Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced an additional series within its premium Midas™ 220 mixer shower collection, featuring an elegant black metal finish. The Midas 220 in Black makes a bold, contemporary statement, and satisfies the growing consumer demand for black bathroom products and accessories. Manufactured to exceptional standards, the Midas 220 in Black shower series from Aqualisa is equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and each model complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality. Three options are available in the Midas 220 in Black line-up: • MD220S.MB – Single outlet bar mixer shower with adjustable shower head• MD220SC.MB – Dual outlet shower column mixer with 245mm drencher and adjustable head• MD220BSM.MB – Bath shower mixer with adjustable shower head Midas 220 in Black: Single OutletThe high-performance single outlet Midas 220 in Black provides a consistently safe and satisfying shower experience. Built from brass, this fully thermostatic valve with cool touch surface technology offers a five spray mode handset that can be easily adjusted to numerous heights and angles. Midas 220 in Black: Dual OutletA versatile choice, this brass, wall-mounted exposed bar valve with cool touch surface technology includes an integrated diverter for a conventional adjustable handset shower, or an exhilarating overhead drencher shower from a generous 245mm fixed deluge head. This model incorporates a telescopic rail for extra installation flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of showering spaces. Midas 220 in Black: Bath Shower MixerThis space-saving option provides the perfect combination of shower and bath fill for a flexible family bathroom experience. The quality engineered, brass deck-mounted valve delivers excellent flow rates to fill the bath quickly, as well as ensuring a powerful and invigorating shower – all with the safety assurance of thermostatically-controlled temperature and cool touch surface technology. The 24mm five mode handset included with each shower has been designed to be effortless to maintain, with rub-clean jets. An easy fit bracket is included with each product. “The black brassware colourway has never been as popular as it is now. Offering high-calibre performance combined with bold and distinctive styling, the Midas 220 in Black blends an iconic and trusted design with refined, on-trend styling for the modern home environment. With three stunning choices, this new collection makes an immediate impact, as well as offering the versatility to accommodate an array of different bathroom spaces, configurations and sizes,” said Tim Creedon, sales director at Aqualisa.

Abode Swich, award-winning designer of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions is among the top-tier global design talent to be awarded an SBID International Design Award 2021, as it’s crowned the winner of the Kitchen Product awards category for its innovative water filter system. The 2021 SBID International Design Awards winners were revealed at the Nobu Hotel Portman Square in London on Friday 22 October, each presented with a prestigious crystal awards trophy, designed by Sans Souci Glass Deco. Shining a spotlight on the world’s brightest design talent, the creative A&D community came together in a global celebration of interior design excellence to celebrate the industry’s most revered interior designers and makers. “For the first time, our customers are not restricted to the style of tap they can have in their kitchen and now, they can enjoy fresh filtered tap water while removing the need for a countertop water purifier or bottled water, which we all know is harmful to the environment. To be recognised by SBID and its panel of leading industry experts is a great achievement for Abode, acknowledging Swich for its outstanding examples of technical innovation, aesthetic creativity and fit-for-purpose functionality,” said Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode. Abode Swich is a revolutionary design solution that will transform a new or existing kitchen tap in to a filtered water tap that delivers a constant supply of crystal clear filtered water! The exclusive and patented Swich water filter system is a discreet yet ultra-luxe device, which is easy to use and install, either retro-fit in an existing kitchen or add to a new kitchen design. Swich works in conjunction with your normal kitchen mixer tap to improve the overall taste, appearance and quality of your drinking water without compromising on style. Available in four high fashion finishes – Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Chrome – simply turn the Round or Square control handle to indicate the type of water supply you wish to channel through the tap. Providing immediate access to both the domestic water supply and Abode-safe water, via the Swich filter cartridge, customers can enjoy clear refreshing results, every time! “Achieving an SBID Award is an unparalleled marque of design excellence. As another year draws to a close, the SBID Awards continues to empower the design industry to exhibit their creative work and celebrate their achievements on its inclusive stage, as a testament to the incredible outcomes that can be accomplished through the power of good design and quality craftsmanship,” added the SBID International Design Awards.

