Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Utopia reveals Chic – a brand new modular furniture collection

October 16, 2024

Beautiful by design, Chic is Utopia’s brand new modular collection for 2024. Stylish and elegant, it’s the perfect fusion of form and function, featuring delicate sculpted shapes and sensational colour options.

Richard Shore, Head of Product Design, explains, “Everyone can be a designer with Chic, creating unique, personal and eye-catching combinations from the array of options available. Chic is every bit as flexible as it is elegant.”

Bathroom Review Utopia washbasin unit in Alpine Green Chic Collection

Designed, developed and manufactured here in the UK, each piece of the new collection is a symphony of curves, planes and sweeping ceramics, all available in stunning unicolour décors. There is also the option of adding decorative legs to Chic cabinets for an extra style dimension, creating a more classic look.

Key features of Chic include gently curved contours, an inspired collection of 19 decors, including African Rose and Alpine Green, two brand new super matt soft touch colours, advanced functionality, and an exclusive ceramic range designed specifically to complement the furniture’s soft, rounded lines.

With countless different variations, Chic can be built to suit individual preferences. There are two washbasin unit variants with either a Chic ceramic slabtop basin to create a single statement piece or a Chic sit-on basin, echoing the rounded corners and curves of the cabinet and teamed with 12mm Compact Laminate. In single and double drawer configurations with Soft Close as standard, the units are available in a full range of sizes from 540mm to 1600mm widths with the option of pull to open cabinets with the dedicated Chic handle or a handleless style featuring the new push to open mechanism.

The extensive colour palette comprises five gloss, seven super matt, four matt and three patterned and textured finishes. This, when combined with worktop décors, handle finishes, choice of taps and optional legs, means there really are limitless opportunities to create a unique combination.

Co-ordinating tall storage and WC units complete the furniture range, along with an array of complementary accessories enabling the consumer to ‘spec up’, including handles, decorative legs, drawer dividers, and automatic drawer illumination options. These innovative lights are motion-activated and powered by a rechargeable compact lithium battery located out of sight to the rear of the drawer.

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Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, comments ‘Designed and manufactured in the UK, Chic is a very exciting new proposition from Utopia. It’s beautiful, practical and versatile, providing our retail partners with a whole host of design possibilities but at the same time simple to specify and order. Personalisation is key to the collection with countless opportunities for home-owners to create a unique look. In addition, the Chic Collection strengthens our position as a leading manufacturer of modular bathroom furniture in the UK and sits alongside our eight other well-established modular collections.”

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Median spend for primary bathroom projects up by 33% according to Houzz Study

October 16, 2024

Houzz Inc., a platform for home building, renovation, and design, has released the 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study*. The survey found that the median spend for primary bathroom projects increased 33% to £7,000 from £5,250 in 2023.

Major features upgraded during renovations include wall finishes (96%), basins (94%), flooring (92%), plumbing fixtures (89%), toilets (84%), and lighting (76%). One in five homeowners increased the size of their bathroom during renovations (20%), and nearly half of the bathrooms were 50 square feet or more following renovations (47%).

The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners upgraded their vanity cabinets during primary bathroom renovations (63%) and used vanities to add a splash of colour. One in five homeowners chose wood, followed by grey, blue, green, and brown (20%, 14%, 8%, 6%, and 3%, respectively). People are investing in personalised vanity units, with nearly one in five choosing semi-custom or custom vanity unit options (19%).

“Homeowners are making bold design choices, particularly with vanity units, and focusing on contemporary styles to transform their bathrooms into functional yet stylish spaces,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “These projects often require the expertise of professionals to ensure both practicality and aesthetic appeal.”

Home systems are the most frequent enhancement in the bathroom (74%). Top projects include ventilation fan upgrades (85%) and heating installations such as radiant heating and tankless water heaters (26% and 6%, respectively). These projects often require the assistance of a professional, so it may be unsurprising that more than four in five homeowners hired industry professionals for their renovations (92%), with tradespeople being the most popular (60%), followed by bathroom fitters and builders (47% and 31%, respectively). On the design side, more than a quarter of homeowners hired bathroom designers (27%).

Additional trends from the study include:

Variety in Vanity Unit Design: Among those upgrading their vanity units, homeowners opt for feature enhancements, including soft-closing drawers and doors (62% and 52%, respectively) and built-in organisers and plug sockets (30% and 18%, respectively). Flat panel dominates in door style (50 percent), followed by shaker (23%). Drop-in basins are the most popular for upgraded vanity units (25%), followed by wall-mount and console (22% and 18%).
Contemporary Style Continues to Lead: Considering that outdated style is a top trigger for bathroom renovations (44%), it is not surprising that style and beauty are important design aspects for more than three-quarters of renovating homeowners (78%). Contemporary style has continued to lead (36%), followed by modern (31%).
Solid Colours Abound: White continues to dominate primary bathrooms across vanity units, worktops, and walls, though grey walls are popular among homeowners both inside and outside the shower (25% and 20%, respectively). Nearly one in ten homeowners choose green walls inside the shower (9%).
Shower Updates Gain Steam: Consistently popular, shower upgrades are becoming increasingly common during bathroom renovations, up two percentage points over last year (76%). When removing a bath, more than 9 in 10 homeowners enlarge the shower (92% per cent), often making it more than 50 per cent larger (30%). Homeowners have relocated their showers following a bath removal (22%).

You can download the full 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study here.

