The striking translucent porcelain surface Luce by RAK Ceramics has been named Best Kitchen Surface at the prestigious Livingetc Style Awards 2023.
Luce by RAK Ceramics is a porcelain surface that looks stunning when enhanced with backlighting technology. The extra-large format ‘mega slab’ makes installation straightforward over larger areas, such as open-plan kitchen/living spaces. This material is also highly practical, easy to care for and scratch and stain resistant, making it suitable for use on kitchen island units, for example.
The translucent body of Luce is made with a very high purity of raw materials containing special and high-quality clays and minerals. When illuminated, a soft glow is created, transforming the design from a plain tile to a soft natural marble, perfect for carrying the room through from the practicalities of daytime family life to a more sociable ambience after dark. The range includes seven different graphics and colours in marble and onyx effect, replicating the stones’ natural ability to filter the light.
The Livingetc Style Awards hold great significance as they celebrate brands that resonate with the publication’s design-conscious audience, who turn to the title for inspiration and to make well-informed, stylish choices.
Leading bathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard, has announced the latest addition to its i.life B range – a Glossy Grey finish is available on a selection of i.life B’s vanities, toilets, and bidets.
Designed in collaboration with the Italian studio Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A). The entire collection is built to be flexible, offering various models for both large family bathrooms and smaller ensuites.
Ideal Standard’s Singular™ approach ensures compatibility since any of Ideal Standard’s portfolios can be brought together to create tailored solutions without compromising.
The manufacturer offers matching furniture options and shower trays in grey, with various models to suit any space. Partnering perfectly with the glossy grey finish, Ideal Standard’s range of Silk Black fittings, accessories, and shower enclosures enable customers to create a fully coordinated look. Equally, the new grey ceramics can be combined with Ideal Standard’s wide range of brassware collections in chrome or durable PVD colours for fully tailored solutions and truly cohesive space.
i.life B also boasts powerful flushing technology, while the lack of an overhanging rim means these WCs are easier to clean for a more hygienic space.
Making the installation process more accessible, the innovative EasyFix+ installation system means wall-hung toilets can be installed faster and by just one person – saving time and resources.
Ideal Standard’s UK marketing director, Leanne Martin said: “The i.life bathroom collection provides a smart, adaptable collection where design, comfort, and hygiene all come together. No matter the size or shape of your bathroom, i.life can bring style to any space, and the addition of Glossy Grey to this range offers a contemporary and sophisticated look.”
Data from the Department for Education stats show the number of completed apprenticeships in England fell from 12,420 in 2018 to 7,700 in 2022, limiting much-needed extra recruits for the construction sector.
Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s Education Chief, revealed that the number of completed apprentices in construction has fallen by almost 40% in just five years as a Construction Skills Network report found that 53,000 extra recruits were needed each year over the next four years to meet projected UK construction demand.
Construction expert and broadcaster of Fix Radio – the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to tradespeople – Clive Holland, expains how the growing decline of apprentices is impacting the construction industry.
As of 2017, the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced across the UK which is a form of taxation designed to help companies offer more apprenticeships, yet data by the London Assembly Economy Committee (LAEC) showed that 18% fewer people began construction apprenticeships in London in 2020/21 than in 2017/18. The Levy clearly states that it is for employers with a payroll of more than £3 million per year. LAEC discovered that fewer apprenticeships in SMEs in particular were available since the levy was introduced and calls for the government to allow businesses to transfer a greater proportion of their levy funding to smaller, non-levy paying firms.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education has revealed that apprenticeships remain a key priority and plan to increase funding by £2.7 billion by 2024-2025 to support businesses of all sizes to build the skilled workforce they need. Yet, the Construction Industry Training Board found that an extra 216,800 construction workers would be needed by 2025 to meet demand.
The LAEC made recommendations to ministers, including the introduction of financial incentives for employers to hire apprentices under the age of 19 as the number has fallen by half since 2016/17. Neil Garratt, the Economy Committee chair, discussed how these apprentices provide opportunities for existing workforces to gain new skills as much as providing pathways into work for young people, but without financial incentives, young people are less likely to find a career path that is right for them.
