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
Bathrooms to Love, PJH’s exclusive bathroom brand, welcomes ‘TEXTURE’, a new premium fitted furniture family to its collection this month, featuring a beautiful soft fluted, textured design to its door and drawer fronts, combined with high quality internal storage space.
Responding to the growing trend for adding more textures and interesting finishes to the bathroom, the new TEXTURE fitted furniture range comes in two on-trend super matt shades, Matt White or Matt Graphite Grey.
Its elegant soft fluted, tactile design creates an aesthetically pleasing play with the light and the range is a perfect choice for adding individually to a bathroom scheme. What’s more, with three handle choices in Matt Black, Brushed Brass or Chrome, designers can coordinate with other products in the space such as brassware, showers, enclosures, mirrors and lighting – as pictured here with the brushed brass option.
Sitting at the top end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture portfolio, TEXTURE features a high specification design, incorporating luxurious soft-close hinges and drawer boxes, contrasting oak-effect interiors, plenty of interior drawers and shelves, and robust 18mm doors and panels – for long-lasting performance and quality.
Taking prime position on the front cover of the new Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love consumer brochure, the aspirational new TEXTURE fitted furniture range is available in a range of unit types and sizes, that can be fitted together flawlessly for a streamlined, textured look. Choose from Basin, WC, Tall, Drawer, Base, Wall or Mirrored units and team with complementary ceramics, worktops, panels and plinths.
Ready to order now from PJH’s online Partners Portal™ platform, the new TEXTURE range is available from stock and via PJH’s Next Day Delivery service if required. Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, new point-of-sale material and all marketing collateral.
If ditching a classic grey interior altogether isn’t for you, then you’ll be pleased to know brand new data from interior experts at Stelrad has shown that a winning combo is yellow and grey, having discovered a 157% increase in Google searches for a ‘yellow and grey living room’ in the UK over the last 30 days.
Chris Harvey from Stelrad explains why yellow and grey creates a calming synergy: “Grey has always been such a classic and elegant neutral for people to use in their home. Whilst it’s calming, there’s no need to be afraid of injecting additional colours or tones to elevate your space. Yellow can do exactly this – these two colours are perfect for anyone looking to create a warm and inviting space, yet calming and cheerful which isn’t too bold for anyone who is a little more classic and introverted. As we spend longer at home as darker, colder days descend on us, it’s important that your room provides a happy and serene space.”
According to Chris Harvey – there are three key ways to incorporate yellow and grey into your interior living space this season.
Add a pop of yellow through your accessories
“For the majority of homeowners, a grey living room is a classic colour to opt for. To avoid repainting, but if you want to bring colour into your home, why not make small changes via your accessories? They don’t have to be big changes either, just small accents of yellow throughout the room. Why not try adding cushions, throws, rugs or lighting to get the ball rolling? Doesn’t even need to be a lot of yellow, just enough to add a pop of colour here and there to your neutral space.”
Happy Nati Shutterstock
Go for retro
“This one will depend on your own personal taste, but it’s a great way to decorate a space. You can pair a bold retro floral wallpaper on one wall with shades of matching grey and yellow paint on the other walls to keep the scheme running throughout. If you can find (or have) vintage furniture pieces, then this is a great way to decorate the room and enhance retro vibes.”
Take an earthy approach by using mustard yellow
“When people think of the colour yellow, they often think of the colour of sunshine, but there are many different shades of sunshine, such as a warm mustard tone. This offers an earthy feel to a decorating scheme, perfect for introducing warm tones of wood furniture and natural flooring.”
Leading supplier HiB has unveiled the new ‘Sound cabinet’, which brings the latest music technology to the bathroom.
Using integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, users can enjoy their best-loved music, podcasts and audiobooks with ease. Boasting fantastic sound quality and simple operation, the ‘Sound cabinet’ enhances bathroom entertainment effortlessly.
Charging devices is also easy, thanks to integrated USB and 2 pin charging sockets, located inside Sound’s soft-close mirrored doors, which offer stunning LED illumination and include heated pads to reduce condensation on the mirrored surface.
Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “Sound offers the perfect blend of clean, elegant design and technology that customers are looking for. Being able to listen to music in excellent quality whilst the bathroom is a real advantage, there’s no need for wires or additional speakers.
“Sound also has a clean, minimalist design that really showcases LED illumination at its finest. The lighting is operated using a touch switch on the side of the cabinet and because of the mirrored surfaces, the cabinet will suit any bathroom aesthetic.”
To maximise storage, Sound features adjustable glass shelving, to accommodate most everyday essentials. The cabinet is available in three sizes 50cm, 60cm and 80cm with the larger options featuring a central divide to enhance useability even further.
