Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Ridged Radiance: The new EVO ridged basins by JTP

January 25, 2024

The new JTP EVO ridged basins are available across four popular and contemporary colourways, from Brushed Brass and Brushed Black to Matt Black and Brushed Bronze.

A bathroom basin should be functional, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching. Featuring a bold ridged linear design, JTP wanted to create a product that was unique and would serve as a focal point to the bathroom.

A basin should contribute to the overall aesthetics of a space and the new EVO collection of basins perfectly defines that. Whether partnered with neutral hues for a natural warmth, or with darker colour palettes for a dramatic statement, the basins create a striking statement within bathrooms of all styles and sizes.

With many homeowners desiring a spa-like experience in their bathrooms, opting for a basin with the ‘wow’ factor can contribute to this style. The EVO basin collection complements a contemporary space particularly well, but with homeowners of traditional spaces increasingly embracing bolder designs, the collection can also work for other styles of home.

“At JTP there is no compromise on manufacturing. The process starts from the design stage, where only top raw materials and parts are used in their products. We manufacture products with the consumer in mind – so whatever the style of design, ultimate quality comes as standard.” comments Jeevan Seth, CEO, JTP

Roper Rhodes marks sustainability milestone

January 23, 2024

Roper Rhodes, a leading bathroom furniture manufacturer, has been awarded an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its Meridian Isocore Bath Panel. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

EPDs, or Environmental Product Declarations, are comprehensive and standardized documents that quantify a product’s environmental impact. Developed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, these reports evaluate various impact categories, including CO2 emissions, across the product’s lifecycle. This assessment spans from the extraction of raw materials, transportation, and manufacturing processes to its application, end-of-life usage, and potential for recycling.

This development aligns with the growing relevance of EPDs as critical tools in setting industry benchmarks for sustainability and regulatory compliance and aids informed decision-making for customers and partners. Through this achievement, Roper Rhodes demonstrates its role in promoting sustainable practices and maintaining transparency in product manufacturing.

The UK Government has committed to reducing UK Carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 though a legally binding amendment to the Climate Change Act. Meeting this goal requires housebuilders, specifiers and architects to rapidly address the embodied carbon associated with projects and emphasises the need for credible and verifiable EPD for all construction products.

“We are thrilled to receive the EPD for our Isocore Bath Panels. This is not just a milestone for Roper Rhodes but a testament to our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. Our customers can now choose our products with even greater confidence, knowing that at Roper Rhodes we are working actively towards reducing our environmental and climate impact.” comments Nadia Provenza, sustainability manager at Roper Rhodes

About Isocore Bath Panels

The Meridian Isocore Bath Panel represents a revolutionary advancement in bathroom design, offering a high-performance alternative to traditional MDF and chipboard panels. Manufactured from the innovative Isocore material, this bath panel excels in environments with frequent water exposure, making it an ideal choice for bathroom installations.

Key Features:

100% Waterproof: Fully waterproof Isocore material ensures no degradation even with continuous moisture exposure
Anti-Mould: Isocore offers superior protection against mould and fungi growth.
Easy and Quick Installation: Installation is straightforward, requiring no full sealing or re-sealing after cutting, significantly reducing installation time.
Lightweight Design: Isocore is 30% lighter than MDF, with a density of 535 kg/m³ compared to MDF’s 700 kg/m³, simplifying transport and handling.
Non-Toxic and Safe: Compliant with REACH standards, containing no SVHC substances, and safe to cut using standard woodworking tools.
Fire Resistant: Achieves a Class C fire rating according to EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009, offering enhanced fire resistance compared to standard MDF panels.

About Roper Rhodes

Roper Rhodes Ltd is one of the UK’s primary suppliers of bathroom furniture and bathroom products. Over forty years of experience goes into creating each and every one of our products. Functional, stylish and seamlessly put together, our range incorporates contemporary and classic designs. Our development programme ensures we are continually updating our product range to reflect changes in style.

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Clerkenwell Design Week announces new venues and a boosted line-up

January 23, 2024

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) returns to London from 21 – 23 May 2024, marking its 15th year as a global design festival.

