Diy News Bulletin

. It may only be the end of September, but Moben, Sharps and Dolphin have issued their predictions for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom trends in 2011, as interpreted by interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who's their ambassador. He predicts that next year will be all about the living kitchen: A cooking and living space in one, with practical, furniture-inspired breakfast bars and island units taking centre stage - especially curved ones. While he expects white and ivory kitchens to remain popular, he sees strong colours making an impact, too, along with textures. In the world of bedrooms, Llewelyn-Bowen believes glamour will be big news, with fitted wardrobes - and innovative storage solutions inside - key to achieving this look. White high-gloss wardrobes will set the trend, warmed up with rich colours, textures, carpets and wallpapers.Finally, the bathroom is expected to feel more like an extension of the bedroom in 2011, thanks to glamorous personal touches - such as tile feature walls and adaptable mood lighting. The trend for bathroom storage will be attractive but practical pieces, used in a stunning way. And if you have room, Llewelyn-Bowen expects second bathrooms to be more popular than ever.

Our Indian summer seems to have disappeared, but if you are creating a deck or patio in hope of it returning, check out the new deckchair-printing service from Artylicious. The deckchair frame is made of beech and you can choose any photo from the company's collections for the digitally printed canvas sling. The chairs cost pounds 140 each. Visit www.artylicious.co.uk/to browse the images - then email them with your choice to see if it's suitable for the sling.

pounds 1.9m revamp on ward

WORK is under way on a major pounds 1.9m ward refurbishment at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The ward will also be one of the first hospitals to trial new hospital furniture designed by the Design Council. The new space-age furniture is designed to be easily cleaned and reduce the risk of infection.Ward 21 is an L-shaped ward with separate wings for male and female patients with 18 beds in single room and small room accommodation. There will be ensuite bathroom facilities and ward furniture and furnishings which comply with the highest infection prevention and control standards.A project, to upgrade ward 21, a stroke rehabilitation ward, into a state-of-the-art unit is now under way. It follows a similar transformation on wards 10 and 17 and all three represent a major investment totalling nearly pounds 6m.The work is expected to take six months.Frank Gibbons, director of estates and facilities, said: "This is a very exciting project for both patients and staff. This is part of our rolling programme of major and minor upgrades on wards right across the hospital aimed at creating a better environment for everyone."There will also be extra specially-adapted physiotherapy rooms for the rehabilitation care for patients.

Frank Gibbons, director of estates and facilities, said: "This is a very exciting project for both patients and staff. This is part of our rolling programme of major and minor upgrades on wards right across the hospital aimed at creating a better environment for everyone."

WIN pounds 1,000 CASH PLUS pounds 1,000 of cleaning products

TO celebrate the launch of Ozkleen's Oz Factor search we have pounds 1,000 in CASH to give away plus another pounds 1,000 worth of Ozkleen eco cleaning products!

CORRECTLY answer this question for a chance to win: Q Who won last year's X Factor?If you live in a hard-water area and have tried every product on the market to remove limescale without success, then it's time to try Ozkleen Bathroom Power.You'll be amazed at how effective the Ozkleen range of products are.DO you have what it takes to sparkle? Ozkleen are offering another pounds 1,000 and the chance to appear in the next Ozkleen ad for their Oz Factor competition.For kitchens, Ozkleen Kitchen Power cuts through grease for a sparkling finish. And it also works great on light fittings, window frames, barbecues, outdoor furniture, metals, jewellery, bins and hard floors.Forget the X Factor... it's time for the OZ FactorC .......... Gareth GatesService Provider: Telecom Express Ltd, call 0870 487 4870B .......... Same DifferenceTERMS & CONDITIONSA .......... Joe McElderry1. Lines close 6pm Friday, October 15, 2010. BT landline calls cost 60p/min, max two mins. Other landline operators/ payphones/ mobiles may vary. Text/Internet entries pounds 1 each plus standard network rate. 2. One winner and 20 runners-up selected at random after lines close from all correct entries received. 3. Winner: pounds 1,000 awarded as cheque, plus 13 bottles of Ozkleen cleaning products. 4. Runners-up: each 13 bottles of Ozkleen cleaning products only. 5. Prizes published in other Trinity Mirror titles, not transferable, no whole/ part cash alternatives, awarded within 28 days of competition closing. 6. Trinity Mirror plc accepts no liability whatsoever in winner's subsequent use of these products. 7. Standard Trinity Mirror Rules apply - see www.sundaymirror.co.uk/ rulesCALL 0901 609 2902 and follow instructions. Or text SMHOME followed by a space and then your answer (a, b or c), name, address and postcode to 84080. To receive details of goods and services which may be of interest to you start your text entry SMHOMEIN. Or visit www.sundaymirror.co.uk/competitions and enter online.HOW TO ENTEROzkleen products are sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co- op, Morrisons, Robert Dyas and Costco.And for carpeted floors there's Ozkleen Carpet Power, which removes stubborn stains such as coffee, grease, red wine, make-up, pet stains... and even shoe polish!Ozkleen products are easy to use, smell fab - and not only are they kind to the environment, they really do work!

