Luxury mirrors, storage and accessories specialist Bathroom Origins has been pivotal in the redesign of Idol Hair in the East End of London. Their luxury Tate Light mirrors take centre stage in every premium booth. These stylish pods have been cleverly designed by salon owner Marc Luickx and created by bespoke furniture makers Edwards And Bull in response to the pandemic.
Hairstylist Marc has transformed his salon by cleverly creating zen-like cocoons that allow clients to feel safe Bathroom Origins’ Tate Light mirrors complete this luxury look.
His inspiration for this clever redesign came from watching a TV programme on first-class aeroplane travel with sleeping pods during lockdown in May last year. As soon as Marc saw these booths, they created a lightbulb moment for him. He says: “I was looking for innovative ways in which to adapt my hair salon to work with the ‘new normal’.
“When I watched this show, the travellers said they felt quite safe getting into their pod with everything there – away but not isolated from one another. This concept stuck in my mind and I started thinking about developing individual units, hair pods, where you walk in, sit down and don’t have to move throughout your visit.”
Sofia Charalambous, co-director at Bathroom Origins, explains: “Many of us rely on our hair salons for a sense of community, self-care and wellbeing. So, we were delighted to work with Marc (my hairdresser for nearly three decades, a confidante and friend) to enable him to realise his dream redesign.
“I was invited to join some of Marc’s other clients in the interiors industry, to specify products which would complete the luxury salon look Marc had envisaged. I instantly knew our Tate Light illuminated mirrors, which feature super-stylish black frames, would be perfect. With 6000k cool lighting around every frame, this creates ideal illumination for each client and it provides an additional light source in this salon.”
Marc adds: “I’ve known Sofia at Bathroom Origins for 27 years and she has become a great friend. I’m delighted with our Tate Light black illuminated mirrors which enhance our industrial-style track lights. Their lovely cool 6000k light illuminates the face perfectly – they are stunning mirrors.”
Tarkett flooring was chosen in green and black due to its sustainable properties and this contrasts beautifully with Farrow & Ball‘s soothing Peignoir paint colour on the walls. Marc completed the look with a partial living ceiling of 200 plants, including air-purifying peace lilies. These help to add biophilic elements of nature, which are intrinsically linked with wellbeing, in his leading designer salon.
The Gap range from Roca is specifically designed to optimise the bathroom space. Delivering practical and customisable bathroom furniture, The Gap is introducing a new broad extension to the popular range.
Designed for a wide range of different users, The Gap furniture offers a contemporary and varied combination of shapes, finishes and dimensions with Roca’s outstanding level of quality, comfort and resistance.
Wide range of models to choose from
Whether it’s a compact vanity for a small bathroom that is needed or a family model that meets the storage needs of several people, The Gap now offers an even wider range with 31 different models. There are no less than 24 options of base units with basins available and 7 alternatives of vanity units with over countertop basins to choose from.
Finishing touches
To meet the needs of modern bathroom designs, The Gap offers real versatility with different finishes to suit a wide range of preferences and decor. Available in an extensive range of colour choices including Gloss White, Anthracite Grey, Arctic Grey, Nordic Ash and textured City Oak, the look can be perfectly finished with a handle in Matt Nickel or in Gloss Aluminium to complete the look.
Different dimensions to suit all bathroom spaces
The Gap offers cabinets with a width ranging from 500mm to 1200mm, so the right dimension can easily be found for every bathroom space. There is a choice of a standard depth of 460 mm or a compact version with a reduced depth of 380 mm. Designed to make storage easier regardless of the available space, the lower drawers of The Gap are also higher than conventional ones, allowing users to store bulkier objects and make the most of their capacity.
Configurations for every preference
In order to adapt to the needs and preferences of every person or household, The Gap offers the choice of different storage configurations and ways of installing the basin. Customise the cabinet with two or three drawers or by combining drawers and one side door. Homeowners can choose from an over countertop basin or a Unik vanity version, with the option of placing the bowl in the centre, on the right or left hand side or even have two bowls. Due to its great versatility, The Gap bathroom vanity is compatible with Roca over countertop basins, both in vitreous china and in Roca’s innovative Fineceramic®.