Building upon its record-breaking 2023 edition, which drew over 37,000 visitors, the upcoming event is set to elevate the experience with new venues, expanded exhibition spaces, thought-provoking installations and a stronger-than-ever line-up of both British and international brands. Visitors can expect more than 600 curated events spread throughout the EC1 neighbourhood, complemented by a robust network of over 160 local design showrooms and 300 exhibitors across 12+ venues.

“We’re thrilled to return this May with Clerkenwell Design Week,” says Marlon Cera-Marle, design division director of Media 10 which organises the annual design festival. “As one of the most attended specification events in the A&D calendar, it also serves as an important platform to discover new talent and ideas.”

He adds, “This year, we’re excited to showcase an unprecedented number of participating brands, reflecting strong demand from both home and overseas. In response, we’re expanding our exhibition and installation spaces, including the newly revamped, pedestrian-friendly Clerkenwell Green. Anticipation is high for what’s in store, from diverse brands and showrooms to exciting partners, features and special events. Stay tuned for our programme announcement in February.”

The 2024 festival welcomes three new venues, including Contract and Work on Clerkenwell Green, a pop-up space (name to be announced) at The Goldsmiths’ Centre, both showcasing the latest designs for commercial and workplace interiors, and The Edit in Bourne and Hollingsworth, featuring some of the world’s leading contemporary design brands.

This year also sees British Collection double its size taking over the entire crypt of St James’s Church, including the Tom Dixon-furnished vestry, which will also host the popular ICON Talks series. Meanwhile, other returning venues housing an array of product-focused exhibitions comprise:

Design Fields – home to contemporary furniture with an international focus, including over 35 Italian furniture and decorative brands;
Light – home to global lighting companies and installations with more brands participating this year, as well as Darc’s curated talks;
Project – home to contract furniture and surface design;
Elements – home to architectural hardware and finishes;
Detail – home to luxury interiors;
Platform – home to emerging design talent and brands;
Ceramics of Italy – home to Italian ceramic and porcelain tile brands; and
Old Sessions House – atmospheric home to brand activations and presentations, as well as the festival hub offering CDW visitors free access between 21 – 23 May.

Together, these unique exhibition venues will present over 300 design brands and new talent, covering furniture, lighting, textiles, surfaces, home accessories and product design. Confirmed participants include SCP, Benchmark, Ercol, Another Country, Fora Form, Umage, Lammhults, Blå Station, Ethimo, Origin, Ultrafabrics, Romo, Granite and Smoke, Schotten and Hansen, Very Good and Proper, Dare Studio, Pooky Lighting and Lladró. Click here for the latest exhibitor list.

Local showroom partners, totalling over 160 established names (see full list), will host an extensive programme of product launches, talks and workshops, including Fritz Hansen, Mater, Modus, Norr11, Flokk, Arper, Allermuir, Lintex, Cosentino, Ideal Standard, VitrA Bathrooms, Modulyss, Camira Fabrics, Tarkett, Iris Ceramica, Domus Tiles and Parkside.

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A guide to AI in bathroom design

January 23, 2024

As in all industries, generative AI is taking the world of interior design by storm and staying on top of these advancements is crucial when offering enhanced services. From visualisation to floor planning, applications have quickly sprung up to aid in every step of the design process. Nuie outlines AI strengths and weaknesses and introduces its own AI tool.

While the technology is new and still developing, many of these tools offer the beginner renovator an exciting starting point to explore styles and ideas before launching into their bathroom installation. While no tech can ever replace the skills and intuition of a professional bathroom designer, AI can go a long way when it comes to transforming your dream bathroom into a reality.

Approaching bathroom renovations on your own can be intimidating but you can build confidence and boost your inspiration with the help of AI design tools and industry experts.

Anna Straw, interior designer, has looked at the benefits and limitations of different AI design tools as well as taking a closer look at one that is taking the design game by storm– the nuie 3D Design Tool.

Benefits of AI design tools

Depending on the tool you choose, AI design applications can offer a range of benefits, from visualising your own concepts to producing new bathroom design ideas from scratch. So, without further ado, here are four ways AI tools can enhance the experience of designing a bathroom.

