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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.


The UK hordes more clutter than the rest of Europe, using 37.6 million sq ft of storage space (the equivalent of 268,500 removal vans).* Whilst we may struggle to keep our homes clutter-free, the bathroom remains a high priority when creating a relaxing space; despite this, toiletries and cosmetics make up 53 per cent of bathroom clutter.

Architects and designers are grappling with the need to create space for much-loved possessions against a backdrop of shrinking bathroom dimensions. This means there is often very little wiggle room for additional design elements that may cause the visual disorder. Bathroom furniture delivers a one-stop, compact design solution.

Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard, agrees, “In the ever-evolving world of interior design, space-saving solutions have become increasingly vital, and the bathroom is no different. With the progressive reduction in bathroom sizes we’ve seen in new builds and refurbishments, additional storage is key in helping keep surfaces clutter-free.”

Creating space with wall-mounted vanity units and integral basins frees up floor space and delivers storage options. Pictured top, Ideal Standard’s i.life Collection includes various furniture options in seven stylish finishes, such as sand beige matt, carbon grey matt and natural oak, as well as chrome and silk black handles to match your brassware. The i.life S is specifically designed to fit into smaller spaces to take up as little floor space as possible but still provide reasonable levels of functionality.  

Yiota Toumba explains, “With these spaces getting smaller and smaller, we’ve seen more and more consumers opt for these options as they look to get the most out of their bathroom both aesthetically and functionally.”

Also perfect for smaller bathrooms is the new Oak Venosa range from Bathrooms to Love by distributor PJH (pictured above). This month, the space-saving range has been extended with a new colourway in an Oak-effect finish. It is ideal for compact bathrooms with a small footprint of just 1100mm in width.

Live a colourful life

The colour and texture revival is in full swing, and we are experiencing some well-needed drama emerging from a blatant contrast of styles. Bold and bright colour schemes are reminiscent of the 1980s and are popular with boomers and Gen X, as are the mid-century styles of the 1950s and 60s. The contrast created by deep textures set against high gloss, vibrant hues married to gentle light shades, and elegant fixtures and fittings keeps this eye-catching trend at the forefront.

Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “2024’s colour palette will be the most expansive yet dramatic blues, immersive greens, vibrant terracottas and luxurious neutrals, and everything in-between. But it’s not just the variety but the application, colour groupings, glosses mixed with matts, layering and contrast groupings.

“Furniture will start to show its softer, more elegant side, incorporating rounder edges and sophisticated proportions.  Fixture and fittings will also play a key part in making the whole concept work, with delicately proportioned handles, legs, and complementary brassware.”

Utopia’s Qube Modular is now available in a choice of Qube Glide, the original handleless door style, and the new Qube Edge, a stunning alternative style with the option for a top-mounted handle. The full collection offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue, verdant Wild Green, and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. The range is soon to be enhanced with a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection.

A family affair

Bathroom Review HiB latest launch

Reducing conflict in the morning, keeping the bathroom clutter-free and ensuring bathroom spaces stay clean for as long as possible are all high priorities for the hard-working family bathroom.

Catering to all needs, HiB’s new Veles range addresses the challenges of both smaller spaces and multi-generational bathrooms. For example, the Veles Compact range boasts remarkable quality and finish in a reduced depth. On the other hand, the Veles Standard range caters to larger dimensions, making it ideal for family bathrooms where ample storage is essential. The range also incorporates the latest styling in matte finishes, which not only lend a sophisticated touch but also mitigate fingerprint marks.

Lighten up

Bathroom Review Vitrium by Christian Werner

Lighting no longer simply plays a practical role; it is now a significant consideration in bathroom design. Coupling customisable mood lighting with storage marries aesthetics and function in a way that transforms bathroom spaces.