As it stands, the age limit on apprenticeships in the UK isn’t fixed, however, there are restrictions on the availability of funding. These apprenticeships are funded by the government and are typically reserved for young people aged 16 to 24, limiting the number of people over 24 beginning a construction apprenticeship. Currently, apprentices who are aged over 19 and have completed their first year of their course are entitled to a minimum of £5.28 per hour, which is half of the National Living Wage across the UK.
Clive Holland continues with a comment on the status of apprenticeships in the trades:
“In the United Kingdom, we’ve got over 1.3 million unemployed in this country, if that is the case, that is quite a shock. In the background, if over one million people are unemployed and there’s all these job vacancies that need filling in the construction industry, I think the age limit for apprenticeship funding should be wiped out now.
If one day, someone woke up and fancied working in construction, you would have to start from scratch. You couldn’t afford to be on an apprentice wage, the company taking you on couldn’t afford to build that money up for you, so therefore, you get overlooked.
Not everybody is available to provide more than an apprenticeship wage, they need government support to be able to do that. That is the same for bricklayers, gas service engineers or electricians, if the government asked all of our construction industry and individual trades to work throughout COVID, it’s now time to thank them. I think now is the time to go ‘here’s the support’. The Government can focus on apprentices and get people into schools and colleges to talk about the industry and the positives of becoming a tradesperson.”
The new Duravit SensoWash® D-Neo is a compact shower toilet with integrated technology. Its attractive price point means it is ideally suited to the requirements of the project sector and price-conscious developers.
Offering state-of-the-art, high-quality shower toilet hygiene, the flat seat and the white cover is located behind to form a flush-fitting unit. With its minimalist aesthetics and clear, sleek design, SensoWash® D-Neo blends discreetly into any room and matches all Duravit design collections.
SensoWash® D-Neo’s technical refinements guarantee a pleasant level of comfort: and include configuration options for the three shower flow types through a user ID situated in the seat. Timings for seat heating can also be individually configured. The functions are managed intuitively via remote control.
Integrated heated seat and water temperature setting options mean individual requirements are catered for. A night light guarantees safety when using the SensoWash® D-Neo toilet, and a seat sensor prevents the shower function from being activated when not needed.
SensoWash® D-Neo includes measures to ensure maximum safety: including hygienic materials, such as antimicrobial stainless steel for the shower wand and separate showerhead jets for Ladywash and Rearwash to prevent cross-contamination.
The positioning of the shower wand above the ceramic basin and the automatic pre- and post-cleaning of the shower wand in its retracted position minimize the transfer of germs and bacteria. Rimless® technology, optimized basin and siphon geometry, and antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze further ensure optimum hygiene. After just six hours, approx. 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are eliminated, with approx. 99.9% eliminated after 24 hours.
Award-winning luxury interior design studio, Tailored Living Interiors, showcases its creativity and design expertise within a large Californian-style beach house in the beautiful coastal village of West Wittering, Sussex.
This 3-bedroom property, which offers direct access to the immaculate sandy beach of West Wittering, has breathtaking views of the Solent and Chichester Harbour. Benefiting from Tailored Living’s comprehensive interior design service, the homeowners commissioned the company to provide a complete design and project coordination of their luxury home. Gloria Sanchez, founder & managing Director at Tailored Living Interiors explains,
“The property is nestled in the picturesque village of West Wittering and having collaborated with this client 6 years ago on their London home, we were their default choice when selecting an interior designer for this new project.”
When considering the brief and how the project went Gloria explained “Our client brief was to create a relaxed and cohesive beach vibe with an effortless, laid-back luxury feel. Thankfully, the timeline for the execution of this project was perfect because the client had previous experience with how we operate, which meant they understood the importance of the planning process. Duly, we were given 9 months prior to the date they wanted to start building works on this project which allowed ample time to ensure the clients’ requirements, preferences and budgetary constraints were reviewed as many times as required prior to works commencing.”
Discussing any issues or problems that may have arisen during the project Gloria comments, “Despite some initial concerns about managing the interior design project from a geographical distance, the overall process turned out to be smoother than expected. The trust and rapport established early on between the interior designer and contractors significantly contributed to the project’s smooth execution.