ü Develop the correct style

Some AI tools offer the opportunity to analyse trends and user preferences, offering personalised recommendations for fixtures, finishes and accessories that match different personal styles. They can also assess the practicality of recreating aesthetic styles in the space you are working with, providing tailored bathroom inspiration, and helping to select the most practical options and appealing colour palettes with materials listed to create the desired look.

ü Use the space efficiently

AI algorithms can take spatial constraints, user preferences and design principles into account when generating layout suggestions for bathrooms, meaning the plan will be optimised to make the most of the room of your customers. Automated layout suggestions are a wonderful way to save time and ensure fixtures and furniture are placed in the most user-friendly positions, producing a finished product that is accessible, functional, and beautiful.

ü Visualise ideas

Sometimes customers have clear ideas around how they want a project to turn out but communicating them can prove difficult. They may want to combine certain elements such as colours, textures, prints and materials, but feel unsure about whether the finished look will come together. However, that is where AI-driven VR (Virtual Reality) simulations come to the fore. These allow users to experience a virtual representation of their bathroom design before it is built, helping them to make more informed decisions about layout and décor schemes before committing to products.

ü Optimise the budget

Interior design mistakes can be costly, especially when it comes to accidentally selecting impractical or unsuitable materials and products. Some AI tools allow for data to be inputted such as photos, dimensions, and other essential details to test out ideas and help to prevent these kinds of hiccups, ensuring the project stays on budget. Several applications can also provide cost breakdowns and suggest the best products and materials for the given budget.

Weaknesses of AI design tools

While design AI offers some amazing opportunities, like all technology, it also has its drawbacks and limitations. Anna Straw has highlighted a number of limitations she faces when using AI tools in her designs.

û Many tools have limited functionality

Since AI technology is still in its infancy, it makes sense that many of the design tools currently available are limited in the capabilities they offer users. The coming years will see some fast developments, but now, the effectiveness of AI tools depends on the quality and quantity of data used to train them. Models trained on biased or limited information may not provide reliable or diverse design suggestions, limiting the output users can expect. The usability of AI design tools also varies depending on how intuitive and accessible the interface is – some require months of training to master, while others are suitable for beginners who may have never engaged with generative AI before.

û AI cannot replace an expert

While AI is becoming increasingly capable, the technology cannot match up to the experience and expertise of a tradesman and should be regarded as an aid rather than a replacement.

AI tools do not have the instincts and empathy of human beings, which means they can often overlook the intuitive and creative thinking that goes into creating an individual or family’s dream bathroom. Designing a space involves more than just arranging elements. It requires understanding the user’s lifestyle, considering structural constraints, incorporating creative elements, and creating the desired mood.

AI cannot understand these complexities. Some tools, for example, may not understand subjective style preferences that fall outside of the data they were trained on, while others may not have the functionality to consider budget constraints. This is why generative AI design tools provide a brilliant starting point, but the help of a professional designer really brings your design to life.

û AI output is artificial

It may sound obvious, but the imagery created by artificial intelligence is, well – artificial. That means the bathroom designed could be entirely unachievable in real life, whether that is because of restrictions on space, budget, or product availability. You may use an AI tool to create a dream bathroom, only to have those dreams crushed when becomes clear your design does not translate to reality.

For this reason, AI tools can be a fantastic way to explore ideas and gain further inspiration, but their practical applications are limited.

Using the nuie 3D Design Tool

This is where the nuie 3D Design Tool comes in. Once you have experimented with design styles using AI, you are ready to start picturing how your ideas will translate to your own bathroom space.

This easy-to-use, customisable online tool provides you with all you need to design, visualise, and source the perfect products to bring your dream bathroom to life.

Design

Choose the room size and shape, then enter the exact dimensions, including details like windows, doors, and partition walls to create an accurate view of the bathroom space you are working with.

