Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

A guide to AI in bathroom design

January 23, 2024

As in all industries, generative AI is taking the world of interior design by storm and staying on top of these advancements is crucial when offering enhanced services. From visualisation to floor planning, applications have quickly sprung up to aid in every step of the design process. Nuie outlines AI strengths and weaknesses and introduces its own AI tool.

While the technology is new and still developing, many of these tools offer the beginner renovator an exciting starting point to explore styles and ideas before launching into their bathroom installation. While no tech can ever replace the skills and intuition of a professional bathroom designer, AI can go a long way when it comes to transforming your dream bathroom into a reality.

Approaching bathroom renovations on your own can be intimidating but you can build confidence and boost your inspiration with the help of AI design tools and industry experts.

Anna Straw, interior designer, has looked at the benefits and limitations of different AI design tools as well as taking a closer look at one that is taking the design game by storm– the nuie 3D Design Tool.

Benefits of AI design tools

Depending on the tool you choose, AI design applications can offer a range of benefits, from visualising your own concepts to producing new bathroom design ideas from scratch. So, without further ado, here are four ways AI tools can enhance the experience of designing a bathroom.

ü Develop the correct style

Some AI tools offer the opportunity to analyse trends and user preferences, offering personalised recommendations for fixtures, finishes and accessories that match different personal styles. They can also assess the practicality of recreating aesthetic styles in the space you are working with, providing tailored bathroom inspiration, and helping to select the most practical options and appealing colour palettes with materials listed to create the desired look.

ü Use the space efficiently

AI algorithms can take spatial constraints, user preferences and design principles into account when generating layout suggestions for bathrooms, meaning the plan will be optimised to make the most of the room of your customers. Automated layout suggestions are a wonderful way to save time and ensure fixtures and furniture are placed in the most user-friendly positions, producing a finished product that is accessible, functional, and beautiful.

ü Visualise ideas

Sometimes customers have clear ideas around how they want a project to turn out but communicating them can prove difficult. They may want to combine certain elements such as colours, textures, prints and materials, but feel unsure about whether the finished look will come together. However, that is where AI-driven VR (Virtual Reality) simulations come to the fore. These allow users to experience a virtual representation of their bathroom design before it is built, helping them to make more informed decisions about layout and décor schemes before committing to products.

ü Optimise the budget

Interior design mistakes can be costly, especially when it comes to accidentally selecting impractical or unsuitable materials and products. Some AI tools allow for data to be inputted such as photos, dimensions, and other essential details to test out ideas and help to prevent these kinds of hiccups, ensuring the project stays on budget. Several applications can also provide cost breakdowns and suggest the best products and materials for the given budget.

Weaknesses of AI design tools

While design AI offers some amazing opportunities, like all technology, it also has its drawbacks and limitations. Anna Straw has highlighted a number of limitations she faces when using AI tools in her designs.

û Many tools have limited functionality

Since AI technology is still in its infancy, it makes sense that many of the design tools currently available are limited in the capabilities they offer users. The coming years will see some fast developments, but now, the effectiveness of AI tools depends on the quality and quantity of data used to train them. Models trained on biased or limited information may not provide reliable or diverse design suggestions, limiting the output users can expect. The usability of AI design tools also varies depending on how intuitive and accessible the interface is – some require months of training to master, while others are suitable for beginners who may have never engaged with generative AI before.

û AI cannot replace an expert

While AI is becoming increasingly capable, the technology cannot match up to the experience and expertise of a tradesman and should be regarded as an aid rather than a replacement.

AI tools do not have the instincts and empathy of human beings, which means they can often overlook the intuitive and creative thinking that goes into creating an individual or family’s dream bathroom. Designing a space involves more than just arranging elements. It requires understanding the user’s lifestyle, considering structural constraints, incorporating creative elements, and creating the desired mood.

AI cannot understand these complexities. Some tools, for example, may not understand subjective style preferences that fall outside of the data they were trained on, while others may not have the functionality to consider budget constraints. This is why generative AI design tools provide a brilliant starting point, but the help of a professional designer really brings your design to life.

