Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Staying smart – design ideas for easy living

October 18, 2022

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

With energy and water usage taking centre stage in every household, it is no surprise smart technology is cementing its role as a must-have household essential. For the bathroom, products that incorporate smart technology are part of the sustainable toolkit and an asset for nurturing our well-being.

Today we consider some options available to the market, from water-saving designs to app-controlled bathroom cabinets and ambient Bluetooth lighting.

App-y days

Smart technology Elisa — Elisa Bathrooms
Intuition brushed brass bath digital showers

The latest mobile app usage statistics tell us there are 2.7 million apps now available on the Google Play Store and that 49% of people will open an app 11+ times a day. With these phenomenal stats showing no signs of abating, what does it mean for bathroom design?

We asked Paul Bailey, leader of product management, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK, who explained how interacting with technology will help generate business for the industry, especially in the luxury sector.

Paul comments: “The modern homeowner’s desire for a connected, smart home in which various aspects of their life can be monitored, tracked, and organised via their smartphone is generating lots of sales in the bathroom industry.

“As wellness and personal wellbeing take centre stage, we have seen the popularity for smart shower toilets and luxury connected showers increase significantly. Smart products can really amplify the sense of wellbeing for the consumer due to much greater personalisation features, so consumers can create a bathroom experience that can be truly tailored to their individual needs and tastes.”

Elisa’s Intuition and Incite smart digital showers are good examples; both feature a ShowerMe Smart App, so each household member can create their profile. Seamless connectivity with smart home systems allows the showers to be voice-controlled with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Saving water & energy

Smart design VitrA — VitrA Bathrooms – Smart Panel Flushplate & V-Care Prime Shower Toilet

When it comes to sustainable design, products that help the consumer manage consumption are clearly important in the current climate. Traditionally consumers have found it difficult to understand why they should change habits, but the rise of the smart meter, coupled with the energy crisis, has helped customers understand how much individual usage impacts the wallet. Smart shower technology dovetails in with this technology, extending visibility over energy and water use.

AO.com’s data reporting shows that searches for smart thermostats have increased by a staggering 140% MoM as people look for ways to stay on top of their energy consumption AO.com’s smart home expert, Kevin Walmsley, said: “With popular models such as the Hive and tado°, many Brits are looking into ways in which they can control their heating at the touch of a button on their smart phones.”

Joe Brawn, head of product management at Elisa, agrees: “Smart digital technology not only allows user personalisation, but greater visibility of water consumption, which – in this current environment – is front of mind for so many. Compromised shower experiences are not desirable, but providing the data to allow people to manage their shower experience via understanding time and water usage is key.”

VitrA’s smart panel flushplate utilises an app that records usage data from the day of installation – it has regular reporting features that allow households to see their weekly water usage and identify how they can be more efficient. The app also relays local water announcements and power updates to aid in better management of flushing systems.

Light up my life

Utilising smart lighting in the bathroom lets designers set the stage for various bathroom routines, helping create a versatile backdrop that works with any mood, be it gentle lighting for bathtime or perky lighting for personal grooming.

Piero de Marchis, director of Detail Lighting, tells us: “From a practical point of view it’s wise to opt for low-level lighting in the bathroom, ideally on a movement sensor as this means you won’t be blinded by bright overhead lighting at night time. If you’re able to, incorporate Bluetooth control lighting into your bathroom, this allows you to easily control the light level or set the ‘scene’ depending on whether it’s the kids’ bathroom or you are in pampering mode”.

Stay tuned

Sound Cabinet HiB Smart design — HiB Sound Cabinet

Technology and entertainment are integrated into all our living spaces, and the bathroom is no exception. Having access to your favourite playlist in every room of the house is achieved via the latest technology. Hib’s latest Sound cabinet uses integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so users can easily enjoy their best-loved music, podcasts and audiobooks.