Visualise

Plan the space in 3D. Simply browse through the catalogue of real nuie bathroom products, from sinks to cisterns, and drag and drop them into your design to see exactly how they’ll fit and look in your space. Adjust their position and choose from a range of finishes and colours to suit your style. Switch between 2D and 3D mode for a full perspective and add finishing touches like mirrors and radiators.

Buy

Once the customer is happy with the design, the nuie 3D Design Tool even generates a full breakdown of the products used to create the masterpiece, plus their prices. Press the save button to download a copy, and take it to your plumber, retailer, or merchant to purchase everything you need to craft the bathroom of your dreams.

Want to learn more about how to use the Nuie 3D Design Tool? Check out the tutorial video, and try the tool out for yourself.

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Kudos launch Divera shower enclosure range

January 23, 2024

Kudos Showering Solutions has introduced a new range of shower enclosures called Divera. The range is a diverse collection that includes sliding, bi-fold, hinged and quadrant enclosure door options along with wet room panels, side panels and accessories and is available to order from January 2024.

The new Divera products expand the overall Kudos portfolio, becoming its entry-level enclosure range. It’s a stylish, great value product that incorporates 6mm toughened glass throughout and is available with profiles in a high gloss silver or matt black finish.

All Divera products are 2000mm in height. Each glass panel is treated with a protective coating for easy cleaning, and all doors feature slim, ergonomic handles. The design options include hinged pivot doors that open both inwards and outwards, which is a great space-saving feature for the average-sized UK bathroom. The sliding door models include flat, quadrant and a corner entry option too. There are also bi-fold and walk-in models with a fixed deflector panel and stabilising bars for walk-in designs in a variety of sizes. Overall, the Divera collection is the ultimate modular showering solution with side panels and fixing kits being universally designed to use with any of the door types in the range.

All Divera products also come with the Kudos Lifetime product guarantee against manufacturing defects.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Elevating bathroom style through furniture design

January 22, 2024

Combining practicality with aesthetic appeal is one of the most important considerations in bathroom furniture design. Not only does furniture have to meet the storage needs of each customer, but also offer style and durability expected of a modern bathroom.

HiB, a leading bathroom brand, has an in-house design team dedicated to the development of new, innovative bathroom ranges that answer a genuine market need, but also complement contemporary trends. The latest range to be unveiled by HiB is the Veles modular furniture range, which has been carefully crafted to cater to diverse bathroom needs.

Meticulous attention has been paid to Veles’s storage, sizing and finishes. Addressing the challenges of smaller spaces, the Veles Compact range boasts remarkable quality and finish in a reduced depth. On the other hand, the Veles Standard range caters to larger dimensions, making it ideal for family bathrooms where ample storage is essential.

In terms of trends, the Veles range is keenly attuned to the latest styles. Veles incorporates the latest desired looks such as matte finishes, which not only lend a sophisticated touch but also mitigate fingerprint marks, and choice of handles including a brushed brass option. When Veles is paired with HiB’s Terra basin, with their mineral marble construction, it takes on another level of design, reflecting the trend of incorporating natural elements.

Talking about incorporating nature into a bathroom design, HiB product designer Jasmine Rowe said: “In 2024, texture plays a key role in bathroom furniture design. With a neutral palette it’s easy to make the space feel flat and washed out, so it is important think about how you can mix texture, gloss and matt finishes with light to inject life into your room. By pairing furniture such as the Veles range with natural textured basins and tactile handles, you can elevate the overall look.”

For more information about the new range, visit the Veles page on the website

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New Qube from Utopia – one collection, endless possibilities

January 22, 2024

Style, flexibility, quality and the assurance of a speedy despatch service within 48 hours are some of the key features of Utopia’s new Qube Collection of bathroom furniture, soon to be enhanced with a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection as well as the original modular wall mounted and freestanding options launched in June 2023.

Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “New Qube presents the retailer and consumer with endless opportunities to create a completely unique combination from the multitude of beautifully co-ordinating elements available. With the addition of a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection, which will be available this Spring, there really is a Qube style for everyone.”

Consumer and retailer feedback, coupled with current colour and style trends, has shaped the range refresh, which features new on-trend colours with complementary accent handles and trims, in addition to the new fitted and freestanding fitted options. Added to this is a simplified ordering system and the brand new 48-hour despatch service option, available to the retailer at no extra charge.

