RAK Ceramics today unveiled its latest collections at Cersaie, an international ceramics exhibition that takes place annually in Bologna, Italy.For the bathroom, RAK will be highlighting RAK-Valet, a collection of sanitaryware solutions designed by Patrick Norguet.
Designer bathroom collections
RAK-Valet brings together the creative flair of its French designer and the manufacturing quality of RAK Ceramics.
The RAK-Valet collection, available in matt and glossy finishes, features thin-profiled washbasins, a generously sized, luxurious bathtub and sanitaryware with elongated lines.
The RAK-Valet collection is completed with details such as metal legs and towel rails or the functional and highly elegant little ceramic shelf, yet another design triumph by Norguet.
RAK-Valet also coordinates perfectly with the newly released RAK-Joy Uno cabinets and mirrors.
Natural marble tile collections
Through-body veining is a RAK Ceramics innovation that enables natural marble veins to pass through the entire thickness of an unglazed porcelain slab with breath-taking results.
Thanks to innovative printing technology, pattern repetition is kept to a minimum and the delicate lines throughout the slab surface appear random and natural. From floors to wall surfaces and kitchen worktops, the effect is particularly dramatic when the product is used over large areas, with RAK-Preziosi being just one example set to be shown at Cersaie.
RAK-Preziosi has a smooth to the touch finish and a distinctive patterning that make this porcelain surface a stand-out backdrop feature wherever it is used.
The epitome of luxury and sophistication, this maximus marble collection is also available in the trend-setting open book effect in a huge range of sizes, thicknesses and design solutions and can be chosen in several colours, including Green, Ocean, Pearl, Rio and Rock.
Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics commented:
“We are proud to present our new collections at Cersaie 2021, especially at such an extraordinary time. Cersaie is an essential event on our marketing calendar and one of great strategic importance for RAK Ceramics. In recent months we have put all efforts into strengthening our positioning as a lifestyle solution provider by developing new collections for bathroom floors, surfaces, large-format tiles, sanitaryware and accessories, all of which are perfectly coordinated.”
In the wake of the pandemic, bathroom spaces have become a place to recalibrate. The 1918 influenza pandemic shaped the modern bathroom with a new focus on sanitation and, in the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only freshened up our hygiene focus, it has renewed the zest for beautiful design as we prioritise space to relax and rejuvenate.With home entertaining also now back on the agenda, creating the wow factor is back in vogue.
Designing a statement bathroom can be achieved in a myriad of ways from introducing a bold colour scheme to utilising a standout statement piece such as a freestanding bath or totem basin. Whilst selecting one stand-out piece will anchor your own personal style, selecting products from a cohesive collection guarantees symmetry.
Round and about
Liquid from VitrA is a new comprehensive range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon and is the first-ever bathroom range by the acclaimed British designer. Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble.
VitrA’s design director, Erdem Akan tells us “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials – creating more with less. The result is Liquid, a range that is wholly new and yet somehow familiar.”
Bathing beauties
Freestanding baths effortlessly deliver the wow factor bringing drama and elegance to bathrooms. Oval or circular baths promote a contemporary aesthetic and are spacious enough to cater for all family bathroom needs.
Studies on the psychology of shape tell us circular shapes are pleasing to the eye and promote a sense of well being. Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing and product development at Bette agrees “Baths with contemporary curved shapes are becoming even more popular as they can be comfortable for both the eye and the body. Taking their inspiration from nature, they can help to create a welcoming bathroom design and can also be extremely comfortable to use.”
Bette baths are available in over 400 colours so adding a touch of individuality is simple to do from the outset. The BetteEve Oval is natural, comfortable and perfect for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical backrests on both sides and a central waste outlet.
BetteEve Oval Silhouette bath
Geo style
When it comes to smaller spaces, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms tells us “You don’t necessarily need a large bathroom to create a statement. People often associate impact with a very spacious bathroom where there is a clear focal point such as a freestanding bath or large walk-in shower but in reality it’s what you achieve with the space you have and the materials you use that can add stunning visual appeal. “
Utopia delivers a contemporary Geo arrangement that combines minimalist style and stunning finishes for a chic effect. This is also a look that can easily be scaled down to suit a smaller space with no loss of impact.
