA ELITE RADIATOR The Radiator Centre Tel: 01727 840 344 www.theradiatorcentre.com The Radiator Centre’s contemporary Campa Elite smart electric radiator can be operated by an integrated control box or remotely from a smart device using an app for added convenience. To help maximise efficiency, it features Presence, Absence and Open Window Detection. Available in white, the Campa Elite measures 1500mm x 430mm and has a heat output of 1500W

or many families in the UK, there’s been a lifestyle shift. An ageing population, the rising costs of care and a lack of affordable homes for the young struggling to get on the housing ladder, has seen the numbers of multigenerational households increase in the last few years. “Recent research for the NHBC Foundation by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research finds that 1.8 million UK households now include two or more adult generations. That’s up 38% since 2009,” says Mike Tattam, sales & marketing director at Lakes Showering Spaces. Ben Bryden, sales and marketing director at RAK Ceramics UK, believes that some people not currently embracing multigenerational living are mindful that they may choose to do so down the line. “Many consumers are also conscious of the need to future-proof the bathroom to avoid a complete refit becoming a necessity as individual needs change,” he adds. Naturally, this trend is having an impact on the bathroom, one of the most used rooms in every home. “The rise in mixed generations living together has seen the market for accessible and inclusive bathroom designs develop, plus innovations in the tap, toilet

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and showering markets appear,” explains design of all Roman products over the last Glen Wilson, Grohe UK’s head of projects. 15 years at all levels of the market and Just a few years ago, future-proofing the in all sectors. As we design a product, bathroom often meant compromising on style, we’re constantly questioning whether it but that is no longer the case. “Designers and potentially excludes any user groups,” manufacturers are beginning to change the says MD David Osborne. way they design accessible bathroom features, So which products are most suited to helping to bring accessible design firmly into multigenerational bathrooms that are a 21st century mindset,” accessible to all, continues Wilson. regardless of age or For some mobility? “Shower manufacturers, toilets are incredibly accessibility has long important when been intrinsic to the thinking about design of all their inclusivity,” stresses products. “Vitra has Grohe UK’s Glen Wilson. a long-held belief to Vitra’s Talbot agrees and ‘design for all’. In says they can help to essence, if a design “preserve independence works for an elderly for older family Paul Pickford, director of innovation, Aqualisa individual or someone members and are a real with limited mobility, help for a carer”. then there will be tangible lifestyle benefits Anti-slip floor tiles are ideal for those for everyone,” explains Margaret Talbot, Vitra’s looking to future-proof their bathroom. marketing manager. “Good design that s “Such solutions have longevity and make the genuinely inclusive enhances style bathroom safe for all,” says RAK Ceramics and practicality for all users.” UK’s Bryden. Wetrooms and shower trays that Roman is another manufacturer that puts are completely flush to the floor are another inclusivity at the heart of the design of its accessible solution, providing step-free access complete portfolio. “It has been core to the to a showering space. “The inclusive nature of

“Smart technology is opening up the market place, allowing a new range of products and a new attitude to the inclusive market̜

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f wetrooms make them ideally suitable for all ages and user groups,” explains Roman’s David Osborne. Wall-mounted sanitaryware can be hung at a height to suit individual requirements, from wheelchair users to children and older people, while taps and mixers with easy-togrip lever handles are helpful and infra-red taps that provide touch-free operation are also becoming more readily available. “We expect to see more demand for premium products that promote accessibility, such as beautiful shower seats, gorgeous grab rails and luxurious shower trays,” says Lakes’ Tattam. As with all areas of the home, technology is playing an ever-bigger part in the multigenerational bathroom. “One of the key focuses for inclusivity in bathroom design is how technology is changing the way we interact with everyday fixtures in the bathroom,” comments Grohe UK’s Wilson. Smart technology, says Aqualisa’s director of innovation Paul Pickford, is helping to change the perception of accessible bathrooms. “It’s opening up the marketplace, allowing a new range of products and a new attitude to the inclusive market. We’re seeing clever technology integrated into already clever products to offer truly smart solutions.” In addition to shower toilets, smart showers, which can be operated from an app or via voice activation, are appealing to gadget lovers while also catering for the needs of the inclusive market. “While there’s still more work to be done across the board when it comes to inclusive design, manufacturers are taking greater steps to seamlessly integrate inclusive and accessible functionality and design into their product developments, paving the way for a safer, more enjoyable bathroom space for all,” concludes Grohe UK’s Glen Wilson. Q