“Open lines of communication, mutual understanding, and frequent collaboration fostered a sense of teamwork, despite the physical distance. The constant exchange of ideas, suggestions, and feedback, along with the prompt resolution of any challenges that arose, played a critical role in keeping the project running smoothly.”
This coastal Californian-style home features the following design elements by Tailored Living:
• ENTRYWAY: Upon arrival, you are greeted by a light and airy Californian-style lobby area with Nordic-inspired tones and texture by taking a ‘less is more’ approach. Neutral painted walls lay a foundation throughout the home for the clients chosen accent colour, matt black. A modern black bench seat sits beneath a picture window with made to order African mudcloth geometric print cushions, and jute storage baskets to keep everyday essentials like a picnic blanket (or brolly) neat and tidy.
• DINING AREA: This open-plan dining room offers an alfresco dining experience for up to 8 friends and family, providing instant access to the beach and open-plan kitchen, which features complementary off-white Shaker-style cabinets, grey/black worktops, and tactile rope and metal hardware. The large table seats four on wish-bone style chairs on each side for a clear view of the gardens, as well as keep a free passage around the table when serving guests. To finish, two rattan pendant lights are suspended overhead to provide gentle illumination when dining and draw on the organic materials so true of Californian-style beach house interiors.
• LIVING ROOM: In the main living area, a fabric roll arm Lawson sofa creates the perfect space to relax and unwind, with a turned wood accent table and black metal and rattan wall light that’s ideal when reading or highlighting the framed sea coral prints. Comfort was a key ingredient in the living room, as the cool air from the ocean is inevitable. Plush upholstery combined with a neutral colour palette and raw materials all come together to create a warm, inviting space for the homeowners to enjoy day or night.
• MEZZANINE: Echoing the same clean and pure aesthetic, an intimate mezzanine level provides easy access to the main sleeping quarters, as well as make great use of the sloping ceiling with the addition of extra seating beneath the eaves. Simple yet distinct artwork adorns the walls and yet again embraces the coastal theme with driftwood fish wall art and three frames that form a black and white digital print of a humpback whale. The small oak bench seat is classically timeless and is designed and the bleached strata oak wood flooring is the ultimate finishing touch, helping to create a truly organic feel from a white and wood interior.
• BEDROOMS: Offering spectacular ocean views from the first floor, each bedroom features a statement wall-hung dressing table, which is suspended from the ceiling to make it look as though it’s floating. The master bedroom features a freestanding four-poster bed, with two guest bedrooms featuring a full-size double in one and a generous single bed in the other. Furniture includes a series of retro rocker-style chairs, bedside units and a chest of drawers
• WC: Defined by the iconic Beach Huts Nautical wallpaper in Driftwood by Sanderson, this bijoux cloakroom offers the perfect marriage of old and new. The muted vintage backdrop of the British seaside is carried through to the 2-drawer vanity unit in satin grey with white ceramic sink and for contrast, matt black fixtures and fittings finish the look.
The homeowner comments, “The trust and rapport established early on between the interior designer and contractors significantly contributed to the project’s smooth execution. Open lines of communication, mutual understanding, and frequent collaboration fostered a sense of teamwork, despite the physical distance. The constant exchange of ideas, suggestions, and feedback, along with the prompt resolution of any challenges that arose, played a critical role in keeping the project running smoothly.”
Designed and curated by Tailored Living Interiors, a fully bespoke turn-key project like this coastal Californian-style home in Sussex is priced on request.
CRL Bespoke Shower Screens are making waves in the bathroom this year as Antique Brass mixes classic and modern stylesfor a versatile finish.
Defined by copper and golden undertones, this unique finish is designed to create the aged look of a brass product that has been installed for many years. Antique Brass is popular as it matches easily with other colours and works well in modern or traditional spaces.
Giving a vintage character to any space, the Antique Brass finish fashioned on hardware on the CRL frameless shower screen collection brings a sense of warmth and personality to an otherwise minimalist space.
The finish also works harmoniously with the many wall surface options within the Bespoke Shower portfolio, which can be fabricated along with the glass screen for the perfect fit in any situation.
