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KBB 2018 Kitchen & Bathroom Trends

KBB 2018 Kitchen & Bathroom Trends

Yesterday we attended the UK’s largest kitchen, bedroom and bathroom trade show, KBB. With hundreds of brands launching their new collections and latest technologies it is a great place to find the next up and coming trends and KBB did not disappoint. The trends we noticed spanned across both kitchens and bathrooms in equal measure, highlighting their influence across the entire industry. Below we discuss the three overriding trends:

BLUSH PINK

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Image via Hawk KB

With Pantone and Dulux’s colour of the year for 2018 being Ultra Violet and Heart Wood, both warm, pink/purple tones it was clear to see why at KBB. Blush pink was prominent across both kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, a very bold change from previous years but a change that looks surprisingly stunning. Paired with warm coppers and brass, this colour sits perfectly.

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Images via Hawk K&B

In recent years we have seen people become braver with their kitchen colour palette going for navy and forest green and blush pink takes another step into the direction of making the open-plan kitchen another room to make unique. It is not only reserved for contemporary kitchens such as this from Brigitte Kuchen either, Masterclass Kitchens showed their shaker door island in a beautiful blush pink, accented with a brass handle.

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Images via Hawk K&B

However bathroom trends for many years have stuck to monochrome, black whites and greys for many years so blush pink or colour in itself is a very bold step up in bathroom design. However, again with the rise of copper and gold brassware in bathrooms, this colour goes hand in hand as you can see on this Vlaze rose enamelled vanity unit with gold trim and handles and the Dansani gold taps paired with this beautiful gloss pink unit.

INDUSTRIAL

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Image via Hawk K&B

Last year black came into its own within bathroom design in particular with black baths and tiles in abundance. Naturally this paired well with white sanitaryware, you can read more on our blog ‘Black & White Bathrooms’. This has now ultimately led to a more stripped back, industrial look which we have seen prominently across both kitchens and bathrooms this year.

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images via Hawk K&B

In bathrooms, the industrial edge comes across in the details. Contemporary shower screens, inspired by industrial partitioning were seen from Impey and Fiora, among others. Crosswater also launched their Union range of brassware taking influence from traditional levers and wheels with knurled detailing for a contemporary edge.

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Images via Hawk K&B

On cabinetry, steel or mottled effect finishes emulate the industrial feel alongside details such as edging on corners, shown on this unit from Diesel Living with Scavolini.

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Image via Hawk K&B

On the Diesel Living kitchen, modular structures and different textures such as steel tubes, ribbed glass and feet and corner elements epitomised the contemporary industrial style. Brushed steel cabinets and open shelving was also prominent, with Franke launching their stainless steel worktops at KBB.

COPPER

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Image via Hawk K&B

Last year we saw lots of copper accessories and an introduction to copper or ‘rose gold’ brassware. This trend has now evolved into the main components of kitchens and bathrooms, from cabinetry to sanitaryware itself.

In kitchens, copper was used a lot as an accent within contemporary cabinetry, shown above in this Rotpunkt kitchen.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Surprisingly this also extended to copper accents and trims on appliances, from Kuppersbusch and De Dietrich to Smeg with Smeg co-ordinating this with a copper sink.

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Image via Hawk K&B

In bathrooms, Hurlingham went all out with copper showers, shower trays and accessories. Elsewhere copper was ever more prevalent as a brassware option, including the Serenitie range from Abode.

 

Creating Hygge in Your Bathroom

Hygge: A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh), the defining characteristic of Danish culture, is the latest living trend to enter our homes. For bathrooms specifically, the market is already seeing designs leaning toward this trend, with home-spa bathrooms and a focus on nature and wellness growing in popularity.

With much of our everyday spent in our homes, Hygge is centered on the warmth of the home so is particularly prominent as the evenings draw in towards the winter months. Although loosely translated as cosiness, hygge encompasses much more than that. It is about slowing down and appreciating the everyday moments.

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Image via Victoria & Albert

One of the rare moments when we are alone is usually in the bathroom. Although a quick shower is usually favoured in today’s busy lifestyle, taking the time to run a warm bath and relax with a book or a glass of wine will give you a greater sense of wellbeing. Choosing a bath that is both deep and comfortable, such as the Victoria & Albert Vetrella, along with the Tombolo bath rack, will give you all the more reason to take that time for yourself.

However if bathing isn’t for you, ensure you go for a walk-in shower with a large rainshower head for the most natural  water flow, as if you were simply standing in a warm downpour. There are now many shower options available for you to create your own personal tailor-made spa experience. We recommend GROHE’s F-digital Deluxe, complete with lighting, sound and steam, to stimulate all your senses and transform your bathroom into a space of hygge for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

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Images via Hawk K&B

Texture is vital for achieving hygge. Opt for a beautifully soft bath mat and thick fluffy towels with a focus on comfort. Enveloping yourself in a super soft robe or towel after a hot bath or shower is what hygge is all about. Or for the ultimate in comfort, install underfloor heating.

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Image via Hawk K&B

One of the key principles of hygge is lighting. Low, warm lighting is best, creating a calming ambience so light plenty of flickering candles and keep harsh lighting to a minimum. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bathroom, light a fire for the perfect natural warm light.

