FC&A April 2013 Supplement

Supplement

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

April 2013 www.fca-magazine.com

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Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Adam Barron adam@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditons:

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Welcome

...to our Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms special

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o meet demands of the most discerning customer, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design extends far beyond function. Increasingly, we see the industry adopting an inclusive approach such as adjustable height worktops or larger, more accessible control panels. This combined with luxury and sustainable materials now means the market has really opened up, presenting excellent opportunities.

In this dedicated focus, FC&A pays tribute to some of the leading suppliers renowned for their innovation and commitment to quality. Hansgrohe, for example, has recently introduced a dual function shower offering, whereby the user is able to control the shower stream at just the touch of a button. Pressalit Care meanwhile cements its position as a key industry provider, by revealing its practical and stylish solutions for independent living.

I hope you find this supplement an enjoyable read and useful resource. To obtain further information on our contributors or comment on any of the issues raised, please do not hesitate to contact me via hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz

Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Contents 4

Certified quality:

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Innovation in motion:

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Complete assistance:

Showcasing the best in British design, Symphony unveils how its portfolio caters for premium specification.

Pressalit Care confirms its position as a leading provider of flexible solutions for independent living.

Gainsborough Bathing Specialist introduces its innovative design service and specification guide.

10 Superior surface:

Distinctive surfaces are brought to the fore with Cosentino’s Suede finish as part of its Silestone range.

12 Dual function:

Handle water responsibly with Hansgrohe’s enhanced range of design-led showering solutions.

14 Beyond practicality:

JIS Europe looks into how stylish radiators are now becoming the must-have accessory in living spaces.

Hansgrohe, the Black Forest-based bathroom specialist, has recently launched an array of new products and solutions from its Axor and Hansgrohe brands, including new additions to the push-button Raindance Select programme. (Pg.12)

16 Renewed focus:

With 25 years promoting independent living, AKW considers its future opportunities and challenges.

18 On-trend transformation:

Granite Transformations considers the latest on-trend kitchen improvements, meeting budget and design.

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Symphony Furniture, better by design A leader in its field, Symphony is able to bring first class service, product quality and reliability to every project. With an unrivalled team of designers, purpose-built UK manufacturing facilities and a national distribution network, there is the scale to ensure that every piece of furniture it delivers is simply better by design.

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niquely, the market leading ‘Symphony Solutions’ team provides total support from first contact with the largest in-house design team in the sector, through to final completion with local dedicated project management.

The FIRA Gold Certification is the ultimate mark of product excellence within the furniture industry and all Symphony’s kitchen and bathroom furniture achieves this standard. Through delivering the most up-to-date designs, with new innovative materials, textures and colours, Symphony continues to bring the best in British design and quality to all its bedroom and bathroom furniture.

The Linear kitchen brand is leading the way in helping developers to deliver the latest in design combined with the highest quality. Linear is an uber sleek, British-made, handleless kitchen which reflects the European design trends and aesthetics home buyers crave but within a developers budget. The clean, sleek, handleless range is on trend with the simple minimalist look that architects and interior designers strive for in prestigious,

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contemporary, residential projects.

Linear gives a clutter-free look that seamlessly adapts into the home bringing the living space to the fore. It provides developers with choice, flexibility and the ability to configure their kitchens in a multitude of ways. Housebuilders have an extensive palette of over 30 on trend gloss and matt finishes to help inspire a unique signature style. Finishes include textured white, grey gloss, gloss woodgrain and matt latte, stone and aubergine, to name but a few options.

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Linear gives a clutter-free look that seamlessly adapts into the home bringing the living space to the fore

aftercare information plus care and maintenance advice.

The Aquadi bathroom offering provides the most complete collection of stylish bathroom furniture on the market to housebuilders. It brings together 25 different bathroom ranges including fitted, modular and luxury freestanding furniture in a striking combination, making it the most extensive bathroom furniture portfolio in the private development sector to date. What’s more, Aquadi by Symphony has just become the first bathroom furniture supplier to be awarded the FIRA Gold Product Certification.

Aquadi caters for the move to modular furniture with simplicity of design and installation being a huge plus point for housebuilders. Aquadi also encompasses the trend towards handleless bathroom design, with the introduction of San Marco, which includes a white, high-gloss finish and integrated handle.