Antique Brass is just one of 13 shower hardware finish options available from CRL, with the range also boasting 10 styles of frameless shower screens and a wide range of Ceralsio and Inalco MDi surfaces for a complete shower solution from a single source.
A revolution in shower and wet room design, CRL Bespoke Shower Screens combine the latest innovations in CRL shower hardware with its luxury CRL Stone surfaces, for streamlined, hotel-inspired design in any bathroom. It enables retailers to offer their customers three key elements – glass, hardware and large format surfaces – tailor-made to fit, rather than a pre-configured shower from a single source that requires work-arounds.
Registration is open for HIX 2023 – Europe’s hotel design event. Back for 2023, the event brings the hospitality design community together again for a two-day celebration of everything that makes hotels great.
This year’s theme is A room with a point of view – it is all about people, progress and perspective. Guided by the new ideas and voices set to define the next era of hospitality design, a programme of talks, installations, parties, and exhibitions promises to showcase the latest and greatest hospitality interior experiences.
WATERTRAIN® is a new flexible kit that speeds up the design process for tap manufacturers, providing all the required pipework for various tap shapes and sizes.
WATERTRAIN® is also pre-approved by IAPM and KIWA, saving manufacturers the time and cost of gaining individual product approvals and offering reassurance on quality.
Watertrain® is a standard polymer waterway that can be installed into taps of any shape or material, and it uses established technology that separates the tap body from water contact, preventing any migration of toxic metals from the faucet body into the drinking water. It provides the tap manufacturer with a safe, hygienic, flexible, and cost-efficient waterway from angle valve to aerator.
The polymer tubes can be cut to length to fit various sized tap bodies giving great flexibility and it enables the manufacturer to keep less stock by standardising components. There is no need for the additional cost of plastic moulding tools, due to the flexibility of the cut-to-length polymer tubes. They are also simple and fast to assemble using snap and push fit connections. This new Watertrain® will work on washbasin, kitchen or touchless taps and with a selection of Neoperl aerators offering optimised performance for stream pattern and flow rate.
Martin Doll, systems category manager at Neoperl said of this innovation “Watertrain® is a self-contained standalone waterway for faucets/taps. It is pre-approved by institutes so our manufacturer customers can use it for any taps that they are producing. They no longer need to seek separate approvals for hygienic drinking water or for the mechanical tests. So, it offers a full-service package for our customers and that’s very attractive. When demonstrated at the ISH trade show the response was tremendous.”
Today, Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, outlinesthe importance of sustainable practices for bathroom manufacturers.
British consumers are increasingly showing a heightened environmental consciousness, as evidenced by supermarkets abandoning plastic packaging and the fashion industry favouring longer-lasting products rather than ‘fast fashion’. In line with these positive developments, examining the environmental impact of furnishings and decor within bathroom projects and exploring how we can mitigate it more effectively is essential.
Fortunately, making sustainable choices in bathroom design is simpler than you might imagine. When considering products made from wood or board, such as vanity units, fitted furniture and wall panels, it is highly recommended to prioritise items crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber and board.
I recently spoke with Rosie Teasdale, executive director of the FSC, as part of the BMA’s Sustainability Forum, which took place during the InstallerSHOW 2023 event. She explained that their independent endorsement verifies ethical and sustainable sourcing practices for wood-based products, ranging from paper to timber. By opting for FSC-certified goods and products made with certified materials, you can be confident that your purchase was manufactured responsibly and ethically, with due consideration for people, wildlife, and the environment.
The significance of choosing FSC-certified products for your bathroom design cannot be overstated. Without it, verifying whether a product has been created using timber sourced from well-managed and ethically operated forests is impossible.
However, opting for products that utilise FSC-certified supplies offers several advantages. Not only does it help reduce our carbon footprint, it indicates a company’s commitment to responsible sourcing, often translating to greater care in their production processes. Consequently, the result is higher-quality pieces that boast increased durability.
As bathrooms become more compact, the demand for bathroom furniture is rising, driven by the need for efficient storage solutions. Finding bathroom furniture made with FSC-certified materials is readily achievable, as numerous retailers offer a wide range of furniture styles and finishes, often accompanied by lifetime guarantees.
