Bathrooms to Love from distributor PJH has extended its popular Venosa space-saving modular furniture family with the addition of a new colourway in an Oak-effect finish.
A floor-standing collection, the new Oak Venosa range is perfect for compact bathrooms where its small footprint of just 1100mm in width is the solution. The introduction of this Oak grain finish enhances the range’s versatility, satisfying the enduring demand for wood-effect furniture in harmony with the evolving trend for nature-inspired materials and textures in the bathroom.
Featuring an intelligently crafted L-shaped unit, featuring a streamlined one-piece resin basin and worktop coupled with a basin and WC furniture pack, this unit will fit into the smallest of bathrooms or ensuites. Measuring in at W1100 x H860 x D395/210mm, a two-door cabinet sits beneath the basin, teamed with a connected housing area for a concealed cistern and back-to-wall WC. Left or right-handed options are available, as is a choice of chrome or matt black handles as well as coordinating push button and overflow ring.
Extending the compact storage space yet further is a matching two-door 350mm Tall Unit in oak. As illustrated, Oak Venosa looks stunning when combined with contrasting matt black handles, brassware, shower, quadrant enclosure, mirror and ladder radiator – all available from the Bathrooms to Love Collection.
Available from stock and supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new Oak Venosafrom Bathrooms to Love is now available to order via PJH’s class-leading Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
Style, flexibility, quality and the assurance of a speedy despatch service within 48 hours are some of the key features of Utopia’s new Qube Collection of bathroom furniture, soon to be enhanced with a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection as well as the original modular wall mounted and freestanding options launched in June 2023.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “New Qube presents the retailer and consumer with endless opportunities to create a completely unique combination from the multitude of beautifully co-ordinating elements available. With the addition of a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection, which will be available this Spring, there really is a Qube style for everyone.”
Consumer and retailer feedback, coupled with current colour and style trends, has shaped the range refresh, which features new on-trend colours with complementary accent handles and trims, in addition to the new fitted and freestanding fitted options. Added to this is a simplified ordering system and the brand new 48-hour despatch service option, available to the retailer at no extra charge.
Qube Modular is now available in a choice of Qube Glide, the original handleless door style, and new Qube Edge, a stunning alternative style with the option for a top mounted handle.
The full collection offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue and verdant Wild Green reflecting current trends in interior design for bold colours and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. As usual with Utopia, consumer samples of all finishes are available free of charge.
Also extended is the choice of worktops to complement Qube furniture. The existing 22mm laminate range has been extended further with three new options and a 12mm compact laminate range of exceptionally realistic natural stone effects has been added to complement the Modular Collection.
Bathroom design company Acquabella is embracing the Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, by introducing new customization options for its bathroom solutions. The adoption of this colour reflects Acquabella’s commitment to staying at the forefront of new design trends.
This soft peach tone is designed to express closeness and connection, transforming spaces into warm and relaxed environments. Peach Fuzz has the ability to create inviting spaces, paying tribute to the natural while maintaining elegance. Whether in shower trays, countertops, basins, or wall coverings, Peach Fuzz is the perfect choice for adding a touch of colour to your bathroom.
Pantone’s Color of the Year has a significant influence across industries, and the integration of Peach Fuzz into Acquabella’s products will resonate with design professionals and enthusiasts.
Customers can explore new customization options and immerse themselves in a truly unique bathroom experience. The application of this trendy tone in Acquabella’s products provide consumers with the opportunity to integrate the beauty of nature and current trends into their bathroom spaces.
Bathroom product supplier and innovator HiB, has released its bathroom trends for 2024. In an ever-evolving world of design, HiB remains at the forefront by introducing four unique trends, each designed to elevate and bring fresh inspiration to the bathroom.
The first trend, ‘Exhale’, takes inspiration from nature-inspired interior design trends. Departing from last year’s ‘Petrichor,’ Exhale embraces minimalism, mid-century style, and neutral tones without overusing nature in the space. Characterised by stone finishes, rounded shapes and tactile textures, this trend draws inspiration from the laid-back ‘California Casual’ aesthetic, favouring refined simplicity over rustic elements.
