Being one of the first big trade shows after the pandemic, we were excited to attend the KBB show in Birmingham this month (March 2022) and discover the new KBB Trends. We went along to see what’s new in the world of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. We were also looking forward to meeting face-to-face with some clients, including Majestic Showers. We chatted all things bathrooms and marketing and then had a good look around the show to see what was new. Here’s our pick of what stood out.
Back to Black
It actually came as no surprise to us to see that black as a colour (although technically not a colour per se) was a popular choice for many manufacturers at the show and it’s clear that that is a KBB trend that is still growing in popularity.
The warmth of natural wood contrasts well with black, and from the designs we’ve been working on, we can already tell it’s going to be popular in both domestic and commercial spaces.
From baths and basins to taps and tiles, black was spotted all over the show. We even saw a black loo. When paired with burnished gold hardware and oak it looks simply stunning. We thought the Scavolini stand looked fabulous and loved the pop of colour from the bright yellow butchers block trolley.
Matt black shower fittings are still around, one stand pared them with bright yellow shower surround, floor and toilet. Quite striking and showed how black can really be used to add interest and playfulness to bathrooms. Quartzforms had what was actually a deep green tile but it looked almost black – and was quite stunning with its fine grain and long white veins.
Wall to wall
One ‘KBB trend’ you couldn’t fail to spot was shower walls – particularly as there were many manufacturers representing the variety of products. We do love the look and finish of a tiled bathroom. But you can’t deny the appeal of an option of a 100% waterproof panelling system that can go in to bathrooms without the need for pulling off tiles. We can see hotels and office re-fits really picking this up as a practical and viable option.
Showerwall – who also happened to win best stand at the show with its amazing tropical design – explained to us that other benefits of the system include the fact that there’s no need for the time-consuming job of grouting, as well as easy maintenance and the hygienic qualities. The panels – which can be acrylic or laminate – can be used to create a feature wall or even to display a logo or design, making them an interesting option for corporate too.
This customisable option offers lots of potential for designers to create their own design as it were. We are keen to see companies really showcase these innovative products. Our creative juices are flowing with ideas of ways to help our clients inspire their customers with some stunning bathroom designs featuring these.
KBB trends – Rainbow colours
Now I know we’ve suggested black is the new black but there was so much colour at the show too. A clear KBB trend, It was interesting to see that white sanitary ware may no longer be the standard with everything including the kitchen sink in all colours. Basins of all shapes and sizes were on offer and one small Lancashire-based company, Whitebirk Sink company, had a beautiful selection of hand-made fireclay sinks and basins in all colours, finishes and shapes. From a terracotta butler style sink to a mint green basin for a vanity unit, we could see these appealing to many domestic clients.
Big hitters Villeroy & Boch had a selection of coloured sanitary ware too and we were particularly impressed by its two-tone Artis washbasin range by German-Danish designer Gesa Hansen. Beautiful in both design and finish, it would lift a bathroom design to a whole other level.
Sustainable matters
Talking of Villeroy & Boch, it was also one of the exhibitors that stood out for keeping the KBB trends of sustainability in its sights. Showcasing its TwistFlush toilet which has water-saving flushing technology that saves up to 19,700 litres of water a year! You can’t argue with that.
Other exhibitors keeping their eyes on the bigger picture ware Rotpunkt Kuechen which focused on the importance of making the most of recycled materials and renewable wood alternatives for its furniture.
New for 2022
KBB trends – Products launches were aplenty at the show and we found many were all about texture and design of products – either being firmly in the design camp or featuring new technologies. Armac Martin had a stunning stand featuring a sky full of its knobs, handles and pulls. It was launching Digbeth, a luxury handle collection with a distinct industrial style.
Roca were showcasing its Ona Collection range featuring slim basins, touchless features and a new coating that offers more efficient cleaning.
No doubt in response to the pandemic, there were other exhibitors focusing on the need for ease of cleanliness and we can see this being a big decision making factor for designers of commercial spaces going forward.
Wall surfaces weren’t forgotten at the show and we saw some interesting designs including an iridescent tile from Ca’ Pietra that had a really nostalgic feel. A geometric and large format from Verona, and inkjet tiles from Original Style also caught our eye. There seemed to a real mix of tile colours and patterns and we were pleasantly surprised to see hexagonal shapes are still popular. This is great for designers that want to offer something a little different from the subway tile or standard square.
Outdoors in
With our blog about Biophilic design still hot off the press, we were not surprised to see that bringing the outdoors in was very much a part of many new KKB trends as well as the stands themselves. From kitchen units in botanical greens and greys with raw timber, like those at Rotpunkt, to flooring tiles that can be laid outside and in.
Plants were used to decorate and enhance many stands and were suspended, stood and displayed everywhere. We are excited to see if biophilic design as a real concept within domestic interiors, showrooms and commercial projects, is something that is featured even more heavily at the next show.
Client care and KBB trends
Like the rest of the world, many of our client meetings and discussions have been virtual over the past years or so. Therefore it was good to have the opportunity to meet with one of our clients Majestic, whilst at the show. We met with its new group marketing manager, Andy Burton. It was great to hear the big plans the company has going forward and we very much look forward to working with them on all the exciting developments over the coming year.
We’re sure lots of people felt the same after the show, it was great to re-connect with contacts and make some new connections. To actually walk around a large trade show and see the products, learn about the new KKB trends and discuss business in general was like a breath of fresh air. We look forward to more of the same in 2022.