Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Avocado green returns: how hospitality design influences home interiors

October 21, 2024

Recent research from Wickes, the home improvement retailer, reveals that avocado-green bathrooms are making a comeback.

Alexandra Alventosa Garcia, design coordinator at Pure Fitout, comments: “Bars and restaurants often act as the inspiration for many consumers’ homes. They are ahead of the interior design curve and embrace their creative freedom and bold experimentation. Their emphasis on creating memorable experiences drives innovation, which has now crossed over into UK homes.”

Alventosa Garcia continues, “Interior designers push the boundaries to be memorable and make a lasting impression on their visitors. Bars, restaurants, and retail spaces are highly stylised to create unique atmospheres that reflect their brand, culture, or dining experience. Designers’ experimentation with materials and colours has also crossed over into our homes, with terrazzo basins becoming increasingly popular.”

She highlights that “as trendsetters, hospitality spaces inspire residential design, and these avant-garde ideas have now filtered into home interiors.”

Traditionally, homes have been designed with a focus on neutrality and adaptability for everyday living. Consumers have often been cautious in their choices, with many believing that bold bathroom designs could adversely affect their property’s value. However, it appears that homeowners are now more willing to embrace daring designs. Pure Fitout’s bathroom basin brand, Synk, reports a remarkable doubling of sales for 70s-style basins in the past quarter alone.

Claire McCann, general manager at Synk, adds: “There’s been a significant surge in interest in colours such as burnt orange, sunshine yellow, tuscan red, mocha, and terracotta, as people begin to experiment more. Bold colours and rich, earthy tones are making a comeback. These hues are being increasingly featured in bathrooms and kitchens, including in tiles, cabinetry, and accents.”

She continues, “Materials such as concrete are gaining popularity over ceramic, allowing for greater colour customisation. Brass fixtures and gold accents are also returning to style, taking market share from stainless steel alternatives. Darker woods like teak, walnut, and rattan are being used in vanities and cabinets rather than the more traditional white units or lighter wood tones.”

According to McCann, “These new trends combine nostalgic elements of the 1970s with modern technology and functionality to create bathrooms that feel stylish and inviting while evoking memories of past eras. We hope this expression and experimentation is here to stay.”

About Pure Fitout
Pure Fitout delivers elite fitout projects encompassing all elements of design, construction, and support services, with specialist bespoke joinery and metalwork capabilities in-house. Established in Belfast in 2015, the firm operates from a 50,000 sq ft manufacturing plant, focusing on continuous capital reinvestment and skills training in the latest technologies and machinery. Pure Fitout’s project portfolio includes the award-winning restoration of Dublin’s Stella Theatre.

About Synk
Synk is Ireland’s leading expert in the design and manufacture of bespoke concrete basins, sinks, and bathtubs. With over 20 years of experience, they specialise in handmade products using Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) and conventional wet cast techniques. Synk offers a vast range of customisable designs, working closely with architects, designers, and fitout specialists for both residential and commercial projects. All products are crafted in their Ireland-based workshop, ensuring superior quality and control at every stage of production.

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The BMA’s new president sets out an ambitious agenda

October 21, 2024

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has revealed that Craig Baker was appointed its new president following the annual general meeting in Leeds. Baker, the global chief innovation officer at Kohler Company, succeeds Jason Parker, managing director at Thomas Dudley Ltd.

With a career spanning over 27 years, Craig Baker has made a name for himself as a visionary leader in the bathroom manufacturing industry. He began his career as a design engineer at Mira Showers, a subsidiary of Kohler Company, in 1997. He advanced through the ranks, spending 16 years on the Kohler Mira leadership team in various strategic positions. In January 2024, he was appointed chief innovation officer, tasked with driving product design globally and overseeing Kohler’s Kitchen & Bath Group in the UK.

In his inaugural address as BMA president, Craig Baker expressed his appreciation to outgoing president Jason Parker, stating:

“I sincerely thank Jason Parker for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the BMA. Working alongside him as vice president has been an incredible experience, and I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of his vision on our industry. It is an honour to follow in his footsteps, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation he has laid.”