RAK SENSATION WC RAK Ceramics UK Tel: 01730 237 850 www.rakceramics.com/uk Designed to provide an easy-to-use, hygienic and hands-free solution for family bathrooms, RAK Ceramics’ Sensation WC features a touchless, dual-flushing system powered by four AA batteries. When a hand is kept still above the sensor on the cistern lid, the six-litre flush is activated and when users wave a hand in front of it, the three-litre flush is triggered. In wall-hung, back-towall and freestanding versions, it features a rimless design for added hygiene and easier cleaning

CONCEPT FREEDOM Ideal Standard Tel: 08701 296 085 www.idealstandard.co.uk Designed by Robin Levien in collaboration with occupational therapists and later-life health specialists Red & Yellow, Ideal Standard’s contemporary Concept Freedom range has been created to combine style, safety and convenience. The collection includes raisedheight WCs, brassware, baths, thermostatic shower mixers, grab and support rails as well as a shower seat

LIBERTY SLIDING DOOR ENCLOSURE Roman Tel: 01325 311 318 www.roman-showers.com British shower-enclosure manufacturer Roman says that its Liberty range of sliding-door enclosures is proving very popular with consumers as well as ‘housebuilders and international hotels where inclusive design principles are firmly embedded’. Available with one or two doors, these enclosures have no bottom rail so you don’t have to step into the showering area, while the handles have been designed so that they can be used with a flat hand if required to make them easier to use for those with weakened grip strength and arthritis. Widths start at 1200mm and cover all tray sizes up to 1800mm while the 2000mm-tall glass comes in thicknesses of 8mm or 10mm 52

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essential bathrooms | special report

NEST TRENDY FURNITURE Vitra UK Tel: 01235 750 990 www.vitra.co.uk Combining contemporary lines with modern functionality, the furniture in Vitra’s Nest Trendy range features LED lighting, which the company says is ‘reassuring at night and helpful for those with poorer eyesight’, as well as a child step and a laundry box on wheels that can double up as a handy stool for use while bathing children or caring for a family member. In waved natural wood, pictured, anthracite, high-gloss white or grey natural wood, the laundry box comes in widths of 800mm or 1000mm and is 420mm deep

AQUACLEAN MERA SHOWER TOILET Geberit Tel: 01926 516 800 www.geberit.co.uk Saving valuable floor space by combining the functions of a WC and bidet, Geberit’s wall-hung Aquaclean Mera shower toilet features a heated seat and a warm-air dryer as well as a touchless WC lid and an orientation light in various colours. It's operated by a remote control or an app that allows users to personalise their comfort settings, making it helpful in multigenerational households

Good design that’s genuinely inclusive enhances style and practicality for all users̜ Margaret Talbot, marketing manager, Vitra

MODULAR SEATING SYSTEM Normbau Tel: +49 78 437 04-0 www.normbau.de Created in collaboration with Danish design studio C.F. Møller, Normbau’s modular seating system features an unobtrusive, contemporary design and comes in white or anthracite. The seat, which can be folded up when not in use, can be combined with a backrest, armrests that can be operated individually, and pressure-driven floor support to suit a variety of requirements. The seat is secured to a Vario plate and can be secured to the shower handrail or wall

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE MULTIGENERATIONAL MARKET? , Aqualisa’s director of innovation, believes that AI – Artificial Intelligence – will be key. “It’s something that’s already being looked into and, before we know it, it’ll be available to those who recognise its benefits,” he says. “There’ll be products that are perhaps able to anticipate their owners’ requirements, that are able to pick up on their habits and provide the outcomes when they’re wanted without needing to be asked. It’s an interesting area and a fascinating one with the options open to designers using the latest technology. Watch this space!”

