As compact cloakrooms become increasingly design-conscious spaces, traditional bathroom details are finding new relevance. Thomas Crapper is bringing its Bentham Cloakroom Basin back into the spotlight, highlighting how a heritage-inspired design can work within the proportions and practical demands of contemporary interiors.

Originally developed as a compact alternative to a traditional fireclay sink, the Bentham combines the visual weight and craftsmanship associated with classic British bathroom design with a shallow 250mm projection. At 570mm wide, its proportions make it particularly suited to cloakrooms and ensuites where space is limited but design impact remains important.

Handmade in Britain using Devonshire fireclay, the basin is fired and hand glazed by skilled artisans. Its substantial construction gives it the presence of a traditional ceramic piece, while a choice of White, Indigo Blue and Forest Green finishes allows designers to take the design in either a more classic or contemporary direction.

The Bentham’s asymmetric configuration also brings a practical consideration to its traditional form. Available with either a left- or right-hand tap hole, the basin incorporates a generous ledge on the opposite side for soap, hand wash and everyday bathroom essentials — providing useful surface space without requiring additional shelving.

With its combination of British craftsmanship, heritage character and space-conscious proportions, the Bentham illustrates the renewed potential of traditional bathroom design within contemporary residential schemes.

Cosentino has expanded its Dekton® portfolio with the launch of Artik Nodes: Artik Nodes, a new collection inspired by the mineral landscapes of the Arctic.

The collection draws on the contrast between ice and rock, with intersecting lines and organic patterns creating a distinctive geological effect.

Available in three colourways, Artik Nodes combines graphic depth with more subtle, tactile finishes.

Designed for both residential and commercial interiors, the collection offers a versatile surface for contemporary architectural schemes.

Three mineral-inspired colourways

Artik Nodes is available in three colourways, each offering a different interpretation of the collection’s mineral aesthetic.

Borealis is an ivory white with a delicate pink undertone and irregular sand-coloured veining, creating a light and understated finish.

Kobuk features a rich taupe-brown background crossed by fine, light veins, giving the surface a warmer and more dramatic character.

Nordal is a light pearl grey with fine diagonal veining and subtle copper undertones. Its varying pattern density creates a soft, ice-like appearance.

Designed for performance

Available in 0.8, 1.2 and 2cm thicknesses, Artik Nodes is designed to combine aesthetics with the performance expected from Dekton®.

The surface is highly resistant to UV rays, fire and heat, scratches, stains and thermal shock, while its near-zero porosity makes it suitable for a range of interior and exterior applications.

The collection can be used for worktops, flooring and wall cladding, providing a durable and versatile surface for both residential and commercial projects.

Washroom specialist Fitzroy of London has launched two additions to its portfolio: the Oxford Doc M Pack and a new interactive digital configurator.

The new Oxford Doc M Pack is engineered for high-use hospitality, leisure and corporate environments. The pack brings together pre-considered, perfectly configured components – including ergonomic backrests, grab rails and accessories that meet strict UK Building Regulations. Available in five finishes including Satin, Polished, Dark Bronze, Matt Black, and Satin Brass, the collection utilises reinforced mounting points and non-porous surfaces to ensure heavy-duty durability without compromising high-end design intent.

“Specifiers face immense pressure to deliver flawless compliance without compromising the aesthetic of a premium building,” says Craig Anderson, managing director at Fitzroy of London. “The Oxford Doc M Pack removes that tension entirely. It gives designers a robust, luxury layout with high-quality, durable bathroom products that look great and pass building controls every single time.”

Launching simultaneously is Fitzroy of London’s new digital configurator is designed to eliminate compliance errors and accelerate the design process across multi-site and large-scale commercial projects. Developed to support architects, interior designers and design managers during the initial specification process, the online platform gives users full autonomy to design compliant Doc M washroom layouts from scratch. Users can configure precise component combinations, explore finish options and instantly download project-ready technical documents, drawings and other files.

