KBN March:April 2025

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS NEWS

ROUNDHOUSE

MD Craig Matson’s journey to KBB Retail Hall of Fame inductee

“WE ARE HERE TO STAY”

Now under new ownership of Bathroom Brands Group, Showerwall outlines its 2025 plans

NEWS & VIEWS

5First word

Editor’s comment

7News

Round-up of industry headlines

10People

Appointments and promotions

10KBB Retail Health & Fitness Club

Owner of kitchen retailer and bathroom trade counter

Stephen J Warrington Nick Warrington on what cycling means to his wellbeing and business performance

11Kbsa column

Keith Wilson, Kbsa board member and owner of Perth Kitchen Centre, considers the importance of customer recommendations in an increasingly digital world

11Ripples column

MD of Ripples Paul Crow explains why suppliers saying “yes” isn’t always positive for a retailer’s business

13Last word

Managing director of Caple Danny Lay encourages retailers to ask consumers about their cooking needs and demonstrate how connectivity can help them manage their time

14KBB Retail Hall of Fame Inductee

Owner of Roundhouse Craig Matson on his journey, growth of the business, and his vision for continued success

16Retailer profile: The Cheshire Kitchen Co

Director at The Cheshire Kitchen Co Matthew Smith explains the importance of refurbishing showroom displays, particularly worktops, for boosting business

18Q&A: Abode

Product manager of Abode David Boddy talks us through the Focus 60 bathroom collection, and how it helps designers create a co-ordinated look for smaller spaces

20Supplier Profile: Showerwall

Now under new ownership and part of the Bathroom Brands Group, Showerwall is back, moving at pace, and out to prove it is a permanent fixture in the bathroom market

SHOWROOMS & SUPPLIERS

23Kitchen sinks

How materials and technology have created a stir in the kitchen sink market and offer a lucrative trade-up opportunity for kitchen retailers

27Worktops

We investigate the impact of material types, silica content and sustainable credentials on worktop sales

28‘Invisible” kitchens

We shine a light on how multi-purpose spaces have driven the demand for “invisible” kitchens and how blending and concealing makes up a home

36Kitchens just out

Latest kitchen products

39Bathroom furniture

How bathrooms have introduced a need for open and closed storage, allowing retailers to personalise spaces for their clients

42Baths

Retailers can boost freestanding bath sales, by offering a wider choice of materials, sizes and a fresh design approach

46Bathrooms just out

Latest bathroom products

RETAIL BUSINESS

48Company matters

Offering business support for independent kitchen and bathroom firms

Could a transatlantic approach benefit KBB retail?

Unpacking from the Kitchen & Bath Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, both literally and figuratively, it may be time zones apart from the UK but the three-day exhibition revealed similarities in the KBB industries. Both are experiencing challenges of economic uncertainty and a shortage in skilled labour, and they are facing these issues with positivity. With UK and USA KBB industries sharing the same passion and need to solve market difficulties, is there an opportunity for designers in the countries to share knowledge and learn from each other?

There has already been “hands across the ocean” between trade associations in the UK, USA and Europe, through the NKBA Connect programme, as kitchen and bathroom manufacturer members reach around the world. In fact, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association has already united global leaders in signing a pledge – the Windsor Delaration - to reduce waste water and reduce the risk of potentially deadly bacteria spreading through using bathrooms. But the opportunity for learnings, could be at every level of the supply chain, from

“value added” distribution through to high street retail.

Of course, there are distinct business nuances between retailing in the USA and the UK. But growth and progress can emerge from listening and considering differing perspectives. The complexity of the consumer purchasing journey in the States – where kitchens are bought from one business, appliances another and worktops a third – may benefit from the simplicity of the established one-stop shop in UK retail. But perhaps UK retailers could equally benefit from how businesses collaborate in the States, where manufacturers connect with

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distributors, retailers, designers, remodellers, fabricators, cabinet and appliance installers.

Could UK retailers forge better links, connect and create a stronger, highly influential industry community? Market channels working together can help create greater understanding of the supply chain and reinforce the solidity of business partnerships. It can also better serve the end consumer, ultimately the goal of every business in the KBB industry.

Clearly, it doesn’t mean either UK or US retail has the blueprint for an allencompassing KBB industry strategy. But what it could mean for retailers is by considering KBB practices in other countries, being attentive to new ideas, considering adaptions, and working together with the supply chain can help retailers evolve their business, and create a stronger industry now and into the future.

We will be looking at the relationship between UK and USA retail in our May issue.

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ABC total average net circulation 10,360 (for 8 issues distributed between January to December 2023)

Bathroom brand reveals 2025 plans

JTP to open first trade showroom

Bathroom brand  JTP has revealed its 2025 plans, including a new showroom opening, new product launches, and partnership with an Irish supplier.

The company’s first ever trade showroom will open at JTP’s West London warehouse in May.

It will feature the company’s latest collections of bathroom fixtures and fittings, wider spray showers and range of statement accessories.

All of which will see the company expand its multimillion, 40,000sqft warehouse, which was originally built to house the new showroom, offices

and meeting rooms.

The company now needs a larger space for its growing product portfolio and to better serve its customers.

Its clients now include a strategic partnership the Heat Merchant Group, expanding JTP’s distribution network.

Heat Merchant Group has over 30 showrooms across Ireland, 14 of which are dedicated to the bathroom sector.

Commenting on the company’s plans, CEO of JTP Jeevan Seth commented: “We are incredibly excited about what 2025 has in store for JTP.

“With our new showroom,

innovative product launches and strategic new partnership with Heat Merchant Group, we are set

to elevate our offerings and provide even greater value to our customers.”

New leader for Lixil and Grohe Europe

Manufacturer of water and housing products Lixil Corporation has appointed Dr Thomas Schachner as leader Lixil Europe, effective from April 1, 2025.

He succeeds Bijoy Mohan in his interim leadership of the region since August 2023, and who will now fully focus on his role as leader Lixil International again.

Thomas Schachner joined Grohe in 2010 and has held various positions in the organisation, including the leadership for Lixil’s business in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Most recently, he served as leader supply chain management for the EMENA region.

Commenting on the appointment, Bijoy Mohan said:

“I am happy to see Thomas transition into the role of leader for the European region.

“He is an experienced and esteemed leader with a long track record of success.

“Thomas has been with the company for 15 years and will bring the necessary continuity and know-how to our business in the region.

“He will continue to deliver real added value to our customers and professional partners while solidifying the foundation for further growth in a challenging and changing market environment”.

During his time as interim leader for the European

region, Bijoy Mohan restructured the business in the region, which has seen the Grohe brand return to a growth trajectory.

Thomas Schachner stated: “I am honoured to take on this responsibility. Over the past 15 years, I was fortunate to work in virtually all areas of our business

and have built a strong network across our region and beyond.

“Alongside our excellent teams, I am confident we will continue to grow our business with the Grohe brand and deliver exceptional value with our product offering to our business partners”.

Bijoy Mohan to fully focus on leader Lixil International role

Appliance brand Bora will be going on a year-long road trip with a Cooking Truck Tour through European countries, including the UK, to inspire end consumers. The Bora Truck will tour 12 countries and attend events from trade fairs, cycling tours through to dealer days. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF001

Kitchen distributor PWS has opened its North East hub and enhanced its delivery service with a dedicated fleet. PWS will now offer morning delivery updates for goods out on delivery, real-time tracking, rescheduling options and feedback opportunities following delivery. Discover more at www.rdr.link/KBF002

Quooker has launched an on-foot technician service. It has been created to enhance local customer service while reducing the company’s carbon emissions. Launching in London, this Walking Technician Service will provide customers with on the spot assistance, carrying out basic servicing and part repairs. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF003

National kitchen and bathroom distributor PJH has entered an exclusive distribution partnership with wall panel manufacturer Fibo. The partnership will see Fibo’s entire collection of 225 SKUs available, and selected ranges featured across Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2Go brands. D iscover more at www.rdr.link/KBF004

“Ulitmate” association award honour

BMA scoops Trade Association of the Year Award

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) picked up the award for Trade Association of the Year at the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards.

Now in its 22nd year, the 2025 TAF Awards were held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London and are supported by the Department of Business and Trade.

The awards celebrate the role of Trade Associations in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration.

This accolade highlights BMA’s commitment to advancing the interests of its members and

promoting excellence within the bathroom manufacturing sector.

The association has recently led the Windsor Declaration, where global bathroom leaders signed a pledge to reduce waste water from product use and design.

It has also recently rebranded its annual conference as Connect conference, and launched its Thirty under Thirty and Sustainability Awards.

Chief executive of the BMA Tom Reynolds remarked: “We are absolutely overwhelmed to have won this ultimate association award.

Themed Design-Lead succeed

Kbsa announces conference theme and hosts

The Kbsa has announced the theme of its Industry Conference 2025, return of host Emma Crosby and presenter of its Designer Awards 2025, Colin Murray,, at the Belfry Hotel in West Midlands.

Taking place on October 1, in the hotel’s new conference facility, the KBB Industry Conference will be themed Design–Lead–Succeed Emma Crosby presented Channel 5’s flagship news programme for five years and appears on LBC radio, Sky News and CNBC.

Before anchoring 5 News, Emma co-presented ITV

breakfast show GMTV.

Kbsa chair Richard Hibbert said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma back to the KBB Industry Conference.

“The feedback from last year’s event was extremely positive and we are excited to be working with Emma again.

“We are building on the success of last year with a strong programme designed to provide thought-provoking and relevant content, based around a theme of Design–Lead–Succeed.”

Colin Murray presents Countdown on C4 and Sunday mornings on 5 Live, having previously hosted Fighting Talk.

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of an incredible team, including Amy Kirk, Andrew McLean, Sandra Cliff, Lisa Carnwell, and Jane Blakeborough, as well as a supportive board and our active membership.

“All have contributed, and I hope everyone will share my pride in being part of the association.”

He presented the Friday night sports preview show, Kicking Off as part of 5 Live Sport and talkSPORT’s programme –Monday to Friday.

Murray will present awards to the winners of nine categories, including new awards The Bathroom Concept and Signature Spaces.

Richard Hibbert said: “We are delighted that Colin Murray will be hosting the awards, he has an amazing reputation as an engaging and lively host.”

The KBSA Designer Awards dinner will follow the Industry Conference.

QETTLE launches Patterns

QETTLE has launched a range of patterned taps, created using a patented technique

Uniquely created using a patented technique that is exclusive to QETTLE, the capsule collection of Signature Modern taps features four designs: Honeybee, Abstract Star, Tulips and Acorns. Precision engineered in the UK from premium stainless steel, and individually patterned in QETTLE’s own UK factory, QETTLE Patterns embody everything that is QETTLE – flawless, 100°C functionality with an elevated aesthetic. Managing Director Greg Rowe Jr comments: “The concept of QETTLE Patterns came from Greg Rowe Sr, who has a long-held reputation for tap design and innovation. QETTLE taps, which dispense true, 100°C boiling water, filtered drinking water and normal hot and cold flows have always been clever in their functionality, but Greg wanted to challenge the aesthetic, and to achieve something different from a design perspective.”

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QETTLE believes that consumer trends for customisation will make the patterns a hit with homeowners seeking something a little bit different. It is already working on expanding the selection of patterns and has even created some bespoke detailing for oneoff projects.

Shelley Burrows, Digital Product Manager explains: “I think consumers love the idea of personalisation. We’re increasingly seeing global brands offering customisation options, plus, QETTLE has never been a me-too brand. We have a strong heritage of innovation, reinvention and doing things

a little differently.”

Meanwhile, Duncan Yardley, QETTLE’s Director of Research, Development & Engineering adds: “The patterns are very special, and, because of QETTLE’s patented construction, I think it would be virtually impossible for other brands to deliver a similar product. The ability to rotate the body of the tap 360° and achieve a good, consistent pattern like we can, is impossible.”

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QETTLE Patterns are currently available on QETTLE Signature Modern taps in buffed stainless steel, and retail pricing starts from £895.00.