Another noteworthy trend is the growing use of wall panels and coverings as an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. The extensive range of finishes, combined with the ease and speed of installation, contributes to their popularity. Moreover, these wall panels are more easily recyclable at the end of their lifespan and, with no grouting, are easier to clean and maintain.
Therefore, if you seek an eco-friendly approach to your bathroom designs while still enjoying premium furniture and wall panels that stand the test of time, you must ensure that the products you choose are produced using FSC-certified materials.
Home renovation and design platform,Houzz.co.uk has identified the top emerging interior and exterior design trends based on the latest search insights* from its community of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and renovation professionals.
The trends reflect a desire to keep energy-related costs down, how the Daisy Jones & The Six effect might be impacting our interiors and a need to create some separation in our spaces.
Getting Industrial in the Kitchen
Kitchens are usually a strong indicator of current trends, and an increase in searches for industrial-style kitchens (up by 99%) indicates where homeowners are looking next.
With their easy-to-clean surfaces and high-traffic durability, they’re a good choice for busy households. With associated features like ‘stainless steel worktop/splashback’, ‘exposed beams’ and ‘open kitchen shelving’ all more than doubling we’re likely to see a more commercial vibe in kitchens over the next few years.
Stainless steel worktop/splashback – 179%
Exposed beams – 166%
Open kitchen shelving – 136%
Industrial kitchen – 99%
Polished concrete – 23%
1970s Revival
1970s-influenced interiors have been trending for a while now, but this summer they’re set to really dominate – maybe it’s the Daisy Jones & the Six effect that has us feeling nostalgic for the richness of 70s decor. Searches for ‘eclectic’ and ‘retro’ design inspiration have risen by more than 2x, along with searches for ‘mustard yellow sofa’, ‘dark wood flooring’ and ‘quirky wallpaper’ (all up 2x). Some of the more extreme elements of 1970s style have also popped up on the radar, with searches for ‘sunken bath’ more than doubling.
Orange – 259%
Eclectic – 157%
Mustard yellow sofa – 139%
Dark wood flooring – 132%
Sunken bath – 117%
Retro – 109%
Quirky wallpaper – 99%
Contemporary Wildlife Gardens
An interesting pairing seems to be growing in our outdoor spaces. While homeowners are still searching for ways to create a practical and contemporary living space outdoors, with searches for ‘contemporary patios’ up a staggering 21x, we’re also seeing a rising interest in wildlife gardening and growing vegetables.
Searches for ‘outdoor decor items’ and ‘outdoor living/dining’ both increased by more than half, alongside this, searches for ‘railway sleeper beds’ and ‘wildlife garden’ rose by more than 5x. ‘Vegetable garden’ and ‘ponds’ also saw a rise of 61% and 29%, respectively.
Contemporary patios – 2,061%
Railway sleeper beds – 498%
Wildlife garden – 423%
Outdoor decor items – 95%
Outdoor living/dining – 61%
Vegetable garden – 61%
Ponds – 29%
A Degree of Separation
After years of loving open-plan living, we’re increasingly seeing homeowners seeking out solutions to help divide up spaces, with searches for several different types of room dividers making it into the rising search trends. Glazing is proving to be a popular choice among homeowners who want to create separate spaces that still feel connected, with ‘internal glass window’ and ‘internal glass door’ both up significantly year over year.
Kitchen peninsula – 136%
Internal glass window – 77%
Partition wall – 51%
Room divider – 47%
Internal glass door – 39%
Big Personality
The interest in cottage-style interiors, characterised by the use of pattern, colour and vintage items remains steadfast. However, it looks set to be combined with a more playful approach, with several searches indicating a desire to create unique and individual spaces. ‘Vintage decor items’ spiked by more than 6x compared to the same period last year and ‘William Morris pattern’ also saw a significant increase, while searches for ‘colourful rooms’ and ‘wall art’ rose too. Intriguingly, searches for ‘secret door’ also more than doubled.