Accessories for easy storage
To make it even more practical, The Gap bathroom cabinet can be finished with accessories such as a side towel rail or convenient organising boxes that make storage in drawers easier. Finally, for those homes that need additional storage space, The Gap base unit can be complemented with a 1500 mm high column unit featuring two folding doors in a modern and extremely functional ensemble.

About Roca
Roca is a company dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of products for the bathroom space, as well as ceramic floor and wall tiles for architecture, construction and interior design. The company operates in 170 countries with 84 production centers and a workforce of 24,000 professionals worldwide.
The family company is the market leader in Europe, Latin America, India and Russia. It also has a strong presence in China and the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Thanks to this, it is a world leader in its activity.
The Unified Water Label Association is calling on the European kbb industry to realise the importance of using water wisely on World Environment Day (Sat 05 June).
World Environment Day is an international event that encompasses global virtual gatherings, community clean ups, live social discussions, musical and film screenings. A virtual gala is also taking place welcoming the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, comprising inspiring messages from world leaders, activists, celebrities, and musical performances as well as Pakistan’s host country programme.
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “The theme for World Environment Day is working together with a strapline of together we can be #generation restoration
“Working together is also a key theme of UWLA’s communication strategy. We believe that everyonehas a part to play in making responsible water-saving choices. If those involved in designing, manufacturing, selling, installing and purchasing water using bathroom products, all work together to help each other, and consumers understand the issues around water scarcity, then we can drive home the message that for the sake of the planet we must use water wisely.
“We explored this at our recent Water Matters workshop, which was attended by an international audience of over 150 delegates representing manufacturers, associations, retailers, distributors and media from Europe as well as further afield from Australia and the USA.”
Carlos Velazquez, newly elected president of UWLA and Sustainability Director at Roca Group hosted the event. He said, “There is an increasing awareness of the importance of using water wisely, which is generating interest in the Unified Water Label. The Water Matters event provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about how to communicate with customers on water efficiency and environmental issues.”
“I am looking forward to sharing our message at the Water World Forum For Life event which takes place this weekend to mark World Environment Day in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal.”
“Those interested in finding out how they can become involved by supporting the UWLA or joining our campaign can find out more here.”
Sanifos is a range of underground pumps leading macerator supplier, Saniflo. Three original pumps with capacities between 110 and 500 litres were originally introduced to take the waste away from buildings with no gravity drainage by a pump that could be sited underground. Now, this range has been refreshed with two model upgrades and extended with a number of new models.
The Sanifos 280 replaces the original 250 and offers an additional 30 litres capacity, whilst the new Sanifos 610 provides a huge 110 litres additional capacity over its 500 litre predecessor. Both models have two macerating options – a grinder or a vortex impeller and can pump up to 14m and 16m respectively. All models feature a wired alarm for early warning of any problems, whilst the Sanifos 610 offers a choice of single or twin pumps, three-phase or single phase, stop and check valve and a SMART unit as standard on models with two pumps.
For public buildings or for multiple smaller buildings, Saniflo has introduced four large-capacity models starting with the Sanifos 1300 which can pump waste up an impressive 17m. This unit features two pumps mounted on a cast iron mounting base with stainless steel guide bars. A choice of inlet height position is available and a template is provided for this purpose. Three further models – 1600, 2100 and 3100 – enable customised lifting station solutions according to the project in hand. This includes single or three-phase, alarms and control boxes, covers, float and pump options, as well as multiple connections required.
Whether it is for a full house, an extension, a series of glamping pods or the installation of a washroom, the Sanifos pumps provide a solution when traditional drainage is not available or civil works are too costly and troublesome.

More news from Saniflo
Roca Group has reached an agreement with Schneider Electric to define a three-step roadmap towards decarbonization, establishing a single, global strategy across the Group.
Roca Group operates in 170 countries, owns 85 factories and has a workforce of 24,000 professionals. Though the company has been actively working on the improvement of its environmental footprint for several years, it has decided to broaden its commitments and to establish a common sustainability policy with the help of Schneider Electric’s new climate change consulting services.
