Victoria + Albert Baths has ruled the world of relaxation with the Tombolo bath rack for years and is thrilled to announce an update to the collection: an indulgent Black finish with exposed wood edges.
Available in three sizes to suit different baths, the extended range is shaped from laminated marine plywood, tackling even the steamiest conditions in a bathroom. With gently bevelled cut-outs for two wine glasses and a broad flat space for candles, chocolates or a book, the bath rack encourages relaxation and indulgence.
Alongside the current White, Walnut and Oak options, the new Black addition adds sophistication to the room and effortlessly elevates any bathing experience. Although specifically designed with Victoria + Albert baths in mind, they will fit many other freestanding baths, where the width of the bath matches the two ‘peaks’ on each end of the rack.
Bringing natural materials into the bathroom is growing in popularity, and the ambition to create a more tactile, sensual space continues. The Tombolo is a simple way to add style, practicality and a touch of luxury to a freestanding bath.
Victoria + Albert Baths’ new Tombolo 9 in Black is priced from £410.26 (incl. VAT) at vandabaths.com.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Inclusive design is becoming more accepted in general bathroom projects. It ensures that buildings not only meet accessibility requirements but also creates a welcoming environment that caters to the needs of all users. In today’s world, it makes sense to deliver accessible spaces that serve all physical abilities, including mobility challenges, sensory impairments, and age-related conditions.
Hewi product manager Florian Haude agrees, “Accessible design is increasingly becoming the standard in architecture and product design. The focus is particularly on universal design, which makes products and rooms accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities. For example, floor-level showers are not only practical for people with limited mobility but also offer comfort and safety for all age groups. Combined with non-slip surfaces, grab rails and shower seats, an accessible bathroom becomes the norm, combining functionality and aesthetics.”
Easy elegance
Ideal Standard
According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people—about 15% of the global population—live with some disability*, and one in five people are 65 or over. Creating beautiful, inclusive spaces ensures everyone can experience the same level of comfort and enjoyment which makes it a win-win for developers.
Ideal Standard’s senior designer Yiota Toumba comments, “Building or upgrading bathrooms to be more accessible and comfortable for elderly or less mobile residents is one of the most impactful steps developers and housing managers can take. This will both greatly improve quality of life for residents and increase a property’s value.”
Ideal Standard seamlessly blends stylish design with thoughtful functionality. Its Concept Freedom range, designed in collaboration with Studio Levien, offers considerate features for users with mobility impairments. For example, the collection includes wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs that are 25% higher than average, reducing knee pressure and improving comfort.
Axess all areas
KEUCO AXESS
Accessible showers also ensure safety and comfort for all users. Key features include barrier-free entry, which allows easy access for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Adjustable showerheads, grab bars, and non-slip flooring enhance safety, while a shower seat offers a convenient resting option. By integrating inclusive design, these product lines ensure accessibility is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Several companies are leading the way in this area, offering a wide range of products to ensure safety and comfort. KEUCO is one such brand. As the demand for barrier-free bathroom concepts continues to grow, so has KEUCO’s product offering. Its ranges support physical disabilities and comprise highly functional but beautifully designed products that ensure comfort and safety in the bathroom.
KEUCO’s ranges include ergonomically designed PLAN CARE shower products, IXMO shower fittings, including shower rails and railing systems, KEUCO AXESS (pictured above and top), and a sustainable and cross-generational wetroom rail system that can be flexibly adapted to suit any space.
Accessible accessories
HEWI Tilting Mirror
Thanks to growing innovation in the industry, accessible design is not limited to the shower or bath. A growing range of products means inclusivity is easily accommodated in every aspect of the bathroom. Adaptive accessories play a vital role in ensuring usability for all; for example, mirrors placed at accessible heights help individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility use them easily.
As an expert in barrier-free sanitary solutions, HEWI has introduced an exciting addition to its product lineup: the motorised tilting mirror. This new model offers extra ease and functionality – the tilt function can be adjusted with precision up to a 28° angle, all controlled wirelessly via a sleek wall switch.
