Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Ideal Standard’s Together World Tour explores Berlin

June 16, 2021

Ideal Standard’s Together World Tour has touched down in Berlin, the second of a unique series of digital events merging design, art and architecture. The event in Berlin on 16 June uncovered the innate links between architecture, design and modern living while introducing Extra, Ideal Standard’s new range of basins from its Atelier Collections.

Each of the six inspiring and diverse destinations on the Together World Tour is being showcased in an encapsulating theatrical format that combines cultural and lifestyle trends with architecture and design, while providing the setting for the launch of a new product collection from Ideal Standard.

Ideal Standard’s co-chief executive officer Jan Peter Tewes said: “Following the success of our first stop in Milan, we were extremely excited to bring the Together World Tour to Berlin, and were fortunate to be joined by leading figures in the world of architecture to create a unique and special event worthy of the city’s rich design heritage. Through a cinematic digital experience, we were able to shine a spotlight on this magnificent city’s multifaceted identity, while demonstrating our own legacy in bathroom design and commitment to shaping the future of modern living.

“Germany, and at one point Berlin, was also home to the world-famous Bauhaus School, originally founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar over 100 years ago. The Bauhaus held similar beliefs to us: that design should be timeless and useable by many people. The Bauhaus has heavily impacted the modern world and continues to do so, with the combination of design and functionality at its core. Our new Extra range is closely aligned with these values, which have lost none of their importance to this day.”

The event in Berlin saw Jan Peter joined by renowned architect and journalist Joern Kengelbach as they visited some of the city’s most exciting architectural locations – from historic sites like the Humboldt Forum and Brandenburg Gate, to modern masterpieces such as Futurium and Cube Berlin.

Several special appearances were also featured as part of the event, including famous British architect David Chipperfield, leaders in design and urban planning Studio Graft, general director and chief executive officer of the Stiftung Humboldt Forum Prof. Dr. Hartmut Dorgerloh, and Ideal Standard’s chief design officer Roberto Palomba.

Roberto provided an exclusive look at Ideal Standard’s new Extra range, which has been designed in partnership between his renowned Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati and the manufacturer, and is the latest addition to their award-winning Atelier Collections. Extra is influenced by the Bauhaus, championing the values that an object can be developed to be beautiful, accessible and functional. The Extra collection features pure, square basins with defined edges to allow users to appreciate the expressive geometry that has inspired the design. Combining an architectural and timeless vision with this sculptured geometry, the Extra range delivers a clutter-free feeling – perfect for spaces of all shapes and sizes.

Roberto Palomba, co-founder of PS+A and chief design officer at Ideal Standard, said: “The Extra collection embodies the perfection of minimalist modernity down to the nearest millimetre. Demonstrating the sophisticated exchange between space, form and functionality in the bathroom, Extra is rooted in the careful control of shapes and sizes, and its pure square design ensures that nothing goes to waste, with the perfect product delivered, free of untidy excess.”

Extra has been carefully crafted from ceramics to create a light yet strong washbasin. Available in both glossy and silk white finishings, it offers multiple configurations, ranging from a 45cm guest basin to a 120cm double basin option and is also available in silk white finish.

Four new vanity basins have also joined the Extra collection, complemented by dedicated furniture units from the Conca collection, which come in a range of Atelier finishes including Matt White, Matt Anthracite and Matt Sunset, as well as Light Oak, Smoked Oak and Dark Walnut.

The next event on the Together World Tour will take place in London on 23 September 2021, followed by Paris, Dubai and Shanghai. To register for future events, catch up on previous ones and access exclusive additional content, visit www.togetherworldtour.com.

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Stunning brushed brass Solas mirror launched by HiB

June 16, 2021

HiB has launched a brushed brass finish to the Solas mirror range, offering customers an eye-catching alternative for their bathroom design.

The Solas mirror, which is also available in black and chrome finishes, now has a brushed brass option for the 50cm and 60cm mirrors. Offering a subtle but luxurious look, the decadent styling of the brushed brass Solas mirror is the perfect addition to the bathroom.

Solas can be hung portrait or landscape to suit the room and features a circle of LED light, which is offset from the surface of the mirror and provides optimal facial illumination. Integrated colour temperature changing technology allows user to find the perfect ambience for precision tasks such as shaving or applying makeup, making the mirror both practical and stylish. The Solas mirror also benefits from internal heated pads which reduce condensation on the mirror’s surface, for a flawless and functional bathroom centrepiece.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “Solas is a real statement mirror that looks fantastic in the bathroom. Launching the brushed brass finish now means that we are able to offer customers a complete range of complementing products including brassware, to create a consistent design.”

