Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Leading bathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard, has exclusively previewed its latest showering range, Alu⁺, launching in June 2023.

Sustainability has been prioritised ash Alu⁺ is created from high-quality recyclable aluminium that is made up by 84% recycled content. Completely free from chrome, lead and nickel, Alu⁺ also features water saving technology, which is built into the entire range – the flow limiters restrict consumption to just 8 l/min for the hand spray and 12 l/min for the rain shower without impacting performance.

The new collection stands out with its modern colour palette, practical features and strong sustainability credentials, offering customers a contemporary shower solution for modern living.

In terms of aesthetics the shower systems feature elegant rectangular lines that are perfectly accented by the circular mixer, showerhead and hand spray. The contemporary design is further complemented with the option of three low-sheen finishes – Silk Black, Rosé and Silver, giving customers the option to play with colour in a new and exciting way.

All plastic parts of Alu⁺ are made from high performance, drinking water compliant polymers to ensure water is never polluted with harmful plastics. In fact, Ideal Standard is making sustainably conscious decisions throughout the full product lifecycle for Alu⁺, with all packaging being completely recyclable and free from single use plastics.

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Alu⁺ includes storage shelves and matching beauty bars, with mirrors and other storage solutions available in the same three colours.

The hand spray and extra-large rain shower head feature two different spray modes for users, with a normal Rain spray and the luxurious SilkRain mode, which sees the shower system dispense ultra-fine water droplets for a premium, spa-like experience.

Switching between spray modes is simple, with an easy to adjust lever on the hand spray and Ideal Standard’s EasyDial control knob on the shower head.

Both the hand spray and shower head are easy to keep clean and free from limescale thanks to the practical EasyClean spray nozzles. The range is available in both thermostatic and single lever options as well as shower rail sets with handset and shower systems with diverter to easily switch between hand spray and overhead shower.

Furthermore, the shower system is easy to pair with matching Cerafine O taps and Idealrain shower accessories in the same colours and style, as well as Ideal Standard’s wider collections of shower trays and enclosures, ceramics, and furniture.

Stacey Seagrave, senior PM of non-residential fittings at Ideal Standard, said: “Ideal Standard has a long history of delivering innovative, high-quality products that encourage sustainable living practices, with technologies designed to help conserve energy and water.

“The new Alu+ range is a prime example of our commitment to reimagining material design and maximising recyclability, we hope that by delivering beautiful and functional yet also sustainable collections, we can set a new standard in bathroom design.”

The collection will be available in June 2023, stay up to date on Ideal Standard’s new releases on its website: www.idealstandard.co.uk

LIXIL collects 20 Red Dot & iF Design Awards

LIXIL Corporation, maker of water and housing products, has collected 7 Red Dot Awards and 13 iF Design Awards to mark the start of the year and over 600 design awards in total, for the company globally.

Paul Flowers leader of LIXIL Global Design and Brand Identity said “I am pleased that LIXIL has collected a total of 20 Red Dot and iF Design awards again this year, empowering our in-house LIXIL Global Design Team of over 120 members who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of everyone, everywhere.

“At LIXIL, design thinking is integral in meeting the evolving preferences and lifestyles of consumers. We are strengthening and building on brand equity through intuitive and immersive experiences that helps us stay ahead of needs and desires. Global Design Awards give consumers confidence that our products are independently certified by design experts at the very highest level.”

Crosswater launches sustainable shower trays

The new Creo and Vito 25mm sustainable shower trays from Crosswater have been crafted from 100% recyclable Dolomite engineered stone and hand-finished.

Creo and Vito are expertly designed to be smooth and warm to the touch thanks to the engineered stone that is soothing underfoot and creates a sleek, seamless feel.

Designed with high-flow central or linear drainage systems for faster drainage and almost invisible gullies and edges, shallow pools of water are a thing of the past. And with no hard, uncomfortable ridges to step on, the designs allow continuous flow from the rest of the bathroom floor.

