Cosentino has introduced the Dekton Pietra Edition, a contemporary collection inspired by iconic Mediterranean stones. This launch follows the successful 2023 debut of Dekton® Pietra Kode, envisioned by renowned designer and architect Daniel Germani. The new Pietra Kode designs will be available in the UK starting 11 July 2024.
The ultra-compact Dekton Pietra Edition collection replicates the intricate details of traditional stones like Travertine, Ceppo Di Gré, Piasentina, and Campaspero, while offering enhanced realism and durability to meet the demands of modern architecture and interior design.
“Pietra Edition is the new journey to the origin of timeless and Mediterranean architecture already started with Pietra Kode,” said Daniel Germani.
“I am proud to continue my collaboration with Cosentino to bring the designs of Pietra Edition to designers, architects, and homeowners as a surface that is both timeless and innovative.”
Featuring Dekton’s TSP technology, the carbon-neutral Dekton® Pietra Edition introduces a technological layer to iconic natural stones with six serene designs. The collection pays homage to the enduring elegance of Mediterranean natural stones while elevating their design.
Pietra Edition’s palette of six styles includes four distinct stone textures, such as the newly introduced Piasentina and Campaspero:
Trevi: With a cream base and a parallel pattern of irregular grey and blue veins, this design is inspired by the timeless beauty of Roman silver Travertine.
Ava: Drawing inspiration from Ceppo di Gré, a stone from the Lombardy region, Ava features a rough yet warm design, perfect for Mediterranean-style projects.
Adia: This design offers a versatile finish with a silky appearance. Its cream tone and soft white lines elevate any design project.
Nebu: Recreating the depth of Roman Travertine, Nebu’s unique irregularities bring a timeless charm to any space.
Polar: Inspired by Spanish stone Campaspero, Polar features a hyper-realistic pattern with beige tones, greyish and cream veins, small inlays, and fossils.
Sandik: This design embodies the traditional elegance of Campaspero with a softer finish, featuring a cream background and subtle grey tones, ideal for outdoor applications.
At the heart of Flair Showers’ innovation lies the award-winning ETO and ILI ranges from the Harmony Collections, which have inspired the new Flair PRO Essential Collections.
Launched in the UK in March 2024, the ETO and ILI ranges feature Flair’s patented Click Fit Assembly System, ensuring superior structural integrity and ease of installation. These premium shower solutions have earned the brand a Good Design Award, a global mark of design excellence. The new Verve PRO range, part of the Flair PRO Essential Collections, leverages the Click Fit PRO system, transforming what was once a two-person job into a quick, single-person assembly.
Click Fit PRO is a revolutionary screw-free assembly system designed for the Verve PRO shower doors. Installers can effortlessly assemble the shower door frame onto the tray with vertical and horizontal profiles aligned. A secure screw-free joint is formed by sliding the pre-assembled Click Fit PRO bracket into place and snapping the hook into the access port. This user-friendly system eliminates the need for screws, reducing installation time and the requirement for multiple installers and extensive space.
Ronan O’Grady, lead product designer at Flair Showers, says: “Based upon our research and understanding the needs of trade professionals and installers at Flair, we have engineered a brand new assembly system to offer time and effort-saving benefits. Our brand new Click Fit PRO mechanism, a key feature of the Flair PRO Verve shower doors, will offer installers the quality and innovation of our Harmony Collections range with the benefit of a more affordable price point. With a simple two-step installation, high-quality components and various showering solutions, we are confident that installers will love and trust Flair PRO.”
Flair displayed enclosures from its ETO and ILI ranges at InstallerSHOW, highlighting to trade professionals the varied offerings that Flair provides. Designed with young families in mind, ILI offers durability, simplicity and an aesthetically pleasing, high-quality design. Flair showcased its 1950 mm high Brushed Brass ILI slider door on stand 4D20. Also showcased to installers visiting the exhibition was the soon-to-launch, elegant and on-trend Brushed Bronze finish of the ETO collection. Available in various enclosure styles, created to suit homes with busy bathrooms, the Flair ETO shower enclosures benefit from several innovative features designed to enhance the experience of the end-user and bathroom installer.
For more information on the brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections or the Flair Showers Harmony Collections, please contact sales@flairshowers.co.uk or visit the website www.flairshowers.co.uk
Some installers shy away from a challenge, but others embrace finding solutions to seemingly impossible situations.
Lee Hammond is one such installer. He runs his own business, Hammond & Holmes Kitchens & Bathrooms, in Eccleston. His customer in Wigan was looking to create a downstairs cloakroom in a hallway cupboard adjacent to the stairs as part of wider renovations to the property.