Smart reflections

Duravit also delivers a range of smart mirrors* operated by the Casambi light-control app. Designed to help create a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom, customers can create and save scenes, such as extra-soft lighting for some spa downtime. Light temperature with a memory effect, mirror heating, or dim function is easy to control via the app.

*White Tulip & Zencha

Pictured Top: Elisa Intuition smart digital shower

For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review

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Bathrooms to Love launches Fluted Furniture Design

October 18, 2022

Bathrooms to Love, PJH’s exclusive bathroom brand, welcomes ‘TEXTURE’, a new premium fitted furniture family to its collection this month, featuring a beautiful soft fluted, textured design to its door and drawer fronts, combined with high quality internal storage space.

Responding to the growing trend for adding more textures and interesting finishes to the bathroom, the new TEXTURE fitted furniture range comes in two on-trend super matt shades, Matt White or Matt Graphite Grey.

Its elegant soft fluted, tactile design creates an aesthetically pleasing play with the light and the range is a perfect choice for adding individually to a bathroom scheme. What’s more, with three handle choices in Matt Black, Brushed Brass or Chrome, designers can coordinate with other products in the space such as brassware, showers, enclosures, mirrors and lighting – as pictured here with the brushed brass option.

Sitting at the top end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture portfolio, TEXTURE features a high specification design, incorporating luxurious soft-close hinges and drawer boxes, contrasting oak-effect interiors, plenty of interior drawers and shelves, and robust 18mm doors and panels – for long-lasting performance and quality.

Taking prime position on the front cover of the new Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love consumer brochure, the aspirational new TEXTURE fitted furniture range is available in a range of unit types and sizes, that can be fitted together flawlessly for a streamlined, textured look. Choose from Basin, WC, Tall, Drawer, Base, Wall or Mirrored units and team with complementary ceramics, worktops, panels and plinths.

Ready to order now from PJH’s online Partners Portal™ platform, the new TEXTURE range is available from stock and via PJH’s Next Day Delivery service if required. Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, new point-of-sale material and all marketing collateral.

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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GROHE expands Cradle to Cradle Certified® portfolio

October 17, 2022

GROHE’s Cradle to Cradle Certified^® now includes six sustainable solutions, with the GROHE Tempesta two spray hand shower and the GROHE Blue filters from supplier BWT newly certified at Bronze level*.

Against the backdrop of dwindling resources and rising emissions there is an urgent demand for a regenerative transformation of the construction industry. The building sector accounts for around 50% of all materials extracted which is why the construction industry and policy makers alike are facing a major challenge; innovative and future-proof solutions are needed to spare the planet’s limited resources. This approach must consider the entire industry from resource-use in buildings’ construction to the handling of materials at the end-of-life phase.

As a significant player within the construction industry, GROHE is seeking to enable resource-friendly building by expanding its Cradle to Cradle Certified^® (C2C Certified) product portfolio.

“The exhaustion of our planet’s limited and stressed resources compels the entire industry to transform itself. With the growth of our Cradle to Cradle Certified® product portfolio, we are reaching, step by step, the next, logical level in utilising the potential of the circular economy.

“With the growing C2C Certified range and our new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which enable informed and transparent statements on the environmental impact of buildings, we help our customers and partners choose solutions with an environmentally positive outcome for their projects. Thereby we set them up for the crucial regenerative change of the construction industry,” says Jonas Brennwald, leader LIXIL EMENA.

Cradle to Cradle® products are designed and manufactured with the intention of using their components in their end-of-life phase to make new products. This way, the resource-intensive process is transformed into a circular value-added process that is more sustainable in the long term. The principle of the circular economy is strongly increasing in the construction industry and yet most economic processes still run in a linear fashion, where raw materials are extracted in order to manufacture products that end up as waste after being used. These products then have no further use in the industry chain, which adds to the exhaustion of the planet’s finite resources and pollutes the environment. This has become one of the biggest challenges for the construction industry in recent years.