•Four QETTLE Patterns are available –Honeybee, Abstract Star, Tulips &

•Patterns are created on the body section of QETTLE Signature Modern 100°C boiling water taps

•QETTLE Patterns start from RRP £895 which includes the tap and complete QETTLE system

For further information, visit www.qettle.com Call 01603 989039 or email sales@qettle.com

Scan the QR code to watch QETTLE’s designers and engineers tell the story of QETTLE Patterns www.rdr.link/KBF005

Honeybee

position filled

Appointments and promotions across the industry

LAKES

Head of specification atshower surround manufacturer Lakes Showering Spaces Mick Bone has moved into the role of sales director. He will lead sales across retail and specification customers, working with the company’s team of regional sales managers. Mick Bone joined Lakes as specification manager, having worked for Crosswater as director of group projects –Bathroom Brands.

WATERLINE

Kitchen and bathroom distributor Waterline, which supplies independent retailers, has promoted Dan Baker to the position of southern national sales manager. Baker has worked in the kitchen industry for over 20 years. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing his own area and supporting the southern sales team.

UFORM

Kitchen and bedroom door supplier Uformhas appointed an area sales manager for its GB sales team and logistics manager for its factory in Northern Ireland. Stephen Evans has been appointed as area sales manager for Northwest England and brings over 20 years’ industry experience to the role. Martin Doyle joins Uform as business unit manager for the company’s logistics department, with over 20 years’ experience.

KINEDO

Showering surround brand Kinedohas appointed Chris Sherwood and George Barber as area sales managers. Sherwood previously worked for Robert Lee Distribution and Q4 Bathrooms and is responsible for the central region. Barber looks after the South West region and joins the company from Porcelanosa, where he worked on specification projects with new build developments.

Sponsored by

Talking ‘bout a revolution

In the first of our KBB Retail Health & Fitness Club member focuses, sponsored by Hansgrohe UK, owner of kitchen retailer Stephen J. Warrington, Nick Warrington explains how cycling helps him improve his business performance

QHow does cycling enhance your business performance?

A: Cycling helps me in two main ways. First, staying healthy gives me higher energy levels throughout the day and if I do a short, hard turbo trainer session in the morning, I find that boost helps my mindset and focus for the entire day. Second, it gives me an important focus away from work. As a small business owner, it’s easy to let work become all-consuming, but having a hobby that forces me to step away from the desk and the showroom, four to five times a week, helps me maintain perspective.

QHow do you keep motivated?

A: Unfortunately, I’m no spring chicken (52), and after hitting 50, I realised I needed to be more focused on staying fit and healthy. I’ve been reading and listening a lot about longevity and health into old age, and I’ve found that to be a great motivator when it comes to exercise! Alongside that, I’m a numbers guy—I use power, time, and speed as targets in my training to give it structure and to track my progress.

QWhat are your 2025 cycling goals?

A: My main goal is to ride more often and more consistently to regain some of the fitness I’ve lost over the last few years. To

help me stay focused, I’m planning to get back into riding a few local club-level time trials. Later in the year, I’m also planning a trip abroad to enjoy some mountain climbs. I’ve previously had trips to the Stelvio, Alpe d’Huez, the Pyrenees, and Mont Ventoux, so something along those lines would be ideal.

QHow are you progressing?

A: I had a slow start to the year after picking up a couple of bugs in January. Now, I’m back to riding four to five times a week, covering about 80–100 miles overall. Hopefully, by the time I get to Easter, I’ll start seeing improvements all around.

Why real-life customer experience still counts in a digital world

Keith Wilson, Kbsa board member and owner of Perth Kitchen Centre, considers the importance of customer recommendations in an increasingly digital world

Marketing means different things to KBB retailers. It can present more of a challenge, in today’s digital world, with the use of social media and digital marketing increasing, and new platforms and technologies emerging.

Human connection

There will be benefits to harnessing the power of the most up-to-date marketing tools, but a kitchen is a big-ticket purchase and at the heart of such purchases is a human connection, with relationships and trust a vital ingredient. Working at being approachable and building a comfortable relationship, where both parties treat each other with respect, is important. When these values are at the core of the selling process, delighted customers will spread the word for a retailer, making customer recommendations a powerful marketing tool.

Jeff Bezos founder, executive chairman, and former president and CEO of Amazon, has endorsed this view with his quote, ‘The best marketing is word of mouth marketing.’

Walt Disney also supports the customer care commitment with his quote, ‘The goal of marketing is to create a customer who is so loyal they will never consider buying from anyone else.’

Making the customer experience the heart of business is key to converting more enquiries into sales and winning new business from repeat customers or recommended ones. A happy customer will tell their friends; an unhappy one will complain to anyone that will listen.

In-store experience

Listening to a potential customer is the first step, engaging with them, making them feel

RIPPLES COLUMN

valued and demonstrating a passion for what you are doing. Asking the right questions and interpreting answers, provides the information a skilled and experienced designer can use to present the customer with what they want, at the right price.

Business owners should utilise their own personalities to build rapport and make an impression. This will help the retailer win the business even when the customer has shopped around because that connection will stand out as an exceptional experience.

Focusing on the customer experience is a crucial marketing element and needs to continue once the deal is done. Installation can be stressful for customers, managing their expectations, resolving issues quickly and professionally, will ensure the loyalty remains.

Why suppliers should say “no”

MD of Ripples Paul Crow explains why suppliers saying “yes” isn’t always positive for a retailer’s business

I don’t think suppliers say “no” enough. It’s an inconvenient word - one that can shut down a conversation in an instant. As my mother used to say, “no means no”, and nothing I could do would ever turn it into a yes. But if “no” is to be absolute, then “yes” must hold the same weight. The problem is, suppliers say “yes” far too often and “no” far too rarely. So why should we want suppliers to say “no” more?

For me, the measure of a strong supplier partnership is their ability to support our objectives. We want to sell products that are well-made, designed with both form and function in mind and delivered when promised. We need suppliers who provide the same level of care and expertise in supporting their products as they do in making them. That means order acknowledgements in minutes, not days (or worse, never). It means

proactive communication about order changes and access to accurate, meaningful product information across our systems, websites and support materials. We want to understand the products as well as they do, feel valued and know that their commitment to success matches ours.

“Yes” may not be positive

What we don’t want is a supplier who says “yes” to everything. We want them to say no to the dealer down the road who isn’t committed to maintaining the same high standards in promoting their products. We need them to say no when an order realistically takes three weeks, rather than falsely promising two. And we certainly don’t want to hear “yes” when we ask if an urgent product will arrive on Monday - only to find out it won’t be here until after Wednesday.

When a supplier says “no,” it shows they have a clear

understanding of what a real “yes” looks like. It means they know their processes, their timelines and who they want representing their brand. They establish the training that’s essential for success and commit to supporting those who invest in their products.

Too often, the word “partnership” gets thrown around loosely - mainly when one side feels the other isn’t playing fair. We see it all the time: a retailer airing grievances on LinkedIn, while the supplier privately dismisses them as a difficult, low-volume seller. Yet, they still call it a partnership.

To me, that sounds less like a partnership and more like a dysfunctional relationshipone that suppliers need to start saying no to.

LAST WORD

How to sell more smart appliances

Managing director of Caple Danny Lay encourages retailers to ask consumers about their cooking needs, and demonstrate how connectivity can help them manage their time.

Wi-fi-enabled appliances are in the mainstream now, but a lot of consumers don’t know why they might want or need them, and they don’t know how they work. Many people buy highly-specified products but don’t use the full functionality. Retailers need to ask consumers what they want from their products; a full understanding is an important part of the selling process.

Constant education

People tend to buy kitchens for aesthetic reasons, so a lot of consumers won’t think about how they’re going to use the appliances in the kitchen, and a lot of retailers avoid asking those questions. They tend to specify the same products in every kitchen they design because they’re familiar with the product code and they understand the pricing and the reliability of the appliance.

Retailers need to explain how appliances work. Over the past couple of years, we’ve done a lot of work on training our retailers so they understand that. People are always surprised at how feature-rich our products are, but we have to try and get our retailers to explain that to the consumer.

In-store demonstrations

It’s really important retailers have their wi-fi appliances switched on in-store – we like our smart ovens to be connected in a showroom. But all our Sense and Sense Premium models have a demonstration mode if not.

At Caple, we have a fully-functional showroom setting, and we also have experts who can do demonstration events in retailers’ showrooms. When people see how you can operate the oven in-store, using a tablet or smartphone, it’s interesting and it sets it aside from the more basic products. We’ve also started doing both online and face-to-face consumer training. If someone’s bought a wi-fi oven and realised they don’t know how to get the best out of it, we can show them how to do that.

Better time management

A few years ago, we set out to create an oven for the UK market that was wi-fi-enabled, had a number of smart functions, and could be controlled by a smartphone or tablet. It can be operated remotely using the Caple Home app.

In the UK market, most people will turn their oven on and use the 180°C fan setting, so, if you want to use our smart oven without the smart function, you can.

It’s really important retailers have their wi-fi appliances switched on in-store – we like our smart ovens to be connected in a showroom. But all our Sense and Sense Premium models have a demonstration mode if not.

We have a feature called multi-stage cooking – this means you can run a defrost program when you’ve taken something out of the freezer, then you can bake it and, if you want to crisp the top, you can grill it too. You can also pre-program functions and store them.

Everyone’s time-poor these days. Smart appliances can help you manage your time better, and our wi-fi-enabled ovens are good for bakers or people who do a lot of cooking, as well as those consumers who might want to perform simpler tasks in the kitchen. You can cook proper, Italian pizza in two minutes and 45 seconds.  I know that, because I cooked 52 pizzas for our staff when we introduced the smart ovens into our range! Our smart ovens are selling well, but we still sell ovens with traditional knobs on. It’s horses for courses, as ever, in the kitchen.

Founder of Roundhouse Craig Matson has been inducted into the newly-established KBB Retail Hall of Fame. We talk to him about his journey, acquisition of Day True, and vision of continued success

O“We design spaces to enrich people’s lives” \1 \2

ne of the best people you could sit next to at a dinner table” was just one of the comments on a social media post congratulating Craig Matson on becoming a KBB Retail Hall of Fame inductee. It goes someway to reveal the charismatic personality of MD of Roundhouse who only chose to study woodwork, in

a defiant move, because a headmaster told him he wasn’t bright enough to study chemistry, as well as advanced maths and physics. Craig Matson explains: “I thought I’ll do woodwork, instead. I enjoyed it anyway.”

With an unusual combination of subjects, it led him to study architecture at university and with a natural disposition for the mixture of art and science - procedure and design – he excelled. In fact, Craig started his own design and build business while still at university, building three apartments in Fremantle, in his native Australia, as part of his written final year thesis, and sold them at profit! Craig said: “It was one of many times people told me I couldn’t do things, but I just did them to prove I could.”

Roundhouse launch

It was following a move to London, Craig Matson decided to set up his own architectural practice, and kitchen company, with his wife Victoria Marriot, which he ran side-by-side. Located in Camden, near to arts and music venue Roundhouse, it

2. ROUNDHOUSE

RICHMOND

There are seven Roundhouse studios in London and the Home Counties, including this one in Richmond which has recently been refitted

provided the inspiration for his company name, and Craig says it also reflected his business of working “round the house.”

Deciding to conce ntrate on the kitchen side of the business, with sub-contracted furniture manufacturing, Roundhouse took the plunge to open its own factory with the addition of a second showroom in Fulham. “It was the best thing we did, especially as we grew.” He exclaims: “Consumers certainly buy into the fact we are a British manufacturer.”

But Craig admits he never planned the £15m-£20m kitchen business to be the size it is now. In three decades, Roundhouse has grown to have seven showrooms in London and the Home Counties, selling luxury, bespoke kitchens and joinery, with a factory in Malvern, Worcestershire.

“

1. MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ROUNDHOUSE

Craig Matson named his kitchen business, located in Camden, after the famous arts and music venue

Education interest

Alongside making his name in British kitchen retail, Craig Matson could also be synonymous with a drive for professionalism in the industry through formal education paths for kitchen design. But his ambition wasn’t entirely altruistic. Craig explains it was difficult to find the right calibre of person for his growing number of kitchen showrooms, and remains one of the biggest challenges for his business, so he set upon the path of helping develop the first Kitchen Design Foundation Degree at New Bucks University.