The association’s agenda for the next two years is both progressive and focused on ensuring that the BMA continues to meet the evolving needs of its members. Central to the BMA’s vision are three core priorities:

Reducing Environmental Impact: The BMA aims to lead initiatives to help members lessen their environmental footprint by promoting best practices and establishing industry standards for sustainability.
Raising Industry Standards: The association will persist in advocating for elevated standards across the sector, ensuring product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction remain top priorities.
Market Growth and Understanding: The BMA will strive to enhance its understanding of market trends and dynamics, offering members the insights necessary for growth and success in a competitive global landscape.

To support these priorities, the BMA also plans to improve its data pooling and market reporting capabilities and boost its lobbying efforts, ensuring that government policies align with the interests of the bathroom manufacturing sector.

“The BMA is committed to being the driving force for positive change in our industry,” Baker stated. “Over the next two years, we will not only tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving market but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation. We will concentrate on sustainability, enhancing standards, and supporting our members in a competitive environment. Together, we will shape the future of bathroom manufacturing.”

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, echoed Baker’s sentiments, underscoring the exciting direction the association is taking:

“Under Craig’s leadership, we have a clear pathway to further enhance the benefits we provide to our members. From expanding our presence at key industry events such as InstallerSHOW in the UK and KBIS in the USA to influencing policy decisions that directly affect our sector, we are dedicated to fulfilling our mission to support our members and advance the bathroom manufacturing industry.”

Baker added: “The bathroom manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment, and I am eager to lead the BMA into this new era. Together, we will ensure our members are prepared to face future challenges, capitalise on new opportunities, and set the standards for excellence and innovation in our field.”

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Interview: Christian Buettner talks design, innovation & sustainability

October 21, 2024

Interview by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

During a visit to Kaldewei HQ this month, Diane Larner caught up with Christian Buettner – Director of Innovation and Portfolio – to get the inside scoop on the design and production processes behind Kaldewei’s acclaimed steel enamel baths.

Q: What elements do you believe epitomise excellent design at Kaldewei?

A: Ultimately, design excellence is judged by its success; the customers choose. So, when people say let’s do an innovation, I believe you can only do your best; it will be awarded to you by its success. But I also think our products should have a unique quality, maybe some surprising elements that elevate the bathing experience. It is also essential to create a product that is a cohesive part of the building project; we want our products to work with various interior designs. Our design philosophy is based on our core values of sustainability and circularity. We try to make products that are long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing, but not too loud, not obnoxiously screaming ‘look at me’, because then that’s styling, and I shy away from that.

Good design has these inherent qualities: good ergonomics, flawless function, and the correct elements that make it fresh and new. These are what makes them icons in time.

Q: How does your design team integrate emerging trends into new products in such a rapidly evolving industry?

For us, it is about megatrends, long-standing trends that stand the test of time. We want to cultivate the bathroom experience, so it’s not just about the shower gel and the new scent but also the product’s aesthetics that help create the bathroom as a space for cleanliness and mindfulness. In this sense, ergonomics have surprising functionality. For example, the Sound Wave Bath lets users indulge in their own dreamy music, whale sounds, or whatever rocks your boat. You can play with light and temperatures. There are a lot of aspects that we like to bring to the wellness trend. We want to help people be themselves, and they do this by creating their own wellness and recreation area in the home.

Q: You’ve talked about the importance of sustainability for Kaldewei. What role does this climate change play in the design process, and how do you balance eco-friendly practices with innovation?

Firstly, we benefit from working with steel enamel, which is now a certified circular product. We are also part of the Madaster database, which ensures we refurbish and reuse. It is close to the circularity principle of cradle-to-cradle design and has been created to ensure zero waste. This means that in the future, if you redesign the building or tear it down, you will know exactly what products are in there, how much steel there is, how many lighting fixtures there are, etc.