Last year, Duravit launched Vitrium, by Christian Werner. The space-saving range includes washbasins and furniture manufactured with the newly developed DuroCast UltraResist material. As well as delivering ample storage, the reduced furniture depth with the projecting above-counter basin makes the design ideal for compact bathrooms.

Compassionate lighting is incorporated into the design via the console vanity unit. It has a fine metal frame and a choice of fronts made from backlit glass, wood, or various décor finishes.

Christian comments, “The starting point for this design concept was a rigorous interrogation of the habits we take for granted. With Vitrium, I sought to redefine the design of the bathroom and the associated routines. As well as the kitchen and living room, for me, the bathroom, too, is a place of comfort and refuge,” said Christian Werner.

“The basic design idea for the framed fronts and transparency of the furniture has been realised exactly as I imagined. Timelessly modern and unadorned – that’s the look I wanted for my Vitrium concept,” said Christian Werner.

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

*House Beautiful

Bathrooms to Love from distributor PJH has extended its popular Venosa space-saving modular furniture family with the addition of a new colourway in an Oak-effect finish.

A floor-standing collection, the new Oak Venosa range is perfect for compact bathrooms where its small footprint of just 1100mm in width is the solution. The introduction of this Oak grain finish enhances the range’s versatility, satisfying the enduring demand for wood-effect furniture in harmony with the evolving trend for nature-inspired materials and textures in the bathroom.    

Featuring an intelligently crafted L-shaped unit, featuring a streamlined one-piece resin basin and worktop coupled with a basin and WC furniture pack, this unit will fit into the smallest of bathrooms or ensuites. Measuring in at W1100 x H860 x D395/210mm, a two-door cabinet sits beneath the basin, teamed with a connected housing area for a concealed cistern and back-to-wall WC. Left or right-handed options are available, as is a choice of chrome or matt black handles as well as coordinating push button and overflow ring.

Oak Venosa furniture Bathrooms to Love

Extending the compact storage space yet further is a matching two-door 350mm Tall Unit in oak. As illustrated, Oak Venosa looks stunning when combined with contrasting matt black handles, brassware, shower, quadrant enclosure, mirror and ladder radiator – all available from the Bathrooms to Love Collection.  

Available from stock and supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new Oak Venosa from Bathrooms to Love is now available to order via PJH’s class-leading 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

Oak Venosa furniture Bathrooms to Love

Style, flexibility, quality and the assurance of a speedy despatch service within 48 hours are some of the key features of Utopia’s new Qube Collection of bathroom furniture, soon to be enhanced with a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection as well as the original modular wall mounted and freestanding options launched in June 2023.

Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “New Qube presents the retailer and consumer with endless opportunities to create a completely unique combination from the multitude of beautifully co-ordinating elements available. With the addition of a Fitted and Freestanding Fitted Collection, which will be available this Spring, there really is a Qube style for everyone.”

Consumer and retailer feedback, coupled with current colour and style trends, has shaped the range refresh, which features new on-trend colours with complementary accent handles and trims, in addition to the new fitted and freestanding fitted options.  Added to this is a simplified ordering system and the brand new 48-hour despatch service option, available to the retailer at no extra charge. 

Qube Modular is now available in a choice of Qube Glide, the original handleless door style, and new Qube Edge, a stunning alternative style with the option for a top mounted handle.

The full collection offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue and verdant Wild Green reflecting current trends in interior design for bold colours and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. As usual with Utopia, consumer samples of all finishes are available free of charge.

Also extended is the choice of worktops to complement Qube furniture. The existing 22mm laminate range has been extended further with three new options and a 12mm compact laminate range of exceptionally realistic natural stone effects has been added to complement the Modular Collection.

For further information visit www.utopiagroup.com/qube

Bathroom product supplier and innovator HiB, has released its bathroom trends for 2024. In an ever-evolving world of design, HiB remains at the forefront by introducing four unique trends, each designed to elevate and bring fresh inspiration to the bathroom.