Following a phenomenal response to the company’s latest innovations that were revealed during the Küchenmeile on 18th to 24th September, Rotpunkt, leading carbon neutral manufacturer of quality German kitchen furniture follow-up with Hausmesse 21: a specially curated virtual in-house exhibition. Ensuring all UK customers can explore its latest product offerings – in person or remotely – Rotpunkt, now virtually open its doors so visitors can experience online: 2022 Brand & Product Presentation(s) in 3D 360° Virtual Tour: live interactive walk-through of the flagship Rotpunkt Showroom in Germany, made available online Downloads: 2022 Product Innovations | 90 Year Anniversary Book “In line with our 2022 brand promise to ‘stay connected’, we want to make sure our customers have the option to explore all of the new products around their business schedule, not ours. With supply chains facing unprecedented disruption globally, we are determined to safeguard our retailers and ensure plenty of resources for them to stay resilient, accessible and competitive in the marketplace,” explains Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt. “Our virtual tour is designed to be super-easy to navigate and our UK team are available to help customers choose the best individual packages for their retail profiles and customer demographics. A key marker of our sales and support strategy is to offer dealers the ability to present our full range of new products at the point of sale, which is why we are also upgrading our Inspiration Point concept next year, with a range of added-value digital solutions. “We predict in 2022 even more capacity for new kitchens and home improvements, with a focus on custom utility and storage zones, architectural kitchen living spaces and combinations of wood and block colour. With this in mind, we look forward to introducing our new product innovations at Kbb Birmingham 2022 next March, to continue connecting with our growing retail community face-to-face.”

Leading British kitchen and interior design studio, Brandt Design, has been commissioned to design and install a selection of contemporary kitchens for leading property management company, Peabody at The Scene, Amersham Vale: a landmark development in New Cross, South London in partnership with residential developer, Sherrygreen Homes. Situated in Amersham Vale, this landmark development of 120 apartments, houses and duplexes with select homes available through the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, are within a short stroll of Deptford high street, Market Yard and nearby New Cross and Deptford rail stations. The Scene in SE14, is a man-made urban village that transitions into Victorian terraces and newly landscaped Charlottenburg Park. The team at Brandt Design, is very proud to play its part in transforming this vibrant part of London in collaboration with PRP Architects and BDP Landscape Architects. “We believe in the democracy of design and feel that everyone should be able to enjoy a kitchen, which is efficient, beautifully designed and made ergonomically,” says Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design. “The Scene is a superb addition to our project portfolio, alongside other premium housing developments in Milton Keynes, Birmingham and high specification work across the luxury residential market. The growing appreciation for person-centred design means there is an expectation to pay close attention to the finer details and provide maximum utility to the end-user in order to ensure the UK property market remains buoyant, with variety and creativity at all levels,” adds Julia. Residents at The Scene in Amersham Vale will all benefit from contemporary handleless kitchens specially curated from the Brandt Urban Collection, with contemporary Putty Concrete Pearl Grey slab doors for the ultimate in industrial-style. Inspired by the suburban colours of the city, this high-performance furniture range is complemented by Silestone stone-effect worktops and upstands in Snow White alongside Amtico White Ash wood-effect flooring, which captures the essence of today’s popular mixed materials trend. All kitchen appliances are by Bosch, from the integrated oven, built-in microwave and electric hob to the well-hidden dishwasher and built-in fridge-freezer. Waste and recycling bins are also cleverly integrated within the kitchen for a hygienic and tidy work space, free from clutter. Freestanding Bosh washer/dryers are located in the hallway, to maximise available cupboard space and minimise the noise pollution in this open plan kitchen living environment: for extra convenience, recessed LED downlights illuminate the worktops for optimum lighting when preparing and cooking food. “We are delighted to be able to put our stamp on such an upcoming development in South London, using our experience to create stylish and practical kitchens for future residents. Choosing a new home is a big decision and so the provision of the ‘right kitchen’ can make a huge difference to quality of life, which is why we opted for a made-to-measure modern design to reflect the dynamic look and feel of The Scene in Amersham Vale,” concludes Scott Davis, Director, Brandt Design.