Opula in Indigo and Burnt Copper from Utopia Bathrooms
Paint it black
Design schemes that break the mould are also achieved with clever use of colour, this strategy is useful for modest bathrooms where monochromatic options help build impact and create the illusion of space.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director Akzonobel Dulux UK agrees “When it comes to creating instant impact in the bathroom you can’t beat a slug of gutsy colour. Fortune favours the brave in small spaces where we should be able to enjoy a full immersion sensory experience in everything from invigorating water on our skin to texture and colour.”
Black and white tones are also ideal for creating a rustic-inspired bathroom with retro accents. White bathroom walls are the starting point for this look, Absolute White from Dulux, delivers a crisp finish, and dark oak doors and cabinetry pair beautifully with Victorian-style silver taps and pipework.
Walk-in wonders
Sustainability is the watchword for 2021 and is set to stay at the top of the agenda indefinitely. Combining luxurious statement design with sustainability appears to be an incongruous pairing, but it is key as we move into a new era of eco-responsibility.
Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK head of sales agrees “Sustainability has always been at the core of Kaldewei’s business and is a constant and consistent theme when designing and creating new products, our steel enamel solutions add a luxurious air creating a feeling of ‘luxstainabilty’ – luxury and sustainability – to any setting.”
The SUPERPLAN ZERO is the latest product from Kaldewei. This impressive enamelled shower surface is the perfect addition to a statement bathroom and has been created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. The style is reserved yet extremely comfortable underfoot.
Global bathroom brand VitrA’s Liquid is a new comprehensive range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon. Liquid is the first-ever bathroom range by the acclaimed British designer.
The range is the latest addition to VitrA’s portfolio of designer collaborations, part of a long-standing programme of working with world-renowned designers to create distinctive, modern bathroom collections.
For Tom, the collaboration with VitrA has allowed him to explore new design opportunities while gaining an appreciation of the complexities of manufacturing products for the bathroom. Creating a fully comprehensive range was key for the designer so Liquid covers all elements of the bathroom – sanitaryware, furniture, taps, tiles, shower systems, and accessories.
For Liquid, part of Tom’s inspiration was Victorian bathrooms.
“I like the feeling of permanence in Victorian bathrooms, with their big chunky taps and fat tubes,” Tom notes. “It’s an aesthetic that’s closely connected to a whole tradition of British engineering and influenced the development of the bathroom.”
The fact that clay is readily available and extremely durable resonated with Tom, particularly from a sustainability perspective. He found it fascinating “the way a bit of grey and greasy earth can transform into something so white, clean and shiny.”
Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble.
Over months of close collaboration, VitrA and Tom Dixon explored lots of new ideas. “I think design should always increase the potentials,” says VitrA’s design director, Erdem Akan. “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials – creating more with less.” The final result is Liquid, a range that is wholly new and yet somehow familiar.
Levent Giray, managing director of VitrA UK, comments:
“We are delighted to introduce Tom Dixon’s innovative and contemporary collection as part of our ongoing collaboration with world-renowned designers. Our extensive manufacturing, design and innovation capabilities have ensured that there is a unity to the breadth of Liquid, the VitrA x Tom Dixon collection. At a time when there is a greater emphasis placed on the bathroom space, this cohesive collection has a generosity of design that will sit comfortably in both domestic and professional environments.”
Acquabella has curated a range of circular, square, oval and rectangular counter-top basins, all have been designed to sit on a range of worksurfaces or units.
The basins are created from Acquabella’s Akron® the anti-bacterial, UV, thermal shock and impact resistant surface and are available in either of Acquabella’s Slate (slate and water) or Beton (concrete appearance) textures.
The basins are available as one colour (from a choice of over 2000) or statement two-tone with white inside. Colours can be chosen to match other Acquabella products including mirrors, wall panels, worktops, units, shower trays and bathtubs.
The basins are designed to sit easily on the surface and are available in sizes from 38 x 11 cms to 58 x 38 in depths of either 11 or 15 cms
Bette glazed titanium-steel baths, shower trays and washbasins combine high-end design with robust eco-credentials.
