Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

WRAS welcomes Hansgrohe, R-Tech and IMA Dresden to list of recognised labs

February 15, 2023

WRAS welcomes Hansgrohe, R-Tech and IMA Dresden to list of recognised labs, the recognition of European testing laboratories means more capacity for manufacturers seeking approval.

R Tech and IMA Dresden provide laboratory testing to many of the world’s most innovative companies These new additions reflect WRAS’s commitment to increasing choice for manufacturers seeking a WRAS approval. Greater testing capacity should help reduce test waiting times for everyone.

Hansgrohe have invested to introduce their own ISO 17025 accredited test facility to test their own products. This is a great option to streamline the WRAS approval process, for larger manufacturers who already have in-house testing as part of their capability.

Ian Hughes, approvals manager for WRAS said: “Sixty-two per cent of trade buyers say they would pay a premium for a plumbing product that had a WRAS approval, which brings clear commercial opportunities for manufacturers and retailers.

“With that in mind, WRAS is committed to helping to make testing as accessible and speedy as possible for manufacturers. Adding Hansgrohe, R-Tech and IMA Dresden to the list of WRAS approved laboratories is another step on that ongoing journey.”

“A WRAS approval provides independent assurance that products are a suitable quality and standard as required by the water fittings regulations.

“The water fittings regulations protect drinking water supplies within plumbing systems in homes, businesses and other properties.”

IMA Dresden is pleased to have become a WRAS recognised lab, adding: “A WRAS approval signals sustainability and it shows customers that the products they are purchasing protect water, nature and humans from pollution and leakage. Due to climate change, this topic has become of utmost importance.”

Hangrohe is excited that their testing times will be slashed by the approval process, claiming: “Our highest goal at Hansgrohe is to improve the time to reach market process for our products.

“If we carry out the required tests in our internal accredited Hansgrohe Lab, we are able to reduce the turnaround time of the approval process.”

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Bette at ISH with new products & time-saving installation solutions

February 15, 2023

Bette will be presenting its new bathroom products at the ISH in Frankfurt/Main in Hall 3.1 Stand C 99. The German specialist in glazed titanium bathroom products will be focusing on products that deliver design freedom, as well as simple, time-saving installation solutions. It will also be providing information on its sustainability measures.

BetteBalance is a new washbasin series that offers a simple planning concept and good value for money. In addition, the company is expanding the BetteAir shower tray range to include XXL formats, that take the trend towards large walk-in showers and translate it into elegant, floor-integrated design. For bathroom planners who want more colour design freedom, Bette offers new possibilities in the design of bath wastes and overflows with BetteMono.

With a shortage of skilled workers in many countries, installers who are interested in time-saving and easy-to-use solutions will find real problem-solvers in the technical area of the Bette stand. Bette is launching an innovative, self-locking foot system, called BetteLevel, which will make the installation of shower trays easier and faster than ever before. Bette’s research found that the innovative solution can save around 90 per cent of the time taken to install a shower tray. Valuable time can also be saved during the installation of shower trays and baths with a new sealing tape that can be applied from a roll, without having to be cut to size.

Sven Rensinghoff, Head of Marketing & Product Management at Bette: “The modern premium bathroom is characterised by good design, environmental awareness and simple installation – and must be experienced with all the senses. That’s why we invite trade visitors from Germany and the rest of the world to come and see for themselves our new products for bathroom design and installation at the ISH.”

Livestreams

Those who do not have the opportunity to attend can follow Bette’s livestreams in German and English on the first two days of the fair. The exact times and the link will be communicated, in good time, via Bette’s LinkedIn channel.

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‘Dark and moody’ and ‘Industry meets luxury’ among 2023 bathroom trends

February 13, 2023

Dark and rich colour schemes and the inclusion of industrial textures such as concrete and metal, look set to be among the most popular bathroom trends requested of retailers and installers this year, according to bathroom wall panel specialist, Mermaid.

Based on research from the brand’s team of bathroom design experts, Mermaid’s guide to 2023 bathroom trends taps into the continued preference and rise of hybrid working. With many homeowners now spending increasingly more time at home, the interest in cost-effective, streamlined methods to create a place of sanctuary has spiked.

Dark and rich colour schemes are becoming an increasingly popular way to create a visually striking space and can allow for homeowners to experiment with contrasting hues and materials. Pairing deeper walls with marble, metallic or wood accents ensures dusky bathrooms don’t need to be dull.

Taking inspiration from urban cities, industrial décor, which was once optimised by high-ceiling lofts, can now be brought into any bathroom. However, it is a look that has often required expensive materials, such as marble to be paired with concrete or metal, which can be hard to replicate on a budget. Marble effect bathroom wall panels are a fraction of the price of the equivalent raw material but emulates the same look, while offering a simpler installation process.

“A beautifully designed bathroom can act as a home sanctuary; a place that helps you wake up in the morning; and lets you wind down at night,” commented Helen Ray-Dennett, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid, “With trends forever evolving, using bathroom panelling can help achieve a look that’s not only for the moment but that stands the test of time too.

