p06-p07 BKU-AUG21 Industry Views x 6_bku 03/08/2021 12:59 Page 7
INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY Two Clear Trends in Surfaces
Surface trends for the kitchen are currently following two quite clear pathways. On the one hand, there is a very real need for materials that offer peace of mind in terms of hygiene and ease of cleaning, particularly important since the pandemic, but always really a factor in the kitchen regardless. Maintenance and durability are also very big factors here – the worktop is always visible and often in use, so it makes sense that it needs to be beautiful and functional. Surfaces that emulate natural materials, bringing the outdoors in to
create a sense of calm and wellbeing are particularly popular. Such materials combine well with a wide variety of colourways too, which is important at a time when the kitchen is open-plan and multi-functional. This is why materials like quartz and ceramic are doing so well; they
offer the designer creativity and the consumer the functionality that is so important in the busy kitchen.
Every surface covered with ceramic and porcelain
Practical, versatile and stylish, flooring and wall surface solutions for the kitchen and bathroom don’t get much better than porcelain and ceramic tiles. Colour and style choice is almost endless and finishes are also variable, giving designers a huge amount of creative freedom and enabling the material to be chosen for almost any application. This also offers retailers the perfect opportunity to really make the most of this product line in the showroom. Make the most of displays by using tiles that create that wow factor –
Comment by Ben Bryden, Sales & Marketing Director, RAK Ceramics
Comment by Simon Boocock, Managing Director, CRL Stone
particularly in prominent parts of the showroom that can be seen from the window. Think also about how specific ranges of tiles work with sanitaryware and furniture offerings so it’s clear that the consumer can come to you for the complete package in one hit, rather than risking them leaving the tiles for another day then going elsewhere.
VIEWS
Hope, concern and frustration
We are going through some very strange times indeed, with a mixture of hope, concern and frustration. The hope is coming from the huge influx of customer enquiries for new kitchens and bathrooms. With consumers having spent so much time at home over the last 18 months, they are ready to invest in their homes. However, the concern is coming from the rising COVID infection rates. Could we
see new restrictions being introduced over the winter? The frustration is very much due to the increasing labour and product shortages.
Whether trying to find fitters, designers or appliances to complete an order, or even basic building materials, shortages are having a significant impact on the ability of retailers to complete projects on time. The situation is made worse by the growing number of price increases being applied, often with very little notice. All the indicators are that these shortages will continue into 2022 and may get worse before they begin to ease.
Comment by Bill Miller, Managing Director, Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG)
BKU AUGUST 2021
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