Ozkleen products are sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co- op, Morrisons, Robert Dyas and Costco.

-Swedish Nobia says new CEO to step in today

NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT-October 6, 2010--Swedish Nobia says new CEO to step in today(C)2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.com

6 October 2010 - Swedish kitchen and bathroom furniture group Nobia AB (STO: NOBI) said Wednesday its new CEO, Morten Falkenberg, will take up office today, replacing Preben Bager who is retiring.Before joining Nobia, Falkenberg was executive vice president for floor care and small appliances at Swedish electronic appliances maker AB Electrolux (STO: ELUX B).The appointment of Falkenberg was announced in April 2010. He was supposed to take over as CEO not later than 15 October 2010.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)).END.PUB430>PDOctober 6, 2010>JNNORDIC BUSINESS REPORT.PRICEDATENOT APPLICABLE.DAY

Introducing The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui Resort Version 20.11

Having recently completed extensive renovations, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui resort is in the enviable position of providing freshly remodeled guestrooms and renovated swimming pools for 2011.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1402368Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineThe resort's three main swimming pools have also received dramatic enhancements. The decks surrounding the adults-only pool, and upper and lower lagoon pools have been replaced with quartzite, a naturally beautiful heat-resistant stone that is kinder to the touch than other materials. This durable stone also has a high-traction surface to ensure safer footing.Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 94 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com .Each of the resort's 413 one-bedroom suites have been renovated with new furniture, paint and décor, new linens, draperies, HD flat-screen TVs, and new woodworking, including interior doors and cabinets. New outdoor furniture graces the private lanai (balcony) of every guest room. At 840 square feet, these spacious one-bedroom suites also boast expansive marble bathrooms with double pedestal sinks, a deep soaking tub, and open shower.About The Fairmont Kea Lani Located on the pristine white sands of Wailea, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is Hawaii's only luxury oceanfront resort featuring spacious suites and villas. This distinctive hotel encompasses 22 acres of tropical landscape and offers authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and warm and personal service which portray the essence of aloha. For reservations or more information, call 800-659-4100 or log on to www.fairmont.com/kealani .The Kea Lani features three swimming pools, a children's program, casual and fine dining in four restaurants, a gourmet bakery and deli, boutique shopping, a luxurious spa, 24-hour fitness center and full wedding coordination services. The resort is adjacent to Wailea's tennis courts and three championship golf courses. With all these amenities, it's no wonder this distinctive Maui hotel is popular with both families and couples.