Using natural materials embraces relaxation and wellness principles that instil a sense of natural tranquillity. Brilliantly resilient and hard-wearing with exceptional impact resistance, engineered stone retains water thermal temperature for longer, creating a warm and luxurious showering experience

Manufactured in a zero-emission factory that uses 100% solar energy, using engineered stone considerably reduces the energy required to make each tray and excess materials are simply repurposed. The trays are finished with a permanent Nanocoat gel, ensuring the surfaces are non-porous, anti-bacterial and easy to clean.

Creo is available in rectangular and offset quadrant options – prices from £260 and Vito is available in square and rectangular options – prices from £311.

Scudo & Ideal Bathrooms in distribution partnership

Harrison Bathrooms has announced an exclusive UK-wide distribution deal with Ideal Bathrooms for Harrison Bathroom’s famous retail brand, Scudo.

Ideal Bathrooms is one of the UK’s leading distributors, and Harrison Bathrooms is a renowned bathroom manufacturer. As part of the new arrangement, Ideal Bathrooms commit to fulfilling all Scudo orders below £150, with no minimum quantity requirement, next-day delivery, and an intuitive livestock platform combined with relevant industry knowledge.

Shaun Corcoran, Scudo commercial director, comments: “We express our gratitude to our retail partners for their unwavering support and are thrilled to announce our new partnership, aimed at providing an expanded product range, superior service, and efficient delivery. We will continue to support our customers with our commitment to exceptional bathroom design and unparalleled service delivery standards.”

Stewart Perry, head of digital and marketing at Ideal Bathrooms, states: “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting opportunity with Scudo to continue to support our customers by offering an on-trend, high-quality range at competitive prices to meet their ever-changing needs.”

Sustainability & Innovation: key themes of New Designers

The highly anticipated New Designers will return in Summer, showcasing 3,000 breakthrough designers, makers & disruptors once again. Creatives will gather at the Islington Business Design Centre to share their visions for the future of design, tackling sustainability, innovation and topical issues such as mental health and the cost of living crisis.

Visitors who attend New Designers ready to find the hottest design trends can expect to see products that have just made it to market at ND Selects – the New Designers’ section dedicated to shining a light on new businesses in the design industry including Bangkok based ceramics studio Lamunlamai, and Make Relief design studio that combines traditional and contemporary manufacturing techniques including CNC machining, plaster & resin casting, and mould-making. This year’s ND Selects has been curated by Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future
Icons.

Sustainability

Designers are increasingly incorporating sustainable ideals, ethical processes, and circular design principles into their creations. Peter Warrington (Birmingham City University) has sought to reinvent the kettle – one of the most discarded pieces of domestic technology. Among other modifications, Peter’s design includes an entirely user-replaceable heating element – the most common point of failure in the current commercially available design. Bournemouth University students will showcase products responding to water shortages, including Tundra – the world’s first water bottle that can melt, store and filter snow and a rainwater collector which can pressurise water to a similar pressure to a mains supply respectively.

Talks & Workshops

New Designers’ much-look-forward-to talks and workshops programme ND Educates returns for 2023, giving visitors the opportunity to hear from leading brands, designers and industry experts as they offer unique insights into the latest design trends and discuss key themes.

Ceramic Review hosts a conversation with contemporary ceramicist Francis Lloyd-Jones. Tom Banks; Editor of Design Week will lead a panel discussion with design-led businesses which are adopting circular design principles, including Adam Wade, MD, Anglepoise; The ND official legal partners CMS CMNO will host discussions on Intellectual Property in Design joined by Helen Newman from Stella McCartney, and James Wood, Studio Wood; Work In Design Podcast host, Kieron Bakewell, will be in conversation with fashion designer Zoe de Pass about making it in her design career; London Glassblowing will be leading a panel with three artists including Tim Rawlinson ‘A decade on since graduating’. The full ND Educates programme will be accessible for booking here.

Baths, Basins & WCs

Features by Diane Larner founder 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.

Whilst a successful bathroom design relies on the synchronicity of all its necessary parts (from surfaces to lighting), sanitaryware undoubtedly leads the way in tone and style. Whether you intend to create impact or build a space to relax and rejuvenate, the choice of sanitaryware can make or break your design. Today, we explore the latest offerings and consider solutions, from bespoke designs to minimalist, timeless styling.

