New KBDi insurance Master Policy
Available now for all KBDi members - the new KBDi insurance Master Policy is a tailored, industry-specific insurance facility for interior designers, including those...
Welcome to 2020
Hi all and welcome to 2020. We hope you all enjoyed a break over the Festive Season. If you have been affected by the...
Interior Design Trends 2017
The arrival of the New Year brings with it fresh trends across all areas of our lives. To help Australians stay ahead of the...
Using architectural terms and references in your marketing
Today's guest post comes from KBDi who has done a deep dive into the use of the word "architectural" or "architect" within the building and design industry.
Guest Post: 5 Ways To Reduce Late Payments From Your Clients
Today's guest post looks at five ways you can reduce late payments from clients, particularly in today's challenging times.
“The coffee shop” – Commentary
Thought about changing the way you do things recently? In this, another excellent piece from KBB Review in the UK, kitchen designer Darren Morgan...
TKBB Summer Series – Best of…Interior Innovation
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series - while we're on a break, we've compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics. Enjoy!
Homes are about more than...
Laminex tells us what happening in 2015
The 2015 Trends Forecast from Laminex Australia written by Neil Sookee embraces worldwide design and style trends and adds a hint of nearby flavour...
Annual Houzz & Home Australia survey
Median spend for home renovation projects stabilised at $20,000 in 2019, according to the annual Houzz & Home Australia survey.
When working with a designer-maker is worth the extra money
Artisan David Tragen shares his views on when it's worth the time and investment to work with a designer-maker on pieces for your home.
One superlative too many
In the course of my work I get to write *a lot* about kitchens, bathrooms and interior spaces. I love it - I love...
The Kitchen of the Future – Silestone Institute
The Kitchen of the Future - and how it might look and function - is the focus of a new report produced by the...
TKBB Summer Series – Future of Kitchens
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – Best of…… topics for you to enjoy during your summer break. Here’s a selection of ideas for innovation and corporate responsibility.
“Bevelled tile revival” – will it happen?
At Cersaie there was a rather unusual push from exhibitors on bevelled tiles. And most who were there believed that there is a revival...
Integrating Smart Technology in Kitchen Design
In the world of high-end kitchen design, integrating smart technology is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality.
It’s very much time to have your say on Home Owners...
For all of you out there who abide by the rules - here's something you should spend some time reading. And, if you care...
Miserable Old Gits Club – episode 2!
Back in March we brought you some thoughts from Derek Miller (via KBB Review) in the UK who asked some serious questions about bathrooms....
ASOFIA offers Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
ASOFIA is pleased to offer Certificate IV in Project Management Practice, a course that has been specifically contextualised for the Australian fitout industry.
Introducing Ivy Australia
Ivy Australia is a Business and Project Management Platform for Designers that provides a number of tools to help them run their business.
Can influencer marketing work in the K&B industry?
With paid advertising saturating the market, we thought we’d explore the idea of Influencer Marketing and whether it could be an effective tool.
Hansgrohe’s global showering habits
A new survey commissioned by Hansgrohe has revealed a host of interesting global showering habits. The survey was conducted by a market research company among...
“Honey – what’s that in the microwave?”
Most of us use the microwave on a daily basis (and a variety of technology) and almost as many of us use these trusted little...
Opinion: Wallpaper trends 2021
Paula Taylor, Trends & Design Expert, from Superfresco Easy unravels the key wallpaper trends set to define our homes in 2021.
Light + Building presents the trends for 2024/25
Light + Building will be held in Frankfurt from 3-8 March 2024 and will showcase important products and solutions in the field of light and lighting.
Leap into 2020 with Redman Training & Development
Take your business to the next level in 2020 with specialist training that will improve sales values and increase customer satisfaction.
TKBB Summer Series – Best of…Tapware from iSalone
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series - while we're on a break, we've compiled a compilation of Best of...... topics. Enjoy!
First up are our picks...
Proposed ACFA & KBDi Merger
ACFA and KBDi have announced a proposed strategic merger of the two organisations to create a powerful alliance to better serve the industry.
Ask our Expert – Business Development
Expert in business development, Ron Redman from Redman Training & Development shares his advice on how to harness opportunities and plan for the future.
Are Black and White bathrooms still alive?
It's not an original question I know - its just that it came up in conversation last week and I though we'd do a...
Small business marketing in the age of the virus
Kitchen and bathroom businesses, are set to be particularly challenged during this time. Here are our top 4 Small Business marketing tips to maintain momentum!
How to write a killer one-page marketing plan
For our new year's resolution this year, we decided to share our tips for writing a rock star one-page marketing plan.
Opinion: who has the best kitchen?
There are a lot of great rivalries in the world: State of Origin, Yankees vs Mets, The Ashes, Real Madrid vs Barcelona. And not...
Consumer trend: price does not define luxury
According to a recent survey, the majority of Germans, Americans and Chinese all agree on one thing: price is not the critical factor in...
HIA Trades Report now available
The HIA Trades Report provides a quarterly review of the availability of skilled trades and any price pressures on trades operating in the residential...
