KBBConnect - News

Pantone® colour of the year 2024

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:24:00 +0000

The new Pantone® colour of the year is here… Introducing Peach Fuzz!

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches heart, mind, and body. Peach Fuzz inspires belonging, recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from.

Embrace a warm and inviting ambiance in your kitchen by incorporating Peach Fuzz. For a bold statement, why not consider painting all cabinets in this delightful hue. For a subtler touch, infuse your space with Peach Fuzz through accessories, floral arrangements, artwork, pendant lighting, or striking splashbacks. Whether daring or understated, Peach Fuzz promises to radiate a welcoming vibe throughout all living areas.

Click here to learn more about the colour of the year.

Content and image source: www.pantone.com

Autumn 2023 design trends announced

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:26:12 +0000

The latest Autumn 2023 trends have been researched for you, for kitchens, bathrooms and bathrooms.

Welcome to the autumn 2023 edition of our design trends overview for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. This season is all about retro, cosy autumnal tones, nature and mixing and matching textures!

Kitchen:

The modern kitchen is the heart of a home, where style seamlessly intertwines with functionality. In a world that never stops moving, the kitchen has shed its utilitarian past to become a dynamic hub, where culinary creativity mingles with the rhythms of everyday life. Autumn 2023 is heralding a revival of all things retro, vintage, and second-hand, injecting a dose of nostalgia into the cooking haven. Picture the 1970s making a comeback, with kitchens sporting sinuous curves and abstract tiling that dances across countertops.

But hold on, it's not all about reminiscing; technology continues to waltz its way into kitchens this Autumn. Smart appliances continue to reign supreme, voice-controlled taps and motion-activated lighting transform the experience, making the kitchen as efficient as it is stylish.

Surprisingly, the unassuming pantry is staging a triumphant return, not just for storing canned goods but also for discreetly housing selected appliances. Imagine a concealed pantry featuring a mini fridge or even a sink, offering a clever solution to taming the post-dinner party chaos without cluttering a kitchen! Increased use of darker finishes in pantries helps to hide scuffs in this hard-working space. For those fortunate enough to have a larger budget and space, this busy area is being used as a pantry, prep area and storage space - eliminating clutter from the main kitchen.

When it comes to the use of colour in a kitchen, think earthy tones - the warm embrace of terracotta reds, rich browns, and inviting oranges. These hues bring a touch of sophistication and a cosy glow to a kitchen, making them perfect for cabinets, backsplashes, and those accent walls that breathe life into the space. But it doesn't stop at colour; it's all about mixing and matching materials and textures. Wood, metal, stone, and glass come together in a harmonious symphony, adding depth and personality to the kitchen. Imagine textured backsplashes and mesmerising patterned tiles transforming a culinary space into a work of art.

And last but not least, let there be light! Statement lighting fixtures have taken centre stage in kitchen design. Picture pendant lights that dangle like culinary jewellery, chandeliers that add a touch of opulence and custom lighting installations that not only elevate the kitchen's ambiance but also provide a helping hand when your future customer is whipping up culinary masterpieces.

Bathroom:

Today's bathrooms are not just rooms; they're sanctuaries, oases of relaxation and revitalisation. This Autumn, say goodbye to neutral tones. We're talking a colour revolution! Deep blues that make you feel like you're floating in the ocean, emerald greens that transport you to a lush jungle, rich reds that add a touch of sultry drama, and even the boldness of black – these colours aren't just for your wardrobe anymore. They're splashing onto walls, tiles, and fixtures, transforming bathrooms into a drama-filled masterpiece.

Now, let's talk nature. Imagine your bathroom as a mini-Eden, with natural materials like stone and wood, and lush plant-filled decor. Indoor plants and moss walls don't just look pretty; they're like a breath of fresh forest air, improving a bathroom's atmosphere and making it the ultimate calming space.

But guess what? Vintage is back! Retro-inspired bathrooms are making a comeback, with clawfoot baths that make you feel like you're in a classic Hollywood movie, subway tiles that add a timeless charm, and brass fixtures that shine with a modern twist. Industrial-inspired bathroom taps are also in wider use, with exposed pipes and bold finishes like matte black and brushed nickel. Sustainability is in vogue. Eco-friendly materials like recycled glass tiles and reclaimed wood vanities are stealing the spotlight. Bathrooms can now look stunning while being a champion for Mother Earth.