Bespoke beauties

Creating ‘bathrooms to order’ is simpler if products are selected from companies that build-in design flexibility for all aspects of the bathroom. When it comes to baths and basins, creating bespoke designs is not truly possible if limited in size and material.

Charlotte Hughes, retail manager at Cosentino UK, agrees: “When specifying bathrooms, design flexibility is key, especially when it comes to the basin given it is one of the key focal areas and most used products of the room.

“As such, designers need to be able to have maximum opportunities for customisation here as possible; whether that’s seamlessly integrating basins into worktops that match with wall claddings, offering adjustable basin widths and depths or being able to manufacture basins to exact colour and material specifications.”

The new C-Bath brand from Cosentino brings this freedom to bathroom design; the company uses surface applications to create bespoke applications such as cladding, flooring, countertops, shower trays, washbasins and furniture. As seen above, the concept allows designers to incorporate iconic and individual designs.

Personal places

Another way to create a unique bathroom experience is to source design-led products that stand out. Sanitaryware that offers something a touch more exotic in terms of colour and shape delivers a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, and is an easy win when injecting personality into your design.

Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager of Sanipex Group, explains: “One of the biggest trends in bathroom design currently is the shift towards adding personality to the bathroom. This remains a tranquil, calm setting, of course, but as a very personal space, it also offers the perfect canvas for injecting an individual look unique to the homeowner.

“In terms of the sanitaryware chosen, this means more in the way of colour for washbasins and shapely design – don’t be frightened to experiment with curves to make a style statement!”

The Koy collection from the luxurious BAGNODESIGN brand (pictured above) is available in ten colourways ranging from daring Buttercup Yellow to the more dulcet tones of Matt Green and Thistle Blue. The basins are designed to team with Bagno Design’s wall-mounted WC (in four matching shades), and to complete the look, Koy brassware is also available in various finishes.

Material gains

Sourcing materials that deliver a happy, sustainable outcome is very much on the mind of today’s consumer. We can expect a robust analysis of green credentials to apply to an increasing array of purchasing decisions.

A recent report into eco-awakening states that many consumers believe ‘brands bear as much responsibility for positive change as governments’ and look to the commitment from businesses to protect nature and ecosystems. For the bathroom industry, products that offer longevity and durability and can be recycled at the end of life are an attractive option. Copper is one such product since it is one of the few materials that can be recycled repeatedly and does not lose performance.

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James Lentaigne, creative director, Drummonds comments: “Interestingly, copper is also 100% recyclable without any loss of quality, and it is estimated that over 80% of the copper ever mined is still in use today.

“Polished and lacquered, copper retains its natural rich red colours, but there is also a trend for un-lacquered copper, making a very direct visual link to the authenticity of this material, which patinates so beautifully.”

Pictured at the top, Drummond’s hammered copper tamar bath is a compact, double-ended bath with a perfectly proportioned contemporary skirt. The comfortable roll-top design is finished with a copper exterior wrapped around the tub, giving the look and beauty of copper but with the durability of cast iron.

Aston Matthews also produces stunning roll-top copper baths and uses recycled metals. Pictured left is the Astonian Copper freestanding roll-top bath in polished nickel interior, with an antique copper exterior.

Feeling flush

Bringing the outdoors in is very much part of the design landscape, whether due to a renewed enthusiasm for the great outdoors as reflected in the tourism industry or the popularity of home office spaces and garden rooms. WCs that still look stylish yet work well in projects with problematic water removal are ticking the right boxes for designers.

Saniflush from Saniflo is a complete ceramic toilet with an integrated macerator and an on-trend solution for installing a WC in spaces where gravity drainage isn’t an option. Whether it is a bathroom in a basement or loft or a cloakroom under the stairs, installing a Saniflush is possible with just a water supply and electrical connection. Thanks to its two outlets, a basin or a shower can also be connected.

Maximum style

Minimalist bathroom designs have the benefit of retaining longevity and credibility in a rapidly changing market. And, whilst creating a de-cluttered and minimalist space is often advocated as a route to success in our personal lives, the simplicity of a minimalist design is also unfailingly easy on the eye.