Furthermore, since steel enamel is 100% recyclable, we also give money back if you recycle a steel bathtub. The concept is you borrow usage for a time and then bring it back. Kaldewei is also considering bringing the products back to refurbish them (we are not there yet), but it would mean you could keep your vintage bath and then, at some point in the future, ask for it in a different colour.

We also have the highest standards in terms of eco-friendliness and production. We are careful only to add products that are the most sustainable, and we have eight megawatts of solar panels, so Kaldewei is already in that space.

Q. Can you discuss upcoming projects that highlight Kaldewei’s commitment to sustainable design?

We always want to improve, but you must know what your suppliers are doing. That’s now on the map; it proves that we are not just doing marketing but actually doing it. We are committed to science-based targets; in this sense, we are an open book. However, it is not easy to comply with the process and deliver all the data; it involves an immense amount of work – and we are putting this work in.

Q: Can you tell us about the most challenging project you worked on recently and share the design obstacles?

OYO is the most challenging bath we have ever worked on. In many bathtubs, the outer shape is the inner shape, so with a steep side wall, there is nowhere for a neck rest, and that’s no good; it needs to be comfortable. Stefan Dietz and I developed the OYO shape together. The process took a year from start to finish, and it pushed us to the limits. Due to how steel enamel is created, we had to use the single largest sheet metal piece we could get, and we created two bathtubs, one inside the other. The result was the curve of the outer shape barely touches the floor, so the curve continues underneath the bathtub; there is tension between the baths. This was our most challenging process.

Bathroom-Review-Kaldewei_Oyo_Duo-med-Christian-Buttner.

Pictured above OYO DUO

More news and product information from Kaldewei

About Kaldewei

Kaldewei is a leading manufacturer renowned for its premium steel enamel baths and shower solutions, blending innovative design with sustainable production practices. Founded in 1918 in Germany, the company has established a strong reputation for quality and durability, using a unique steel enamel formula that combines resilience with aesthetic appeal. Committed to sustainability, Kaldewei prioritises environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and recyclable materials, making its products luxurious and eco-conscious. With a focus on design excellence, Kaldewei continues to push the boundaries of bathroom aesthetics, catering to a diverse range of styles and preferences in the KBB market.

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Duravit introduces two very different projects that illustrate design diversity

October 17, 2024

Duravit’s products have been selected for two remarkable projects that illustrate the adaptability of modern bathroom design: one embodies eclecticism through a harmonious blend of vintage elements, and the other embraces minimalist principles for a tranquil atmosphere.

In a stunning showcase of creativity, American designer Robert McKinley and Dutch influencer Melike Doganbas demonstrate how contrasting design philosophies can create exceptional bathroom environments.

Robert McKinley of Studio Robert McKinley brings his unique vision to life in holiday homes across Long Island, New York. His latest bungalow is a masterclass in blending tradition with modernity. Pictured top, the bathrooms from Studio Robert McKinley feature a unique yet harmonious mix of different surfaces, textures, and shades. The gold faucets and built-in washbasins from Duravit blend seamlessly into this ensemble.

“Each of our bungalows has its own charisma. Our latest bungalow is connected to the bay, the beach, and the rugged coast where it is located,” explains Robert.

Bathroom-Review-Designer-Bathrooms-Melike

“When we designed the house, we sought to blur the boundaries between tradition and modernity by mixing the old and the new and playing with textures and surfaces that we felt connected in harmonious ways.”

Collaborating with Duravit for over eight years, he favours collections by renowned designers such as Philippe Starck and sieger Design’s Happy D.2 to ensure each bathroom achieves its unique charm.

Conversely, Melike Doganbas pushes the principle of minimalism to its limits. True to the motto “less is more,” she radically rejects superfluous decoration, textiles, and care products. Instead, she focuses on strict order, a neutral colour palette, and natural light. This approach is highlighted by the elegant Nordic console washbasin by Cecilie Manz with Satin Matt lacquer and a matching quartz surface. With its precise edges and clear forms, the above-counter basin of the series is an ideal enhancement to the overall design.

The addition of the freestanding bathtub from the Zencha series by Sebastian Herkner creates a spacious atmosphere in the room, perfectly showcasing the selected products.