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Keep bedbugs out of your office

Bedbugs are back with a vengeance. Retailers Nike and Abercrombie & Fitch recently shuttered two Manhattan locations because of bedbug infestation. Other recent victims included the Brooklyn district attorney's office, the Empire State Building and XM radio disc jockey Howard Stern's offices. Follow these tips from the National Pest Management Association in Fairfax, Va., to prevent bedbugs from coming into your workplace:

* Be aware that bedbugs have been known to inhabit electrical sockets, surge protectors and picture frames.* Eliminate clutter as much as possible, especially in storage areas, which are excellent hiding spots.By Pamela Babcock, a freelance writer based in the New York City area.* Inspect your business regularly for signs of infestations. Pay close attention to furniture seams and upholstery, looking for telltale brownish or reddish spots. Adult bedbugs are typically a quarter of an inch long and look like an apple seed.* Vacuum and clean all areas, including offices, hallways, lobbies, kitchens, storefronts and public bathrooms, daily.

By Pamela Babcock, a freelance writer based in the New York City area.

Stores Direct

BUSY Mike Birtwhistle is fired up about business.

Stores Direct has expanded into other markets - providing bathrooms, furniture and soft furnishings with other products in the pipeline.Now his internet-based company Stores Direct is billed as the country's largest supplier of wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, flue systems and associated heating products.The company was placed 45th in the business league table which ranks Britain''s 100 private companies with the fastest growing sales over a three-year period.* ON TRACK: Mike Birtwhistle (right), of Stores Direct, with Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson celebrating the firm''s inclusion in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 Awards"The company will continue to invest in many new products and services, further strengthening the foundations of the company to enable it to grow."Said Mr Birtwhistle: "The business development and strategy of the company always remains focused on bringing high quality products to our customers at the best possible price, whilst focusing on high levels of customer service.He said: "Using Stores Direct's well-planned business model, the company can continue to grow without the restrictive cash flow problems and overheads most conventional businesses experience.CAPTION(S):Mike began selling wood-burning stoves from the back of a Vauxhall Corsa in 2001.The company, based at Pennine Business Park in Bradley, has a strategy to continue increasing its lead in the market place and to capitalise on its expertise delivering fragile, niche products and home furnishings."Stores Direct is now in a position to continue expanding at a healthy pace without any external investment, while still maintaining good profitability."With its start from humble beginnings, with zero investment and a lot of determination and hard work, Stores Direct has become a multi-million pound turnover company that is well-respected in its industry with solid business relationships that are key to the company's success."

* ON TRACK: Mike Birtwhistle (right), of Stores Direct, with Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson celebrating the firm''s inclusion in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 Awards

New ward marks big investment for infirmary

HUDDERSFIELD Royal Infirmary's pounds 1.9m refurbishment of Ward 21 is nearing completion.

* CUTTING THE TAPE: Performing the opening of Ward 21 at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary are former patients David Tinsley, in the chair, with Wendy Walker and Keith Walker (PC201210Dhri-01)Sister Heather Cording, said: "The new Ward 21 will mean such a lot to our patients and our staff are really looking forward to moving back. It will mean a brighter, lighter ward where we can help our patients recover from strokes with much more space and a much improved environment."The therapy area has a kitchen where patients can be assessed and re-learn domestic chores as part of their rehabilitation and the new ward furniture has smooth edges and wipe clean surfaces which comply with infection prevention measures.The new Ward 21 has separate wings for male and female patients and all the bathrooms have walk-in wet-rooms instead of baths to make access as easy as possible.Other special features include special lighting for patients whose eyesight has been affected by stroke and overhead tracking to assist patients with safer movement and to help staff to assist them.Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust is revamping several areas of the hospital. Ward 10, a general ward was recently completed at a similar cost.Officially opened on Monday, it is the single biggest ever specialist ward upgrade in the hospital's history.

* CUTTING THE TAPE: Performing the opening of Ward 21 at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary are former patients David Tinsley, in the chair, with Wendy Walker and Keith Walker (PC201210Dhri-01)

Record showing for furniture firm

A FAMILY-run kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture firm is going from strength to strength.