Embrace by Symphony also offers a collection of fashionable bedroom furniture to bring added style-appeal and individuality into the bedroom space. In particular the Moda Sliding Wardrobes have been designed for both style and simplicity, making them the most stylish space saving devices you can have in the bedroom. A choice of styles, colours and combinations are available, from sleek and minimalist white glass to bold and striking Wisconsin timber-effect with black glass. Fully mirrored doors are also available to create the illusion of ultimate space, which can be further accessorised with a horizontal bar for a sleek linear look.

125 ( 01226 446000 8 www.symphony-group.co.uk

Certified quality Every Linear kitchen is made to a premium specification in line with the leading European brands.The high quality cabinet includes finishing touches like 8mm solid cabinet backs, thick cabinet edging and soft-close doors and drawers. All Linear kitchens are created to the Eko Design principles such as utilising FSC certified wood to enable it to contribute up to 17 credits to the Code for Sustainable Homes. Committed to raising standards and protecting homeowners, a guide is supplied with each kitchen which provides

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San Marco includes a white, high-gloss finish and integrated handle

Design industry greats will Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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converge on the design capital of the world for three, wonderful days of beautifully-designed furniture, floor coverings, textiles, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and decorative accessories from the most forward thinking and design-led companies. register now for your free ticket (and save the ÂŁ40 entry fee).

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BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms system offers easy operation, simple cleaning and a high degree of flexibility that benefits not only users and their carers, but makes financial sense too.

With soft, rounded edges and a choice of new, bold colours in the range such as lime green, orange and purple, the ergonomically designed Pressalit Care PLUS system features a wall-mounted track which allows easy movement of individual bathroom elements such as wash basin and shower seat. The horizontal track makes it possible to move these elements along the wall, making space for wheelchair access, while the vertical track enables simple height adjustment with an easy to use lever lock that secures firmly in place.

Maximising space

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, Pressalit Care’s extensive experience in design and manufacture of solutions for the disabled, brings a practical approach that not only looks good and provides welcomed flexibility, but makes financial sense too.

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n the kitchen, Pressalit’s Indivo kitchen lifters can be used with most standard types of worktop and wall cupboard.

They are easy to install, either in a new build, or when retrofitting.

Designed with a focus on flexibility, and allowing worktops and units to be safely raised and lowered to suit individual needs, worktops can move vertically, while wall cupboards can adjust both vertically and forwards with the simple

Smart adaptation Meanwhile in the bathroom, the new PLUS track system, is setting new standards in accessible bathroom design.

The unique vertical and horizontal track

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Flexible solutions with style

press of a button. Indivo Lifters are ideal for communal kitchens where people of differing physical ability are working together, or in individual or private home adaptations.

Functional, discreet and strong in design, the Indivo worktop lifters consist of two wall-mounted telescopic legs and cross brace for support, allowing wheelchairs to position comfortably underneath with no obstruction. They enable worktops and sink units to move vertically by up to 280mm.

Wall cupboards can be moved both vertically (by up to 430mm) and forwards (by up to 180mm), giving flexibility for both seated and standing users. The design of the wall cupboard lifter ensures that the whole cupboard is usable, the lift motors are wall mounted, and include a pressure sensitive safety plate which shuts off downwards movement and raises the component by 10mm as soon as any resistance is felt.

Alongside the worktops and wall cupboards, a free standing table frame is an alternative for when wheelchair access is required from all sides.

With Pressalit Care, design and function go hand in hand. Several elements can be fitted safely onto the track such as basin, shower seat, toilet and arm supports.

Combined with other elements in the system, including grab rails, toilet seats, back rests, curtain rails and folding seats, the result is a comfortable, usable and attractive bathroom that offers long-term value.

Offering flexible solutions that maximise all available space even in the smallest of areas, the Pressalit Care PLUS system meets the requirements of BS8300:2009. * uk@pressalit.com

( 0844 880 6950

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Images: Above: Indivo worktop lifters consist of two wallmounted telescopic legs and cross brace for support Above left: Pressalit Care PLUS system features a wall-mounted track which allows easy movement of individual bathroom elements

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Gainsborough Specialist Bathing, part of the leading Care in Bathing Group, has introduced an innovative, accessible bathroom design service and new Specifiers Guide to assist architects, designers and specifiers.