But let's not forget the star of the show – the bath. It's not just a vessel for getting clean; it's a statement piece. Freestanding baths with elegant curves and modern shapes are the belle of the bathroom ball, often stealing the spotlight as the room's focal point. Showers have evolved from mere functional spaces into luxurious havens. Picture this: spacious walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, rain showers, and intricate tile patterns. It's like having a spa right at home - bliss!

And what's the secret to an open, airy feel in modern bathrooms? Frameless glass shower enclosures. They're sleek, minimalist, and they make the bathroom seem bigger.

Bedroom:

The days of dull, uninspiring bedrooms are history. A thrilling journey through the latest and greatest trends in bedroom design will have you dreaming with your eyes wide open! Autumn 2023 is all about bringing nature indoors, and it's called 'Bloomcore.' Imagine a floral paradise, but with a modern twist. This trend, paired with the lush greenery of houseplants, the gentle caress of natural lighting, and the embrace of organic textures, isn't just about aesthetics; it's a one-way ticket to stress reduction and a boost in overall well-being. Who wouldn't want that in their bedroom?

Nostalgia is giving us a warm and earthy hug this season. Picture rich, luscious berry tones of damson gracing your walls – it's like your bedroom is wearing a cosy sweater. Vintage and retro-inspired furniture, wallpaper, and accessories are having a comeback tour, and everyone's invited. From mid-century modern vibes to the free-spirited bohemian flair and the timeless elegance of Victorian-inspired designs, your bedroom can be a time-travelling adventure.

Now, let's talk focal points – they're the rock stars of contemporary bedroom design. Imagine a statement wall that speaks volumes with bold wallpaper, intricate wall panelling, textured paint that's like a tactile masterpiece, or unique wall art that sparks conversations and dreams. Designers are now gazing upward to the ceiling, turning it into a work of art with unique paint or trim designs that draw the eye upward and add a splash of visual intrigue.

And because we're not just dreaming about style but sustainability too, eco-conscious design is making waves. It's all about materials that hug the environment, like reclaimed wood that tells a story of its own and recycled textiles that make customers feel good inside and out.

Sources: House Beautiful; Ideal Home; Good Housekeeping; Future plc; Period Living; Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms; Homes & Gardens; House & Garden; English Home; Your Home Style, PWS

KBBConnect's sister company ArtiCAD, shortlisted for Best CAD Brand

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:37:37 +0000

We're excited to share that KBBConnect's sister company ArtiCAD, has been shortlisted for Best Software/CAD Brand at this year's BKU Awards. The BKU recognises the best kitchen and bathroom professionals in the kbb sector. This year, the awards will take place at the prestigious Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on the 9th June 2023.

About the BKU Awards

Launched by Bathroom & Kitchen Update publisher Datateam Business Media in 2015, the BKU Awards has firmly established its position as the ultimate scheme for the recognition of excellence in the sector and the key networking event in the calendar of all bathroom & kitchen professionals.

Why are industry awards so important? Click here to read our blog on the importance of awards and what it can do for your business.

Lastly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for ArtiCAD, and congratulations to all the other finalists!

Pantone® colour of the year 2023

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:35:00 +0000

The new Pantone® colour of the year is here... Introducing Viva Magenta!

Viva Magenta 18-1750 is a shade of crimson red that expresses power & strength, and creates positivity through design. This versatile shade has warm and cool tones, and can standalone or be used in smaller portions to add a pop of colour into anyone's home.

Feeling bold? Why not create a full-on statement by painting all kitchen cabinets in Viva Magenta - just like Burbidge Kitchen Makers! Want something a little more subtle? Why not introduce this colour into your new space in the form of floral arrangements, artwork, pendant lighting or statement splashbacks - Viva Magenta will catch anyone's eye, even in small doses.

Click here to learn more about the colour of the year.

Source: pantone.com

Bedroom design trends for 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:45:00 +0000

It is probably not surprising that with the continued emphasis on home-life – in all its various forms – that designing and decorating a room tends to be more personalised than previously. Combined with economic pressures, the aim is more than ever to create a space that works for the homeowner – rather than to impress others. It’s time to go back in time and revel in nostalgia.

