Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

RAK-Resort – now available in matt black

April 8, 2024

Offering wall-mounted or floorstanding, practical storage for bathrooms big and small, RAK-Resort furniture offers finishes in a choice of shades, including matt black for the first time in 2024, as the manufacturer responds to demand.

Part of a complete bathroom collection, RAK-Resort offers the added ability to install this must-have colourway as a retrofit item for full flexibility for future upgrades.

The furniture caters for all bathroom storage dilemmas, with the range comprising a floor standing basin unit and basin in three sizes – 500, 550 and 650mm. wall-mounted options include a 450mm corner basin unit, a 450mm cloakroom basin unit, plus basin units in three sizes of 500, 550 and 650mm. A co-ordinating tall unit and WC unit are also available to complete the range.

Whether chosen to upgrade and add storage to an existing bathroom suite as a retrofit project, or as a part of a complete bathroom redesign alongside RAK-Resort WCs, washbasins and mirrors, the furniture in new matt black creates a sophisticated, sleek impression.

Contact:

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Keep Reading

Elevating home entertaining with indoor-outdoor living spaces

April 5, 2024

With the trend for home entertaining on the rise, carving out the perfect areas for socialising, inside and outdoors, is made possible with the latest glass and glazing solutions from CRL.

Homeowners are increasingly investing in upgrades within the home that make the at-home wining and dining experience exceptional. From a space dedicated to wine storage to an all-weather outdoor seating area, the perfect internal and external home upgrades are made possible with CRL.

Internal upgrades may include the inclusion of bottle storage, the latest cooking technology and kitchen islands that double as a bar or dining area, while externally, there are changes afoot, too.

The glass, glazing and stone expertise of CRL was recently called upon by Glass and Mirror Technology, tasked with creating inside-outside socialising spaces, including a dedicated wine storage area indoors and a comfortable outdoor living area.

Specifying CRL fittings for a sleek and seamless look, a showpiece wine storage unit was created. Using a 10mm U channel and 10mm glass, coupled with the Geneva hinge in Matt Black and a Ladder pull-door handle, the unit was simple to install and has an understated elegance. Inside the wine storage unit, the back wall is clad in Umbra from CRL, a hard-wearing, stone-inspired surface that creates an air of luxury.

For the times when enjoying a glass or two of wine outdoors is on the menu, CRL solutions were also used to create an outdoor living space, complete with a kitchen and seating area. CRL SpigLite Pro provides an effective, easy-to-fit windbreak solution that enables water to pass under the glass.

Without a channel, there is a greater percentage of glass visible to maximise the view of the garden beyond the seating area. At the same time, the individual spigots allow for free-flow water drainage, making this system perfect for wet areas. Mechanised by a patented screw-clamp adjustment device, each individual panel of glass in the system can be horizontally adjusted once in position for accurate installation and flawless finish.

As the trend leans towards luxurious at-home socialising, CRL’s expertise ensures every aspect, from dedicated wine storage units to all-weather outdoor seating areas, exceeds expectations.

For further information, call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk

Keep Reading

Unidrain chosen for three hotel-style spa bathrooms

April 5, 2024

Unidrain has revealed that its drains have been chosen for each of the three bathrooms within the home of Ronni Gol, the owner of Danish lighting company LIGHT-POINT.

Each floor of the large villa has its own bathroom. When renovating his 90-year-old villa, located in the north of Copenhagen, Gol aimed to replicate the look and feel of a hotel bathroom with luxurious finishes that would create an indulgent spa-style with perfectly balanced colours and shapes.

Gol opted for large, 80 x 80 cm, grey-brown Grigio Billiemi marble tiles from Sicily on the walls and floors. The marble has a gold-like thread running through it, which perfectly complements the brass fixtures, drains, and accessories.

Gol says he selected Unidrain HighLine drains because he was impressed by their quality, design, and the fact they matched the classic Vola fixtures he had chosen.

Gol said: “It is entirely deliberate that I have chosen a Unidrain HighLine brass linear drain in a solid panel. I could have selected a more discreet solution, but I feel that it emphasises the warm atmosphere and spa feeling that I like. Just as I like things to match.”

Gol selected accessories from Unidrain’s Reframe Collection, a Danish design with innovative style and intelligent features. The Reframe Collection is available in the same colours as the drain.

Keep Reading

Introducing M-Line: A stylish & functional bathroom range by VitrA

April 4, 2024

Bathroom brand VitrA is launching its latest collection of basins and cabinetry — M-Line; the range combines modern aesthetics, clean lines and sleek surfaces with high-quality and durable materials.

