Bathrooms and shower rooms are increasingly being designed as extensions of our living spaces, a space to retreat, relax and rejuvenate rather than just for practicalities. CRL shower hardware taps into this movement, with colours and styles to suit all décor schemes.
Frameless solutions, such as Cambridge (pictured top) and Serenity sliding shower doors, offer the ultimate in wet-room style luxury that also maximises accessibility in the modern bathroom.
A further highlight is the CRL Geneva hinge, available in a wide choice of finishes and suitable for bespoke applications, enabling the shower area to be tailored to fit any space, ideal when working with awkward shapes and sizes in rooms such as in corners and under eaves.
Integrating smart features into our homes is becoming part of the new normal as more of us work from home.The smart homes market was valued at around $80 billion in 2020, and it is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2026.
With UK householders dramatically increasing the number of smart devices they own, it makes sense for us to integrate smart living into the bathroom. For housebuilders, incorporating connected technology at build level might be a smart move in more ways than one, as demonstrated this year by Plant Prefab. The US prefab construction company announced its highest profit ever in 2020.
Mike Simpson, product & marketing director at Aqualisa agrees “There are currently 15 million households that own a smart home device, with predictions suggesting growth to 24 million by 2025. Smart technology is making homes more efficient and cheaper to run: reducing energy consumption, saving money, decreasing environmental impact and delivering a more personalised experience. “
All systems go
Scavolini Dandy Bathroom Furniture with built-in Alexa
Alexa is now a familiar feature in our kitchen and living areas, however, Scavolini has gone one step further and updated its popular Dandy bathroom furniture range with a smart built-in Amazon Alexa. Not only can you now talk to your home, but your virtual assistant is seamlessly integrated into its design via the Task Bar, an aluminium profile that incorporates smart technology.
Appropiate behaviour
According to UWLA, bathroom products are at the heart of water consumption in the home, with over 60% of water being used in the bathroom (20% accounted for by showers), and 25% of energy used heating hot water.
Helping to conserve water use in the bathroom, Aqualisa’s next-generation Quartz Touch™ smart shower includes an intuitive, easy-to-use mobile app. Families can use the Aqualisa app to control shower duration and monitor individual usage, therefore limiting water consumption and costs. Furthermore, a proximity sensor reduces water flow if the user steps away from the shower.
“With more than 2 billion litres of water used each day in the UK and an expected increase in demand of 30% over the next 20 years, sustainability has become a key priority in the bathroom industry. Combined with the rapid adoption of technology, this is resulting in the emergence of smart home devices that can both enhance consumers’ wellbeing and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.” continues Mike Simpson, product & marketing director, Aqualisa.
Aqualisa
Keep it clean
Smart technology is dovetailing with a new focus on hygiene as manufacturers integrate touch-free features for frequently used bathroom areas such as guest bathrooms. Sensor-activated products that you don’t have to touch with your hands help us feel more comfortable and enhance hygiene levels.
TOTO is one such company and is offering more touch-free functionalities for its shower toilets (WASHLET™), taps, soap dispenser and automatic hand dryers.
Mirror image
The bathroom is no longer simply a functional space, but a place to rejuvenate and refresh. Light and sound are key design elements when it comes to creating a safe haven, however smart technology also ensures that all-important connectivity. The latest technology means every aspect can be smartly integrated so there is no need to compromise on any single element.
Ash Chilver, HiB Sales Director agrees “As bathrooms become more of a multipurpose space, somewhere that we go to relax and unwind as well as for our hygiene needs, having access to technology is becoming more important. By using and interacting with products featuring technology such as integrated speakers, Bluetooth and charging ports, we can stay connected and enhance our experience and overall enjoyment of the bathroom.”
Teeming with useful technology, the Dimension LED Bluetooth Speaker cabinet (pictured top and below) offers a number of features that enhance the user experience in the bathroom. The cabinet’s dual aspect LED illumination is operated via a handy touch sensor that highlights the design on the mirrored sides and doors. Hidden discreetly within the mirror surface is a heated pad that helps to reduce condensation, and inside the cabinet, the two handy USB ports and a 2 pin socket allows users to charge their devices, toothbrushes and shavers.
Delivering greater hygiene and cleanliness, TOTO has new touch-free solutions designed especially for the bathroom.
It is now understood the fewer things that you need to touch by hand, the better. Touch-free taps and hand dryers were once reserved for public washrooms yet are now becoming more common in peoples homes.
TOTO has designed a variety of solutions for the bathroom that will elevate your standards of hygiene: In addition to several WASHLET models with automatic flush options, the Japanese sanitaryware company offers touch-free taps, soap dispensers, hand dryers and washbasins with especially dirt-resistant ceramic surfaces.
Touch-free features are especially welcome in frequently used guest bathrooms. Sensor-activated products that you don’t have to touch with your hands help you feel cleaner and more comfortable.
