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If you’re looking for the best information on creating your dream kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, look no further than Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine online.
We’ve selected our favourite features from Britain’s best-selling kitchen, bathroom and bedroom magazine, from wow-factor kitchen spaces, to sublime bathroom and bedroom sanctuaries. In fact, you'll discover all manner of expert planning advice for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom as well as regular news of future designs bound for the home.
We also bring the latest and greatest home appliances to the fore, so whether you’re after a top-end professional oven for the kitchen, or the hottest designer showering system, KBB magazine online has got it covered. What’s more, we’ll bring you profiles of the industry’s best designers and their innovative designs that could take centre stage in your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom projects of tomorrow.
Of course, there’s much more in store in the latest issue of Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine, which is on sale from December 2nd. But, in the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy our dedicated online service.
Jackie Daly, Editor
Smart Solutions
Aston Matthews: Basins in the Axis range, available from Aston Matthews, feature a left or right-hand shelf, priced at £215. The wall-hung WC is £386 and bidet £210
Good looks and practical design unite in the latest sanitaryware
Plenty has been written about making a design statement in the bathroom with a striking freestanding bath or sleek walk-in shower. However, if you don’t have room for these show-stopping items then a carefully chosen WC, basin and bidet can make an equally good impression.
There is a wealth of options available allowing you to pick pieces that enhance your chosen look. In a traditional setting opt for pedestal basins and, if the ceiling height allows, a WC with high-level cistern will add an authentic touch (try Drummonds for classic sanitaryware). For the contemporary bathroom wall-hung pieces create that minimal urban vibe and are ideal in a small room as they open up the floor space.
Jax Bathrooms: Where space is not an issue the 650mm-wide Purity basin, £254 from Jax, makes a bold statement. Shown here with the Purity close-coupled WC, it is priced from £659
On The Wall
A contemporary finish can still be achieved without committing to wall-hung pieces. Close-coupled WCs which incorporate the cistern into the design can look simple yet effective too. Gary Dart at Duravit says, “Wall-mounted toilets keep the floor clear, which makes for easier cleaning, plus they create an illusion of space. Close-coupled WCs though are quicker to install, and they provide a great all-in-one solution.”
Practical design extras to consider include soft-close seats that gently lower rather than crash shut. Some WCs, such as the 2nd Floor from Duravit, even have seats that can be removed completely for easy cleaning. Another aid to housework is easy-clean surface treatments. The treatment is applied to the ceramic and baked into the glaze to protect against limescale.
Victoria & Albert: Manufactured from the composite material Quarrycast, these Victoria & Albert Amalfi basins, £409 each from NGI Design, illustrate how modern design can incorporate sensuous curves
Specialist Sanitaryware
For smaller bathrooms consider the space-saving ranges on the market. Ideal Standard, VitrA and Roca all produce innovative solutions such as corner basins or compact WCs. Sally Cutchie at Colourwash says, “Because UK bathrooms tend to be on the small size, basins with short projections are popular, as you can still fit in a decent-width basin that doesn’t impose on the space.”
For the less able bodied, choose wall-hung items as they can be positioned at a convenient height. Some companies are also fully embracing the inclusive concept. The Starck 3 bathroom from Duravit, for example, includes a slim basin for easy wheelchair access and a wall-hung WC which can be fitted up to 5cm higher using the existing connection. This provides a better sitting position – a boon for anyone with hip problems.
Twyford: 3D from Twyford is a comprehensive collection that includes both sanitaryware and furniture. Expect to pay around £1000 for a WC, basin and drawer unit available in either gloss plum or white
On Trend
Ceramic sanitaryware remains the most popular as it is glossy, durable and easy to clean. Ceramic does not, however, allow designers the flexibility to experiment with shape, hence the development of composite materials for use in basins. Composite (a mix of resin and stone) is seamless and sculptural as demonstrated by Victoria & Albert’s Amalfi basins made from Quarrycast. The most popular colour is still white although glossy black is a striking option.For those wanting to introduce an element of nature into the bathroom, basins are also available in stone and wood. While these make a bold design statement they do need to be properly treated to avoid water damage. Alternatively glass basins look stunning, but the downside is high limescale visibility and glass is more fragile than other materials.
In terms of shape Russell Barnes at Laufen says, “The bathroom, whether large or small, has become a place of relaxation and current trends in sanitaryware reflect this, with minimalist styling and smooth, rounded edges.” Gary Dart of Duravit agrees. “The latest looks are soft-edged and more feminine offering a change from the straight-lined, sparse styles that have dominated in recent years.”The October issue of KBB is on sale now or you can subscribe online here
