Every year, design, technology and lifestyle shifts transform the way people experience and interact with their kitchens. Leading distributor of kitchen and bedroom components, PWS, highlights its top 3 influences shaping kitchens in 2026 from the popularity of wood cabinetry to timeless taupe.  A nod to nature with oak  Offering unparalleled quality, durability and beauty, last year saw a surge in popularity for natural wood-drenched kitchens. Providing quiet luxury and soph

With Havwoods For many years, contemporary interiors were dominated by smooth surfaces and minimalist finishes. Today, designers are moving towards a more tactile aesthetic to introduce character and depth to spaces. From fluted wall panels and slatted partitions to brushed timber flooring and sculptural veneers, texture is rapidly becoming one of the defining elements of modern interior design. This shift reflects a growing desire for spaces that feel warmer, layered and mor

Is the classic shaker kitchen still the nation’s favourite, or are customers beginning to look beyond this enduring design? Long admired for its simplicity, versatility and timeless appeal, the shaker door has dominated British kitchens for decades – but bolder design choices and growing interest in contemporary finishes are starting to reshape the market. Head of Life Trade, Paul Berryman, discusses this classic style and explores how today’s preferences are changing and wha

Natural stone has been used in building and construction for thousands of years, but it was in the eighteenth century – when classically inspired country houses rose in popularity – that it became the preferred material of choice for the building industry. Can cast stone be considered a viable alternative? Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone , discusses the main differences between the two types of stone and tells us why cast stone can be a cost-effective alte

Rinnai UK’s Operations Director Chris Goggin explains “Kaizen” and “Kanban” methodologies and principles to spotlight the high standards of production values that globally renowned Japanese brands initiate into manufacturing practices. Japanese manufacturing is renowned for delivering high levels of products which are highly efficient and are fully inclusive of aesthetic and operational function.   Rinnai UK’s Operations Director Chris Goggin Many of the globes leading brands

Toby Marlow, Building & Construction Director from Haddonstone, outlines why cast stone is the smart choice for modern construction and historical renovation... Natural stone, such as marble, slate and sandstone, has been a core construction material around the world for centuries; think the Taj Mahal, Palace of Westminster, the Palace of Versailles, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for example. Weather-resistance, beauty, durability, and low maintenance contribute to the appea

By Paul Trace, Director, Stella Rooflight.. .....    Over the past decade, the specification of rooflights in historic and sensitive buildings has evolved significantly. Advances in performance, detailing and thermal efficiency have  broadened what is possible, while planning authorities and conservation officers have  become increasingly familiar with rooflights as a legitimate way to introduce natural light  into traditionally challenging spaces.  Alongside this progress, h

As homeowners continue to seek spaces that balance comfort, character and longevity, the design landscape for 2026 places a renewed focus on natural materials, elevated textures and refined colour palettes. Drawing on his experience as a judge at the prestigious British institute of Interior Design Awards, and his deep understanding of global design narratives, Paul Moody, Global Marketing & Digital Director at Havwoods, outlines the trends set to shape the year ahead - demon

Over the past decade, sliding doors have become the go-to choice for architects creating designs that bring in more light and space into their projects. Whether it is an extension, a renovation, or a self-build project, it’s easy to see the appeal - large panels of glass, slim frames, and seamless views of the garden. But as the demand for slim-framed doors has grown, so has the number of products on the market. And while those ultra-thin frames look fantastic, they can come

Rethinking urban living: The role of acoustic balcony glazing in inner-city high-rise living Cities in the UK are becoming taller and noisier. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of households living in a flat, maisonette or apartment increased by 21% to 5.4 million.​ 1  In London, over half of the homes built since 2002 are in high-rise buildings.​ 2     While high-rise living may address housing shortages, the quality of life for residents is often impacted by issues such as

David Connacher, Marketing Manager of West Fraser, discusses the benefits of engineered wood panels It is well accepted that the use of timber panel products began a century back when plywood was first manufactured in quantity .   Aeons beforehand, the E gyptians also came to understand the benefit of gluing sections of timber together, enhancing the natural strength of wood fibres by alternating the direction of the grain.  Today, as mankind struggles with huge population gr

A recent Freedom of Information request to Cornwall Council has revealed an extraordinary case of planning delay -a single residential...

Here Simon Helm, Studio Manager at Haddonstone , gives an insight into the traditional design and sculpting methods used to create the...

David Barrow , Managing Director of   Haddonstone , looks forward to the company's 55th   anniversary next year - continuing to embrace...

Paul Trace, Director of Stella Rooflight explains why British-made rooflights are more critical than ever.    For architects and...

When it comes to waterproofing a bathroom there are two main methods for existing backgrounds: liquid-applied systems or sheet membranes....

Paul Nicholas at Abloy UK discusses the importance of escape door compliance in schools, and specifying the correct electronic access...

The founder of stone conservation and restoration pioneers Stonehealth has warned specifiers and building owners of the risk of using...

The key steps for designing more efficient buildings In a world of architecture and construction guided by constant creativity, the...

Working with a client to select an exterior colour scheme involves a number of different considerations. Most importantly, do the colours...