With perfect timing, Ideal Standard’s new Solos range debuted at Clerkenwell Design this week. Due to launch in October 2023, the visually-striking Solos range is part of the design-led Atelier Collections. The range features a unique combination of basin and fitting and is characterised by its sleek lines and defined edges.

We hope you enjoyed this sanitaryware feature from Bathroom Review. Please look through our feature archive for more useful information.

If you want to see the latest trends in Kitchen design, please visit our sister site Kitchens Review.

Pictured very top – Drummonds hammered copper Tamar, and pictured middle – Hammered Copper Usk Price: £11,940

Utopia scoops two Ideal Home Awards

Utopia has received Highly Commended in both the Best Bathroom of the Year category and Best Tile Collection category in the recently announced Ideal Home Best Bathrooms Awards 2023, an exceptional, independent stamp of approval from a distinguished panel of interior design experts.

It was Utopia’s Roseberry collection that particularly impressed the judges in the hotly contested Bathroom of the Year Award. Described as a modern interpretation of traditional luxury painted timber furniture, Roseberry features a classic raised and fielded door. Truly versatile, the collection is available in fitted, wall mounted and freestanding configurations and capitalises on both the enduring popularity of Shaker-inspired styling and the demand for beautiful natural timber.

Summing up Roseberry, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, says “Roseberry combines inspired design, luxurious materials and quality craftsmanship. We have taken classic styling as our inspiration but used innovation in our design and manufacturing prowess to create a modern classic.”

In addition, Utopia was also Highly Commended for its Tile Collection. This extensive range witnessed a whole host of new additions last year and now comprises over eighty wall and floor tiles, offering different formats and sizes as well as bold stand-out designs, all carefully selected to complement overall room style and décor.

More news from Utopia

Barber Osgerby and Bette present BetteSuno

Presented at CDW, and created in collaboration with Bette, British design studio Barber Osgerby revealed the new BetteSuno bathroom collection.

The new collection includes washbasins and a bath in glazed titanium steel. Both are ideal for architecturally sophisticated projects, including in private homes, hotels and restaurants.

At the centre of the BetteSuno collection are two circular, one-piece washbasins: a bowl washbasin and a floor-standing washbasin

They share the same 340mm diameter inner, in which the basin tapers conically towards the waste outlet. Their design is extremely reduced and plays with the basic shapes of circle and cone.

“The collection has a beautiful, handcrafted character and its sculptural qualities are emphasised by the circular and conical design,” says Edward Barber.

Completing the line-up is a freestanding oval bath, measuring 1800 x 800 mm, with back slopes at either end.

It boasts a projecting flat rim to reference classic bath design, while offering storage and serving as a grab rail, if required

Floor-standing BetteSuno Basin

A highlight in the BetteSuno bathroom collection is the floor-standing, 865 mm high “Pedestal” washbasin with its graceful and sculptural appearance (pictured left). A round washbasin bowl cantilevers above a narrow, conically shaped pedestal, which almost looks as if it is floating in front of the wall.

The pedestal is also made of glazed titanium steel and conceals the pipework and fixings and, thanks to its small “footprint”, takes up minimal space. The pedestal has space for a tap, which means a conventional basin tap can be used if required, as an alternative to a floor-standing or wall-mounted tap.

BetteSuno Bowl Washbasin

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The BetteSuno bowl washbasin (pictured above) is also ideal for minimalist bathrooms, for example in washrooms in bars or restaurants. With its round shape, it sets its own aesthetic accent without pushing itself into the foreground. One basin can be placed on a vanity unit, or a number can be installed in a row on a washbasin top. Thanks to its precisely crafted underside, it sits on the surface almost seamlessly, whether it be wood, natural stone or another flat surface.

Jay Osgerby explains: “The form invites engagement, and its exactness is achieved through expert engineering and the use of enamelled steel, which is a far superior material for sanitary ware.”

Complementing BetteSuno, Barber Osgerby has also designed fittings for AXOR in the same design language.