For more information about the new brushed brass Solas mirrors visit hib.co.uk where you can also download the latest HiB brochure.

More news from HiB

About HiB

HiB is a major supplier to UK and Irish Bathroom Retailers and is a market leader in innovative bathroom products such as mirrors, cabinets, lighting and furniture. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, the company is renowned for providing innovative, creative solutions which make bathrooms beautiful and substantially improves the lives of retailers, partners and the wider community.

Since HiB was established in the 1990s, the company has grown significantly. From humble roots as a fledgling business founded by Chairman Warren Ginsberg, to a 100 plus-strong operation with centres both in New Southgate, North London and a 85,000 Sq.ft national distribution site near Tamworth in the Midlands, the company has been responsible for many bathroom industry ‘firsts’.

HiB has pioneered numerous product innovations including colour changing technology, steam-free mirrors, LED lighting in mirrors and cabinets featuring Bluetooth and USB integration. All new concepts are designed by the company’s product development team, who ensure that each range adheres to the company philosophy of only bringing to market products which answer a genuine need. Managing Director, Robert Ginsberg along with the entire HiB workforce, are committed to driving growth and success through future product innovations and developments. The company has a long-term strategy to increase

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Aqualisa senior marketer Kate Lovell to drive digital marketing

June 15, 2021

Bathroom product specialist Aqualisa has announced the promotion of Kate Lovell to head of marketing, with responsibility for leading the transformation of its marketing and communications operations. Kate will be focused on defining the company’s marketing and brand strategy, with a particular emphasis on digital initiatives and campaigns.

Kate joined Aqualisa in January 2020 as digital marketing manager, spearheading the design and development of the company’s new website, and introducing a digital platform dedicated to supporting and engaging with trade customers and partners. She begins her new role as head of marketing today, 15 June 2021, reporting to product marketing director Mike Simpson.

With more than 18 years of marketing experience in both domestic and international markets, Kate started her career at AXA PPP Healthcare, where she progressed from international marketing controller to overseas partner marketing manager. She then held senior commercial marketing roles at a number of high profile organisations including Domestic & General, Bupa UK and C-suite mentoring company, Merryck & Co.

In her new position, Kate will head up a team of marketing professionals with responsibility for all disciplines including channel marketing, commercialisation, digital marketing, data management, public relations and both B2B and B2C communications. A new social media and content strategy will be implemented to drive engagement and awareness of the brand and products.

Recognising the opportunity to take Aqualisa to the next level in its digital transformation, Kate plans to continue this mission, with the aim of making the British manufacturer a digital-first organisation. She commented, “We have many ambitious launches and projects planned over the next three years, which we will support with strong campaigns and messaging across all channels. In particular, I am looking forward to enhancing the marketing efforts behind our innovative smart showers range.”

Kate is also passionate about building a diverse working environment. She added, “Our sector is on a journey to becoming more diverse and inclusive, and Aqualisa is already setting a positive example by creating a more balanced and accessible organisation, where every employee is valued and respected. This is one of the attributes that originally attracted me to the company, and I am keen to support further initiatives that encourage more women into our business, and into the industry as a whole.”

Mike Simpson, product marketing director, commented, “Kate is one of the most accomplished marketers I have worked with. Over the last fifteen months, she has accelerated our digital marketing activities despite the challenges of the pandemic, and is now in the driving seat to take our strategy to new heights. I look forward to collaborating with Kate and her team as we advance to the next stages in achieving our digital vision, and to the successful launch of our next generation of products to the market.”

A keen fitness enthusiast, Kate is a fan of football and many other sports. Her passions include travelling, exploring and experiencing new places, as well as volunteering for her local homeless charity. She also loves spending time with family and friends, and enjoying good food.

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Cavalier Bathrooms enters kitchen market with the acquisition of Tre Mercati

June 14, 2021

West Yorkshire-based Cavalier Bathrooms has entered the kitchen market following receipt of £15.2m in funding facilities from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, which supported the acquisition of brassware company Tre Mercati.

Family-owned Cavalier Bathrooms, backed by industrial investment group HLD Group, has been creating high-quality bathrooms solutions for more than 100 years. With a number of sector-leading brands to its name, including Aquadart, Elation, April Products and Niagara, the business was looking to grow and diversify its offering with the acquisition of a business that serviced the kitchen sector.

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance created £15.2m in flexible funding facilities to allow investment in the existing Cavalier product range and infrastructure, together with support for the purchase of Oldham-based Tre Mercati, a supplier of bathroom and kitchen brassware. Another family-owned business, Tre Mercati and Cavalier Bathrooms have shared values of bringing functional products to market alongside best-in-class customer service.