Qube Modular is now available in a choice of Qube Glide, the original handleless door style, and new Qube Edge, a stunning alternative style with the option for a top mounted handle.

The full collection offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue and verdant Wild Green reflecting current trends in interior design for bold colours and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. As usual with Utopia, consumer samples of all finishes are available free of charge.

Also extended is the choice of worktops to complement Qube furniture. The existing 22mm laminate range has been extended further with three new options and a 12mm compact laminate range of exceptionally realistic natural stone effects has been added to complement the Modular Collection.

For further information visit www.utopiagroup.com/qube

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New bathroom taps by deVOL

January 18, 2024

The new range of bathroom taps from deVOL are available as a pillar or mixer; both designs were inspired by old vintage taps and made in unlacquered brass. The finish is exclusive to deVOL customers and will age over time to gain a patina as they are used.

Created in collaboration with Perrin & Rowe taps, the new range is British-made using traditional methods. All the shaping and polishing of the rough castings is done by hand by highly skilled polishers. This process is done by eye, and, as with many stages of tap making, it is dependent on the skill of the craftsperson to ensure the perfect finish.

Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL, comments, “A great set of taps is a must in a bathroom. They need to be able to withstand regular daily use, of course, but they need to look the part, too. It is easy to ruin a room with rushed or ill-considered fittings, but we hope this new collection will make life a lot easier for many of our customers, and we can’t wait to see our taps in plenty of lovely bathrooms very soon.”

deVOL’s Aged Brass Bathroom Pillar Taps, now available to order on the deVOL Shop | £310 |
deVOL’s Aged Brass Bathroom Mixer Tap, now available to order on the deVOL Shop | £520 | www.devolkitchens.co.uk

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BOHO Collection makes a statement from Scudo

January 18, 2024

Bathroom brand Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has launched BOHO in its latest Scudo 18 brochure, out now. BOHO is a contemporary range that exudes luxury and finesse, combining a stunning matte black frame with rustic oak accents.

The BOHO freestanding vanity unit is perfect for the modern minimalist bathroom. The stylish and functional design gives the feeling of more space in the bathroom for a much-desired premium finish.

This unit offers practical storage, and the oak finish creates a natural, calming, and sophisticated space. BOHO uses only the finest materials, and the eye-catching signature ceramic basin adds the perfect finishing touch.

Discover BOHO and Scudo 18 online at www.scudo.co.uk

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Appia & Aurelia: a new take on classic from Rubinetterie Treemme

January 17, 2024

Aurelia and Appia are two evocative names that express the mood that inspired the two new collections by Danilo Fedeli for Rubinetterie Treemme.

“The Appia and Aurelia collections by Rubinetterie Treemme offer a new take on classic shapes, with modern geometries and proportions that seek to mix different styles for a leading-edge result in the bathroom sector”. This is how Massimo Tommasi, sales and marketing manager for Italy, explains the decision to invest in these projects, behind which is a significant production effort.

To obtain the distinctive geometries of both collections, Rubinetterie Treemme introduced a new manufacturing process with a specific type of polishing. The development of this production process has given the company the opportunity to make major technological progress, as well as guaranteeing the two collections a cutting-edge design with a classic inspiration.

Aurelia (pictured top) is a timeless, ever-contemporary option, perfect for a variety of bathroom styles. The concept seeks to enhance light and reflections thanks to the edges on the cylindrical surfaces, allowing the shape of the taps to strike a sophisticated, elegant balance. Aurelia is a complete range of mixer taps crafted in brass and available in the finishes indicated in the catalogue. This variety of colour options makes for a versatile collection that slots seamlessly into any bathroom.

The Appia collection (right and below) is a single-hole dual-control model. The original idea was to create a new product with a style that was not simply classic, and during the design stage the shape evolved into the tap’s current, subtly feminine form reminiscent of an embrace. Created in brass, the Appia collection is available in twelve finishes that allow for maximum customisation. It is composed of single-hole and three-hole elements and shower controls.

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