Think rich large-bloom floral prints, in blues, pinks and yellows. Or if florals really do not suit, then ginghams and stripes create an equally nostalgic feel, which is also cheerful and bold. And for those who resist pattern no matter what, colour drenching is the answer with floors, walls and ceiling all painted or covered in the same colour – which can help to create a cocooning atmosphere and often make the room look larger.

Statement headboards have been a feature for several years now, and they continue to be – providing a relatively easy way of updating and bringing extra personality into a bedroom. Patterned upholstery can be introduced in the headboard, whilst any opportunity to incorporate scalloped edges should be seized. The scallop is a real throw-back to the 1970s, and is very much on trend again in 2023.

No matter which design option is chosen, the bedroom should exude an atmosphere of being a calm, peaceful, safe haven with plenty of individual personality.

Sources: House Beautiful; Ideal Home; Period Living; Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms; House & Garden; English Home

Kitchen design trends for 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:15:22 +0000

Welcome to our regular round-up of the key kitchen design trends for the months ahead. A strong wave of nostalgia seems to be spreading through the design trends for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms this Spring. Victorian-inspired chequerboard tiles, 70’s style scalloped edges, large floral prints in warm, comforting, strong shades such as raspberry, yellow and gold as well as dark greens and dark blues – the latter two helping homeowners bring nature into their house.

At the start of 2023, it seems that trends in kitchen design are perhaps more fluid than in some previous period. Maybe it is the economic situation, an increased focus on sustainability and product provenance as well as overall longevity but there seem to be fewer radical or completely new trends – more a hunkering down in an uncluttered, calming environment with carefully chosen pieces. And for those curated items, open shelving is extremely popular as a display area, whilst also helping to personalise the space.

Reeded glass for the front of cabinets brings a nostalgic theme. Storage, in general, is perennially important in the kitchen, with pan drawers and larder units leading the way, and the overwhelming desire to have a utility room to keep laundry and appliances out of the living area. Also, on the ‘must-have’ list are boiling water taps and downdraft extractors, with extra-large sinks in granite or steel featuring strongly as a ‘very nice to have’. Sustainability is a clear theme, continuing from its rising importance last year.

Plywood appears to score well on the sustainability scale, being both durable and hard-wearing. Worksurfaces can be sourced in recycled glass and recycled brick rubble. Aluminium taps have a very low environmental impact and are extremely recyclable, as well as looking good.

Colours for Spring 2023 again focus on bringing the outdoors inside with teal blues, forest greens and other similar shades. Complementing these colours are warm metallics for handles and taps. Islands, of course, continue to be ever-popular, although some are looking to large tables with drawers as a means of introducing an equally useful, but freestanding, item of furniture. And in larger multi-function kitchens, rugs are being heralded as a cost-effective and practical means of helping to zone a space.

Sources: House Beautiful; Ideal Home; Period Living; Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms; House & Garden; English Home

Bathroom design trends for 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

The need for comfort, tranquillity, calmness and a relaxed environment is paramount, with no sign at all of any decline in the importance of the home. Many people continue to spend more time at home, rather than travelling to work-specific locations; as a consequence, the house has to work so much harder to fulfil all the different needs and activities, and ensure as much as possible that it works for everyone.

The dramatic escalation of the cost of living and squeeze on disposable income may well mean that some house owners decide against wholesale renovations of their bathrooms for the time being. However, bathrooms offer so many opportunities for specific elements to be changed or updated to create a new, fresh feel to the room.

Installing new taps, for example, in this season’s warm metallic tones, such as brass, gold and brushed bronze, will instantly update the bathroom. And if they can be textured, so much the better. To complement this, look to bold, warm colours for the walls – and maybe consider colour drenching, with floors, walls and ceiling all in the same shade – which appears to be a trend across not only bathrooms, but bedrooms and kitchens this year.

Wallpaper – either specifically made for moisture-laden environments or varnished to withstand damp atmospheres – is another great way of updating a bathroom. Freestanding baths continue to be the feature of choice when space allows. And when dealing with a small bathroom, it can be useful to affix as much as possible to walls, rather than installing floor-standing toilets, sinks, furniture etc. Nostalgia also appears in bathroom trends with chequerboard for both floors and tiles – a backwards look towards a classic Victorian style.

