Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

PJH invests in “Bathrooms to Love Bond” – online price and brand protection

January 10, 2023

Distributor PJH has launched its Bathrooms to Love BOND, a unique initiative that aims to protect the independent retailer from online pricing competition. The initiative is part of its growth strategy, of which the independent retailer is an important part.

Bathrooms to Love BOND, which stands for Brand assurance, Online price protection, New and exclusive product ranges, and Display and showroom support, helps to not only protect the Bathrooms to Love brand, but provides online price protection by preventing Bathrooms to Love products from being sold ‘like-for-like’ via e-commerce websites at reduced RRPs.

The Bathrooms to Love BOND commits PJH to protect and invest in the Bathrooms to Love brand and provides online price protection by preventing Bathrooms to Love products from being sold via e-commerce websites at reduced RRP’s.

The Bathrooms to Love BOND will also provide independent retailers with regular new product launches as well as offer the best display and showroom support. This includes Augmented Reality (AR), which facilitates greater product understanding by allowing products to be viewed in customer’s own spaces – all part of PJH’s 5-star First Choice Service.

Removing the ‘like-for-like’ price differentiation common between e-commerce sites and retail showrooms, PJH has introduced ‘Your Label’, an innovative and industry leading solution that allows retailers the ability to sell the Bathrooms To Love product range online via their own e-commerce website, with PJH providing the ability for the e-commerce customer to add unique product names, codes and product information. Your Label will even apply retailers’ own product names and codes on the packaging label as well as deliver the product direct to customer homes, for a completely seamless retail solution.

Speaking about Bathrooms to Love BOND and the ‘Your Label’ solution, Brett Jenkinson, head of retail customer experience, PJH, said: “Being able to support our ‘bricks & mortar’ retail customers against the challenge of on-line pricing is important for PJH, and pivotal to our continuous goal of providing a First Choice Service. Bathrooms to Love BOND, together with Your Label underlines this commitment to our independent bathroom retailers, helping them differentiate their product offering and therefore protecting them against on-line price discounting.

“Your Label’ supports this differentiation, allowing e-commerce customers to take advantage of the vast and always on-trend Bathrooms to Love collection, but to offer it to their customers with their own unique range and product names, and also with our end-to-end 5-star customer support including sourcing, picking, packing and delivery direct to the customer’s home.”

Bathrooms to Love BOND and ‘Your Label’ are available to new and existing PJH customers and will be supported by PJH’s class leading Partners Portal™ web site. This allows retailers the ability to manage transactions and view order history as well as access support materials such as product information, photography, and the tools to order, track and arrange ‘Next Day’ deliveries to 91% of UK post codes.

Brett added: “PJH prides itself on working with its many different customer types by providing solutions that are mutually beneficial – part of our ‘together we’re better’ strategy, and our Bathrooms to Love BOND and ‘Your Label’ initiatives reinforce this commitment to support the shared goal of growing sales.”

To find out more about the Bathrooms to Love BOND and ‘Your Label’ solutions contact PJH on: – Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the e-commerce site: www.partners.pjh.uk

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VitrA launches new shower toilet training module

January 10, 2023

VitrA Bathrooms has launched an online training module for retailers and specifiers for its comprehensive range of shower toilets – V-Care and Aquacare.

Margaret Talbot, marketing manager for VitrA, explains, “In Japan and much of the East, shower toilets are an everyday, popular product. Yet market sales and awareness are both low here in the UK.”

VitrA offers visually aesthetic and cost-effective shower toilets and was keen to understand consumer hesitation. Working with Trend Monitor, VitrA Bathrooms, based in Oxfordshire, commissioned a comprehensive piece of research to understand the drivers and hurdles for the sales of shower toilets in the UK.

The research showed that, out of 16,740 people, only 0.01% had a shower toilet in their home – clearly illustrating that there is little awareness of the product in the market.

“96% of bathroom purchasers were not offered a shower toilet as part of their bathroom design. Yet 77% of respondents who had used a shower toilet said they would consider one for a bathroom or cloakroom. These findings indicate there is enormous potential for shower toilet sales.” Margaret explains.

Secondary research, which targeted consumers within the AB socio-economic groups who had bought and installed a new bathroom or cloakroom within the past three years, showed that 38% of homeowners hadn’t heard the term ‘shower toilet’. A further 74% had never used one. This demonstrates the opportunities available to educate, with consumers having little idea of a shower toilet, how it works, or the vast range of benefits.