QUARTZ CLASSIC SHOWER Aqualisa Tel: 01959 560 010 www.aqualisa.co.uk Useful for multigenerational households, Aqualisa’s new Quartz Classic digital shower features individual profiles that store each user’s preferred water temperature, flow rate and shower duration. It can be operated by a wall-mounted remote control, from a smart device through the Aqualisa app and by voice command using Alexa, which means that carers could switch water on and off without getting wet themselves

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A journey to a peaceful mind Introducing Voyage designed for VitrA by Arik Levy.

vitra.co.uk

@vitrabathrooms

essential bathrooms | special report

SYSTEM 900 Hewi UK Tel: 01634 258 200 www.hewi.com/en/ The recipient of numerous design awards, German manufacturer Hewi has created a System 900 accessory range to provide a functional, aesthetically pleasing, inclusive solution for residential and commercial bathrooms. Available in stainless steel, chrome and powder-coated matt white, grey or black finishes, the range includes support rails, shower seats and stools as well as toilet-roll holders, soap dispensers and tumblers

BAU COSMO E INFRA RED TAPS Grohe Tel: 02082 832 840 www.grohe.co.uk Grohe’s Bau Cosmo E infra-red taps are fitted with a sensor that registers when hands are approaching and automatically activates the water flow. As well as being easy to use for children and those with difficulty gripping handles, these touch-free taps also allow users to preselect the water temperature, which can help to prevent accidental scalding. Finished in Grohe’s StarLight chrome, this tap also offers enhanced hygiene as there’s less skin contact

The rise in mixed generations living together has seen the market for accessible and inclusive bathroom designs develop̜ Glen Wilson, Grohe UK’s head of projects

SERIES 500 FOLDAWAY SEAT Lakes Bathrooms Tel: 01684 853 870 www.lakesshoweringspaces.com Launched at the beginning of the year, Lakes Showering Spaces’ Series 500 collection of shower seats, grab rails, handles and bars has been introduced to provide ‘better accessibility in the shower without compromising on design’. The foldaway shower seat comes in chrome and grey, pictured, or chrome and white and in a regular 320mm x 355mm size as well as a larger 400mm x 400mm version www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

As Vogue UK celebrates its 30th anniversary, sales director Steve Birch reveals how the company has coped with growing competition from abroad Words Amelia Thorpe

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www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | Vogue UK

4 2

lot has changed in the world of towel warmers and radiators since Vogue UK was first founded 30 years ago. “What makes us stand out is that we still manufacture here in the UK,” says sales director Steve Birch. “There are only a few companies remaining who do that.” Today, Vogue UK proclaims itself “the country’s leading manufacturer of heated towel warmers, designer radiators and accessories” and carries over 500 lines. The business was founded in 1990 by Ray Tunks and Rob Kelley, who remain joint MDs and owners of the West Midlands-based company. Still on the same industrial park – although now spread over seven units, including a new unit to provide expanded warehousing capacity – the company was set up to make traditional brass towel rails, shower curtain rails and basin stands. When Birch, with over 20 years’ experience at Myson, arrived at Vogue in 2010, he worked with the founders to address a growing problem. “We’d seen the influx of competition from abroad with lower-cost product, which was nibbling away at our market,” he says. “There was an erosion of business, so we had to address it.” While some manufacturers chose to cut back staff at their factories, Vogue UK took the opposite approach, launching a brochure with new imported products to complement its home-manufactured range. It’s a strategy that continues to this day. “We import from different countries so that we can compete in all sectors – at the low end, the mid end and the high end,” says Birch. Today, about 40% of products are manufactured, from brass and stainless steel, in the UK, with 60% imported from

Turkey, Italy and China, mostly to Vogue’s own designs and specifications. The company must be on the right track, since sales have increased by 144% in the last 10 years. In addition to increased demand for designer radiators as something different to the standard convector-panel design, there’s been another significant change. “People have grown to expect a towel warmer in a new bathroom, in the low end, as well as the high end, of the market,” explains Birch. “In 1990, if you were installing a budget bathroom suite, you wouldn’t have thought of introducing a towel warmer, because it would have been more expensive than the suite. The introduction of lower-cost product has helped grow the market.” Today, the ladder towel rail is Vogue’s most popular product, with most of its stock imported. Vogue launched its first aluminium (imported) product, Astute, in January. Lighter in weight and so suitable for one-person-installation, quicker to heat up and recyclable too, aluminium has been available for a while at the higher end of the market. Birch says, however, that “costs are now coming down” so we should expect to see more of this metal in the bathroom. So why continue to manufacture products in the UK when costs can be cheaper abroad? Birch puts the emphasis on the premium nature of the company's brass and stainless-steel products, and their ability to work with any centralheating or hot-water system (mild steel can only go on a closed, indirect system), plus Vogue’s ability to make bespoke designs. “We aim to be a one-stop shop for our customers for designer radiators and towel warmers,” he says. Q