“I must say there wasn’t quite the appetite that I thought there would be”, he confesses, citing a reluctance of designers/employers to pay for education. To resolve this, he created and became chair of The Kitchen Education Trust charity, encouraging manufacturers to sponsor designers and help pay course fees. The cost involved made the idea slightly difficult to sell it to the industry.

Undeterred, Craig turned his attention to developing an apprenticeship degree (Level 6) in Kitchen, Living and Commercial Spaces design, which is in the process of being approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education. The last step is finding an educational establishment to operate it, and conversations are still on-going. Craig is still hopeful it will become a success, stating training and education is key to solving the skills gap crisis. “I was looking at higher education but there is also a requirement for training along the way, which might fill the gap between this and no education.”

He adds it would be helpful if there was industry-wide KBB representation to support education. “The Kbsa does a fantastic job with small independents, but it’s not representative of the whole industry, certainly when discussing education. I think education should be for everyone.”

Tough market

“Everyone wants to be positive about their business, but It’s hard work. You really have to fight, and fight hard”, Craig says when asked how he’s finding business at the moment. But he points to his three-decade long experience of coping with economical peaks and troughs, although adds: “It would be nice to not have so many market ups and downs” He advises retailers who are concerned about the unpredictable market to concentrate on growing their market share, after reducing overheads.

Craig says the financial crash of 2008/9

3. MADE IN BRITAIN

Roundhouse makes bespoke kitchens in its own factory in Malvern, Worcestershire

was the toughest time in business, as he had just opened its flagship store on Wigmore Street. But he adds it was luckily over a short period of six months. “In a way, this has been as bad a period, but four times as long”, he muses, pointing to Brexit, COVID, and the post-COVID boom which led to supply shortages from appliances through to veneers.

Taking learnings from this difficult time in business, Craig says it highlighted the importance of communication with its customers, adding: “We’re much stronger and more proactive.”

Bathroom entrance

Its strength can be seen in the growth of the business, as Roundhouse has opened a showroom in Cheltenham and Cambridge, refitted its Richmond showroom, and acquired independent retailer Day True. “We bought Day True because it’s a ready-made entry into the bathroom market”, Craig says. With his kitchen clients having homes with multiple bathrooms, he believes bathrooms offers a lucrative sales avenue. The vision is to

integrate both businesses, so Roundhouse will offer kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms starting next year.

He says the next step of the company’s development is around the company values and ethos, “We design spaces to enrich people’s lives.” Craig Matson explains the focus will be on further improving its service.“We have a fantastic product and we have to make sure our service is as good as our product, and you have to work quite hard to deliver that as a package, because that is the expectation.” He continues: “We collaborate with our clients and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we are enriching people’s lives, because the whole groundfloor kitchen living/dinning space is where you interact with your friends and family. It has to be practical but also beautiful”.

Having long established a brand tantamount with bespoke designer kitchens and soon luxury bathrooms, what keeps Craig striving to set new standards? “I’m trying to create something that has longevity and I’m aiming for Roundhouse to be the most successful company in its space.”

Refit for business

Director of The Cheshire Kitchen Company Matthew Smith explains the importance of refurbishing displays, particularly worktops

Having been established for 16 years, The Cheshire Kitchen Company has recently undertaken a six-month refurbishment, which director Matthew Smith calls “a transformative step”. It has installed new displays to meet a growing demand for high-end, handmade furniture and to balance traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Matthew Smith explains: “We aim to elevate kitchen design, offering a range of bespoke, high-quality furniture that reflects our commitment to skilled craftsmanship. Whether our clients prefer modern, minimalist designs or more traditional aesthetics, we tailor every kitchen to their unique tastes and needs. This move positions The Cheshire Kitchen Company at the forefront of innovative kitchen design while demonstrating our focus on premium quality materials.”

Stone surfaces

Using Neolith sintered stone surfacing exclusively for its kitchen displays, he explains why: “The use of Neolith’s Classtone range allows us to seamlessly blend modern and traditional aesthetics. This material not only offers the durability and practicality that today’s consumers expect, but also provides natural, timeless beauty”.

The showroom features Neolith Colorado Dunes, Himalaya Crystal, and Amazonico “to

highlight its versatility across different kitchen styles.” Matthew states: “Although we are located in the countryside, our kitchens are not limited to a country style and can accommodate various designs.”

Surface selection

Describing the process of choosing materials and finishes for his showroom’s new displays as “meticulous”, Matthew says it was sparked by the company’s long-standing relationship with Neolith. “As someone who has been selling Neolith’s sintered stone materials for over a decade - and using it in my own kitchen - I was already well-versed in its exceptional qualities. I started by exploring Neolith’s website, reviewing images and specifications I could also share with clients during consultations. To finalise my choices, I visited Neolith’s distribution centre in Leeds to view the full slabs in person. Seeing these materials in their full scale helped refine my decisions, with some slabs winning me over only after viewing their grandeur in person.”

Aiming to showcase the breadth of Neolith’s capabilities, The Cheshire Kitchen Companydisplays include varying surface finishes such as satin and silk, along with different thicknesses, to demonstrate the material’s adaptability for a variety of applications. “Beyond traditional worktops, we used Neolith for wall cladding, a custom

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1. NEOLITH WORKTOPS

Large kitchen display is dominated by an island clad in Neolith sintered stone

2. DIRECTOR OF THE CHESHIRE KITCHEN COMPANY

Matthew Smith runs the bespoke kitchen retail business based in Clotton, Cheshire

2. SHOWROOM EXTERIOR

Established for 16 years, the showroom is based in a period, rural building

table, and even bespoke wall lights with smaller remaining offcuts of slabshighlighting its versatility. By integrating these materials seamlessly into the showroom design, we’ve created a cohesive and inviting space that showcases the full potential of Neolith while ensuring offcuts are repurposed in innovative and creative ways, adding value for our clients by reducing any waste”, reports Matthew.

He continues: “Neolith’s support throughout the process was exemplary. The company’s structure, particularly its dedicated representatives, provided invaluable assistance as they have done over the years. They ensured timely delivery and addressed any issues swiftly. It gives us confidence in our partnership, reinforcing our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Positive feedback

Matthew says the feedback from customers to the renovation has been “overwhelmingly” positive. He states: “Many clients are amazed to learn that Neolith is an architectural surface rather than natural stone. They are often delighted to discover its additional benefits, such as durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance. Seeing Neolith installed in real-life applications within our showroom has been a game-changer, as many visitors are now able to visualise these materials in their own homes.”

Explaining the surfaces exemplifies the company’s design knowledge and capabilities: “They serve as a tangible demonstration of our attention to detail, particularly with

Beyond traditional worktops, we used Neolith for wall cladding, a custom table, and even bespoke wall lights with smaller remaining offcuts of slabs - highlighting its versatility. By integrating these materials seamlessly into the showroom design, we’ve created a cohesive and inviting space that showcases the full potential of Neolith while ensuring offcuts are repurposed in innovative and creative ways.

4. SINTERED STONE DETAILS

Neolith is used as worktops, upstands, backsplashes, light sconces and even as an inset dado rail around the wall of a banquette seating area

features like matched veins on the sintered stone. This meticulous craftsmanship is something our clients truly value and it sets us apart from competitors,” says Matthew.

Expanding opportunities

He goes further, exclaiming the new displays have created “significant” opportunities for the business, which offers a comprehensive service from design consultation to manufacturing and installation. Seeking to expand its customer base. The Cheshire Kitchen Company isnow seeking to target professional designers and offer bespoke furniture collections to kitchen showrooms.

“The displays have piqued the interest of interior designers, who are increasingly referring their clients to us”, says Matthew. He continues: “These collaborations have begun to open up new avenues for growth, particularly as we explore partnerships with other showrooms and expand our offerings into areas such as cabinetry and bedroom furniture.”

He concludes: “Looking ahead, we see exciting opportunities to expand our business. While we currently manufacture kitchens exclusively for our clients, we are keen to collaborate more closely with interior designers and partner with other showrooms to reach a wider audience. Our vision is to grow into new areas, such as bespoke cabinetry and bedroom furniture, all while maintaining the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have become our hallmarks”

5. PRESENTATION ROOM

Client presentations are held in a room with a large-screen TV and choice of surfacing samples

Keep it all in Focus

Product manager of Abode David Boddy talks us through the Focus 60 bathroom collection, and how it helps designers create a co-ordinated look for smaller spaces

QWhat was the research behind the launch of Focus 60 and product categories of countertop shelves, accessories, mirrors, basins?

A: The design team at Abode has long been focused on the desire to give the wash zone a makeover, on par with new product developments in the kitchen sink and tap market. The British bathroom is typically compact in size, so being able to save space and add utility around the wash zone has become important. We decided the 600mm wash zone was the most appropriate and universal solution. Having matching taps, basins, furniture, mirrors and lighting, takes the guesswork out of colour-matching and ensures every inch of space is used to its best advantage.

QWhat is the size and scale of the range and what are the USPs?

A: Focus 60 includes a series of new taps and showers, washbasins, plus a curated mix of

We are currently running a special display offer for retailers up to October 1, 2025. There are eight Focus 60 display packages, each with a selection of basin, shelf, brassware, mirror and accessories.

mirrors and accessories. Abode has created 12 basin packs, which feature either the Cava or Iox round or tablet shaped basins with Tableau shelves, mirror, brassware and accessories. Cava basins are crafted from RemaStone material, constructed from 35% recycled content, which is 20% lighter in weight yet 20% more impact resistant than standard composite stone material, with optional metal plinth in a choice of finishes. Iox is crafted from 3mm gauge stainless steel

with PVD Nano coating in Black or Brass. There are two brassware ranges which include an energy-saving cold start valve and 5-litre/minflow restrictor to save water. Levarto features a slimline spout and handle with cut-out design in black/brass or white/brass finishes. Aquip basin and bath mixers feature soft design elements and come in Matt Black, Brushed Brass and Chrome. Tableau basin shelves are made from RemaStone, with smooth, rounded corners

and an anti-splash rim. Each shelf has a choice of single or dual towel rails and they can be used side-by-side.

The new bathroom mirror collection offers round and tablet shaped designs with or without a frame. All Abode mirrors are available with optional, dimmable and adjustable colour temperature LED backlighting, including “Candlelight” setting. Operated by fingertip controls on the glass, they also boast a demist function.

Uno Showers feature a rounded square form and span shower heads, handshowers and concealed shower valves, operated by push button controls and fitted using the Abode Installation Box.

Lastly, Uno accessories include towel rails, robe hooks and toilet roll holders, through to matching basin and bath wastes, plinths and bottle traps. All Uno Accessories are made from solid brass and offer hex key installation with Allen key supplied.

QWhere is Focus 60 positioned in your price hierarchy?

A: Focus 60 is a premium collection, which is designed to be affordable. We believe Focus 60 will allow retailers to serve both the mid-market end-user who wants to invest in their home for the long term, alongside the affluent home buyer looking for a luxurious solution, which is high quality and custom by design.

QAs a sink, tap and shower manufacturer, what investment or changes have you made at the company to become more of generalist than a brassware specialist?

A: This has been a conscious process over the

past two years, as we have been developing our team structure and our future direction of travel in line with consumer trends and market demand. I was brought in as product manager to take Focus 60 from concept to delivery. Having experience in lighting and sinks, my role is now focused on the development of our bathroom portfolio as well as our kitchen sinks offer. We know how much the customer buying journey has changed, matched with the importance of everything being easily coordinated in the bathroom.

QWhat has the reaction been like from bathroom retailers?

A: The feedback has been positive. Retailers really like the simplicity of suggested packages of products to make the ordering process as simple as possible. There has been a lot of positivity around the new brassware

collections and their efficiency credentials. The recycled properties of the Cava basins and Tableau shelves offer something different and the Iox basins have been noted as showstoppers at affordable prices. The brochure has also received a lot of praise for its eye-catching imagery, new format size and “simple to navigate” structure.