Freshen up
TOTO NEOREST WX
Shower toilets offer significant benefits when it comes to accessible design. These toilets provide a hygienic, gentler and more effective cleaning method than traditional toilet paper; this is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, arthritis, or sensitive skin. The latest models allow users to adjust water pressure, temperature, and positioning, promoting independence and reducing the need for assistance. Their ergonomic design enhances comfort for all users, while their water-saving features make them an environmentally responsible choice. When prioritising inclusivity, shower toilets offer a practical solution for creating comfortable spaces.
Kazuki Osugi, general manager of TOTO UK, explains the importance of new technology, “If people lose strength and mobility, things like going to the toilet can become very difficult. It’s an unpleasant experience to feel helpless in such intimate moments – especially for people who wish to live self-determined lives with dignity. Designing an appropriate bathroom is an important step to keep people going to the toilet as long as possible without assistance. A TOTO WASHLET bidet toilet with various features is a great solution for hospitality environments.”
TOTO’s NEOREST WX features the latest WASHLET technology. This new design cleverly conceals advanced features while maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The NEOREST WX is one of TOTO’s premium offerings, showcasing the brand’s commitment to luxury, hygiene, and comfort.
Child’s play
HEWI
Using colour in residences where children with disabilities and special needs are cared for can promote a positive and supportive environment. Colours influence mood, behaviour, and cognitive function, helping create spaces that are calming, stimulating, or comforting, depending on the child’s needs.
HEWI’s products for children are not only designed in uplifting colours but also meet a variety of requirements: They are safe, easy to use, and robust. In addition, they are easy to clean and hygienic. Products used in cots, nurseries, kindergartens, or schools must withstand high loads over the long term. HEWI products for children meet all these requirements.
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British homeware brand Denby has launched a new range of premium, handcrafted bathroom, kitchen, and utility accessories. Expertly glazed in their iconic ‘Halo’ and ‘Kiln’ designs, these versatile pieces are made from locally sourced stoneware clay, renowned for its durability and ease of cleaning. The collection includes soap dispensers, toilet brushes, soap dishes, trays, beakers, and plant pots, each crafted to make a lasting impression across the home.
Design Inspiration
Gary Hawley, shape design manager at Denby, shares the vision behind the collection: “We wanted to bring Denby’s signature quality beyond the kitchen and dining room, addressing everyday needs in the bathroom and utility spaces. By speaking to our customers, we identified a desire for products that combine beauty and practicality. The result is a range of bathroom essentials with stunning glazes that elevate daily rituals.”
Denby’s stoneware is ideal for these high-usage items, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal, transforming daily chores into moments of joy. “Denby is as versatile around the home as it is at the table,” Hawley adds.
Product Highlights
The new collection is available in two distinct glazes, Halo and Kiln, designed to complement Denby’s Vases and Home Fragrance ranges for a cohesive look throughout the home. Key items include:
Soap Dispenser—Holds 500ml of liquid soap, hand cream, shampoo, or washing-up liquid. The Halo version features a matteblack dispenser, while Kiln boasts a chrome dispenser.
Soap Dish—This practical design, with a rippled surface, helps keep soap or shampoo bars dry and fresh.
Toilet Brush & Holder– A stylish, functional design with a weighted holder to prevent toppling, and a seal to conceal the brush. Halo features a matt black steel handle; Kiln features a matt steel handle and black brush head.
Additional multifunctional pieces include:
Beakers – Ideal for toothbrushes, makeup brushes, or as a small plant pot.
Oval Tray – Perfect for holding toiletries, jewellery, or kitchen essentials.
Medium Pot – A versatile piece that can be used as a plant pot, utensil holder, or candle holder.
Candles and Diffusers – To complete the collection and enhance any space with fragrance.
Crafted from Denby’s hardy local clay and finished with unique glazes, each item carries a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee, ensuring long-lasting quality and beauty.
About Denby For over 200 years, Denby has been creating ceramics that make everyday moments feel special. The new Bathroom Accessories range is available now online at www.denbypottery.com.
RAK Ceramics is launching the RAK-Ingot stainless steel recessed niches, offering a stylish and functional storage solution for modern bathrooms. Available in a variety of finishes—black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel—these niches are perfect for organizing toiletries, candles, and décor items while seamlessly complementing the RAK Ceramics washbasins from the same collection.