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CEADESIGN introduces EQUILIBRIO towels rails

October 17, 2024

Designed by Natalino Malasorti, founder and artistic director of CEADESIGN, EQUILIBRIO is a sophisticated towel and electric bathrobe warmer crafted from premium stainless steel. This innovative modular system is available in two lengths (580 mm and 1060 mm) and can be installed vertically or horizontally. It offers options for a built-in ignition switch and is powered by low-voltage electricity (24 Volt), promoting energy efficiency.

The sleek, linear design enhances versatility, while the universal built-in component ensures maximum modularity. Each unit can be effortlessly combined, allowing for bespoke configurations that harmonise functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

EQUILIBRIO is available in standard satin and polished finishes and CEA’s special finishes (Black Diamond, Bronze, Copper, and Light Gold), providing an ecological and biocompatible solution for any bathroom.

About CEADESIGN

Founded by Natalino Malasorti, CEADESIGN is renowned for its commitment to blending functionality with aesthetic sophistication in bathroom design. The brand’s approach focuses on creating high-quality, eco-friendly products that embody elegance and practicality. With a strong emphasis on modularity and sustainability, CEA Design offers a range of solutions that strive to achieve minimal environmental impact. Their expertly crafted designs, characterised by clean lines and refined finishes, have made CEA Design a leader in the luxury bathroom market, appealing to discerning consumers seeking style and substance.

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Utopia reveals Chic – a brand new modular furniture collection

October 16, 2024

Beautiful by design, Chic is Utopia’s brand new modular collection for 2024. Stylish and elegant, it’s the perfect fusion of form and function, featuring delicate sculpted shapes and sensational colour options.

Richard Shore, Head of Product Design, explains, “Everyone can be a designer with Chic, creating unique, personal and eye-catching combinations from the array of options available. Chic is every bit as flexible as it is elegant.”

Bathroom Review Utopia washbasin unit in Alpine Green Chic Collection

Designed, developed and manufactured here in the UK, each piece of the new collection is a symphony of curves, planes and sweeping ceramics, all available in stunning unicolour décors. There is also the option of adding decorative legs to Chic cabinets for an extra style dimension, creating a more classic look.

Key features of Chic include gently curved contours, an inspired collection of 19 decors, including African Rose and Alpine Green, two brand new super matt soft touch colours, advanced functionality, and an exclusive ceramic range designed specifically to complement the furniture’s soft, rounded lines.

With countless different variations, Chic can be built to suit individual preferences. There are two washbasin unit variants with either a Chic ceramic slabtop basin to create a single statement piece or a Chic sit-on basin, echoing the rounded corners and curves of the cabinet and teamed with 12mm Compact Laminate. In single and double drawer configurations with Soft Close as standard, the units are available in a full range of sizes from 540mm to 1600mm widths with the option of pull to open cabinets with the dedicated Chic handle or a handleless style featuring the new push to open mechanism.

The extensive colour palette comprises five gloss, seven super matt, four matt and three patterned and textured finishes. This, when combined with worktop décors, handle finishes, choice of taps and optional legs, means there really are limitless opportunities to create a unique combination.

Co-ordinating tall storage and WC units complete the furniture range, along with an array of complementary accessories enabling the consumer to ‘spec up’, including handles, decorative legs, drawer dividers, and automatic drawer illumination options. These innovative lights are motion-activated and powered by a rechargeable compact lithium battery located out of sight to the rear of the drawer.

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Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, comments ‘Designed and manufactured in the UK, Chic is a very exciting new proposition from Utopia. It’s beautiful, practical and versatile, providing our retail partners with a whole host of design possibilities but at the same time simple to specify and order. Personalisation is key to the collection with countless opportunities for home-owners to create a unique look. In addition, the Chic Collection strengthens our position as a leading manufacturer of modular bathroom furniture in the UK and sits alongside our eight other well-established modular collections.”