QWhy did you choose PJH as your only route to market for this product?

A: As an existing Abode distributor and after seeing significant growth in its own Bathrooms to Love Collection, we were confident PJH was the right partner. On top of that, its impressive UK warehousing capacity, set to grow with its new flagship distribution centre in Wolverhampton, is well-placed to rollout our latest collection and support our operations with next-day delivery to 93% of UK postcodes.

QHow will you be supporting bathroom retailers?

A: We are currently running a special display offer for retailers up to October 1, 2025. There are eight Focus 60 display packages, each with a selection of basin, shelf, brassware, mirror and accessories.

We have enhanced warranty terms for our full bathroom portfolio, and invite retailers to speak to us about our loyalty rewards program, Abode Accumulate, where rewards can be earned from selling Abode products. We are also working hard on bringing our new brand website to life and a suite of new POS material.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/KBF051

Now under new ownership, as part of the Bathroom Brands Group, Showerwall is back, moving at pace, and out to prove it is a permanent fixture in the bathroom market.

W“We are here to stay” \1

hen former parent company International Decorative Surfaces (IDS) fell into administration, it saw the same fate for its bathroom panel brand Showerwall. And that could have signalled the end of the business. However, at the same time, Bathroom Brands Group was on an acquisition trail, looking to grow in a challenging market. Although undoubtedly a difficult time for the wall panel manufacturer, could it in fact have been serendipitous? Perhaps, as wall panels were high on the agenda of the group which owns Burlington, Britton, Clearwater and Crosswater brands.

Wall panel moves

Business development director of Bathroom Brands Group Katie Cope comments: “We were already looking at several different acquisitions. M&A [mergers and acquisitions] is high on our agenda. It has been for a couple of years now. We want to continue growing at pace and when you’ve got a market that becomes more challenging, expansion through acquisitions is attractive. We decided it was a strategy we wanted to follow, alongside building organic growth. Wall panels were quite high on our agenda, and we had been looking at various opportunities.

“As an area of the bathroom market, wall panelling is really interesting. It’s increasingly innovative. It’s clearly cannibalising tile sales, which is an expansive market, and it’s by no means a mature segment.” She adds it is wellsuited to the group, which has seen its showering category grow in strength. And product manager Steph Harris points to the fit for both brands: “The fact Bathroom Brands is design driven; it has been a perfect match really.”

Stoke-based business

Showerwall makes laminate and acrylic wall panels in Newcastle-under-Lyme, while its new parent company Bathroom Brands is based in Kent. In 2022, Showerwall invested in further digital printing technology to increase manufacturing capacity for its high-

We’ve got no intention of moving the business. There’s strengths and capabilities that exist here. For example, we are really interested in the home delivery service and considering how it can work as part of the Bathroom Brands Group proposition. So, we intend to develop these facilities.

1. LEADERSHIP TEAM

its Central England location?

Katie Cope is adamant: “Production will stay here”, adding: “We’ve got no intention of moving the business. There’s strengths and capabilities that exist here. For example, we are really interested in the home delivery service and considering how it can work as part of the Bathroom Brands Group proposition. So, we intend to develop these facilities.”

In fact, Bathroom Brands Group has already grown the business at its base. It took across 19 employees under TUPE regulations and has since employed former IDS employees to become a 27-strong team. Katie Cope comments: “We had to quickly stabilise the business, which we did, and have got it into a really good position. So now we’re moving on to the next phase to reinvigorate, accelerate and reconnect with the customer base.”

Showerwall marketing manager Sabine Mané, business development director of Bathroom Brands Group Katie Cope and Showerwall product manager Steph Harris

2. UK MANUFACTURING

Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Showerwall manufactures laminate and acrylic wall panels

end acrylic panels by 400%. So will it stay at

Group collaboration

Together with re-introducing its product launches from Kbb Birmingham in 2024, the group has already started to work together on new designs. Jorge Henandez, head of design at Bathrooms Brands Group, has lent his expertise to creating Showerwall product.

“We’ve got a massively experienced team in wall panelling and we have brought in different design thinking to strengthen and ‘superpower’”, says Katie Cope. The first results, of which, will be launched in June.

Showerwall has also expanded its Proclick range, with a 900mm panel. It provides symmetrical coverage for spacious areas like bathtubs and large showers, while reducing material waste from cutting down 1200mm panels.

And there has been further collaboration across the group, with personnel taking group roles, such as marketing manager of Showerwall Sabine Mané who will also head up marketing for Clearwater. In addition, Showerwall will provide wall panels with Bathroom Brands Group ceramics, furniture and showering displays for showrooms.

“We’re working together to make sure retail opportunities are joined up.” Katie Cope adds: “However, Showerwall has a broader market. Trade merchants are hugely important, so we have a separate strategy for that”. This will include exhibiting at InstallerSHOW.

Offering core choice

Décors are a clear talking point, when discussing the development of design at Showerwall with its variety of prints, patternmatching, tile effects and even bespoke designs. Indeed, product manager Steph Harris says alongside its upcoming launches, it will “relight” products showcased at Kbb Birmingham 2024 which probably didn’t have the opportunity to shine, following the company’s difficulties. “They’re all still very much on trend”, she explains.

However, what may not be immediately obvious is the balance of aesthetic vision with a commercial approach to design. As part of this, Showerwall is now offering a choice of exterior grade MDF or plywood core held in stock, across its range, to attract installers who have an allegiance to a particular panel type. And it is currently completing its FSC audit, a “hangover” from the acquisition as the certification was previously held by IDS. Steph Harris explains: “We find that, regionally, some installers prefer plywood.” Sabine Mané says Showerwall already offers

3.

LAMINATE PANELS

Inspired by natural materials, laminate wall panels are offered with the choice of a plywood or exterior grade MDF core.

4.

ACRYLIC COLLECTION

Showerwall offers a collection of 4mm acrylic panel design, which are back printed and can be bookmatched, but also produce designs to order

plywood for large contracts, but the company has now removed the minimum order quantity, opening up sales to all.

Delivery upturn

Showerwall has also worked hard to improve delivery for its customers. One of the biggest challenges for Showerwall, following the administra tion of its former parent company, was the loss of its distribution arm, since IDS had 12 nationwide counters. However, the brand offers delivery within three working days. Katie Cope explains; “We had to establish our own logistics solution and that’s probably been one of the most difficult things, when you’re acquiring a business from admini stration. But around Christmas time we started getting messages from customers saying we had turned it around.” She adds: “We’re really happy with where we’ve got it to, but we know we can keep taking steps forward.”

Its delivery, has also been unaffected by the recent issues blighting Bathrooms Brands, following the introduction of its new computer system. Speaking about the parent company, Katie Cope adds: “Unfortunately,

5.

DIGITAL PRINTING

The company recently invested a further £400k into digital printing to increase manufacturing capacity for acrylic panels.

we have had our challenges, but it’s improving, and we’ll soon be back to a really good place. The business is fundamentally really strong. We just need to get service exactly where people expect it to be.”

Making strides

So what has been the biggest surprise of the whole process? “I think it was how well aligned we are”, explains Sabine Mané “and the pace it happened, which from our point of view was within about four weeks”. Katie Cope agrees: “We had to move fast because when you’re buying a brand out of administration, you want to retain as much value, and at the same time be sympathetic to the business no matter where it ended up.”

She says her revelation was the level of enthusiasm within the team, despite the challenges. “The whole team is really passionate about the potential of the business.”

Launching new products, building new customers and reactivating existing relationships will cement the success of the acquisition says Katie Cope who adds: “We’re looking for significant growth of 40%.” She highlights opportunities with retailers, who may have been slower to embrace design-led wall panels, with education about materials and quality, as well as pointing out the convieniece of reduced installation time. “It’s a challenging bathroom market but it’s not a flat wall panels market, it’s growing”, Katie Cope states, adding: “Regardless of the market, we’ll make our own destiny.” Only two months out of administration, Showerwall is already making strides under its new ownership, as Sabine Mané confidently concludes: “We are here to stay.”

Kitchen sink drama

How materials and technology have created a stir in the kitchen sink market and offer a lucrative trade-up opportunity for kitchen retailers

1. BORA

Transforming from workhorse to thoroughbred, the kitchen sink has undergone a seismic shift to become a food and drink preparation area. Hand-in-hand with a choice of worktops, allowing a variety of installations, has been an evolution of materials and technology. These developments cater for the sink’s new multi-function role and to enhance aesthetic value. Think scratch-resistant and hydrophobic surfaces, though to soundproofing and even self-cleaning functions for improved user experience.

Brand communications manager of Blanco, Tamsin Mills comments: “The need for kitchen sink technology to develop has been driven by the evolving role of the kitchen as the central hub of the home, where cooking, cleaning and socialising often take place simultaneously. This shift in purpose has created a demand for sinks that not only perform efficiently but also add aesthetic value to the kitchen.”

Durable design

From coloured granite to PVD finishes, sink materials have been developed to withstand

greater wear and tear, providing scratch and stain resistance. Commercial director of Reginox UK Dave Mayer states: “Functionality is probably just as much a driving factor for choosing sinks and taps as the design in itself.” Tamsin Mills of Blanco adds: “The improvement of scratchproof surfaces in sink design is revolutionising the durability of sinks and can be a major selling point for retailers. The non-porous surface of a Blanco Silgranit sinks repels water and liquids, making it stain resistant and easy to clean. Its scratchproof surface ensures that the sink maintains its appearance even with heavy daily use.”

Granite sinks have long been recognised for their scratch resistance, and stainless steel sinks can now be treated with PVD finishes for enhanced durability. Both of these also introduce colour into the kitchen, offering a warmer environment. Think neutrals or warmer metallic finishes for PVD sinks – from gold through to Nickel and Black. Head of product at Caple Luke Shipway explains: “Recent advancements include PVD coatings for sinks and accessories, which resist tarnishing,

Made from Black Cristadur quartz composite, the Bora Self-Cleaning Sink operates by push button which releases water to flow down the bowl sides. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KBF006

corrosion and scratches, while offering vibrant finishes.” He adds: “PVD coatings, used for high-end finishes, are a standout feature that some may not fully appreciate. Known for their durability and brilliance, these coatings are even used in luxury industries like watchmaking and Formula 1.” Enabling sink surfaces to look good for longer plays into the hands of retailers looking to explain the value, versus costs, when encouraging consumers to trade up.

Resistant coatings

Along with enhanced scratch resistance for ease of maintenance, there have been advancements which focus on ease of cleaning –spanning well thought-out bowl shapes through to anti-bacterial composite. These have now been joined by water and oil resistant surfaces for stainless steel. Although relatively niche, nano coatings are gaining traction as retailers are starting to understand

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The Kameo-X sink features a compact design with large single bowl and drainage which allows it to be used to maximum depth. Made from Clearwater’s Quarex granite, it comes in five finishes. Download the brochure at www.rdr.link/KBF007

4. BLANCO

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Silgranit sink with basket strainer Infino waste, specifically designed for seamless integration. Discover more at www.rdr.link/KBF009

the hygiene benefits offered by the material. Design manager at Abode Paul Illingworth comments: “We are noting that refined corners for easy cleaning are in strong demand and that sinks with nano technology coating to repel water and dirt are also growing in popularity due to their lasting durability and product resilience.”

These coatings can be found in premiumpriced sinks and remove the drudgery of scrubbing, offering consumers added benefit. Sales and marketing director of Franke UK Jo Sargent explains how nano coatings have influenced her company’s portfolio: and outlines the benefits “A key development in kitchen sink technology is the introduction of hydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces, such as our patented F-Inox Technology. This technology, featured on our premium Mythos Masterpiece coloured metallic sinks, bonds a specialised coating to the coloured PVD layer, creating an ultra-smooth, non-porous surface that enhances durability. The hydrophobic

coating repels water, preventing stains and spot marks drying on. The Oleophobic coating resists oils, smudges and fingerprint marks. These innovations ensure the sink stays cleaner with minimal maintenance, offering an ideal combination of aesthetics, functionality and ease of care.”