Sources: House Beautiful; Ideal Home; Period Living; Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms; House & Garden; English Home

How to boost your social media presence

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:48:48 +0000

In this digital world, social media is crucial for any business. If your business is not present on social media, it needs to be! Having a great social media presence can help a business grow in many ways, but this isn't something that will evolve overnight and miraculously improve with random posts and mentions every now and then. It requires time and effort on your behalf. This is why we have put together 10 steps to help boost your company’s social media presence - let's get started.

1. Strategy

It all starts with a plan! Start by writing down your goals and objectives for the year, as well as the timeframe in which you want to achieve these by. What do you want to get out of social media? This could be building on your brand awareness; increasing the number of followers; generating leads etc. Come up with a plan that allows you to see exactly how you are going to achieve these goals and objectives.

Think about splitting your overall goals in to bite size chunks for the year, which will make it easier for you to achieve and monitor. Your goals should be realistic, measurable and achievable within the timeframe you have set. Having a clear structure will help you to create valuable content for each channel.

2. Identify your audience

Research your target audience – it will help if you have documented your customer types (personas). Here is a free persona template.

Find out what social media channels each persona typically uses. This will help you decide which channels your business should be on. Pick the channels you know will be most beneficial to your business and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

Think about customer interests, the time they typically spend on these channels as well how often they visit them throughout the day. This will help you identify how often you should post, the types of content you should be posting and when the best time to do this is.

3. Check out the competition

Find out what your competition are up to. Look in to what social media channels they are on, have they posted any new content or blog posts? Take a look into what's working for them. This doesn't mean that you copy what they do - as what works for them won’t necessarily work for you. It's just a chance to analyse and think about what could work for your business's campaign needs. At the end of the day, you both have the same target audience.

4. Comment, like and share other people's content

Let people know there is a human behind the account! Get involved and interact with others. Like posts, comment and join conversations, or even start them yourself. Share other people's content that you see fit for your audience. Make it yours by adding your own heading, even if it's asking your audience if they agree with the below. @someone if you are posting something that references them and make sure that you reply to anyone that has tagged you in a comment. Even if the comments you receive are negative, it is important that you respond. This shows that you are listening to what they have to say.

5. Create and post valuable content

You should be posting content regularly but whatever you post must be seen to be useful to your target audience. Create content that you know your audience wants to see!

Meaningless posting isn't going to bring you a lot of engagement or return visits. It needs to be interesting, captivating and most of all, valuable. Otherwise, your audience will scroll past your post like it never existed.

This next step goes without saying… post when it's the best time to engage with your audience. Each channel can give you this insight. That said, you shouldn't post and sign off, that’s not how it works. Be around to answer any questions that may arise from your post or interaction. Customers and especially potential sales leads won't want to be left hanging around to find out the answers they need if they can get them quicker from a competitor.

Using #hashtags in your posts is a great way for people to find you. Use them wisely though, don't be that person that hashtags the whole description. Think of these as keywords. What would your customers search for? Take a look at the hashtags your competitors use. If they work for them, they are bound to work for you.

Stories or 'Going Live' are great ways to engage with your audience especially at events such as the kbb show. It involves your audience, and they can embark on the same journey as you without physically being there.

Setting up polls and questions on your stories will get your audience thinking and therefore interacting.

Why not piggy-back on what's trending - as long as it fits in with your business campaigns, then it's definitely something you should be doing.

Lastly, there is no harm in recycling previous content. As long as it's still valid, by all means, share it again!

Tip: Get yourself a content calendar to help you keep up with the frequent posting. Facebook for Business has one already built-in for your Facebook and Instagram business accounts. It also allows you to bulk schedule saving endless amounts of time. Also think about having certain events listed in your calendar like Earth Day. This leaves great opportunity to write a blog centred around how sustainable your business is and what actions you are looking to take in the future to become more environmentally friendly.

6. Follow new people

Every new follow is now another person/company who knows you exist. Follow new people everyday, and who knows they may just return the favour. Those who follow you back not only help to build your audience, but this action also confirms that they are the correct audience type.

7. Create blogs and share them

Think about the types of things your typical customers would like to read about.

Let’s say you sell 'The tap that does it all'. Maybe a write up on 'how to maintain your hot tap so it reaches its life expectancy' will go down well, or even three tasty sparkling drink recipes.

Creating a blog that interests your audience will result in more engagement. Those who read your blog posts may share them with their followers, which will help spread your message far and wide and bring new visitors to your website who may not have known you existed before.