VitrA’s research also showed that there are two primary buying personas. Firstly, those aged 50+ with limited mobility who have been alerted to the benefits of shower toilets by a hospital therapist. Secondly, those aged 30-50 who are more affluent and well-travelled and have used a shower toilet before and appreciated the health and well-being benefits. Both groups showed that promoting the benefits of a shower toilet instead of the features is more effective. Price point was a common barrier in the research, particularly when factoring in installation costs. Many only suggest a shower toilet to those with a renovation budget of over £10,000.

Nonetheless, with increasing consumer interest in hygiene, sustainability, wellness and smart products, there is enormous potential for the shower toilets market. Globally it is expected to reach USD 6.78 Billion by 2027, an increase of 1.85 billion (Source – Blue Weave Consulting).

To help its retailers communicate the numerous benefits of shower toilets and washing with water, VitrA has launched an online training tool. The tool educates retailers on using the product and its myriad benefits and features. The training module is hosted on the VitrA Academy, VitrA’s platform for different training modules.

Margaret Talbot explains, “Shower toilets offer a huge growth potential for retailers in the UK. Just like with dishwashers in the kitchen 30 years ago, consumers feel shower toilets are a costly, unessential luxury. Today, many households would not consider a home without a dishwasher – it’s no longer a luxury but a hygienic, environmentally-sound decision. Similarly, over time the shower toilet will become a UK bathroom must-have as it has in many countries worldwide.

“This research has added to our understanding of opportunities and challenges. Our shower toilets are feature-rich and price-competitive; our training academy is designed to support our retailers in understanding and communicating the benefits.”

VitrA Academy – Introduction to shower toilets

www.VitrA.co.uk

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The Roxor Group launches new Hudson Reed & nuie bathroom brochures

January 10, 2023

The Roxor Group has launched its brand-new Hudson Reed and nuie brochures for January 2023 to showcase both brands’ products for the new year.

This year, Hudson Reed is showcasing its brand-new Havana handleless Furniture range which features a full selection of wall-hung designs. Available in six unique colours – including the new Metallic Slate finish – the collection offers a sleek handleless design and a luxury outer frame feature.

As part of a key focus on baths in 2023, Hudson Reed’s Eternalite Baths are the latest addition to its portfolio. Brushed Brass is also included as a brand-new finish across both its Piazza and Lorica radiator collections.

Roxor’s nuie’s 2023 brochure presents showcases the brand-new Lunar furniture range. The collections’ modern designs are enhanced by the soft curves and tonal colour pallet, making them perfect for those looking to add a contemporary style to their bathroom space.

Additionally, nuie is introducing its Classique collection for 2023, a range of floor-standing and wall-hung units, offering customers a vintage design with a modern twist. nuie has also launched a brand-new collection of baths, offering Thin Edge and Eternalite options. Available in both Square Single-Ended, or Square Double-Ended designs, they’re guaranteed to add a sleek and fashionable aesthetic to any bathroom.

Both brochures bring to life each brand’s extensive range of products via beautiful lifestyle imagery.

With clean and clear formatting, professionals and customers can easily find the correct product code, components, dimensions and prices for all Hudson Reed and nuie ranges.

All new product launches can also be found on Roxor’s easy-to-use app, customers can simply log onto their account to start browsing.

in addition, to help customers to visualise, Roxor has launched 3D design software. By inputting their bathroom’s dimensions and selecting the desired products and style, the advanced software plans and builds their unique bathroom design, bringing the space to life.

For more information or to order or download the 2023 brochures visit: https://www.roxorgroup.com/

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Iconic Thomas Crapper chosen for Georgian manor

January 9, 2023

Thomas Crapper has proven to be a perfect fit for a Georgian manor, the homeowners of a beautiful property in Northamptonshire chose the iconic bathroom specialist for both their downstairs cloakroom and separate washroom.

Both rooms were designed by Grace & Favour’s in-house Designer, Lauren Jakeman. With more than 25 years’ of experience, Grace & Favour offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service when it comes to designing an entire home. “From concept, through design, to completion of the build, we offer the full service.”