Self-cleaning sink

However, arguably, for the ultimate in sink user experience is for the sink to clean itself! Unlikely? Not so. Luxury appliance manufacturer Bora has just launched the selfcleaning sink. Joining the likes of the automatic waste so users’ don’t have to plunge their hands into dirty water, the selfcleaning sink goes one step further and washes down the bowl. Bora head of sales UK Andy Cummings explains: “Designed for ease of maintenance, this cutting-edge sink is easy to keep clean – users simply push a button to release water, which flows from the rim and down all four sides of the sink at the same

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3. DORNBRACHT

Brushed stainless steel sinks boast a finish designed to encourage water to run off quickly. View its sink range at www.rdr.link/KBF008

5. REGINOX

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The New York range with PVD finish. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF010

time to collect dirt.”

Gathering pace since the pandemic, and with people still spending more of their working life at home, the kitchen is a focal point in protecting health through hygiene. Along with nano coatings, the self-cleaning Bora sink plays into the need for improved wellbeing. “With hygiene more of a hot topic in recent years, durability and cleanability have become key selling points when it comes to sinks, which makes the self-cleaning Bora sink such an attractive proposition for retailers”, explains Andy Cummings.

Sound reduction

Improved hygiene is just one part of enhancing consumer wellbeing. With the kitchen an integral part of living space, alongside reducing dirt and odours, a reduction in noise is also a consideration in an area when consumers spend more time. Enter sound proofing technologies, which muffle intrusive noise from taps when they run water

2. CLEARWATER

onto a hard surface. Jo Sargent of Franke UK states: “We have launched the Maris Quiet sink with an integral sound pad to make for a quieter user experience.” Along with its advanced surface treatments, she says: “These technologies aim to enhance functionality and improve the overall user experience, offering unique value to consumers.”

Showroom theatrics

Excitingly, these technologies can provide an in-store shopping experience for consumers. Demonstrations of new technologies, whether water and oil repellent coatings or a selfcleaning sink, can create real in-store theatrics. However it can also help consumers better understand the value of materials that may be less obvious encouraging trade-up.

Leader product management, kitchen category, at Grohe UK Elina Enqvist Twomey states: “A premium quality worktstation sink is all about the functionality and convenience benefits, alongside aesthetic and quality. With this in mind, retailers can provide working displays and hosting demonstrations to encourage conversation with the customers to highlight the benefits and differences

6. SCHOCK UK

Ivy is the latest colourway added to the Cristadur Green Line series, with 99% of its composition made from renewable or recycled materials. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KBF011

between entry level and high-end models. That way, the customers can see the technical and aesthetic benefits of the product first hand, while also learning of features and benefits that may not be instantly visible.”

Andy Cumming agrees, putting it succinctly: “Seeing really is believing and

creative displays featuring working models are the best way to help introduce new sink technology and really sell their benefits”.

So take a look at the latest sink materials and tech to discover how they can help you increase the value of a sale and create real kitchen sink drama!

Bring to the surface

We investigate the impact of material types, silica content and sustainable credentials on worktop sales

Worktop selection used to be a fairly straightforward procedure, designers could choose between laminate or an upgrade to higher priced solid surface, quartz or natural stone. However, ceramic/porcelain and sintered stone have now entered the worktop arena. There is also a growing focus on low or no silica (mineral hybrid) surfacing, following the potential health risks surrounding engineered quartz fabrication, which doesn’t conform to HSE regulations. All of which means kitchen designers and retailers are required to know more about surface material and its provenance than ever before.

Safe quartz processing

Quartz became a go-to for luxury worktops, with its benefits of scratch, stain and heat resistance only matched by its desirable ‘real’ stone looks. The material has dominated the market for higher-priced kitchen worktops. And according to the 2025 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study engineered quartz (42%) remains the most sought-after choice

However, the fabrication of the material has been linked to a potential risk of silicosis,

a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust produced during the cutting and polishing of engineered stone, where proper controls are not in place. It has been highlighted in the tabloid press and quartz has been banned in Australia, as well as by UK based kitchen, cabinet and furniture maker Herringbone. Although present at much lower levels, it should be pointed out silica is also present in granite, natural quartzite and other stone. However, experts agree silicosis is preventable.

Founder of Worktop Fabricators

Federation and owner of Affordable Graphite Andy Phillips points out there is no risk for handling, shipping, installing or using quartz worktops. He further states: “Current HSE guidance for factory owners and enforcement teams reads: ‘Products containing silica can be processed safely when proper controls are put in place.We would urge all manufacturers and fitters to ensure that they use suitable controls to protect their workers and themselves from inhaling silica dust’.”

Commercial development manager at PWS Amanda McCosh points out quartz can be fabricated safely, as she comments: “As a leading manufacturer, we believe that

B-Corp certified, Florim Ceramiche offers Florim Stone slabs in one size of 1600 x 3200mm but three thicknesses of 6mm, 12mm and 20mm. Discover more details at www.rdr.link/KBF012

engineered stone can be manufactured and fabricated safely. We encourage and fully support the strict regulation in the sector and work with the Health & Safety Executive to meet, and often exceed, the stated guidelines.” And marketing manager of Konigstone Joanne Bull supports her view: “Products containing silica can be processed safely when water suppression and respiratory protection are used and once processed these materials are inert and pose no threat of toxicity to users of products in homes or showrooms.”

Low and zero silica

The worktop market has responded to concerns about silica levels with the introduction of lower-level silica quartz (or mineral) surfaces. Joanne Bull of Konigstone comments: “We have been working with zero and low silica formulation surfaces over the last 12 months to test their performance and suitability. It was always our plan to reduce

1. FLORIM

2. KONIGSTONE

Part of its KonigCeramic collection is Calacatta Antico with wide veins and warm tones in 12mm and 20mm thicknesses and backed by a 25-year guarantee. Discover more at www.rdr.link/KBF013

3. CRL STONE

Quartz Collection now includes Cristallo Perla which comes in a 2010 x 3470mm polished finish slab measuring 20mm or 30mm thick. See the technical details at www.rdr.link/KBF014

silica content and currently around 80% of all new production are low and zero silica surfaces. We expect by Summer 2025 our whole portfolio will be low and zero silica.”

Kitchen designers and retailers are already choosing to opt for low level or silicafree surfaces, as VP of marketing at Caesarstone Jonathan Stanley comments: “More than 60% of our current quartz portfolio now falls into the low silica category – that’s 40% silica or less – with the entire collection in the process of being transitioned to low or no silica. Our Crystalline Silica-Free range launched in October 2024 with one design, 5110 Alpine Mist. We will be adding further products to his range.”

Ask for Safety Data Sheet

This increased focus on engineered quartz worktops means accomplished retailers will

ensure fabricators are abiding by correct procedures and be armed with information to advise concerned consumers. Jonathan Stanley of Caesarstone adds: “This sudden scrutiny means that designers are more conscious of the provenance of surface materials that they specify and are starting to ask the right questions about material certification, sustainability and the fabrication process that sit behind them.” And he encourages designers and retailers to ask for a Safety Data Sheet. “What you will see in the market is a general quoted amount for silica in a quartz worktop of around 93%, though this can vary significantly depending on the specific design and manufacturer. Critically, retailers need to ask to see the SDS – Safety Data Sheet – that should be available for any product that they are specifying. Without it, they simply won’t know what’s in it silica or otherwise.”

ENGINEERED STONE DEFINITIONS

Operations and technical director of Roann, Scott Wharton defines quartz, sintered stone, ceramic/porcelain and hybrid mineral surfaces

• Quartz

Made primarily from natural quartz crystals, bound with resins. They are nonporous, highly durable and available in a wide range of designs

• Sintered stone (ultra-compact)

Produced by subjecting raw materials like quartz, glass and porcelain to extreme heat and pressure. This results in a highly durable, heat and scratch-resistant surface

• Ceramic/porcelain

Made from clay and minerals fired at high temperatures. They are lightweight, heat resistant and well-suited for large format applications

• Low silica and mineral hybrid

Designed with reduced or zero silica content, these materials offer a safer alternative for fabricators while maintaining durability and design flexibility. They often incorporate recycled materials and advanced resin technologies to enhance performance

Sintered stone

At around the same time, has been the development of new surfacing materials, from sintered stone to porcelain/ceramic (see definition box). Available in jumbo slabs, they allow for the creation of expansive and visually seamless islands, which designers wouldn’t have been able to create otherwise, along with the extention of indoor surfacing to the outdoors.

Experts state the growth in popularity hasn’t been due to the silicosis concerns surrounding quartz fabrication, however sintered stone already has low and now zero silica levels. UK senior sales manager for Neolith UK Ross Stewart explains: “Neolith’s product composition does not include crystalline silica as part of its formulation. In fact, it can only be found as a residual component in the raw materials used, as it

4. LAMINAM

Travertino Bianco from the Hado collection is a contemporary interpretation of Italian Travertine. Discover all the decors at www.rdr.link/KBF015

5. ROANN

Providing quartz, mineral hybrid and porcelain worktops for housebuilders, developers and contractors. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KBF016

can also be found in the best natural stones such as marble. Therefore Neolith surfaces have silica content below 9%, and are positioned as one of the most sustainable products in the market.” Most recently it has introduced Atmosphere – a four-stong range of silica-free surfaces, shortlisted in Best of KBIS 2025 for its Sustainability category.

Operations and technical director at Roann Scott Wharton comments: “Sintered stone is currently the fastest-growing material due to its heat resistance, durability, thin profiles, and suitability for large format applications. Porcelain is also seeing rapid growth thanks to its versatility, and we’ve experienced this at Roann.”

Porcelain and ceramic

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Arguably the latest material to impact the UK market has been porcelain/ceramic surfaces. With high design and performance, alongside sustainable credentials, supporting the sale. Such has been the interest, it has seen Laminam establish itself in the UK, Florim open a flagship showroom in London and PWS introduce a ceramic worksurface collection, adding to the likes of Caesarstone and Konigstone. Managing director of Laminam UK Gavin Shaw points out the benefits of porcelain, explaining: “Porcelain is well-known for being a material with

one of the lowest carbon footprints. As it’s created from natural materials, it can be recycled to create new surfaces at the end of its life. Compared to quartz, porcelain offers greater heat resistance..”

With greater consumer awareness porcelain is only likely to grow, as the engineered stone market blossoms. Gavin Shaw points out:

“According to the Worktops in Europe report, hard surfaces will account for 56.4% of the market by 2030, far surpassing laminates, which are projected at 33.2%. Porcelain is leading this shift, with sales expected to rise by 46% between 2022 and 2030.”

So take a look at the variety of engineered stone surfaces available. Together with greater transparency on sourcing and fabrication, ensure you can exceed the design and wellbeing requirements for consumers’ homes.

6.

Strata Ceramic is a six-strong collection of ceramic worksurfaces and includes Verde, pictured. Read all about the launch at www.rdr.link/KBF017

WORKTOP TRENDS FOR 2025

Steven Fisher, product lead at Wilsonart, reveals the laminate worktop trends shaping style-led kitchens in 2025

This year, design trends will continue to evolve with an emphasis on long-term sustainability and a return to natural aesthetics. Global design movements and wellness-focused themes is shaping these preferences, with a focus on adaptable designs and calming, earthy tones that create more inviting and serene environments.

Embracing nature

In 2025, the drive for authenticity in design will see a shift towards replicating real materials, bringing the outdoors in. Expect to see a rise in elegant wood grain designs and bolder granite-inspired prints, elevated by realistic silk and matte finishes that enhance tactile appeal. As biophilic design continues to inspire, these materials are shifting towards warmer, more varied colour palettes that evoke the soothing qualities of nature. The minimalist style remains relevant for conservative customers who prefer simplicity and functionality. Key influences include the resurgence of Japanism and artisan trends that reflect a Mediterranean feel.