The versatile size options – 30x30cm, 30x60cm, 30x60cm with a dividing shelf, 30x120cm, and 30x120cm with two dividing shelves mean the recessed niches offer tailored storage to cater to a variety of bathroom layouts. They combine practicality with timeless elegance, whether integrated as part of a cohesive design with other RAK-Ingot elements or as a standalone statement feature.
Constructed from durable stainless steel, the niches are easy to maintain, making them simple to clean while adding a sleek, minimalist touch to any space. Their modern design transforms even compact bathrooms into luxurious retreats.
Duravit has expanded its successful D-Code range, designed by sieger design, offering an all-inclusive bathroom solution that caters to both residential and commercial projects. This affordable range includes ceramics, furniture, bathtubs, accessories, and faucets, all designed with versatility and modern aesthetics in mind.
The D-Code ceramics range features sleek washbasins, toilets, and bidets in various dimensions to suit any project. The washbasins combine spacious inner basins with large tap platforms for maximum comfort, while the toilets incorporate Duravit’s innovative Rimless® technology, offering superior hygiene and water efficiency. These features make the range suitable for diverse environments, from residential homes to high-traffic public spaces.
In the bathroom furniture category, D-Code offers vanity units, semi-tall cabinets, and illuminated mirrors made from PEFC-certified sustainable materials. Available in contemporary finishes like Anthracite and Oak, the furniture is delivered pre-assembled for quick and easy installation, making it a practical choice for large-scale and bespoke projects. The recessed grip handles in Chrome or Matt Black add a sleek, modern touch.
The bathtub collection includes a variety of rectangular built-in acrylic bathtubs in all standard dimensions. These bathtubs feature a comfortable seat depth of 45 cm and an optional “Jet Project” whirl function, providing a luxurious bathing experience at an affordable price. The D-Code shower trays come in square, rectangular, and quadrant shapes, catering to a wide range of bathroom layouts.
Duravit also offers a comprehensive faucet and accessories range in Chrome or Matt Black finishes. The faucets feature water-saving technologies such as FreshStart and MinusFlow, which help reduce water and energy consumption. Accessories like towel rails, soap dishes, and toilet roll holders are perfectly coordinated to complete the look of any bathroom.
Michael Sieger of sieger design highlights the thought behind the D-Code range: “The rigor and new versatility of D-Code – from the washbasin to the toilet, from bathroom furniture to bathtubs, whirl tubs, and shower trays up to accessories – expand the opportunities for bathroom design.” This reflects Duravit’s commitment to offering practical yet stylish solutions.
Duravit stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee on ceramics and five-year warranties on faucets, furniture, and bathtubs.
Duravit’s D-Code range is ideal for those seeking high-quality, durable products that combine timeless design with functionality. It delivers versatility and sustainability, making it a perfect choice for private and public projects.
The phrase “every Englishman’s home is his castle” rings true for interior designer Nicole Franken and her husband, architect Professor Bernhard Franken. Located in Offenbach am Main, Hesse, this 300-year-old castle has been transformed into 26 private apartments, with the couple’s residence standing out thanks to their design expertise.
Transforming history with modern design
Nicole and Bernhard Franken, who run the architectural firm Franken Generalplaner in Frankfurt, undertook a total renovation of one of these apartments to create what is now their own home. The renovation took four months to complete, and as part of this process, the couple merged two bathrooms into one within a stylish mirrored space. For this, they selected Unidrain’s iconic line drains for two shower enclosures, as well as exclusive products from the Reframe Collection, to complete the vision for their new, historic home.
Rumpenheim Castle, originally built in the 17th century in the Baroque style, has a rich history as the summer residence of the Prince of Hesse-Homburg and a favoured destination for royal visitors, including Princess Mary of Teck. Despite the destruction it faced during World War II, the castle was rebuilt in 2002, retaining many of its historical architectural features, which inspired the Frankens’ renovation.
Nicole Franken talks about the underlying vision of the Unidrain solutions and how the couple have integrated them:
“We’ve been very intentional about respecting the castle’s history and combining the many historical styles has been so inspirational. Our bathroom has deep, green, 70s-inspired marble wall tiles that complement the original baroque style of the castle. We’ve installed Unidrain’s invisibly elegant line drain and Reframe accessories as an eye-catching minimalist contrast.”
