Mirrors Archives

Smart bathroom design

October 25, 2021

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 smarter living — 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.

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.

Article by Diane Larner

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New Luna Bathroom Cabinets from Roca

October 14, 2021

With more features and new dimensions, bathroom cabinet mirrors increase storage capacity, offering even better design options. The new Luna range from Roca provides ample storage, in a contemporary style to suit all bathrooms.

The ideal partner for bathroom grooming routines, the cabinet mirror is also a storage solution that will solve many space-saving challenges in the bathroom. This updated classic is back, with its popular minimalist design. With a 110º opening for better access to the inside of the Luna cabinet, the doors are highly durable thanks to their soft closing mechanism. Its neutral finish allows you to combine the cabinet with any other bathroom furniture, making it an incredibly versatile option. The new Luna models are the ideal combination of comfort and aesthetics.

Perfect Mirrored Storage

Ideal to store small objects or to keep toiletries tidy, Luna is available in several different widths, 500, 600, 800 or 1000 mm, all measuring 700mm tall and 150mm deep. In the 800mm model, the reversible door can be installed to the left or right-hand side, based on the distribution needs of the bathroom space. With two height-adjustable shelves in each module, it is easier to keep objects in different sizes tidy.

Luna can be complemented with a 300mm Starlight spotlight that provides energy-efficient LED lighting to the upper section of the mirror, offering a perfect lighting solution in the bathroom.

Priced from RRP £314.00 ex VAT.

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Duravit introduces D-Neo Minimal – a complete bathroom range

October 8, 2021

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.

Bathroom Furniture

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.

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HiB unveils new statement mirrors & cabinets

October 6, 2021

HiB has unveiled its latest collection of mirrors and cabinets, showcasing sophisticated styling and advanced functionality.

The new products, which include LED illuminated bathroom mirrors and cabinets, as well as non-illuminated mirrors, are now available to view in the new HiB 2022 brochure and on the website. Customers browsing the new brochure see all the latest ranges and can make use of new QR codes to see additional images, information and videos online.

Also new for the 2022 brochure is the inclusion of HiB’s growing accessories range, allowing customers to choose from an array of accessory styles and finishes to complement their choice of mirror or cabinet.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “The new HiB brochure displays the diversity of styles across the new ranges and the meticulous attention to detail. HiB has always been committed to the development of innovative bathroom mirrors and cabinets and we’re excited to be able to share such a wide variety of new products with our customers. Each range has been designed with style and versatility in mind and will appeal to customers with a broad range of bathroom sizes, design preferences and budgets.”

HiB’s latest ranges have been created by the company’s in-house design team, to offer the latest integrated technologies and inspired designs.

HiB’s 2022 brochure featuring all the new ranges is available to view online at https://www.hib.co.uk/online-brochures/

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Stunning brushed brass Solas mirror launched by HiB

June 16, 2021

HiB has launched a brushed brass finish to the Solas mirror range, offering customers an eye-catching alternative for their bathroom design.

The Solas mirror, which is also available in black and chrome finishes, now has a brushed brass option for the 50cm and 60cm mirrors. Offering a subtle but luxurious look, the decadent styling of the brushed brass Solas mirror is the perfect addition to the bathroom.

Solas can be hung portrait or landscape to suit the room and features a circle of LED light, which is offset from the surface of the mirror and provides optimal facial illumination. Integrated colour temperature changing technology allows user to find the perfect ambience for precision tasks such as shaving or applying makeup, making the mirror both practical and stylish. The Solas mirror also benefits from internal heated pads which reduce condensation on the mirror’s surface, for a flawless and functional bathroom centrepiece.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “Solas is a real statement mirror that looks fantastic in the bathroom. Launching the brushed brass finish now means that we are able to offer customers a complete range of complementing products including brassware, to create a consistent design.”

For more information about the new brushed brass Solas mirrors visit hib.co.uk where you can also download the latest HiB brochure.