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance provides a full suite of asset-based lending options including invoice financing, working capital and inventory financing. Currently, the commercial finance arm of the listed bank has in excess £500m of facilities agreed to support growing businesses across the UK.

David Myles, Special Operations Director of the HLD Group of Companies (HLD), said: “Despite the pandemic and difficulties in the sector, Cavalier Bathrooms has had a strong year, achieving its original forecast despite a number of months without trade. We’ve had time to invest in our business processes and technologies and being able to welcome Tre Mercati as part of the business will only strengthen our offering further.

“The support of Dave Green and the team at Secure Trust Bank cannot be understated. We’ve had a relationship with them for several years, having used their funding across other group companies. Once again, they really got to know the business, understood our growth ambitions and were able to provide a flexible facility to help us achieve them. We would highly recommend them as partners.”

Dave Green, Regional Sales Director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “We have developed a strong relationship with the HLD team and it’s fantastic to be able to support another of their portfolio companies. Both Cavalier and Tre Mercati have knowledgeable and passionate management teams and combining the businesses will no doubt lead to even greater success.”

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Bette Baths selected by Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

June 11, 2021

The new Nobu Hotel London Portman Square has selected Bette glazed titanium-steel baths for its luxurious bathrooms.

Located in the heart of central London’s vibrant Marylebone area, the new luxury lifestyle hotel features 249 rooms, a signature Nobu Restaurant and Nobu Bar with an all-year-round terrace, plus a gym and wellness facilities. The common spaces in the hotel have been beautifully conceptualised by London based architecture and interior design firm, David Collins Studio, and the rooms and suites have been designed by Make Architects.

Bette Baths

Bette provided three different bath styles for the hotel: the freestanding BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette, the BetteOcean shower bath and the double-ended BetteStarlet fitted bath, all made from its luxurious, durable and hygienic glazed titanium-steel.

The BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette baths have been used in the hotel’s suites. The luxurious freestanding baths are comfortable for two to bathe together and come in five sizes from 1500 x 80mm to 1950 x 950mm.

Also, providing a relaxing, comfortable bath that is perfect for two, the fitted BetteStarlet baths have a contemporary, oval shape, come with a central waste and in 12 sizes from 1500 x 800mm to 1850 x 850mm.

The BetteOcean bath is perfect for use as a shower bath. It features steep sides at the foot end, for more standing room when showering, and a comfortable sloping back rest at the other end, for relaxed bathing. The bath has a central waste and comes in 12 sizes from 1500 x 700mm to 1800 x 800mm.

Bette baths, shower trays and basins come with a thirty year warranty, are easy to clean and available in over 400 colours, including gloss and matt finishes. Made from natural raw materials, they are completely recyclable and verified to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as per ISO 14025 and to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

For further information on Bette see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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Kaldewei expands washbasins range with new shapes & colours

June 9, 2021

Kaldewei has expanded its washbasins range with a new third product group for the Cayono series and new additions to its Ming and Miena collections.

Cayono series

Kaldewei’s third product group for the popular Cayono series joins its bathtubs and shower surfaces. Whether as a trendsetting washbowl, classic countertop or under-counter solution – the three versions maintain the clear consistent lines of Kaldewei’s design elements to its washbasins. The Cayono washbasins have a generous interior depth and combine pure aesthetics with intelligent functionality. An overflow placed to the back of the washbasin ensures a consistently harmonious look and the generously proportioned interior of the basin makes cleaning particularly easy.

The washbasins are made of sustainable steel enamel and can be used in a number of ways – from guest bathroom, private spa, it for the office and hotel sector. When combined with the bathtubs and shower surfaces of the Cayono series, a perfect match is created with a uniform design language. Creating unique moments of well-being at a particularly attractive price point.

Ming

Further product highlights are the Asian-inspired Ming washbowls, now available in four different colours: lava black matt, polished black, alpine white and alpine white matt. The legendary musician and excellent photographer Bryan Adams photographed as part of the 2021 campaign “Natural Union”. Continuing to raise awareness of the need to maintain good hygiene in turbulent times.

Miena

Miena is now available with a new palette of strong blue and purple tones, the sheen and glow of the steel enamel makes the coloured washbowls similar to a bold piece of jewellery, but by contrast, they are easy to clean and durable.

Available in a “Soft Touch” Mint, “Sweet Love” Pink, “Deep Dream” Petrol, “Navyblue” matt and in the new colours of the Coordinated Colours Collection.

www.kaldewei.co.uk

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One Hundred Shoreditch to arrive by 2021

June 9, 2021

Lore Group has announced that its second London property – One Hundred Shoreditch – will open its doors in Autumn 2021.