Two contractors had already viewed the job and declared it impossible. Step forward, Lee, with his problem-solving skills, and he soon realised that all he needed was a Saniflo. A macerator pump could pump the waste up into the ceiling above, along the kitchen ceiling and into the central internal soil stack. Whilst plumbing in the small-bore pipework to take the waste away from the WC, Lee plumbed pipes for hot and cold water to go back the other away, along with heating pipes to plumb in a towel rail.
After discussing the variety of options in the Saniflo range with his customer, it was agreed that the perfect unit for the converted space was a Sanicompact. This compact, cistern-less WC from Saniflo has an integrated macerator and also takes the waste from a basin; it is the perfect cloakroom solution. The unit’s small footprint, along with its modern looks and exceptionally efficient and quiet operation, ensures it is practical yet unobtrusive.
“The Sanicompact was the ideal solution for this small space. It has no cistern and just requires a water outlet and electricity to operate. I could even fit a concealed drawer and storage unit under the adjacent stairs as, without the cistern, I had the space to do it. The Sanicompact offered a clean, uncluttered look in a compact spot, and since installation a few months ago, it has worked perfectly. The customer is over the moon with it.”
Even more amazingly, this was Lee’s first ever Saniflo installation, and he found it so simple to install that he’s since recommended Saniflo solutions to other customers who want to turn unused space into cloakrooms and en-suites;
“Since installing the Sanicompact, I have been called out to fix three more Saniflo units. They seem to last forever and only require attention when something inappropriate for a macerator has been put down the loo. They are so useful for projects that require a solution when gravity drainage is not available, as in the case of my Sanicompact customer. I do see myself doing a lot more projects using them.”
Ca’ Pietra’s new collection, called Earthenware, is inspired by Italian pottery sold on the streets of villages on the Amalfi Coast.
Renowned for its vibrant colours, Amfli pottery is notable for its intricate designs, which reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. The style often features bright blues and yellows, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and the warm Italian sun.
Brought to life in five shades and replicating the texture of pottery through its matt finish, Earthenware is available in five colours: soft white, pottery, terracotta, coral, and linen, shades that are on-trend as we approach 2025.
Working individually or paired together, Earthenware tile is a thin rectangle shape, so it can be used to create vertical, horizontal, or unique patterns on interior walls and floors.
The tile Size is 5cm x 25cm x 1.2cm; it is available in a matt finish
Saniflo will exhibit at both PHEX South, Olympia, from 11-12 September and PHEX North, Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, from 9 – 10th October.
Located at stands B22 at Olympia and B79 at Old Trafford, Saniflo will display a comprehensive selection of market-leading domestic macerators, condensate pumps, and lifting stations. In addition, the recently launched Sanisub 800 Rainkit will be on display at PHEX, Olympia.
David Cook will be attending the show for the first time in his new capacity as Managing Director for Saniflo and along with the team is looking forward to welcoming visitors at both events;
“The PHEX show gives us a great opportunity to meet and talk to customers new and old who specify and install our products. We work with all customers to provide solutions for all types of projects from single bathrooms to multiple bathroom applications.
A fresh impetus for economic growth and housebuilding could result in greater opportunities for our sector. Tom Reynolds, Chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, describes how these efforts tie in with their annual conference for 2024
In the wake of the 2024 UK general election, our new Labour Government has taken on the challenge of kickstarting economic growth and getting ‘Britain building again.’ Central to this effort is the ambitious promise to build 1.5 million homes over the next parliamentary term. If the government’s plans come to fruition, this initiative could herald significant opportunities for designers, architects, and the wider bathroom sector.
The upcoming BMA Industry Conference, themed “Building Growth,” is perfectly timed to address these pivotal developments. Scheduled for September 16th and 17th at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, the conference will explore how our industry can align with national priorities to drive economic and housebuilding growth.
We are honoured to have Oliver Heath as our keynote speaker. An industry-recognised expert in biophilic design and sustainable architectural and interior design, Oliver creates human-centred spaces that enhance occupant well-being through a connection to nature. His session will offer invaluable insights into integrating these principles into bathroom design, aligning with broader trends in sustainable and health-focused architecture.
The conference will feature various expert speakers, starting with Jo Salter, a renowned Motivational Speaker. Jo will set the tone with her session on ‘The Growth Mindset,’ encouraging innovation and proactive thinking crucial for navigating a competitive market. Following her, Mohammed Chaudhri, Experian’s Chief Economist and Director of Market Intelligence, will present ‘The Economic Outlook.’ Mohammed’s expertise will provide a grounded perspective on the feasibility of growth under the current economic conditions.