WASHLETTM with sensor-activated lid and automatic flush
Guest bathrooms are trending more towards shower toilets with integrated intimate cleansing features that minimise the need for toilet paper. The latest model from TOTO is WASHLET™ RW auto flush with automatic flush functionality. Once you approach WASHLET, the sensor-activated lid raises – and the toilet flushes automatically when you walk away. WASHLET will determine how much water to use for the flush based on the amount of time you spend sitting on the toilet.
LINEARCERAM Washbasin
For extra peace of mind TOTO’s washbasins are made from its notably slim ceramic which is, dirt-resistant and easy-to-clean (LINEARCERAM). It is used in many washbasins, including TOTO’s eye-catching asymmetrical TA vessel. It has a dirt-resistant, easy-to-clean ceramic surface, which essentially prevents waste and bacteria from accumulating. This robust surface can even be cleaned using microfibre cloth and will still keep its brilliant shine after years of constant use.
TOTO’s sensor-based faucets, soap dispenser and hand dryers
Automatic taps equipped with sensors bring even more hygiene to the bathroom, including TOTO’s elegant, wall-mounted Autofaucet with concealed installation. The hidden sensor in the faucet can register every hand movement and dispense the exact amount of water needed. The tap even generates its own electricity from the flow of water – no power socket required.
If you’re trying to maximise hygiene, the move from the touch-free tap to automatic hand dryer is an obvious one. TOTO’s powerful model is an ideal solution for guest bathrooms in the home, drying hands with warm air in no time. According to a company statement, “Our Research Department has also managed to reduce the noise of our hand dryer to a minimum – making it a great option for home bathrooms.”
Scavolini has updated its popular Dandy furniture range with a smart built-in Amazon Alexa. Not only can you now talk to your home, but your virtual assistant is seamlessly integrated into its design via the Task Bar, an aluminium profile that incorporates smart technology.
For the bathroom, the Task Bar is located above the vanity top (as shown in the image above). A smart speaker is also integrated within so whether you want to listen to your favourite tunes while dressing, catch up on current affairs in the shower or ask Alexa to dim the lights at bath time, your wish is her command.
The Task Bar can also be fitted with a series of accessories, including shelves, towel rails and soap holders, as well as LED lights recessed along its length. The bathroom pictured features an aluminium Task Bar and Oak veneer vanity unit with Prestige White handles.
The concept brings together the best of old and new. Fabiana Scavolini, CEO of Scavolini, says: “Our Made in Italy tradition, teamed with cutting-edge technological research, led to this extraordinary project, which looks to the near future while reinventing our past. The shapes of Dandy Plus bring to mind our best-selling model from the 1980s, Dandy, in a clear tribute to Italian design and a solution to the needs of consumers who are increasingly connected.
“In partnership with celebrated architect Fabio Novembre of Novembre Studio, we started by thinking about the increasing presence of technology in our everyday activities and in our homes. Dandy Plus is a smart, innovative and comprehensive project, designed for everyone who wants an all-over digital experience at home.”
PJH has launched a luxurious new modular furniture range, aptly named “Statement”.The range is part of its new Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love Collection and is available in three super matt soft shades – Matt Antique Rose, Matt Latte and Matt White.
Statement consists of a range of basin units and tall units (also available in a wall-hung option) and can be complemented with a choice of handles in three on-trend finishes – Brushed Brass, Matt Black or Polished Chrome. The basin unit drawers feature luxurious smoked glass sides and anti-slip drawer liners.
The basin units with tops come in two widths (590mm & 1180mm) and can be teamed with choices of handle and washbowl as well as a worktop – including an Urban Black 10mm HPL (High-Pressure Laminate), a White Slate 12mm HPL and a Matt Latte 18mm laminate design. A third basin unit option, at 610mm in width, comes with a 1-tap hole inset ceramic white basin.
Sitting at the top-end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture collection Statement is a perfect showroom display piece when teamed with coordinating Bathrooms to Love products, such as brassware, washbowls, mirrors, lighting, wall-hung ceramics and accessories, as shown above.
A five-year quality guarantee accompanies the Statement range, which is featured on the front cover of the brand new PJH Bathrooms to Love consumer brochure.
Stockist support includes new point-of-sale material, furniture colour swatch samples and display deals – and the new range is now available for ordering via PJH’s e-commerce platform, the Partners Portal™.
D-Neo Minimal is a new bathroom range by designer Bertrand Lejoly for Duravit. With a pared-down aesthetic designed to counter-balance the current fast pace of life, the range includes bathroom furniture, taps, a washbasin, bathtub and mirrors.
The clear, minimalist and geometric forms are complemented by muted brown and subdued beige colour tones. tones that work equally well In all bathroom schemes, from Scandinavian to urban.
Duravit considers the design elements to suit urban individualists whose lifestyles are defined by jettisoning anything superfluous. for this demographic, the bathroom is a haven of peace with clear forms and minimalistic design that make the daily rituals a regenerative experience.
