VitrA Bathrooms, a global bathroom brand, has launched a striking range that provides plenty of options for designers and specifiers, particularly those working with small spaces. Designed by Design Studio VitrA, the new ArchiPlan collection is also perfect for bathrooms in the hospitality and commercial sectors.
ArchiPlan is modern and minimalist and offers a variety of sizes, including narrow cabinet widths and reduced projections (from just 28cm). Storage options include shelves in two sizes (45 and 60cm) and open shelving in the mirrors and mid-units. The contemporary design also has black metal framing detailing. Elegant cut-out holes instead of door handles keep the design simple and add to the feeling of space.
The furniture is made from plywood, an eco-friendly material option. As well as requiring little energy to produce and being highly recyclable, plywood is incredibly hard-wearing and durable. The finish is water and moisture-resistant, offering a solid solution without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
With contemporary, clean lines, the furniture is available in a choice of neutral and timeless matt colours – white, black, and taupe. Wall-hung furniture units with washbasins are available in 45cm, 60cm and 90cm. A 52cm wide mid-unit provides valuable storage and open shelving.
ArchiPlan basins can be wall-mounted (with the option of chrome legs on 38cm x 90cm basins) or mounted in cabinetry. Each is available in 45cm, 60cm, 90cm and 120cm formats and is ideal for tight spaces in both 28 and 38cm projections.
The interior of this Edwardian house in Cambridge was completely rebuilt, allowing for a dramatic transformation and leaving only the facade untouched.
One of the key elements of the renovation was the family bathroom. To reflect the period of the property and to create a distinctly Edwardian aesthetic, the owners wanted the space to have a classic, English feel, opting for traditional wooden floorboards, retro Acanthus tiles and solid pieces from Drummonds.
The striking freestanding bath was an absolute must for this family bathroom; the Ashburn in a painted finish sits directly in front of the large sash window. Based on an 18th century ‘bateau’ design, it is one of Drummonds’ more compact designs, offering all the comfort of a classic double ended bath, without overwhelming the space.
Two Syre basins sit opposite; cast in English china clay, and finished and glazed by hand, they bring a refined elegance to the scheme. An Antique Brushed Brass finish on the vanity legs, Mull taps and Oval Tilt mirrors add contrast to the look.
A large glass shower enclosure featuring an Antique Brass frame and backed by floor-to-ceiling green tiles, demarks the ‘wet zone’ within the room, and creates a stylish ‘walk in’ shower area. A half border of sleek Edwardian-style tiles surrounds the room, acting as a perfect balance and counterpart to the dark wooden floor.
Drummonds products:
o Ashburn Bath | from £4290 o Mull Bath & Shower Mixer | from £2730 o Syre Basins with Stands | from £1890 o Mull 3-hole Basin Mixers | from £1290 o Oval Tilt Mirrors | from £1062 o Single Derwent Lights | from £618 o Single Dalby Light | from £492 o Dalby Surface Mounted Shower with 200mm Shower Rose & Hand Shower | from £4110 All in an Antique Brushed Brass finish
Tiles: Edwardian Tile range from Fired Earth firedearth.com
There is no doubt that bathroom style has had a major glow-up in recent years with many interior enthusiasts opting to combine functionality with design to create a space that offers a sanctuary for relaxation.
When it comes to planning a new bathroom, whether that’s a full remodel or a small upgrade, there are plenty of inspiring trends to create a real statement, from bold tiling and colourful palettes to natural materials and minimalist style. But what are the must-have looks we’ll all be clamouring for in 2023?
Ruth Foster, interior designer at online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum, shares her top four trend predictions for the year ahead.
Totally terrific tilework
“Rather than updating the entire bathroom suite, people are infusing a statement feature into their bathroom tiling.
“For 2023, we predict terrazzo, geometric and monochrome checkerboard designs will be the most popular for styles coming to bathroom tiles.
“Online searches for ‘terrazzo bathroom tiles’ have grown by a whopping 13,900 since the end of 2021, and we can see why. With its signature speckled stone look it adds a depth of sophistication to bathrooms.