Glazed titanium-steel is one of the most luxurious materials, but it can also be one of the most sustainable, especially as it is extremely long-lasting, made from natural materials and 100% recyclable.
Bette also strives to improve its sustainability every year through a host of initiatives that cover everything from the energy it uses, to the packaging that protects its products.
Bette currently produces two-thirds of its own energy requirements through investment in solar technology at its factory in Germany, and its aim, over the coming years, is to produce all of its own energy through investment in renewable energy technologies.
BetteOval Silhouette
Bette also has a policy of buying its materials as locally as it can, with 99% being bought from Europe. This not only helps with its carbon footprint, but also with continuity of supply.
This year Bette will be launching its first annual sustainability report. It will include detailed facts and figures on Bette’s sustainability performance and will be updated every year to give its customers an accurate picture of its sustainability credentials.
For more information see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
Vitra’s Plural range has been extended to include a distinctive collection of mid-century inspired furniture, designer basins, and complementing WC.
VitrA PLural Freestanding Basins
In addition to White, Matt White, Matt Taupe, Matt Mink, and Matt Black, the monoblock basins, vanity basins, and bowls are now available in Matt Clay Beige, Matt Moss Green and Matt Terra Rossa.
Turning bathrooms into a social hub is the design philosophy behind Plural. Conceived by Milan-based American designer Terri Pecora, in collaboration with Design Studio VitrA, VitrA’s Plural collection is inspired by the heritage of communal bathing spaces and rituals. Plural introduces the bathroom as a space for shared intimacy where people meet and reconnect with themselves, close friends and family.
Plural’s design highlights include three innovative and technologically advanced waste solutions that conceal the untidy look of pipes, enabling washbasins to be fitted in any part of the room. Plural washbasins can be positioned away from the wall, even in the centre of the room, allowing for complete design freedom. The wall-hung vertical mirror swings from side to side, allowing different people to use it. The striking Plural basins and vanity basins can be used without Plural furniture to create standout pieces.
Margaret Talbot, UK and European regional marketing manager for VitrA, explains, “Plural offers something unique in the market, in that it encourages people to see the bathroom as a social space. The new colours and finishes complement the furniture in the range beautifully. The updated Plural offer unlocks some fabulous design possibilities.”
Kaldewei has expanded its washbasins range with a new third product group for the Cayono series and new additions to its Ming and Miena collections.
Cayono series
Kaldewei’s third product group for the popular Cayono series joins its bathtubs and shower surfaces. Whether as a trendsetting washbowl, classic countertop or under-counter solution – the three versions maintain the clear consistent lines of Kaldewei’s design elements to its washbasins. The Cayono washbasins have a generous interior depth and combine pure aesthetics with intelligent functionality. An overflow placed to the back of the washbasin ensures a consistently harmonious look and the generously proportioned interior of the basin makes cleaning particularly easy.
The washbasins are made of sustainable steel enamel and can be used in a number of ways – from guest bathroom, private spa, it for the office and hotel sector. When combined with the bathtubs and shower surfaces of the Cayono series, a perfect match is created with a uniform design language. Creating unique moments of well-being at a particularly attractive price point.
Ming
Further product highlights are the Asian-inspired Ming washbowls, now available in four different colours: lava black matt, polished black, alpine white and alpine white matt. The legendary musician and excellent photographer Bryan Adams photographed as part of the 2021 campaign “Natural Union”. Continuing to raise awareness of the need to maintain good hygiene in turbulent times.
Ming
Miena
Miena is now available with a new palette of strong blue and purple tones, the sheen and glow of the steel enamel makes the coloured washbowls similar to a bold piece of jewellery, but by contrast, they are easy to clean and durable.
Available in a “Soft Touch” Mint, “Sweet Love” Pink, “Deep Dream” Petrol, “Navyblue” matt and in the new colours of the Coordinated Colours Collection.
White Tulip is the first complete bathroom range created entirely by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The range includes free-standing ceramic washbasins, round above-counter basins, matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets, bathroom furniture, matching mirrors, taps and bathtubs.
The elegant shapes of the components within the series echoes the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom; exuding an almost sculptural feel.
Basins
The monolithic design of the free-standing ceramic washbasin is particularly eye-catching. The washbasin can be attached to the wall or the floor as required.