Independently tested and certified, Cradle to Cradle Certified® products are a crucial step towards the circular economy – and a promising offer to the entire construction industry. In 2021, with its first Cradle to Cradle ertified® products, GROHE opened up the possibility for end users and the entire architecture and construction industry of installing long-term resource-saving product solutions in kitchens and bathrooms.

*In the course of the filter’s lifecycle, GROHE collects the used filters and passes them on to BWT, where 99% of the materials are recycled. The addition of C2C certification for the filters provides the GROHE Blue water system, which offers chilled, filtered, and sparkling water direct from the kitchen tap without the need to use plastic bottles, with yet another sustainability benefit.

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This season’s go-to design trend is yellow and grey – 3 ways to copy the look

October 17, 2022

If ditching a classic grey interior altogether isn’t for you, then you’ll be pleased to know brand new data from interior experts at Stelrad has shown that a winning combo is yellow and grey, having discovered a 157% increase in Google searches for a ‘yellow and grey living room’ in the UK over the last 30 days.

Chris Harvey from Stelrad explains why yellow and grey creates a calming synergy: “Grey has always been such a classic and elegant neutral for people to use in their home. Whilst it’s calming, there’s no need to be afraid of injecting additional colours or tones to elevate your space. Yellow can do exactly this – these two colours are perfect for anyone looking to create a warm and inviting space, yet calming and cheerful which isn’t too bold for anyone who is a little more classic and introverted. As we spend longer at home as darker, colder days descend on us, it’s important that your room provides a happy and serene space.”

According to Chris Harvey – there are three key ways to incorporate yellow and grey into your interior living space this season.

Add a pop of yellow through your accessories

“For the majority of homeowners, a grey living room is a classic colour to opt for. To avoid repainting, but if you want to bring colour into your home, why not make small changes via your accessories? They don’t have to be big changes either, just small accents of yellow throughout the room. Why not try adding cushions, throws, rugs or lighting to get the ball rolling? Doesn’t even need to be a lot of yellow, just enough to add a pop of colour here and there to your neutral space.”

Go for retro

“This one will depend on your own personal taste, but it’s a great way to decorate a space. You can pair a bold retro floral wallpaper on one wall with shades of matching grey and yellow paint on the other walls to keep the scheme running throughout. If you can find (or have) vintage furniture pieces, then this is a great way to decorate the room and enhance retro vibes.”

Take an earthy approach by using mustard yellow

“When people think of the colour yellow, they often think of the colour of sunshine, but there are many different shades of sunshine, such as a warm mustard tone. This offers an earthy feel to a decorating scheme, perfect for introducing warm tones of wood furniture and natural flooring.”

Yellow & Grey
yellow-accessories-living-room-credit-yulia-grigoryeva-shutterstock — Yulia Grigoryeva Shutterstock

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HEWI strategic stock placements assist with demand

October 17, 2022

Despite ongoing delivery issues for the construction sector, HEWI has reported increased productivity in line with anticipated demands on the global supply chain. The team has also expanded its storage and logistics side of the business to build customer-ready levels of stock, strategically located to minimise lead time issues for its global client base.

Responding to the demand for availability, materials and timeless design, HEWI has invested in technology and machinery to speed up manufacturing times. Over 70 state-of-the-art injection moulding machines are now in place to deliver solutions to match demand.

HEWI’s award-winning & compliant solutions are specified for countless projects from healthcare to hospitality and commerce, to private homes.

Focusing on the individual needs of people for more than 90 years, HEWI has received countless awards that underline the company’s pioneering role. Accolades such as the Universal Design award “Best of Decade”, Architects’ Darling, the German Design Awards, and the Iconic Awards serve as an incentive to further develop even more innovative solutions.

Stephen Maley, UK sales director comments “The HEWI inclusivity and accessibility experts around the world are proud to be supporting project specification professionals with unparalleled levels of service, together with impressive product lead times and their specialist knowledge.”