In 2023, pair with a neutral colour palette and bathroom greenery to create a washroom with a natural and timeless theme.
“Geometric tilework allows you to be bold and put your creativity to the test and many are feeling daring in their bathroom design with online searches relating to geometric bathroom tiles jumping by 34,900 per cent since last year.
“Popular geometric patterns include hexagons, bricks, chevrons and parquet-like designs, and for a more masculine, yet artsy feel, opt for this in a monochromatic colour scheme. Combine with simple bathroom furniture to compliment your statement geometric tilework.
“While chequerboard tiling has always been a favourable choice in the bathroom this beloved retro style design has evolved and is back with a bang.
With year-on-year online searches of ‘chequerboard tiles’ up by 800 per cent, the mosaic style is now embracing softer and more feminine colours for a more elegant feel for 2023.”
Seamless screens
“In 2023, we will be saying farewell to framed screens and hello to even more glass shower screens.
“Installing a seamless glass shower screen can maximise the feeling of light and space, even in the smallest of bathrooms.
“In the last 12 months, online searches for ‘glass shower screens’ has risen by a massive 87,900 per cent, showing that the seamless and spacious look is on the mind of shoppers for the coming year.
“Opting for a frameless shower screen also means you have even more opportunity to reflect your personality in your tile design and bathroom fittings, whether that is with gunmetal taps or bold shower panels.”
Luxe additions
“The evolution of the social media ring light is influencing our homes with chic backlit mirrors fast becoming a bathroom must-have. Online searches for ‘backlit bathroom mirrors’ are up 38,900 per cent in comparison to last year so this is definitely an emerging luxury trend for 2023.
“If a refresh of your bathroom accessories is all you need, then introducing a backlit mirror is a fantastic way to bring a combination of elegance, glamour and drama to your bathroom.
“Serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose, back-lit mirrors are ideal for style-switchers who fancy bringing a spot of extravagance to their bathroom.
“Introducing metalwork touches into your bathroom furniture and accessories has been gradually on the rise as a design trend since 2016 and there is no sign of slowing down.
“In 2023, we expect to see gunmetal make an appearance amongst the brass and copper metalwork features.
“Searches for gunmetal-related bathroom furniture and accessories are up year-on-year by 1,600 per cent. We predict many will use gunmetal accents to transform an ordinary bathroom into a more lavish space that can be effortlessly matched with a wide range of materials including marble, wood, stone and ceramics.”
Bathroom panelling
“A trend that has been popular throughout the entire home in 2022 is panelling (pictured top), and it’s set to take a step into the bathroom in 2023 to create the ultimate Cottagecore look.
“Online searches related to using panelling in the bathroom have grown by a massive 93,000 per cent in the past year, so it’s no surprise people are looking to kit out their bathrooms to match the new wall décor trend.
“Make a statement with panelling and install a freestanding bath with chrome claw feet for that extra luxurious feel. Opt for floating sanitaryware so the panelling can run seamlessly around the room, and if space allows include a design-led vanity unit with a pastel-coloured basin.”
Why sacrifice style for an affordable price tag? With the new Tenet collection by Roca, you can have both. Compatible with pieces from Roca’s other ranges and designed to suit bathrooms of all sizes and styles, the new collection of handleless vanity units is both simple in style and flexible in use.
Here, Natalie Bird, brand manager for Roca, reveals three more reasons why Tenet is a welcome addition to the Roca family.
Reason One: Five different finishes Tenet vanity units come in a choice of five glossy and wood finishes. “Pick a glossy finish in white or grey to catch and reflect light, making your bathroom feel roomier,” says Natalie.
Alternatively, choose between three wood-effect finishes: Nordic ash, city oak and walnut. “A wood look never fails to create an inviting contrast to all the shiny surfaces that come as standard in the bathroom,” Natalie adds.