û AI output is artificial

It may sound obvious, but the imagery created by artificial intelligence is, well – artificial. That means the bathroom designed could be entirely unachievable in real life, whether that is because of restrictions on space, budget, or product availability. You may use an AI tool to create a dream bathroom, only to have those dreams crushed when becomes clear your design does not translate to reality.

For this reason, AI tools can be a fantastic way to explore ideas and gain further inspiration, but their practical applications are limited.

Using the nuie 3D Design Tool

This is where the nuie 3D Design Tool comes in. Once you have experimented with design styles using AI, you are ready to start picturing how your ideas will translate to your own bathroom space.

This easy-to-use, customisable online tool provides you with all you need to design, visualise, and source the perfect products to bring your dream bathroom to life.

Design

Choose the room size and shape, then enter the exact dimensions, including details like windows, doors, and partition walls to create an accurate view of the bathroom space you are working with.

Visualise

Plan the space in 3D. Simply browse through the catalogue of real nuie bathroom products, from sinks to cisterns, and drag and drop them into your design to see exactly how they’ll fit and look in your space. Adjust their position and choose from a range of finishes and colours to suit your style. Switch between 2D and 3D mode for a full perspective and add finishing touches like mirrors and radiators.

Buy

Once the customer is happy with the design, the nuie 3D Design Tool even generates a full breakdown of the products used to create the masterpiece, plus their prices. Press the save button to download a copy, and take it to your plumber, retailer, or merchant to purchase everything you need to craft the bathroom of your dreams.

Want to learn more about how to use the Nuie 3D Design Tool? Check out the tutorial video, and try the tool out for yourself.

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Kudos launch Divera shower enclosure range

January 23, 2024

Kudos Showering Solutions has introduced a new range of shower enclosures called Divera. The range is a diverse collection that includes sliding, bi-fold, hinged and quadrant enclosure door options along with wet room panels, side panels and accessories and is available to order from January 2024.

The new Divera products expand the overall Kudos portfolio, becoming its entry-level enclosure range. It’s a stylish, great value product that incorporates 6mm toughened glass throughout and is available with profiles in a high gloss silver or matt black finish.

All Divera products are 2000mm in height. Each glass panel is treated with a protective coating for easy cleaning, and all doors feature slim, ergonomic handles. The design options include hinged pivot doors that open both inwards and outwards, which is a great space-saving feature for the average-sized UK bathroom. The sliding door models include flat, quadrant and a corner entry option too. There are also bi-fold and walk-in models with a fixed deflector panel and stabilising bars for walk-in designs in a variety of sizes. Overall, the Divera collection is the ultimate modular showering solution with side panels and fixing kits being universally designed to use with any of the door types in the range.

All Divera products also come with the Kudos Lifetime product guarantee against manufacturing defects.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Elevating bathroom style through furniture design

January 22, 2024

Combining practicality with aesthetic appeal is one of the most important considerations in bathroom furniture design. Not only does furniture have to meet the storage needs of each customer, but also offer style and durability expected of a modern bathroom.

HiB, a leading bathroom brand, has an in-house design team dedicated to the development of new, innovative bathroom ranges that answer a genuine market need, but also complement contemporary trends. The latest range to be unveiled by HiB is the Veles modular furniture range, which has been carefully crafted to cater to diverse bathroom needs.

Meticulous attention has been paid to Veles’s storage, sizing and finishes. Addressing the challenges of smaller spaces, 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.

In terms of trends, the Veles range is keenly attuned to the latest styles. Veles incorporates the latest desired looks such as matte finishes, which not only lend a sophisticated touch but also mitigate fingerprint marks, and choice of handles including a brushed brass option. When Veles is paired with HiB’s Terra basin, with their mineral marble construction, it takes on another level of design, reflecting the trend of incorporating natural elements.

Talking about incorporating nature into a bathroom design, HiB product designer Jasmine Rowe said: “In 2024, texture plays a key role in bathroom furniture design. With a neutral palette it’s easy to make the space feel flat and washed out, so it is important think about how you can mix texture, gloss and matt finishes with light to inject life into your room. By pairing furniture such as the Veles range with natural textured basins and tactile handles, you can elevate the overall look.”

