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The past year has forced us to become more closely acquainted with our homes, offering a chance to focus on what provides respite from modern-day stress. While the bathroom is a place to relax, it still needs to function and meet the demands of day-to-day use. This is where cleverly designed bathroom furniture plays its part, allowing us to create restful spaces without sacrificing functionality.

Hygiene

There has been a decisive shift in attention paid to cleanliness; while hygiene has always played a substantial role in bathroom design, consumers are now hyper-focused on it. This has translated into innovation, with designers exploring ways to cater to the growing appetite to keep homes even cleaner.

Ashley Chilver, Sales Director at HiB, agrees: “As a reaction to the global pandemic, there is currently a focus on touch-free operation to aid hygiene in the bathroom. As we look to the future, this is a feature that is likely to rise in popularity and progress as more technologies are developed.”

However, that doesn’t mean that style will be sacrificed for function. The sleek, tactile design of HiB’s Fabrica range makes it easy to keep clean without forfeiting on looks, as well as providing the opportunity for personalisation thanks to the brassware, size options and optional legs available.

HiB Fabrica -hygiene design
HiB Fabrica Midnight Blue

Expressive Design

The longer consumers spend at home, the more they consider how they want their most private spaces to look. Richard Shore, Head of Design at Utopia, agrees: “The pandemic has actually emboldened trends to be more indulgent and expressive. Prompted by a sense of rebellion, colours, texture, prints and materials are more vibrant, deep, exotic, and extravagant.”

Utopia’s new-look Qube collection has undergone a refresh with several new wood finishes – including pale Scandi Nordic Oak; deep, metallic-flecked Anthracite Strata; and warm honeyed Sorrento Walnut – highlighting how furniture can bring a modern aesthetic and provide the perfect backdrop for bold accessories or showstopping ceramics.

Qube iin Pebble Grey Utopia
Qube in Pebble Grey Gloss from Utopia

Wood finishes are proving popular thanks to consumers’ desire to connect with nature following several lockdowns. Mark Jones, Sales Director at Saneux, says: “Having been somewhat out of fashion for a while, we have seen a definite resurgence of wood finishes, particularly the warm, honeyed tones.”

Saneux has launched a new rustic English Oak finish for its UNI range of furniture featuring a realistic wood grain effect that lends itself perfectly to the ‘back-to-nature’ trend. Handleless drawer units with soft-closing runners suit a soothing environment with clean lines and minimal fuss.

This level of detail is starting to resonate in the consciousness of the consumer, thanks to the amount of time spent at home. It is not just about the functionality of bathroom furniture — it’s about the sensation it evokes; the shapes and colours.

VitrA’s Voyage bathroom collection offers a huge range of customisation options, with a variety of horizontal and vertical units. Its colour palette – including flamed grey and forest green – lends well to creating a haven of calm, bringing the outdoors inside.

Artist Arik Levy, who worked on the collection, says: “We’ve been in a situation where most people have spent months at home. With all that time spent in just one environment, perhaps we will see how little details and elements in our living spaces can change our mood and influence our feelings and perceptions.”

Bathroom Furniture VitrA Voyage Cloakroom

Feature Contributors: Diane Larner & Ellie Clow

HiB has introduced a new brushed brass finish to the Solstice mirror range.

Offering a sleek and decadent feel, the brushed brass finish is now available to complement the growing collection brassware and furniture released earlier this year and is perfect for those seeking to create a lavish design expression.

Customers can now choose between a black or brushed brass finish option in the 60cm and 80cm widths, ensuring there is an option to suit bathroom of all sizes and styles.

The round shape with hanging strap is complemented by a halo of ambient backlight which creates a stunning focal point in the room, while the illuminated ring of colour temperature changing LED lighting make it ideal for everyday tasks. The Solstice mirror also benefits from internal heated pads keep the glass clear and free from condensation, for a flawless and functional bathroom centrepiece.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “The new brushed brass finish for the Solstice mirrors create a unique aesthetic that is perfect for creating a stylish and luxurious feeling bathroom. Having complementing mirror, brassware and handle finishes allow homeowners to complete the look of their bathroom design, creating a cohesive style that runs through the detail in the space.”

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

More news from HiB

Utopia’s new-look Qube collection has undergone a strategic refresh and now includes several new wood finishes to offer greater choice and flexibility.

Extending its versatility, new units, basin options and complementary accessories have been added to this striking range of wall-mounted and freestanding bathroom furniture.  Three new on-trend finishes have been introduced, along with a new handle trim finish and a choice of coordinating brassware.

Bringing the number of finishes to seven in total, the new options include a pale Scandic Nordic Oak, a deep textured metallic-flecked Anthracite Strata, and Sorrento Walnut, a warm, honeyed shade with an attractive grain. As usual with Utopia, samples of all finishes are available free of charge.