Reason two: Versatile design
The Tenet vanity unit is 460mm deep and comes in a variety of widths to suit different storage needs. Sizes range from 600mm to 1200mm, with two, three, four or six drawers complete with built-in organisers to keep all your toiletries tidy yet close to hand. There’s also the option to have two doors instead of drawers – a convenient way to store taller bottles upright. Those wanting to boost the feeling of openness should choose a wall-hung Tenet vanity as exposing more of the floor gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom. What’s more, freeing up floorspace makes cleaning easier too.
A word of caution: “Wall-hung vanities require a little thought around concealing the waste pipe,” says Natalie. This is easy to do but needs to happen before fitting to avoid sudden changes at the end of the project.
If you prefer the look of a floor-standing unit, need extra storage space or your plumbing lends itself better to this style, the Tenet collection includes a three-drawer option that is sold with legs. “This still needs to be fixed to the wall but may offer a more practical solution for family or main bathrooms,” explains Natalie.
Reason three: Modern handleless look
“The beauty of a handleless design is that you can choose any finish for your brassware without the worry that it doesn’t match the handles on your vanity,” says Natalie. To complete the look, matching column- and wall-unit storage solutions are also available in Roca’s Extra range, giving you the option of a coordinated suite.
Main image (top): Tenet vanity unity in walnut with two soft-close drawers and integrated basin, 800mm wide, £688,with Luna mirror with ambient LED light, ⌀800mm, £336.
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.
Designing a shower room demands a detailed analysis of its impact on the environment and its longevity. Every aspect of a new project calls for consideration, from its unavoidable imprint on the world around us to its ‘well-being or usability gauge’ for the end user.
Today we consider some of the options on the market, from accessible shower rooms to eco-design and space-saving options.
Future-proofing
Gone are the days of the unsightly handrail; today’s designers can incorporate inclusive features from the outset. For hotel design, some of the latest chameleonic options mean hotel rooms may be used as multi-purpose zones, quickly switched to aid clients that require accessibility, to all-purpose spaces when demand is high. For the home, features such as level-access shower trays and walk-in enclosures deliver design-led versatility for all users.
Stephen Maley, UK sales director, HEWI UK Ltd, explains: “Floor-level showers are very much in vogue at the moment, especially in accessible washrooms. They are accessible and, with the right floor space, also enable wheelchair users to shower independently.”
Extending independence further, HEWI’s newly launched seat family offers increased comfort and safety in the shower and the entire washroom. Its design is based on the well-known 950 stool and features a new, modern design language.
We are also seeing an increase in collections that offer a range of accessible products that work together in harmony, thus making it easier to create a cohesive, aesthetic design. Stephen Maley agrees: “It is not only the floor-level shower that makes the shower accessible; shower seats, grab rail, and many other products make a significant contribution to creating accessibility in showers.”
Mixing it up
Ideal Standard Navigo® technology
Energy and water-saving features are fast becoming fundamental to the design toolkit; products that efficiently help set water flow and temperature are in demand, not only for environmental reasons but also for personal safety, especially in multi-generational settings.
The German-engineered Navigo® technology from Ideal Standard features a simple push-and-turn movement to control water flow at your preselected temperature. This innovative temperature safety technology adds to the user’s well-being by automatically adjusting the flow of hot or cold water if pressure spikes or is lost. Meanwhile, the Cool Body technology works like a protective shield, keeping the controls and body cool to the touch despite the interior flow of hot water.
The continued popularity of complete shower systems is also because they offer a one-stop shop for designers who wish to incorporate various optional showering products, such as hand-held showers or overhead showers.
Ashley Smith, product manager (UK), residential brassware at Ideal Standard, explains: “Further flexibility is afforded for housebuilders and end users through shower systems with rain showers and hand sprays that allow end users to change between spraying modes for further customisation. Shower systems can also be paired with baths where space allows, giving the bathroom a diverse range of options while being cheaper than getting a new built-in shower installed.”
Guiding lights
Lakes Ambient light-up walk-in
Lighting changes our perception of space, and whilst brighter lights make us more alert, ambient lighting is diffused equally throughout the room, creating a sense of calm. With ‘cocooning’ having more than just a moment in the ‘trends chatter’; we are seeing an increase in showering options that provide gentle, ambient surroundings.
Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes Showering Spaces, agrees: “Once considered a functional space, bathrooms have become private sanctuaries designed for mindfulness and relaxation. The quest to turn the home bathroom into a spa isn’t particularly new in itself but will be something we are likely to see more of next year. 2023 bathroom trends predict a move towards opening up bathroom spaces, removing bathtubs and replacing with larger, walk-in showers that ooze luxury with the addition of brass, copper and gold features for a subtle hint of colour and interest.”
Ingeniously designed to offer a calming, soothing and tranquil shower experience, the unique Ambient Walk-In from Lakes Showering Spaces (pictured above) features a PIR motion sensor that triggers a built-in LED lighting system along the edge of the glass panel, emitting a low-level soft glow.
Frameless chic
Kudos Pinnacle8 Shower Enclosure
As UK homes are becoming smaller, omitting the bath is one way to make the most out of a reduced floor area. Where there is enough space for a bath, walk-in showers, frameless designs or quadrant options, all help give the illusion of a larger floor space.
Kudos Showers is introducing some superbly stylish frameless, low-level access additions to its Pinnacle8 Shower enclosure collection. These stunning frameless models maximise space and light and include hinged and quadrant functionality in matt black and chrome profiles.
Personal choice
Kudos Pinnacle8Ideal Standard i.lifeHEWI Family Seat
Increasinlgy designers are asked to create bespoke compositions catering to individual styles and awkward or unusual shapes and sizes, such as sloping ceilings, cellar, and loft conversions. Manufacturers are, in turn, offering a vast array of choices regarding colour, finish, size and shape.
Nick Graville, sales & marketing director at UK manufacturer Kudos Shower Products, tells us: “Personalisation is the buzzword for bathroom design today and the choice of products has never been larger to facilitate it. This is certainly true in Showering where latest trends include a greater choice of enclosure profile finishes reflecting the metallic colourways popular in taps and showers.”
i.life S from Ideal Standard has a contemporary, space-saving, soft-square design and includes a range of products, including shower trays. i.life S complements smaller spaces and is perfect for ensuites and under-the-stairs bathrooms.
Staying grounded
Kaldewei Superplan Zero
As we become more climate-aware, purchasing decisions are under scrutiny. A 2021 surveycarried out by Leaders Romans Group (LRG) revealed that 70% of respondents across the UK would like their property to be more eco-friendly. Whilst YouGov research of 2,000 UK adults found that 52% of us inform our purchase decisions based on brands’ eco-credentials. For designers, products with sustainable credentials are undoubtedly a new necessity.
Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK agrees, “Classic style, quality workmanship and longevity within a circular economy is key, more than ever before specifiers are looking for elements that can be re-used, reworked and recycled.”
Kaldewei manufactures its sanitaryware using Bluemint steel reducing its carbon output by 70 per cent and enabling it to produce luxurious, sustainable bathroom solutions. The Superplan Zero is flat to the floor, with zero steps and zero edges making it ideal for bathrooms in both the hotel and hospitality sector as well as for homebuilders.
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review
Whatever the size of your bathroom who can say no to additional storage space? The Niva Bath from Vasco, is a steel designer radiator that only uses 4 litres of water enabling it to provide a rapid and powerful heating source plus additional storage space, discretely hidden behind the radiator.
The radiator is set 325 mm further away from the wall, than a traditional radiator. This distance allows more than enough space for fitted shelves, perfect for towels and other accessories plus a rail where shirts and robes can be hung to be aired or warmed before use.
The radiator is available in 55 colours, whilst the shelves are available in standard in black (RAL 9005), or white (S600) so this practical radiator ticks every box in terms of interior design, sustainability, style and of course storage.
The Niva Bath is just one of the extensive ranges of steel designer radiators and accessories from Vasco each providing the perfect ambient temperature for any room.