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Images via Hawk K&B

You can also bring added hygge into your bathroom through natural colours and materials such as wood and marble. Above, the natural wood cladding and wooden vanity unit, paired with low level lighting create the perfect cosy cloakroom. However where using natural materials is awkward such as in a shower room, opt for wood-effect or stone-effect tiles which will produce the same look and feel but with much better practicality.

Similarly, hygge is about simplicity so using the same tile across walls and floors, as we have done above, will create a simple yet elegant bathroom interior. A frameless shower screen or door will also add to the seamless appearance of the space.

Overall, the bathroom is the perfect space to introduce hygge to your home. With natural lighting, materials, colours and warmth, it is easy to achieve that cosiness and contentment that hygge is about. Just take the time to relax and immerse yourself in it.

Neptune Autumn Winter 2017

Last week we attended the launch of Neptune’s AW17 collection and although outside was bright and sunny, once inside we were transported into a cosy, warming environment filled with deep colours and rich metallics reminiscent of winter woodland tones.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Teal was the colour of the moment, bringing drama to a space but also a sense of calm. Paired with warming tones in, aptly named, ‘fox’ and ‘chestnut’ immediately evoking images of crackling open fires. The overall feel is very British heritage and could be seen and felt through all of Neptune’s Autumn Winter additions.

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In kitchens it was in the details with black, bronze and leather handles transforming not only the cabinets themselves but the entire room. The new Barlow range of hardware features a simple handle in a black bronze finish, something we have seen creeping into hardware across both kitchens and bathrooms this year. The matt texture means that it will age gracefully and creates a beautiful contrast with oak and painted finished.

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Image via Neptune

The Dylan handle however is a favourite of mine. The addition of this leather toggle handle on dark kitchen cabinetry creates a striking appearance that allows the tan hues to shine, not to mention the texture it brings to the room, a texture and colour that will change and age gently over time.

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Image via Hawk K&B

For bathrooms, Neptune has introduced a brand new range of vanity units, completely different to their existing range but complimentary and just as beautiful. The Edinburgh unit comes in a natural oak with louvered doors and a marble top offering a characterful mix of textures and finishes to your bathroom space. Coming in three sizes, including an open shelf version, the Edinburgh will be a unique addition to any bathroom, small or large.

To compliment the new and existing bathroom collections, Neptune have also introduced the Bamburgh range of accessories. From simple towel rings to taps each has form and function in equal measure.

We are looking forward to introducing these elements into our upcoming kitchen and bathroom designs for next season.

Black & White Bathrooms

Black and white is a classic colour combination that can produce a stunning effect in interiors, particularly bathrooms. The bathroom has never been the place to really show off interior trends, styles and colours however black and white in the bathroom can produce both beautiful classic and contemporary schemes that will remain timeless.

The reason black and white is so effective in bathrooms is due to the impact the colour combination can make, particularly in a small space such as a bathroom. Black absorbs light, whilst white reflects it. The fact that bathrooms are often full of clean lines and bold angles lends itself further to these contrasting tones.

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Image Via Decoist

When we think of a monochrome bathroom we usually imagine a classic, traditional style bathroom with a black toilet seat, white metro tiles with black borders and a roll top bath resting on black ornate feet. However recently, black and white has come to the forefront of contemporary bathroom design too.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Luxury bathroom suppliers are now introducing black sanitaryware, with the Bette Loft Bath having launched in black at Ish earlier this year and Villeroy & Boch offering another contemporary bath in a combination of black on the outside and white on the inside.

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Image via Hawk K&B

However if you want to achieve the ultimate in contemporary monochrome bathrooms, choose black furniture such as the Villeroy & Boch Finion range with its matt black finish.

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Image via Hawk K&B

The bathroom set at this year’s Ideal Home Show also demonstrated how a black and white bathroom can produce a beautiful classic contemporary look. Classic chequerboard tiles combined with a contemporary freestanding bath and black countertop sinks create a bathroom that oozes design. The addition of natural materials and textures throughout from the wooden stool, wicker basket and foliage, bring in a softer element and warmer tones to reduce the harsh contrast of the black and white.

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Images via Hawk K&B

Another element to consider when going monochrome is pattern. With such high contrast, a black and white pattern can really complete your bathroom, particularly a patterned tile. However if you’re looking for something more subtle, choose a dark stone with a natural pattern or inject it through soft furnishings such as curtains or towels like this bathroom above.

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Image via Hawk K&B

A black and white bathroom is easy to achieve with the majority of sanitaryware being white, the success of the design comes down to where you will inject the black. From going all out and painting a wall black or choosing a contemporary black cabinet to simply adding in black details through your choice of towels and accessories, such as this bold black mirror above, a monochrome bathroom will always make a statement that will stand the test of time.

Bathroom Trends & Themes – ISH 2017

Last week Frankfurt welcomed around 200,000 visitors, including ourselves, to ISH, The World’s Leading Trade Fair for The Bathroom Experience.  The trade show invited design experts to experience and view some of the most impressive collections from around the world alongside the latest products, technologies and solutions launching onto the market.