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Median spend for primary bathroom projects up by 33% according to Houzz Study

October 16, 2024

Houzz Inc., a platform for home building, renovation, and design, has released the 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study*. The survey found that the median spend for primary bathroom projects increased 33% to £7,000 from £5,250 in 2023.

Major features upgraded during renovations include wall finishes (96%), basins (94%), flooring (92%), plumbing fixtures (89%), toilets (84%), and lighting (76%). One in five homeowners increased the size of their bathroom during renovations (20%), and nearly half of the bathrooms were 50 square feet or more following renovations (47%).

The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners upgraded their vanity cabinets during primary bathroom renovations (63%) and used vanities to add a splash of colour. One in five homeowners chose wood, followed by grey, blue, green, and brown (20%, 14%, 8%, 6%, and 3%, respectively). People are investing in personalised vanity units, with nearly one in five choosing semi-custom or custom vanity unit options (19%).

“Homeowners are making bold design choices, particularly with vanity units, and focusing on contemporary styles to transform their bathrooms into functional yet stylish spaces,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “These projects often require the expertise of professionals to ensure both practicality and aesthetic appeal.”

Home systems are the most frequent enhancement in the bathroom (74%). Top projects include ventilation fan upgrades (85%) and heating installations such as radiant heating and tankless water heaters (26% and 6%, respectively). These projects often require the assistance of a professional, so it may be unsurprising that more than four in five homeowners hired industry professionals for their renovations (92%), with tradespeople being the most popular (60%), followed by bathroom fitters and builders (47% and 31%, respectively). On the design side, more than a quarter of homeowners hired bathroom designers (27%).

Additional trends from the study include:

Variety in Vanity Unit Design: Among those upgrading their vanity units, homeowners opt for feature enhancements, including soft-closing drawers and doors (62% and 52%, respectively) and built-in organisers and plug sockets (30% and 18%, respectively). Flat panel dominates in door style (50 percent), followed by shaker (23%). Drop-in basins are the most popular for upgraded vanity units (25%), followed by wall-mount and console (22% and 18%).
Contemporary Style Continues to Lead: Considering that outdated style is a top trigger for bathroom renovations (44%), it is not surprising that style and beauty are important design aspects for more than three-quarters of renovating homeowners (78%). Contemporary style has continued to lead (36%), followed by modern (31%).
Solid Colours Abound: White continues to dominate primary bathrooms across vanity units, worktops, and walls, though grey walls are popular among homeowners both inside and outside the shower (25% and 20%, respectively). Nearly one in ten homeowners choose green walls inside the shower (9%).
Shower Updates Gain Steam: Consistently popular, shower upgrades are becoming increasingly common during bathroom renovations, up two percentage points over last year (76%). When removing a bath, more than 9 in 10 homeowners enlarge the shower (92% per cent), often making it more than 50 per cent larger (30%). Homeowners have relocated their showers following a bath removal (22%).

You can download the full 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study here.

*The “2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study” is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a bathroom renovation. The online survey was fielded to UK Houzz users from November to December 2023. n=228.

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Schlüter-Systems launches the Schlüter® Registered Installer scheme

October 15, 2024

The leading systems solutions provider for tile and stone applications, Schlüter-Systems, has created a proprietary Registered Installer Scheme which will result in a professional community devoted to guaranteeing the durability and reliability of commercial and residential installations. Key installers will enjoy exclusive access to events and early access to the innovator’s latest product releases. Beyond comprehensive product and installation training, members will receive a prestigious membership card, be featured on the “Find a Schlüter® Registered Installer” webpage, benefit from an extended project warranty, and enjoy continuous project support; social media support is also offered.

Becoming a certified Schlüter Registered Installer (SRI) starts with interactive, hands-on training sessions detailing the essential skills and knowledge required to install Schlüter products in bathrooms and more. Once training is complete, the registration process can begin; if an installer has attended training sessions in the past two years, qualification may be automatic. Key training areas include – the installation of waterproof sheet membrane systems & waterproof tile backer/construction boards; the creation of level access shower areas and installation of linear drainage systems; the installation of waterproof, uncoupling and combined heating systems; the study and understanding of critical connections such as baths & shower trays.