“Bathroom wall panelling, such as the Mermaid Elite range, can mimic finishes such as stone and wood or provide vibrant hues to create a range of trendy looks. Maintenance is easy with our interlocking tongue-and-groove panel joining system which creates a watertight seal preventing water build up which could lead to mould.”

For top tips on how to recreate key 2023 trends with bathroom wall panelling click here.

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RAK Ceramics announces FY 2022 financial results

February 9, 2023

RAK Ceramics, an international ceramics lifestyle solutions provider, announced today its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2022. RAK Ceramics reported record-high full-year performance for 2022 with a total revenue increase of 22.9% to AED 3.52 billion and reported net profit increase of 19.8% to AED340.1 million when compared to 2021.

Commenting on the results, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said: “I am delighted to share our company’s performance for the year 2022. Notwithstanding the current macroeconomic conditions marked by high inflation and persistent energy crisis, we have managed to achieve remarkable results. Our total revenue increased by 22.9% YoY, reaching the highest level since 2009, driven by robust core business growth in Tiles, Sanitaryware, and Tableware in addition to growth in faucets on the back of KLUDI consolidation. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders.

“Despite the challenging economic environment, we have managed to maintain our gross profit margin level, mainly due to our improved production efficiencies and optimized utilization in 2022. Growth was hindered by further costs associated with Saudi Custom Duty, higher input costs and energy challenges; nonetheless, we are working hard to overcome these challenges and are already seeing hints of correction in some instances.

Operationally, we continued to progress in our expansionary projects in the UAE across all lines of business and advance on multiple greenfield fronts, including in Bangladesh and in Saudi Arabia.

“Strategically, we finalized our core businesses consolidation exercise: Our value creation plan for KLUDI is well underway, and we are closely monitoring its progress; additionally, we have reached 92% stake in RAK Porcelain following a series of minority acquisitions launched in 2022. We solidified our group position and we are committed to leveraging on synergies to strengthen operations across all core businesses.

“Today, as we close the chapter for 2022, we are humbly proud of our achieved progress and growth and remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders. We are monitoring the economic environment closely and remain focused on executing our growth strategy.”

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New Compact Range from VitrA – ArchiPlan

February 9, 2023

VitrA Bathrooms, a global bathroom brand, has launched a striking range that provides plenty of options for designers and specifiers, particularly those working with small spaces. Designed by Design Studio VitrA, the new ArchiPlan collection is also perfect for bathrooms in the hospitality and commercial sectors.

ArchiPlan is modern and minimalist and offers a variety of sizes, including narrow cabinet widths and reduced projections (from just 28cm). Storage options include shelves in two sizes (45 and 60cm) and open shelving in the mirrors and mid-units. The contemporary design also has black metal framing detailing. Elegant cut-out holes instead of door handles keep the design simple and add to the feeling of space.

The furniture is made from plywood, an eco-friendly material option. As well as requiring little energy to produce and being highly recyclable, plywood is incredibly hard-wearing and durable. The finish is water and moisture-resistant, offering a solid solution without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

With contemporary, clean lines, the furniture is available in a choice of neutral and timeless matt colours – white, black, and taupe. Wall-hung furniture units with washbasins are available in 45cm, 60cm and 90cm. A 52cm wide mid-unit provides valuable storage and open shelving.

ArchiPlan basins can be wall-mounted (with the option of chrome legs on 38cm x 90cm basins) or mounted in cabinetry. Each is available in 45cm, 60cm, 90cm and 120cm formats and is ideal for tight spaces in both 28 and 38cm projections.

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Softening the Bathroom: A Guide from VitrA

February 8, 2023

Bathrooms should act as sanctuaries; a space in which we make time to enjoy our daily rituals, bringing a sense of calm and comfort. Instil softness and serenity into the bathroom with gentle curves, natural materials and warm finishes from VitrA.

VitrA Sento — ***Left***: Sento washbasin unit with 2 drawers, matt fjord green, £1,262
**Middle***: Root basin mixer with pop-up, round, gold, £254*
**Right***: Sento illuminated mirror, 80cm, oak, £744*

Opt for an earthy or neutral colour scheme, incorporating matt finishes and warm brassware in copper or gold. For example, VitrA’s matt taupe washbasins from the Memoria, Outline and Plural ranges pair perfectly with dark oak, which infuses softness and invites users to touch and interact with the products. Consider also adding a subtly illuminated mirror, such as Sento, that diffuses a gentle glow throughout the space.