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.
In this feature, we consider some of the options available to architects and designers, from crafty solutions that hide the accessories we would rather not see, to designs that add finesse to future-proofing.
Alternative endings
Ritmonio ELEMENTA
Planning accessories early on in the project is a safe way to ensure design clarity and continuity; however, this is not always foolproof, as change is inevitable in design evolution. Even the firmest of resolutions are subject to revision, which will impact each aspect, from surfaces to accessories. Selecting a range with a variety of finishes is one way to ensure leeway at any stage of the game.
HiB Atto Range
Ash Chilver, sales director at HiB, agrees: “Perhaps the most notable development of bathroom accessories over the years is the rise in popularity of alternative finishes. Though still a staple choice, chrome is no longer the only option and many designers and consumers are opting for alternatives such as black and brushed metals to enhance their overall look. This trend is set to continue with further options currently being developed.”
Options such as HiB’s Atto range are available in chrome, black and brushed brass finishes, offering versatility applicable to various trends. Pieces in the range can be matched with brassware and mirrors with the same finish, creating a consistent style throughout the space.
Ritmonio’s ELEMENTA collection (pictured very top and above) has also been created to deliver a ‘made-to-measure’ approach for design flexibility. Available in 19 finishes and various materials, including stainless steel and acrylic stone, the clean design means individual elements can be combined to create unique compositions for countless types of accessories.
Geo style
Scavolini Jemoetrica collection
Selecting products that will outlive current trends is key to creating design with longevity. Accessories that stand the test of time may be considered in terms of shape and colour. One option is to build in geometric styling; this centuries-old style plays well with a wide range of surroundings delivering elegance and flair.
James Sketch, country manager of KEUCO UK agrees: “Now more than ever before project managers and specifiers are looking for elements that have a practical aspect, and a design style that will last, and ensures the bathroom maintains a contemporary look for many years to come.”
Scavolini’s Jemoetrica collection(pictured above) is a perfect example of this. Created in collaboration with world-renowned designer Luca Nichetto it is heavily influenced by three iconic 20th-century designs: Ellsworth Kelly’s Sculpture for a Large Wall, Gio Ponti’s multifunctional wall units and Donald Judd’s three-dimensional structures. The wall panel accommodates a series of holes onto which shelves, containers and small accessories can be attached and moved as required.
Keuco REVAKeuco REVAKeuco REVA
Another alternative is KEUCO’s REVA accessories series; the collection has been crafted as a clear geometric shape – ideal for various styles and living environments, regardless of fashion trends.
Attention to detail
KEUCO REVA Shower Shelf
However necessary (and beautifully designed) accessories are, they must work hard to look good. Creating clean lines and an uncluttered feel can be difficult once you add shelving and accompaniments.
One way to combat this is to build in recesses or to include accessories that hide away. A squeegee will always be a little awkward, yet, KEUCO’s shower shelf (pictured above) has a hidden extra that remedies the problem – a glass squeegee is invisibly integrated into the design, a detail that is both creative and practical.
Unidrain’s REFRAME collection is also packed full of cleverly engineered designs. It has been created with keen attention to detail to guarantee the ultimate user experience. For example, the newly launched soap dispenser has a robust construction with a non-slip base which keeps it upright and stable, but the most noble design feature is the angled nozzle. This has been crafted to dispense a specifically measured quantity of soap and due to the angle, the soap lands in your hand and not on the washbasin.
HiB support barHiB foldable shower seatHiBshower shelf
Bathroom accessories are, by default, hands-on, and we know haptics play a significant role in our sense of well-being. This makes shape and texture a key consideration when planning accessories and is especially pertinent to future-proofing or accessible design; for example, a supportive, comfortable grab rail will deliver a heightened sense of safety.
HiB’s multigenerational accessories are an excellent option for families with many age groups living under one roof. Careful planning early on in the project is key when building an accessible design; products such as foldable shower seats can be a stylish but practical solution that aids mobility and access without imposing on the available space.
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review
Impey, best known as one of the UK’s market-leading wetroom manufacturers, has announced the introduction of four new colours of drain top to their portfolio. The shades Gold, Anthracite, Bronze and Black, have been chosen to complement the brand’s Aqua-Dec EasyFit and Aqua-Dec Linear range of wetroom floor formers. The Allure collection and new Paragon drain tops will be available from September 2022, throughout the brand’s nationwide retailer network.
Impey is renowned for its portfolio of wetroom solutions including its Aqua-Dec wetroom floor formers with inbuilt drainage gradient. In addition to the popular Aqua-Dec range, Impey has released an eye-catching new selection of coloured drain tops that offer enhanced personalisation options and will fit both the linear and square style of wetroom floors.