“Working with Thomas Crapper is always a pleasure. Their customer service is excellent – from ordering to installation, the transactions are seamless. The team at Thomas Crapper are always willing to help and have an excellent knowledge of the products – which are iconic and show real attention to detail.

“The quality is clear and clients have been pleased with their designs time and time again. I particularly like the ‘primed for painting’ cisterns as it is great to be able to choose a colour which works with the scheme of a room. The new Bentham basin is also a great choice for smaller spaces and the colour choices are fabulous! Thomas Crapper will always be a go-to supplier for us” comments Lauren.

As well as a Thomas Crapper cistern, the downstairs cloakroom features the Bentham basin in Forest Green, Fontley mixer tap, Venerable WC pan, Mahogany throne seat, Marlborough toilet roll holder, towel ring, spare toilet paper holder and the classical wall mounted toilet brush – all installed with specialist Thomas Crapper fittings and brackets.

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Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum predicts four big 2023 bathroom trends

January 9, 2023

There is no doubt that bathroom style has had a major glow-up in recent years with many interior enthusiasts opting to combine functionality with design to create a space that offers a sanctuary for relaxation.

When it comes to planning a new bathroom, whether that’s a full remodel or a small upgrade, there are plenty of inspiring trends to create a real statement, from bold tiling and colourful palettes to natural materials and minimalist style. But what are the must-have looks we’ll all be clamouring for in 2023?

Ruth Foster, interior designer at online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum, shares her top four trend predictions for the year ahead.

Totally terrific tilework

“Rather than updating the entire bathroom suite, people are infusing a statement feature into their bathroom tiling.

“For 2023, we predict terrazzo, geometric and monochrome checkerboard designs will be the most popular for styles coming to bathroom tiles.

“Online searches for ‘terrazzo bathroom tiles’ have grown by a whopping 13,900 since the end of 2021, and we can see why. With its signature speckled stone look it adds a depth of sophistication to bathrooms.

In 2023, pair with a neutral colour palette and bathroom greenery to create a washroom with a natural and timeless theme.

“Geometric tilework allows you to be bold and put your creativity to the test and many are feeling daring in their bathroom design with online searches relating to geometric bathroom tiles jumping by 34,900 per cent since last year.

“Popular geometric patterns include hexagons, bricks, chevrons and parquet-like designs, and for a more masculine, yet artsy feel, opt for this in a monochromatic colour scheme. Combine with simple bathroom furniture to compliment your statement geometric tilework.

“While chequerboard tiling has always been a favourable choice in the bathroom this beloved retro style design has evolved and is back with a bang.

With year-on-year online searches of ‘chequerboard tiles’ up by 800 per cent, the mosaic style is now embracing softer and more feminine colours for a more elegant feel for 2023.”

Seamless screens

“In 2023, we will be saying farewell to framed screens and hello to even more glass shower screens.

“Installing a seamless glass shower screen can maximise the feeling of light and space, even in the smallest of bathrooms.

“In the last 12 months, online searches for ‘glass shower screens’ has risen by a massive 87,900 per cent, showing that the seamless and spacious look is on the mind of shoppers for the coming year.

“Opting for a frameless shower screen also means you have even more opportunity to reflect your personality in your tile design and bathroom fittings, whether that is with gunmetal taps or bold shower panels.”

Luxe additions

“The evolution of the social media ring light is influencing our homes with chic backlit mirrors fast becoming a bathroom must-have. Online searches for ‘backlit bathroom mirrors’ are up 38,900 per cent in comparison to last year so this is definitely an emerging luxury trend for 2023.

“If a refresh of your bathroom accessories is all you need, then introducing a backlit mirror is a fantastic way to bring a combination of elegance, glamour and drama to your bathroom.

“Serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose, back-lit mirrors are ideal for style-switchers who fancy bringing a spot of extravagance to their bathroom.

“Introducing metalwork touches into your bathroom furniture and accessories has been gradually on the rise as a design trend since 2016 and there is no sign of slowing down.

“In 2023, we expect to see gunmetal make an appearance amongst the brass and copper metalwork features.

“Searches for gunmetal-related bathroom furniture and accessories are up year-on-year by 1,600 per cent. We predict many will use gunmetal accents to transform an ordinary bathroom into a more lavish space that can be effortlessly matched with a wide range of materials including marble, wood, stone and ceramics.”

