The iLook_move cosmetic mirror by KEUCO, with its innovative hinge technology and LED light, provides excellent illumination and great flexibility, and the high-quality mirror surface has fivefold magnification. Created by the design office Tesseraux+Partner, Potsdam, the iLook mirror is available in a round and angular form in chrome or matte black variants.
The slim and elegant mirror can be illuminated with the flick of a switch. This 6500 Kelvin variant is switched on and off directly from the vanity mirror; however, if preferred, the light can be set up to be operated by the room light switch.
The mirror’s hinge technology enables the swivel arm to be adjusted three-dimensionally, the height of the mirror can be adjusted, it can be moved to the side, and the inclination can be changed. Its elegant design maximizes height adjustability without needing a conventional wall rail, and its flexibility allows you to use the iLook mirror when standing or sitting.
Four brand new additions to Utopia’s colour palette for this Autumn reflect the ongoing dominant trends for colour and texture in the bathroom.
Joining Utopia’s already extensive collection of door colours available across the Original Fitted, Symmetry, YOU, and Geo ranges are Bay Green, Carbon Black, Dorchester Oak and Richmond Walnut.
Bay Green (above & below) is a rich, sophisticated colour intensified by its silky matt finish, particularly stunning when teamed with woodgrains and brass accessories. At the same time, the dramatic Carbon Black (pictured at the very bottom) is a deep version of charcoal, a statement finish perfectly pitched to complement and accent other decors in the range.
Additionally, in response to tremendous demand for realistic, natural woodgrains, joining the collection is Dorchester Oak (pictured below), a timeless classic with a golden tone and a light grain texture. The addition of a new carcass and 22mm laminate worktop in the same finish allows the consumer the freedom to create a completely harmonious look or to mix and match.
Richmond Walnut (below) offers a bolder, darker option with a striking vertical grain detail, equally at home in a vintage or contemporary setting.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “Anticipating trends in terms of colour and finish is a key part of our product development programme. Our carefully curated collection of colours and finishes is continually evolving so that we can offer our customers a vast portfolio of colours and finishes to choose from plus the option to combine them for a truly personal design scheme.”
To help consumers design their dream bathroom, Utopia offers a free sample service for all finishes and tiles. This, combined with Visualise, Utopia’s online planning tool, allows the consumer to explore all eleven furniture collections, experimenting with colours and combinations in the comfort of their own home until they create their ideal bathroom.
Kast has launched the new Wave collection, which includes designs named Tilde, Dune, and Prim. This contemporary collection breaks away from the confines of conventional lines and embraces the joyful liberation of curves. Channelling the exuberant spirit of the Italian Radicalism and Postmodernism movements, Wave captures the essence of individuality and playfulness.
Nestled at the edge of Sherwood Forest in the UK, Kast is a design-driven powerhouse known for crafting unconventional concrete wash basins. Imbuing their line of innovative wash basins with a new dimension of style, Kast’s Wave collection ushers in a fresh perspective, celebrating the charm of undulating forms and whimsical silhouettes.
“The curved shapes not only add a touch of whimsy but also creates a contrast with the angular lines present in our living spaces,” says Tim Bayes, Kast Founder. “Each basin is designed to serve as a vibrant centrepiece, its unconventional form infusing the bathroom with a sense of delight and creative energy.”
Tilde features an integrated splashback that gracefully reflects the curvature of the bowl, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow that enhances its form. With a design that seamlessly adapts, Tilde can be easily mounted on walls or surfaces and pairs perfectly with a wall-mounted tap.
As for Dune, it offers the flexibility of either surface mounting or wall hanging, while vessel basin Prim, exclusively designed for countertop placement, completes the range with its understated elegance.
Starting at an RRP of £1,750/$2,625/€2,100.
The collection is available to order at kastconcretebasins.com and is distributed worldwide. As with all Kast products, Wave serves as a testament to British ingenuity. Crafted with the utmost dedication, the collection features the finest concrete sourced from local Derbyshire limestone and undergoes meticulous hand-finishing by a team of skilled artisans.