A major highlight will be “The Big Debate,” which will focus on what we can do to get Britain building and the role of bathroom manufacturers. This panel discussion will be a dynamic forum for industry leaders to share strategies for boosting housing development, emphasising the critical link between a robust housing market and a thriving bathroom sector.
The Labour Government’s promise to construct 1.5 million homes represents a significant opportunity for designers, architects, and the entire bathroom sector. Increased building activity not only drives demand for bathroom products but also spurs innovation and collaboration across the entire supply chain. This surge could lead to advancements in design, sustainability, and technology within the industry.
I encourage you to book your delegate places early for this insightful and inspiring event. Join us at the Queens Hotel in Leeds to network with industry peers, learn from leading experts, and explore how we can support the new government’s ambitious building targets. Together, we can contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for the bathroom sector and the broader architectural landscape.
Features 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.
Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.
Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.
Colour me happy
Acquabella Acquasolid collection
The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.
As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.
Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’
In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).
Life’s a beach
Beach House by BAGNODESIGN
The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.
Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’
One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.
Flushed with love
VitrA ‘s QuantumFlush
Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.
“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“
VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.
Free & easy
Bathrooms to Love Striata Fluted Bath
Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.
Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models.
A complete collection
Waterline Bathroom Collection
Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
WaterlineWaterline
Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love
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To coincide with its Flair PRO Essential Collections launch, Flair Showers revealed its ‘Trust Flair. Trust PRO’ campaign at InstallerSHOW 2024. Flair highlights its hassle-free, quick and efficient installation process and emphasises that Flair is a trusted solution for professional installers, allowing them to choose and fit products they can rely on.
The campaign film ‘The Van’ begins at Flair’s HQ and shows the efficient ordering process from raising an order to selecting it and preparing it for delivery. Flair wanted to show the real-life process to installers to share how streamlined it is and highlight the level of support provided by the customer care team.
Running in tandem with the footage filmed at the Flair headquarters, the video shows a trade professional installing a Verve PRO shower door frame with Flair’s Click-Fit PRO Assembly System.
Flair has also generated a brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections brochure specifically for trade professionals as part of its ‘Installers Choice’ campaign. The new Flair PRO brochure will provide bathroom installers with information on shower enclosures, wetrooms, and bath screens. Installers can highlight that there is an affordable Flair shower configuration for every space and requirement that will stand the test of time. The new Flair brochure will also feature a QR code to allow for quick access to installation videos and spec sheets, further supporting the trade professional during the fitting stage.
Sarah O’Reilly, senior marketing executive, Flair Showers, says: “At Flair, we have created a brand new campaign, the ‘Installers Choice’, to show trade professionals that we are their trusted partner for showering solutions. Flair PRO is constructed with high quality materials and is engineered to save valuable time and energy from the fitter’s perspective. Our new van campaign film shows how quick and easy the installation of a Verve PRO shower door is, alongside details of our ordering, packing and delivery process.
“Visitors to InstallerSHOW were able to get hands-on with our brand new Verve PRO shower door at our demonstration area, and have a go at installing it as easily and quickly as shown in our new film.”
With an enduring dedication to protecting tile and stone, Schlüter-Systems offers more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone, including a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and wetroom drainage systems. The brand is an ideal choice for the premium end of the bathroom retail sector, especially for those looking to take a system-led approach to their bathroom designs and installations. Parts of Schlüter’s portfolio, such as the underfloor heating and tile trims, also appeal to premium-end kitchen showrooms and retailers.
Today we talk to Koralia Hume, director of Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, to find out why the companies work so well together.
Quarrybank’s story
We are a family-run business in the heart of Wilmslow, which was created by myself and my husband two years ago. We are a boutique-style showroom that offers a unique solution for bathroom spaces based on quality and creativity. We don’t sell just bathrooms – we sell visions which are always backed up by high-quality products. When our customers come to us they are looking for a top-quality service with top-quality products and oodles of creativity. I would like to think this is exactly what we offer; when a customer chooses to work with us, they know they will receive exceptional service. We are now an award-winning company after our installation team won a KBB Review award for Installation Company of the Year. This only confirms what we already knew: we are the best installers in our area! With that in mind, our reputation is on the line every time we go into the customer’s house to transform the existing, probably outdated space into something really exceptional. We provide quality, we install quality, and we guarantee quality.
How did you become involved in the bathroom industry?