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ith 25 years of specialist knowledge focusing on bathing needs, Gainsborough Specialist Bathing is Europe’s leading choice for the design, installation and after-sales support of assistive hi-lo powered baths for all long term care environments. Gainsborough delivers the optimum accessible bathing solution for all building specifiers engaged with new build and retro-fit projects in residential care homes, acute wards and local authority housing.

To enhance the effectiveness of project planning, surveys and the specification process, Gainsborough has launched its new Aspect design software that now empowers its nationwide network of

Aspect software delivers highly accurate scaled drawings, crisp 3D renderings and bespoke plans of a specified new bath in-situ

specialists with enhanced design capabilities.

Gainsborough’s unique new Aspect design software delivers added benefits to all construction and design professionals during the specification and planning of assistive bathing installations. This new technology delivers highly accurate scaled drawings, crisp 3D renderings and bespoke plans of a specified new bath in-situ so projected end results can be visualised more effectively. These are combined with all quotation information and prices, ordering procedures and fitting guidelines in one concise document for quick and easy reference.

Gordon Farmiloe, Care in Bathing Managing Director comments: “The launch of Aspect represents a significant development for our business.

Gainsborough Specialist Bathing has been respected for many years in terms of product innovation and installation expertise, however the launch of Aspect takes our quotation and survey abilities to a higher level. We can now provide in-depth detail and real time changes during the initial assessment phase, so architectural practices, independent designers and procurement professionals have immediate access to all the information required to make an informed decision. When actual

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Choice and guidance for accessible bathrooms

installation begins, fitters are able to deliver with greater efficiency and ultimately care needs are met more precisely than ever before.”

Complementing the introduction of the Aspect accessible bathroom design service, Gainsborough Specialist Bathing has simultaneously launched its new Architects and Specifiers Guide for architects and designers operating in the healthcare environment. Gainsborough has invested extensively in developing this essential architectural resource that incorporates full details regarding its leading range of assistive baths, key features and benefits and guidance on choosing the optimum solution.

This pack incorporates a series of comprehensive and detailed product brochures and an easy-to-use product selector guide in a robust, easy to navigate slip case and folder – ideal for quick reference when designing accessible bathing areas. Each product brochure has been considerately designed so the suitability of each Gainsborough bath to specific care requirements can be clearly identified.

Ranging from the height adjustable Ascot bath with powered seat for intensive use in nursing homes and hospitals, to the versatile Windsor for residential care and assisted living environments, each brochure details technical specifications, key functionality, system options and recommendations on typical room layouts.

The new Architects and Specifiers Guide can be ordered free of charge from Gainsborough Specialist Bathing and is an essential reference for all architectural practices currently, or planning to be engaged with, long term care and acute care building projects.

This essential architectural resource incorporates full details regarding its range of assistive baths, key features and benefits and guidance

* info@gainsboroughbaths.com 130 ( 0800 542 9194

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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time motorcycle World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo.

The Cosentino Group currently has six factories, 15 kitchen and bathroom surface production centres in the US, more than 70 distribution points or Centres worldwide, and a staff of over 2200 spread across the globe. From its headquarters in Almeria, Spain, the Group distributes its products and brands in more than 60 countries, and directly manages and controls its own facilities and infrastructures in 17 countries: the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Norway, Italy and Portugal. Currently 80% of its turnover comes from international markets.

Silestone surfaces are highly suitable for the kitchen, bath and other demanding areas

New Suede finish for Cosentino’s Silestone

* info@cosentinogroup.net

( 01256 761229

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The Spanish multinational quartz, natural stone and recycled surfaces specialist, Cosentino, is launching a new Suede finish for its Silestone quartz worksurface collection. The Suede finish benefits from a textured matte surface, which makes it extremely tactile as well as exuding beauty and elegance.

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eveloped by the Cosentino research and development team in response to market demands, the new Suede finish will initially be available in over 30 distinctive through-body colours with a shade and consistency that is not found in natural stone. Perfect for worktops and tiling, the Suede finish has a high resistance against scratches and stain as well as unique bacteriostatic properties for maximum hygiene protection. Easy to maintain, the surface can be cleaned with soap and water.

Silestone comes in over up to 60 colours, three textures and several different formats. Thanks to these special properties, Silestone surfaces are highly suitable for the kitchen, bath and other demanding areas such as laboratories,

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hospitals, hotels, restaurants and so on.