Specialists in the design and installation of residential and commercial lifestyle interiors, Brandt Design, offer you expert advice on the most popular painted kitchen furniture designs. “Personality and flair is very much at the heart of the modern kitchen, with rich, painted finishes proving the ideal way to create an individual kitchen living space which enhances both your lifestyle and your family’s needs as we look ahead to 2022. Tailor-made kitchens which enhance and anticipate our needs as multi-faceted people who need to cook, entertain and relax quickly and easily are at the centre of residential interior design as we continue to engage with the changes brought by the pandemic and adjust to the ‘new normal’ with changes in work-life balance and new expectations when it comes to household management,” said Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design. A painted kitchen gives you the opportunity to explore a limitless variety of colour which can bridge home and garden, reflect and enhance your architecture or quite simply bring a shade your love into the kitchen regardless of trends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options available for your kitchen cabinets, it is wise to consider which direction your kitchen is facing so you can consider the impact of natural daylight as well as discussing the benefits of warm and cold colours with your kitchen designer. We all have an innate sense of colour, knowing what we like and dislike from our choice of clothing to our vehicles, so remember that inspiration is everywhere when talking about options with your kitchen designer. Keep an open mind as you work together as your expert will have many years of project experience to draw on. The team at Brandt Design are both creative and highly practical so that they will be able to advise on colour combinations which will suit your home, lifestyle and personality. Think about the quality of light in your kitchen and how it changes throughout the day. Are there areas in which you will need more illumination and if so how will this impact on the colours you are drawn to? How much time and effort do you want to put into maintaining your kitchen living space? Would a lower maintenance colour which is more forgiving than a pale or white option be a better option? Do you prefer a slab door for a linear look or does the detailing of a Shaker-inspired door appeal? Would you like the woodgrain to be visible under the paint? What sort of cabinet door furniture appeals to you? Do you want a high contrast between walls, units and worktops or would you prefer a mellower complementary feel? “Once we have explored the options which resonate with you, we can go deeper and work out the colour temperature of your lighting to complement your choice of paint alongside any neutrals and metals in the scheme,” added Julia.

Whiteville Ceramics, innovative Italian-designed sanitary ware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors launch ONDA: a new and modern sanitary ware collection with accentuating curved lines, ultra-luxe glaze and systematic design and function. “Luca has a unique design perspective that derives from his strong architectural background and this, coupled with his ability to balance artistry with product innovation has led to ONDA becoming one of our most ergonomic sanitaryware collections. Inspired by the beauty of natural movement, this series of designer basins and WCs are suitable in both residential and commercial environments making ONDA a luxe turnkey design solution for the modern bathroom,” explained Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group. Exclusively available in the UK, the new ONDA Collection by Whiteville Ceramics, combines innovative design and functionality alongside a rich, ultra-smooth glaze for a high sheen and well-defined shape and style. A modern sanitary ware collection where impeccable quality meets thin profiled basins, comfort seats and ultra-stylish WC’s, the new ONDA collection is available now and offers basins and WCs. Intrinsic to the ONDA Washbasin Collection, end users alike can enjoy a deep oval-shaped bowl with optimised proportions and rear countertop for added surface area. Each washbasin can be styled over-counter or wall-mounted, with the choice of a semi or full pedestal to accommodate a variety of applications. For added continuity, each basin in the collection is available with ONDA brassware in two contemporary designs: 1) ONDA Basin Mixer with Spring Waste and 2) ONDA Tall Basin Mixer, both finished in Chrome. The ONDA close-coupled WC is designed with an understated P-Trap and features the exclusive SAVER® water saving technology by Whiteville Ceramics, which reduces water usage by up to 50% on tank models: from 3 to 4.5 litres in full flush and 2.5 to 3 litres in small flush. Both ONDA models of WC, feature the company’s patented rimless design for optimum performance. By removing the rim, Whiteville Ceramics ensure better hygiene standards as every part of the WC can be easily cleaned as it prevents mould growth in hidden areas so users benefit from a rimless system that is functional and water saving.