Schneider Electric’s is specialized in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The collaboration between the two partners will consist of three phases. In the first one, Roca Group will work with Schneider Electric to define its vision of the decarbonization process, analyzing the environment and setting new, more ambitious goals. During the second phase, Schneider Electric will study Roca Group’s plants to set commitments to reduce energy consumption and emissions, to implement sustainable energy generation in the factories and to compensate for those emissions that cannot be eliminated.
Finally, during the implementation phase, Roca Group and Schneider Electric will advance in the digitalization of the company’s processes and will proceed to the sensorization of the different production centers to monitor and optimize energy consumption in order to reduce costs and emissions. Schneider Electric will also help Roca Group to define its decarbonization needs so that, with its own resources, the Group can implement projects to reduce emissions and implement sustainable energy.
Roca Group is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and works to reduce the carbon footprint of its industrial activity, promoting the reduction of water consumption and continuously innovating in the production processes carried out in its plants. The figures back up the Group’s commitment to the environment. The Group cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8% in 2019 compared to the previous year, a figure that escalated to 22% in 2020 due to the company’s efforts and the drop in activity in a pandemic context.
In other areas related to the environment, water consumption in the Group’s plants was cut by 24% last year, and as part of its Zero Waste project, 28% less waste was generated, 71% of which is recoverable in other production processes. In addition, the products that Roca Group designs for the bathroom space incorporate the latest technologies to optimize both energy and water consumption.
“At Roca Group, we work hard every day to optimize our production processes by incorporating the latest technologies with the aim of reducing our environmental footprint, as well as to provide society with products for the bathroom space that combine wellbeing with respect for the environment. Far from being satisfied, we want to continue advancing in this strategy and offer all our divisions and factories a common framework that allows us to continue driving our decarbonization,” said Roca Group CEO, Albert Magrans.
“At Schneider Electric we are not only committed to decarbonizing our value chain, we want to become the digital partner in sustainability and efficiency for companies that are leading the change. And Roca Group is one of them,” said Josu Ugarte, president of Schneider Electric Iberia. In this regard, Ugarte pointed out that “companies that incorporate sustainability into their strategy are ahead of legislative requirements, attract more talent, have better access to capital and strengthen their brand and business, making it more attractive to multiple stakeholders”.
More news from Roca
As customers continue to seek high-quality digital experiences, Acquabella, best known for manufacturing shower trays and textured materials, invite consumers to step into their very own comfort zone through its new 3D bathroom planner.
The planner is the perfect canvas for those looking to redesign their bathroom sanctuary. The 3D tool allows users to recreate and refresh their own bathroom. The overall floorplan can be rendered through the input of measurements – even accounting for pillars and asymmetrical walls, and the very last details such as bookcases and toilet roll holders can be added easily. Flooring, tiling and colours can all be customised, and the entire range of Acquabella shower trays, worktops, basins and the Quiz Bathtub. The wide portfolio of products includes the award-winning Quiz and best-selling Base Slate, which can be seen in situ with over 2,000 colour options.
Once everything is in place, users can step through the doorway and take a 360-degree room tour, experiencing their “new bathroom” from every angle. Users can then request an email and the design is sent to them (accompanied by a detailed list of products and photorealistic rendered images) to their nearest Acquabella stockist to finalise the details and place the order.
This exciting tool demonstrates the digital innovation of the brand, following on from the unique virtual tour launched last month. The new 3D bathroom planner can be found on the Acquabella website.
More news from Acquabella
Bathroom manufacturer, Bette, is calling on creative minds to design ‘the walk-in shower bathroom of the future’ featuring BetteAir, the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile. Architects, designers, bathroom planners and students have the chance to give free rein to their creativity and win a personal feature on Bette’s social media channels, as well as a free BetteAir shower tile.
With BetteAir, Bette completes the evolution of the shower tray into part of the bathroom floor and opens up unprecedented possibilities in bathroom design. Like a conventional tile, it can be glued directly onto the screed, making the shower area an integral part of the bathroom floor and seeming to merge with it. With a choice of 31 colours, there are virtually no limits to creativity – whether colourful, contrasting or barely seen.