For more information about the new range, visit the Veles page on the website

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New Qube from Utopia – one collection, endless possibilities

January 22, 2024

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

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New bathroom taps by deVOL

January 18, 2024

The new range of bathroom taps from deVOL are available as a pillar or mixer; both designs were inspired by old vintage taps and made in unlacquered brass. The finish is exclusive to deVOL customers and will age over time to gain a patina as they are used.

Created in collaboration with Perrin & Rowe taps, the new range is British-made using traditional methods. All the shaping and polishing of the rough castings is done by hand by highly skilled polishers. This process is done by eye, and, as with many stages of tap making, it is dependent on the skill of the craftsperson to ensure the perfect finish.

Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL, comments, “A great set of taps is a must in a bathroom. They need to be able to withstand regular daily use, of course, but they need to look the part, too. It is easy to ruin a room with rushed or ill-considered fittings, but we hope this new collection will make life a lot easier for many of our customers, and we can’t wait to see our taps in plenty of lovely bathrooms very soon.”

deVOL’s Aged Brass Bathroom Pillar Taps, now available to order on the deVOL Shop | £310 |
deVOL’s Aged Brass Bathroom Mixer Tap, now available to order on the deVOL Shop | £520 | www.devolkitchens.co.uk

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Scudo BOHO Collection makes a statement

January 18, 2024

Bathroom brand Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has launched BOHO in its latest Scudo 18 brochure, out now. BOHO is a contemporary range that exudes luxury and finesse, combining a stunning matte black frame with rustic oak accents.

The BOHO freestanding vanity unit is perfect for the modern minimalist bathroom. The stylish and functional design gives the feeling of more space in the bathroom for a much-desired premium finish.

This unit offers practical storage, and the oak finish creates a natural, calming, and sophisticated space. BOHO uses only the finest materials, and the eye-catching signature ceramic basin adds the perfect finishing touch.

Discover BOHO and Scudo 18 online at www.scudo.co.uk

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Appia & Aurelia: a new take on classic from Rubinetterie Treemme

January 17, 2024

Aurelia and Appia are two evocative names that express the mood that inspired the two new collections by Danilo Fedeli for Rubinetterie Treemme.

“The Appia and Aurelia collections by Rubinetterie Treemme offer a new take on classic shapes, with modern geometries and proportions that seek to mix different styles for a leading-edge result in the bathroom sector”. This is how Massimo Tommasi, sales and marketing manager for Italy, explains the decision to invest in these projects, behind which is a significant production effort.

To obtain the distinctive geometries of both collections, Rubinetterie Treemme introduced a new manufacturing process with a specific type of polishing. The development of this production process has given the company the opportunity to make major technological progress, as well as guaranteeing the two collections a cutting-edge design with a classic inspiration.

Aurelia (pictured top) is a timeless, ever-contemporary option, perfect for a variety of bathroom styles. The concept seeks to enhance light and reflections thanks to the edges on the cylindrical surfaces, allowing the shape of the taps to strike a sophisticated, elegant balance. Aurelia is a complete range of mixer taps crafted in brass and available in the finishes indicated in the catalogue. This variety of colour options makes for a versatile collection that slots seamlessly into any bathroom.

The Appia collection (right and below) is a single-hole dual-control model. The original idea was to create a new product with a style that was not simply classic, and during the design stage the shape evolved into the tap’s current, subtly feminine form reminiscent of an embrace. Created in brass, the Appia collection is available in twelve finishes that allow for maximum customisation. It is composed of single-hole and three-hole elements and shower controls.

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The last Kaldewei trilogy from Bryan Adams

January 17, 2024

Canadian rock star and photographer Bryan Adams has revealed his third creative campaign in the Kaldewei trilogy. This follows the first “Uncompromisingly connecting” with the Ming and Miena wash bowls in 2021 and the second was the staging of the Superplan Zero shower surface in 2022. The finale is “Perfectly sheltered” for the Meisterstück Oyo Duo freestanding bath.