Also new this year is the ‘Euphoria’ trend, which blends nostalgia with contemporary design. Arches and curves lead the space, offering a sense of fluidity and movement. Geometric and abstract patterns, along with fluted textures add a contemporary touch, while a muted yet colourful palette connects the design to the organic world, bringing a breath of fresh air to any bathroom.
For those who like edgier styles, the ‘Elements’ trend exhibits a stormy aesthetic, using darker neutrals and cool blues to create a moody yet inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Wabi Sabi, Minimalism and Brutalism, Elements seamlessly blends nature’s imperfections with refined engineering. The raw and textured feel is achieved through the use of iron and gunmetal brassware, highlighting the beauty in flaws of organic materials.
Last but certainly not least, the ‘Enamour’ trend embraces vintage glamour and art deco, offering an air of quiet, timeless elegance. By blending old and new elements through upcycling, Enamour creates a classic contemporary aesthetic. This trend embodies the philosophy of ‘less is more’, promoting a clutter-free environment and contributing to what
Jasmine Rowe, HiB product designer, said: “The 2024 bathroom trends from HiB showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while maintaining a strong connection with nature and elegance. These trends are not just about aesthetics, they are about creating immersive, personalised and practical bathroom experiences. We’re confident that we will see these trends used strongly in designs and be a key steer in bathroom styles throughout 2024. “
HiB’s wide range of bathroom mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories are perfectly suited to bring these trends to life, offering a design that complements each theme. To explore the full Trends Guide and to gain even more bathroom interior design inspiration, visit https://bit.ly/3vtzk3f
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
According to new research released this week by Readly, one in ten Brits report using smart home technology every hour of their day. The latest stats indicate a wholesale shift towards a connected home lifestyle, with a third (37 per cent) of UK households owning at least one smart home device to manage tasks such as security, lighting and heating, and kitchen appliances.
Unsurprisingly, the home technology industry is moving apace when it comes to new, innovative smart design. Consumers are keen to save water and energy whilst personalising interior spaces by integrating music and lighting into every room. This opens up opportunities for bathroom manufacturers.
Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard agrees, “Bathroom trends are continuously evolving and when it comes to today’s ‘smart bathrooms’, that’s no different. End-users are increasingly looking to technology to help make their bathroom space work harder for them.”
Statement lighting
Lighting is no longer simply a practicality, and the trend for customisable mood lighting is emerging as a key consideration when designing a bathroom. In 2024, we expect to see an increase in innovative lighting displays that interact with the bathroom design to deliver on-trend accent lighting.
Encompassing the latest LED technology, Schlüter’s LIPROTEC-LED creates restful lighting for relaxing spaces or bright, colourful lighting for busy family bathrooms. Enabled with Bluetooth/wireless receivers, light colours are selected via remote control or Bluetooth-compatible smartphones and tablets. Specifically designed for the bathroom, Schlüter-LIPROTEC-EASY is the company’s simple plug-and-play version, which comes with matching power supply units up to 100W.
Comfort & cleanliness
Shower toilets are increasing in popularity in the UK. A recent report by the European Bidet Seats & Shower Toilets Market study predicts sales of shower toilets will grow by 8% and indicates a cultural change in hygiene habits.
Martin Carroll, managing director for Duravit, agrees and comments, “Shower-toilets in combination with rimless technology are the next big idea for bathrooms. The open design of the WC rim enables an innovative and effective flush even at low water volumes (4.5 litres) and makes for transparent, easy cleaning. Despite not being a traditional market for bidets, shower toilets are growing in popularity in the UK for reasons of age, culture and general enhanced comfort.”
Duravit’s SensoWash® D-Neo lets users configure options via remote control for three shower flow types through a user ID in the seat. Timings for seat heating can also be individually configured. Its attractive price point means it is ideally suited to the requirements of the project sector and price-conscious developers.
Spa-light, spa-bright
Bringing light and colour into the bathroom, Ideal Standard’s Solos shower range features an integrated colour-changing ambient light in the overhead shower, which creates a relaxing atmosphere for the ultimate spa-like shower experience. Users can customise the colour and brightness of the LED to match their mood, thanks to built-in smart technology that integrates with any smart home app, such as Philips Hue or Amazon Echo.
Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard comments, “Smart technology is key to home evolution, giving people the ability to personalise their environment – from showerheads with integrated ambient LED lighting like our Solos range to wireless speakers and shower settings that can be controlled with the touch of a smartphone button.”
Bathroom brand Laufen is also embracing smart technology and has launched a new version of the Val bath (pictured left) that harnesses the power of light and colour to promote well-being and bring chromotherapy – traditionally offered by hotel spas – into the guest bathroom to enhance the user’s experience.
The redesigned model was recently on display at HIX and has a translucent structure through which an LED panel projects different light settings according to mood.
LAUFEN also presented its new shower system prototype. Designed in collaboration with Andreas Dimitriadis of Platinum Design, the shower system offers the ultimate spa experience to hotel guests thanks to a 12-inch touchscreen display integrated into the shower for the first time.
Taking remote control
Dialling in your requirements is one of the most celebrated aspects of the smart home and brings luxury and convenience to daily life. Aqualisa’s Quartz Smart Showers combines personalised showering with a range of advantages that enhance the user’s experience. For example, users can start their shower remotely using Alexa or Google Assistant or the remote control via Wi-Fi. A clear LED display indicates when the shower is ready – there’s no need to lean in and test the water. A bath fill option allows remote selection of the water temperature and level.
Jessica Clarke, head of channel marketing at Aqualisa, reasons, “With more than 30 million smart meters installed in the UK and nearly half of all adults under 65 owning a smart speaker (Alexa or Google Assistant), the understanding of smart technology and the benefits it brings to our lives is increasing rapidly. There is now an opportunity for bathroom manufacturers and installers to deliver the next generation of connected bathroom solutions to enhance not only showering functionality and performance, but also wellbeing and sustainability.”
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Popular restaurants, clubs, and hotels have been blazing the trail: intense colours, furnishings in rich tones, and homely wallpapers all designed to transform bathrooms into places full of character and charm. Creating a complete work of art within your own four walls takes courage and requires a “thread” for a harmonious colour scheme that runs throughout the room.
The guest bathroom as a calling card
Small room – big impact: the guest bathroom is the ideal place to start – you can express your own personality and experiment with colours. Bathroom objects in strong colours can be combined with expressive wall coverings that highlight an individual wall or smaller surface. Wallpapers with graphic designs or botanical patterns, selected tiles, or coloured paints are especially well-suited for such a project. Furnishing items, walls, floors, and decoration should have a consistent colour harmony, be that tone-in-tone or combined with complementary colours. The selection process of individual elements or materials lends itself to experimentation with collages of materials and colours until the optimum and harmonious result is achieved.
Wallpapers as a stage for bathroom objects
Modern wallpapers with graphic designs or botanical patterns are like works of art – they lend rooms a certain vibrancy. Graham & Brown have brought about a veritable renaissance of wallpaper over recent years with their extraordinary and colourful prints.
The renowned British manufacturer of high-quality paint products and wall coverings works with a range of motifs from nature, graphic design, various textures, and luxurious gold accents – and shapes trends as a result.
A wallpapered feature wall sets the stylistic scene for the whole bathroom, which, more often than not, is a small room. Combined with neutral or complementary colours on the other walls, this forms the perfect backdrop for Duravit’s Vitrium bathroom objects with their reserved designs and intense matt colours.
Congo Tail Wallpaper
Furniture, washbasin, toilet, and bathtub in strong colours
The Vitrium colour concept was curated by Christian Werner, who was also responsible for the formal design of the furniture and washbasins. The total of six colours make their presence felt without dominating, and they harmonize perfectly with one another. The colour palette can be divided into three neutral shades Matt Light Gray, Matt Dark Gray, and Matt White as well as the three rich shades Matt Green-Blue, Matt Parlour Blue, and Matt Cinnamon. This broad range of choices ensures that the right tone can be found for any bathroom – from the minimalist designer bathroom through to the modern rustic style.
“Colour also determines how we perceive a product. It’s an emotion because everyone responds to it differently. Multiple colours create a kind of colour resonance, something that ideally creates a harmony. And colours for an interior can never be thought of in isolation, but always in the context of the room,” said Christian Werner.