In all areas of the company, business is blooming - with kitchen sales up by 54% compared to 2009 and more than pounds 900,000 of potential new turnover identified. In addition, Daval is now enjoying its biggest order book in 10 months.The system also allows customers to specify a much wider range of colours, styles and finishes when they select the company's fitted bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.* POSITIVE: Simon Bodsworth, of Slaithwaite-based DavalDaval said it had fitted 100 new dealer displays with a further 40 identified. New product launches are due in the spring - putting the company on course to another record-breaking year. The firmhas more than 150 approved dealers throughout the UK."The sales of our kitchens weren't dipping. In fact, we witnessed a growth of 16% in the sales of our traditional kitchens.CAPTION(S):Simon Bodsworth, business development and marketing manager at Daval, said: "The recession was an incredibly nerve-wracking time for everyone in the industry, but what we saw was incredibly interesting."The general feeling in the industry now is one of positivity again.This has resulted in a carefully managed strategy that allows for individual care for different dealers, including tailored product, service and marketing support. Daval saw great success in the kitchen sector during 2010 - and the growth looks set to continue.Kitchens are now 30% of the total turnover and this is expected to rise to 50% in 2011.Slaithwaite-based Daval has turned in "fantastic" results - despite experiencing one of the toughest recessions to hit the furniture industry."Our dealers have welcomed the custom of many over 60s who are deciding to invest in their homes preferring this to the disappointing return on savings."Overall, the DK63 kitchen, which featured in the Spring Summer Muted Shades Collection, has been our best selling range in 2010 which we are delighted with."As we recuperate from the recession we expect to see seasonal trends back again rather than the flatlined designs we have been used to."

* POSITIVE: Simon Bodsworth, of Slaithwaite-based Daval

21 Birch Park, Brockholes

THIS stone built four-bedroomed detached home is set on a generous corner plot and has spectacular views across open countryside.

To the first-floor the master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and a range of fitted furniture.There are three further double bedrooms, two of them having a range of fitted furniture, and the family bathroom.The house is tucked away at the end of the cul de sac with a woodland banking and extensive grounds to all sides.The property comprises an entrance hallway, large lounge, conservatory, dining room, breakfast kitchen, study, downstairs cloakroom, utility room and double garage.It has a summer house, greenhouse and garden shed and would make an ideal purchase for a growing family.

It has a summer house, greenhouse and garden shed and would make an ideal purchase for a growing family.

3 easy bathroom updates: can't swing a full-on renovation? No worries—here, 3 quick ways to spruce up your space

LIGHT IT UP

GO LOW-FLOW YET LUXEOne of the simplest, low-cost-but-high-impact upgrades you can do is replace your showerhead. The options for eco-conscious water-saving models are better-looking than ever--like this over-size, rain-can style, which features clean lines and a wide, satisfyingly powerful spray. Best yet, it can be screwed on in just seconds (no tools required!) and rings in at less than $30. Opella by DeNovo Rain 6-in. Chrome Showerhead, $27; overstock.comThink beyond the same old inset canisters: Adding an offbeat fixture can help redefine a space, as seen here in furniture designer Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz's San Juan Capistrano, California, bathroom. "The rest of the room is so modern and clean, it needed an exclamation point," she says. Lush potted orchids (the plants thrive in moist, well-lit quarters) next to the sink add a dynamic finishing touch.HANG BOLD ARTWORK

For this L.A.-area master bath, designer Melissa Warner of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design brought in a massive abstract photograph, mounting it in acrylic plastic to protect the image from splashing water. Still, steam might get in, so don't use anything irreplaceable. "And if space permits, go big; it'll make the bathroom feel like more of a destination," advises Melissa.

Bath Furnishings Supplier Acquired by Artistic Tile

Secancns, NJ - Artistic Tile, a major wholesale distributor of luxury tile and stone, has acquired Waterfall Bathroom Furniture, a privately held manufacturer of bathroom furnishings crafted in Canada, and formerly headquartered in New York.