The 258-bedroom hotel will have six restaurants and bars including a seafood restaurant & wine bar, a destination cocktail bar, and a roof terrace plus five meeting and event spaces.

The overhaul of the property’s interiors is led by Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss and his team: “The redesign reflects how Shoreditch has evolved during the last decade with the interiors mirroring the new grown-up character of the neighbourhood. In the guest rooms emphasis is placed on calm and comfort, while the restaurant and bar spaces retain the fun and energy for which this part of London is so well known.”

Strauss adds: “In the case of One Hundred Shoreditch we wanted to work with elements of the previous design, and in doing so embrace a sustainable approach by keeping some features and enhancing them to elevate the design and create a new guest experience.”

One Hundred Shoreditch will offer the largest choice of restaurants and bars within one hotel in the area, including a restaurant and wine bar specialising in locally and sustainably sourced seafood. The property will feature an expanded rooftop bar and terrace, offering panoramic views over East London and towards the City.

The hotel will also be home to five flexible meetings and events spaces suitable for everything from private dining and receptions to meetings and weddings. The largest space, surrounded by floor to ceiling glass, offers views of the London city skyline.

“The opening of our new hotel in Shoreditch reflects the growth and evolution that have taken place over the last 15 years in the area,” says David Taylor, Lore Group’s Chief Operating Officer. “We will offer something for everyone across our 6 restaurants and bars and 258 tranquil bedrooms, all representing consistently good value.”

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White Tulip complete bathroom range by Philippe Starck for Duravit

June 8, 2021

White Tulip is the first complete bathroom range created entirely by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The range includes free-standing ceramic washbasins, round above-counter basins, matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets, bathroom furniture, matching mirrors, taps and bathtubs.

The elegant shapes of the components within the series echoes the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom; exuding an almost sculptural feel.

Basins

The monolithic design of the free-standing ceramic washbasin is particularly eye-catching. The washbasin can be attached to the wall or the floor as required.

Designed in the same style, the round above-counter basin has an aesthetically pleasing delicately outward sloping edge. The right-angled washbasin, when viewed from above, also reflects this form. Also available as a furniture washbasin and as a hand rinse basin, both come in two sizes and complete the range.

Bidets & Toilets

Matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets complement the impressive ceramic elements. The White Tulip style is also found on the matching urinal. The toilets are equipped with the new HygieneFlush technology.

All new HygieneFlush toilets come with the tried and tested HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze as standard to guarantee even greater hygiene. Fired into the interior of the toilet, HygieneGlaze ensures that approx. 90% of bacteria (for example e. coli) are eradicated after six hours, and approx. 99.9% after 24 hours. The outstanding quality of White Tulip is also reflected in its new lifetime guarantee, which Duravit offers on the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.

Bathroom Furniture

The corresponding furniture is as extraordinary as the entire range. The miter-cut, extremely finely crafted edges are testament to the precise composition of the White Tulip furniture, which comes in widths of between 350 and 1300 mm.

Matching Mirrors

Matching mirrors from the White Tulip series are available in versions controlled by sensors or an app. Creating a special visual effect, the mirrored glass has been brought forward which makes the mirror’s surface appear almost transparent around the illuminated area.

Freestanding Bathtub

The free-standing bathtub with its seamless acrylic paneling mirrors the form of the ceramics. The oval version is available in two sizes: 1800×800 mm, with 1600×900 mm for smaller rooms. The round bathtub with a diameter of 140 cm, offers a spacious interior.

White Tulip Phillippe Starck for Duravit

Taps

White Tulip also includes the first range of taps developed by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The consistent design element is the tulip-shaped handle that echoes the shape of the washbasins and bathtubs and is particularly easy and pleasant to operate thanks to the polished surface, whilst the 160 finely engraved vertical stripes produce a truly sophisticated effect. Washbasin mixers are available in various “comfort” heights S, M, and XL. The range also includes bidet, shower and bath faucets.

The unusual design of the White Tulip series will add a stylish touch to any setting. Well-engineered technologies such as HygieneFlush and HygieneGlaze, tip-on technology and self-close action as well as mirror heating and app-controlled, customizable lighting complete the feel-good factor.

Duravit

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Roca introduces Romea – new bathroom furniture with vintage style

June 8, 2021

The new Romea furniture from Roca offers a classic bathroom vanity with a touch of colonial style to deliver a stylish focal point as well as practical bathroom storage. It is available in three widths and two timeless colours, Satin White and Satin Dark Grey.