Faucets and accessories define the look
It’s the small details that give the interior design the finishing touch. Duravit opens up additional design potential in the bathroom with faucets, showerheads, and accessories in five tasteful finishes. A classic chrome surface or thrilling Matt Black or PVD surfaces in Brushed Bronze, Brushed Stainless Steel, and Polished Gold can change the look of the entire bathroom.
About Graham & Brown
Founded by two friends – Harold Graham and Henry Brown, the business has been family-run from its Headquarters in Lancashire, England, since 1946. For over seventy-five years, Graham & Brown has inspired people to think differently about their homes through continuous innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. Graham & Brown products are created by the in-house design studio and by drawing on an archive of over 50,000 pieces.
Graham & Brown has expanded its award-winning collections to include paint, murals, soft furnishings, bed linen and wall art to offer customers a perfectly partnered, full-room solution.
Four brand new additions to Utopia’s colour palette for this Autumn reflect the ongoing dominant trends for colour and texture in the bathroom.
Joining Utopia’s already extensive collection of door colours available across the Original Fitted, Symmetry, YOU, and Geo ranges are Bay Green, Carbon Black, Dorchester Oak and Richmond Walnut.
Bay Green (above & below) is a rich, sophisticated colour intensified by its silky matt finish, particularly stunning when teamed with woodgrains and brass accessories. At the same time, the dramatic Carbon Black (pictured at the very bottom) is a deep version of charcoal, a statement finish perfectly pitched to complement and accent other decors in the range.
Additionally, in response to tremendous demand for realistic, natural woodgrains, joining the collection is Dorchester Oak (pictured below), a timeless classic with a golden tone and a light grain texture. The addition of a new carcass and 22mm laminate worktop in the same finish allows the consumer the freedom to create a completely harmonious look or to mix and match.
Richmond Walnut (below) offers a bolder, darker option with a striking vertical grain detail, equally at home in a vintage or contemporary setting.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “Anticipating trends in terms of colour and finish is a key part of our product development programme. Our carefully curated collection of colours and finishes is continually evolving so that we can offer our customers a vast portfolio of colours and finishes to choose from plus the option to combine them for a truly personal design scheme.”
To help consumers design their dream bathroom, Utopia offers a free sample service for all finishes and tiles. This, combined with Visualise, Utopia’s online planning tool, allows the consumer to explore all eleven furniture collections, experimenting with colours and combinations in the comfort of their own home until they create their ideal bathroom.
Leading bathroom brand HiB has added a wide range of stunning new products to its existing lineup. A new Veles modular furniture range, stunning basins, the latest elegant mirrors and cabinets, and quality brasswarehave joined its portfolio.
The cornerstone of HiB’s latest launch is the Veles modular furniture range, which it says has been meticulously crafted to offer ample storage, useful sizing and beautiful finishes.
For small spaces, the Veles Compact range offers stunning quality and finish in a reduced depth, while the Veles Standard range offers more storage and larger dimensions ideal for family bathrooms. This new range pairs perfectly with the new Terra basins and countertops. Created from high-quality mineral marble in four finishes, this tactile, durable and stunning basin and countertop combination enhances the complete look, offering an exceptional level of finish.
Along with the introduction of the Terra basin range, HiB has expanded its basin category offering to include a whole host of new options, including the Opia and Dexter vessel basins and Cerys corner wall-mounted basin, allowing customers to choose from a wider variety of designs to suit their desired look. Each basin seamlessly integrates with HiB Novum furniture ranges and other units to provide style and function, transforming daily routines into moments of indulgence.
HiB has also launched a selection of mirrors and cabinets, offering the latest bathroom technology, blending contemporary style with practical solutions. The new Rubin and Alba illuminated mirrors include the latest heat pad technology, covering more than 75% of the mirror’s surface. The feature reduces a greater area of condensation, further enhancing visibility.
HiB has been a pioneer in bathroom products for more than 30 years. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality and design, HiB has consistently pushed the boundaries of bathroom aesthetics and functionality. This latest launch is HiB’s biggest yet, demonstrating the company’s desire to bring new and exciting products to the market for customers across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East.
Us Brits are often tasked with planning compact bathrooms, with the average UK bathroom measuring a modest 2M x 2M1. Fortunately, many innovations and designs allow homeowners to create an inviting yet functional space. Opting for wall-hung fittings within a compact space is an ideal solution to provide additional space while limiting clutter, helping to create a streamlined finish, and these fittings are continuing to grow in popularity as we get more familiar with their benefits.