The Frankens carefully selected elements that blend old and new, achieving a harmonious architectural balance. Their choice of Unidrain products was driven by their sleek, understated design, which seamlessly fits their vision.
Nicole emphasises, “We love Unidrain’s solutions because the line drain and the Reframe Collection each embody timeless, sleek, understated design. That’s what makes them so sophisticated. The drain is especially elegant, with its invisible technical solution. This is a prime example of less is more!”
Achieving architectural synergy
The minimalistic elements found throughout their apartment create a synergy of classic and modern styles, highlighting their architectural vision. Nicole concludes, “Minimalist elements throughout our apartment help create the perfect synergy of classic and modern. We’re delighted with the Unidrain solutions, as they accentuate our architectural vision perfectly.”
By blending the castle’s historic grandeur with modern design elements, Nicole and Bernhard Franken have created a unique and harmonious home, demonstrating the transformative power of thoughtful architectural design.
Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has unveiled its new La Dolce Vita range, the latest addition to its design-led Atelier Collections. The new range has been designed by chief design officer Roberto Palomba and has been inspired by its famous namesake expression – the sweet life.
Whether it’s an ice-cold negroni on the Amalfi coast or a dive into the turquoise waters of Sicily, the Italian lifestyle is all about indulging in beauty whenever you can. In 2024, Ideal Standard is allowing its customers to bring that beauty into their homes.
The collection features a complete bathroom solution – from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to mixer taps, shower products and accessories. Furthermore, the collection seamlessly integrates with Ideal Standard’s furniture selection and broader product range, all thanks to its Singular™ philosophy. This ensures designers and customers can explore and select elements that perfectly align with their vision and requirements.
Aesthetically, La Dolce Vita’s beauty is carefully balanced between geometric shapes and forms inspired by the natural environment. The tapered shape and curved edges of the ceramic vanities and toilets in the collection elegantly separate them from the crowd. At the same time, the deep, flower-shaped vessel basins are instantly eye-catching in both square and round designs. The accompanying vanities are available in six sizes, including standout asymmetric models with a practical storage surface. As a statement piece, the freestanding bathtub commands the space in any bathroom but still echoes the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian lifestyle.
Fittings and accessories follow the same lead, with basin mixers, vessel mixers, wall-mounted models, and bath and shower mixers sharing the same design DNA. The shower systems feature a sleek stem-like design with minimalist curves. They are available in classic chrome or Ideal Standard’s durable PVD colours: brushed gold, magnetic grey and silver storm.
It isn’t just style where La Dolce Vita thrives. Behind the elegant exterior lies innovative Ideal Standard technology. WCs feature AquaBlade® technology (or RimLS+® on wall-hung bowls) for excellent flushing performance and improved hygiene, while the FirmaFlow® ceramic cartridges in the taps ensure durability.
La Dolce Vita is now available, to find out more about Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, please visit: www.idealstandard.com
Sivida by Starck is Duravit’s first washing-area range with mineral-cast material washbasins and bathroom furniture designed by Philippe Starck at an attractive price point.
Sivida utilizes DuroCast®, a mineral cast material gaining popularity in bathrooms for its robust, smooth texture. This sturdy material boasts an effortless-to-clean surface, suitable for the private bathroom or guest toilet as well as in the commercial sector.
The vanity tops adjacent to the washing-area solutions offer practicality for everyday use. Round or angular above-counter basins sit on precisely shaped consoles, both crafted from DuroCast® for seamless integration. Opting for no colour, a furniture washbasin in White Satin Matt is available.
“Sivida is unique. It is a very essential design but with a colourful twist of life. Pale green, white and dark grey are available to create duo combinations that fit all environments. Elegant, joyful and functional, Sivida is the new collection for our everyday life,” explained Philippe Starck.
For those seeking colour, choose from Matt Dark Green or Matt Pale Green for the above-counter basin and console. Noteworthy is the two-tonality concept; basins are optionally available with a white interior or exterior, adding flair to any bathroom.
The gentle aesthetic of cast mineral basins is elegantly balanced against the straight lines of the furniture. Sivida by Starck offers various colour options, from subtle tone-on-tone to striking high-contrast combinations, allowing for virtually limitless design possibilities. Optional metal elements, such as handles, towel holders, or furniture feet, are available in Chrome or Diamond Black.