1 New Astute Single Vertical aluminium radiator in Anthracite finish 2 New Astute aluminium towel rail in Anthracite finish 3 New contemporary chrome oval-tube towel warmer, Amie

closely fitting oval tubes 6 New Harmonique Duo has a towel-hanging space with shelf

4 New designer radiator, Zest, in Anthracite finish

and flat-panel radiator for higher heat output

5 New designer radiator, Lure Double, with double panel of

6 www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

Q&A

4 What is your greatest challenge? “To maintain our business and keep on growing” What is your greatest opportunity? “To continue to develop new, exciting products to satisfy the market”

Strange but true “Not a lot of people know this, but painted towel rails give more heat output than chrome ones. This is because a chrome finish retains the heat while paint convects the heat more effectively”

8 58

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www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | Vogue UK

10 11

What effect has the COVID-19 lockdown had on your business to date? “Our financial year starts in April and, for that first month, we’ve probably had a 70% decrease in business.”

How are you marking the company’s 30th anniversary? “We have a new website, brochure, logo and van livery, and we’d planned a staff party for May. That’s been postponed, provisionally until September, but we’ll just have to wait and see if that can go ahead.”

12 14

1 & 4 Focus towel rail in Textured

8 Quadrate Harmonique with

Bronze finish 2 Décor Harmonique flat-panel

flat-panel radiator and square rails

radiator with flat-crossbar towel rail 3 Vogue’s popular multi-rail Axis towel warmer in 750mm width 5 The Cygnus Harmonique

www.kbbdaily.com

for hanging towels 9 Focus towel rail in Textured Anthracite finish 10 Manttra V wall-mounted

vertical-panel radiator with coiled

towel warmer 11 Focus towel rail in Grey Sparkle

bars for hanging towels 6 The Focus Horizontal towel rail

with matching fixings 12 Focus towel rail in White Sparkle

is perfect for a space under a window

13 Mode column radiators are

or shelf 7 Focus towel rail in its

available in multiple sizes and colours

Cappuccino finish

and in bespoke options 14 Focus towel rail in Satin Black

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essential showcase

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

To advertise here please call

Sophie Roberts on 0117 300 8801 Elstead Lighting, established since 1969, has recently launched the Distinctive Lighting Bathroom and Kitchen collection. This priced catalogue is a great tool for designers. Its product reference codes are not online to help avoid price comparisons. To request a catalogue and learn more about EHFRPLQJ D UHVHOOHU FRQWDFW RXU VDOHV R FH

or email sophie.roberts@ immediate.co.uk ‘Formica, the Formica anvil device and Axiom are registered trademarks of the Diller Corporation’

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essential directory

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

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essential bathrooms | Vogue UK

PROFILE Vogue UK Who are we? Steve Birch, sales director

1 4

Where are we? Strawberry Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3RS Tel: 01902 387 000 www.vogueuk.co.uk What we do... Manufacturer and supplier of towel warmers and radiators Business history Founded in 1990 by Ray Tunks and Rob Kelley, the company is still privately owned by them today. The firm has expanded into seven units, including office, factory and warehousing, on the same industrial estate in the West Midlands

Products are designed in-house and sold through independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, distribution and plumbers’ merchants, with about 40% of sales through independent kitchen and bathroom retailers Export accounts for about 20% of sales and the company sells to around 40 countries. A distribution centre was opened just outside Boston, USA, two years ago Steve Birch, 65, worked at Myson for 21 years, most recently as national sales manager of the towel-warming division. He joined Vogue UK 10 years ago Sales stats “Turnover is about £11million,” says Steve Birch Staffing levels Just over 100