Kudos Shower Products has announced the appointment of Mark Batley as senior business development manager for the company. Mark has 20 years of experience in the bathroom industry and has rejoined the Kudos business to focus on supporting major customer accounts.
“We are delighted to be further strengthening the Kudos Sales team, Mark has worked for Kudos in the past and we will benefit hugely from his knowledge of both our business and his experience in the industry. He will be sharing this development role with Rob Stead across the country, Mark focussing on the midlands and northern based accounts.” Said sales & marketing director Nick Graville.
As senior business development manager, Mark will be focussed on working with distributor partners and growing the number of Kudos retailers and their displays, including those approved for Premium Collection products. He says he is delighted to join the company at this exciting time in its development:
“These are exciting times for the company and myself; Kudos has a fantastic reputation for high-quality UK manufacturing accompanied by great levels of customer service. Since the recent acquisition, Kudos is now part of the Ronal Group AG. The commitment this gives to further grow the UK manufacturing and produce more innovative bathroom products is tremendous and I’m really excited to be part of this journey.”
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.
The new Alpha Solo walk-in shower enclosure from shower brand Kinedo is a single glass panel without a reinforcement bar to create a classic minimalist walk-in shower area, which is simple and stylish in design.
Alpha Solo features a chrome aluminium profile, 10mm transparent glass 2 metres high, and a chrome cover strip at the bottom of the panel. Anti-limescale treatment comes as standard. Alpha Solo is available in sizes 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1200mm and 1400mm and is ideal for corner and recess installations.
The range is available now to retailers, house builders, hoteliers and other accommodation providers who seek a high-end product at an accessible price point.
Offering the freedom of an open shower and suitable for small and large spaces, with Kinedo, it’s possible to create a designer wetroom look no matter the budget or the space size.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Today’s shower designs deliver a variety of options, from multigenerational innovations to bespoke or space-saving designs. And, with sustainability requirements topping the consumer wish list, it is no surprise that manufacturers are brimming over with new ideas. Diane Larner finds out what the latest ranges bring to the table.
Bespoke satisfaction
According to a recent Houzz survey, more than 56% of homeowners are opting to stay in their current home rather than buy a new one that suits their needs. Unsurprisingly, bath and shower rooms remain the most popular area to renovate after the kitchen. When planning to add a second or third bathroom, designers are beholden to the shape of windows, doors, and even sloping ceilings when it comes to layout. Bespoke solutions offer the flexibility required when such creativity is needed.
Colm Lalor, Hudson Reed’s commercial director, agrees but says, “It’s important to ensure that no matter whether your space is large, small or somewhere in between, planning must come first when renovating your bathroom, especially if your space is more awkward to fit a new shower in. Through a recent installer survey, we found that a lack of preparation was one of the main reasons for fails in the bathroom, so a bespoke or versatile option could be the right solution. “ The company offers a wide range of options that it says are tailored to fit even the most awkward of spaces.
Cutting to size to fit the space also delivers a flawless, seamless finish in such spaces. CRL Bespoke Showers are designed to provide streamlined, hotel-inspired design and include glass and surfaces. CRL partners with expert fabricators to ensure they can be precision-cut to exactly the right size and shape. Ceralsio ceramic and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone (pictured above) are the perfect wall and floor surface solutions for the shower area and can be cut to size.
Altogether now
In a new report by the World Health Organization, it is estimated that the population of individuals over 65 years will outnumber those under 15 in the WHO European Region. Unsurprisingly, the number of multigenerational households is increasing, with an estimated 1.8 million falling into this category since the turn of the century. Creating bathroom spaces that accommodate changing needs makes sense whether you are catering for a variety of family members or wish to build in longevity for your own future needs.
Stephen Maley, UK sales director, HEWI UK Ltd, comments, “Intergenerational living has been gaining importance for several years. An ever ageing society and changing family structures are decisive for developments in the sector. And, the shower is an integral part of the intergenerational bathroom.”
