Baths, basins & WCs

July 23, 2024

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.

Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.

Colour me happy

acquabella-acquasolid-encimera-kivu-mueble-show — **Acquabella Acquasolid collection**

The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.

As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.

Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’

In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).

Life’s a beach

The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.

Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’

One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.

Flushed with love

Bathroom-Review-VitrA-Quantum-Flush-WC- — VitrA ‘s QuantumFlush

Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.

“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“

VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.

Free & easy

Bathroom-Review-Bathtubs-Bathrooms-to-Love-New-STRIATA-Fluted-FS-Bath — Bathrooms to Love Striata Fluted Bath

Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.

Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”

PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models.

A complete collection

Bathroom-Review-Basins-Waterline-Bathroom-Collection — ***Waterline Bathroom Collection***

Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.

The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.

Bathroom-Review-Waterline-bath — Waterline

Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love

END

You can see more on our site if you enjoyed this Bathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review

Keep Reading

Acquabella’s baths & basins deliver luxury & style

July 22, 2024

Acquabella, known for its avant-garde designs, continues to redefine bathroom aesthetics with its latest range of baths and basins. Specialising in mineral-based solutions, Acquabella products exemplify elegance fused with functionality, appealing to both modern and classic bathroom settings.

Their flagship products, including the stylish Noon Slate bathtub and the sleek Acquasolid collection, composed of basins and worktops, showcase Acquabella’s mastery when blending form and function. Crafted from durable and silica-free materials, these offerings enhance the visual appeal of bathrooms and promise longevity and ease of maintenance—a testament to Acquabella’s dedication to sustainable design practices.

Bathroom-Review-Acquabella-baths-basins-banera-

On the one hand, the Noon bathtub features a Slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. At the same time, its smooth interior boasts a practical ledge, which is ideal for placing bath products or any accessories. Thanks to its material, Akron®, it can be designed in more than 2000 colours. On the other hand, Acquabella presents the Acquasolid collection, composed of washbasins and countertops (Tai, Kivu and Tana series) made of Solid Surface with a white, matt, highly resistant finish.

Acquabella’s commitment to innovation and quality reaffirms its position as a trendsetter in the bathroom industry. It continually pushes boundaries and sets new standards for elegance and efficiency.

Keep Reading

Targeted use of materials creates unique dream bathrooms

July 17, 2024

Duravit explores how materials can impact design. Whether selecting velvety cast-mineral materials or distinctive natural patterns, designers can raise the bar for bathroom design.

Intriguing textures, the best materials, and bespoke surfaces can create a personalised atmosphere highlighting individual design styles. A harmonious mix of materials can be achieved by comparing the different effects of the various elements used and how they interact.

Glass: lightness and transparency

Glass conveys a feeling of spaciousness and freedom and helps to create an elegant and airy atmosphere in any room. The Vitrium bathroom, designed by Christian Werner (pictured top), skillfully places this effect centre stage: the smoke-coloured glass fronts lend the furniture a light, almost floating appearance. Conversely, the black textured glass fronts combined with the wooden carcass on Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha range imbue the bathroom with a sophisticated elegance.

This makes glass a true all-rounder, which is especially effective when combined with other materials.

Natural stone: pure beauty

Choosing natural stone brings an element of nature into the bathroom. Natural stone conveys unique qualities with its individual colour nuances, textures, and patterns. A distinctive stone panel in three different tones brings a natural, timeless constancy to the Qatego designer bathroom range by Studio F. A. Porsche.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-Qatego_by_Studio_F.A.

Metal: a variety of interpretations

Metal’s currency in the furniture sector is partly due to its versatility. With a range of different variants, the material can provide an extra-special look in any bathroom. For instance, a minimalistic piece of metal furniture can create a futuristic and pared-down impression or a gentle and softer effect can be produced when combined with wood.

The Viu/XViu model perfectly exemplifies how a sleek metal frame can mix with a delicately worked ceramic basin to create a washbasin with sculptural style. In turn, the Aurena bathroom range blends Italian elegance with a touch of modern industrial style by combining the metal frame either with ceramic panels for a marbled look or embossed ebony to create a highly elegant ambience.

Bathroom-Review-Dream-Bathrooms-Aurena_by_Antonio_Citterio.jp

Bathroom-Review-Dream-Bathrooms-Duravit XViu_Viu_

Wood: cosy warmth

Surfaces with a wooden aesthetic imbue the interior design with warmth more than virtually any other raw material. Décor surfaces with a wooden texture make rooms homely and comfortable, creating a calming and relaxed atmosphere. Their natural colour palette makes them a perfect match for other surfaces, always fitting in while remaining unobtrusive. Above all, combining a wooden vanity unit and a ceramic or cast-mineral washbasin creates a sense of timeless elegance.

