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Brass adds extra elegance to Thomas Crapper’s Marlborough cloakroom basin

Bathroom-Review-Marlborough_Cloakroom_Basin-Thoms-Crapper

Where can brass be used in the bathroom, and what do you need to know?

Brass is one of the oldest materials used in bathrooms and can be used almost anywhere – with care and attention. If the finish is natural brass – an unlacquered finish – it will need polishing and buffing regularly if you want to keep its lustrous shine. Natural brass can be left to patina down over time. Without polishing or surface care the shiny surface will develop its own character depending upon the environment.

When buying brass products, or products described as brass, always check whether they are actual brass, or brass-plated and whether they have been lacquered or unlacquered (sometimes called live or living brass). Lacquered or plated brass finishes may cause problems over time as the lacquer or plating can be removed or damaged by cleaning. This can lead to spotting or an uneven surface and can be difficult to rectify. Natural brass, however, can always be returned to a beautifully polished finish with the use of a brass cleaner and a little elbow grease.

Do they come in different shades or different qualities? Will it be patina, etc?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and the different levels of each material may lead to slight differences in shading. The differences are mainly down to the use of the material, whether it will be cast or bent, and the different amount of elements that can affect its use.

Pictured is the Marlborough cloakroom basin with taps in polished brass. The taps retail at £405 inc. VAT, while the basin shown retails £465 inc. VAT.

For further information on Thomas Crapper and its range of brass products, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com

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About Thomas Crapper

Thomas Crapper & Co. is a renowned British manufacturer specializing in high-quality bathroom fixtures and fittings. Established in the late 19th century by Thomas Crapper himself, the company has since become synonymous with excellence in bathroom design and craftsmanship. With a commitment to both tradition and innovation, Thomas Crapper continues to produce a wide range of products, from classic toilets and basins to modern fixtures that blend timeless aesthetics with contemporary functionality. Their dedication to quality materials and meticulous attention to detail has earned them a reputation as a trusted provider of premium bathroom solutions, serving both residential and commercial clients worldwide. Today, Thomas Crapper remains a prestigious name in the industry, reflecting a legacy of excellence that spans over a century.

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Grohe focusses on innovation & collaboration with a return to ISH 2025

Grohe returns to ISH 2025

Leading global brand Grohe has revealed its strategic roadmap for the forthcoming fiscal year, which includes its anticipated return to ISH in March 2025. Additionally, Grohe has disclosed its membership in influential organisations such as VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association Germany). Grohe’s decision to withdraw from ISH in 2021 was due to health and safety concerns amidst the pandemic.

Bijoy Mohan, LIXIL International’s leader, affirms, “Our roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year reflects our unwavering commitment to our consumers and customers, product leadership, and organisational excellence. A first highlight was our recent presence at Milan Design Week where we showcased the pinnacle of our portfolio with GROHE SPA.

“Through product innovations and collaborations with key industry partners, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth, delivering value to our customers and stakeholders alike, empowering them to thrive in a dynamic market environment. In the face of challenging global market conditions, our international business, especially in Europe, experienced a notable slowdown in demand throughout the year. To address these unprecedented challenges head-on, we have implemented strategic measures for the GROHE brand and the European market. We are confident that these proactive initiatives will not only mitigate the impact of adverse market conditions but also enhance our profitability throughout the fiscal year ending March 2025.”

During the fiscal year 2024 (April 1st, 2023 – March 31st, 2024), the LIXIL EMEA region witnessed a 17% decline in sales on a local currency basis. To enhance customer engagement and foster sales growth for its Grohe brand, LIXIL has implemented a new regional structure to address varied market demands and conditions effectively.

Since April 1st 2024, the EMENA region was split in two: Europe and IMEA, comprising India & Subcontinent, the Middle East, including Turkey, and the entire African continent. According to Grohe, this strategic reorganisation will enable better customer support across Europe, IMEA, and beyond. Plus, it opens up chances for growth in the IMEA region beyond the Grohe brand, showing how LIXIL aims to expand and reach more markets.

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Duravit celebrates 30 years of the Starck Barrel with a modern twist

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Duravit is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Starck Barrel with a re-interpretation using c-bonded technology to produce a more modern look without losing any of the key characteristics of the original.

The colour variants extend to the wash bowls, with matt and gloss black introduced and a wide range of furniture handle colour options that can be coordinated with the taps.

The Starck barrel is available as a vanity unit in barrel form, 560 mm diameter (c-bonded variant), and in ceramic colours – White, White Satin Matt, Black, and Matt Black.