We are used to seeing level-access shower rooms with easy-to-access shower doors; however, building a comprehensive design requires features such as grab rails, non-slip flooring, seating and even hand shower accessibility.
Stephen Maley continues, “The shower in an intergenerational bathroom should offer support, flexibility and safety to all users in equal measure. In addition to a shower base that is flush with the floor, non-slip floor coverings and thermostats with scald protection, seating and hand-hold options should also be taken into account for a multi-generation bathroom shower.”
HEWI offer comprehensive design to suit all needs. For example, its new Magnetic Shower Holder features a nifty magnet-function-based height adjustment, which works by sliding the shower head intuitively and requiring only one-handed operation. It is designed to improve showering comfort thanks to its user-friendly, safe and easy-to-clean features.
Simply sustainable
With increased consumer scrutiny on sustainable design, brands that adapt to the new environmentally conscious consumer will stay relevant in a competitive market.
Stacey Seagrave, senior product manager for non-residential fittings at Ideal Standard agrees, “When it comes to evolving trends within the bathroom sector, it goes without saying that consumers are increasingly conscious about their impact on the environment. Housebuilders and architects are responding to that growing demand for sustainability – incorporating low-flow products into their bathrooms and thoughtfully considering the amount of embodied carbon in products.”
New products like Ideal Standard’s Alu+ showering range (pictured above) are built with sustainability in mind, enabling specifiers and designers to fulfil consumer demands and create more environmentally friendly properties. The showers are constructed from high-quality recyclable aluminium comprising 84% recycled content and feature water flow limiters to minimise consumption. Moreover, these showering units are also available in three low-sheen finishes, meaning customers don’t have to compromise on aesthetics when opting for a more sustainable option. For a comprehensive solution, Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy gives architects, specifiers and developers a single point of contact for a complete range of bathroom solutions designed to work harmoniously together.
Alternatively, with research, sustainable bathroom design can be specified across the complete bathroom range when utilising different suppliers. As energy costs spiral, products that alleviate the pressure on the family purse will remain competitive, especially as 80 per cent of the hot water a home creates is used for showering, not heating.
One focus for the environmentally aware brand Kaldewei has been to develop ways to heat more efficiently and use less energy. The Kaldewei shower channel has a heat recovery system, the “FlowLine Heatrecovery” shower channel. Pictured below, it uses heat from the shower water to preheat the cold, fresh water on its way to the shower fitting.
All-rounder
For smaller or oddly configured bathroom spaces, a quadrant shower delivers space economy thanks to its curved frontage. Kudos Shower Products has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 access shower enclosures with level entry, and introduced new corner quadrant models in chrome, matt black or brushed brass profiles. Eliminating the bottom rail on the door gives a minimalist appearance and makes it much easier to clean.
As with all other enclosures in the Kudos Pinnacle8 range, these new options stand 2000mm in height and are produced with 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All glass panels come with LifeShield protection for easy cleaning, and all doors have an iconic Finger Pull handle (with an optional retrofit handle if required).
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Kudos Shower Products has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 level access shower enclosures and introduced new corner quadrant models.
There are now seven Quadrant models in the collection. Two are standard quadrants at 900x900mm and 1000x1000mm in size, and there are a further five offset quadrant enclosures from 900x800mm up to 1200x900mm in size. They have all been designed without the need for a bottom rail, providing a level access and making it easier to step in and out of the enclosure.
Eliminating the bottom rail on the door gives it a minimalist appearance and makes it much easier to clean too. These new additions are available in a choice of chrome, matt black or brushed brass profiles. As with all other enclosures in the Kudos Pinnacle8 range these new options stand 2000mm in height and are produced with 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All glass panels come with LifeShield protection for easy cleaning and all doors with their iconic Finger Pull handle (with optional retro fit handle if required).
