Statement bathroom design

September 27, 2021

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.

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.

topia Bathrooms Opula Burnt Copper — 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.

Superplan Zero Kaldewei — SUPERPLAN ZERO

Top Banner Image: Dulux Paints

Article by Diane Larner

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Acquabella’s new Acquawhite collection makes its UK Debut

July 21, 2021

The Acquawhite collection from the leading Spanish bathroom manufacturer, Acquabella was launched at the beginning of the year and is making its debut here in the UK for Summer 21.

The collection certainly captures the enduringly popular spa theme, with more than a soupçon of hotel glamour, all beautifully understated. The entire Acquawhite collection is made from Acquabella’s unique environmentally friendly, silky-to-touch, UV and shock resistant, easy-clean and anti-bacterial material, Dolotek® which can be moulded into complex shapes.

The new collection comprises bathtubs, totems, basins and worktops and joins the growing Acquabella portfolio of trays, furniture, wall panels, shower columns and accessories.

www.acquabella.com/en/

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PJH puts on the period charm with its latest freestanding range

July 12, 2021

PJH’s latest Freestanding Bath range within its Bathrooms to Love Collection has been enhanced with the addition of three new styles as well as new and improved specifications to four existing styles.

Responding to the steady demand for classic bathroom style, PJH’s freestanding bathing collection enables stockists to offer the middle market a truly affordable range of high-quality traditional baths. The current range also addresses the space-saving sector with a number of back-to-wall roll-top baths including a clever corner solution.

Whilst full of old fashioned charm and elegance, the latest design technologies and the use of high-grade acrylic, give rise to modern features such as a flawless white finish, streamlined curves and edges, heat-retaining surfaces and a durable and long-lasting design.

For smaller bathrooms, the CLEVEDON CORNER roll-top bath, featuring ‘Raven’s Claw’ feet and a back-to-wall corner design, slots perfectly into a bathroom corner and is available in two lengths, 1500mm and 1700mm, with a width of 750mm and height of 650mm.

And both the GRACE and FINCHLEY back-to-wall freestanding baths also offer space-saving solutions with their innovative shapes that sit neatly against the bathroom wall.

Other recent additions include a beautiful slipper bath, the TIVERTON freestanding model that measures in at 1620mm(L) x 710mm(W) x 770mm(H), with ornate ‘Lion’s’ feet in chrome, and the luxurious, double-ended, FAREHAM model, also with ‘Lion’s’ claw feet – and a traditional twist on PJH’s best-selling contemporary floor-standing bath, the Belmont. Fareham measures in at 1770mm(L) x 705mm(W) x 775mm(H).

With a large choice of bath shower mixers, including floor-standing models to coordinate with the classic freestanding bath range, all Bathrooms to Love products are listed on PJH’s Partners Portal online ordering platform, which includes comprehensive product descriptions, images, pricing, live availability levels and ordering tracking.

PJH Freestanding Range — Bathrooms to Love Tiverton Bath

For more information, including display deals, point-of-sale material and brochures, contact Bathrooms to Love at PJH on: T: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit www.partners.pjh.uk (for ordering & account management); and www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Bette delivers sustainability and luxury

June 28, 2021

Bette glazed titanium-steel baths, shower trays and washbasins combine high-end design with robust eco-credentials.

Glazed titanium-steel is one of the most luxurious materials, but it can also be one of the most sustainable, especially as it is extremely long-lasting, made from natural materials and 100% recyclable.

Bette also strives to improve its sustainability every year through a host of initiatives that cover everything from the energy it uses, to the packaging that protects its products.

Bette currently produces two-thirds of its own energy requirements through investment in solar technology at its factory in Germany, and its aim, over the coming years, is to produce all of its own energy through investment in renewable energy technologies.

Bette Oval Silhouette — BetteOval Silhouette

Bette also has a policy of buying its materials as locally as it can, with 99% being bought from Europe. This not only helps with its carbon footprint, but also with continuity of supply.

This year Bette will be launching its first annual sustainability report. It will include detailed facts and figures on Bette’s sustainability performance and will be updated every year to give its customers an accurate picture of its sustainability credentials.

For more information see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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White Tulip complete bathroom range by Philippe Starck for Duravit

June 8, 2021

White Tulip is the first complete bathroom range created entirely by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The range includes free-standing ceramic washbasins, round above-counter basins, matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets, bathroom furniture, matching mirrors, taps and bathtubs.