David Naylor, marketing manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments, “In a nutshell, this new scheme has been devised to satisfy the industry’s demand for guarantees of quality workmanship for long-lasting, durable bathrooms and other areas. We offer the tiling professionals a valuable training day/s at the Schlüter-Systems Education Centre so that they leave with an in-depth understanding of the best installation methods for the wide range of Schlüter products.”

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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PJH’s Bathrooms2GO success leads to extended new range & brochure

October 15, 2024

Launched at the end of last year, the Bathrooms2GO brand collection from leading KBB distributor PJH has proven so successful that the range has been extended, and a new Autumn/Winter brochure has been unveiled.

Perfect for bathroom retailers and merchants, PJH’s Bathrooms2GO portfolio offers an affordable and comprehensive ‘one-stop’ range of popular bathroom products ready ‘2GO’ as soon as customers or installers need them.

Brimming with even more industry-leading deals and savings across all bathroom categories, the collection comes complete with the usual first-class PJH customer service and delivery benefits. Thanks to excellent stock-holding levels across PJH’s vast distribution network and via its 130-strong vehicle fleet, Next-Day Delivery to 93% of UK postcodes is available to a branch or home address.

The refreshed Bathrooms2GO collection includes a range of new product additions, including a re-vamped lineup of the popular WC2GO and BASIN2GO boxed products. Now with updated product designs and packaging—in the distinct blue and red branded colours—the 2GO boxed range is compact, easy to handle, and ideal to simply ‘takeaway’. Two enhanced WC models, including a new back-to-wall pan and rimless technology, as well as a basin and pedestal pack, are now available.

Also new to the collection and featured on the front cover of the catalogue is the new COSMOS Furniture range, exclusive to Bathrooms2GO. This contemporary handleless, wall-hung design is available in three matt finishes.

A new choice of bathroom suite packages has also been launched. Like the entire Bathrooms2GO collection, these suites come with highly competitive prices, ensuring customers receive the best quality products at the best prices and with excellent service levels – including plenty of colour and finish options for optimum style.

The latest collection is showcased in a new, larger 44-page catalogue, which includes RRP’s. It features the bold, blue and red Bathrooms2GO branding and a concise, ‘easy-to-shop’ layout with clear product features and photography. This A4 brochure is the perfect selling tool for both trade counters and bathroom showrooms – and PJH also offers this handy counter-top brochure stand, capable of holding 50 brochures, making them easily accessible to customers.

For further information or to order Bathrooms2GO products, brochures or point-of-sale materials, visit the PJH Partners Portal, www.partners.pjh.uk or contact PJH at sales@pjh.uk / T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

To view the new brochure, simply click here: New B2GO Brochure

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Schlüter-Systems to exhibit system solutions at HIX Event

October 15, 2024

Schlüter-Systems, the market leader of high-quality system solutions for tile and stone applications, will exhibit at this year’s HIX show on November 27 and 28.

With an extensive portfolio including underfloor heating, tile trims, shower profiles, shelves and waterproofing systems, all backed up by industry-leading service, expert advice and a collaborative approach to finding clients the right solution for every application, it’s not surprising Schlüter-Systems’ products and services have been specified in many luxury hotels.

Visitors to the Schlüter-Systems stand can discover the endless design possibilities of Schlüter-LIPROTEC illuminated profiles for ceramic or natural stone coverings. Also on show will be Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-W, a fully customisable, prefabricated washbasin. Lightweight and easy to handle, KERDI-BOARD-W is immediately ready to tile, saving time and costly mistakes. Visitors can also discover how to provide hotel guests with elegant shower storage space with the versatile Schlüter-SHELF. The wall shelves are available in five different shapes and integrate seamlessly into the tile surface; the sleek lines can continue in hotel showers with Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-G3 horizontal linear drainage.

These are just a couple of the many solutions available that will help make hospitality bathrooms and spas look fantastic and ensure they are reliably waterproofed for years to come.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit Schlüter-Systems’ website www.schluter.co.uk

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