Taps & washbasin
The D-Neo faucets feature a clear-cut design that holds its own in any room. they pare beautifully with the 800 mm asymmetric washbasin, a highlight of the D-Neo range. The vanity unit with open racks and a drawer provides plenty of storage space. With four glass shelves, the semi-tall cabinet also offers ample storage in a compact space.
BathroomFurniture
The new Oak Black finish furniture is calming to the eye and designed to open up the room.
Bathtub
The 1600 x 750 mm free-standing D-Neo bath has the velvety look and feel of the DuraSolid® material, which was developed by Duravit, making the piece an eye-catching choice for bathrooms of any size.
Mirrors
Circular mirrors from the Universal Light & Mirror range provide indirect lighting to pleasantly illuminate the washing area.
About Duravit
Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms. The company is active in more than 130 countries worldwide and stands for innovation in the fields of signature design, comfort-enhancing technology and premium quality. In cooperation with an international network of high-profile designers such as Philippe Starck, sieger design, Christian Werner, Cecilie Manz and young talents such as Bertrand Lejoly and Kurt Merki Jr., the company develops unique bathrooms that enhance quality of life for users on a sustained basis. Duravit’s product portfolio comprises sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, tap fittings and accessories as well as installation systems.
PJH has announced that for the second time this year, it is unveiling a brand new collection of bathroom products to add to its Bathrooms to Love portfolio.
New and updated ranges feature in the furniture, ceramic, worktop, bath and accessory categories, and include new design-led collections as well as beautiful new colours and finishes, and product specification upgrades.
A refreshed new 332-page consumer brochure accompanies the launch (Bathrooms to Love – Issue 18), including aspirational new lifestyle photography and, as always, supported with a package of stockist sales assistance, such as new point-of-sale material, furniture colour swatch samples, display deals and competitive pricing. PJH’s e-commerce platform, the PJH Partners Portal™, now lists all new products, making online ordering even easier, especially with the use of convenient functions such as live stock information and order tracking.
The evolving Bathrooms to Love Collection welcomes a number of new furniture ranges, including the luxurious “Statement” modular furniture family available in a super matt finish including a stunning Antique Rose colourway, as well as the hi-spec “Gatsby” modular furniture range with integrated LED lighting and high quality Blum fittings.
The popular “Lucia” ‘transitional’ furniture range see’s a new wall-hung cabinet option added to its choices, and the fitted furniture range “Benita” welcomes some new unit options. More contemporary worktops have been added to the furniture category along with a stunning marble-effect vessel basin – a real centrepiece!
Meanwhile, the modern freestanding bath range now offers a number of designs available in a new matt grey finish, available from stock for immediate delivery without having to pre-order – so great news for stockists with no lengthy ‘painted-to-order’ lead times.
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.
Geberit has unveiled its biophilic en-suite design, created in collaboration with award-winning interiors blogger, writer, workshop presenter and social media influencer Lisa Dawson.
Featuring Geberit’s sleek and slim Renova Plan furniture in light hickory, the compact and versatile AquaClean Tuma shower toilet and luxury concrete and chrome flush plate, Lisa’s design incorporates a mix of natural, botanical and sustainable influences.
Documenting her journey through Instagram, Lisa has shared the entire design process from beginning to end, from the initial room sketches, mood boards and trends inspiration to product decisions, sneak peeks and finishing touches.
Lisa’s followers were invited to join her every step of the way and encouraged to participate in the design journey, assisting in decisions on colours, patterns, accessories and finishes.
Sophie Weston, channel marketing manager at Geberit, said: “We’re thrilled to able to unveil the completed en-suite design we’ve been working on with Lisa over the past few months. Lisa has designed and planned a beautifully functional space, the result being a cool, calm room with lots of natural materials, subtle colour and plenty of plants to aid creativity and enhance wellbeing.
“Together, we wanted to prove that bathrooms shouldn’t just be functional – they should be beautiful too, and we think Lisa’s finished design proves just that!
“The final biophilic design incorporates our brand new Renova Plan range in light hickory, a new colourway we’ve added to complement the existing White high gloss coated and Lava matt coated. We’ve also incorporated some spa-like luxury to the room by featuring the surprisingly versatile and cutting-edge AquaClean Tuma shower toilet.
“Whether you’re considering what colour palettes work best for the bathroom, are wondering how to incorporate technology, maximise storage or boost biophilia in your home – we hope the room Lisa has designed will give those in planning mode some inspiration they can take away and implement in their own homes.
Lisa Dawson added: “I’m delighted to have partnered with Geberit once again to talk all things bathrooms, and to set about my exciting mission to design an en-suite that not only works really hard but looks stunning and makes you feel good too – that’s very important!
“The design process was great fun and I got my audience involved in some of those all-important styling decisions too and wow, did they do a great job! I’m thrilled with the finished result and hope the journey we embarked on together with help inspire others starting to plan their own bathroom spaces.”