The elegant shapes of the components within the series echoes the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom; exuding an almost sculptural feel.

Basins

The monolithic design of the free-standing ceramic washbasin is particularly eye-catching. The washbasin can be attached to the wall or the floor as required.

Designed in the same style, the round above-counter basin has an aesthetically pleasing delicately outward sloping edge. The right-angled washbasin, when viewed from above, also reflects this form. Also available as a furniture washbasin and as a hand rinse basin, both come in two sizes and complete the range.

Bidets & Toilets

Matching free-standing and wall-mounted toilets and bidets complement the impressive ceramic elements. The White Tulip style is also found on the matching urinal. The toilets are equipped with the new HygieneFlush technology.

All new HygieneFlush toilets come with the tried and tested HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze as standard to guarantee even greater hygiene. Fired into the interior of the toilet, HygieneGlaze ensures that approx. 90% of bacteria (for example e. coli) are eradicated after six hours, and approx. 99.9% after 24 hours. The outstanding quality of White Tulip is also reflected in its new lifetime guarantee, which Duravit offers on the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.

Bathroom Furniture

The corresponding furniture is as extraordinary as the entire range. The miter-cut, extremely finely crafted edges are testament to the precise composition of the White Tulip furniture, which comes in widths of between 350 and 1300 mm.

Matching Mirrors

Matching mirrors from the White Tulip series are available in versions controlled by sensors or an app. Creating a special visual effect, the mirrored glass has been brought forward which makes the mirror’s surface appear almost transparent around the illuminated area.

Freestanding Bathtub

The free-standing bathtub with its seamless acrylic paneling mirrors the form of the ceramics. The oval version is available in two sizes: 1800×800 mm, with 1600×900 mm for smaller rooms. The round bathtub with a diameter of 140 cm, offers a spacious interior.

White Tulip Phillippe Starck for Duravit

Taps

White Tulip also includes the first range of taps developed by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The consistent design element is the tulip-shaped handle that echoes the shape of the washbasins and bathtubs and is particularly easy and pleasant to operate thanks to the polished surface, whilst the 160 finely engraved vertical stripes produce a truly sophisticated effect. Washbasin mixers are available in various “comfort” heights S, M, and XL. The range also includes bidet, shower and bath faucets.

The unusual design of the White Tulip series will add a stylish touch to any setting. Well-engineered technologies such as HygieneFlush and HygieneGlaze, tip-on technology and self-close action as well as mirror heating and app-controlled, customizable lighting complete the feel-good factor.

Duravit

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Burlington Bathrooms introduces Riviera

June 7, 2021

Extending its well established traditional portfolio, Riviera by Burlington is inspired by the Art Deco and Style Moderne designs of the 1920s. Riviera embodies a style that continues to grace luxury hotels, grand public buildings and private residences to this day and delivers a design suitable for period properties and contemporary settings.

Drawing inspiration from the late 1800s into the early 1900s, Burlington Bathrooms embodies a complete collection of period-style bathroom ceramics, furniture, brassware and coordinating accessories, giving designers and homeowners notable choice to recreate their perfect traditional bathroom scheme. As the product of modern technology and product innovation, every collection by Burlington provides exceptional functionality to withstand continuous use.

With a commitment to offering inspirational and luxurious traditional bathrooms, the introduction of Rivera to Burlington ensures the continuation of Burlington’s dominance within the traditional market. For full collection details, please see the lookbook.

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Kartell by Laufen collection is refreshed with new colours

May 19, 2021

The Kartell by Laufen collection has been expanded with original products, in new colours and finishes. A timeless concept with a wide range of pieces that can be combined to create new compositions every time.

The bathroom, like all spaces in the home, is constantly evolving, changing to adapt to the latest lifestyle trends. From research and study on today’s ways of living, the Kartell by Laufen collection has boosted the impact of the colours and finishes of the ceramic fixtures and accessories, inserting new fresh, neutral tones that can be freely combined to generate different settings.

Kartell by Laufen is an extremely complete, variegated collection for the bathroom: it is composed not only of sanitaryware, washstands, brassware, shower trays and bathtubs – the indispensable constants – but also furnishings and décor complements, which can continuously change. Such a wide range of different items gives rise to a collection that combines the Italian design tradition and high quality of materials typical of Kartell.