All washbasins feature the dirt- and bacteria-resistant ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze® Plus. This is fired into the ceramic washbasin as standard and makes cleaning easier.

Furniture lacquers span from classic to contemporary with options like High Gloss White, Nordic White Satin Matt, and Night Blue Satin Matt. Each hue brings its own style, offering versatility to match any bathroom design. The handle finishes include Chrome, Polished Gold, and Brushed Bronze, bringing style and functionality to any space.

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About Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck, a renowned French designer known for his iconic creations, has left an indelible mark on the world of design with his innovative approach and distinctive style. Among his notable contributions is the Duravit Starck Barrel, a revolutionary bathroom fixture that redefines luxury and functionality.

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VitrA introduces the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin

VitrA 100% Recycled Washbasin kbb 2024

Made using broken and discarded ceramics, along with other waste materials from the manufacturing process that would typically end up in landfill, VitrA’s ceramic washbasin, which is fully recycled apart from the glaze, was on display at VitrA London during Clerkenwell Design Week (21 – 23 May 2024).

The recycled washbasin comes in five models: the natural form of the Pebble, the geometric shapes of both the Square and Circle, the distinctive outline of the ‘TV’ and the fluid silhouette of the Oval. All basins are rendered in a textured, matt clay in taupe.

With sustainability at the forefront of people’s minds when choosing which products and brands to work with, the recycled ceramic washbasin embodies the principles of circular manufacturing, where waste becomes a valuable resource. A life cycle assessment found that the production of the recycled washbasin minimises VitrA’s environmental impact on fossil fuel usage and global warming by a significant 30% per product.**

VitrA says it is redefining what an environmentally conscious manufacturing process looks like, motivated by a genuine commitment to conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.

Bathroom Review VitrA 100% Recycled washbasin

Production savings per recycled washbasin stand at over 30% in terms of both raw material savings and savings in electricity usage. Every detail, down to the packaging – 100% recycled box – demonstrates VitrA’s commitment to reducing waste where possible and conserving natural resources. Moreover, thanks to careful design, the product’s durability has not been compromised, with the recycled washbasin meeting FFC body and semi-vitrified body conditions, in terms of deformation, water absorption, and fired strength.

Gökçe Ersel Ötkün, head of sustainability at VitrA, comments: “The launch of the 100%* recycled ceramic washbasin marks a turning point for the brand and the industry at large. Being the first in the industry to devise such a product demonstrates VitrA’s wholehearted commitment to delivering on its promises to champion sustainable design. We’re so excited to be on this sustainability journey, and feel this product is a significant step forward.”

Eczacıbaşı Building Products’ CEO Özgen Özkan highlighted Vitra’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the ceramic sector, stating, “By integrating circular design principles and innovative business models, we’ve begun repurposing waste from our ceramic sanitary ware production. This approach allows us to conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and cut carbon dioxide emissions, all while managing costs and material constraints more effectively. Our 100%* recycled washbasin embodies our dedication to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and a stronger circular economy.”

For more information, please visit  https://www.vitra.co.uk/recycled-washbasin/.


  *The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials that are generated and disposed of during the ceramic sanitaryware manufacturing process.  ** The life cycle assessment was conducted internally by VitrA

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RAK Design brings innovation and style to Clerkenwell Design Week 2024

Bathroom-Review RAK Ceramics Clerkenwell Design Week 2024

RAK Ceramics is opening its London Design Hub doors for three days of inspiration, networking and fun during Clerkenwell Design Week 2024.

RAK Ceramics is set to deliver a packed itinerary of events and activities throughout the three-day event from May 21st to 23rd, offering guests to 100 St John Street a unique blend of creativity, innovation. A cocktail hour on the first day will set the stage for a series of interactive experiences, including clay sculpture and dried flower arranging workshops for invited guests. These hands-on activities provide visitors with a chance to unleash their creativity and connect with fellow design enthusiasts.

The Design Hub will also host live cooking demonstrations, where visitors can witness the versatility of CookingRAK, recently awarded with the RedDot Award in the Best of the Best and in the Product innovation categories. Guests will have the opportunity to sample delicious dishes while learning about RAK Ceramics’ innovative kitchen solutions.

Throughout the event, RAK Ceramics will showcase a range of products, including its renowned Designer Collections for the bathroom and an extensive selection of surfaces for interiors and outdoor spaces. Product debuts at CDW will include new stainless steel RAK-Ingot washbasins, available in four shapes and three finishes, designed for seamless integration with RAK Ceramics accessories, mirrors, and taps.