5 7

1 100 Suave MD056 Anthracite 2 Marine DR009 3 Regency OG006 Chrome & White 4 Ieri TM014 Mild Steel 5 Vogue Offices Front 6 to 11 Inside the factory, where brass, stainless steel and bespoke products are all made

8 9

10 www.kbbdaily.com

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essential directory

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

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essential influences | design inspiration

INFLUENCES

p63

– p66

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

HARVEY MARIA The Northmore collection of luxury vinyl tiles is inspired by original encaustic floor-tile designs, and blends decorative pattern, heritage colour pigment and authentic patina. The tiles are designed to be durable, waterproof and easy to maintain, plus they have sound-reduction properties. Pictured here is earthy-grey shade Pembroke Slate www.harveymaria.com

Slip-resistant and compatible with underfloor heating systems, the range is ideally suited to bathroom schemes. Shown here is the Sable Black colourway, which has a soft, aged look

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A total of five classic colourways have been developed to help homeowners achieve the Victorian look, including neutral shades Soapstone and Mortar, and Waterhouse Blue, shown here

“Our Northmore designs celebrate original encaustics and capture the essence of these stylish and durable tiles in a form that meets today’s demands”

Mark Findlay, founder, Harvey Maria

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Want your website here? Send your request for a complimentary website review to ekbbusiness@immediate.co.uk

WEB DOCTOR Our web doctor monitors the pulse of one company’s online offering. This month, it’s Blossom Avenue – so what’s the diagnosis?

www.blossomavenue.co.uk re you ‘extremely online’? Are you maybe ‘stan’ for a thing? Or person? If the answer to question one is yes, the reply to question two may well be yes as well. Or ‘yaaaasssss’. You’re probably wasting rather too much time on TikTok as well. If you’re wondering how this apparent nonsense relates to your business’s web site, it’s time for a healthy dose of unpalatable reality. The folks to whom this is standard chat and online fayre are your future customers, and they have a nuanced relationship with apps, websites and online shopping. They’re both über-skilled at interacting online and also very, very bad at it. For July, I’m channelling these fresh-faced taste makers, so buckle up as it’s time to spill the T. For starters, you need to accept that your home screen isn’t designed to give your visitors all the information you think they need. That’s too time-consuming, confusing and completely at odds with basic modern marketing practices. We’ve all recently been on the sharp end of several pithy phrases tailor-made to affect behaviour and transmit the core issue and, if we’ve learned anything, clear and concise wins out over fluffy sentiment and verbiage. So how about taking a virtual wander over to Blossom Avenue’s superbly curated site, packed 64

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with on-message editing and ferocious attention to detail? Frankly, it’s how all of us should be doing it. The very first thing I see is a promo to win a kitchen. The kicker is that you need to sashay over to Blossom’s Facebook or Twitter feed and, in their words, ‘get tagging’ three friends, share the post and give them a cheeky like. Not a lot if there’s a £7,500 kitchen up for grabs. What can I say? I do it, although I will admit to a small chuckle when I clock the fact there are no links from the main site to the Facebook feed. A small misstep in the bigger scheme of things. After I’ve finished linking my socials to theirs in an act of extreme self-interest, the home screen reminds me how easy it is to find a local retailer, which turns into a surreal experience since my closest is listed last of three. Another little tweak needed as the default is ‘sort by distance’, but it’s the wrong way around. I hope Blossom will forgive some gentle snagging. Keep scrolling down and I’m invited to download a brochure. The form you fill in has only your name, email, telephone number and

postcode. There’s also a polite explanation xp ana that your details won’t be passed to third ir parties, which I do often worry about on handing over my datapoints. Research suggests the younger generations have similarly blasé or ill-advised attitudes to the elderly when it comes to online security, but in the meantime, the core buying public tend to have a healthy distrust of TMI (too much information). The standouts on this lushly crafted site are the real-life installations, which are accompanied by short descriptions and a product précis, plus links to the showroom or design studio that did the work. If yours don’t have these basics, you might as well delete the section. There are also some nifty icons on the site that constantly reiterate parts of the USP, such as the guarantee and the madeto-measure service. Then there are the stories detailing the latest TV appearance. Watch this space for a YouTube influencer getting a look in. There’s not enough space to explain how good this site is, but one thing’s clear: weak messaging costs you customers. But not Blossom Avenue. Q