Designed in the same style, the round above-counter basin has an aesthetically pleasing delicately outward sloping edge. The right-angled washbasin, when viewed from above, also reflects this form. Also available as a furniture washbasin and as a hand rinse basin, both come in two sizes and complete the range.
Bidets & Toilets
Matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets complement the impressive ceramic elements. The White Tulip style is also found on the matching urinal. The toilets are equipped with the new HygieneFlush technology.
All new HygieneFlush toilets come with the tried and tested HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze as standard to guarantee even greater hygiene. Fired into the interior of the toilet, HygieneGlaze ensures that approx. 90% of bacteria (for example e. coli) are eradicated after six hours, and approx. 99.9% after 24 hours. The outstanding quality of White Tulip is also reflected in its new lifetime guarantee, which Duravit offers on the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.
Bathroom Furniture
The corresponding furniture is as extraordinary as the entire range. The miter-cut, extremely finely crafted edges are testament to the precise composition of the White Tulip furniture, which comes in widths of between 350 and 1300 mm.
Matching Mirrors
Matching mirrors from the White Tulip series are available in versions controlled by sensors or an app. Creating a special visual effect, the mirrored glass has been brought forward which makes the mirror’s surface appear almost transparent around the illuminated area.
Freestanding Bathtub
The free-standing bathtub with its seamless acrylic paneling mirrors the form of the ceramics. The oval version is available in two sizes: 1800×800 mm, with 1600×900 mm for smaller rooms. The round bathtub with a diameter of 140 cm, offers a spacious interior.
Taps
White Tulip also includes the first range of taps developed by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The consistent design element is the tulip-shaped handle that echoes the shape of the washbasins and bathtubs and is particularly easy and pleasant to operate thanks to the polished surface, whilst the 160 finely engraved vertical stripes produce a truly sophisticated effect. Washbasin mixers are available in various “comfort” heights S, M, and XL. The range also includes bidet, shower and bath faucets.
The unusual design of the White Tulip series will add a stylish touch to any setting. Well-engineered technologies such as HygieneFlush and HygieneGlaze, tip-on technology and self-close action as well as mirror heating and app-controlled, customizable lighting complete the feel-good factor.
Kaldewei has completed its Cayono range with a new trendsetting washbowl, countertop and under-counter option. Delivering a complete solution for the private sector, the range is also suitable for offices, commercial residential construction and hospitality; the under-counter washbasin with a mirrored overflow is ideal for use in hotel bathrooms.
This latest addition means Kaldewei now offer a perfectly coordinated bathtub, shower surface and washbasin option, creating harmony and visual calm that reflects the current demand for serenity.
Combining quality, price and aesthetics Cayono delivers a complete economical design solution. Furthermore, It has been developed to suit the layout and design of the modern bathroom since the soft contours combine minimalist aesthetics with intelligent functionality.
The generous interior washbasin depth creates a comfortable and spacious experience for every user and is the perfect match for the comfortable Cayono Duo bathtub (with central waste) and the floor-level Cayonoplan shower surface,
Everything is made from sustainable Kaldewei steel enamel, particularly easy to care for and 100 percent recyclable.
Bringing spa-inspired luxury to the domestic bathroom, RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a collection that ensures this most private of spaces is as comfortable and relaxing as any of our living spaces, while never compensating on practicality.
With clean, minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish that emulates the hotel feel, one of the many highlights of RAK-Des is the versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom. Freestanding, wall-hung and countertop basins all feature beautifully ergonomic shapes crafted from quality ceramic.
The washbasins can be combined with RAK-Joy vanities and RAK-Precious countertops for perfect harmony in the bathroom. RAK-Precious provides a luxurious alternative to the functional ceramic white, with surfaces that emulate the natural properties of materials such as stone, marble and cement, bringing the trend for industrial styling into the bathroom in a functional way.
With hidden fixations, the RAK-Des WC can be wall-hung or installed back-to-wall and features the latest in flushing technology for the ultimate in bathroom hygiene. RAK Ceramics WCs set new standards of
All in all, RAK-Des provides a complete sanitaryware solution for the modern bathroom that successfully combines form with function and gives designers creative freedom in this more personal of spaces.