Today, bathroom experts GROHE, provide a complete buyer’s guide and share all there is to know on wall-hung fittings, including how these design choices can elevate even the smallest of bathroom spaces with reduced outward projections and elevated placement.
Simple Installation
While its recommended wall-hung fittings are installed by professional installers, the fittings are often not as invasive and complicated to install as often believed, especially when it comes to full bathroom renovations. Many of GROHE’s models can be installed in front of a solid wall or within a stud wall in next-to-no-time thanks to the GROHE QuickFix system with ToolFree feature, which requires no tools to connect hose, inspection shaft, or water supply.
Functionality & Durability
Wall-mounted fittings offer the same functionality and durability as standard fittings and can even provide improved function in some cases. The ‘built to last’ fittings firmly mounted to the wall allow room for improved cleanliness and hygiene. As the fittings are elevated from the floor space, with just the toilet or basin bowl visible and no exposed pipework or cistern, there’s less surface area and corners for dirt and grime to build up in, making easy cleaning.
A common misconception with wall-mounted toilets and sinks is that they do not offer adequate support, however a correctly installed flush-frame and basin can more than comfortably support the weight of almost any adult without any concerns. GROHE’s wall-mounted fittings carry the German TUV certification for load capacity with the toilets approved for weights up to 400KG and basins approved for up to 150KG.
Future-proof fittings
With modern flushing systems models such as the GROHE Rapid SLX, homeowners can have peace of mind if future renovations are needed. While the Rapid SLX can work well with the regular WC pans, it is exciting to note that it has been designed specially to cater to future-planning and features a built-in electric socket and water connection ready for shower toilet installations, limiting the need for invasion renovation work. The system is also equipped with various technologies, including GROHE 3 Whisper which prevents sound travelling through walls making it an ideal choice for households where someone may be waking up numerous times throughout the night.
Wall-hung fittings can also provide enhanced accessibility to users, thanks to the fitting’s height being adjustable and not limited to the fitting’s pedestal stands. GROHE’s concealed flush-frames have adjustable feet, setting the height at the desired level and providing additional comfort.
Arranged like a Japanese lunchbox: the new Bento Starck Box bathroom series from Duravit and designer Philippe Starck represents the latest Duravit Artisan Lines addition. Inspiration is drawn from a traditional Japanese bento box – which is subdivided into several internal compartments by separators.
The new series includes a washbasin, toilet sets, plus bathtub, featuring a clear-cut design that is perfectly matched to different variants and dimensions of the bathroom furniture. The spacious Bento Starck Box washbasins offer practical and convenient storage areas. All personal care products and accessories can be placed within easy reach.
Washbasins
The Bento Starck Box single washbasins are made from DuraCeram®, and the double washbasins from DuroCast UltraResist. Enabling Duravit to demonstrate how a range of different materials can be used to produce unconventional designs.
Alongside the 650 mm-wide washbasins, the Bento Starck Box collection comprises above-counter basins in a range of sizes, all available in White and White Satin Matt: round variants with a diameter of 460 mm, and rectangular versions with a width of 550 mm as individual basins or, for two faucets, in widths of 1140 mm and 1340 mm – made from DuroCast UltraResist. The faucet is mounted inside the inner basin on all models.
Bathtub
The freestanding acrylic infinity bathtub, sized 1800 x 900 mm, is ideal for a spa-like experience in your home bathroom. A tapered water channel prevents a build-up of water and can be used as a storage area for accessories.
WC
Bento Starck Box toilet sets harmonize with the design of the ceramic and bathtubs, including a compact model with a projection of just 480 mm and the HygieneFlush version with a projection of 570 mm. The range includes a floor-standing, close-coupled toilet and matching bidets. The integrated push buttons on the seat with the gentle, silent lowering mechanism means it can be easily removed and cleaned.
“The Bento Starck Box collection is the start of an elegant serenity,” said Starck, describing the washbasins and bathtubs. “With intelligently divided wet and dry areas, the clean, clearly structured washing areas and bathtubs enable countless options for personal design.”