My husband and partner, Steven Hume, has been in the plumbing and heating trade for many years. As he was already a successful installer of luxury bathrooms, it seemed a natural progression to offer a complete solution to our customers. We took the plunge(!) and opened our 600 sq ft showroom in June 2022. We chose Wilmslow because it has such a vibrant, positive town centre.
How long have you been a Schlüter-Systems retailer?
We have sold Schlüter-Systems products to our customers for two years. Steven has used Schlüter’s excellent products on many high-end bathroom installations over the years, and when we opened the showroom, we knew we wanted to offer these same products to our customers.
As a business, how have you adapted over the past three years?
Our customers like to see for themselves what we can offer them, and we currently have 15 displays. Choosing a new bathroom is a very personal experience, and people value a one-to-one discussion and actually seeing the displays we inspire.
Have you found customer demands changing in recent years?
Customers are definitely paying more attention to their spending and are looking for quality products, great workmanship and a beautiful finish in a bathroom that will last. Schlüter’s products help us to achieve our customers’ exacting requirements.
What, for you, is a typical bathroom installation size and value, and customer profile?
We attract customers from the Cheshire area. They tend to be in their 40’s with young families. With a typical space of up to 10m2, customers spend an average of between £23,000 – £25,000 for a fully installed bathroom.
Do you design, supply, install?
Yes, we look after the whole process!
How do the next five years look for Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms?
We want to be the go-to showroom in Cheshire, recognised for our creative approach to supplying unique solutions. We are looking to expand the installation side of the business alongside an increase in sales. Oh, and we’d like a Showroom of the Year award to go with our Installer Company of the Year award!
What bathroom trends are you seeing?
Consumers are really interested in sustainability and are looking to emulate natural materials with wood finishes and wood effect tiles. There is a trend for earthy colours, such as terracotta, in the bathroom.
What do you love about the industry?
As a designer, I love the creative process. Showing a new customer the endless solutions available and creating something spectacular is a big thrill!
Why did you choose Schlüter-Systems?
As a showroom of unparalleled reputation, we only work with top-quality products. Our reputation is everything to us and, as a showroom providing full bathroom services from design to supply and installation, it is crucial that only the best is offered to our customers.
When selecting our partners and suppliers, we carefully choose brands that align with our values and provide high-quality products across a wide range.
Schlüter-Systems is a tile installation expert with over 50 years of experience. When we discovered the company’s products, we knew it was a perfect match. After trying and testing the products, we found that they significantly enhance our installations, offering even more detail and unique solutions to our designs.
We pride ourselves on delivering unique solutions for bathroom designs, ensuring the longevity of the finished product, and enhancing the usability factor for our customers. With Schlüter-Systems, we can achieve all that and more.
What are popular products/ranges amongst your customers?
We love Schlüter tile trims. They are a joy to work with and our customers love choosing them. The variety of finishes and colours is vast, allowing us to play with samples during appointments and find the perfect match for each customer.
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT underfloor heating is also very popular when it comes to adding an extra heating system in the bathroom. The quality of this product is excellent, far superior to anything else on the market. What customers particularly appreciate about DITRA-HEAT is the second cable attachment feature. If anything goes wrong over the years, you can simply re-plug the system with a second cable – something other manufacturers do not offer.
How do you find the customer service from Schlüter-Systems? Is there anything that stands out to you?
The customer service at Schlüter-Systems is second to none. Our enquiries are answered promptly by attentive staff, allowing us to pass on complete information to our customers. Our rep, Philip Cutts, is a wonderful person inside and out. He visits us often to ensure we have the latest knowledge and products, offers training to both our showroom staff and installation team, and is generally a pleasure to work with. His attentiveness and extensive knowledge, particularly from his background in installation, are invaluable when we discuss complex design points. As a family-run business, relationships mean everything to us. Partnering with Schlüter-Systems has been a wonderful experience and journey. We always feel supported, inspired and encouraged.
Have you completed any exciting projects recently featuring Schlüter-Systems?
Every single project of ours is completed with Schlüter trims. We’ve been using their products for nearly two years and our installers find them super easy to work with, while our customers find them very attractive. It’s a great combination because our installers have a keen attention to detail, and when such skills are matched with the right product, the result is incredible.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
Design is at the heart of the new collection. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces feature contemporary and traditional styles. The shower enclosures offer a variety of styles, including quadrant, sliding, and hinge doors, while the brassware comes in multiple tap configurations with finishes that match the shower enclosures.
Colour features throughout the range are important, ensuring cross-product colour coordination to meet diverse design preferences.
