INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY
The growing trend of coloured metallics in kitchen design
In the ever-evolving world of kitchen design, a trend that has strong
momentum is for coloured metallic finishes in sinks and taps. While traditional stainless steel and chrome have served us well for years, and continue to be the staple for many, a growing number of homeowners and designers are turning to metallic finishes to infuse their kitchen with luxurious elements that personalise and elevate their interiors. The vogue finishes range from industrial copper to opulent gold, as well as anthracite, which offers an edgier alternative to the
Don’t write-off the rads: Radiators are compatible with Heat Pumps
The move towards low water temperature heating systems for greater efficiency has made people question the future of radiators - for example use with Heat Pumps as a heat source - but the truth, and good news is, that radiators work very well in these scenarios and shouldn’t be written-off.
System temperatures in mainland Europe have been lower than the UK for years and most radiators work perfectly with lower flow and return temperatures.
VIEWS
Comment by Nigel Coston Technical & Product & Marketing Director, Zehnder Group UK
Despite heat outputs being reduced as a result, we’d normally expect heat losses from the building to be similarly reduced as they become better insulated and air tightness improves, creating a revised balance for comfortable climates all year round.
Comment by Jo Sargent Sales and Marketing Director, Franke UK
‘traditional’ metallic colours. With more colour and product choice available than ever before, designers can curate a range of looks, either fully cohesive across the sink, tap and soap dispenser or one of contrast. Matt black taps are a very popular choice currently and they work brilliantly with all metallic colours. You also want these products to provide long-lasting pleasure and performance, so make sure you look at the manufacturing process and surface technology that is behind them because they are not all created equal.
Taking Stock
Access to good stock levels is of paramount importance for independent bathroom and appliance retailers. Trading in a highly competitive market, where customer service and satisfaction is key, letting customers down through long lead times or worse having their coveted choice ‘out of stock’ can not only lose a sale but also damage the reputation of the supplying brand too. Retailers, confidently able to not only offer products from stock, with next-day delivery, but have the technology available to check stock levels too, are true differentiators, and enables them to fulfil customer orders promptly and efficiently as well as compete against the perceived advantage of on- line sellers.
Distributors can help too, ensuring their stock levels are always able to meet demand and available to retailers for immediate call off. Of course, this means investing substantially in warehouse space, as we have done securing an additional site to vastly increase our stock holding as well as surrounding logistics such as new fleet and next-day delivery. However, as we have found it is money well spent being great for our business, but ultimately for independent retailers who benefit from being able to meet the immediacy of customer demand.
In an industry where trends and styles evolve rapidly, good levels of stock means retailers can be always on-trend, offer a variety of styles, but more importantly adapt quickly to meet dynamic customer expectations.
Comment by Rick Adams, Head of Retail Sales, PJH BKU AUGUST 2023 7
Bathroom radiators are also modernising. Now available in ‘double layer’ formats, and designs with greater surface area (flat rectangular profiles rather than round tubes), they are apt at improving performance. The move from chrome to more colour finishes can also see benefits of up to 50% improvement compared to that of a simple ladder type towel warmer, offsetting reductions from lower water temperatures. With lower thermal inertia, radiators continue to be more responsive to changes in requirements than alternative methods of heating and provide efficient, controllable comfort for any living space.
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