Completing the ensemble, the matching mirror features candle-like lights arranged on the side, echoing the metal accents and furniture surfaces for a cohesive look.
Optional practical shelves further enhance functionality. Internal dividers for drawers, which can be added later, help organise the bathroom, while tall cabinets provide additional storage space for towels and toiletries.
About Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck, a world-famous creator with a wealth of inventive ideas, is always focused on the essential, his vision: that creation, whatever form it takes, must improve the lives of as many people as possible. This philosophy has made him a pioneer and a central figure of the “democratic design” concept.
Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit seamlessly integrates balanced proportions with function, offering efficient washing-area solutions to include basins, bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors.“The idea was to structure surfaces and create a sense of order that positively influences the quality of the overall room,” Citterio explains.
Antonio Citterio’s approach to the Aurena collection emphasizes practicality and efficiency. The perfectly proportioned surface in the washing area is made entirely of ceramic and separated from the wet area. Integrated dividers on the vanity tops simplify accessory storage. A basin can be integrated into this ceramic console, or the console can be combined with an above-counter washbasin made from ceramic or glass.
The architect opted for compact basin sizes, which allowed him to prioritise large vanity tops. An aluminium profile frame with a stainless-steel finish is used to unite the console with the vanity unit, with a projection on one side for a subtly integrated towel holder.
“I try to give straightforward answers to reality. At the washbasin, we need elements for hanging a towel, large vanity tops, and storage space, and it should all fit together perfectly,” says Antonio Citterio.
Crafted entirely from aluminium with an inlaid mesh base, the shelving unit provides an open storage space and is complemented by two drawers under the double washstand for added convenience. The Aurena range includes a closed alternative, a furniture unit with two drawers, which can be mounted in a floating position on the wall or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.
The Aurena collection offers a harmonious blend of materials, with ceramic available in White or Black. Choose from super-matte carcass colors such as White, Taupe, or Graphite, which can be paired with identical matte or high-gloss fronts or customized with special front fills.
For a touch of warmth and sophistication, textured wooden surfaces create an inviting ambience. Alternatively, opt for the timeless appeal of white marble-look ceramic panels or the understated luxury of black lacquered glass.
The Aurena series extends beyond the washing area, with matching bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors designed to create a harmonious bathroom concept. Integrating innovative materials such as DuroCast Smooth and DuroCast Plus ensures durability and elegance, while soft geometric forms and concealed illumination add a touch of sophistication.
Completing the ensemble are accessories from the Starck T range, perfectly coordinated in finish to complement Aurena’s aesthetic. This architectural range caters to diverse settings, from private residences to upscale properties like hotels and medical offices.
Aurena by Antonio Citterio introduces HygieneGlaze® Plus, setting a new standard in hygiene and ease of cleaning. With a keen understanding of residential and commercial needs, Citterio’s design ethos transcends mere functionality, offering a holistic experience that blends aesthetic allure with practicality.
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand has enhanced its comprehensive Mirror collection with a luxurious new range of Cosmetic Mirrors.
This stylish collection features LED Front-lit mains operated cosmetic mirrors and plain cosmetic mirrors. All models are designed for wall mounting and come with ultra-smooth, extendable, double swing arms for ease of use.
The LED front-edge lit cosmetic mirror range is equipped with a touch-activated button, providing excellent illumination via cool lighting. Emitting light at approximately 6,500K, it provides the perfect conditions for makeup application and skincare routines.
Manufactured to exacting standards with a premium finish, the design-led models offer both a standard mirror and a magnifying mirror (with either a x3 or x5 strength), and come in either a classic round or a contemporary square design.
Available in matt black, brushed brass and chrome finishes, this collection seamlessly coordinates with other metallic-finished products in the Bathrooms to Love portfolio, from brassware to enclosures and radiators. Also part of this range is a sleek frameless LED cosmetic mirror which features a frosted acrylic curved edge, adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom scheme.
The LED electrical models offered are IP44 Rated meaning they are protected against sprays and splashes of water in ‘Zone 2’ of the bathroom in accordance with electrical safety standards.
Available from stock and supported with PJH’s Next Day Delivery Service (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new Cosmetic Mirrors from Bathrooms to Love are now available to order via PJH’s class-leading Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