Curating colourful spaces

However, 2025 will also see the emergence of bolder colour palettes, with rich burgundy

and dramatic darker tones making their mark in home design. Burgundy, a key trend in soft furnishings and cabinetry, is set to inspire bold, cohesive designs that complement other elements of the space. With the increased desire for natural stone-style worktops, bold and expressive marble veining patterns are also gaining in popularity.  This trend aligns with a broader shift towards personalised and expressive décor, such as colour mixing, particularly among younger generations.

Functionality and integration

In today’s fast-paced world, functionality is essential. With multigenerational living on the rise and remote work becoming a standard part of many lifestyles, consumers

are seeking adaptable, multifunctional spaces. This demand for flexibility is reflected in the growing integration of smart technology into homes, with features like wireless charging pads and smart outlets becoming increasingly common.

A variety of laminate kitchen surfaces are available that support this shift by offering seamless integration of technology into everyday spaces, ensuring that surfaces meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

This includes built-in antibacterial properties which help slow the growth of up to 99% of bacteria, enhancing cleanliness and peace of mind. Some product designs now feature anti-fingerprint technology, providing a velvety feel and deep matte finish and providing the ability to repair micro-scratches with a melamine sponge.

7. Wilsonart Bushboard Compact laminate in Marnos Paros www.rdr.link/KBF018

PWS

Invisible touch

We shine a light on how multi-purpose spaces have driven the demand for “invisible” kitchens and how blending and concealing makes up a home

With a kitchen now expected to fulfil a variety of roles from cooking, dining, entertaining and even working spaces, hand-in-hand has grown the need for it to look less like a traditional room. It has seen the kitchen blend into homogenous ground floor living space and even be hidden away when not in use. An aesthetic which arguably started in bijou design-led apartments, where space is at a premium and flexibility of use is driven by necessity, now all sized kitchens are benefitting from concealed looks.

Head of category management at Uform Richard Gates says: “Today’s modern lifestyle has accentuated the need for greater flexibility, as more homes transition to open floor plans, the kitchen’s visibility can conflict with the multifunctional nature of living spaces.” And Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, agrees adding: “In my opinion, the trend towards concealing kitchens stems from a desire for quiet luxury, cosy minimalism and optimising the space available”.

With the scope for the trend to match a variety of space sizes and budgets, its perhaps why, senior designer at Harvey Jones Stacey Cobley comments: “The demand for invisible kitchens has grown significantly in recent years.”

Behind the door

The concealed kitchen aesthetic has been supported by handleless push-to-open storage, alongside sliding and pocket doors – covering practical breakfast and coffee stations through to utility areas or a full run of units. Design manager at Symphony Josie Medved explains: “Folding pocket doors are the perfect solution for those looking to create an ‘invisible kitchen’. Offering a great space-saving and aesthetically pleasing solution, the retracting doors means that nothing needs to be on show unless wanted. At Symphony we have a number of solutions for various areas in the kitchen, including an Oven Zone, Wet Zone, Pantry Zone and Bar Zone.”

In fact, even an entire co-located room, can be concealed, which kitchen category manager of LochAnna Sinead Trainor calls the “Doors behind Doors” trend. The secret space has become a highly desirable feature, with its low key entrance creating a big impact in kitchen design. She explains: “By cleverly sectioning off areas of the home, such as hidden pantries, utility cabinets, and concealed storage solutions, this trend allows for the seamless integration of practical spaces without disrupting the overall flow and design of the room. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is a great way to cleverly conceal a hidden pantry door that leads to a practical utility room.”

Integrated appliances

And the concealed kitchen has been further supported by built-in appliances, from banks of ovens, with flush touch controls, through to fully integrated laundry and dishwashing models hidden behind doors.

Designers can even create a worktop which slides over a hob. Head of business development at Medite Smartply Roly Ward

1.. SYMPHONY

Pocket Door Sets for Oven Zone, Utility Zone, Wet Zone, Pantry Zone, Bar Zone and Home Office. View more at www.rdr.link/KBF046

2. LOCHANNA KITCHENS

Handmade extra tall pantry doors from the Newbridge Collection. See www.rdr.link/KBF047

comments: “To achieve the minimalistic element of an invisible kitchen, Medite Optima is perfect for creating pantry doors and sliding countertops to conceal appliances such as hobs or even sinks. Medite Optima features an extra smooth finish, which is ideal for applications where users need added density, enhanced machinability and higher surface quality than typically found in standard moisture-resistant panels.”

But taking it one step further, home appliances can now form part of the overall kitchen architecture, from downdraft ventilation or extraction modelled as a shelf to induction hobs forming part of an engineered stone surface. Marketing manager of Novy UK Jenny Nalborczyk says: “Having already launched in Europe, and launching into the UK in Q3 2025, Novy has partnered with Cosentino to create the ideal solution to the invisible kitchen concept. The Novy Undercover in an invisible 1070mm induction hob, where pans sit directly on the worktop. With 40 different 20mm thick Dekton worktops to choose from, the hob has different configurations that are composed of three or four side-by-side induction zones.”

Hide and reveal

So does an “invisible” kitchen necessitate hiding all the visible elements behind doors? Absolutely not, say design experts. The level of invisibility may just mean taking a backstage and blending into the environment.

Stacey Cobley of Harvey Jones points out: “An invisible kitchen doesn’t need to be concealed, it can also be designed to seamlessly blend into open-plan living areas, enhancing the overall aesthetic with a cohesive, understated design. The choice between concealing the kitchen and blending it into the floor plan depends on the specific design goals and the desired level of invisibility. For instance, open shelves can showcase curated decor like plants, cookbooks, or artisanal bowls, adding warmth and personality without compromising the clean architectural lines of invisible cabinetry.”

Brand manager of Masterclass Kitchens Cassie Jones agrees, adding: “Rather than relying solely on concealment, invisible kitchens often blend into the home’s overall design. Open shelving, fluted glass, and furniture-like islands help blur the lines between the kitchen and living areas, creating a unified, spacious feel. Strategic choices, such as cabinetry finishes and textures that match other furniture, further reinforce this fluidity.”

Supporting lifestyle changes

Ultimately, this flexibility in kitchen design will continue to see the trend flex and evolve to match the needs of users, and further enhance their homes. Matt Phillips of Rotpunkt comments: “I anticipate that more and more homeowners and property developers will see the benefits of having invisible kitchens to complement open plan spaces and facilitate greater flow throughout the dining and living area.” And his view is

supported by Richard Gate of Uform who concludes: “The shift towards invisible kitchens reflects broader trends in lifestyle and design. As homeowners seek beauty, functionality and harmony within their living spaces, this innovative design approach is likely to stay relevant for years to come. Designers willing to embrace the challenge will find endless opportunities to create stunning kitchens that are both invisible and indispensable.”

3. ROTPUNKT

Open plan kitchen and dining concept with central island unit using Zerox and Memory Zero furniture. Go to www.rdr.link/KBF048

4. NOVY

Launching in Q3, the Novy Undercover induction hob is available in a choice of 40 Dekton worksurfaces. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF049

5. UFORM

Blending into neighbouring spaces, the Harborne in Graphite combines cooking space with bar area and banquette seating. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KBF050

At Uform, we are proud to be the leading manufacturer and distributor of doors and accessories to the kitchen, bedroom and furniture trade throughout the UK and Ireland. We make it our business to invest and support in a valued and long-term partnership with you.

Extensive ex-stock offering with over 10K+ products across 104 ex-stock ranges

Made to Order Service across foil and timber ranges for ultimate design flexibility

Unrivalled lead times on Paint to Order ranges

Nationwide delivery network including a new UK Click & Collect Service

New STORI Partner Programme to support independent retailers

Tailored, in-house Showroom Display Design Service

Easy ordering with Uform Online and integration with leading KBB platforms

Dedicated support team across Sales, Customer Services & Business Development

Industry leading marketing assets & support

Committed to investing in our partnership with

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1. EGGER

The Egger Decorative Collection 24+ enables retailers to match worktops with decorative boards, laminate and edging in matching and co-ordinating finishes. All 39 worktop finishes have matching splashbacks and upstands and 16 have a matching 18 mm Eurodekor Faced Board. All come with a 10-year guarantee and are supported by a Worktop Combination Guide and Worktops Visualiser to help selection. D iscover more details at www.rdr.link/KBF019 \1 \2

2. KUTCHENHAUS

Kitchen franchise Kutchenhaushas unveiled its 2025 collection, with anti-fingerprint lacquer, drawer system, full height doors, vertical wood decors, updated Scandi-style door and 3D digital motifs. It includes seven lacquer finishes, framed Nordic furniture, full height handleless doors and 3D digital printed décor panels in Stripewood, tile patterns, and new mirror Décor panels. View its kitchens at www.rdr.link/KBF020

3. INSINKERATOR

Food waste disposal and instant hot water tap manufacturer InSinkErator has launched its 4N1 Touch tap, plus 3N1 tap in Brushed Copper and Brushed Gold, with matching soap dispensers. InSinkErator’s 4N1 Touch dispenses filtered cold and instant filtered steaming hot water, as well as regular hot and cold supplies and can be attached to the Neochiller to offer refrigerated water. The InSinkErator 3N1 tap dispenses regular, cold and filtered steaming hot water. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF021

4. BLUM

Furniture components manufacturer Blum UKhas introduced the Aventos top range, designed to take up less space in a cupboard. It boasts a symmetrical mechanism and lever, offering a greater level of design freedom, particularly in living spaces. The company is now adding the Aventos HF top, HS top and HL top to its HK top to complete Blum’s lift system range. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KBF022

5. MIRO

Adding to its wall hoods collection, extractor specialist Miro has now introduced Utopia, a recirculation model in matt black with LED lighting. Boasting glass shelves for storage, these can be added to either side of the extractor body. Alike all Miro cooker hoods, the model comes with a Premium Silence Plus motor, designed to offer powerful extraction but with minimal noise levels. Download a brochure at www.rdr.link/KBF023

Time after time

For over a decade, the Hampton collection from Roper Rhodes has been a firm favourite with both retailers and consumers, offering the perfect balance of timeless elegance and practical design. Inspired by Shaker craftsmanship, the range combines simplicity, function, and quality, making it the preferred choice for those seeking classic bathroom furniture for modern living. Now, with a design refresh and two striking new finishes, the Hampton collection is set to appeal to a new generation of homeowners.

Thoughtful Design & Choice

Originally launched in 2012, Hampton remains the cornerstone of Roper Rhodes’ traditional furniture offering, with its beautifully crafted cabinetry, refined detailing, and an extensive range of sizes and finishes to suit any space. Available in six versatile sizes, from compact cloakroom units to expansive double vanity options, Hampton adapts effortlessly to bathrooms both small and spacious. The furniture collection is also available in eight sophisticated finishes, ranging from a classic matt chalk white to the newly introduced matt black and matt sage green

Customers can further personalise their Hampton unit with a choice of a Belfast sinkstyle inset basin for a more traditional look or a sleeker, undermounted sink and worktop combination. To complement their selection, they can choose between Arctic White and Carrara solid surface worktops, offering both durability and timeless elegance. The collection also offers a selection of

elegant handle options, with standard chrome knob handles that can be upgraded for a personalised touch, allowing customers to tailor their furniture to their preferred look and finish.

A Full Suite

The launch also includes a new range of sanitaryware and complementary designs, ensuring a fully coordinated bathroom solution. The Hampton Sanitaryware Collection offers both back-to-wall and close-coupled WC styles, along with a choice of slim-depth and standard-depth basins. This ensures flexibility for different bathroom layouts, from compact cloakrooms to larger family spaces. Hampton Toilet Seats are available in a range of finishes to match the furniture, providing a consistent and wellcoordinated look. For a fully integrated design, Hampton Bath Panels extend the classic styling across the bathroom, ensuring a seamless and polished finish.

The Hampton collection has long been a staple of our traditional furniture offering, valued for its timeless appeal and functional design. With this refresh, we have introduced new finishes and expanded the range to ensure it remains relevant for today’s homes. Our goal is to provide retailers and consumers with more choice, flexibility, and quality bathroom furniture design, reinforcing Hampton’s place as a leading collection in the market.