RAK Ceramics’ involvement with Clerkenwell Design Week will culminate with an Arabian-themed party on the last evening, featuring cocktails, an indoor barbecue, and live music. This closing celebration will offer guests a chance to relax, network, and reflect on the week.

Join RAK Ceramics at Clerkenwell Design Week 2024 – visit the Design Hub at 100 St John Street, EC1M 4EH and explore the latest trends in ceramics, surfaces, and kitchen innovation.

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850, www.rakceramics.com/uk/

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Ritmonio enhances Cowley Manor in recent renovation

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Historic Cowley Manor Hotel has been renovated by the Experimental Group and the interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon.

Cowley Manor has a rich history that dates from the end of the seventeenth century when it was the property of the King. Built by skilled craftsmen using local stone, it has undergone several transformations including being the first private building in England to use concrete.

A curious anecdote has it that, in the nineteenth century, Lewis Carroll regularly visited Cowley, staying with friends in what is now the Old Rectory. It is said that Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland, his most famous novel, taking inspiration from his stays here.

The recent renovation focused on enhancing the practical aspects of the hotel, particularly in communal areas like the bar and restaurant. Alongside, all 31 rooms received new furnishings and modern amenities.

Interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon blended classical and contemporary elements to create a welcoming atmosphere. Ritmonio solutions, notably the Diametro35 Elegance collection, were selected to add a touch of sophistication to the bathrooms. The collection includes different application solutions, from the sink to the bathtub and the shower. The Brushed finish adds to the aesthetic appeal, complementing the fluidity of the design.

Ritmonio says it remains a reliable partner in the hotel industry, continuously adapting to new trends and needs. Their focus on research ensures tailored solutions that enhance the guest experience while maintaining style and functionality.

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Grange Design launches new e-store

Bathroom Review Grange-Design-e-store-www.grangedesign.

Bathroom brassware brand Grange Design is bringing its design expertise in bathroom taps and showers direct-to-consumer, with the launch of its own online store, www.grangedesign.com.

The site boasts a carefully curated mix of retro, classic and contemporary products which are either made, sourced or designed by Grange Design. Leading interior designers and home builders can explore the new ranges online via the brand-new Grange Design website and now, purchase the company’s first phase of exclusive products which include:

  • Atlantic: a highly ergonomic range of contemporary bathroom taps and showering products.
  • Leonardo: a timeless retro collection of classic bathroom taps and shower valves.

Grange Design has also announced it is the exclusive UK distributor for Nikles Group, premium retail Swiss-made shower products available online: https://grangedesign.com/brand/nikles/

Clive Griffiths, manager at Grange Design explains, “The leap to sell products online was logical to us and is just one way that we continue to invest in our company’s future and meet the growing demand for aspirational bathroom products, which are available to buy 24/7. We don’t want to be everything to everyone, and by carefully curating what we offer we can ensure both quality and compatibility. Our product portfolio is sourced or made in the UK and Europe and working closely with some of the best engineering minds in the industry guarantees that our products not only look good, but function reliably and consistently and as they should do.”

The new e-store is designed to be clear and simple, helping UK customers to save time and effort when sourcing products for the bathroom. Grange Design understands that most interior design projects are often complex and so all trade customers are encouraged to sign up and create ‘My Account’, to gain access to a range of exclusive discounts from Grange Design, and easily track and view all online and offline orders.

Clive adds “Whilst we are excited to be delivering high quality bathroom brassware in a new way, customer service remains key to us. Bathrooms can be a technical challenge, which is why our focus is on providing quality products for the home so we can consistently deliver more to the online design community… whether that’s the discerning homeowner or expert designer and property developer.”

Helping UK customers to express their own signature style and innovation in the bathroom, the new online resource from Grange Design offers the very latest in high quality brassware and showering products.

Explore the full range from Grange Design online today, just visit www.grangedesign.com.

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Ideal Standard introduces Eurovit+ furniture range

Bathroom-Review-UK-Eurovit-lavabo-Ideal-Standard.

Bathroom solutions brand Ideal Standard has launched Eurovit+, a new furniture collection which offers a harmonious blend of practicality, affordability, and style. Eurovit+ has been designed to meet the diverse needs of homeowners, architects, and designers, providing a compelling combination of flexible design and modern aesthetics. 

The collection is available in four modern finishes to suit diverse design preferences. Two lacquered melamine finishes, including gloss white and mid-grey, offer a contemporary look, while two wood melamine finishes, natural oak and flint hickory, bring warmth and texture to the space. The collection’s handle-free design adds to its sleek and modern aesthetic, giving the furniture a harmonious, understated look while also making cleaning easier, as there are no small corners where dirt can settle.  

