The Roxor Group has launched its brand-new Hudson Reed and nuie brochures for January 2023 to showcase both brands’ products for the new year.
This year, Hudson Reed is showcasing its brand-new Havana handleless Furniture range which features a full selection of wall-hung designs. Available in six unique colours – including the new Metallic Slate finish – the collection offers a sleek handleless design and a luxury outer frame feature.
As part of a key focus on baths in 2023, Hudson Reed’s Eternalite Baths are the latest addition to its portfolio. Brushed Brass is also included as a brand-new finish across both its Piazza and Lorica radiator collections.
Roxor’s nuie’s 2023 brochure presents showcases the brand-new Lunar furniture range. The collections’ modern designs are enhanced by the soft curves and tonal colour pallet, making them perfect for those looking to add a contemporary style to their bathroom space.
Additionally, nuie is introducing its Classique collection for 2023, a range of floor-standing and wall-hung units, offering customers a vintage design with a modern twist. nuie has also launched a brand-new collection of baths, offering Thin Edge and Eternalite options. Available in both Square Single-Ended, or Square Double-Ended designs, they’re guaranteed to add a sleek and fashionable aesthetic to any bathroom.
Both brochures bring to life each brand’s extensive range of products via beautiful lifestyle imagery.
With clean and clear formatting, professionals and customers can easily find the correct product code, components, dimensions and prices for all Hudson Reed and nuie ranges.
All new product launches can also be found on Roxor’s easy-to-use app, customers can simply log onto their account to start browsing.
in addition, to help customers to visualise, Roxor has launched 3D design software. By inputting their bathroom’s dimensions and selecting the desired products and style, the advanced software plans and builds their unique bathroom design, bringing the space to life.
Thomas Crapper has proven to be a perfect fit for a Georgian manor, the homeowners of a beautiful property in Northamptonshire chose the iconic bathroom specialist for both their downstairs cloakroom and separate washroom.
Both rooms were designed by Grace & Favour’s in-house Designer, Lauren Jakeman. With more than 25 years’ of experience, Grace & Favour offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service when it comes to designing an entire home. “From concept, through design, to completion of the build, we offer the full service.”
“Working with Thomas Crapper is always a pleasure. Their customer service is excellent – from ordering to installation, the transactions are seamless. The team at Thomas Crapper are always willing to help and have an excellent knowledge of the products – which are iconic and show real attention to detail.
“The quality is clear and clients have been pleased with their designs time and time again. I particularly like the ‘primed for painting’ cisterns as it is great to be able to choose a colour which works with the scheme of a room. The new Bentham basin is also a great choice for smaller spaces and the colour choices are fabulous! Thomas Crapper will always be a go-to supplier for us” comments Lauren.
There is no doubt that bathroom style has had a major glow-up in recent years with many interior enthusiasts opting to combine functionality with design to create a space that offers a sanctuary for relaxation.
When it comes to planning a new bathroom, whether that’s a full remodel or a small upgrade, there are plenty of inspiring trends to create a real statement, from bold tiling and colourful palettes to natural materials and minimalist style. But what are the must-have looks we’ll all be clamouring for in 2023?
Ruth Foster, interior designer at online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum, shares her top four trend predictions for the year ahead.
Totally terrific tilework
“Rather than updating the entire bathroom suite, people are infusing a statement feature into their bathroom tiling.
“For 2023, we predict terrazzo, geometric and monochrome checkerboard designs will be the most popular for styles coming to bathroom tiles.
“Online searches for ‘terrazzo bathroom tiles’ have grown by a whopping 13,900 since the end of 2021, and we can see why. With its signature speckled stone look it adds a depth of sophistication to bathrooms.
In 2023, pair with a neutral colour palette and bathroom greenery to create a washroom with a natural and timeless theme.
“Geometric tilework allows you to be bold and put your creativity to the test and many are feeling daring in their bathroom design with online searches relating to geometric bathroom tiles jumping by 34,900 per cent since last year.
“Popular geometric patterns include hexagons, bricks, chevrons and parquet-like designs, and for a more masculine, yet artsy feel, opt for this in a monochromatic colour scheme. Combine with simple bathroom furniture to compliment your statement geometric tilework.
