INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY
VIEWS
Pantries: a nostalgic trend or a sign of the times?
The pantry is back - but not just for show. Its resurgence says a lot about how our lifestyles are changing. Rising food costs, bulk buying and a desire to be more self-sufficient have made storage space a real priority again. But this isn’t about replicating the past; today’s pantry is smarter,
more streamlined and often central to the overall kitchen design. For retailers, it’s a timely reminder that function sells just as much as form. The question is: are we giving the pantry the space it deserves in our
conversations with customers? It’s easy to focus on surfaces and finishes, but long-term value often lies in how a kitchen works behind the doors. The renewed interest in pantries is more than a passing trend - it reflects a shift in what people expect from their homes. Maybe it’s time we all paid closer attention.
Comment by Cliff Petit, Managing Director, Space-Plug Ltd
Fixings Just Get Smarter!
In the race to impress customers, it’s easy to focus on door styles and colour palettes - but behind every beautiful kitchen is an install that either went smoothly… or didn’t. Installers often face awkward service voids, uneven walls, and tricky access. If
your cabinets don’t make life easier on site, you risk installer frustration, slower fits, and unhappy clients. That’s why smart, adjustable fixings are becoming the silent heroes of the industry. We’ve seen a big shift towards fast-fit systems that eliminate scribing, packers,
Comment by Michael Marriott, CEO, Waterline
reduce waste, and speed up installs - and it’s only going to continue. Retailers who align with manufacturers using intelligent fixings gain happier installers, faster projects, and fewer call-backs. Smarter components lead to better installs - and better installs lead to stronger reputations.
Celebrating Texture, Tone & Personal Expression
Personal expression continues to shape the latest bathroom trends, with texture, tone, and natural influences playing an increasingly important role in design. This season, we’re seeing a move towards a richer layering of materials – from soft matt finishes and
brushed metallics to fluted textures and earthy colour palettes. Combining these elements helps create bathrooms that feel personal, tactile, spa-like, and connected to nature – a shift that retailers can embrace to enhance showroom impact. Incorporating a mix of bathroom furniture finishes, feature walls, metallic accents and innovative
storage solutions allows retailers to inspire customers to be more creative with their designs. It’s about showcasing how contrasting materials, textures and tones work harmoniously to create inviting, individual spaces that promote relaxation. Our latest Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO collections embrace these wider industry trends
to offer ranges that reflect this growing appetite for expressive, design-led bathrooms. By tapping into these influences, and using flexible display solutions and storytelling, retailers can stay ahead of the curve, drive engagement, and boost bathroom sales in 2025 and beyond.
Comment by Kim Cooper, Head of Marketing & Product, PJH
BKU MAY 2025
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