Flexibility and versatility were key considerations during the development of the Eurovit+ furniture range. Available in wall-hung models with optional leg sets and floor-standing models, customers can choose the configuration that best suits their space. The units are 44cm deep and come in widths ranging from 50cm to 120cm, featuring models with two drawer configurations, all with soft-close high-quality runners for smooth operation. For added convenience, the Eurovit+ furniture comes fully assembled and includes wall-mounting hangers, ensuring a hassle-free installation process. 

Completing the Eurovit+ range are the matching vanity basins, featuring a soft rectangular design that perfectly complements the furniture.  

In line with Ideal Standard’s Singular™ concept, Eurovit+ furniture is compatible with basins from the company’s wider product portfolio while the vanity basins can be installed with other Ideal Standard furniture ranges too. This approach offers homeowners, architects, and designers the flexibility to create their desired aesthetic. 

As well as offering versatility and cross-compatibility, Ideal Standard prioritises sustainability. The Eurovit+ furniture is no exception, made from PEFC-certified wood and designed in line with Ideal Standard’s EcoLogic approach to sustainable product development.  

Emmanuel Veillon, VP Sanitaryware at Ideal Standard, said: “We are excited to introduce Eurovit+ to the market, offering our customers an affordable, functional and stylish collection.  

“With its modern finishes, versatile design options and eco-friendly materials, Eurovit+ is the perfect choice for those seeking a contemporary and practical bathroom solution.” 

Eurovit+ is available now. For more information about the new collection and other products from Ideal Standard, please visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/products/catalog/furniture-and-accessories/basin-units  

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Waterline stays true to its family roots as Michael Marriott is named CEO

Bathroom Review Michael Marriot

Michael Marriott, previously finance and commercial director, has been promoted to position of CEO at Waterline, a UK kitchen furniture, appliance, sinks, taps and ancillary kitchen products supplier to independent retailers.

Third generation of the Head family, Michael follows in the footsteps of his grandfather who founded a manufacturing business in 1946, originally making children’s toys before turning to kitchen furniture in the 1980s. Waterline then became part of the Crown Group in 2011.

Prior to joining the family business, Michael spent four years in Hong Kong, working within multi-billion-pound conglomerate Jardine Matheson. Undertaking roles to ensure efficient operations and modernisation of companies within the group, the skills Michael learned during his time in Hong Kong have been incredibly transferable to his position within Waterline.

He has worked within Waterline for the last three years, joining as finance & commercial manager before becoming Finance & Commercial Director, and has been involved in implementing a strong after-sales team and process, as well as product development direction and marketing.

Commenting on his move into the position of CEO, Michael says: “My move from my current role as Finance & Commercial Director to CEO reflects the Waterline journey, as we modernise the business and move with the times, without detracting from the strength of being a family-owned business which is robust financially, nimble in product development and recognises the importance of customer service.”

For more information visit www.waterline.co.uk or call 03330 149 149.

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Ideal Standard to exhibit Eurovit+ & latest ranges at Installer Show

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Eurovit+

Ideal Standard will be championing its Singular™ philosophy and cross-category solutions at this year’s Installer SHOW.

Visitors will be able to learn more about Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy and its new Singular™ configurator tool specifically created with installers, designers and specifiers in mind. Attendees can also view the new Eurovit+ furniture range and Ceratherm T25+ shower range.  

Eurovit+ offers a harmonious blend of practicality, affordability, and style designed to meet the diverse needs of homeowners. For installers and specifiers, it’s a truly versatile option thanks to the breadth of products in the range.

The collection is available in four finishes to suit diverse design preferences. Two lacquered melamine finishes, including gloss white and mid-grey, offer a contemporary look, while two wood melamine finishes, natural oak and flint hickory, bring warmth and texture to a space. This versatility is also built into the new T25+shower range, which expands on the existing T25 range, featuring two spray function shower heads and a PerciTherm® cartridge for accurate temperature control.   

Additionally, Ideal Standard’s Essentials collection will also be on the stand. The comprehensive suite of solutions features intelligent space-saving ideas and stylish storage. The Essentials collection offers award-winning contemporary designs for small projects at an accessible price-point.

All attendees who visit Ideal Standard at stand 4F13 will also be able to take part in the Scalextric competition, where the fastest lap of each day will win some incredible prizes, including Ideal Standard products!  

Visit Ideal Standard at stand 4F13 between 25th and 27th June. To find out more information click the link: https://www.installershow.com/   

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