Rob Shean, Product Director

To celebrate the relaunch, Roper Rhodes is supporting retailers with a suite of dynamic marketing materials designed to engage and inspire consumers. From beautifully shot new photography and film to an exclusive brochure, the refreshed Hampton collection is primed for renewed success in the market.

Contact Roper Rhodes today to explore the range, access marketing assets, and bring the enduring appeal of Hampton to your customers.

www.rdr.link/KBF024

BATHROOM FURNITURE

Open and shut case

Why bathrooms have a need for open and closed storage, and how it allows retailers to personalise spaces for their clients

As bathrooms evolve into living areas, manufacturers have responded with storage that can highlight coveted possessions yet still provide privacy. It has seen the development of furniture which combines both closed and open elements. Open shelving or storage baskets can showcase luxury candles and toiletries, while the practicalities of loo rolls, bleaches and toothpaste are concealed behind doors or drawers. Design manager at Tissino Sally Bettison states: “This style of bathroom furniture offers retailers (and homeowners) versatility in how personal possessions are both stored away but also used as part of an overall design…It is really important to have the ability to store items so the space is clutter free, but also showcase items that add to the aesthetic and bring joy! Open and closed furniture provides both.”

Convenience and practicality

Although created to be visually appealing, open and closed furniture also has practical benefits too, with considered use of space and convient access when required. “A welldesigned bathroom needs both open and closed storage to adapt to different needs. Open shelving adds a sense of space and keeps frequently used items within easy reach, while closed storage ensures a clutterfree organised environment. This balance is especially important in compact or shared bathrooms, where smart storage can maximise both function and style”, says senior designer at Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard.

Illuminated open plan shelving can also provide the added advantage of lighting in the bathroom. Keuco UK country manager James Sketch adds: “In addition to the option for displaying accessories and visually appealing bathroom products, open plan elements in bathroom furniture also give the option for additional mood lighting in the room.”

Showering storage

While “open look” storage may have started

with the vanity and tall units, with shelves either on show or concealed in rotating units, it now spans much further. Yiota Toumba of Ideal Standard says: “The open and closed element has moved well beyond the vanity. We’re seeing it in shower niches, wall recesses and even freestanding storage solutions.”

It has seen the likes of Crosswater, RAK Ceramics and Hansgrohe provide preformed shower niches, in a choice of finishes to

1. HETTICH

Award-winning FurnSpin is now available in bathroom furniture through Utopia, to conceal or reveal its contents. View the video at www.rdr.link/KBF025

match brassware, and even some with illumination. Brand and communications manager of Hansgrohe Emma Freeman states: “Hansgrohe Xtrastoris wall alcoves provide sleek options to store toiletries

discreetly.” In fact, marketing director of Sonas Bathrooms, Louise Murphy goes as far to say: “Sonas always recommends the provision of built-in shower niches for storing toiletries neatly, offering a seamless, integrated alternative to bulky shelves or shower caddies.”

Trade up styles

Interestingly, the interior movement towards open and closed storage can be used, whatever the interior scheme. However, it is perhaps more likely the storage will be for a more modern look. Design manager at

Tissino Sally Bettison says: “There is no denying that this type of storage does work well in contemporary spaces and is a key area of development and focus for Tissino.”

Whatever the choice of interior styling, open and concealed storage can make a bathroom look more prestigious, and perhaps even encourage consumers to trade up. Sally Bettison of Tissino adds: “Generally, this look is mid to upper-end of the bathroom makret and is thoughtfully incorporated into the design by professionals as it is an aspirational product that functions at a higher level than just being practical.”

2. TISSINO

Part of its Esclusiva collection, Stratto fluted front furniture is available in five sizes in Matt White, Soft Taupe, Dusky Blue, Tuscan Green and Terracotta. See the range at www.rdr.link/KBF026

3. SONAS

Malmo wall-hung vanity units come in 800mm with drawer options and open shelf, plus a 1200mm option, in a choice of seven colours. View all the options at www.rdr.link/KBF027

Staying power

Combining function with fashion, will it mean furniture with open and closed elements is set to become a staple for independent bathroom retail showrooms? Industry experts believe it is a concept that it here to stay. Emma Freeman of Hansgrohe UK states: “As bathrooms are part of our daily rituals, and storage is an important part of creating a sense of calm and relaxation, minimising clutter will remain a key consideration within the market. However, we all have items that simply spark joy as well as reflecting our style. Being able to see these – and organise the rest – lends itself to helping create an appealing space to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life, feel good and, relax.”

And Yiota Toumba of Ideal Standard agrees, reporting: “The market demand for open and closed bathroom storage will continue to grow as people look for more personalised and practical solutions. Bathrooms are evolving into lifestyle spaces, where organisation meets self-expression. As minimalism and smart design continue to shape interiors, we expect to see even more customisation options that allow individuals to tailor their space to their needs.”

So get ahead of the trend for bathroom furniture which combines storage behind doors or drawers and elements for display. It’s becoming increasingly evident the success of this storage is pre-determined – or an open and shut case.

A bathroomwell-designed needs both open and closed storage to adapt to different needs. Open shelving adds a sense of space and keeps frequently used items within easy reach, while closed storage ensures a clutter-free organised environment.

4. KEUCO

Hero of the Edition 11 bathroom furniture range is a vanity unit with glass shelf, complemented by wall-mounted side boards, tall units and mirrored shelving. Discover all the details at www.rdr.link/KBF028

5. DURAVIT

Designed by F.A. Porsche, Qatego features illuminated open niches providing mood or navigation lighting in the bathroom. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KBF029

Retailers can boost freestanding bath sales, by offering a wider choice of materials, sizes and a fresh design approach

Along with the rise and rise of the “spathroom”, (a bathroom space for relaxing and rejuvenation), has been the growth of freestanding bath sales. It reflects a level of indulgence for style-led bathrooms, and sometimes bedroom spaces. Together with consumer interest in bathscaping (decorating a bath with candles or petals, as well as designer bath rack), plus the drama of integral fillers such as the new Infinity tub from Waters Baths, the freestanding tub has achieved iconic status in desirable bathroom interiors.

Senior designer at Ideal Standard UK Yiota Toumba comments: “According to a report by AMA Research, over the past two years, freestanding bath sales have really picked up, outpacing the overall bathtub market. The big reason for this growth is the rise of aspirational home content on social media. The trend of incorporating a bath into the main bedroom remains a symbol of luxury. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made spainspired, high-end bathroom designs more accessible to everyday homeowners.”

Material variety

Also widening the market for freestanding baths has been the choice of materials, encompassing a greater span of budgets. Think acrylic, alongside engineered and even natural stone tubs, as making luxury bathing more accessible. Design manager of Acquabella Juan Luna states: “Several factors have contributed to the rise in freestanding bath sales, including the introduction of a wider variety of styles and sizes, advancements in cost-effective materials, and a shift towards modern, minimalist aesthetics.” Brand marketing manager for Laufen Emma Mottram agrees the broader choice of materials has helped drive sales and is specific: “The biggest factor in the growing sales of freestanding baths has been the introduction of a wider range of materials, including solid surface, Marbond gel coat and acrylic. Offering consumers a diverse

Soak in it

selection of materials has broadened the appeal of freestanding baths by accommodating different budgets, design preferences and practical needs.”

Smaller sizes

However, it could also be argued the introduction of a variety of sizes, has enabled consumers previously restricted for bathroom space to specify a freestanding bath. Juan Luna of Acquabella points out: “The availability of smaller, freestanding models has also made them more accessible for a broader range of homeowners, including those with compact bathrooms.”

1. ACQUABELLA

The Nevis oval freestanding tub measures 1600 x 740mm, and has been designed for small bathrooms. See the technical specification at www.rdr.link/KBF030

2. KALDEWEI

Made from recyclable steel enamel, the Meisterstruck Oyo Duo is a double-walled bathtub, available in Alpine White or a range of Co-ordinated Colours. Download guides at www.rdr.link/KBF031

The likes of Waters Baths of Ashbourne, Victoria+Albert and Adamsez all offer compact models. Head of communications marketing for House of Rohl Nigel Palmer

3. SCUDO

As part of its Edition 20, Scudo has introduced three freestanding baths: Coral, with a delicate shape, the spacious Porto bath and Choices rectangular bath with soft, rounded edges. Download the brochure at www.rdr.link/KBF032

4. VICTORIA+ALBERT

Ledro has been created as a water-saving bath, reportedly with 30% less capacity than a traditional freestanding tub. View product details at www.rdr.link/KBF033

adds: “In recent years, Victoria+Albert has increased its range of smaller format baths, especially at just 1500mm long, in response to growing demand.”

Sustainable styles

Bathtub manufacturers have also worked hard on creating sustainable solutions for freestanding models, from eco-friendly materials, such as green steel, through to

reduced water use. Yiota Toumba of Ideal Standard states: “As the demand for more sustainable bathroom designs grows, the focus for freestanding baths is shifting towards the materials used to make them. In 2025, we can expect to see an increased emphasis on sourcing materials and adopting environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.”

Alongside material choice and size, they

have also recently addressed how shape determines the water-efficiency of a freestanding tub. Driven by environmental concerns, Victoria + Albert Baths introduced Ledro, a Slipper bath which narrows at the feet where less water is needed for relaxation, at Kbb Birmingham 2024.

However, it could be suggested the timeless appeal of freestanding baths, and ease of removal, are the biggest tick boxes to provide assurance over environmental concerns. Product designer Stefan Diez, who created the Meisterstuck Oyo Duo bath for Kaldewei, spoke at the company’s recent Luxstainability panel discussion on the importance of durability and circular economy. He explained: “Freestanding baths are often seen as a symbol of luxury, but they also have a practical advantage, they can be removed easily without affecting the room’s structure. This makes replacement simpler and supports the circular economy.”

Rethinking layouts

Rethinking the freestanding bath to increase sales is not solely focused on the product design, but also the room layout. Often positioned at the centre of a large, luxurious space, industry experts suggest freestanding baths can be positioned against the wall or even in an alcove to broaden possibilities. The model still offers the visual lightness with space around the bath, compared to a built- model. In fact, freestanding models have now been specifically created for back-to-wall and corner installations. Juan Luna of Acquabella

comments: “The rise of freestanding baths has influenced broader bath design tends, particularly the growing popularity of backto-wall and wall-adjacent freestanding models. These designs provide the same luxurious feel while accommodating smaller spaces and easier plumbing installations.” Head of marketing at Frontline Bathrooms Hayley Bowman says this is reflected in her company’s portfolio: “At Frontline Bathrooms, we’ve developed more back-towall designs, including the Lydia freestanding bath with the trend-led teardrop shape.”

Replica rooms

To encourage customers to consider a freestanding bath for the bathroom, or even trade up, a retail showroom is essential. Creating a display which closely replicates a consumer’s bathroom with lifestyle accessories can help the consumer visualise the bath in their personal bathroom space. “Retailers can create an experience in the showroom for consumers to shop for freestanding models by highlighting the affordable luxury. Showcasing the model in the right setting with appropriate accessories, like a bath board to promote relaxation, will ensure consumers can appreciate the look and feel if they were to implement the model

in their own home”, says Hayley Bowman of Frontline Bathrooms.

Industry experts also suggest showing a freestanding bath in smaller display spaces, to show the relevance to many homes. Emma Mottram of Laufen says: “Good design is also instrumental in persuading customers to choose freestanding baths. Many homeowners may initially believe they lack the space for such a feature. Retailers can overcome this misconception by showcasing cleverly-designed, compact freestanding models that fit comfortably into smaller bathrooms.”

Organic luxury

With the introduction of hues, texture and curves on freestanding baths, to meet the trends for earth coloured, nature-inspired bathrooms for a nurturing and grounding space, bathroom specialists can be assured they will remain a staple sale. Yiota Toumba of Ideal Standard concludes: “In the coming years, I anticipate that the sale of freestanding baths will continue to grow, with a noticeable shift towards more diverse sizes and shapes. Consumers will increasingly demand organic, flowing designs that complement natural materials, bringing a sense of luxury and uniqueness to their bathrooms.”