VitrA Bathroom Sanctuary — ***Left***: Plural small table with ceramic countertop and dark oak shelf, matt black, £1,578
**Middle***: Origin bathrobe hook, copper, £133*
**Right***: Outline bowl, matt soft taupe, £650*

***Left***: Memoria wall-hung WC pan, rim-ex, matt taupe, £1,425
**Middle***: Liquid ceramic stool, white, £352*
**Right***: Plural ceramic washbasin unit with dark oak shelf, matt taupe, £2,948*

Additionally, focus on accessories, brassware and furniture that feature enduring and rounded shapes, soft edges and smooth ceramics in order to build an effortless, sensual lightness throughout the space.

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Edwardian elegance from Drummonds

February 8, 2023

The interior of this Edwardian house in Cambridge was completely rebuilt, allowing for a dramatic
transformation and leaving only the facade untouched.

One of the key elements of the renovation was the family bathroom. To reflect the period of the property and to create a distinctly Edwardian aesthetic, the owners wanted the space to have a classic, English feel, opting for traditional wooden floorboards, retro Acanthus tiles and solid pieces from Drummonds.

The striking freestanding bath was an absolute must for this family bathroom; the Ashburn in a painted finish sits directly in front of the large sash window. Based on an 18th century ‘bateau’ design, it is one of Drummonds’ more compact designs, offering all the comfort of a classic double ended bath, without overwhelming the space.

Drummonds_Cambridge_house_Edwardian_bath

Two Syre basins sit opposite; cast in English china clay, and finished and glazed by hand, they bring a refined elegance to the scheme. An Antique Brushed Brass finish on the vanity legs, Mull taps and Oval Tilt mirrors
add contrast to the look.

A large glass shower enclosure featuring an Antique Brass frame and backed by floor-to-ceiling green tiles,
demarks the ‘wet zone’ within the room, and creates a stylish ‘walk in’ shower area. A half border of sleek Edwardian-style tiles surrounds the room, acting as a perfect balance and counterpart to the dark wooden floor.

Drummonds_Cambridge_house_Edwardian_taps

Drummonds products:

Tiles: Edwardian Tile range from Fired Earth
firedearth.com

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New bathroom mirror collection from RAK Ceramics

February 8, 2023

No bathroom is complete without a mirror, and RAK Ceramics ensures that including this essential accessory as part of a purchase is no hard sale, with several new additions to its collection.

In a choice of stylish finishes to combine seamlessly with any décor, the new RAK-Art and RAK-Picture mirrors come with Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Gold. This enables them to be chosen to match the bathroom’s brassware, extending the sale and ensuring retailers can value up.

Both ranges feature four shapes – Round, Square, Soft and Oval – and have LED lighting, a demister pad and touch sensor activation, bringing the latest bathroom technology into the home in a seamless way.

Also new to the RAK Ceramics mirrors collection is RAK-Ornate, available in the same choice of finishes and with the same technological features. The RAK-Ornate mirror has an integrated shelf for handy storage of bathroom essentials, making it the perfect addition to a master ensuite for a hotel-inspired look.

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850 www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Pictured top – RAK-Ornate

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GROHE’s GIVE Program sponsors debut Female Skills Competition 2023

February 8, 2023

Given the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to enable and encourage young individuals to build the foundations for a prosperous future through education and extracurricular activities within the field. This is why GROHE, global brand for complete bathroom solutions, initiated its “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) Program and continues its commitment to supporting initiatives and organisations encouraging promising industry talent.

The GROHE GIVE Program is proud to be the headline sponsor of the debut Female Skills competition 2023 run by HIP, the only UK magazine dedicated to plumbing and heating students.

The competition has been created to provide a dedicated space for enthusiastic females within an industry that is often associated with and primarily represented by males, allowing contestants to showcase their skills and talent amongst comparable peers.

To support the winners and showcase GROHE’s appreciation to new industry talent, LIXIL’s Leader, Jonas Brennwald, will attend the final to handout prizes and congratulate the winners.

“Our industry offers so many opportunities for young people around the globe who cannot only make a living but make a positive impact with plumbing for a sustainable future. Well trained and professional personnel are pivotal to our industry, and we’re committed to supporting and championing those starting out.” commented Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA.

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Curved, colourful, textured and sustainable

February 7, 2023

The future for bathroom design is curved, colourful, textured and sustainable, according to Richard Shore, head of product design at Utopia.

Presenting his predictions for 2023, he sees five distinct themes dominating the home interest sector for the coming year ahead.

1. The rise of a warming colour palette where inviting, rich colours such as terracotta red will abound.

2. An increase in interesting textures, particularly ridged surfaces, overlaying linear patterns and organic materials or prints.

3. In terms of design, soft, tactile curves encouraging interaction will offer an alternative to the sharp lines and angles of minimalism.

4. The boutique hotel look continues to influence design with a whole new generation of ‘spathrooms’ encapsulating wellness, luxury and experience.

5. Expected sustainability!

Helen Clark, Utopia’s head of marketing comments “As ever, Richard’s predictions continue to shape and drive our new product development plans for 2023 and beyond. The recent introductions of new doorstyles and finishes are just the start of a host of new product launches scheduled for 2023 in response to incoming trends and customer feedback.”