p06-p07 BKU-SEPT21 Industry Views x 6_bku 06/09/2021 09:21 Page 7


INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY


Warm, neutral tones gain prominence in personalised living spaces


“Over the last 18 months our homes have become a place of security and comfort. The shift in how we live, work and socialise has had a huge impact on design, colour and style preferences. As a result, we are seeing a higher demand for more neutral decors that offer


warmth and comfort. Consumers are moving away from industrial materials and looking for neutral tones. Whilst cool greys remain prominent in many areas of interior design, and dark


greys to a lesser extent, it is the warmer grey tones, such as taupe, pebble and stone grey that have grown in popularity. These modern shades still relate to the longstanding grey trend, but add warmth to contemporary, comfortable spaces. Taupe grey provides a softer


decor combination for the ever- increasing black trend, which adds a bold contrast to interior design. Traditionally combined with cool greys or sharp whites, this new combination enhances the warmth of these taupe, grey hues and provides a striking, modern alternative. Looking forward, I expect the


Comment by Elliott Fairlie, Head of Decor Management, UK & Ireland, EGGER UK


desire for warm and comfortable interiors to stay at the top priority list. Cooler greys will still be a popular, but consumer interest in the warmer tones will rise, bringing a welcome and refreshing alternative to interior design.”


Industry Challenge


One of the industry’s biggest challenges is how do we attract more young people into our business? Most of the


independent kitchen and bathroom business owners that I meet are in their 60’s and older. So often their children do not want to take over the business and, sadly, over the next few years many of these businesses will either be sold or will close. Unless action


VIEWS


Comment by Bill Miller, Managing Director, Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG)


is taken now, we will see a steady decline in the number of UK independent KBB retailers, leaving some areas of the country with no independents at all. So what needs to be done? Our industry needs to come together to find ways to make our the KBB sector a more attractive proposition. Our industry is often viewed as sales, rather than being design led, and this needs to change if we are to attract the right calibre of young graduates.


Increasing Consumer Knowledge


Over the past 18 months, we have seen an increase in consumer knowledge of bathroom design. This is likely to be due to the increased time spent at home, many individuals turned to house renovations and, to ensure they created a space that they truly loved and could relax in, decided to explore the areas of bathroom design. Through the use of social platforms, such as Instagram, consumers are becoming more


knowledgeable in the space layout and products that are available as they see what works for others and how they can apply different looks and feels into their personal design. Ultimately this has led to them understanding their own needs more so are willing to invest in


high quality and luxury products to ensure these needs are met. At Trojan, we offer a wide range of products to cover all budgets and needs, from our Ramsden & Mosley luxury solid surface baths to more standard acrylic baths or our easy access range which meets the needs of those looking to future proof their home. We want to ensure we have a product to suit every home!


Comment by David Mosley, Managing Director, Trojan


BKU SEPTEMBER 2021


7


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