“While chequerboard tiling has always been a favourable choice in the bathroom this beloved retro style design has evolved and is back with a bang.
With year-on-year online searches of ‘chequerboard tiles’ up by 800 per cent, the mosaic style is now embracing softer and more feminine colours for a more elegant feel for 2023.”
Seamless screens
“In 2023, we will be saying farewell to framed screens and hello to even more glass shower screens.
“Installing a seamless glass shower screen can maximise the feeling of light and space, even in the smallest of bathrooms.
“In the last 12 months, online searches for ‘glass shower screens’ has risen by a massive 87,900 per cent, showing that the seamless and spacious look is on the mind of shoppers for the coming year.
“Opting for a frameless shower screen also means you have even more opportunity to reflect your personality in your tile design and bathroom fittings, whether that is with gunmetal taps or bold shower panels.”
Luxe additions
“The evolution of the social media ring light is influencing our homes with chic backlit mirrors fast becoming a bathroom must-have. Online searches for ‘backlit bathroom mirrors’ are up 38,900 per cent in comparison to last year so this is definitely an emerging luxury trend for 2023.
“If a refresh of your bathroom accessories is all you need, then introducing a backlit mirror is a fantastic way to bring a combination of elegance, glamour and drama to your bathroom.
“Serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose, back-lit mirrors are ideal for style-switchers who fancy bringing a spot of extravagance to their bathroom.
“Introducing metalwork touches into your bathroom furniture and accessories has been gradually on the rise as a design trend since 2016 and there is no sign of slowing down.
“In 2023, we expect to see gunmetal make an appearance amongst the brass and copper metalwork features.
“Searches for gunmetal-related bathroom furniture and accessories are up year-on-year by 1,600 per cent. We predict many will use gunmetal accents to transform an ordinary bathroom into a more lavish space that can be effortlessly matched with a wide range of materials including marble, wood, stone and ceramics.”
Bathroom panelling
“A trend that has been popular throughout the entire home in 2022 is panelling (pictured top), and it’s set to take a step into the bathroom in 2023 to create the ultimate Cottagecore look.
“Online searches related to using panelling in the bathroom have grown by a massive 93,000 per cent in the past year, so it’s no surprise people are looking to kit out their bathrooms to match the new wall décor trend.
“Make a statement with panelling and install a freestanding bath with chrome claw feet for that extra luxurious feel. Opt for floating sanitaryware so the panelling can run seamlessly around the room, and if space allows include a design-led vanity unit with a pastel-coloured basin.”
The interior design team at David Wilson Homes have put together the latest interior design trends, from upcycled furniture to new colour schemes.
Browns hues
In 2022, you may have noticed brown shades creeping from the runway onto the rails of your favourite high street clothing shops. In 2023, it’s time for interior design to get an injection of brown.
Cosy brown shades help to emulate a feeling of calm and luxury in interior spaces. Think dark wood, chocolatey fabrics and warm, sandy neutrals.
Wall panelling
Whether its popularity is thanks to period dramas like Bridgerton and The Crown, who knows. But wall panelling is certainly a design trend we’re going to see continue to grow in 2023.
Fabulously hardwearing and therefore ideal for high-traffic areas of the home like hallways and stairways, panelling also adds depth and texture to your walls – a great way to create that high-end, interior designer je ne sais quoi.
Media walls
Media walls are built-in design features that house the television screen and any other entertainment system equipment such as games consoles and sound systems. They often have an electric fireplace underneath, and may include built-in storage too.
With television screens only getting bigger, media walls are a fantastic way to integrate your screen into your room design. Plus, of course, they hide all those unsightly wires!
Statement radiators
Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. But as people look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient, expect statement radiators to be a trend we see more of in 2023.
You can either paint your existing radiators or upgrade to something more energy efficient like an oil-filled radiator. These are said to be more energy efficient and mean that you can turn the heating on in just one room of the home, keeping costs at bay. Added to this, they come in a range of different colours and finishes – an opportunity to make your radiator a focal point.
Upcycled wooden furniture
With tight budgets there is an opportunity for homeowners to get creative, we think upcycled wooden furniture is going to be a key trend in 2023. Buying pre-loved furniture and giving it a lick of paint is something we’re seeing a ton of in some of our favourite DIY Facebook groups.