Silestone is present in some of the world’s most unique constructions, such as the Hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Wembley Stadium in London, Jean Nouvel’s Agbar Tower in Barcelona and Telefónica’s flagship store in Madrid.

Pioneering quartz surface, Silestone has revolutionised the global stone industry and its growth has been unstoppable, to the point where it has become the world’s leading brand. Today, in Spain one out of four kitchens have Silestone while, in the USA, Silestone has a market share of 75% of all quartz surfaces and 7% of all kitchen worktops.

Silestone was the first quartz surfaces brand to advertise in the biggest publicity event in the world, the US Superbowl. In addition, is personal sponsor of three-

Above: The new Suede finish will initially be available in over 30 distinctive through-body colours Below: The Suede finish has a high resistance against scratches and stain

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www.inex-online.com The new comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals. in+ex takes visitors on a virtual journey, inspiring the design community with the latest news, on-trend products and high-profile interviews. web | mobile | tablet

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms on the thermostat.

Working with the renowned designers Phoenix Design (Stuttgart/Tokyo), there are two new designs for the Raindance Select showers: SoftCube, which is square with softened corners, or a timeless cylindrical design. Both combine easily with other styles and are available in choice of all-chrome or fresh dual colour chrome and white.

Unique tap design

Shower delight at the push of a button Hansgrohe, the Black Forest-based bathroom specialist, has recently launched an array of new products and solutions from its Axor and Hansgrohe brands, including new additions to the push-button Raindance Select programme.

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he innovative Raindance Select collection from Hansgrohe includes hand showers, overhead showers, showerpipes and thermostatic bath/shower controls (exposed and concealed models) – all with simple push button ‘select’ operation. Intuitive and enjoyable to use for all ages, even with soapy hands, Raindance Select offers a reliable manual control rather than error-prone electronics.

As part of the programme, the engineers at Hansgrohe have re-invented the shower heads to offer two types of shower spray in a single product.

The new Raindance Select offers the choice of gentle aerated RainAir and

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The Axor Starck Organic collection combines unique design with a responsible way to handle water

Launched in September 2012, the Axor Starck Organic collection combines unique design with a responsible way to handle water. Developed by Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe, and Philippe Starck, the organic-minimalist design and harmonious lines, reminiscent of shapes we see in nature, characterize Axor Starck Organic and give the collection an exciting, powerful and sculptural immediacy.

Two handles, which separately control water volume and temperature, blend in visually with the body of the mixers.

No matter what position the handles are in – they reflect a perfect image and use just 3.5 litres of water using a new spray type which consists of 90 individual outlets to produce countless gentle drops of water. * enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk 133 ( 01372 465655

the forceful, effective Rain shower spray.

Both spray types are delivered across the entire face of the shower and for the hand shower there is also the added spray choice of a powerful Whirl massage spray. The Select feature makes switching between spray modes easy. Simply push the button to click between jet types and enjoy your perfect shower.

Uniform stream The new Raindance Select E300 3jet overhead shower features a new third style of spray called RainStream. Rows of cascading shower nozzles project the water in a uniform curtain which keeps its shape all the way down to the ground.

This is switched on and off by a button

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The new Raindance Select offers the choice of gentle aerated RainAir and the forceful, effective Rain shower spray

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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Function meets design Stylish towel rails are increasingly being specified for contemporary bathrooms, and now it seems there is also a radiant future for modern styled radiators in domestic living rooms as Richard Thelwell, Managing Director of JIS Europe Ltd explains.

Radiators can be a stylish design feature in a living room as part of a central heating system

Slimmer bars – horizontal or vertical – rising from skirting level or featured higher up a wall, can be a striking furnishing item

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flaking, corrosion and ultimately threats to hygiene that will accrue in time with the use of chrome.

It is also vital that all accessories such as connectors, heat regulators and feed pipes are of as good design, appearance and quality as the appliances themselves, for the sake of the end user as well as the installer.

So my advice is to go with the trend.

Before you decide on traditional radiators – or underfloor heating to take the argument further – just think how stylish modern towel rails look in the bathroom and go for stainless steel in the living room as well.