This year’s themes for the bathroom were ‘health’, ‘comfort’, ‘individual’, ‘digital’ and ‘responsible’ and these themes certainly ticked all the boxes for us.

However, the theme that really resonated with us was ‘The Individual Bathroom’. Designing a personalised bathroom, individual to the client is essential to what we do. This doesn’t mean extravagant furnishings or particularly original ideas, but a bathroom that is tailored around the needs and wants of the client.

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Image via Grohe

The Grohe Rainshower SmartControl 360 shower system offers the most personalised shower experience yet. Remembering your personalised shower patterns and water temperatures, whether it’s a blood pumping cold blast after a hot gym session or a comfortably warm, massaging spray after a long day at work; with one push of a button your personalised shower is ready and waiting for you.

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Image via Bette

On the bathing front, the BetteLoft built-in bath is perfectly designed with precise contours to fit into the tapered surfaces of a loft space. This means it can offer a more comfortable soak for those with smaller loft bathrooms, making use of the limited space.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Brass was, once again, a key look with copper and gold also making appearances, particularly in brassware. These warm metallics naturally then paired with darker bathroom settings, creating a moody look. A bold step away from the traditional light, white bathrooms we are used to seeing.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Villeroy & Boch’s new collection ‘Finion’ highlighted exactly this, with its black furniture with gold niches and brassware and a holistic lighting concept to create a harmonious light stage. This indirect lighting of the shelves as well as backlighting of the cabinets and mirrors creates a different, softer light not often seen in bathrooms, right down to the elegant mirror light with surrounding LED lighting. All controlled by remote control.

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Image via Villeroy & Boch

For a more personalised experience, a mobile phone charging station for smartphones can be integrated into the side cabinet and shelves or an optional Bluetooth sound system can be built into the mirror.

The variety of individualisation options in Finion are designed to meet the growing demands of a modern lifestyle in every single detail.

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Image via Hawk K&B

It wasn’t just colour either, textured surfaces made a striking appearance across brassware and sanitaryware. These Gessi taps offer a variety of tactile finishes from dimples to quilting, offering the ultimate in bathroom personalisation.

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Image via Hawk K&B

This BetteLoft Ornament bath in enamelled steel not only looks stunning but also demonstrates the tremendous adaptability of glazed titanium steel.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Bette definitely excelled with the textures on their sanitaryware with their Lux Oval Couture range. Upholstered in a comfortable, durable fabric in three colour options, comfort and personalisation define this collection.

It’s clear to see that the bathroom has become a room that is now treasured within the home, a place that is to be designed and personalised around the client. Consistent with our approach to designing bathrooms, we are looking forward to having some of these new collections in our new St Albans showroom opening later this year.

Go Bold with Brassware

Bathrooms are no longer a room that is simply ‘updated’ every few years, bathrooms are now something to be thoughtfully designed and delivered to perfection, right down to the brassware. Because of this, there are now so many more luxurious, colourful and interesting options to bring your bathroom to life.

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Image via Grohe

Finishes are key. Colour but also a mix of textures; polished, matt, brushed or tarnished, and a mix of materials and detailing too are what people are looking to achieve in luxury bathroom design. Grohe have recently extended their range of colours in their brassware to include ‘Warm Sunset, Cool Sunrise, Hard Graphite and Soft Graphite’. The addition of not only colour, but also texture, allows much further individualisation in bathroom design than ever before.

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Image via Grohe

Warm brass, coppers and rose gold tones have been reigning across bathroom brassware recently. The beautiful thing about opting for these warmer colours is the instant luxury they will add to the space and they are a perfect fit for any style of bathroom from light to dark and traditional to contemporary.

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Images via Ann Sacks & Heritage

In a darker room, they add warmth and opulence to create a moody, relaxing room whereas in an all-white bathroom, a copper or rose gold brassware introduces a pop of colour.

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Images via Heritage & Grohe

However if you’re looking for something a little more subtle, mixing metals can also create an added design element to elevate your bathroom design. These Heritage Lymington basin taps in chrome are finished with an inlaid lace detail in gold or for a more contemporary look, Grohe have introduced a flash of gold into their Grandera Mixer taps.

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Image via Perrin & Rowe

For an extra special finish, Perrin & Rowe also offer a 24k gold finish alongside, English bronze, aged, polished and satin brass. Epitomising true luxury, Gold by Perrin & Rowe is pure yellow in colour all thanks to the 24 carat gold plating process and hand polished high shine finish. Each high-quality finish brings a touch of class, sophistication and character to any bathroom: whether that’s traditional or contemporary in style.

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Image via Heritage

Beyond brassware, think about incorporating different metal tones into basins and sanitaryware too. This beautiful Abingdon wash stand from Heritage Bathrooms comes in a rose gold finish and they have also extended their rose gold collection to WC hinges, cistern levers, taps and showers so you can complete your bathroom with this luxurious look.

This is a trend that can be easily added and adapted to any bathroom. With either a selection of warm metallic accents, complete bathroom sets or metallic accessories, you can make your bathroom more luxurious, colourful and interesting.