Second-hand wooden furniture like chests of drawers, bedside tables and bookshelves can be picked up very affordably. Then all it takes is a lick of paint to make it your own. Hopefully, we’ll see some joyful pops of colour with bright teals, rich oranges and buttery yellows.
Curtains
For several years now, blinds have been favoured over curtains but, as homeowners search for ways to retain heat in their homes, we predict curtains are going to see a well overdue resurgence. Curtains, especially thermal curtains, can be effective at preventing heat loss from things like doors and windows.
We might even see a revival of decorative window treatments too. Think shaped cornices and fringed trim.
Rugs that double as works of art
We like to think of rugs as artwork for the floor. In particular, retro designs and abstract patterns can really inject some fun into a room.
Some of the more affordable home furnishing brands have some brilliant statement rugs in store for 2023 and we can’t wait to see how homeowners incorporate them into their design schemes.
Design icons always make an impression. HEWI has relaunched its classic Range 477/801 with new and exciting colour combinations.
Bringing emotion and colour to architecture, HEWI helps create a sense of well-being that can aid the recovery process in health and care establishments.
The concept of the “healing architecture” within healthcare buildings and its influence on, not just the physical and mental well-being of patients, but also the welfare of relatives and staff, was amongst other things, an essential element of the design of Range 477/801.
HEWI has opted for a coral, aqua blue and pure white combination for healthcare buildings. These products are available in both matt and gloss.
The Unified Water Label Association held its AGM in Barcelona on Thursday 15 December, with members and supporters from all over Europe attending in person or taking part remotely.
UWLA President Carlos Velazquez was re-elected for a further term of office, as was Georg Taubert as UWLA VP, Timo Kopka head of marketing and Christian Taylor Hamlin, head of the technical committee.
Unified Water Label Association MD Yvonne Orgill updated the meeting on the scheme’s progress, highlighting recent growth and examples of how the Unified Water Label was increasingly being used as the bench criteria for government legislation such as the EU Taxonomy Directive.
Yvonne said, “Market transformation is happening and the UWLA is influencing at all levels. From grass roots level with young people in schools, through retailers, merchants and installers, to government bodies and associations.
“The scheme has attracted the support of 155-160 brands supported with a live database of over 14,300 individual products that is rapidly growing.
Carlos added, “We have made great progress but our challenge remains to continue to improve visibility of the label in the marketplace. We have a significant presence planned at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water, in Frankfurt from 13 to 17 March 2023.
“Next year will be an important year to build on the strong growth we have experienced so far. We have the products and the label, and we also have the solutions. Greater visibility in the marketplace will secure our success and leadership on water efficiency.”
Today we hear from Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, to understand why compliance is so important.
Adhering to regulations is essential to supplying water fittings in the UK and for connection to the water supply. Credible manufacturers do not see this as a burden and wholly welcome compliance and the emphasis it gives to high standards and safety.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, with a particular focus on the requirement of Regulation 4, is essential for anyone supplying taps, showers or other water fittings. The regulations require products to be of an appropriate standard and be suitable for the circumstances they are used for – often referred to as ‘Reg 4 compliant’.
This is important because it protects consumers’ water supply from contamination, either from materials or by water being pulled into the system (backflow or back-siphonage).
The BMA and its members are keen for everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturers, specifiers and developers to water undertakers, installers, and consumers, to understand Regulation 4 certification. Having that in place and correctly installing bathroom products will ensure the public is kept safe.
Installers have a legal responsibility to ensure installations comply with the water regulations, so for them, using approved certified products is a first step. For retailers, we urge them to seek out test declarations or Reg 4 certifications and ask questions of suppliers if that information is missing.
BMA members ensure their products comply with relevant safety rules by sending them for independent third-party testing or certification to verify claims. While this is not a strictly legal requirement, credible manufacturers embark on this immense effort at a significant cost so that customers have a guarantee that it meets the required standards.
However, confusion in the marketplace continues around the certification of products and demands for approvals from one specific test house are unnecessary.
While the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) is the most well-known third-party certification for Reg 4 compliance, two other acceptable approval and certification schemes exist run by NSF (NSFreg4) and Kiwa UK (KUKreg4).
