FOCUS | Multigenerational living


As more and more manufacturers tune into what is needed in a multigenerational bathroom, new takes on things such as grab rails and shower seats


are essential Russell Wright, senior designer, Ripples Birmingham


extremely easy to apply to any acrylic surface and with a rapid drying time of 45 minutes, the slipperiest surfaces in a bathroom can be made extra-safe – ideal for younger family members and those a little unsteady on their feet.”


The brands mentioned represent just a fraction of those catering to this market, so that is really encouraging, but there’s still more to be done, and many experts believe the KBB industry still needs educating on multigenerational living. Russell Wright, senior designer at Ripples in Birmingham, thinks this all centres around the training that we give our designers within the industry. “If, as retailers, we only ever look towards generating a quick design and quick turnover, then we’ll forever be doing the client a disservice.


“Quite often, there are aspects of the bathroom


that the client won’t have thought about, and this is where our designers come into their own. Here, we design beautiful, luxury bathrooms that fit perfectly with the day-to-day demands of the client.” In terms of how the market might develop as far as bathrooms are concerned, Wright adds: “As more and more manufacturers tune into what is needed in a multigenerational bathroom, new takes on things such as grab rails and shower seats are essential. Designs of products that can then be integrated at a later date when required, with all of the fixings already integrated behind the wall, is a must. A prime example is ensuring wall-hung frames are already adapted to incorporate a shower toilet at a later date. Future-proof products that allow for this is essential.” Offering


some final words, Ross Edwards,


Shower bath from Duravit


Accessible bathroom design by More Ability Bathrooms (Passmore Group)


Geberit AquaClean Sela shower toilet


managing director of Swansea-based Affect Ability, comments: “The kitchen is the heart of any home. It makes sense to provide not just functional, but beautiful designer kitchens for everyone. In the past 12 years, the standard of equipment for those with disabilities has increased enormously, but it’s clear there is still great scope for growth. We need to expand the knowledge of equipment that would make an area accessible to those with disabilities.”


58


· April 2020


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88