M-Line offers versatile finishes and configurations for a variety of bathroom layouts, from spacious family bathrooms to compact en-suites, allowing customers to tailor to their needs.

The collection caters to homeowners, interior designers, and architects alike, offering a comprehensive range of bathroom furniture. Additionally, M-Line offers plenty of storage as all the units have two drawers.

The collection offers consumers a choice: affordable luxury with M-Line Pure or elevated opulence with M-Line Edge.

Pictured Left: M-Line Pure in Matt Graphite / Right: M-Line Edge mirror unit

M-Line Pure

M-Line Pure boasts a refined, minimalist design without compromising style or quality. The furniture is available in Matt Graphite, Matt Light Grey and High Gloss White, all of which feature a flat surface design made from PVC-coated thermoform and MDF. The range includes washbasin cabinets, vanity units in 60cm and 80cm sizes, and tall accessory units characterised by their anthracite-coloured glass shelves. M-Line Pure is an ideal choice for those seeking an understated yet chic and modern bathroom environment.

Pictured Left: M-Line Pure tall unit in Matt Light Grey Pictured Right: M-Line Edge washbasin unit in Light Oak

M-Line Edge

M-Line Edge, on the other hand, is a premium collection defined by meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials. It includes a solid wood frame and door design with a natural veneered finish complemented by a sleek body and front.

Available in warm wood tones including Walnut, Light Oak and Black Oak, the cabinets have two drawers, interior lighting and anthracite-coloured interior surfaces. M-Line Edge also offers a user-friendly push-open mechanism and comes in sizes ranging from 60cm to 120cm.

Additionally, M-Line Edge offers single and double-sided mirrors in 60cm and 80cm. The mirrors are enhanced with shaver sockets as well as built-in touch sensor lights, providing a seamless and convenient experience for daily routines. Incorporating this technology aligns with VitrA’s commitment to combining innovation with timeless design.

Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA UK, comments: “The launch of M-Line represents a strategic approach to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our customers. Offering both the Pure and Edge options demonstrate our dedication to providing accessible luxury and unmatched functionality in the realm of bathroom design.”

For more information, please visit www.vitra.co.uk/explore/m-line

For more product and news information from VitrA – click this link.

Keep Reading

Ideal Bathrooms and Harrison Bathroom extend partnership

April 4, 2024

Ideal Bathrooms and Harrison Bathrooms’ partnership has grown steadily since the launch of Scudo in May 2023, and they have now announced that Ideal Bathrooms is further extending the partnership to include the luxurious Harrogate Collection.

This range includes stylish products that reflect the unique atmosphere of a thriving Yorkshire spa town. The collection features handmade pieces crafted using traditional joinery techniques. It combines elegant design with high-quality manufacturing to create a classic luxury bathroom that will always stay in style.

Shaun Corcoran, Harrison Bathrooms commercial director, said, “Our Harrogate collection is a perfect combination of timeless and contemporary construction. It offers the ultimate quality and precision and elevates a bathroom space. Ideal Bathroom’s unmatched delivery and servicing means our customers can benefit from additional access to these products.”

Will Hickman, Ideal Bathrooms sales and marketing Director, comments, “We are very excited to be expanding our partnership with Harrison Bathrooms with the addition of the Harrogate Collection after the successful launch of Scudo last year. The Harrogate traditional collection is stylish without compromising on quality or price and is a great addition to our portfolio for our customers.”

Since the initial partnership announcement, both companies’ customers have benefited from Ideal Bathrooms’ exceptional service proposition including no minimum order values and a next-day delivery service promise to 99% of the UK.

Keep Reading

BC Designs undergoes rebrand & sets intentions for industry

April 4, 2024

UK bath maker BC Designs has undergone a significant rebrand as the company sets out its vision to dominate the luxury end of the bathroom market.

The new brand, which is centred on the BC Designs design credentials, celebrates the company’s use of British craftsmanship and finest materials to create centrepieces for the bathroom.

Working with leading brand agency FreshBritain, BC Design’s new visual identity has been rolled out across all of the company’s touchpoints, including a new website, 144-page brochure, digital channels and POS.

The new website, in particular, has a more pared-back and fluid feel and will be a point of inspiration for consumers. Continuing to support retailers, the website will sign-post homeowners to BC Designs retailer stockists throughout the UK.

Along with a new visual identity, work is underway to strengthen the company’s product portfolio, both in terms of its core product of baths and in expanding into further bathroom categories.

Jon Walker, Head of Marketing at BC Designs, says: “The investment in the new brand by BC Designs and parent group, Roxor, is an indication of the intent for BC Designs to take ownership of the luxury end of the bathroom market.