“The standouts on this lushly crafted site are the real-life installations̜

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essential influences | web doctor

WEB WATCH |OUR PICK OF THE BUNCH We examine how easy it is to navigate and interact with this month’s sites... EA SY TO U SE

stelrad.com Homeowners can feel confident Stelrad has the expertise

hotpoint.co.uk It loses a point because some of the text is too light and tightly packed to be make comfortable reading Top marks The dropdown menu is a two-tiered lovely, featuring simple line icons perfect for oversized thumbs and overstimulated eyeballs that appreciate a calmer look. Why have the icons? Tests have shown an accompanying image increases recognisability and boosts navigation speeds Works well Even if you aren’t up on how spin speed affects your wash or what an internal-ventilator fridge-freezer is, the product-filter system will work for you Could do better A product recall on a home screen is not a winning start. Whirlpool did the right thing and put it prominently above the fold, but in doing so has had to sacrifice a show-stopping opening Suggestion box Let’s not talk about that recipes section Attraction factor Hotpoint knows how to make finding the customer-service information a breeze ++++

kudosshowers.co.uk The slimmed-down mobile menu system is more appealing on the eye than the desktop

kueppersbusch-home.com Snafus in the coding result in mis-titled images on some landing screens

Top marks The mobile version of the pop-out main menu allows visitors to access tailored content aimed at professionals or homeowners, like the desktop Works well If you’re buying online, the product filter system will help you choose. You won’t end up with a rad not suitable for a bathroom, for instance Could do better The 3D visualiser app lets you see via your camera how the rad would look in your home, but it takes up 119Mb of data. With the only review on the Apple AppStore being a negative one, this is a great argument for beta testing Suggestion box Use brief bullet points instead of lengthy product descriptions Attraction factor The high rating from Trustpilot is a high-profile element ++++

Top marks No need to be overwhelmed by the product range as the menu allows you to browse by category, collection, space or style Works well The brand message of attention to detail, innovation and precision engineering is well communicated Could do better The socials need a cull and curation. The Facebook feed is sparse and not winning any popularity contests, and Google+ was closed well over a year ago Suggestion box Walk-ins does not need an apostrophe! Attraction factor It wasn’t until I visited the design and innovation section that I found out the products are hand-built in the Lake District. Why not shout about this? +++

Top marks A panel shows you your previously viewed items. Could this be extended to help produce a favourites wishlist? Works well You can use the filter system to find products by width, product line or feature, such as the OkoClean system Could do better Given the internet is awash with professional and amateur cooks producing multi-format recipes and tutorials, the outdated recipes section makes no sense Suggestion box Sections such as the hilariously titled ‘Latest Press Release’ which hasn’t been updated since September 2019, should be binned or poplulated Attraction factor The largeformat hero home screen images send the brand message loud and clear +++

ripplesbathrooms.com With its layered design and pink highlights, it’s no secret this site is aimed mostly at women

hettich.com The Fascination section of the Inspiration area is not designed for busy people

rlee.co.uk A slightly old-fashioned skin with an important trade facility hidden behind it

brandtdesign.co.uk The site allows you to pin projects and products to your Pinterest board

pedini.it Finding a brochure, either digital to download or a paper version to order, was a total chore

Top marks There’s been a start made in liaising with some socialmedia influencers Works well There’s some very attractive photography Could do better When I looked during lockdown, the messaging was confusing. The ‘Book an appointment’ section appeared to let you book a visit to a showroom, but the individual showroom screens had an update message on them saying they were closed Suggestion box How about a Get The Look feature tacked onto the Gallery, showing reallife installations? There’s plenty to work on in this section Attraction factor There are a lot of sections but it’s hard to find a guide to individual bathrooms ++