According to a report by AMA Research, over the past two years, freestanding bath sales have really picked up, outpacing the overall bathtub market. The big reason for this growth is the rise of aspirational home content on social media.

5. BC DESIGNS

The Kurv bath comes in the choice of polished or matt White, as well as a Marble solid surface. Discover more details at www.rdr.link/KBF034

6. WATERS BATHS OF ASHBOURNE

Infinity is an eight-strong collection of freestanding acrylic baths with a patented, built-in overflow filling system. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KBF035

1. ARMERA

Bathroom brand Armerahas expanded its high-end Atoll furniture range with a new wall-hung unit and Matt White finish. The hung unit features two drawers, and a double basin design. Atoll boasts a curved, flush handle design and 45˚ mitred corners between drawer panel and carcass. View the Atoll collection at www.rdr.link/KBF036

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2. TED (THIRTY EIGHT DEGREES)

TED (Thirty Eight Degrees) has introduced Venn, a digital shower value with LED display that allows users to select water volume, temperature and duration of flow. The shower valve boasts a timer, colour-changing backlight to offer a visual indication of temperature, and eco-friendly modes to help save water. Available in two or three-outlets, two outlets can be used at the same time and it can be positioned vertically or horizontally. Discover the specification at www.rdr.link/KBF037

3. CORAM

Surround manufacturer Coram Showers has expanded its Optima 6 shower enclosures and bath screens with Brushed Black and Brushed Gold profiles. Made from 6mm, stay-clean glass, Optima 6 enclosures come in Pivot, Quadrant, Sliding Door and Side Panel configurations. Whereas bath screens are available in Curved, Compact Curved, Square and Sail options. See the range at www.rdr.link/KBF038

4. HARRISON BATHROOMS

Part of the Scudo brand’s, Edition 20, the company has recently introduced a range of fluted countertop basins, crafted to bring modern appeal to contemporary bathroom spaces. With an elegant, fluted finish, the basins have been designed to provide texture and elevate a bathroom design. Request a brochure at www.rdr.link/KBF039

KEUCO EDITION 11

The new EDITION 11 ART by KEUCO with its tone-on-tone colour concept is setting a new trend in bathroom design. The concept was to create stunning bathroom furniture that appeared delicate in design yet solid in structure. The focus was placed on the washbasin, the centrepiece of every bathroom, alongside additional storage, including tall units, with transparent glass shelving and long mirrors that discretely disguise two handy shelves. Colour is key and all the products are available in White, Sand, Manhattan, Blue Satin, and Smoke, this provides consistency across all surfaces, and materials, and enables the creation of a bathroom with a unique, tone-on-tone aesthetic.

The delicate edges of the extremely thin 4 mm enamel washbasin blend visually with the vanity unit, creating a uniform look that

makes the furniture and washbasin appear as one. Available as a single or double washbasin solution, in two widths and a choice of one or two drawers.

An illuminated circular mirror can be placed above the vanity, or if additional storage is needed the SOMARIS mirror cabinet, is ideal as the side panels of the

SOMARIS cabinets are available in the x216 RAL Classic colours and can be matched to the EDITION 11 ART furniture.

The colour concept of EDITION 11 ART is reflected throughout for example, the furniture’s side handle is available in the same finishes as other KEUCO fittings and accessories: brushed red gold, brushed brass, brushed titanium black, aluminium finish, and stainless-steel finish, as well as deep black matt or chrome.

The visual aesthetics continue, the interior of the EDITION 11 ART drawers, are completed in elegant carbon black, and additional carbon black storage boxes blend in seamlessly, while veneer versions echo the look of the veneered body. These storage solutions can be used for both vanity units and side units.

www.rdr.link/KBF040

company matters

Offering support for independent kitchen and bathroom firms because your business is our business

SOCIAL MEDIA

How paid social media can supercharge your online presence

Carly Tallentire, account manager at Door4, explores the ins and outs of paid social media, stating it’s about being remembered—and ultimately driving action.

Paid social media advertising has become an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to reach new, relevant audiences. Unlike organic social, paid campaigns allow brands to connect with users beyond their followers, targeting those likely to be interested in their products. Platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and LinkedIn make this possible by combining reach, precision, and scalability.As paid social grows in importance — it was forecasted to account for 33% of all digital ad spend by 2024 —marketers must understand how to leverage its unique advantages.

Why paid social?

Paid social isn’t just about boosting visibility; it’s about meaningful engagement and measurable results. For KBB brands, this could mean connecting with homeowners planning renovations, reaching property developers looking for premium fittings, or targeting design-conscious consumers upgrading their interiors. Businesses use it to:

• Refine targeting: Break down audiences by location, demographics, job title, interests, or online habits to ensure ads reach the most relevant users. For example, connect with homeowners searching for luxury freestanding baths or kitchen islands.

• Test and learn: Platforms allow A/B testing of visuals, copy, and audience groups, optimising campaigns over time. Test how audiences respond to imagery of storage solutions versus ornate fittings.

• Experiment creatively: Platforms like

TikTok encourage playful, experimental tones. Create time-lapse videos of a bathroom remodel or a quick guide to selecting kitchen lighting.

• Gain data: Campaign results offer detailed metrics to refine strategies and discover untapped audiences.

Choosing the right platform

The success of paid social hinges on understanding where your target audience spends their time online. Instead of spreading budgets thinly, focus on the most engaged platforms:

• Meta: Versatile and engaging, with ad formats like carousels, videos, and shopping ads. Showcase before-and-after images of fitted kitchens or bathrooms, with shopping ads driving direct sales.

• TikTok: Ideal for consumer goods, TikTok’s younger audience drives sales, with one in three users purchasing after seeing an ad. Share content like how-to videos on small bathroom designs or trendy decor ideas.

• LinkedIn: The go-to for B2B campaigns, LinkedIn enables precise targeting of professionals. For example, it can be used to reach property developers or interior designers seeking high-quality products.

Work smarter, not harder

Understanding your audience is critical. Are you speaking to homeowners looking for design inspiration or trade professionals? Consider their demographics, interests, and pain points. Researching these details can save thousands in ad spend by focusing campaigns effectively.

At Door4, we believe the best strategy isn’t being everywhere; it’s being exactly where your audience is, with content that speaks their language.

Unlocking potential

Paid social media offers brands a unique opportunity to stand out, grow their audience, and drive meaningful results. For KBB marketers, this could mean showcasing standout designs, promoting a limited-time offer on luxury bathroom fittings, or highlighting innovative storage ideas. Whether your focus is brand awareness or conversions, these platforms provide the tools to connect with your audience in the moments that matter most.

Is your brand ready to harness the power of paid social? Now is the time to act.

Discover Door4 services at www.rdr.link/KBF041

DESIGN

Designing for the senses: Bathrooms, flexibilty, and future-proofing

In part two, Pippa Jameson , interior stylist, author and founder of The Sensory Home, explains how sensory design plays an important role in the bathroom

Bathrooms are spaces where sensory experiences play a crucial role. Poor lighting, fluctuating temperatures, echoing acoustics, or cold, unwelcoming materials can make a bathroom feel clinical and stressful rather than relaxing. Sensory design addresses this by incorporating warm, natural surfaces, adjustable lighting to avoid harsh glare, a soothing colour palette, and materials that are pleasant to touch. At the same time, bathrooms must also energise and awaken us in the morning, offering a bright and invigorating environment to start the day. This dual functionality highlights the importance of designing spaces that can effortlessly adapt to varying needs, transitioning between a peaceful retreat and an energising hub. When done right, the bathroom becomes more than a functional space—it evolves into a sanctuary that supports both mental and physical well-being. This attention to

sensory detail is particularly important for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with ADHD or autism, who are more acutely affected by their surroundings. Everything we hear, smell, touch, and even breathe affects our anxiety levels, physical health, and overall happiness.

Multi-sensory approach

Sensory design takes a multi-sensory approach to space planning that caters to individual needs. This would include dynamic lighting that can flex by changing colour, temperature, and brightness depending on the needs of the individual and the function the space is being used for.

To create a bathroom that adopts a multisensory approach to design, focus on reducing noise, enhancing comfort, and positively engaging the senses. Use soft-close fixtures, acoustic insulation, and quiet extractor fans to minimise sound. Introduce flexible, soft lighting and maximise natural light to establish a calming atmosphere. Adding fabric elements such as towels and mats not only softens the space but also reduces echo, while hidden storage keeps visual clutter to a minimum. Be mindful of temperature, as this can cause discomfort. Consider installing shower heads with adjustable settings— ranging from a penetrating spray for an

invigorating wake-up to a gentle rainfall setting that is more gentle on the body— ensuring the bathroom caters to energising and nurturing experiences. Together, these features will create a sensory-enriched space that feels both calming and comforting.

Inclusivity increases value

Beyond aesthetics, sensory design considers how a space makes us feel—addressing the physiological responses triggered by our environment. I see it as a way to future-proof our homes. After all, our homes—especially kitchens and bathrooms—should feel safe, calming, inclusive, and nurturing, blending functionality with comfort.

For bathroom and kitchen designers, there’s a substantial financial advantage in creating spaces that are adaptable, flexible, and inclusive, as this approach significantly enhances the value of a project. However, the true value lies in the profound positive impact these spaces can have on mental well-being. Sensory design represents the future—a thoughtful approach that embraces adaptability, providing spaces that offer choice and adjust seamlessly to moods, functions, and individual needs.

Discover The Sensory Home at www.rdr.link/KBF042

web stories

What has been driving KBN’s website traffic?

Here are the top three stories with the biggest hits in February 2025 on www.kandbnews.co.uk

THE 1810 COMPANY/ SCHOCK UK

Sink and tap manufacturer The 1810 Company/Schock UK has appointed Bernhard van Ommen as its new managing director. He succeedsDean Williamswho spent 14 months in the role. Bernhard van Ommen has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience, across premium and luxury brands, and will oversee sales, manufacturing, marketing, and operations in his new role. View more at www.rdr.link/KBF043

CTD

Ceramic Tile Distributors (CTD)has relocated to a “state-of-the-art” facility, to support its retail trade centres, housebuilders, and architectural sales sectors Following theacquisition of CTD by Topps Tiles, the company is now part of the group under Tiles4less Limited and has moved to the 65,000 sqft, newly refurbished facility at Northampton Prologis Park. Read more at www.rdr.link/KBF044

LAMTEK

British kitchen and bedroom carcass manufacturer Lamtekhas expanded its production, with the addition of an 80,000sqft factory. It is located alongside its existing plants, increasing its total production space to 125,000sqft, and allowing the company to produce more than 10,000 units a week. Lamtek supplies flatpack carcasses, alongside hinges and drawers to retailers, merchants, distributors and developers across the UK. View the story at www.rdr.link/KBF045

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

BC Designs........................(page 45) www.rdr.link/KBF100

Blanco Ltd..............................(page 4) www.rdr.link/KBF101

Clearwater Products Ltd..(page 22) www.rdr.link/KBF102

Crosswater..........................(page 47) www.rdr.link/KBF103

Egger UK Ltd......................(page 30) www.rdr.link/KBF104

Greg Rowe Ltd......................(page 9) www.rdr.link/KBF105

HiB Ltd..................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/KBF106

KBSA....................................(page 12) www.rdr.link/KBF107

Keuco UK Ltd......................(page 47) www.rdr.link/KBF108

Laminam UK Ltd................(page 29) www.rdr.link/KBF109

Mediaplus Koln..................(page 37) www.rdr.link/KBF110

P J H................................(page 2/IFC) www.rdr.link/KBF111

Reginox UK Ltd..................(page 25) www.rdr.link/KBF112

Roper Rhodes Ltd..............(page 38) www.rdr.link/KBF113

SFA Saniflo UK Ltd..............(page 6) www.rdr.link/KBF114

Symphony Group PLC......(page 32) www.rdr.link/KBF115

Tissino Ltd..........................(page 43) www.rdr.link/KBF116

Uform..................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/KBF117

Waters Baths of Ashbourne ..............................................(page 45) www.rdr.link/KBF118

Wilsonart............................(page 26) www.rdr.link/KBF119