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About HiB

HiB is a major supplier to UK and Irish Bathroom Retailers and is a market leader in innovative bathroom products such as mirrors, cabinets, lighting and furniture. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, the company is renowned for providing innovative, creative solutions which make bathrooms beautiful and substantially improves the lives of retailers, partners and the wider community.

Since HiB was established in the 1990s, the company has grown significantly. From humble roots as a fledgling business founded by Chairman Warren Ginsberg, to a 100 plus-strong operation with centres both in New Southgate, North London and a 85,000 Sq.ft national distribution site near Tamworth in the Midlands, the company has been responsible for many bathroom industry ‘firsts’.

HiB has pioneered numerous product innovations including colour changing technology, steam-free mirrors, LED lighting in mirrors and cabinets featuring Bluetooth and USB integration. All new concepts are designed by the company’s product development team, who ensure that each range adheres to the company philosophy of only bringing to market products which answer a genuine need. Managing Director, Robert Ginsberg along with the entire HiB workforce, are committed to driving growth and success through future product innovations and developments. The company has a long-term strategy to increase

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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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HiB launches new LED Bluetooth® speaker cabinet

May 11, 2021

Leading supplier HiB has launched a new bathroom cabinet with a touch sensor for easy and quick illumination and a built-in Bluetooth® speaker.

The Dimension LED Bluetooth® speaker cabinet brings together a myriad of features with a bold and sophisticated design that is striking when viewed from every angle. The touch sensor on the side of the cabinet activates Dimension’s illuminated exterior, which can be appreciated from the front, sides and inside the mirrored doors, creating a practical but showstopping centrepiece in the bathroom.

The cabinet features built-in Bluetooth® connectivity and speakers, allowing users to link their devices and listen to music, podcasts and audio books with ease. Charging devices isn’t a problem thanks to Dimension’s two integrated USB ports and a 2 pin socket for charging toothbrushes and shavers.

When using the cabinet after a shower or bath, the heated pad technology hidden beneath the surface of the soft-close mirrored doors, helps to reduce condensation and maintain visibility. Plus, personal items can be conveniently stored using Dimension’s adjustable shelving, maximising storage.

Product longevity and quality assurance have always been central to the design of HiB mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories and Dimension benefits from improved assembly features that ensure performance and durability.

For more information about the new Dimension cabinet visit https://www.hib.co.uk/product/dimension/ where you can also download the latest HiB brochure.

Dimension LED Bluetooth Speaker Cabinet HiB

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HiB Solstice mirror now in brushed brass finish

April 27, 2021

HiB has introduced a new brushed brass finish to the Solstice mirror range.

Offering a sleek and decadent feel, the brushed brass finish is now available to complement the growing collection brassware and furniture released earlier this year and is perfect for those seeking to create a lavish design expression.

Customers can now choose between a black or brushed brass finish option in the 60cm and 80cm widths, ensuring there is an option to suit bathroom of all sizes and styles.

The round shape with hanging strap is complemented by a halo of ambient backlight which creates a stunning focal point in the room, while the illuminated ring of colour temperature changing LED lighting make it ideal for everyday tasks. The Solstice mirror also benefits from internal heated pads keep the glass clear and free from condensation, for a flawless and functional bathroom centrepiece.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “The new brushed brass finish for the Solstice mirrors create a unique aesthetic that is perfect for creating a stylish and luxurious feeling bathroom. Having complementing mirror, brassware and handle finishes allow homeowners to complete the look of their bathroom design, creating a cohesive style that runs through the detail in the space.”

For more information about the new brushed brass Solstice mirrors visit hib.co.uk where you can also download the latest HiB brochure.

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KEUCO Black adds an elegant touch to a modern bathroom

February 8, 2021

When it comes to stylish modern furnishing black surfaces and finishes catch the eye, offering a
luxurious appearance especially in the bathroom. If black is destined to be a key colour in the
bathroom; KEUCO has an extensive range of products on offer within their Black Concept collection.