TKBB Summer Series – Best of….Kitchen innovation
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series - while we're on a break, we've compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics. Enjoy!
We're super lucky to be...
Impact of technology on households and occupants
In this opinion piece, Katie Mills from Poshh.co.uk looks at the impact of technology on households and occupants and how this will impact the...
Interior Tile Trends 2019
Original Style has teamed up with award-winning interior blogger Stacey Sheppard (The Design Sheppard) to reveal the top interior tile trends for 2019.
Commentary – Richard Moss has his say
There are times when you read some really awful editorial commentary - this isn't one of them. I haven't met Richard Moss (yet) but...
Guest Post: Wellness at Home
Today's guest post comes from Adrian Barr, Founder and Director of Geyser Steam & Sauna who will explore the idea of creating a wellness at home zone.
Do good cooks make good kitchen designers?
In the course of my career in publishing I've been lucky enough to have interviewed a number of professional chefs, gourmet foodies and home...
TKBB Summer Series – Best of…Building Products
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series - while we're on a break, we've compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics. Enjoy!
Recognising that our world is...
Eurocucina 2018 – new cooking spaces
Here's an insight into what we'll see at Eurocucina 2018 - new cooking spaces that are fluid orderly and professional. Eurocucina, the benchmark exhibition at...
Kleenmaid collapse update
It's been a long time coming but hopefully there will be some relief for those consumers and staff who fell foul of the collapse of Kleenmaid...
Workplace advice with ACFA – Employment Contracts
As the industry gears up for 2023, many are looking for new staff and will be looking at areas of their business such as employment contracts.
Writing a Brand Story and why it’s so important
Brand storytelling can be one of the most valuable weapons in your marketing arsenal so why don’t more companies utilise their stories more effectively?
EuroCucina report – Green
The stands at EuroCucina are always amazing and it’s great to see what the designers do with the space and how they make it...
Guest Post: Making choices in business
This week's guest post comes from Ron Redman at Redman Training & Development who looks at the impact of the choices we make within our businesses.
TKBB Summer Series – Top Bathroom Design
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – Best of…… topics for you to enjoy during your summer break. Here’s a selection of the best bathroom ideas of 2021.
Clinton tells architects – “you’ve got a lot to do”
We thought we'd bring you what our American design cousins really get their teeth into on a three day "let's make it a long...
Interview with Paulo Figueiredo from DelightFULL
Today's opinion piece is an interview with Paulo Figueiredo, head designer of the mid-century modern lighting brand, DelightFULL.
Interview: Carolina Costa from Circu Magical Furniture
Today's post comes from an interview with Carolina Costa from Circu Magical Furniture, a Portugese brand established in 2015.
2023 Brand Refresh
In a crowded market, your best asset is your brand. Your brand is the easily-recognisable elements that connect your customers with your brand promise and your brand credentials.
Are renovations Australia’s next building boom?
"Are renovations Australia's next building boom"? Yes, according to the latest edition of the HIA Renovations Roundup report which predicts that home renovations will become
an...
Builder Background Checks in Victoria
A new business has been set up in Victoria that offers Builder Background Checks by a building industry insider that offers totally independent advice.
SaloneSatellite on display at Rinascente
For the 9th consecutive year, 14 products featured at SaloneSatellite will be on display and for sale at Rinacente.
SaloneSatellite 2020
With the theme "Designing for our Future Selves", SaloneSatellite 2020 will be the 23rd edition of this amazing event, dedicated to talented young designers.
Bushfire relief – how you can help
It's no secret that the end of last year and the few weeks we have had of 2020 have been awful for bushfire activity...
Referrals – are they really appreciated?
Aside from regular marketing such as magazines, Facebook, newspapers, TV and the like, most businesses at some stage receive the potential for business through...
“Beware Cheap Imports”
Again, I'm indebted to Tim Wallace from KBB in the UK for this article posted on their site recently. Tim Leedman is MD of...
Kitchens an “afterthought”?
Our good friends at KBB Review in the UK decided that as there was little hope of enjoying any further rugby at the World...
House of Social expansion plans
The Kitchen & Bathroom Blog editor Melanie Gardener joins forces with Social Media Guru Rebecca Foster as they become House of Social Pty Ltd from 1st July 2020.
TKBB Summer Series – Beautiful Buildings
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – we’re on a very well-deserved break but have no fear…we’ve compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics for...
Guest post: Augmented reality
Today's guest post comes from The Blue Space who discuss the idea that augmented reality is changing the online bathroom shopping experience.
Augmented Reality is...
Guest Post: Defining the “new normal”
Today's guest post looks at how we can define the “new normal” for the building and renovation industry in COVID times. By Sina Sadeghpour.
Guest post: 2021 Shower Trends
This week's guest post comes from Andy Grigor, Head of Design & Innovation at Methven and he shares his 2021 Shower Trends.
Designing Kitchens for Accessibility and Aging in Place
Designing kitchens that are both stylish and accessible has become an essential skill for Australian designers.