“We wanted to give the industry a digital platform that completely streamlines their wider workflow,” notes Anderson. “The configurator removes the traditional friction from the design stage. Instead of cross-referencing regulations for hours, multidisciplinary teams can now confidently visualise and specify a fully compliant washroom in real time.”

The simultaneous rollout reflects a major shift in the commercial sector, where inclusive design and digital workflow efficiency are increasingly treated as core requirements from day one of a project.

“The feedback we’ve received from customers signals that the industry is ready for smarter, more intuitive specification tools,” Anderson concludes. “With the premium Oxford Pack and the launch of our live digital platform, we are giving specifiers the ultimate toolkit to deliver safe, dignified and beautifully integrated accessible spaces.”

Recently, a number of 70s and 80s-inspired interior trends have been making a resurgence, with vintage, colourful bathrooms being the latest one. 

According to Mira Showers, one of the main reasons for the shift towards this style is people wanting to move away from the minimalist, grey and all-white trends of the past few years. Instead, people are wanting to switch up their homes to make them feel warmer and more individual – something the trends from these eras provide.

Other influences that have made people consider these design choices include TV shows and films from this era like The Rivals, Stranger Things and Saltburn, all of which have been popular in the last few years and have had distinct 70’s and 80’s influence.

To help people decide whether they should buy into the latest bathroom trend, Mira’s Bathroom expert, Emily Robertson, has provided some decision-making advice.

Is colourful sanitaryware a passing trend?

Emily says, “Coloured bathrooms aren’t just a trend; they are a part of a wider movement where people are setting out to create warmer, more inviting spaces in their homes. With much more importance placed on wellness in recent years, people are spending more and more time in their bathrooms, which means they are now more than just a functional space.”

Should you invest in a colourful bathroom suite?

Emily explains, “This shift, however, doesn’t necessarily mean homeowners should rush out and invest in a brightly coloured bath, basin or shower enclosure. Sanitaryware is designed to last, so it’s important you really consider whether you will still like your design choices in a few years before investing.

“Bathrooms are one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so it’s worth thinking carefully before committing to a trend. While coloured bathroom suites can look good online on the likes of Pinterest and Instagram, many people don’t realise that design choices like that don’t suit every bathroom in the same way, so first you need to assess the space’s shape and size.

“If you have a large family bathroom, one brightly coloured suite can look lost in the space – because of this, it may be best to consider colour-drenching and co-ordinating the whole room, match the suite to the tiles, paint and fixtures to make a real statement. 

“Equally, on the other hand, adding a coloured suite to a small bathroom, like an ensuite, can run the risk of making the room feel overcrowded and dark. This is where you should consider pairing the suite with lighter and contrasting features as well as good lighting and mirrors to open up the space.”

How to style a colourful bathroom suite

“Colourful sanitaryware can create a stylish, luxurious bathroom if done correctly. The key is to avoid overwhelming the room by pairing deeper shades with lighter, natural materials, and brighter shades with neutral tones and timeless finishes. This way you can add colour and personality without overpowering the space.

“Good lighting is also an important consideration. Make sure to add mirrors and layered lighting like lamps and wall lighting to help make the room feel both open and warm and inviting.”

Other ways to add colour to your bathroom

Emily says, “If you’re interested in adopting the trend without committing to replacing your whole bathroom suite just yet, it’s far more cost-effective to start with replacing your fixtures and fittings.

“Try swapping out fixtures like your taps, shower or showerhead, cabinet handles, or lighting. Swapping these can help you completely transform the space without investing in a full bathroom renovation. Making smaller changes like these also gives you the flexibility to adopt other trends more easily in the future.

“Other ways to add colour to your bathroom are by updating the paint on the walls, adding coloured towels and accessories or considering some feature tiles; these are some much less permanent choices that can be easily updated later on and don’t involve having to mess with any plumbing.”

If you’re investing in a bathroom renovation, our advice is to think about what you consider to be a timeless choice and use fixtures, fittings and decor to adopt new trends. 