Qube Sorrento Walnut Utopia
Qube in Sorrento Walnut

The introduction of a new Matt Black handle trim and Matt Black taps alongside the existing chrome options also increases the design opportunities whilst delivering a striking contemporary feel.

Qube sanitaryware also now includes a modular slimline ceramic slabtop basin together with new square or circular sit-on basins, and an elegant new toilet.  New decorative open shelf base and wall units plus ‘finishing touch’ accessories, such as bath plinths and internal lights, complete the new look range.

In a first for Utopia, there is also a Fast Track delivery option available. This new option, which offers three to five-day delivery on a dedicated selection of Qube furniture, is a new initiative from Utopia and is designed specifically to help customers meet challenging deadlines or unavoidable changes to schedules.

Qube in white gloss from Utopia
Qube in White Gloss

As Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia Bathrooms, comments “The newly refreshed Qube, supported by the new Fast Track delivery service, is now even more flexible and versatile, offering the consumer an array of design possibilities and personalisation opportunities.”

Utopia Bathrooms

www.utopiagroup.com

01902 406402

The UNI collection by Saneux has had a multitude of upgrades in its lifetime, but assure us none have compared to the current offering which it says is its biggest, most modular and sleekest selection of ceramics and furniture yet. With modern matte finishes, wood details, and countertop configurations, the UNI range provides both style and function.

Diversifying from 60cm and 80cm basins and 2 drawer units, it now features units in sizes 50cm through to 120cm that are available in 1 and 2 drawer configurations, with basin options available in 60cm to 120cm, and countertops in 50cm to 160cm. All the drawer units are handle-less which gives the units a clean and contemporary look, and they have soft-closing drawer runners which provide smooth operation.

In addition to the long-standing matte white and matte anthracite finishes, Saneux has launched a new finish to this range: English oak. It is a stunning rustic wood finish that has lovely subtle details including realistic effects of wood grain embedded into it, and will no doubt bring an element of nature into any bathroom.

Saneux UNI collection
Saneux unit & countertop combination

Saneux has gone a step further with this range expansion and have introduced countertops which always create a luxurious unit & basin combination, as well as providing extra worktop space. The countertops are available in 4 finishes, 3 of which match the unit finishes, and the fourth being a matte Carrara compact marble which adds a touch of opulence to all units. Not only does this countertop work beautifully with the unit finishes, but compact marble is much more durable than standard marble as it is marble that is heated together with resin to make it stronger and more robust, so you can be sure it will last for years to come.

Sanuex UNI Collection

Discover the full UNI collection here.

UK manufacturer, Kudos Showers is offering a new bespoke service for tailored products, the company offer a vast range of popular sized overbath screens, enclosures and wet room panels but on occasions, a standard size just will not suit. The ‘Signature’ bespoke service meets the growing demand for personalisation in the bathroom space.

Whether it’s a one-off special sized shower door, enclosure or bath screen or a shaped panel to accommodate a sloping ceiling for the consumer, housing development or hotel, their bespoke ‘Signature’ service is geared up to provide a solution. This Signature service utilises the extensive experience of the team and the vast range of components across their ranges to design and build to the customer requirements. Their manufacturing base in Holme in Cumbria has a dedicated cell area within the production department to fulfil these bespoke products for showrooms across the UK within the agreed time schedule. To complement the Signature service Kudos offer a measuring service by their field based Retail Support Team, who can then be booked to fit it for full manufacturer-backed peace of mind.

Kudos has been designing and manufacturing shower enclosures, wet room products, bathscreens and trays in their UK factories since 1999. They offer a lifetime guarantee on their products against manufacturing defects and keep stock of key consumable components, offering 10 years spare parts availability on all its branded products.  

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email, for their bespoke Signature service on bespoke@kudosshowers.co.uk. 

More news from Kudos

German manufacturer, Bette, is launching a new type of anti-slip for glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths that keeps the glossy looks and smooth, easy-to-clean surface, while also providing the highest level of slip protection. BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a type of anti-slip that you can neither see nor feel. Almost magical: the protective effect of BetteAnti-Slip Sense only occurs when the body and wetness meet.

Until now, anyone who wanted to protect themselves from slipping in the shower or bath had a problem: slip resistance could only be achieved through a surface that looked like it has slip resistance, or with unsightly and unhygienic additions, such as rubberised mats.

BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) with very special properties. The anti-slip effect on glazed titanium steel only occurs when the pressure of the bodyweight and water come together, so providing the protection exactly when it is needed: when standing in a wet bath or shower. When the surface is dry and the feet are dry, no additional slip resistance is required as the adhesion is high enough.