Created by esteemed French designer Toan Nguyen, Laufen’s new Lua collection comprises rimless wall-hung and close-coupled WCs and bidets; single and double washbasins; freestanding and back-to-wall bathtubs in durable Marbond composite and acrylic drop-in bathtubs.
The Lua collection is designed to complement LAUFEN’s Lani furniture of wall-hung vanity units, wall cabinets and tall cabinets with a timeless aesthetic to suit any bathroom décor, the series offers savvy storage for compact and spacious bathrooms alike.
Beautifully designed inside and out, Lani furniture offers plenty of space for essentials, with safety glass shelving and compartmentalised drawers. A range of mirrors completes the look.
The Lua ceramic collection is available in Laufens innovative Clean Coat (LCC) finish, which is baked on over the original glaze. This creates a pore-free, practically indestructible surface that ensures grime, limescale and bacteria are easily rinsed away by running water.
Lani furniture comes in a standard palette of White Matt, White Glossy, Traffic Grey and Wild Oak. Also available are three metallic finishes – Gold, Copper and Titanium – and 37 matt colours, ranging from Sage Green and Smokey Blue to Antique Pink and Ochre Brown.
Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua washbasin, £232, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in White Matt, £633, Lani tall cabinet in White Matt, £635.
Pictured very top: Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua freestanding bathtub in White, £2901, Lua wall-mounted bath mixer and hand shower, £294, Lua double washbasin, £1217, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in Wild Oak, £1110, Lani tall cabinet in Wild Oak, £794, Lani mirror, £891.
A new brand to the market,the House of Piccadilly, has made its catalogue available on Virtual Worlds software.
House of Piccadilly offers a diverse range of colours, sizes and styles across its range of products, from radiators to mixer taps. The range is said to cover everything needed to create stunning bathroom designs, from composite stone baths and wash basins, to antique radiator valves. Al its products are imagined and made by plumbing and interior experts, combining an eye for artistry with years of experience in what works best.
“House of Piccadilly is all about celebrating originality, with a vision to develop a brand that is constantly evolving ahead of interiors trends,” explains managing director Harry Pashby. “As a new brand to the market we want to shake things up and provide customers with added value. Joining Virtual Worlds is an important part of this, enabling retailers to include our extra-special piece in their designs with ease, so their customer can enjoy homes that are extraordinary.
“Not only are the products out of the ordinary, but the price point is a key differentiator too. Working with its manufacturing partners, House of Piccadilly can provide the unique styles, varied colours and superior standard that consumers are seeing, at a more widely affordable price.”
Find out more about House of Piccadilly here and for more information visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk or call 01908 663848.
About Virtual Worlds
Virtual Worlds is a UK leader in innovation-led CAD technology for the KBB market. Since launching in 1998 it is said to be the first company to develop 3D design software for KBB retailers and, most recently, it has launched its new 4D Showroom Technology. Virtual Worlds is a division of Logicom Computer Services (UK) Ltd
Straight from the exhibition halls of Cersaie, Acquabella, a leading Spanish brand, is launching its nature-inspired Halo and Icon Slate collection.
The Halo Slate has a microtextured cornice which runs across the frame, becoming more defined as it joins the design-led efficient drainage system which runs discreetly around the perimeter of the tray allowing water to flow into the slightly raised plate trap.
Icon Slate is a wall-mounted sculptural totem, where practicality is beautifully fused with design to create a stunning structure. The Icon Slate totem narrows at the base, with a clever design device; incorporating a contrasting texture to highlight the shape. At the top, the totem opens to a wider basin, framed on three sides with a delicate profile.
Both the Halo Slate tray and the Icon Slate totem are made from Acquabella’s patented material Akron®
Akron® exclusively combines the properties of polyurethane with mineral fillers for an excellent, high-quality, durable anti-bacterial and anti-slip surface.
The Icon Slate totem is 85x52x40 cm and featured here in a gorgeous Forest Green but is available in over 2000 RAL colours.