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sing towel rails as a fashion feature in bathrooms is now accepted by designers and consumers as they came to recognise that this necessary, practical appliance can also be a stylish adjunct to the modern bathroom.What the market has been slower to recognise is that up-to-the-minute design can do the same for radiators in a living room as part of a central heating system.

Forget the clumsy traditional radiator; slimmer bars – horizontal or vertical – rising from skirting level or featured higher up a wall, can be a striking furnishing item especially within the present vogue for minimalist decor. Instead of hiding radiators a sounder mindset for the architect or specifier is to use them constructively.

My own company JIS has been promoting the possibilities of radiators, electric or water powered, as fashion accessories for some time and at last there are signs that the trend is developing. Of course if you are promoting appliances to be admired rather than concealed, then it is essential that only premium materials are used in their construction. It has been my contention for years that only stainless steel should be used for towel rails and radiators and a good grade of stainless steel at that.

At JIS we stock nothing else, overcoming the problems of deteriorating appearance,

* info@jiseurope.co.uk

( 01444 831200

Fashionable towel rails in bathrooms are now accepted by designers and homeowners

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Coming up in our next dedicated supplement:

Doors, Windows & Balustrades May 2013 In the fourth of its 2013 product-specific supplements, FC&A will be taking an in-depth look at the latest projects, products and technologies pushing boundaries in the doors, windows and balustrades market.

Image: Cementing its position as a leading supplier of modular railing systems, Q-railing is committed to offering its customers more choice and more possibilities.

Recognising the results that can be achieved, Chesterton Vision Centre recently specified its Easy Glass system.

To submit editorial content for the editor’s consideration or to enquire about advertising spaces, contact us on 01622 232 702, or email sam@mixedmediainfo.com

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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ooking to the future, the company sees both opportunities and challenges for the market and believes that the end-customer will be ever more demanding of quality and style.

In its 25th anniversary year and having achieved a 51% share of its core market, AKW is looking at ambitious plans to expand its range of bathroom and kitchen solutions for those with mobility needs. There is no questioning that this is a growing market. With demographics weighted towards the older age groups, and 90% of elderly people living at home, there is no doubt that there will be a greater need for purpose-designed ranges. Nor, says AKW, is there any doubt that it will become a more demanding market.

AKW CEO Paul Massey says: “Due to austerity measures, growing numbers of people will have to self-fund any adaptations they make to their homes and we are increasingly looking at people who have grown up in a consumer culture. They have taken pride in their homes and the products they use.”

First choice

25 years of promoting independence Describing its corporate culture as being ‘passionate about independence’, AKW has been delivering solutions for independent living for 25 years. Over that time the market has developed considerably, moving from a needs-driven approach to a strong consumer culture.

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It is not only the needs of the grey market that AKW recognises. In 2012, the extraordinary accomplishments of people living with a disability were highlighted with the phenomenally successful London 2012 Olympic Games.

AKW enjoyed a successful partnership with Paralympic cyclist Jon-Allan Butterworth. Paul Massey commented: “What Jon-Allan and his fellow Paralympians showed the world is that having a disability does not mean settling for second best. There are 9.5 million disabled people in the UK and they form a substantial and discerning market, looking for high quality products that will enable them to lead the lives they want.”

The question of funding is one of the challenges Paul Massey highlights for the coming year and in the future. He explains: “One of the big negatives in recent years was the removal of ringfencing from the Disability Funding Grants. The aim of central Government was to increase local flexibility but instead it has resulted in people with disability needs suffering because local authorities are diverting the funds to

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Left: The two areas of the home that pose the greatest challenges to anyone with mobility problems are the bathroom and the kitchen Below: The Larenco glass shower screen range Below right: The company has moved into its 25th year with a growing focus on retail consumers

makes the choice. While they want products that meet specific needs, their aspirations demand style and quality.

When they make changes to their homes, people want to think in terms of welldesigned improvements, not adaptations.

“It is a question of producing solutions that integrate seamlessly into a changing lifestyle, rather than having to think of ways to get round a problem.”

Renewed focus Solutions that demonstrate the direction that AKW is taking in product design include the award-winning IP45 rated Luda shower and the Larenco glass shower screen range. Combined with touch safe low surface temperature radiators and a complete brassware range, as well as continuing to add to the Larenco options, is a good indicator of where the AKW thinking lies.Wendy Ryley adds: “It all comes back to understanding that consumers want to think in terms of improvement, not adaptation. As a result, they are looking for design solutions that complement each other and look good in the home.”