Top marks I was relieved to stumble across the screen titled ‘Find the right contact in your area’ Works well You can filter the media library to find the content you’re seeking Could do better When you overlay text onto images, it’s a must to use multiple devices to see if it can be read. The home screen hero slideshow has a zero legibility rating Suggestion box On a mobile, the tagline and logo are both so low resolution they are incredibly fuzzy. It’s a very quick fix so I’m not sure why this hasn’t been done Attraction factor For a brand synonymous with organisational excellence, the navigation is hit and miss ++

Top marks A trade account can be applied for direct from the site and offers customers access to special offers, account management and the allimportant out-of-hours ordering Works well You can find direct contact details and a photo for your area’s sales representative Could do better A trailer on the home screen for KBB in March 2020 is unreadable on a mobile due to the tiny text size (and we won’t mention it was May when I saw this) Suggestion box Would a task-orientated app help the transactional relationship between distributor and customer? Attraction factor The look and feel is very one-dimensional. Trade-facing designs don’t need to be so uninspiring ++

Top marks Brandt has collected up press mentions and linked to them from the site where many others just provide a link to the publication rather than the article Works well The 3D kitchen planners use Compusoft online software which needs no download. You can create a profile and save the results simply and quickly Could do better This site is infested with a font that’s a pain to read on a screen. Make sure your fonts have prominent ascenders and descenders and aren’t too dense Suggestion box Why not use project images in the worktops section to give a more personalised introduction? Attraction factor Viewable on a mobile screen ++

Top marks You can see all the available colours and finishes of each kitchen, as well as fill out a contact query form Works well I liked having a nose around the flagship PediniBrera showroom in Milan via the virtual tour Could do better News from 2018 and nothing else. Almost as embarrassing as the 308 Twitter followers. Why bother? Suggestion box The site suffers from Template-itis. The content ends up being dictated by the design, which results in redundant panels of fluff, such as in the Customer Services section of all places Attraction factor A reorganisation of the too-many menu items will help to create a sleeker site +

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

essential influences | PWS

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS With over a decade of marketing experience specialises in PR, communications, social media, digital marketing, content and copy writing. As the PR & social media marketing manager for PWS, she’s been influential in the ongoing success of 1909 Kitchens, Second Nature Kitchens and Kindred bedrooms Tel: 01325 505 555

Email: sales-support@pws.co.uk

Website: www.pws.co.uk

Q With measures relaxing and trading beginning, how should businesses gear up for re-opening and adjusting to what will become the ‘new normal’?

>> Over the last few months, the country as we know it has had to stop, change, rethink and diversify to adapt very quickly to the new normal we’re now facing. Mostly, we’ve carried on working behind closed doors, embracing the willingness to temporarily change our ‘normal’, diversifying as we see fit to ensure we stay safe and can continue to trade our way through these uncertain times. However, as a sector that relies heavily on a physical purchase journey, allowing customers the chance to immerse themselves in the product, open doors, feel the worksurfaces, try out the storage solutions, all in the comfort of our beautiful showrooms, we never thought we’d have to make the move to close the doors to the heart of this. But, this moment of quiet has given us the time to reflect and, while we do anticipate a long period of uncertainty, we’re also seeing glimpses of excitement and positivity at what the future could hold. It’s a time to forge a new normal. Over the next few months, take some time to think about the steps you can implement to ensure your business is ‘bouncing back’ stronger. >> Explore new technologies within digital marketing and encourage old ones too!

Google Reviews are a great way to improve your organic rating, helping you become more visible to new leads. >> Embrace social media advertising. A small budget will really go a long way in identifying and engaging with new audiences both locally and across the country – you never know who could be looking to relocate to your area soon. >> Find new ways of working. Is that first communication you make a virtual appointment? Be proactive in your approach and understanding in how a customer may want to shop.

>> Let your customers know the procedures you’ve put in place to ensure their safety within the store. Customer confidence will be key to encouraging them back in. >> Give back! Offer an incentive to thank customers for their purchases during these unprecedented times. >> Finally, highlight all the positives of shopping locally! If one good thing will come out of this pandemic, it’s that customers will be willing to seek out and support smaller, independent businesses rather than settle for the conglomerates.

1 PWS’ Northern Design Centre virtual tour 2 PWS’ latest consumer campaign to support independent retailers

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