The Halo Slate tray comes in standard sizes from 70 cm x 100 cm to 100 x 200 cm, pictured top in Blanco but available in over 2000 RAL colours.
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.
With energy and water usage taking centre stage in every household, it is no surprise smart technology is cementing its role as a must-have household essential. For the bathroom, products that incorporate smart technology are part of the sustainable toolkit and an asset for nurturing our well-being.
Today we consider some options available to the market, from water-saving designs to app-controlled bathroom cabinets and ambient Bluetooth lighting.
App-y days
Elisa Bathrooms Intuition brushed brass bath digital showers
The latest mobile app usage statistics tell us there are 2.7 million apps now available on the Google Play Store and that 49% of people will open an app 11+ times a day. With these phenomenal stats showing no signs of abating, what does it mean for bathroom design?
We asked Paul Bailey, leader of product management, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK, who explained how interacting with technology will help generate business for the industry, especially in the luxury sector.
Paul comments: “The modern homeowner’s desire for a connected, smart home in which various aspects of their life can be monitored, tracked, and organised via their smartphone is generating lots of sales in the bathroom industry.
“As wellness and personal wellbeing take centre stage, we have seen the popularity for smart shower toilets and luxury connected showers increase significantly. Smart products can really amplify the sense of wellbeing for the consumer due to much greater personalisation features, so consumers can create a bathroom experience that can be truly tailored to their individual needs and tastes.”
Elisa’s Intuition and Incite smart digital showers are good examples; both feature a ShowerMe Smart App, so each household member can create their profile. Seamless connectivity with smart home systems allows the showers to be voice-controlled with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
When it comes to sustainable design, products that help the consumer manage consumption are clearly important in the current climate. Traditionally consumers have found it difficult to understand why they should change habits, but the rise of thesmart meter, coupled with the energy crisis, has helped customers understand how much individual usage impacts the wallet. Smart shower technology dovetails in with this technology, extending visibility over energy and water use.
AO.com’s data reporting shows that searches for smart thermostats have increased by a staggering 140% MoM as people look for ways to stay on top of their energy consumption AO.com’s smart home expert, Kevin Walmsley, said: “With popular models such as the Hive and tado°, many Brits are looking into ways in which they can control their heating at the touch of a button on their smart phones.”
Joe Brawn, head of product management at Elisa, agrees: “Smart digital technology not only allows user personalisation, but greater visibility of water consumption, which – in this current environment – is front of mind for so many. Compromised shower experiences are not desirable, but providing the data to allow people to manage their shower experience via understanding time and water usage is key.”
VitrA’s smart panel flushplate utilises an app that records usage data from the day of installation – it has regular reporting features that allow households to see their weekly water usage and identify how they can be more efficient. The app also relays local water announcements and power updates to aid in better management of flushing systems.
Light up my life
Detail Lighting
Utilising smart lighting in the bathroom lets designers set the stage for various bathroom routines, helping create a versatile backdrop that works with any mood, be it gentle lighting for bathtime or perky lighting for personal grooming.
Piero de Marchis, director of Detail Lighting, tells us: “From a practical point of view it’s wise to opt for low-level lighting in the bathroom, ideally on a movement sensor as this means you won’t be blinded by bright overhead lighting at night time. If you’re able to, incorporate Bluetooth control lighting into your bathroom, this allows you to easily control the light level or set the ‘scene’ depending on whether it’s the kids’ bathroom or you are in pampering mode”.
Stay tuned
HiB Sound Cabinet
Technology and entertainment are integrated into all our living spaces, and the bathroom is no exception. Having access to your favourite playlist in every room of the house is achieved via the latest technology. Hib’s latest Sound cabinet uses integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so users can easily enjoy their best-loved music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Smart reflections
Duravit also delivers a range of smart mirrors* operated by the Casambi light-control app. Designed to help create a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom, customers can create and save scenes, such as extra-soft lighting for some spa downtime. Light temperature with a memory effect, mirror heating, or dim function is easy to control via the app.
Duravit Zencha Duravit Happy D2+ Duravit White Tulip