Until now, the main focus of AKW’s attention has been bathroom solutions for independent living and the company has put significant efforts into promoting the benefits of wetroom design. However, in 2013, the company promises to give more focus to its other area of expertise – adapted kitchen design.Wendy Ryley comments: “The two areas of the home that pose the greatest challenges to anyone with mobility problems are the bathroom and the kitchen. Having put the emphasis of our development efforts into promoting a holistic approach to wetroom design, we are now looking to raise the game in kitchen design for this market.”

Paul Massey concludes: “This promises to be another exciting year for AKW. With our planned kitchen launch in the spring, we will be able to confidently say that we are the only manufacturer that offers a one-stop solution for kitchens and bathrooms designed specifically around independent living for everyone.”

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Images:

* sales@akw-ltd.co.uk

( 0800 0787 188

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other areas of need in their budgets. In an ideal world, we would see the return of this ring fencing and an increase in Government funding for home adaptations. This would mean that more people could remain at home, providing significant savings in other areas of longterm care and public spend.”

While the foundation of AKW’s success lies in the care sector, the company has moved into its 25th year with a growing focus on retail consumers.

Product Director Wendy Ryley says: “Care is still the focus of our product development strategy, but we are also now looking at care or support in the family home where other factors come into play. Our product innovations over the past year have put us firmly into a market where it is the individual who

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

On-trend kitchen transformation With the kitchen now heralded as the social hub of the house, it is becoming a focal point for more vibrant colours and styles.

Makeover expert Granite Transformations looks at the hottest design trends for 2013, which enable the kitchen to take on an exciting new look.

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he hottest trend is remodelling, which involves retaining the familiar layout and cabinetry, but refacing the existing worktops and replacing the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Not only does this mean less disruption and outlay than a new fitted kitchen, homeowners are likely to recoup most of the remodelling costs if planning to sell.

With remodelling, kitchens can adopt the big new trend for vibrant colours. Bold primaries like red, orange and emerald green for worktops, reflect a more casual, upbeat way of living, or high gloss door facings in olive, paprika, blueberry or plum.

Decorative splashbacks can be added for an extra zing.

Take a cue from interior designers, with a mix of cabinetry finishes that combine dark and lighter tones at different levels, to give an eclectic look to the kitchen.

With remodelling, one door colour or woodgrain can be used at eye level, then another on the base units. Or perhaps opt for a different worktop colour for an island, to contrast with main cabinets.

Regular splashbacks provide protection from moisture and grease, but today’s trend is towards bigger, broader surrounds that

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also make a decorative statement. Extend composite granite, quartz and recycled glass work surfaces to the underside of wall units or ceiling height for a luxurious finish or go for glass mosaic tiles for sparkling elegance.

Follow the continental fashion for cool, sleek lines, featuring flat slab doors

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Mixed Finishes, Paprika wall units contrast with white bases

with no handles or minimalist door and drawer pulls.There’s also a move toward matt finishes as an alternative to high gloss doors. Deeper edge profiles on replacement worktops give a solid contemporary look, without the extra weight of solid stone.

If space allows, an island unit turns the layout into a designer kitchen, with bar stools for informal eating, drinking and conversation. Centre islands can feature fashionable waterfall ends, bringing worktops almost to ground level, or curved doors for a more fluid, ergonomic feel.

A built-in wine rack or storage baskets introduce a bohemian look.

2013 kitchen design trends reflect that the ‘green’ movement is still gathering momentum, with eco-friendly materials gaining in popularity. Choose from recycled glass worktops made from used beer, wine and mineral water bottles, or composite granite and quartz surfaces containing natural stone salvaged from quarrying sites.

Most kitchens have limited wall space, but it’s good to introduce a bold splash of colour with a decorative wall mural or feature panel. Authentic glass mosaic tiles mounted on a backing mattress introduce colour, texture and a tactile finish, while natural daylight and halogen spotlights contribute a sparkling, reflective dimension.

View all the remodelling materials online at www.granitetransformations. co.uk and check out the nearest Granite Transformations showroom.

Colourful Kitchens, Dream Green worktop in recycled glass

* enquiries@granitetransformations.co.uk

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( 0800 822 3410

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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