The Kartell by Laufen collection has been enhanced with new chromatic versions for the sanitaryware and the accessories, while moving forward with the research on taps and mixers. The matte and soft touch finishes effectively mingle with the rest of the collection, bringing a contemporary image that easily fits in any type of décor solution. The white and gray tones previously favored are joined by black and anthracite gray for the washstands in different forms and sizes, produced in the finest ceramic which makes it possible to achieve squared lines and very slim borders, reducing environmental impact to a minimum.

Ochre, mustard yellow and blue-gray are the new hues for 2021, selected to facilitate different compositions of cabinets and drawer units that combine compact, linear design with ample size to offer maximum functional quality in any type of bathroom.

The transparent design accessories establish a perfect dialogue with the ceramic fixtures and the cabinets, adding a touch of lightness in the bathroom thanks to the transparency of the various modular elements. From the Sound-Rack storage systems, which offer great compositional freedom and an ample selection of colours and finishes, to the extensive selection of accessories and complements: Kartell by Laufen is an eclectic, contemporary collection that permits personalisation of the bathroom to suit the mood of the moment.

The toilet (rimless) and the bidet stand out for their linear form, like an overturned truncated cone, with the possibility of attachment to the wall or the floor.

The brassware also plays an important role in the collection: the various possibilities of installation and the great quality of the finishes allow for countless combinations with the ceramic fixtures. The minimal form of the mixers and cylindrical columns are softened by the elegant lines of the curved spigot, the perfect completion of a large washbasin or tub.

The sky’s the limit!

There are no limitations to the compositional freedom offered by the Kartell by Laufen collection: the bathroom becomes a fluid space, capable of adapting to the new needs of living that call for rapid, flexible solutions, in which functional quality rhymes with design and innovation. Sanitaryware, cabinets, complements and accessories, featuring pure geometric forms, to create combinations that are perfect for any space, of any size.

www.kartellbylaufen

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RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a new, minimalist collection

April 21, 2021

Bringing spa-inspired luxury to the domestic bathroom, RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a collection that ensures this most private of spaces is as comfortable and relaxing as any of our living spaces, while never compensating on practicality.

With clean, minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish that emulates the hotel feel, one of the many highlights of RAK-Des is the versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom. Freestanding, wall-hung and countertop basins all feature beautifully ergonomic shapes crafted from quality ceramic.

The washbasins can be combined with RAK-Joy vanities and RAK-Precious countertops for perfect harmony in the bathroom. RAK-Precious provides a luxurious alternative to the functional ceramic white, with surfaces that emulate the natural properties of materials such as stone, marble and cement, bringing the trend for industrial styling into the bathroom in a functional way.

With hidden fixations, the RAK-Des WC can be wall-hung or installed back-to-wall and features the latest in flushing technology for the ultimate in bathroom hygiene. RAK Ceramics WCs set new standards of

All in all, RAK-Des provides a complete sanitaryware solution for the modern bathroom that successfully combines form with function and gives designers creative freedom in this more personal of spaces.

RAK Ceramics

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D-Neo from Duravit brings quality and style at entry-level

April 8, 2021

D-Neo from Duravit is a completely customisable range of washbasins, furniture, WC’s, baths and basins and comes with a lifetime guarantee on the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.* The sophisticated entry-level range, by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly, has been created to outlast short-lived trends.

Versatile D-Neo is component-based and includes a wide range of washbasins: from furniture and built-in variants to hand rinse basins and above-counter basins. The washbasins feature an all-round rim and the matching vanity units are eye-catching and practical with added storage space. The above-counter basins are available in oval or round variants.

All the toilets come with the Duravit Rimless® technology and can be ordered with the antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze, achieving perfect flushing results with just 4.5 litres of water. The D-Neo series also offers a matching bidet.

A further highlight in this price segment is the free-standing DuraSolid® bathtub with its velvety look and feel and a style reminiscent of the oval above-counter basins. At just 1600 mm in length, it also perfectly showcases smaller bathrooms.

Built-in bathtubs made from sanitary acrylic with one sloping backrest are available in five sizes ranging from 1500 x 750 to 1800 x 800 mm. The 1800 x 800 mm version can also be ordered with two backrests.

The built-in bathtubs also come in a whirl version for that extra-special feel-good factor. Six flat water-air nozzles arranged in the side walls create a beneficial massage effect.