Kaldewei aims to appeal directly to the end consumer. Within the new, well-designed visuals, the freestanding bath appears to become one with the elegant bodies within. The images the designer baths bring with them is a feeling of luxury, which is a key part of Kaldewei’s brand strategy – showing how its 100 per cent recyclable steel enamel is used to create elegant products, combining luxury and sustainability LUXSTAINABILITY®.

Freestanding bathtubs tend to be the focal point of a room and so the concept behind the shoot for the freestanding Kaldewei Meisterstück Oyo Duo bathtub was to make it the central focus, the star of the stage. Showing that people of all ages can be cloaked, sheltered and held within its walls providing a true refuge for both body and the mind. In his previous images for the Superplan Zero shower tray campaign, Bryan Adams had expressively staged the legs of ballet dancers whilst for the Ming and Miena washbasins, it was hands gently touching each other.

New campaign claim “Perfectly sheltered”

The bodies of the models shot in the premium bathtub are clearly visible, whilst their faces are deliberately hidden from the camera, devised to leave room for the imagination.

Bryan Adams shoots from a distanced perspective, so that the free-floating egg-shape design of the bathtub is recognisable, but not the entire body of the incumbent model. The images are crafted to give the impression that the naked arms and back appear to merge with the bathtub in a luxurious yet intimate spa moment. The campaign claim “Perfectly sheltered” refers to the perfect me-time.

More news from Kaldewei

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Knightsbridge and NOAH bring hope this winter

January 17, 2024

In what has become annual tradition for the company, Knightsbridge has provided additional support to the homeless this winter with a significant donation to NOAH, a regional charity doing great work in the field.

NOAH Enterprise is local to Knightsbridge and seeks to help the most disadvantaged in Luton and Central Bedfordshire by providing a practical, empowering and caring service to homeless people, particularly those who are temporary or entrenched rough sleepers; and those who are marginalised, socially excluded or have fallen into poverty.

NOAH provides a broad range of support services, ranging from an emergency winter night shelter and a welfare centre providing hot meals and legal and health advice, through to outreach on the streets and the NOAH academy, which delivers education and training helping people with work experience and volunteering and so, ultimately, back into work.

Knightsbridge, a leading manufacturer of lighting and wiring devices, is closely aligned with the work of homelessness charities and is donating £9,500 from the December sales of its Weatherproof range sales to them.

For donations to NOAH Enterprise, please visit: https://noahenterprise.org/how-you-can-help/donate/

About Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge has over 20 years’ experience within the lighting and wiring accessories industry with more than 3000 quality products and is committed to supporting its customer partners with an award-winning customer service team.

Making the most of smart and stylish technologies to enhance the amenity and finish of any domestic, commercial or industrial space; the company has evolved to become a major supplier of the highest quality wiring accessories and innovative lighting on the UK market today.

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New service proposition partner for Duravit

January 17, 2024

To facilitate an improved service proposition to its showroom network, and to offer a next day delivery service across the UK, Duravit has appointed Ideal Bathrooms as its new Distribution Partner.

Primarily designed to assist with distress purchases, Ideal Bathrooms will be able to fulfil the best selling lines from the Duravit portfolio including D-Neo, Me by Starck, L-Cube, SensoWash D-Neo to existing Duravit dealers. The Duravit No.1 range of products will be available to all bathroom retailers through Ideal Bathrooms.

Martin Carroll, managing director of Duravit UK, comments, “We are delighted to be working with the team at Ideal Bathrooms to deliver the best-selling items from the Duravit brand more quickly to our showroom partners. Ideal Bathrooms have been synonymous with bathrooms for over 40 years, and we are looking forward to a very professional service and developing a long-standing relationship”

Will Hickman, sales and marketing director at Ideal Bathrooms, also comments, “We are very excited to be adding Duravit to our Ideal Bathrooms portfolio. The addition of Duravit reaffirms our status as the UK’s leading bathroom distributor offering an extensive range of products to our customers. Combining Duravit’s renowned high-quality items with and our exemplary service promise, I am confident this new relationship with be a successful partnership.”

Ideal Bathrooms will begin servicing customers from February 2024.

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