To participate in the BetteAir Design Competition, submit a design for the “walk-in shower bathroom of the future” as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Real bathroom projects are also welcome. The deadline for entries is 28.06.2021. A jury, including Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux & Partner, Potsdam), the designer of BetteAir, will select the most exciting, unique and creative design concepts from the entries. The winner will be decided by a community vote on Bette’s social media channels from 05.07.2021. In addition, direct voting is possible at betteair.my-bette.com/en/walk-in-to-the-future, where the CAD downloads and entry conditions can also be found.

About Bette
Bette is a specialist in bathroom products that are made of a special metal in a unique manufacturing process: titanium steel sheets are shaped under high pressure and then finished with a thin coating that is related to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is perfect for the bathroom (it is skin-friendly, hygienic, durable and robust), and Bette uses it to make its baths, shower areas, shower trays and washbasins.
The Bette family company was founded in Delbrück in North-Rhine Westphalia in 1952 and specialises exclusively in this manufacturing process because it allows the products to be shaped smoothly with the maximum skilled precision. The manufacturing and administrative headquarters employs around 385 people. The CEO, Thilo C. Pahl, is a member of the owner family.
The range includes baths, shower areas, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture “Made in Germany”. Unique items that can be made in various colours and dimensions and open up inspiring spaces in interior design for the bathroom. Bette’s assembly processes combine high-tech industrial production techniques with tailor-made manufacturing where it benefits the customer. More than half its products are customised to customer preferences. The company offers over 600 different baths, shower trays and washbasin models in a tremendous range of colours.
The natural raw materials glass, water and steel are used to manufacture high-quality products that are completely recyclable. They are verified to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as per ISO 14025 and to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
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Ideal Standard is continuing its unique series of events, the Together World Tour, in Berlin, focusing on the architecture, design and culture within the iconic, German capital.
The Together World Tour, Ideal Standard’s innovative event series created especially for the international architecture & design community, will make its second stop in Berlin on June 16th 2021. The Together World Tour is an innovative fusion of digital content from the global bathroom product manufacturer, which aims to inspire attendees by diving into the design culture of six unique cities around the world.
Following the success of the first event in Milan on April 21st 2021, in which the striking, new Linda-X range was unveiled, the Berlin event will also preview a new addition to Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, in the form of the Extra washbasin range. Extra has been conceived to suit any environment, coming in a variety of sizes to suit any space. Combining a timeless design with a strong, square shape, the Extra washbasins are a striking addition to any bathroom.
The Atelier Collections are influenced by the brand’s rich design heritage and are the result of the partnership with Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A) and Roberto Palomba, Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer.
The Berlin event will focus on the striking variance of contemporary and timeless architecture in the city, and explore its vibrant identity.
The second leg of the Together World Tour will be held on June 16th, 2021 at 11 am BST. The event will also let attendees unlock special extra features regarding the locations and the new additions to the collections.
To learn more about the tour so far and register for the Berlin event visit: www.togetherworldtour.com
Unidrain has introduced a new industrial style addition to its GlassLine series of shower screens.
The new addition can perfectly be described as minimalism meets industrial. The Danish design company and creators of the original linear drain are best known for their sleek designs and the unique ability to highlight ‘invisibility’.
One of the most dramatic options and currently a key trend in bathroom interior design is to use black for fixtures and fittings. Unidrain has introduced a new version of their impressive GlassLine shower screen; defined with a distinctive black frame; this industrial, New York loft-style design complements the Reframe Accessories collection and the black variant of the HighLine Colour drain perfectly.

More news from Unidrain
Utopia Bathrooms has announced the appointment of Chris Hewitt as Business Development Manager, Contracts Division.
Chris joins Utopia from Majestic Showers where he worked for over seven years in a number of sales roles before becoming General Manager. Chris has a wealth of relevant experience in the bathroom industry, supporting both retail and contract business in key roles. Chris’s experience includes working on the conversion of the former US Naval Office to luxury homes in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, now one of the most prestigious addresses in London.
Ian Hall, Joint Managing Director, welcomed Chris to the company saying “It’s an exciting time for Utopia and I’m very pleased that Chris has joined our team at this stage so that we can take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
Chris comments “I am delighted to join Utopia and am extremely impressed with the quality and range of products, not to mention the passion of everyone within the company. I look forward to talking to old and new customers in the industry and to meeting Utopia’s loyal customer base.”
Utopia Bathrooms
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