Fine elegant details and hints of colonial style characterise this classic bathroom vanity, yet it is as nostalgic as it is practical and comes equipped with all the functionalities of the 21st century. This vintage design has a romantic touch designed to create a warm and elegant bathroom environment whilst serving as a considered storage solution.

Dimensions and colours to suit all bathroom spaces

Available in widths of 600, 800 and 1000 mm, this bathroom cabinet adds a touch of distinction both to small bathrooms where space is limited and to large spaces where more impact is needed. The collection is available in two stylish, timeless colours. In Satin White finish, Romea fills open spaces with subtleness and in Satin Dark Grey it highlights its personality and the texture of the wood even more. Inside, its drawers with internal dividers optimise storage and stand the test of time thanks to practical metallic handles and the ease of their soft close mechanism.

Practical touch

Romea’s integrated ceramic basin provides a large surface and two side decks to place all your toiletries. The elegant, classic bathroom vanity also stands out for its practicality when installed with a side towel rail or two robe hooks.

Manufactured in high-quality materials and with Roca’s durability guarantee, the Romea classic bathroom cabinet can be complemented with a matching mirror with a wooden frame that provides even more brightness when the Starlight LED spotlight is added.

Roca Romea Bathroom Furniture — Roca Romea

About Roca

Roca is a company dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of products for the bathroom space, as well as ceramic floor and wall tiles for architecture, construction and interior design. The company operates in 170 countries with 84 production centers and a workforce of 24,000 professionals worldwide.

The family company is the market leader in Europe, Latin America, India and Russia. It also has a strong presence in China and the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Thanks to this, it is a world leader in its activity.

www.uk.rocacomhttps://www.uk.roca.com/

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Victoria Plum secures £7m funding package from Secure Trust Bank

June 8, 2021

Victoria Plum has secured a £7m flexible facility from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance to support further growth, following record sales by the company.

The specialist online bathroom retailer, owned by private equity fund Endless, reported £103m in sales in its 20th anniversary year, up 46 per cent on the previous 12 months.

EBITDA reached £4.5m, an increase of 115 per cent on the previous year, and the workforce grew by 49, taking total employee numbers to 398 in February 2021.

Over the course of last year, Victoria Plum launched a bathroom design and installation service and also took the decision to prioritise flexible working. This has seen the company’s offices in Doncaster and Hessle transformed into co-working hubs where people can work and meet as required.

Victoria Plum was well placed to benefit from the speeding up of the structural shift towards online retail throughout 2020. Chief Financial Officer, Martin Hargreaves, who led the financing transaction, believes Victoria Plum will continue to grow at speed.

“We are very pleased to partner with Secure Trust Bank to agree this new growth funding package,” he said. “Our market fundamentals are strong, we have the necessary scalable infrastructure in place and a clearly differentiated design and installation service that is experiencing rapidly increasing demand.

“In addition, we continue to utilise the constant stream of valuable data and consumer insight to adapt our product offering to meet our customers’ needs. All of these factors combined mean we are ideally positioned to make Victoria Plum the most differentiated, most trusted and most respected bathroom provider.”

The £7m facility provided by Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, comprised of a £4m inventory facility and a £3m cash flow loan, will support Victoria Plum with continued expansion building on the momentum it has seen in the past year.

Secure Trust Bank has supported Endless in funding a number of its portfolio companies including provider of operated road sweepers, GoPlant Fleet Services, multi-channel garden furniture retailer, Moda Furnishings, and wholesaler of pet food and pet products, KennelPak.

In 2020, Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance provided more than £70m in funding to private equity-backed businesses, across six financial sponsors, and worked closely with each of them to ensure they could maintain and drive the maximum value from their investments.

Commenting on the facility, Endless Partner, Matthew Jubb, said: “Since we acquired Victoria Plum, we’ve been executing an ambitious growth strategy, and we’re proud to see the progress that has been made in the past year.

“We’re confident that we will continue to grow at speed, but it was essential we found the right partner that could support us in achieving our ambitions for the business.

“Having worked with Secure Trust Bank on many previous occasions we knew they would be the ideal partner, as they take the time to understand our growth ambitions and create a bespoke flexible facility that works for us.”

John Gribbon, Regional Managing Director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “Victoria Plum is a fantastic Yorkshire business with an impressive management team that is committed to customer service.

“Reflecting on the retailer’s expansion in the past 12 months, it is clear to see the real benefits since Endless came on board, and with a clear scalable infrastructure, there’s no doubt it will continue on this trajectory.

“We’re pleased to be building on our relationship with Endless and look forward to continue working with them to support Victoria Plum and other portfolio companies moving forward.”

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