The new linear Allure range is available in both 600mm and 800mm sizes for the Aqua-Dec Linear floor formers. While the new square Allure range has been designed to fit the Aqua-Dec EasyFit.
In addition to the new colours, Impey will simultaneously launch two high-quality stainless steel drain tops ‘Paragon’ which will also be available in a brushed or polished finish. The pioneering new drain tops offer a minimalist aesthetic and customisation within any bathroom space.
Both the Allure collection and Paragon drain tops boast high flow rates, exceptional quality and are manufactured with a low carbon footprint.
Said Jessica Davis, Impey’s product manager, shower floors: “We are excited to launch the stunning Allure Collection and Paragon drain tops as an addition to our Aqua-Dec wetroom floor former drainage solutions. Giving specifiers and homeowners an opportunity to customise their wetrooms and coordinate perfectly with bathroom accessories or screen profiles. The colourful drain tops will sit alongside our existing wetroom floor former options and can be purchased as an upgrade to a complete wetroom solution or as a stand-alone item.”
Both new additions to Allure and Paragon are manufactured in the UK using locally sourced products and suppliers. Targeting sustainability, 100% of the packaging is recyclable cardboard and the Allure collection is PVD coated; the most energy-efficient coating process.
The Valesso Fitted Furniture range from Bathrooms to Love, one of the brand’s best selling furniture collections, has introduced a new finish to its family of fitted units; a bold new MATT INDIGO BLUE colourway.
Joining the current Valesso range which includes three high gloss finishes (Onyx Grey Gloss, Pearl Grey Gloss and White Gloss), this new inky blue matt option is a welcome addition to the range offering Bathrooms to Love stockists another on-trend choice to entice the consumer. What’s more, it satisfies the growing popularity of the use of the many shades of blue in contemporary bathroom design.
A fitted furniture range, Valesso features an integrated handle, which when combined with a flush fitted arrangement of both floor and wall units, boasts a clean, streamlined and extremely slick look. The tactile super matt tones of the Indigo Blue finish complete the design, pairing up perfectly with bright white ceramics and brushed brass taps and accessories.
Available in a range of standard and space-saving slim units (222mm reduced depth), offering plenty of flexible storage solutions, the Valesso Indigo Blue range includes Basin, Drawer, Tall, Wall, Base WC, Toilet Roll and Mirrored units. All come complete with Hettich soft-close door and drawer fittings, and are colour coordinated throughout.
All base units can be teamed with a range of worktops from the Bathrooms to Love collection, available in wide choice of stylish finishes, such as this slim White Slate High Pressure Laminate (12mm thick). The bathroom specialist also offers a large choice of complementing ceramics, such as the Amyris semi-recessed basin and back-to-wall WC, as shown.
Proud to be ‘Made in the UK’, the stunning new Valesso Fitted Furniture range in Matt Indigo Blue, is manufactured to a high specification so comes complete with a 5-year Guarantee.
For further information or to order this range, contact Bathrooms to Love at PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit www.partners.pjh.uk.
Inspired by America’s mid-century modern design movement, Crosswater has launched Canvass, a new furniture collection that balances traditional design elements with modern craftsmanship to offer highly functional and stylish bathroom solutions.
Canvass features classic silhouettes, calming palettes, and hard-wearing materials that work together to provide a timeless and durable collection that compliments both traditional and contemporary bathroom designs. The collection comprises a wall hung countertop unit that can be paired with coordinating height adjustable legs for a floor standing option. The Double Drawer Unit is available in four sizes, 485mm, 600mm, 700mm, and 900mm, and four flawless finishes, which include Sage Green, Deep Indigo Blue, Storm Grey Matt, and White Gloss. There is also a choice of three different handles, modern, knurled, and classic, available in a range of different finishes for a uniquely customisable offering.
Canvass features soft closing, push to open drawers and, for those that want optimum functionality and extra storage, an optional internal drawer. The Double Drawer Unit features a Carrara Marble Effect Worktop that pairs beautifully with Crosswater’s wide range of countertop basins, including Circus, Navona, and Castellon.
Available fully assembled for a quick and easy install, the Double Drawer Unit is crafted from sustainable sources and finished with a matt lacquered finish to protect the wood from bacteria, fingerprints, discolouration, and fading. The worktop is easy to clean, highly heat resistant, and impenetrable to dust, dirt, and bacteria.
With prices ranging from £1,090 to £1,785, Canvass is available from independent bathroom retailers throughout the UK, as well as several online bathroom retailers.