Waterfall by Artistic Tile's product portfolio is being made available through the company's network of more than 150 authorized dealers, in addition to Artistic Tile's eight retail showrooms across the country."The acquisition of Waterfall is a natural fit with our mission of offering beautifully designed, superbly crafted products that appeal to designers and homeowners," said Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of the Secaucus, NJ-based Artistic Tile.Terms of the acquisition, which was announced last month, were not disclosed.Waterfall Bathroom Furniture will be marketed under the name Waterfall Bathroom Furniture by Artistic Tile, and day-to-day operations will be operated out of Artistic Tile's headquarters here, corporate officials said."Waterfall has a best-in-class reputation and it's exciting to see this company become part of the Artistic Tile family," Epstein added.

Waterfall Bathroom Furniture will be marketed under the name Waterfall Bathroom Furniture by Artistic Tile, and day-to-day operations will be operated out of Artistic Tile's headquarters here, corporate officials said.

Enhance Features Of Bathroom With Bathroom Furniture And Fixtures

A minor change in your bathroom accessories can bring a greater charm to your bathroom, but the thing is choosing the right accessory for right location and placing in appropriate direction. Today bathroom suites are available in various shapes, sizes and materials. It should neither be too large nor be too short because both have its own disadvantages. If the suite is too large then it will cover most of the area of the bathroom and if it is too short then there will be a problem in taking bath, sounds funny but this is true. It should be of medium size that uses less area that gives you great comfort and relaxation while you are taking bath secondly it has to be designed in such a way that each and every member of the house feels an ease with it.

Nowadays the bathrooms are very large and have enough space which is not occupied; such space can be used for placing basins. It plays a distinctive role in changing the appearance of the bathroom, it should be of light colour and not too large and the shape should be impressive. There is a variety of basins available today in different shape, size and colors generally made up of porcelain. If your bathroom basin needs a replacement then always opt for either round shaped or oval shape which are available both in small, medium and large sizes. The porcelain which is used in basin is durable, attractive and easy to clean within anyone�s budget. You can also go for different colours that match your bathroom with unique styles and terrific paint designs that give a lightning glow.If you are hesitated in finding any idea or creative imaginations for selecting the appropriate bathroom furniture then go through some magazines that provide information on interior designs, this is the place where you can get several ideas. There are various seller websites on the internet with a huge collection of fixtures and bathroom furniture�s. Furniture made up of various materials is also available such as stainless steel, glass, granite and many marbles. Each of them has their own advantages as well as disadvantages.

If you are hesitated in finding any idea or creative imaginations for selecting the appropriate bathroom furniture then go through some magazines that provide information on interior designs, this is the place where you can get several ideas. There are various seller websites on the internet with a huge collection of fixtures and bathroom furniture�s. Furniture made up of various materials is also available such as stainless steel, glass, granite and many marbles. Each of them has their own advantages as well as disadvantages.

-Swedish Nobia outlines profit-boosting measures

NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT-May 26, 2011--Swedish Nobia outlines profit-boosting measures(C)2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.com

These initiatives, which are expected to improve the margin by 6-8 percentage points, will entail one-off costs of SEK600m-800m until 2014, the company said today.In the last 12 months, the company has managed to boost its operating margin to 4.4% from 1.1%.26 May 2011 - Swedish kitchen and bathroom furniture group Nobia AB (STO: NOBI) has started or planned measures to improve its run-rate operating profit by between SEK1bn and SEK1.3bn in a bid to achieve its 10% operating margin target by 2014.((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))"We intend to much more strongly capitalise on internal and consumer opportunities by driving efficiency and growth initiatives in parallel. These initiatives span across the entire value chain," Nobia's CEO, Morten Falkenberg, said.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))

-Swedish Nobia considers to close more plants

NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT-May 26, 2011--Swedish Nobia considers to close more plants(C)2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.com

At present, the kitchen and bathroom furniture group has a total 15 plants."The full effect of the plant closures will be seen in 2014 at the earliest," Falkenberg said, cited by Swedish newswire Nyhetsbyran Direkt.((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)).END.PUB430>PDMay 26, 2011>JNNORDIC BUSINESS REPORT.PRICEDATENOT APPLICABLE.DAY

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)).END.PUB430>PDMay 26, 2011>JNNORDIC BUSINESS REPORT.PRICEDATENOT APPLICABLE.DAY