For more information contact HEWI on 1634 258200 or email info@hewi.co.uk

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Lakes sponsor Tewkesbury Athletic FC for the fifth season running

October 13, 2022

Lakes, a leading manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, has announced that it will be supporting local football club, Tewkesbury Athletic, for the fifth season running.

After five years of partnership with Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club, Lakes will continue to provide new training shirts for all of the teams at the club. Lakes’ continued support has helped Tewkesbury Athletic FC form a strong club identity, improving members confidence, whilst also giving the club the professionalism it deserves.

Furthermore, with the continuous support from Lakes, the club has grown despite tough times and is now home to three men’s teams with over 50 members. This growth has improved sportsmanship and built relationships within the community, helping tackle loneliness and improve mental health since Covid-19.

Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes comments: “We have always understood the importance of supporting our local community so we are proud to announce that we will be continuing to support and sponsor Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club. The club means a lot to both our staff and local residents, and it is great that we are able to give something back to the community, whilst also helping to promote health and wellbeing by encouraging people to get involved in local sport.”

With continued growth comes the aim to develop the club even further in 2023 with hopes to secure a new location that the club can call home, with space for two pitches and changing rooms.

Tewkesbury Athletic FC spokesperson and Lakes employee, Mike Holtham, outlines what the club is looking to achieve as it moves forward: “On the pitch and as a club, we have established an environment where everyone feels welcome, no matter if you’re new to football, returning after a break, or looking for a fresh challenge. We’re incredibly grateful to Lakes for its continued support over the years, and we hope this partnership continues into the future.”

For more information on Lakes showering spaces, please visit: https://lakesshoweringspaces.com/

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New IXMO by KEUCO helps deliver a coherent design

October 13, 2022

Consistency is vital when designing a bathroom, be it a refurbishment or a totally new project. Taps and mixers, washbasins and bathtubs, as well as fittings for the shower can all be coordinated. Keeping styles uniform will help avoid mix-and-match scenarios or a messy hodge podge of different colours and shapes.

Elegant and stylish, IXMO by KEUCO, provides the opportunity to create a finely coordinated bathroom design with the differently nuanced design language supplied by the spouts and handles.

KEUCO is offering three styles:

• IXMO PURE – the focus is classic, simple lines that comprise a round, straight spout and
rectangular handle

• IXMO SOFT – a softer style, curvaceous, smooth with a rounded spout and rounded handle.

• IXMO FLAT – this is a combination of the two styles bringing both round and angular shapes
together harmoniously.

Mixer taps and spouts work equally as well with countertop washbasins, under-counter, wall-hung and hand washbasins, as well as freestanding and fitted baths. To ensure that the shower fitting is in line with the rest of the bathroom a round or square cover plate is available, enabling it to coordinate with each of the three different IXMO.

The IXMO collection is available as a classic chrome, or with a black matt finish, which allows interior designers and end consumers alike to bring creativity into their bathroom design. For those with a preference for elements of black in the bathroom, a little extra design extravagance can be added by including the striking accessories in the KEUCO BLACK SELECTION.

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CTD Architectural Tiles unveils latest tile collection

October 13, 2022

Leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles has revealed its latest carefully curated tile collection, seamlessly combining style with substance.

Responding to the changing demands of its customers, including architects and interior designers working across the commercial sector, CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest collection launch enhances its current offering of tiles suitable for a variety of applications and styles. The collection features both brand new tiles and updates to existing ranges, offering customers a variety of porcelain and ceramic tiles in a series of designs and sizes.

Details of all tiles available in the collection can be found on CTD Architectural Tiles’ website, where it’s easy to request free samples to discover the look and feel of each product. The supplier also offers unique Unboxing Presentations, where architects and interior designers can physically engage with samples while discussing them with a member of CTD Architectural Tiles’ expert team either in person or via video call.