Available from October 2023, the bath and washbasins will initially be available in glossy white and matt white, with further colour variants in the pipeline. Further washbasin variants are also in the pipeline. All will come with a 30-year warranty.

For further information see www.my-bette.com/en

GROHE adds two matte black finishes to its Colour Collection

GROHE, a leading global brand for bathroom and kitchen solutions, has expanded the Colour Collection with two new matte black finishes – Phantom Black and Matte Black.

As taps are one of the most frequently used products in the home, GROHE says it is paying extra close attention to the durability of its surfaces, to make sure these stand the test of time.

“Consumers are becoming more design savvy and are looking for bathroom solutions that, in addition to addressing their needs in terms of convenience and functionality, allow them to make a design statement. With our GROHE Colours Collection, as well as the newest colours Matte Black and Phantom Black, we are giving consumers and professionals a curated palette to let their creativity flow. At the same time, they can be sure to enjoy their bathroom for a long time thanks to the classic colour selection and surface quality”, says Benjamin Kraus, leader, categories, LIXIL EMENA.

For durable colours that range from SuperSteel, through to Cool Sunrise to Warm Sunset and Hard Graphite, GROHE relies on a technology which originates from the aerospace industry: Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).

During the first step, the pre-treatment, the components are carefully cleaned and heat-treated in an oven where the plastic components undergo a degassing process. During the second step, the PVD coating is applied. This process takes place in a high-vacuum environment and itself consists of three steps: First, the substrate is cleaned again, then the base coat is applied, followed by the paint coat.

PVD results in finishes three times harder and ten times more scratch-resistant than galvanized finishes,
while the process also allows for GROHE to deliver a broader range of colours.

The most elegant shade of all: matte black

As a perfect contrast to the shiny-white and chrome bathroom concept, a matte black finish creates a sophisticated, balanced appearance. GROHE now offers the new go-to colour in two variants.

As part of the GROHE QuickFix portfolio, Matte Black products are the ideal economical choice for everyday use at home and can even be installed by DIY enthusiasts. Thanks to the durable GROHE Powder Coating technology, Matte Black convinces with advanced resistance against corrosion, fading and scratches.

Phantom Black is the more premium option, supported by the GROHE Professional sub-brand. Thanks to a lacquer-coating technique, all GROHE Phantom Black products have been enhanced to be more durable, as well as being more resistant to corrosion, fading and scratches than Matte Black variants treated with powder coating. In addition, Phantom Black is more repellent to visible fingerprints resulting in it being easier to maintain and therefore requiring less cleaning – perfect for busy environments.

The GROHE Colours Collection, as well as the new Matte Black and Phantom Black, are available across the full suite of bathroom categories, including taps, showers, thermostats and flush plates which are also available as glossy black variants and accessories. Ensuring a coordinated design concept that lasts.

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Cosentino launch NEW C-Bath Brand

May 23, 2023

Cosentino has launched C-Bath, a comprehensive approach to bathroom design for residential and commercial projects.

C-Bath uses Cosentino surface applications to create bespoke applications such as cladding, flooring, countertops, shower trays, washbasins and furniture.

The concept allows designers to incorporate iconic and individual designs and takes full advantage of the versatility of Cosentino’s surfaces and applications. With different formats, slab sizes, colours and textures to choose from, every aspect can be accommodated to fit bespoke specifications.

C-Bath offers an all-round solution of high aesthetic and functional value for every style of bathroom. Together with the beauty and properties of Silestone®, or the high performance and versatility of Dekton® with its innovative 4mm Slim or Grip+ surface options, C-Bath Studio comes with an array of ready-to-use elements such as the Evita, Marie and Elegance washbasins or Wakka by Silestone® and Gocce by Dekton® shower trays.

The Bathelier, an exclusive concept

Alongside its Studio, C-Bath also boasts The Bathelier, a hub of design inspiration with curated bathroom concepts from prestigious designers from all over the world. Showing what is possible using C-Bath products, renowned firms such as Remy Meijers, Claudia Afshar, Daniel Germani, Colin Seah and MUT Design leave their personal mark on bathroom design using this range of unique products, evocative textures and seamless geometries.