8. Videos

In this digital world, videos continue to be the most effective type of content and therefore get far more engagement than just words or images. Maybe it's because we find them more interesting and easier to digest?

Hubspot found that 67% of marketers say sharing marketing videos on social media has the biggest return on investment.

Panicking? No need! You don't need to be a whiz in some complicated video editing tool. Try out something like TikTok or the Instagram feature called Reels.

Again, these don't have to be complicated. Why not try putting together an Insta Reel of the kitchen design process. Start with a mood board full of ideas, through to the design process using CAD, show off some of those amazing ArtiCAD HD renders and then end it with the real-life kitchen in your client’s home. You'll be amazed at how much engagement this minute long video will get you.

9. Find out what's working & carry on building

Use the many available analytic tools to investigate what's working and what isn't. Tools such as Zoho Social or Hootsuite will give you great insight, down to every last post and share. Facebook for Business has a great section which will let you dive into every aspect of how well your account is performing.

You should monitor this daily, consider A/B testing on different aspects such as imagery and headings then tweak as you go to make sure your efforts are set to achieve your goals and objectives.

10. Lastly, stay active!

By having a content calendar, piggy-backing on trends and recycling previous content, you will save endless amounts of time and you will feel more inclined to stay active on the channels you wish to be present on. It’s so important to stay active, as inconsistency can stick with a company especially as social media can be the first step in a customer’s journey with you. Keep up with the commenting, liking and sharing. Post content regularly, interact with others and you should see your social presence evolve.

Sources: sproutsocial.com, digitalandsocialmediaacademy.com, digitalmarkteinginstitute.com and hubspot.com

KBBConnect's sister company ArtiCAD, becomes approved KBBG supplier

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:38:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that ArtiCAD have become an approved supplier to the KBBG (Der Kreis), Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group. KBBG, which operates across eleven countries and has over 3,000 members, supports independent kitchen and bathroom showrooms by providing a dedicated channel for specialist services and products.

Members benefit from exclusive access and buying conditions, business advice, as well as promotions and offers, all of which are designed to help KBB showrooms achieve their full business potential.

Tobias Waltham, Head of Supplier Partnerships: “We are delighted to be working with KBBG. Their goal of helping businesses achieve their full potential is absolutely in line with our own commitment to helping our customers to sell more, and to sell more easily. Both KBBG and ourselves have been established for over thirty years, both of us working exclusively with the KBB sector. “In addition, we have recently made available within the ArtiCAD-Pro software the 2022 catalogues from many major European furniture manufacturers, which is particularly relevant to many KBBG members.”

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG, adds: “We are pleased to welcome ArtiCAD as a new service provider to members of the KBBG. Not only is their software of the highest standard, but they also offer an extremely professional service and are experts within the KBB sector. We encourage our independent KBB specialists to enquire about the exclusive package deals available to KBBG members.”

Click here for more information on the KBBG

Why are industry awards so important?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 12:27:26 +0000

In the competitive local market, anything that makes your business stand out is critically important to set you apart from the crowd. Whether you’re a finalist or a winner, awards are a fantastic way for businesses to be recognised. It’s important to look through the potential gains of entering awards vs the time, money, and effort it takes to enter them. From brand reputation to getting glammed up for the ceremony, here are 3 reasons why entering industry awards is so important for your business.

MarketingAwards give you free marketing - and it’s not all about winning. Entering, and even being shortlisted for awards promotes brand awareness and can attract new customers. The PR opportunities surrounding awards through optimised logos, websites, social media, and emails are a fantastic way to get your brand/business out there - it’s also a great sales pitch! Being recognised for success is certainly something that any business shouldn’t look past and winning an award is a sign of quality for existing and potential new customers.

Staff engagement/morale Winning an award is a great feeling for anyone, especially when it’s recognising the work and efforts of your team and what you do best. Entering, being shortlisted, and even winning an award can help boost staff morale and keep them motivated. Being recognised for your hard work is always rewarding and employees can feel proud to be a part of it all. As well as that, it gives everyone an excuse to get dressed up, have a great night out (if you can remember it) all whilst engaging in a great team building event, not to mention the networking opportunities.

Competitive advantage Entering awards requires businesses to evaluate and justify why they should win and at the same time, understanding what you’re doing vs your competitors. Entering over those competitors who fail to even acknowledge the awards puts you one step ahead.