The UK’s largest designer and manufacturer of luxury radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), provides the perfect addition to this season’s go to green colour trend, with Combes: a polished chrome ladder rail in a variety of sizes with contemporary curved bars and adjustable brackets for flexible installation. Ensuring a dedicated space to warm and dry your towels, Combes is the perfect partner alongside the earthy high-fashion shades of the green trend, which naturally emphasise the cool undertones of classic chrome. “We are finding that smoky greens continue to be a consumer-favourite in the bathroom, especially when used as a feature wall to offset essential fixtures and fittings. As more and more homeowners want to create their own wellness retreat at home, we are finding that a combination of considered heating, alongside a soothing colour palette is ideal for creating a restorative bathroom scheme that evokes nature” says Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK). “In fact, a chrome finish provides a welcome contrast in the bathroom when paired alongside white sanitaryware and a strong background colour on the walls like painted greens and blacks. Colour trends for 2022 are set to showcase familiar shades in clever combinations according to Farrow and Ball, so we are pleased that Combes is available for UK customers wanting to upgrade their bathroom heating in a modern, stylish way” he adds. Combes is designed with adjustable wall brackets, giving you the ultimate in design freedom by providing more installation options so you can reconfigure the space, as you wish. Its sweeping curves are an upgrade on the Axis MD062 Towel Warmer with straight tubing and by design, ensure that towels are warm and dry a safe distance from the wall. Made of high quality Mild Steel and boasting a 15 year product guarantee, Combes is available in six different heights and two different widths to suit your heating requirements and bathroom size and layout. Options include: H800 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 14 bars, 4-5-5 → upto 295/1007 Watts/BTU’s H1000 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 17 bars, 4-5-8 → upto 361/1232 Watts/BTU’s H1200 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 21 bars, 4-5-12 → upto 443/1512 Watts/BTU’s H1400 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 24 bars, 4-5-5-10 → upto 504/1720 Watts/BTU’s H1600 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 28 bars, 4-5-5-5-9 → upto 580/1979 Watts/BTU’s H1800 x W500/W600 x D89-125mm → 32 bars, 4-5-5-5-13 → upto 654/2231 Watts/BTU’s Designed for central heating systems, dual fuel and electric options, Combes MD063 by Vogue (UK) is priced from £181.20 including vat, and is featured here with Arne VL003 Angle chrome valves. An optional blanking plug complete with aroma oil dish is also available for this model, allowing you to bring your favourite fragrances into the bathroom by discreetly warming essential oils as Combes heats up to bring aromatherapy to your daily self-care ritual.

Rotpunkt, award-winning carbon neutral manufacturer of quality German kitchen furniture is delighted to announce its dynamic Ceiling Frame Extractor System makes the Kitchen LONGLIST, named a finalist for ‘Product of the Year’ at this year’s Designer Awards. Now in its 19th year, the Designer Awards ceremony will take place at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 12th November 2021, to celebrate the best of the best and crown its winners! Reflecting on today’s desire to push design boundaries in blended living spaces, the Ceiling Frame Extractor System by Rotpunkt, is a best in class canopy-style storage solution that utilises the floors, walls and ceiling in the kitchen. Ideal for keeping herbs and spices in easy reach of the chef, this innovative hanging storage is designed to suspend from the ceiling to create extra shelving space and new planning options for the central island unit and built-in extractor. How? Rotpunkt’s ceiling frame can be made full size or custom, featuring a black metal surround, shelving and electrical containment in order to make use of the 390mm apertures specially designed for statement extractor systems that are discreet yet utilitarian. As truly hybrid solution for the kitchen, canopy-style storage has opened up an entirely new design landscape that monopolises the ceiling and is geared towards extractor fans, trailing houseplants, herbs and even cookware. Drawing the eye upwards, ceiling frames not only enhance the height of the room, they are sensitive to the native architecture of the home, while emphasising the cook zone. Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says: “On behalf of the Rotpunkt family worldwide, I am really pleased that we have been recognised by the Designer Awards for our innovative Ceiling Frame solution, a 2021 innovation which has received a positive response industry-wide. I am very proud that it has made the shortlist for kitchen products, especially as the line between work and play continues to merge at home, and this type of hybrid furniture is answering demand for quality kitchen living that focuses on design and artistic value.” “With so much innovation in the kitchen sector right now, I want to take this opportunity to wish the nominees luck and we have everything crossed for winning results in November” says Matt.

Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has been awarded its second contract for Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord. This latest project is to manufacture 567 steel-framed bathroom and shower pods for Exchange Square in Birmingham which is under construction by main contractor McAleer & Rushe. The pod deliveries to site will begin towards the end of 2021 and will be completed by summer 2022 as the building’s structure is constructed. Exchange Square is developed by Nikal for Grainger plc and will provide 375 homes for rent in a landmark 37-storey tower. Designed by Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio, the £68m scheme occupies a prominent location opposite HS2 Curzon Birmingham. Completion is scheduled for summer 2023. The bathroom pods for Exchange Square will have dark grey, large format porcelain wall and floor tiles with staggered ‘brick bond’ tile joints to the walls. The bathrooms will be fully fitted in the factory with a three-door mirrored cabinet, a solid surface vanity shelf, semi-pedestal wall hung basin, bath with glass hinged shower screen, heated ladder towel rail, and floor mounted toilet. The shower rooms will have a two-door mirrored wall cabinet and a sliding shower door. “We fully support the use of offsite manufacturing and for the bathrooms, it gives us the unique opportunity to check the pods in the factory before going into full production. This allows us to review the design detailing and make any minor changes, which is just not possible on site,” said Helena Tsiantes Jansson, Senior Forward Fund Development Manager at Grainger plc. “Following our recent visit to Offsite Solutions’ factory, we were very impressed with the quality of the finishes, particularly the grouting and tiling. The quality was spot on and will result in a better quality product for our residents. Fitting out the bathrooms in a factory which has much more space and light than on site, definitely impacts positively on quality. It is also much easier for us to deal with a single supplier for the bathrooms.” Offsite Solutions is also manufacturing pods for Enigma Square in Milton Keynes – another Grainger build-to-rent scheme which is under construction by Bowmer and Kirkland. Steel-framed bathroom pods give developers and contractors the opportunity to have a premium aesthetic which includes porcelain tiling, with all the speed and quality benefits of offsite manufacture for large-scale residential schemes, hotels and student accommodation. These pods have a lightweight steel-framed construction with a fully tanked wet area to the walls and floor, and a composite ceiling panel for long-term durability and an enhanced appearance. Offsite Solutions offers the UK’s largest range of pods to suit many different building types and applications. Options include steel-framed bathroom pods with porcelain-tiled finishes for high-end apartments, PRS, student residences and hotels; robust and low maintenance GRP composite shower pods for student accommodation, build-to-rent, care homes, social housing and healthcare; hybrid pods for specialist projects, and award-winning demountable GRP pods for ease of installation in refurbishment schemes. Offsite Solutions has also developed steel-framed utility pods for apartments or studios for build-to-rent or build-to-sell schemes.

Bathroom product specialist Aqualisa has introduced the Quartz™ Smart Retrofit Shower – an all-in-one upgrade solution that transforms almost any make of exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital shower system, without the need to disturb the current bathroom décor or re-tile the shower enclosure. With 15 million smart homes currently in the UK, and the market set to grow by 20% year on year, the demand for smart products that enhance wellbeing, safety and lifestyle has never been stronger. For home owners or renovators who do not wish to completely replace their shower, but are ready to convert to a smart showering experience, the Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower delivers a simple, elegant and cost-effective solution that will complement any bathroom style. It also provides the home owner with a handy storage shelf for bathroom accessories and toiletries. Quick and straightforward to fit, the installer will find it effortless to assemble with no major pipework alterations required. Once in place, the home owner will enjoy the full benefits of the Aqualisa Quartz Smart Shower Collection, including: • An intuitive app enabling the creation of personalised shower profiles for all family members• Remote activation of shower or bath using voice or app control (Google and Amazon Alexa compatible)• Environmentally-friendly water usage monitoring and water-saving features• Safety and peace of mind – water programmed to run at a consistent temperature and flow As pioneers in digital and smart showers, the upgrade solution reinforces Aqualisa’s solid reputation as leading innovators in this category. The Quartz Smart Shower collection is powered by the intelligent Aqualisa Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Valve™, which can be located up to 10 metres away from the shower itself, providing flexible installation options. Setting the Smart Valve to Eco mode can reduce water consumption for the home owner by up to 33%. The Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower can upgrade almost any brand of wall-mounted mixer shower (concentric, single lever or bar valve) with 130 to 170mm pipe centres, and comes with a choice of the Aqualisa Quartz Touch™, Quartz Classic™ or Quartz Blue™ smart shower kits. Supplied with an extension rail to adjust the height of the controller, this no-mess solution is easy to install with optional fixing points, while the assembly back plate neatly covers all previous pipework and screw holes. The patented integrated storage shelf, which houses the new smart shower control, comprises two halves featuring a polished chrome finish. It also incorporates two useful hanging hooks for bathroom accessories.