The first trend, ‘Exhale’, takes inspiration from nature-inspired interior design trends. Departing from last year’s ‘Petrichor,’ Exhale embraces minimalism, mid-century style, and neutral tones without overusing nature in the space. Characterised by stone finishes, rounded shapes and tactile textures, this trend draws inspiration from the laid-back ‘California Casual’ aesthetic, favouring refined simplicity over rustic elements.

Also new this year is the ‘Euphoria’ trend, which blends nostalgia with contemporary design. Arches and curves lead the space, offering a sense of fluidity and movement. Geometric and abstract patterns, along with fluted textures add a contemporary touch, while a muted yet colourful palette connects the design to the organic world, bringing a breath of fresh air to any bathroom.

For those who like edgier styles, the ‘Elements’ trend exhibits a stormy aesthetic, using darker neutrals and cool blues to create a moody yet inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Wabi Sabi, Minimalism and Brutalism, Elements seamlessly blends nature’s imperfections with refined engineering. The raw and textured feel is achieved through the use of iron and gunmetal brassware, highlighting the beauty in flaws of organic materials.

Last but certainly not least, the ‘Enamour’ trend embraces vintage glamour and art deco, offering an air of quiet, timeless elegance. By blending old and new elements through upcycling, Enamour creates a classic contemporary aesthetic. This trend embodies the philosophy of ‘less is more’, promoting a clutter-free environment and contributing to what

Jasmine Rowe, HiB product designer, said: “The 2024 bathroom trends from HiB showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while maintaining a strong connection with nature and elegance. These trends are not just about aesthetics, they are about creating immersive, personalised and practical bathroom experiences. We’re confident that we will see these trends used strongly in designs and be a key steer in bathroom styles throughout 2024. “

HiB’s wide range of bathroom mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories are perfectly suited to bring these trends to life, offering a design that complements each theme. To explore the full Trends Guide and to gain even more bathroom interior design inspiration, visit https://bit.ly/3vtzk3f

Why sacrifice style for an affordable price tag? With the new Tenet collection by Roca, you can have both. Compatible with pieces from Roca’s other ranges and designed to suit bathrooms of all sizes and styles, the new collection of handleless vanity units is both simple in style and flexible in use. 

Here, Natalie Bird, brand manager for Roca, reveals three more reasons why Tenet is a welcome addition to the Roca family.

Reason One: Five different finishes
Tenet vanity units come in a choice of five glossy and wood finishes. “Pick a glossy finish in white or grey to catch and reflect light, making your bathroom feel roomier,” says Natalie.

Alternatively, choose between three wood-effect finishes: Nordic ash, city oak and walnut. “A wood look never fails to create an inviting contrast to all the shiny surfaces that come as standard in the bathroom,” Natalie adds.

Reason two: Versatile design

Tenet Roca

The Tenet vanity unit is 460mm deep and comes in a variety of widths to suit different storage needs. Sizes range from 600mm to 1200mm, with two, three, four or six drawers complete with built-in organisers to keep all your toiletries tidy yet close to hand. There’s also the option to have two doors instead of drawers – a convenient way to store taller bottles upright. Those wanting to boost the feeling of openness should choose a wall-hung Tenet vanity as exposing more of the floor gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom. What’s more, freeing up floorspace makes cleaning easier too.

A word of caution: “Wall-hung vanities require a little thought around concealing the waste pipe,” says Natalie. This is easy to do but needs to happen before fitting to avoid sudden changes at the end of the project.

If you prefer the look of a floor-standing unit, need extra storage space or your plumbing lends itself better to this style, the Tenet collection includes a three-drawer option that is sold with legs. “This still needs to be fixed to the wall but may offer a more practical solution for family or main bathrooms,” explains Natalie.  

Reason three: Modern handleless look

“The beauty of a handleless design is that you can choose any finish for your brassware without the worry that it doesn’t match the handles on your vanity,” says Natalie. To complete the look, matching column- and wall-unit storage solutions are also available in Roca’s Extra range, giving you the option of a coordinated suite.