Pinnacle8 level access is a frameless design with slimline wall profiles concealing a 20mm wall adjustment for ease of fitting. SmartSeal technology is used on the crystal clear seals and glass-to-glass corner join seals, to ensure a clean uninterupted finish and a water tight bond. Overall this collection includes both hinged and sliding door options, to suit both recessed and corner installations, in sizes ranging from 760mm to 1500mm offering a plethora of design options to suit any bathroom. Kevlar impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall brushed finished hinges for consistent smooth opening and closing of the glass doors. And aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in the sliding doors for smooth action and longevity.
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.
Kaldewei is a brand known for its sustainability; all its products are 100% recyclable, and it is now manufacturing products from BlueMint steel, which reduces carbon emissions by 70%. With shower trays providing such green credentials, the next logical step was to save energy and CO2 when showering, so during ISH, Kaldewei launched the Kaldewei shower channel with heat recovery system, the “FlowLine Heatrecovery” shower channel.
Up to 80 per cent of the hot water a home creates is used for showering, not heating. Recently, the focus has been on developing ways to heat more efficiently and use less energy. A massive quantity of hot water is wasted as it flows unused down the drain; the new Kaldewei “FlowLine Heatrecovery” shower channel uses heat from the shower water to preheat the cold fresh water on its way to the shower fitting. A heat exchanger integrated into the waste ensures efficient heat recovery, so significantly less hot water needs to be added to guarantee a pleasantly warm shower temperature. In the spirit of sustainability, this saves energy, noticeably reduces costs and reduces the carbon footprint.
The bathroom has become one of the most important rooms in the home, but that doesn’t mean the space itself is getting bigger. In fact, as we add second and third bathrooms into our homes to accommodate all the family, such spaces are often created from awkward corners or under the eaves. Opting for a bespoke shower solution, with glassware and wall surfaces perfectly cut to size to fit the space, is really the best way to create a seamless finish in such spaces.
Bespoke doesn’t need to be complex. For streamlined, hotel-inspired design in any bathroom, CRL Bespoke Showers encompass the key elements of the shower area – glass and surfaces – and partner with expert fabricators to ensure they can be precision cut to exactly the right size and shape.
Highly durable and simple to care for, Ceralsio ceramic and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone are the perfect wall and floor surface solutions for the shower area. Their large slab format can be perfectly cut to size at the same time as the glass, with no grout lines, creating a super-stylish and ultra-hardwearing floor-to-ceiling wall surface. In fact, the material is ideal for the bathroom, being water resistant, heat, scratch, and stain resistant and non-porous.
While a frameless glass screen is an elegant, minimal addition that avoids water reaching beyond the desired shower area, shower hardware offers the chance to inject some personality into the finished space. CRL can accommodate any design for all projects and all spaces, with popular finishes including Chrome, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black and Polished Copper, all available to ensure you really are showering in luxury in your new wetroom.
The new magnetic shower holder from HEWI is designed to improve showering comfort thanks to its user-friendly, safe and easy-to-cleanfeatures.
Innovations are usually in the details and mean a significant system or product range improvement. Thus, the international expert for barrier-free sanitary solutions, HEWI, continuously develops products that increase ease of use, contribute more safety and make a difference in terms of hygiene and ease of cleaning. One such product is the new System 900 magnetic shower head holder, which the company has already patented.
Well thought out down to the last detail and timeless in design
In stainless steel, chrome and powder-coated in white, black and grey, the new product follows the minimalist, high-quality and timeless design that characterises all ranges from HEWI and forms another building block in the diverse range of barrier-free solutions.
In terms of handling, the new magnetic shower head holder has been significantly simplified and is, in the sense of universal design, an optimal product for everyone, and especially for users with physical limitations.
Key characteristic features are its straightforward, magnet-function-based height adjustment, which works by sliding the shower head with an intuitive one-handed operation. The shower head holder incorporates a fully rotatable cone bracket and a conscious lack of buttons and knobs that usually feature on such products. Thus, the shower holder can be used without strain and even by those with motor limitations. Wet hands also no longer hinder use as the traditional clamping mechanism has been replaced by the novel magnetic principle, thus eliminating the need to exert pressure when adjusting the shower holder. As virtually no mechanical forces act on the product, wear is minimal.