Ceramic: undisputed bathroom classic

Robust, durable, and easy-to-clean ceramic is practical and looks great. The innovative material DuraCeram® enables washbasins with extremely thin walls and precise dimensions to be manufactured without affecting quality and durability. A case in point is the washbasins of the Luv range, featuring clear contours and edges. They can be interpreted in various ways: sometimes elegant, sometimes minimalistic, but always unique and a design statement.

Cast mineral: tactile newcomer

There are many reasons why washbasins and bathtubs made from cast mineral are becoming increasingly popular. The unique feature of DuroCast, the cast-mineral material developed by Duravit, is the velvety matt
surface that looks elegant, and allows extremely precise shapes to be crafted.

DuroCast feels extraordinary to the touch and brings a warm yet elegant atmosphere into the bathroom, it can be perfectly combined with other materials such as wood and glass.

Keep Reading

Drummonds unveils ‘Newton’ addition to cast iron bath portfolio

July 15, 2024

Drummonds has unveiled a new addition to its family of cast iron bathtubs, the Newton. Said to offer a playful nod to mid-century Scandi design, the Newton features a generously rounded base. The bath’s body is subtly fluted to a broad rolled edge at the top and rests on four oversized bun feet.

Drummonds’ creative director, James Lentaigne, said: “In fact, we began with a stark and playful geometry almost reminiscent of Mephis Milano, but the bath’s ultimate iteration became something much more pared back with an airiness and symmetry. Grounded in the human form, the organic curves of Scandinavian design have a soothing harmony that works well here.”

All Drummonds’ baths are made from solid cast iron using the time-honoured sand-casting technique first used by the finest Victorian foundries. Renowned for its mastery of enamelling and hand-finishing, each bath product is considered one-of-a-kind.

The business owns and operates three foundries that manufacture cast iron baths, brass fittings, and china sanitaryware. Drummonds’ head office and warehouse are located in Surrey, UK, with flagship showrooms in London and New York.

Keep Reading

Duravit showcases Aurena Vanity Units

June 6, 2024

Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit was showcased at CDW 2024. The range seamlessly integrates balanced proportions with function, offering efficient washing-area solutions to include basins, bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors.

“The idea was to structure surfaces and create a sense of order that positively influences the quality of the overall room,” Citterio explains.

The Golden Ratio is regarded as a formula for aesthetic harmony in architecture. For Duravit’s new Aurena series, Antonio Citterio has created a perfectly proportioned washing area, where he uniformly divides the wet and dry areas.

The surface made entirely of ceramic offers the option of an integrated or above-the-counter basin; the dry area has integrated dividers, which are precise and elegant, making it a perfect way to store bathroom accessories. The counter is supported by an aluminium profile frame with a stainless steel finish, and there are options to have either open storage with aluminium shelving or closed with a double drawer. The vanity can be wall-mounted or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.

Citteroio’s designs for matching bathtubs, toilets, bidet, and a mirror create a stylish and balanced concept. The integrated bathtub is made from the new cast-mineral material DuroCast Smooth, whilst the back-to-wall models and free-standing bathtub are made from DuroCast Plus. The chamfered edge at the rim of each bathtub provides an elegant finish, and the wall-standing variant features a storage box that forms a connecting element between the organically shaped bathtub and the wall. It has been designed in keeping with the washbasin vanity tops.

The soft geometry is echoed in the oval mirror of the Aurena series, which has a hidden illumination strip laid behind its frame in White.

www.duravit.co.uk

Keep Reading

Blessed by Kreoo: Freestanding bathtub with two types of marble

May 30, 2024

The evolution of the Blessed collection maintains its aesthetic foundation unchanged. Now also available in a freestanding bathtub version, in elongated oval or rectangle, the range dedicated to the world of bathroom design by Christophe Pillet is characterised by the material contrast between the outer and inner surfaces, offered in two different types of marble.

The result is an elegant antithesis, not only in colour but also in the texture of the natural stone, with different veins and nuances meeting at the top edge, crafted to achieve a minimal and striking thickness. Bianco Carrara and Bianco del Re are the options dedicated to the internal silhouette of the tub, while the exterior can be customized in a wide range of marbles, travertines, and semi-precious stones.