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

Main image (top): Tenet vanity unity in walnut with two soft-close drawers and integrated basin, 800mm wide, £688, with Luna mirror with ambient LED light, ⌀800mm, £336. 

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.

PJH Texture

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.

Texture

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.   

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

Delivering design flexibility, the complete furniture range comprises 27 elements. Ideal for everyday use and available at a very competitive price, the timeless design of Ketho.2 suits any bathroom. The flush-fitting, 16mm carcass sides helps deliver a minimalistic feel.

Christian Werner describes Ketho.2 as “poetry of geometry, with beautiful proportions and eye-catching, continuous strip handles in Anthracite aluminum. The pared-down, elegant style will bring joy for a long time and won’t look ‘dated’ in the next fashion wave, or even the one after that!”

Continuous strip handles in Anthracite are integrated into the front and the collection is available in a wide choice of sizes, and finishes.

As a complete furniture range, the 27 elements include vanity units with a hinged door, pull-out compartments, or drawers in planning-friendly widths of 410 to 1600mm. They can be combined with washbasins from the ME by Starck, D-Neo, or Vero Air ranges, plus a complete range of above-counter basins for console solutions.

For convenience in everyday use, Ketho.2 features a premium drawer system that is quiet, has a high load capacity, and comfortable self-close and soft-close features. An optional, high-quality interior organising system is available for the drawers. Semi-tall and tall cabinets extend the range of storage space.

There is also a narrow wall shelf with two subdivisions available as a decorative element with storage area.

Mirrors and mirrored cabinets as a visual highlight

Sensor-controlled mirrors (with optional heating) and mirrored cabinets (with optional washbasin lighting) blend harmoniously into the overall picture. The two lighting strips, are slightly set back to the left and right, ensuring direct illumination of the mirrored surface. They emit a sideways, glare-free light of more than 300 lux onto the wall and can work as the main light source in the bathroom, whilst creating an atmospheric mood.

The LED light sources with a pleasant light colour have a service life of more than 30,000 hours and are especially durable. They are controlled via the smart Casambi app or an integrated sensor.

Finishes for individual customer requirements

Ketho.2 comes with a range of options with a selection of finishes. From white through multiple grey stages up to fine-grained wood, 15 décor finishes are available in a variety of price categories. The three Super Matt finishes in White, Taupe, and Graphite with easy-to-clean, anti-fingerprint coating meet the highest standards with their sophisticated aesthetics and refined feel.

More news from Duravit

In response to the growing popularity of adding a splash of colour to the bathroom, PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand has unveiled ELEMENTS, a new coloured collection of modular bathroom furniture.

As part of its ‘Mid-Season’ Bathrooms to Love new product introductions, the Elements range is available from this month (June) and features eight on-trend colour options across a choice of wall-hung and floor-standing basin units.

Including a variety of textured finishes – lacquered gloss, tactile matt and oak-effect – the colours have been carefully chosen to coordinate with the latest and upcoming interior trends. In addition, a choice of three sleek handles, in Matt Black, Brushed Brass and Chrome, can be combined with choice of cabinet colour to add a touch of personalisation to the desired look.

PJH Elements new furniture collection

Within the range of colours is this striking MATT CONIFER GREEN shade, which brings a touch of the outdoors, ‘inside’, and is complemented with the decadent golden tones of a Brushed Brass handle, as well as other brushed brass products, such as the brassware, shower and enclosure – all from Bathrooms to Love. Other colourways featured in the Elements collection include calming grey, bold indigo and popular pastel pink.

The Elements modular units feature silent soft-close fittings, generous storage cupboard space and a crisp white ceramic basin.

