FOCUS | Kitchen and bathroom design post-Covid


The new dark grey Lava finish from Rotpunkt


cabinets and the use of pantries. Spann at Keller says: “Clever storage solutions and best use of space will be important considerations. With the increase of home deliveries and the return of the big shop ethos, the ability to be more organised reaches beyond just practicality. Pull- outs and drop-downs will inevitably be features that will help where less space is available.”


In bathrooms, Geberit’s Aspinall acknowledges that storage is as much of a key factor as in the kitchen: “Smart storage solutions, such as integrated vanity units and wall-hung cabinets, have always been important in the bathroom, but will become even more vital as homeowners look to de-clutter and keep the space clean.” She concludes: “We can expect a move towards a minimalist style that gives the look and feel of a ‘clean’ space, as well as handle-free furniture and sensor-activated lighting to reduce surface contact as much as possible.”


Virtual showrooms We also asked our experts if virtual showroom tours, consultations and other online tools had worked well for them during the lockdown.


Steadman at Brandt Design is in no


doubt: “We had very positive feedback from commercial and retail clients regarding our online Compusoft planning tool, which we launched as part of our Covid-19 response. “We explained that it could be used


on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or home PC, emphasising that we were also available over the phone, or via e-mail, to talk users through it.” Mistry at Grohe acknowledges the benefits of this digital interaction: “The


60


Vitra Voyage furniture range in white and natural oak finish


past few months have seen a surge in digital innovation that has allowed us to connect, learn, communicate, and shop


in ways considered before.


“It will have been an enormous challenge for retailers to create value for their clients when an industry so built


on face-to-face contact and


interaction has been limited. “The onus now needs to be on retailers using creative means – and digital tools where necessary – to provide inspiration and create home solutions for customers.” Crosswater’s Pillay also believes in


we have never


Smart storage, such as integrated vanity units and wall-hung cabinets, will become


even more vital as homeowners look to de-clutter and keep the space clean


Holly Aspinall, consumer marketing manager, Geberit


the use of this kind of technology: “With the right tools, it’s easy to create clear communication. Zoom calls, 3D online design and virtual tours are some of the ways we can relay our new product introductions and show imagery to our retailers. “From a consumer point of view,


they are well versed in the world of online purchases and social media, which has essentially been opened further during Covid.” But not everyone is so convinced it is the way forward and many believe the human touch of the showroom will never be replaced. Bodie Kelay, UK managing director at Störmer, says: “Showrooms remain an integral element of the kitchen shopping experience. During the crisis retailers rose to the challenge and adapted to the situation. “Virtual appointments were useful in the interim period for initial contact, although reliance on this technology for the entire project could increase the margin for error.


“Moving forward, we have had


positive feedback from our retailers, highlighting most customers have now visited the showroom to complete the final design and selection process”.


What next? We ended by asking our experts how they felt the next five years might shape up.


Phillips at Rotpunkt believes there are new challenges ahead: “Being transparent with customers and employees about how you are Covid- proofing your business will help pre-empt and limit concerns. “We are all currently faced with new challenges, like budgeting for


„ · September 2020


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