Invisible, durable and easy to clean

To achieve the slip-resistant effect, Bette treats the surface with a suspension containing the finest micrometre-sized ceramic particles, which form a permanent bond with the BetteGlaze. They are almost invisible to the eye, and the surface does not become rough as a result. The shower trays and baths retain their flawless, brilliant look and pleasant feel in all glossy colours. In addition, they can be cleaned in the usual way, because BetteAnti-Slip Sense is extremely durable, scratch-resistant and is not affected by cleaning agents usually used to clean shower trays and baths.

The new BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s glossy colours. For shower trays and baths in matt colours, Bette offers the proven, almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.

Certified slip resistance

With its particularly high slip resistance, BetteAnti-Slip Sense is an ideal solution for those who are less mobile and for families with small children – in fact for everyone who wants to enjoy a safe and carefree shower or bath. The slip resistance has been certified by the German institute LGA Bautechnik GmbH in Nuremberg and tested in trials. In these tests, a test person stands on a shower surface wetted with soapy water, which becomes increasingly inclined. With BetteAnti-Slip Sense, the person only starts to slip at an angle of inclination of at least 24 degrees, which corresponds to the highest bathroom slip resistance rating group C. (Six degrees less, i.e. 18 degrees, means only rating class B and 12 degrees rating class A).

The highest level of slip resistance means that there is no requirement for anti-slip mats or pads that can provide the ideal breeding ground for dirt and germs and are difficult to clean. The hygienic and easy to clean the surface of Bette’s glazed titanium-steel with BetteAnti-slip Sense, means that dirt and germs find it hard to adhere to.

www.my-bette.com/en

About Bette

Bette is a specialist in bathroom products that are made of a special metal in a unique manufacturing process: titanium steel sheets are shaped under high pressure and then finished with a thin coating that is related to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is perfect for the bathroom (it is skin-friendly, hygienic, durable and robust), and Bette uses it to make its baths, shower areas, shower trays and washbasins.

The Together World Tour, created by Ideal Standard, is an event series linked to six iconic cities. Each destination provides a unique visual and cultural backdrop for the launch of a new product collection from the brand. Through an intriguing, cinematic digital format, each event in the series takes a unique approach to combining cultural and lifestyle trends with architecture and design.

Taking a creative and thought-provoking approach, the event in Milan on the 21st of April encouraged attendees to consider the impact that interior design has on modern living.

Speaking about the Together World Tour Series, Torsten Türling, Chief Executive Officer at Ideal Standard said: “We wanted to create an immersive experience for our customers that really challenged and inspired the way we think about bathroom design. We are proud to have a long legacy in driving design innovation in the bathroom industry and the Together World Tour takes a unique, theatrical format to bring to life some of our latest ranges. These new lines combine modern design principles with inspiration from some of our most iconic pieces, to create aspirational products that are helping to shape bathrooms of the future.”

The event captured the identity of Milan and its cultural energy by exploring some of the city’s most iconic buildings, highlighting the innate connection between design, architecture and culture. Since the 50’s, Ideal Standard has been ingrained in the Milanese design heritage, and this is reflected in its relationships with Master Architects such as Gio Ponti and Achille Castiglioni. Following on from the journey into the city’s cultural footprint, the event also featured talks around modern design and the future of bathroom design, as well as providing an exclusive look at Ideal Standard’s new collection, Linda-X, available in the UK in 2022.

A tribute to the Linda collection created in 1977 by A. Castiglioni, the new collection, Linda-X, designed by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, proudly takes inspiration from the original piece, celebrating the brand’s cultural heritage, while incorporating modern influences to create a contemporary collection which reflects the future of bathroom design.

“This collection stems from the desire to pay homage to Ideal Standard’s DNA with an eye to the future” – said Roberto Palomba. “For us it meant studying the historical collection and rethinking the design with an updated vision. When you choose a model to inspire you, you also take on the values it represents, not just the physical design. We strongly believe that the foundation for timeless design is grounded in values, rather than trends, and this was an important consideration for us when it came to Linda-X.”

Architecture, design, technology, and environmental awareness are the guiding principles of this collection. Comprising a range of basins and an elegant bath tub, the Linda-X collection stands out for its super-light design, which is minimalist and clean, but designed to have a dramatic impact.

One of the key visual elements of this collection is the ultra-thin edges of the basin. Linda-X is made with unique ceramic blend Diamatec®, which not only results in a fine ceramic which is visually appealing, but also guarantees extra durability, as well as reducing the use of raw materials in its production. The result is a piece that meets the expectations of modern-day design: sustainability and grace.

The platform on which the basin stands is a key part of the design, which gives the visual impression the basin is almost weightless and ‘floating’, while also creating a space-conscious solution for the needs of modern lifestyles, as it means you can place the basin on narrow furniture.

Linda-X basins are available in 5 sizes (45 to 75 cm) and two finishes (glossy white and silk white).

The perfect match to Linda-X is the Joy taps collection, also designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba.