All these schemes provide the testing and certification demanded by Reg 4 and offer an equal level of assurance. Therefore, requesting certification from one specific organisation or another is unnecessary and can reinforce bottlenecks in the approvals system.
By highlighting this issue, we hope manufacturers’ supply chain partners will understand the variety of routes on offer to demonstrate compliance. This will result in high-efficiency products being launched far quicker, enabling customers to benefit from the critical energy and water savings sooner. A clear win-win for everyone, including the environment.
Utopia has announced it has just taken delivery of the first phase of its new fleet of delivery vehicles. Two vehicles in the instantly recognisable Utopia livery have now arrived at the company’s headquarters in Bilston, West Midlands, supplied by Keltruck, and will be joined by more in due course.
The new fleet will comprise nine Scania R320B4X2NA Highline Euro 6 vehicles with newly updated bodies in Utopia’s trademark vibrant blue. Each spacious cab is fully equipped with the latest technology, features and functionality. Developed to help operators increase their efficiency and performance while reducing environmental impact, the new vehicles have a 9 litre engine which is SCR only meaning they are more fuel efficient.
The investment in the new delivery fleet is just part of Utopia’s commitment to excellence in all areas of company operation. As Dave Conn, Joint Managing Director, comments “Our new vehicles and their highly trained drivers are ambassadors for our brand. Their bold presence on the nation’s roads reinforces our position as a premium quality British brand, proud to be manufacturing in the UK. We consistently receive positive feedback about the delivery of our products in pristine
condition and the helpful can-do attitude of our drivers. This new investment is vitally important as part of our wider ongoing customer service promise and delivery proposition.”
Why sacrifice style for an affordable price tag? With the new Tenet collection by Roca, you can have both. Compatible with pieces from Roca’s other ranges and designed to suit bathrooms of all sizes and styles, the new collection of handleless vanity units is both simple in style and flexible in use.
Here, Natalie Bird, brand manager for Roca, reveals three more reasons why Tenet is a welcome addition to the Roca family.
Reason One: Five different finishes Tenet vanity units come in a choice of five glossy and wood finishes. “Pick a glossy finish in white or grey to catch and reflect light, making your bathroom feel roomier,” says Natalie.
Alternatively, choose between three wood-effect finishes: Nordic ash, city oak and walnut. “A wood look never fails to create an inviting contrast to all the shiny surfaces that come as standard in the bathroom,” Natalie adds.
Reason two: Versatile design
The Tenet vanity unit is 460mm deep and comes in a variety of widths to suit different storage needs. Sizes range from 600mm to 1200mm, with two, three, four or six drawers complete with built-in organisers to keep all your toiletries tidy yet close to hand. There’s also the option to have two doors instead of drawers – a convenient way to store taller bottles upright. Those wanting to boost the feeling of openness should choose a wall-hung Tenet vanity as exposing more of the floor gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom. What’s more, freeing up floorspace makes cleaning easier too.
A word of caution: “Wall-hung vanities require a little thought around concealing the waste pipe,” says Natalie. This is easy to do but needs to happen before fitting to avoid sudden changes at the end of the project.
If you prefer the look of a floor-standing unit, need extra storage space or your plumbing lends itself better to this style, the Tenet collection includes a three-drawer option that is sold with legs. “This still needs to be fixed to the wall but may offer a more practical solution for family or main bathrooms,” explains Natalie.
Reason three: Modern handleless look
“The beauty of a handleless design is that you can choose any finish for your brassware without the worry that it doesn’t match the handles on your vanity,” says Natalie. To complete the look, matching column- and wall-unit storage solutions are also available in Roca’s Extra range, giving you the option of a coordinated suite.
Main image (top): Tenet vanity unity in walnut with two soft-close drawers and integrated basin, 800mm wide, £688,with Luna mirror with ambient LED light, ⌀800mm, £336.
Sometimes changing one small detail is enough to make a big impact. Rebris is the new line of mixers from hansgrohe that gives a wide range of design options. The sleek, modern design comes in two varieties: one with soft curves, and the other with clean, precise lines.
The full range is available in Chrome and Matt Black finishes. In terms of efficiency, Rebris includes EcoSmart+ technology and limits the flow rate to 4 l/min. CoolStart technology also saves energy, as hot water is only added when it’s needed.