Vintage decor items – 569%
William Morris pattern – 144%
Secret door – 140%
Country cottage interiors – 136%
Kitchen dresser – 129%
Colourful rooms – 98%
Wall art – 57%
Climate-influenced Updates
The 2023 UK Houzz & Home Study highlighted the increased focus on energy efficiency, with almost half of homeowners citing it as highly important when renovating, rising sharply since 2020. With a changing climate coupled with rising energy prices, it’s perhaps unsurprising that searches on Houzz mirror these findings, with ‘insulation’, ‘heat pump’ and ‘solar panels’ all increasing year on year (up 100%, 99% and 28%, respectively). ‘External cladding’, which not only improves the appearance of a house but also helps to provide further insulation, rose by a third.
Insulation – 100%
Heat pump – 99%
External cladding – 32%
Solar panels – 28%
Hobbyists
Hobbies, and making space for them at home, seems to be a top priority for homeowners, with searches for creative spaces like ‘sewing room’, up an impressive 2.5x and ‘workshop’ and ‘craft room’ also rising significantly this year. ‘Music studio’ and ‘reading nook’ both rose by more than a third and the sporty among us are increasingly seeking out ‘bike storage’ solutions.
Sewing room – 179%
Workshop – 82%
Craft room – 75%
Bike storage – 70%
Music studio – 45%
Reading nook – 33%
Luxurious Bathrooms
Bathrooms continue to be a popular space to upgrade, with more than a quarter of renovating homeowners improving theirs in 2022, according to the 2023 UK Houzz & Home Study. Homeowners are seeking out warm, comforting spaces, with the search term ‘rustic bathroom’ shooting up by more than 5x. We’ve also seen showers continue to rise in their popularity over baths, with searches for ‘shower enclosures’ quadrupling and ‘shower niche’ up 77%.
Rustic bathroom – 444%
Shower enclosures – 318%
Luxury bathroom – 109%
Shower niche – 77%
Spa bathroom – 61%
Bathroom lighting – 55%
Hosting Guests Again
Brits are feeling sociable, with searches indicating that they’re busy readying their homes for guests. Both ‘guest bathroom’ and ‘extendable dining table’ saw more than triple the amount of searches compared to the same period last year and ‘murphy bed’ more than doubled.
Guest bathroom – 290%
Extendable dining table – 283%
Murphy bed – 179%
Guest room – 91%
Preserving Charm and Character
With many homes in the UK ageing (according to the 2023 UK Houzz & Home Study 47% of the surveyed homeowners live in homes built in 1940 or earlier), preserving the charm and character of these buildings is a high priority among homeowners on Houzz. The search terms ‘listed building’ and ‘Georgian house’ shot up 2.5x and 2x, respectively, and ‘Victorian terrace’ increased by more than half.
Restoring and repairing period details and decor is also growing more important to homeowners, with searches for ‘furniture repair’ seeing a huge rise, up 9.5x. Searches for design elements linked to period properties, such as ‘ceiling rose’, also saw a spike.
Furniture repair – 877%
Listed building – 151%
Georgian house – 107%
Victorian terrace – 56%
Ceiling rose – 39%
Kerb Appeal
This year homeowners are paying closer attention to the exterior of their homes with front doors in the spotlight. Searches for ‘double front doors’ rose an impressive 6.5x and ‘modern front door’ was up 4.5x. First impressions clearly count with a notable uptick in searches for ‘timber cladding’, ‘grey windows’, ‘porches’ and ‘front garden’ (up 89%, 74%, 50% and 48%, respectively). And to hide any eyesores, searches for ‘bin cover solution’ saw a massive 6.5x rise.
Double front doors – 551%
Bin cover solution – 364%
Modern front door – 353%
Timber cladding – 89%
Grey windows – 74%
Porches – 50%
Front garden – 48%
Comfort Above All Else
For homeowners on Houzz, how a home feels is seemingly just as important as how it looks, with searches for ‘cosy’ more than tripling compared to the same period last year. As homeowners seek out these cosy spaces, associated terms like ‘beige sofa’, which is up a whopping 9x, ‘armchair’, ‘neutral colour schemes’ and ‘curved sofa’ have all been rising. Searches for ‘carpet’ are also up by 69%.