Available in widths of 410 to 1400 mm and numerous design options, the D-Neo furniture perfectly complements any bathroom. Three new wood-look décors complete the selection of D-Neo furniture finishes bringing the total to 13. A harmonious overall picture is produced when combined with the ergonomic handle in a diamond-black finish; this mirrors the curve of the console panels and washbasins. The indirect light provided by the matching circular mirrors from the Light + Mirror range creates a pleasant ambience. The mirrors and mirror cabinets are available as a rectangular option with LED edging lighting at the top, guaranteeing ideal illumination of the washing area.

Washbasin mixers with the FreshStart feature are also available for the first time: cold water flows in the central position. Hot water is only added when the user deliberately moves the handle to the left, limiting the energy-intensive production of hot water to situations where it is actually needed.

Thanks to the selection of D-Neo ceramic elements, the high-quality furniture, wide range of bathtub options, and matching faucet range, it’s possible to customize any bathroom in top quality and for an attractive price.

*Lifetime garantee us for the ceramics only – not the complete range.

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Baths & basins for luxurious bathroom retreats

March 30, 2021

As consumers continue to focus on adjusting home environments to cater for changing needs, creating a luxurious bathroom sanctuary not only helps when more family members are in the home, it also delivers a private space to relax or rejuvenate as we manage the day-to-day pressures of the ‘new normal’.

Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director for RAK Ceramics UK, agrees: “As the effects and aftermath of the pandemic continue to be felt in the months ahead, home comforts will be important to consumers for the foreseeable and an investment in making areas such as the bathroom will be noticeable. In the bathroom, luxury, sanctuary and escapism are paramount for 2021.”

Small bathroom spaces

RAK Ceramics offers its own solution when it comes to solving the problem of creating luxury results in compact spaces; RAK-Petit is designed specifically with small bathrooms in mind. The collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units in domestic bathrooms, as well as freestanding washbasins that are statement pieces in their own right.

Freestanding baths

If you have the luxury of designing for larger bathroom spaces, freestanding baths deliver the ultimate in opulence and style.

Roca’s two new baths Ariane & Raina have been created using Roca’s Stonex® material, it not only looks sophisticated, but it is also warm to touch and has an indulgently smooth texture. David Bromell, Head of Marketing for Roca UK comments: “The bathing experience is so personal and remains the focal point in achieving a sanctuary-like space where you can unwind and renew. By expanding our collection of bath options, we are enabling this individual approach, both to wellness and the overall bathroom design.”

Roca's new Ariane and Raina baths — Ariane

Acquabella has also added freestanding baths and basins to its portfolio with the introduction of Acquawhite. Best-known for its award-winning trays, the Spanish manufacturer’s new Acquawhite collection has been created using its environmentally friendly Dolotek material which is UV resistant, anti-bacterial, silky to touch and easy to clean.

Material matters

Selecting the right material is also a key factor when individualising bathrooms and washrooms, acrylic is warm to touch and retains heat, whereas composite materials such as Marbond by Laufen are hygienic, easy to clean, antibacterial and slip-resistant.

Laufen has added six brand new bath design lines to its existing wellness collection, offering a luxurious bathing experience across fifty two individually designed bathtubs. The company offers three different materials for its baths, each of which has distinctive characteristics that define its shape, design, function and finish. Click the link to find out more.

Designing in colour

Adding colour to your bathroom design is also simply executed if you have a freestanding bath. Kaldewei’s Classic Duo Oval (pictured top) is now available in individually designed optics. The strong enamel colours are ideal for harmonising with the rest of the bathroom, or for implementing a contrast.

Adam Teal, Head of Sales for Kaldewei UK explains: “Freestanding bathtubs are increasing in popularity and are on track to be a key trend for 2021. Alongside their ecological stance, Kaldewei offers creative, on-trend designs; such as the new bio-colour designed free-standing bathtubs available in three of their freestanding bathtub models: Centro Duo Oval, Conoduo and Ellipso Duo Oval, available in alpine white, alpine white matt, black gloss and lava black matt – these offer a wide range of eye-catching combinations for the modern bathroom.”

For a coordinated design, Kaldewei’s popular Cayono product family completes the series with the introduction of high-quality washbasins – whether as a trendsetting washbowl, countertop or under-counter solution.

Feature by Diane Larner

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