About Christopher Pillet

Christopher Pillet is a celebrated French designer known for his sleek, elegant approach to furniture, interior, and product design. Born in 1959, Pillet studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris and the Domus Academy in Milan, where he was influenced by masters like Philippe Starck. His work, characterised by clean lines and minimalist forms, spans collaborations with renowned brands such as Cappellini, Kartell, and L’Oréal. Pillet’s designs seamlessly blend modernist principles with a touch of French sophistication, making him a prominent figure in contemporary design and interior architecture.

Keep Reading

Living La Dolce Vita – Ideal Standard’s new range celebrates all things Italian

May 23, 2024

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has unveiled its new La Dolce Vita range, the latest addition to its design-led Atelier Collections. The new range has been designed by chief design officer Roberto Palomba and has been inspired by its famous namesake expression – the sweet life.

Whether it’s an ice-cold negroni on the Amalfi coast or a dive into the turquoise waters of Sicily, the Italian lifestyle is all about indulging in beauty whenever you can. In 2024, Ideal Standard is allowing its customers to bring that beauty into their homes.

The collection features a complete bathroom solution – from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to mixer taps, shower products and accessories. Furthermore, the collection seamlessly integrates with Ideal Standard’s furniture selection and broader product range, all thanks to its Singular™ philosophy. This ensures designers and customers can explore and select elements that perfectly align with their vision and requirements.

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Dolce-Vita

Aesthetically, La Dolce Vita’s beauty is carefully balanced between geometric shapes and forms inspired by the natural environment. The tapered shape and curved edges of the ceramic vanities and toilets in the collection elegantly separate them from the crowd. At the same time, the deep, flower-shaped vessel basins are instantly eye-catching in both square and round designs. The accompanying vanities are available in six sizes, including standout asymmetric models with a practical storage surface. As a statement piece, the freestanding bathtub commands the space in any bathroom but still echoes the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian lifestyle.

Fittings and accessories follow the same lead, with basin mixers, vessel mixers, wall-mounted models, and bath and shower mixers sharing the same design DNA. The shower systems feature a sleek stem-like design with minimalist curves. They are available in classic chrome or Ideal Standard’s durable PVD colours: brushed gold, magnetic grey and silver storm.

It isn’t just style where La Dolce Vita thrives. Behind the elegant exterior lies innovative Ideal Standard technology. WCs feature AquaBlade® technology (or RimLS+® on wall-hung bowls) for excellent flushing performance and improved hygiene, while the FirmaFlow® ceramic cartridges in the taps ensure durability.

La Dolce Vita is now available, to find out more about Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, please visit: www.idealstandard.com

Keep Reading

Bathrooms to Love adds texture with STRIATA fluted bath

May 22, 2024

The fluted finish bathroom trend is on the rise, leading PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand to add a stunning new fluted bath to its lineup.

‘STRIATA,’ the newest addition to the Bathrooms to Love Free-standing bath range. This luxurious model boasts soft vertical fluting and a pristine white finish.

Expanding the variety of trendy fluted designs in the Bathrooms to Love collection, which also includes furniture, wetroom glass panels, and washbowls, the STRIATA Free-standing bath is crafted from high-grade acrylic. Its design features smooth curves and a striking appearance. The fluted exterior introduces a stylish new element, making it a standout centerpiece for any bathroom project or showroom display.

Measuring L1700mm x W750mm x H570mm, this luxurious bath boasts a 260-litre water capacity and comes with a pre-fitted integrated waste. Pair it with a floor-standing bath shower mixer, like the ‘Pescara’ model in brushed brass, or opt for wall-mounted taps. Bathrooms to Love also provides matching waste cover kits in finishes such as brushed brass and matt black, ensuring a cohesive look.

Tanna Molyneux, Bathroom Product Manager, PJH, said: “The latest fluted look is a great way of introducing new textures to bathroom schemes, allowing the light to bounce over the surface for added visual interest. It embraces this season’s Bathrooms to Love theme, ‘Nature’s Palette’, taking inspiration from organic shapes and textures.”

Now in stock and available to order from PJH, the new STRIATA Bath comes with a competitive display deal and a package of showroom support. This includes a QR code with AR link for customer’s to view STRIATA in their own space, as well as this handy new video: STRIATA by BTL Video

Supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, STRIATA can be ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Keep Reading

Roca introduces Tura collection in collaboration with Andreu Carulla

May 22, 2024

Roca’s latest bathroom collection, Tura, was created in collaboration with designer Andreu Carulla, reflecting a fusion of design and sustainability. Inspired by Barcelona’s architectural heritage, Carulla’s Tura has soft finishes and natural textures reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The collection is complemented by durable ceramic, recycled cork, felt, and outdoor fabrics, showcasing Carulla’s mindful approach to environmental impact.