“As a brand, we are already well known for quality and original design, and the rebrand reaffirms this positioning. While baths have been our core product and what we are most known for, the new brand will build on this to encompass all bathroom product design.

“Even with a new look, our core founding principles – quality, innovation and originality – remain the same, but with a modern approach and look. We are excited by the investment into BC Designs and how it will push forward the brand to support our retailers.”

For more information, visit www.bcdesigns.co.uk

Keep Reading

RAK Ceramics publishes 2023 Environmental, Social & Governance report

April 4, 2024

RAK Ceramics has published its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report for the year 2023, documenting the company’s achievements in the realm of sustainability and social responsibility. This comprehensive report presents the outcomes of the set objectives for last year and outlines the aspirations and goals for 2024.

RAK Ceramics’ core divisions, which include Tiles, Sanitaryware, Tableware and Faucets, focused on bolstering sustainability efforts through targeted goals and innovative initiatives in 2023. They executed 32 projects aimed at optimising resource usage and reducing environmental impact. The recently opened Smart Factory helped boost productivity and reduced power and gas consumption.

By investing in one of the largest tunnel kilns in the industry, SMART-controlled compressors, VDF installations and other major initiatives, the sanitaryware division effectively reduced its energy consumption in air compressors by nearly half. The faucet division enhanced chrome production productivity, achieving a significant 48.78% reduction in energy intensity. Meanwhile, the tableware division effectively decreased the energy intensity of sales and production processes.

Additionally, installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on 34 machines and equipment helped reduce the overall electricity consumption.

In 2023, RAK Ceramics ensured improved circularity through a multifaceted approach, in which 100% of non-hazardous waste was either reintroduced in production or recycled by third parties.

The factories reused 16.7% of fired sanitaryware rejects, 92.5% of reclaimed glaze and 100% of greenware sanitary ware rejects.

Furthermore, the effective partnership with DHL Global Forwarding and Etihad Rail (RailDirect) underlined RAK Ceramics’ strong commitment to sustainable logistics solutions.

In the final quarter of 2023, RAK Ceramics showcased its commitment to sustainability at COP28 UAE as a prominent partner in the Sustainability Showcase: Ras Al Khaimah’s Journey and played a pivotal role in discussions on achieving net-zero emissions. Collaborating with SAP, the company highlighted the importance of technology in driving positive change. RAK Ceramics’ efforts were also recognised with the EcoLabel Certification Award by the Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority, underscoring its leadership in environmental sustainability.

In regard to social responsibility, RAK Ceramics increased its Emiratization rate and the representation of women among administrative employees. The company also made noteworthy progress by successfully onboarding 319 professionals and optimising the workforce to enhance production capacities, which resulted in 762 employees transitioning to new opportunities.

The company invested in various CSR initiatives last year demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate responsibility. Notably, in response to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, RAK Ceramics partnered with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to supply over 1,000 pallets of tiles and sanitaryware products for construction assistance, aiming to facilitate the rebuilding process. Additionally, AED 100,000 was raised and donated to the Emirates Red Crescent UAE and UNICEF to support their ongoing relief efforts in the affected areas.

Commenting on the success of ESG objectives in 2023, Abdallah Massaad, group CEO of RAK Ceramics, said, “In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability, RAK Ceramics achieved many important sustainability goals in 2023, including increased energy efficiency, conserving natural resources, and implementing eco-friendly solutions across our entire value chain.

“We are proud to announce ongoing investments and advancements in our manufacturing capabilities across key regions, including the UAE. This strategic investment not only enhances our
production capacity but also reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence in quality, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability.

“As we navigate the future, our dedication to sustainability remains unwavering. We are committed to leading by example, continuously improving our practices, and putting humanity and nature at the core of our business.”

For more information, visit www.corporate.rakceramics.com.

More news from RAK Ceramics

Keep Reading

Redefining luxury – the latest innovations from Flair Showers

April 2, 2024

At the forefront of Flair Showers’ new product launches is the ILI collection, which made its UK debut at Kbb. Featuring 1950 mm high shower doors in a variety of styles, including bi-fold, slider, and hinge doors, as well as sliding and hinged quadrants, ILI offers both versatility and style.

ILI is available in three finishes – Silver, Matte Black, and Brushed Brass – and is designed to provide bathroom retailers with a range of elegant shower enclosures that withstand the test of time.

Additionally, Flair unveiled BABY ILI (pictured top), a specially designed solution for attic bathrooms and spaces with height restrictions. Standing at 1800 mm high, BABY ILI ensures that even in tight spaces, retailers can offer their customers a stunning shower enclosure, enhancing their daily showering experience.