Bathroom panelling

“A trend that has been popular throughout the entire home in 2022 is panelling (pictured top), and it’s set to take a step into the bathroom in 2023 to create the ultimate Cottagecore look.

“Online searches related to using panelling in the bathroom have grown by a massive 93,000 per cent in the past year, so it’s no surprise people are looking to kit out their bathrooms to match the new wall décor trend.

“Make a statement with panelling and install a freestanding bath with chrome claw feet for that extra luxurious feel. Opt for floating sanitaryware so the panelling can run seamlessly around the room, and if space allows include a design-led vanity unit with a pastel-coloured basin.”

For more style advice and bathroom inspiration visit www.VictoriaPlum.com

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The interior design trends you’ll be seeing more of in 2023

January 6, 2023

The interior design team at David Wilson Homes have put together the latest interior design trends, from upcycled furniture to new colour schemes.

Browns hues

In 2022, you may have noticed brown shades creeping from the runway onto the rails of your favourite high street clothing shops. In 2023, it’s time for interior design to get an injection of brown.

Cosy brown shades help to emulate a feeling of calm and luxury in interior spaces. Think dark wood, chocolatey fabrics and warm, sandy neutrals.

Wall panelling

Whether its popularity is thanks to period dramas like Bridgerton and The Crown, who knows. But wall panelling is certainly a design trend we’re going to see continue to grow in 2023.

Fabulously hardwearing and therefore ideal for high-traffic areas of the home like hallways and stairways, panelling also adds depth and texture to your walls – a great way to create that high-end, interior designer je ne sais quoi.

Media walls

Media walls are built-in design features that house the television screen and any other entertainment system equipment such as games consoles and sound systems. They often have an electric fireplace underneath, and may include built-in storage too.

With television screens only getting bigger, media walls are a fantastic way to integrate your screen into your room design. Plus, of course, they hide all those unsightly wires!

Statement radiators

Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. But as people look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient, expect statement radiators to be a trend we see more of in 2023.

You can either paint your existing radiators or upgrade to something more energy efficient like an oil-filled radiator. These are said to be more energy efficient and mean that you can turn the heating on in just one room of the home, keeping costs at bay. Added to this, they come in a range of different colours and finishes – an opportunity to make your radiator a focal point.

Upcycled wooden furniture

With tight budgets there is an opportunity for homeowners to get creative, we think upcycled wooden furniture is going to be a key trend in 2023. Buying pre-loved furniture and giving it a lick of paint is something we’re seeing a ton of in some of our favourite DIY Facebook groups.

Second-hand wooden furniture like chests of drawers, bedside tables and bookshelves can be picked up very affordably. Then all it takes is a lick of paint to make it your own. Hopefully, we’ll see some joyful pops of colour with bright teals, rich oranges and buttery yellows.

Curtains

For several years now, blinds have been favoured over curtains but, as homeowners search for ways to retain heat in their homes, we predict curtains are going to see a well overdue resurgence. Curtains, especially thermal curtains, can be effective at preventing heat loss from things like doors and windows.

We might even see a revival of decorative window treatments too. Think shaped cornices and fringed trim.

Rugs that double as works of art

We like to think of rugs as artwork for the floor. In particular, retro designs and abstract patterns can really inject some fun into a room.

Some of the more affordable home furnishing brands have some brilliant statement rugs in store for 2023 and we can’t wait to see how homeowners incorporate them into their design schemes.

2022 Interior Design Report | David Wilson Homes (dwh.co.uk)

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HEWI relaunches Iconic Range 477/801

January 5, 2023

Design icons always make an impression. HEWI has relaunched its classic Range 477/801 with new and exciting colour combinations.

Bringing emotion and colour to architecture, HEWI helps create a sense of well-being that can aid the recovery process in health and care establishments.

The concept of the “healing architecture” within healthcare buildings and its influence on, not just the physical and mental well-being of patients, but also the welfare of relatives and staff, was amongst other things, an essential element of the design of Range 477/801.

HEWI has opted for a coral, aqua blue and pure white combination for healthcare buildings. These products are available in both matt and gloss.

Visit the website to view the range in full.

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Successful AGM for the Unified Water Label

January 4, 2023

The Unified Water Label Association held its AGM in Barcelona on Thursday 15 December, with members and supporters from all over Europe attending in person or taking part remotely.