Is “pro-forma” fair – and for whom?
As most of you would be aware there are certain appliance brands that operate on "pro-forma" basis. The idea is sound in theory -...
Q&A with Andrew Stenos of Integriti Bathrooms
Andrew Stenos is one half of the brains behind Integriti Bathrooms, a premium bathroom renovations company in Sydney. Integriti Bathrooms is dedicated to good...
Top 10 Facebook Tips
In today’s online world, having a presence on social media is a must. Here are our Top 10 Tips for managing your Facebook business profile into the future.
How to handle (and respond to) negative reviews
In this digital age, online reviews are here and they are here to stay. But what happens when you receive a negative review?
Interior design trends at imm cologne 2018
imm cologne 2018 will feature a range of furniture trends with more than 1200 exhibitors from 50 countries showcasing current colours and forms as...
Using Search to Get to Know your Customers
Key search terms used can tell you plenty about your customers and can prompt you to offer solutions for often-searched challenges.
Kitchen & Bathroom Designers wanted – Melbourne based
Let’s Talk Kitchens & Interiors is looking for two interior designers who specialise in kitchen and bathroom design to join the team at its Canterbury, Melbourne showroom.
2017 Dulux Colour Trends
Design will be inspired by an emphasis on tactility, deep blues and the evolution of ‘greiges’ according to the 2017 Dulux Colour Trends.
Presenting a...
Dulux Colour Trends Autumn 2016
Dulux has released its colour trends for Autumn 2016 which it has labelled "Back to the Future: Decadent autumn hues with a modern twist"
Interiors...
Trends in depth – Greenery/Nature
In a new addition for 2018 - TKBB will be presenting a series of stories that investigate a prevailing trend in depth. For our...
TKBB Summer Series – Sensational Basins
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – Best of…… topics for you to enjoy during your summer break. Here’s a selection of the most sensational bathroom basins.
Online events – the new way to attend trade fairs?
With international travel restrictions still in place, many trade fairs are moving to online events to engage with the design community.
Wattyl 2019 Colour Palettes
The Wattyl 2019 Colour Palettes have been released and the overarching sentiment in a far-reaching piece of Australian research is "Design meets Emotion".
The research forms...
Commentary……
Last month’s article about appliances (Referrals – are they really appreciated?, August 18) generated some heated debate, both on the blog and among industry...
Kitchen Design Trends 2019 and beyond
Thanks to our valued sponsors Zip Water, check out their picks for the latest kitchen design trends in 2019 and beyond. The Zip experts...
How will COVID-19 change kitchen and bathroom design
As Australia’s peak industry group for kitchen and bathroom designers, KBDi looks at how COVID is likely to change design in 2021 and beyond.
Interview Christoph Behling
The genial designer, Christoph Behling, London-based by choice, was born in 1970 in Switzerland, grew up in Düsseldorf and went to art school in...
Sale Season – here we go again!
Driving around Sydney this week is as close to manageable as you will get - kids, plus teachers plus another few hundred thousand on...
Maximising digital communication in the K&B industry
How can the K&B sector can maximise the effectiveness of its digital communications to grow business and strengthen relationships?
59th Edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano: Designing Beauty
Editor Melanie Gardener attended the official launch of the 59th Edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano last week, with the theme of "Designing Beauty".
What I really wish people knew about social media
There's no doubt digital marketing - and social media in particular - is the choice of marketers across all industries.
Expert Opinion – Boredom Busters from KBDi
KBDi has put together a useful list of five ways to bust boredom and regain your mojo, helping you retain your passion and find new focus in your career.
It’s not the price. It’s the value
Having been on the other side of the fence for many years, I was recently in the new position of having to speak to...
What would you have done?
Here's a press release we got yesterday, and it begs the question "is this the best they could have done"?
Have a look.
"All the lofts...
TKBB Summer Series – Designers
Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – we’re on a very well-deserved break but have no fear…we’ve compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics for...
Bathroom trends according to “ISH”
This article (created by the organisers at ISH) is designed to get you to go to their show.....
"The latest luxury lifestyle trend in the...
Build a Social Media Strategy
Creating a social media strategy is an essential step in ensuring the success of your social media program.
2020 interior trend predictions by Original Style
Original Style has teamed up with London-based interior design duo 2LG Studio to bring us its interior trend predictions for 2020.
Maison&Objet Report
Interior designer, Erika Forster from Maison DLP recently attended the Maison & Objet fair in Paris and brings us her insights from the show.
International Influences in High-End Kitchen Design
In the world of high-end kitchen design, Australia has emerged as a leader by blending international trends with its unique sensibilities.
The epitome of loyalty
There are many ways of rewarding customers for loyalty – on an ongoing basis. Frequent flyer programs (or in our industry’s case Frequent fryer!)...
Tips for videos on Social Media
Top ten tips for videos on Social Media to help you up your engagement levels and stay on top of your social media game in this ever-changing landscape.
The Nover Story
Nover is one of Australia’s largest family-owned and operated businesses supplying the cabinet making and joinery industries.