Tura seamlessly fits into various settings, whether a modern city apartment or a countryside dwelling. Its versatility allows it to harmonise with any interior design concept. Below, we highlight its notable features.

Washbasins

Tura’s washbasins are characterised by bold, modern design elements. An impressive feature of the basins is the concealed drain, ingeniously integrated into the design to ensure a seamless, uninterrupted bowl. The collection boasts diverse shapes and sizes, including asymmetric countertop models that offer extra surface area on one side, perfect for storing essential toiletries.

Furniture

Tura furniture is available in several options, such as a version with a drawer and an open bottom shelf, another with two drawers, and an option with two drawers and open-slatted shelves inspired by Mediterranean shutters, Available in Matt White, Light Noble Grey, and Light Terracotta, the colour palette evokes the essence of the Mediterranean. A standout feature of these vanity units is the innovative integrated siphon, designed to maximise storage space without sacrificing functionality in the top drawer.

Small-space solutions

Good things come in small packages, and Tura’s stylish designs are available in a full range of sizes, including for compact bathrooms. For example, basins start from wall-hung models of 550 x 275mm and 450 x 360mm – and there are corresponding vanity units too.

Baths

The shape of the Tura bath is inspired by an architectural cantilever system, creating the illusion that it is floating in space. This effect is amplified by the option of an LED light around the base. The bath’s success lies in its being made from Roca’s composite Stonex®. This robust material allows for a spacious and light bath, with elegantly thin walls and a slim ridge around the edge which accommodates a useful wooden bath tray. From a practical point of view, Stonex® is also warm to the touch, anti-slip and easy to keep clean.

WCs & bidets

The Tura WCs and bidets come in wall-hung, floor-standing and close-coupled options, designed to blend into any bathroom space. The floor-standing models are 42cm high as standard for added comfort for older people. Furthermore, all ceramics are available with Roca’s antimicrobial Supraglaze® finish, which makes it difficult for dirt and limescale to stick to the surface, meaning it is easier to clean.

Accessories

The Tura collection stands out due to its added extras. For instance, the bath tray, essential for all long soaks, is made of FSC®-certified wood and designed to sit flush on the tub’s edge. For added comfort, the Tura bath also comes with a height-adjustable headrest, made of recycled outdoor fabric, which is quick-dry and mildew resistant. The headrest features a wooden counterweight for easy height adjustment. Finally, the collection includes recycled felt storage boxes specially designed for the open shelves. Available in two different sizes, these lightweight boxes come with a recycled cork lid that not only keeps contents dust-free but doubles as a shelf over the washbasins (below, left).

The Tura bath is made of Stonex®, a smooth composite; the basins, WCs and bidets are made of ceramic and come in Gloss White, Supraglaze® White and Matt White finishes; and the furniture is available in Off-White, Light Noble Grey and Light Terracotta.

Stockist: 01530 830080 or uk.roca.com/where-to-buy-showrooms

Keep Reading

BC Designs collaborates with COAT paints on exclusive palette

May 22, 2024

UK bath manufacturer BC Designs has partnered with COAT Paints to launch an exclusive range of paints for their painted baths and basin collections.

BC Designs’ painted baths are among their most popular products. Not only do they offer visual appeal, but painted baths and basins also provide a way to introduce vibrant colours into the bathroom, a trend that has dominated the past seven years.

Retailers can now offer this exclusive paint range, featuring six unique colours: Smitten Pink, Fresh Coast, Pebble Beach, Sand Dune, Olive Garden, and Meadow View.

Keeley Sutcliffe, brand manager at BC Designs, says: “As part of our brand strategy to take ownership of the luxury end of the bathroom market, we will be working with like-minded brands to launch collaborations which strengthen our offering to our retailers.

“The initial colour palette offers retailers a choice of popular colours such as blues, greens and neutrals in unique shades made to eco-formulas and with sustainability at the heart of the COAT brand.”

www.bcdesigns.co.uk

About Coat Paints

COAT Paints is a modern, eco-conscious paint company renowned for its high-quality, sustainable products. COAT offers a curated selection of premium paints which emphasise both style and environmental responsibility. Its paints are low in VOCs, ensuring a healthier indoor environment, and come in a range of contemporary colours crafted to suit any interior design.

Keep Reading