Flair also introduced the AYO Country Bronze finish (pictured below), catering to the growing popularity of metallic finishes in bathroom design. AYO by Flair opens up possibilities for bathroom designers, offering an extensive array of configuration options to curate bespoke wetroom sanctuaries for their clients.

Furthermore, Flair provided a sneak peek at two new finishes for its ETO range of shower doors: Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze. The Flair ETO range boasts consumer-friendly features such as a sculpted handle silhouette with an integrated robe hook and countersunk interior hinges for easy cleaning.

In addition to these exciting new product launches, Flair introduced WATERFALL by Flair. The Flair creative team reimagined communication of the Harmony Collections in a unique manner, all while allowing the product designs to shine. With WATERFALL, Flair aimed to create Perfect Harmony™ between the bold and the serene, bridging the gap between the extraordinary and the everyday in the bathroom.

To truly embody its brand direction, Flair took its award-winning products to an encapsulated secret waterfall nestled along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This endeavour is quintessential Flair – presenting the brand in an unimaginable setting and inspiring our customers to FIND YOUR FLAIR!

By embracing innovation and pushing boundaries, Flair continues to lead the way in transforming the bathroom experience, inviting customers to embark on a journey of discovery and self-expression.

Explore the new WATERFALL by Flair consumer-friendly brochure here WATERFALL by Flair by Flair_Showers – Issuu

Keep Reading

Circular beauty from Thomas Crapper’s Newby basin

April 2, 2024

Colour and shape; the Newby countertop basin from Thomas Crapper has it all. Part of the fireclay basin collection, the Newby is rich in colour, smooth to touch and boasts a contemporary circular design. This premium product is the perfect basin for any family bathroom or master en-suite.

Thomas Crapper offers a wide range of luxurious basins for bathrooms all shapes and sizes. Square, round or oval; green, blue or white – the bathroom manufacturer is there to help customers build a dream bathroom.

Pictured is the Newby basin, with Marmor tall monobloc basin mixer tap in white/chrome, on a white quartz countertop and 800mm furniture unit in Forest Green.

The circular basin is available in Forest Green, Indigo blue and white; and measures 460mm in diameter.

For further information on Thomas Crapper, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com

Keep Reading

Flair Showers launches ETO in brushed nickel & bronze

April 2, 2024

Flair Showers has added Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze finishes to its popular ETO range of shower doors; the new colour was previewed at Kbb Birmingham.

ETO by Flair includes infold, hinge and sliding doors in addition to corner entry enclosures and quadrants. Finishes available include Silver, Matte Black, Brushed Brass and the soon-to-be-available (this summer) Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze finishes.

With a wide range of widths available, ETO can be specified in both large family bathrooms and compact spaces.

Designed for long-lasting high performance, the two-metre-high shower doors are constructed with 8 mm toughened safety glass with Clearview hydrophobic coating for an effortless shine. Clearvue also resists the build-up of limescale and grime on the glass surface for easy cleaning.

for a winning aesthetic, ETO enclosures include fully concealed interior fixings and ultra-clear door seals. Suitable for either a shower tray or wetroom installation, the ETO collection panels are available in a variety of door styles. For smaller bathrooms, the unique design of the ETO infold door ensures minimal space is taken up when it opens outwards while still affording generous access to the shower zone.

The ETO infold doors boast a magnetic linkage system, allowing users to move the shower door smoothly and seamlessly. The sliding doors in the range close gently with a controlled cushion close magnetic system. The ETO hinge doors boast countersunk curved hinges for a flush interior finish that is easy to clean. For a simple but secure installation, the ETO collection benefits from Flair’s patented “Click Fit” assembly system. The tapered dovetail joint locks securely into position, giving a flush connection between the vertical and horizontal profiles, providing maximum structural integrity within every door.

Ronan O’Grady, lead product designer of Flair Showers, says: “Consumers with high demands on their shower look for something stylish, that is good quality and built to last. This was our vision when creating our modern, robust, ETO range of framed shower enclosures.

“The addition of our new finishes, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze, will enhance any space with their soft glow and low maintenance luxury. Designed for long lasting high performance, while offering clever innovations to enhance the user’s showering experience, our ETO range is the perfect combination of elegance and practicality.”

For more information on the Flair ETO collection of shower enclosures, including the brand new Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze finishes, or to become a Flair Showers retail partner, please contact sales@flairshowers.co.uk

Pictured top: The Flair ETO infold shower door in the brand new, muted yet elegant, Brushed Nickel finish (available Summer 2024).

Pictured bottom: Surround yourself with the beauty of Flair’s ETO shower door collection. The ETO enclosure at the Largy waterfall in Brushed Brass

Keep Reading