UWLA President Carlos Velazquez was re-elected for a further term of office, as was Georg Taubert as UWLA VP, Timo Kopka head of marketing and Christian Taylor Hamlin, head of the technical committee.

Unified Water Label Association MD Yvonne Orgill updated the meeting on the scheme’s progress, highlighting recent growth and examples of how the Unified Water Label was increasingly being used as the bench criteria for government legislation such as the EU Taxonomy Directive.

Yvonne said, “Market transformation is happening and the UWLA is influencing at all levels. From grass roots level with young people in schools, through retailers, merchants and installers, to government bodies and associations.

“The scheme has attracted the support of 155-160 brands supported with a live database of over 14,300 individual products that is rapidly growing.

Carlos added, “We have made great progress but our challenge remains to continue to improve visibility of the label in the marketplace. We have a significant presence planned at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water, in Frankfurt from 13 to 17 March 2023.

“Next year will be an important year to build on the strong growth we have experienced so far. We have the products and the label, and we also have the solutions. Greater visibility in the marketplace will secure our success and leadership on water efficiency.”

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A question of compliance

January 4, 2023

Today we hear from Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, to understand why compliance is so important.

Adhering to regulations is essential to supplying water fittings in the UK and for connection to the water supply. Credible manufacturers do not see this as a burden and wholly welcome compliance and the emphasis it gives to high standards and safety.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, with a particular focus on the requirement of Regulation 4, is essential for anyone supplying taps, showers or other water fittings. The regulations require products to be of an appropriate standard and be suitable for the circumstances they are used for – often referred to as ‘Reg 4 compliant’.

This is important because it protects consumers’ water supply from contamination, either from materials or by water being pulled into the system (backflow or back-siphonage).

The BMA and its members are keen for everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturers, specifiers and developers to water undertakers, installers, and consumers, to understand Regulation 4 certification. Having that in place and correctly installing bathroom products will ensure the public is kept safe.

Installers have a legal responsibility to ensure installations comply with the water regulations, so for them, using approved certified products is a first step. For retailers, we urge them to seek out test declarations or Reg 4 certifications and ask questions of suppliers if that information is missing.

BMA members ensure their products comply with relevant safety rules by sending them for independent third-party testing or certification to verify claims. While this is not a strictly legal requirement, credible manufacturers embark on this immense effort at a significant cost so that customers have a guarantee that it meets the required standards.

However, confusion in the marketplace continues around the certification of products and demands for approvals from one specific test house are unnecessary.

While the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) is the most well-known third-party certification for Reg 4 compliance, two other acceptable approval and certification schemes exist run by NSF (NSFreg4) and Kiwa UK (KUKreg4).

All these schemes provide the testing and certification demanded by Reg 4 and offer an equal level of assurance. Therefore, requesting certification from one specific organisation or another is unnecessary and can reinforce bottlenecks in the approvals system.

By highlighting this issue, we hope manufacturers’ supply chain partners will understand the variety of routes on offer to demonstrate compliance. This will result in high-efficiency products being launched far quicker, enabling customers to benefit from the critical energy and water savings sooner. A clear win-win for everyone, including the environment.

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Utopia’s new fleet hits the road

January 4, 2023

Utopia has announced it has just taken delivery of the first phase of its new fleet of delivery vehicles. Two vehicles in the instantly recognisable Utopia livery have now arrived at the company’s headquarters in Bilston, West Midlands, supplied by Keltruck, and will be joined by more in due course.

The new fleet will comprise nine Scania R320B4X2NA Highline Euro 6 vehicles with newly updated bodies in Utopia’s trademark vibrant blue. Each spacious cab is fully equipped with the latest technology, features and functionality. Developed to help operators increase their efficiency and performance while reducing environmental impact, the new vehicles have a 9 litre engine which is SCR only meaning they are more fuel efficient.

The investment in the new delivery fleet is just part of Utopia’s commitment to excellence in all areas of company operation. As Dave Conn, Joint Managing Director, comments “Our new vehicles and their highly trained drivers are ambassadors for our brand. Their bold presence on the nation’s roads reinforces our position as a premium quality British brand, proud to be manufacturing in the UK. We consistently receive positive feedback about the delivery of our products in pristine

condition and the helpful can-do attitude of our drivers. This new investment is vitally important as part of our wider ongoing customer service promise and delivery proposition.”

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