The newly-launched collection includes several tile ranges offering users the highly sought-after mix of style and safety. Tele di Marmo Onyx perfectly captures this by providing the rare combination of a Pendulum Test Value of 36, the legal requirement for floor tiles in the UK, without dulling the marble-style finish. This unique tile is available in five shades comprising rich tones and contrasting transparent layers for a striking finish ideal for a luxury hotel or spa project.

Also offering a unique finish is Jive, a striking wall tile suitable for use both indoors and outdoors due to its glazed porcelain surface. This volumetric tile range plays on movement through its deep curves which utilise shadows for a three-dimensional finish, and is set to be a popular choice for feature bars and reception desks.

For a more classic look, Forest Jungle is a wood-effect floor tile with a difference. These tiles offer an unusual small format that is ideal for projects requiring the on-trend herringbone finish. Forest Jungle’s small configuration combined with shade variation and an aged surface design result in a modern take on this classic look.

The latest collection also features several tiles which are part of CTD Architectural Tiles’ ‘From UK Stock’ range, which encompasses highly technical and on-trend products suitable for any commercial project. All tiles included in this core collection are available for next day delivery across the UK; ideal for any project requiring a quick turnaround.

To discover more about CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest tile collection and to request free samples of the new tile ranges, please visit www.ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk

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Saniflo improves facilities at the Southbank Roof Garden

October 11, 2022

Saniflo UK – part of the SFA Group and a leading designer and manufacturer of pumps, macerators and lifting stations – recently helped London landmark the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the iconic Southbank Centre improve its facilities to provide staff and visitors with a better experience of this special place.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall boasts a stunning wildflower roof garden and café overlooking the Thames. The wildflower garden is one of the best in Europe attracting bees and insects from all over London, as well as a haven for visitors to socialise, dine and even work when the weather is fine.

Earlier this year, the team running the venue agreed that the venue’s WCs were not ideally located as clients and staff alike had to descend a winding staircase back to the Royal Festival Hall in the main building of the Southbank Centre.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall contracted Richard Riley from building contractor Eleven London to construct a wooden toilet block with two separate WCs and hand basins. With no gravity drainage available in proximity of the new block, a pumping solution was the only solution to discharge the waste away to the nearest soil stack some 40m away.

The Saniflo technical team assessed the site and the potential run of pipework, and specified a Sanicubic Pro 2 lifting station with twin pumps and a wireless alarm, which Richard and his plumber installed.

This powerful unit uses alternate pumps when operating normally, but in the unlikely event of a pump failure can switch to single pump operation in order to provide continuity of operation at all times. A wireless alarm offers early warning of any issues. The unit is installed in a cupboard to the rear of the block and provides quiet, efficient operation.

Richard comments: “As an engineer I know the benefits of Saniflo pumps for areas with no immediate gravity drainage. Looking at the wide range of commercial pumps available I called the technical team at Saniflo to double check my calculations on a Sanicubic to ensure it was the right product for the job. I was most impressed when a site visit was offered to verify the pumping distances and flow rates to efficiently discharge waste from the two WCs and basins and we agreed that a Sanicubic Pro 2 lifting station with twin pumps and a wireless alarm would easily cope with the volume and would provide continuity of operation at all times.”

The Queen Elizabeth Hall team say installation of the roof garden toilet block was an excellent investment and that the visitor numbers and the time they spend at venue are up.

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Harrison Bathrooms unveils dedicated heating brochure

October 11, 2022

SCUDO, the Leeds based distribution company for Harrison Bathrooms, has launched a dedicated user-friendly heating brochure.

The 72-page full colour guide offers inspirational product images with information, full specification and RRP in a stunning format designed to greatly assist with the selection, buying and ordering process. The range includes a comprehensive selection of heating solutions from contemporary anthracite and carbon designer towel warmers and radiators to raw metal traditional designs and underfloor heating options.

Harrison Bathrooms is said to be renowned for its exemplary customer service with 24-hour delivery across the UK, with state-of-the-art warehousing, packing, tracking, and monitoring to ensure order efficiency

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