Joy has a very different but equally striking look. The design stems from the desire to create a smooth and continuous surface, resulting in a clean and modern singular piece of brassware. This product was designed to be versatile, as it suits both square or round ceramics. It’s a piece that adapts perfectly to different environments. Its four finishes (chrome, silver storm, brushed gold and magnetic grey) each reflect the form of the tap and its intention to create a strong visual statement. The neat design is complemented by a water saving feature, the Eco Flow regulator, which reduces the water consumption down to 5L/min.

The next stop on The Together World Tour is Berlin on June 16th, followed by appearances in London, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai. Each event, translated into four languages, will be streamed on the digital platform www.togetherworldtour.com, where it is possible to watch past events, register for upcoming ones and also access exclusive, inspirational content around each destination of the journey, and the new collections.

International bathroom manufacturer, VitrA has added to its European marketing team with Georgina Marshall’s appointment as a European Marketing Executive, based at VitrA’s UK head office at Didot, Oxfordshire.

Working alongside the marketing manager for the UK and Europe, Margaret Talbot, Georgina brings five years’ experience in international marketing communications within the data-acquisition and life science industries, including a position at the National Organ Retrieval Service. Georgina is an English Language and History graduate of Chester University.  She is a fluent German speaker and also holds a qualification from the Institute of Marketing.

Georgina says, “I am delighted to join VitrA.  Initially, I shall be supporting the UK and Italy with involvement in all European projects.  I am looking forward to working with the team and learning all about VitrA’s markets and its customers.”

Margaret Talbot said, “Georgina is a terrific addition to the European team.  Her experience will be invaluable, and her can-do attitude is a perfect fit.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

Bringing spa-inspired luxury to the domestic bathroom, RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a collection that ensures this most private of spaces is as comfortable and relaxing as any of our living spaces, while never compensating on practicality.

RAK Des

With clean, minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish that emulates the hotel feel, one of the many highlights of RAK-Des is the versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom. Freestanding, wall-hung and countertop basins all feature beautifully ergonomic shapes crafted from quality ceramic.

The washbasins can be combined with RAK-Joy vanities and RAK-Precious countertops for perfect harmony in the bathroom. RAK-Precious provides a luxurious alternative to the functional ceramic white, with surfaces that emulate the natural properties of materials such as stone, marble and cement, bringing the trend for industrial styling into the bathroom in a functional way.

With hidden fixations, the RAK-Des WC can be wall-hung or installed back-to-wall and features the latest in flushing technology for the ultimate in bathroom hygiene. RAK Ceramics WCs set new standards of

All in all, RAK-Des provides a complete sanitaryware solution for the modern bathroom that successfully combines form with function and gives designers creative freedom in this more personal of spaces.

RAK Ceramics

More news from RAK Ceramics

Tylö has launched Vista, a slimline shower enclosure and Stella, a steam column, both products are ideal for homeowners. A steam enclosure or column can be placed in a bathroom instead of an ordinary shower to deliver a steam bath and a shower in one.

Vista is a slimline steam shower enclosure with true Scandinavian design. It has matt black, minimalistic profiles to deliver a modern and luxurious look. The glass walls are smoky grey for an extra graphic effect. In the ceiling there is a rain shower and an RGB (colour) light can be added for colour options on the back wall.

Stella, the steam column is embedded on this back wall. Its black front matches the enclosure and can be used on its own to design a personalised steam space. The hand shower, thermostat and mixer are of European high-quality material. The steam outlet is silent and has a fragrance compartment for that luxurious feeling. 

Gustav Vassegård, Technical Designer for Tylö explains “We have looked for details that make the steam shower take its place in the room. We have minimized the profiles, to enhance the view ‘the Vista’ through the sober smoke-coloured glass. The black profiles, and the thin insulated roof, distinctly frame the mysterious cube of steam. Enjoying a cooling rain shower at the same time as the tropical humid heat envelops you is an awesome experience which we want as many as possible to experience”

The steam bath off a 40-45 degree heat and takes only 2 minutes to produce. A steam bath also uses less water than a shower, so it is good for us and the environment. 

Research shows that steam can provide many health benefits. Steam expels toxins from the body, aiding better sleep. It also cleanses and softens the skin. Additionally, it relieves stress and anxiety, helps blood circulation and improves the immune system.

Global Group TylöHelo has several strong sauna brands in the portfolio and can be found on all continents for both residential and commercial sauna projects. We are the complete partner by providing a high-quality sauna experience, with a traditional sauna, steam bath and infrared warmth. Tylö was founded in 1949 and has since successfully evolved into a global wellness company. With a huge passion for sauna and wellness, solid traditions in craftsmanship and profound knowledge Tylö is redefining the sauna scene by always continuing to create top quality sauna products made to be a vital part of healthy living.