With a width of 510mm, depth of 390mm and height of 518mm (wall-hung) and 848mm (floor-standing), the units come with a 5-year guarantee.                                                                     

The full coloured collection can also be viewed via Bathrooms to Love QR codes, giving access to Augmented Reality and the opportunity for consumers to view the products in their own bathroom spaces, to help encourage sales.

PJH ELEMENTS Bathrooms to Love

For further information, contact Bathrooms to Love at PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit  www.partners.pjh.uk  and www.bathroomstolove.uk

More news and product information from PJH Group

Bathroom brand HiB has expanded its best-selling Exos range to include an impressive 120cm width option. The elegantly designed cabinet offers delicate, precision illumination around the edge of each door, that is operated using a touch-free sensor switch. This along with the ambient underlighting, helps to bring the bathroom to life, reflecting the surrounding décor to integrate the cabinet into the complete look.

A gentle giant in the bathroom, the 120cm Exos offers sleek, understated style that is well suited to a range of trends from structured, industrial designs to playful and bright aesthetics. The cabinet also contains an integrated heated pad beneath the mirrored doors, which ensures that condensation is reduced on the surface and visibility is maintained.

But it’s not just the outside which offers impressive technology. The Exos cabinet also features a range of solutions for charging, such as an integrated USB socket and 2 pin charging point. Shavers and electric toothbrushes can be kept on the handy removable ‘keep-clean’ mat kept inside the cabinet, which aids hygiene and cleaning.

HiB Sales Director Ash Chilver said: “The 120cm Exos cabinet offers all the key technology and style features our customers know and love, but in a grand size that can completely transform the space. It has been designed to complement a double vanity unit with dual basins and is ideal for storing all the bathroom essentials you could need.

“We’ve found that the larger mirrors and cabinets are popular with customers looking to enjoy the best of both worlds, ample storage and statement styling to suit their design. Often it has been paired with the HiB Novum Aeon and Blend ranges with our Eden basins to create a sleek, contemporary look.”

For more information about the Exos 120 range visit www.hib.co.uk, where you can also download the latest brochures.

STAGELINE is a new and elegant series of furniture from KEUCO that incorporates a vanity unit and three additional storage units. The unique aspect of this series is the illuminated open storage compartment, the leading light and key feature in both the vanity and tall unit. The shelf or ‘stage’ is illuminated by a warm LED light with 3,000 Kelvin, allowing consumers to creatively display decorative personal items, toiletries, whatever they feel works in this space.

There’s a Shakespeare quote from As You Like it “All the worlds a stage and men and women are merely players” and yet this could also be the perfect description of a family bathroom. STAGELINE is the ideal supporting act for the dramas, soliloquies, romance, and beauty scenes that take place with the bathroom as it’s backdrop.

Bathroom_Review_Stageline_Keuco

The look is tonal, the glass front and body of the furniture are a single colour, in natural shades gently restrained, creating a warm environment. Monochrome also has its place in fact there are four shades to choose from white or cashmere glossy as well as Inox or Vulkanit satin. The glass fronts of the furniture bring an additional textural feature offering a highly glossed or velvety matt finish.

The STAGELINE series incorporates practical elements including an integrated power socket along with a USB and USB-C charging point. The attention to detail is key such as the softly curved, gently protruding glass front at the top of the units, which is not only decorative but practical acting as a handle.

The curves echo other elements in KEUCO portfolio such as the rounded PLAN ceramic washbasins which sit elegantly on top of the STAGELINE vanity units. These are available in six different widths, ensuring the stage can be set whatever the size of the bathroom. The vanity units have an option to add drawer partitions – four versions, providing different size options for personal or family use. There is an elegant dark inlay mat with a non-slip to help keep bottles and jars in place.

Depending on the size of the bathroom there are three additional STAGELINE pieces to choose from; this furniture is ideal for larger storage space requirements; the tall unit, single-door unit or the two-door centre unit. The tall unit is elegant with an illuminated shelf in the middle and all cabinets feature soft-close hinges and high-quality, easy-care glass shelves inside.