KEUCO EDITION 11 bathroom furniture is available with a stylish black metallic-pigmented lacquer finish. The rectangular vanity units, sideboards, high and low storage units in this collection are all designed to be handle-free with a soft-touch closing system.

This noble matt-black look exudes an air of elegance yet the velvet matt quality of the bathroom furniture ensures the room maintains a cosy atmosphere. The black finishon this collection is easy to care for as each surface has anti-fingerprint protection.

It’s not only furniture that is available in stylish black the inventive IXMO shower range is also available with a PVD brushed black chrome finish. IXMO combines aesthetic design with functionality; as the single fitting elements allow a variety of functions, the number of visible fittings required is actually reduced. This allows greater freedom when planning the layout of the shower and bathtub in the bathroom.

The large rectangular EDITION 11 head shower creates a minimalistic look, the light metallic shimmer of the brushed black chrome surface works equally as well on light and dark surfaces, display8ng to perfection the modern yet honest design elements of EDITION 11.

Fittings & Accessories

EDITION 11 fittings and accessories in brushed black chrome create an elegant contrast when combined with white ceramic washbasins;

The Black Concept is available in all areas of the bathroom, the ROYAL LUMOS light mirror has a black all-round anodized rim, and the two LED illuminating sources (main illumination and washbasin illumination), can be dimmed intuitively via the control panel. There is also an option to vary the colour of the light and activate the mirror heating option preventing misting.

The colour theme flows through the bathroom including accessories. KEUCO shower shelves are the perfect combination, a stylish design that provides practical storage space for the shower. There are two wall mounted variants plus one that can be hung over the shower wall, these spacious shelves are made of grey-black powder coated aluminium. (The shower shelves can be mounted on the wall without drilling by using the easy-to-use two component adhesive.)

The iLook_move cosmetic mirror with brushed black chrome PVD coating adds the finishing touch to this darkly accentuated, colour coordinated bathroom design with matt-black surfaces, metallic optics and luxurious KEUCO bathroom furnishings resulting in a sophisticated interior.

www.keuco.com

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HiB Novum introduces two new furniture ranges

January 29, 2021

Two new furniture ranges have been added to HiB Novum’s growing repertoire, along with a number of additions to the company’s established illuminated mirror, brassware, countertop and basin ranges.

Satisfying the growing demand for colour and texture in contemporary bathroom design, the Fabrica bathroom and cloakroom furniture range (pictured top) paves the way for opulence, luxury and importantly, choice.

Available in Dark Emerald, Midnight Blue and Carbon Grey, Fabrica combines the latest trends with a variety of interchangeable personal touches. Handles and brassware options are available with finishes such as brushed brass, black and chrome.

Hib Novum Blend — HIB Novum Blend Furniture Range

Those looking for enhanced customisation will enjoy the multitude of style and configuration choices offered by the new Blend range.

Blend offers the opportunity to mix and match styles and arrangement with countertops and drawer units in three distinct finishes of Matt White, Greystone and Sherwood Oak. The range’s contemporary characteristics and emphasis on practical storage and functionality make it a modern and versatile choice for any bathroom.

Also new for 2021 are compact grade countertops, new vessel basins and brushed brass, black and chrome brassware, offering more choice than ever before.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “HiB Novum’s new furniture ranges offer the new level of design and customisation that the bathroom market is looking for. The vast number of options offered by Fabrica and Blend allow customers to create unique looks that complement a range of bathrooms and it’s the combination of choice, style and quality that really make the HiB Novum’s new products stand out.

“The new furniture ranges along with the extensive list of new countertops, brassware options, basins and the launch of brushed brass illuminated mirrors, reinforces our reputation as a key bathroom brand that is focused on innovation and product development.”

HiB Novum’s new and existing ranges are available to view online at www.hib.co.uk where you can also download the latest brochure.

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