Emily Robertson is an in-house shower and bathroom expert at Mira Showers, with specialist knowledge across the brand’s showering and bathroom solutions. She provides trusted guidance on product selection, bathroom design considerations and the latest innovations, helping homeowners make informed decisions when planning, upgrading or renovating their bathrooms.

Emily’s author page: https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/authors/emily-robertson 

Warm metallics have become a firm favourite in bathroom design, offering an alternative to cooler chrome and nickel and bringing warmth and character to everything from taps and showers to mirrors and accessories. But with both brass and bronze becoming increasingly popular, how do you decide which is right for your bathroom?

While they sit within the same warm metallic family, the two finishes can create quite different looks. Brass tends to have a lighter, more golden appearance, while bronze has greater depth, with warmer brown undertones and a more earthy quality.

Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP, explains: “There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong choice between brass and bronze. What is important is the atmosphere you want to create and the other materials and colours you plan on bringing in. Both introduce warmth in quite different ways.”

For those looking to introduce warmth while retaining a lighter feel, brass is an easy choice. Brushed Brass in particular offers a softer alternative to highly polished gold-toned finishes and can sit comfortably within both contemporary and traditional bathrooms.

“Brushed Brass is incredibly versatile,” says Jeevan. “It works beautifully against marble, stone and timber and can lift darker colours, but at the same time it can bring warmth to a much lighter, neutral bathroom.”

It can also provide a contemporary update to more traditional fittings. Rather than recreating a period bathroom exactly, pairing classic silhouettes with Brushed Brass can bridge old and new, giving heritage-inspired schemes a fresher feel.

Something to remember: As a lighter, more noticeable metallic, brass naturally draws the eye, so it pays to think about where and how often it is repeated. Choosing coordinating taps, showers and accessories can make the finish feel well thought through rather than introducing isolated flashes of metal. Different manufacturers’ versions of brass can also vary in tone, so specifying coordinating products from one collection or brand can help achieve a consistent finish.

Bronze brings a completely different quality to the bathroom. Its deeper brown undertones create a richer, earthier appearance, making it particularly effective in bathrooms built around natural materials and warmer colour palettes.

“Bronze has a little more depth and character,” explains Jeevan. “It works particularly well if you’re using richer colours or materials such as timber and stone because it sits naturally alongside those warmer tones. It can make even very contemporary brassware feel softer and less clinical.”

Bronze can also be particularly effective when carried across several details within the room, from the basin and shower fittings through to smaller accessories and heating, creating a strong visual thread without relying on a single statement piece.

Something to think about: Because bronze has greater visual depth, it can feel heavier than brass, particularly in a small or very dark bathroom. Balance it with lighter surfaces or use it selectively where you want to introduce definition and contrast.

Not necessarily. Mixed metals can work, but there should be a clear rationale behind them rather than introducing several unrelated finishes.

“If you’re mixing metals, keep one as the dominant finish and use the second more sparingly,” advises Jeevan. “For example, you might carry bronze through the main brassware and shower while introducing another metal through lighting or smaller decorative details. The important thing is repetition. If a finish appears only once, it can look accidental.”

For homeowners who prefer a more uniform look, carrying the same finish across taps, shower fittings, accessories, radiators and other details is an increasingly popular approach and can make the bathroom feel more complete.

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1. NEO Single Lever Basin Mixer in Brushed Bronze, £280
2. NEO Triple Outlet Thermostatic Trimset for Universal Box in Brushed Brass,
   £805, (Universal Box £150)
3. Grosvenor Freestanding Bath Shower Mixer with Kit from £1,050
4. EVO Exposed Shower Head in Brushed Bronze, £750
5. Vos Basin £795 and Kono 3 Whole Wall Mounted Basin Mixer £450
6. EVO Radiator £210, VOS Mirror with Light £345, VOS Grade 316 Stainless Steel Top Basin £795,
   VOS Slim Bath/Basin Spout £150, and Grab Bar £150, all in Brushed Brass
7. Neo Single Lever Basin Mixer in Brushed Brass, £195