Patricia Urquiola’s Balcoon bathroom range for Duravit creates a fascinating combination of modernity and timeless elegance—minimalistic yet also with a strong design identity. By uniting premium features with first-class finishing, she sets a new standard in the medium-price segment, making her design accessible to a broad public.
The range’s objects pair simple geometric forms with clear lines, creating a pared-down, timeless aesthetic that simultaneously exudes warmth and accessibility.
“The design plays with differences in height, projections and the overlapping of materials and textures, from which the name ‘Balcoon’ is derived,” explains Patricia Urquiola.
Form, colour, and material to outlast short-lived trends
The above-counter basins create a sculptural focal point in the room that extends beyond their function. By placing round and oval washbasins on a square plinth, the designer created a specific architectural feeling. Playing with two different levels in this way is a constant across the entire collection – from the wall-mounted washbasins through the toilets and bidets up to the furniture elements and bathtubs.
Patricia Urquiola created an earthy terracotta shade for the Balcoon ceramic objects that brings their tactile and material qualities to the fore.
“Clay Terra Matt is the central colour of the new collection. A shade that makes the ceramics look more authentic and handmade,” says the designer.
This is also the basis of the nature-inspired colour scheme for the bathroom furniture, giving rise to unique combinations that flow from white to earthy brown tones into anthracite.
Textured furniture finishes set playful accents. The mineral consoles available in three colour options are another way of adding more depth and authenticity to the furniture.
Everyday furniture solutions with an aesthetic flourish
The console, with its integrated rear panel, is just one of the striking details within the Balcoon washing area elements and creates a special spatial dimension. The console is overlaid with the fronts of the storage solutions beneath, which Patricia Urquiola designed as an unusual, partly asymmetric arrangement of drawers and open shelves. The combination of contrasting colours further reinforces the visual tension of the furniture elements.
The designer opted for plain décors in a range of colour gradients as standard finishes for the medium-price segment. “The furniture is given a very special upgrade with consoles in a sophisticated terrazzo look and ribbed furniture fronts,” says Patricia Urquiola.
Design meets functional perfection and sustainability
The Balcoon acrylic built-in bathtubs skillfully capture the interplay between two levels and feature two visually striking details: the oval, raised edge of the tub sits on a seamless acrylic panel that extends into the corners and is easy to clean, while the ergonomically shaped interior invites you to indulge in a relaxing bathing experience. Matching faucets for the washing area, bidet, shower, and bathtub complete the range. The cylindrical handle transitions into the faucet body in a gentle curve, making it particularly pleasant to hold. The three surface variants—Chrome, matte black, and Stainless Steel—complement the harmonious colour spectrum of the range. The Balcoon faucets offer resource-saving functions in the form of Fresh Start and Minus Flow, which save energy and water.
Eczacıbaşı VitrA marked its 21st appearance at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for building products, held in Frankfurt from March 17-21, 2025. The brand showcased its VitrA Grid product portfolio, celebrated for its ‘mix-and-match’ versatility, alongside an array of new washbasins, fittings, and bathroom furniture
This year’s stand embodied VitrA’s ‘Design for Life’ philosophy, encouraging visitors to rethink the role of design in the bathroom. A standout moment was the debut of the SustaINdex project – an industry-first in sustainability – which highlighted VitrA’s dedication to innovative, eco-conscious solutions.
The stand, designed in four sections, showcased VitrA’s strengths in product variety, innovation, and design expertise. VitrA Grid, for instance, revolutionises bathroom planning by offering adaptable, stylish solutions that cater to various spaces and styles, ensuring seamless coordination within and across collections.
VitrA Signature, a collection developed in collaboration with renowned designers, introduced a fresh aesthetic to the bathroom, blending craftsmanship with deep design expertise to create inspiring living spaces. Visitors also discovered the latest wellness products, including the Sense Hybrid washbasin and kitchen faucet, as well as new shower and faucet designs, each prioritising comfort and convenience.
VitrA’s sustainability commitment was evident with the introduction of SustaINdex – a new methodology that evaluates and enhances the social and environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. This initiative, developed in collaboration with universities, assesses products’ sustainability profiles and continuously improves them.
Among other innovations, VitrA unveiled the V-Care smart toilet family, SonicFlush technology for improved hygiene, and V-Fit, a new installation system for concealed cisterns. The brand also introduced the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin and a toilet seat made from 92% recycled materials, cutting carbon emissions by 80% compared to standard products.
VitrA’s latest bathroom furniture, including the Integra Round & Square collection, showcased contemporary design with practical features. The Plural collection, designed by Terri Pecora, expanded storage solutions in luxury bathroom furniture, ensuring style and functionality.
Detailed information was available at VitrA’s stand with experts on hand to engage with visitors throughout the event.
With a dedicated in-house facility for the creation and manufacture of bespoke worktops spanning over 27 years, Utopia is forever expanding the possibilities of its solid surface and general worktop ranges, and 2024 is no different.
The latest design innovation is a new solid surface under-mounted basin with a fully matching bowl and worktop in a contemporary, clean white colourway, giving a completely new look and greater creative flexibility. This new option can be manufactured in lengths up to 2.8m, offering a variety of configurations, including the option of multiple basins.
The new Plain White addition brings the number of colourways in the 22mm solid surface collection to eight. Worktops are available in various sizes and with optional upstands in three heights, all fabricated on-site to the customer’s specific requirements.
Practical and durable, solid surface worktops combine the attractive look of natural stone with the warmth and resilience of a hard-wearing manmade material.
Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, comments “Solid surface has always been the ultimate luxury and we expect both the new option to have a seamless worktop with inset bowl and the new solid white colourway to be very popular.”
A recent Houzz study on UK bathroom trends discovered that nearly two-thirds of homeowners upgraded their vanity cabinets during primary bathroom renovations (63%).* Thomas Crapper offers a range to suit any new bathroom or renovation.
This collection is available in double or single units. The customer can also choose to have shaker or antique mirror doors and a choice of Oak, Indigo Blue and Forest Green as the finish. There is also a Bentham cloakroom unit available.
For further information on the Thomas Crapper range, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com.
RAK Ceramics has unveiled the RAK-Batu collection – an exquisite range of washbasins that draws inspiration from the enchanting aesthetics of Bali, seamlessly blending them with modern design principles.
The RAK-Batu collection offers nine stunning products in three shapes: round, Oval, and Rectangular. Each basin is crafted with a unique artistic glaze incorporating Muscovite mineral particles, infusing the bathroom with a natural, tropical ambience while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
With their simple lines and innovative 5mm slim edges, RAK-Batu washbasins achieve a minimalist look while ensuring high durability.
The mere mention of Bali conjures images of natural beauty and distinctive decorative styles, reflecting a profound connection with nature that has become increasingly sought after in today’s interior architecture.
The collection is further enhanced by three stunning finishes: Mica White, Mica Warm Grey, and Mica Cool Grey. When combined with natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan, RAK-Batu transforms the bathroom into a warm and inviting oasis, echoing the allure of an exotic destination.
The RAK-Batu washbasins embody this vision, incorporating elements such as light, air, and neutral shades and natural materials like bamboo, straw, and palm fronds. These features create inviting interiors that foster sociability, contemplation, and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
For ultimate versatility, RAK-Batu washbasins can be paired with the RAK-Plano, a seamless single slab that can be drilled and cut as needed during installation, allowing for maximum freedom in positioning basins and taps.
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.
UK kitchen distributor Waterline has announced the launch of the Waterline Bathroom Collection, its first venture into the bathroom sector. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for the company, as it now offers a full KBB service solution for independent retailers.
The Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products catering to traditional and contemporary tastes. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
Design is at the heart of the Waterline Bathroom Collection. Both square and round themes are featured in the sanitaryware, while the furniture pieces feature contemporary and traditional styles. The shower enclosures offer a variety of styles, including quadrant, sliding doors, and hinge doors, while the brassware comes in multiple tap configurations with finishes that match the shower enclosures. Colour features throughout the range too, ensuring cross-product colour coordination to meet diverse design preferences.
Competitively priced to enable retailers to maintain strong margins, Waterline offers exclusive incentives for displaying its products. Importantly, none of the products in the Waterline Bathroom range will be sold online, ensuring exclusive support for its retail partners.
“We are delighted to launch the Waterline Bathroom Collection, marking our first step into the bathroom market,” said Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline Distribution. “This expansion is a testament to our dedication to providing a full KBB service solution.”
Bathroom specialist Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has released its new Edition 19 brochure featuring the latest innovations.
New for Edition 19 are the stylish fluted Linea Curve and Linea Cloakroom furniture collections. Linea Curve offers ample storage space and features a stylish, curved design with fluted detail. The Linea Cloakroom unit with fluted panelling is perfect for cloakrooms, en-suites, and small bathroom spaces.
Scudo has also introduced a collection of bold basins. KOKO (pictured left) combines metallic and poly marble finishes, and the luxurious Core basin is made from stainless steel to provide an industrial twist. The new Riviera basins are ideal for adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom.
The Tutto freestanding bath creates the perfect retreat for relaxation and has been designed with style and practicality in mind. The subtle deep edge prevents water spillage, which allows you to rest your bathroom products and install deck-mounted bath taps.
Also new is a range of statement mirrors to offer something for every bathroom style. These mirrors combine contemporary aesthetics with features such as wireless charging pads and ambient colour change options.
Discover Scudo 19 for the latest bathroom inspiration online at www.scudo.co.uk
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.
Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.
Colour me happy
Acquabella Acquasolid collection
The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.
As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.
Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’
In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).
Life’s a beach
Beach House by BAGNODESIGN
The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.
Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’
One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.
Flushed with love
VitrA ‘s QuantumFlush
Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.
“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“
VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.
Free & easy
Bathrooms to Love Striata Fluted Bath
Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.
Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models.
A complete collection
Waterline Bathroom Collection
Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
WaterlineWaterline
Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love
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Add a touch of paradise to indoor and outdoor spaces with Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. Creating a cool and contemporary retreat, Beach House brings tropical island living home with a range of beautiful products designed to work in harmony with nature.
Outdoor shower columns rejuvenate and connect you to the simplicities of nature, while sun-kissed teak furniture, stone composite BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs, shimmering metallic brassware, and whitewashed wood-effect tiles make for a complete bathroom solution that transports you to another world.
Made from Grade 316 stainless steel, Beach House mixers and shower columns offer lasting durability for outdoor use. Weather-resistant PVD brassware finishes in Brushed Stainless Steel, Oyster, Titanium, and PVD Brushed Copper add a touch of sophistication, complemented by travertine accessories reminiscent of soft sand beaches.
Light hues open a space, mimicking the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas, while organic, curved shapes advocate for moments of self-care. From stylish terrazzo and integrated basins to sleek natural wood vanity units and illuminated LED mirrors, every element is crafted to enhance the spa bathroom experience.