*The “2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study” is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a bathroom renovation. The online survey was fielded to UK Houzz users from November to December 2023. n=228.

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Schlüter-Systems launches the Schlüter® Registered Installer scheme

October 15, 2024

The leading systems solutions provider for tile and stone applications, Schlüter-Systems, has created a proprietary Registered Installer Scheme which will result in a professional community devoted to guaranteeing the durability and reliability of commercial and residential installations. Key installers will enjoy exclusive access to events and early access to the innovator’s latest product releases. Beyond comprehensive product and installation training, members will receive a prestigious membership card, be featured on the “Find a Schlüter® Registered Installer” webpage, benefit from an extended project warranty, and enjoy continuous project support; social media support is also offered.

Becoming a certified Schlüter Registered Installer (SRI) starts with interactive, hands-on training sessions detailing the essential skills and knowledge required to install Schlüter products in bathrooms and more. Once training is complete, the registration process can begin; if an installer has attended training sessions in the past two years, qualification may be automatic. Key training areas include – the installation of waterproof sheet membrane systems & waterproof tile backer/construction boards; the creation of level access shower areas and installation of linear drainage systems; the installation of waterproof, uncoupling and combined heating systems; the study and understanding of critical connections such as baths & shower trays.

David Naylor, marketing manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments, “In a nutshell, this new scheme has been devised to satisfy the industry’s demand for guarantees of quality workmanship for long-lasting, durable bathrooms and other areas. We offer the tiling professionals a valuable training day/s at the Schlüter-Systems Education Centre so that they leave with an in-depth understanding of the best installation methods for the wide range of Schlüter products.”

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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PJH’s Bathrooms2GO success leads to extended new range & brochure

October 15, 2024

Launched at the end of last year, the Bathrooms2GO brand collection from leading KBB distributor PJH has proven so successful that the range has been extended, and a new Autumn/Winter brochure has been unveiled.

Perfect for bathroom retailers and merchants, PJH’s Bathrooms2GO portfolio offers an affordable and comprehensive ‘one-stop’ range of popular bathroom products ready ‘2GO’ as soon as customers or installers need them.

Brimming with even more industry-leading deals and savings across all bathroom categories, the collection comes complete with the usual first-class PJH customer service and delivery benefits. Thanks to excellent stock-holding levels across PJH’s vast distribution network and via its 130-strong vehicle fleet, Next-Day Delivery to 93% of UK postcodes is available to a branch or home address.

The refreshed Bathrooms2GO collection includes a range of new product additions, including a re-vamped lineup of the popular WC2GO and BASIN2GO boxed products. Now with updated product designs and packaging—in the distinct blue and red branded colours—the 2GO boxed range is compact, easy to handle, and ideal to simply ‘takeaway’. Two enhanced WC models, including a new back-to-wall pan and rimless technology, as well as a basin and pedestal pack, are now available.

Also new to the collection and featured on the front cover of the catalogue is the new COSMOS Furniture range, exclusive to Bathrooms2GO. This contemporary handleless, wall-hung design is available in three matt finishes.

A new choice of bathroom suite packages has also been launched. Like the entire Bathrooms2GO collection, these suites come with highly competitive prices, ensuring customers receive the best quality products at the best prices and with excellent service levels – including plenty of colour and finish options for optimum style.

The latest collection is showcased in a new, larger 44-page catalogue, which includes RRP’s. It features the bold, blue and red Bathrooms2GO branding and a concise, ‘easy-to-shop’ layout with clear product features and photography. This A4 brochure is the perfect selling tool for both trade counters and bathroom showrooms – and PJH also offers this handy counter-top brochure stand, capable of holding 50 brochures, making them easily accessible to customers.

For further information or to order Bathrooms2GO products, brochures or point-of-sale materials, visit the PJH Partners Portal, www.partners.pjh.uk or contact PJH at sales@pjh.uk / T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

To view the new brochure, simply click here: New B2GO Brochure

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Schlüter-Systems to exhibit system solutions at HIX Event

October 15, 2024

Schlüter-Systems, the market leader of high-quality system solutions for tile and stone applications, will exhibit at this year’s HIX show on November 27 and 28.

With an extensive portfolio including underfloor heating, tile trims, shower profiles, shelves and waterproofing systems, all backed up by industry-leading service, expert advice and a collaborative approach to finding clients the right solution for every application, it’s not surprising Schlüter-Systems’ products and services have been specified in many luxury hotels.

Visitors to the Schlüter-Systems stand can discover the endless design possibilities of Schlüter-LIPROTEC illuminated profiles for ceramic or natural stone coverings. Also on show will be Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-W, a fully customisable, prefabricated washbasin. Lightweight and easy to handle, KERDI-BOARD-W is immediately ready to tile, saving time and costly mistakes. Visitors can also discover how to provide hotel guests with elegant shower storage space with the versatile Schlüter-SHELF. The wall shelves are available in five different shapes and integrate seamlessly into the tile surface; the sleek lines can continue in hotel showers with Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-G3 horizontal linear drainage.

These are just a couple of the many solutions available that will help make hospitality bathrooms and spas look fantastic and ensure they are reliably waterproofed for years to come.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit Schlüter-Systems’ website www.schluter.co.uk

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Scudo expands metallic Vibe radiator collection

October 15, 2024

Leading bathroom brand Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has expanded its metallic Vibe radiator collection to include the latest metallic finishes.

Scudo continues to remain at the forefront of designer radiators and towel rails with the introduction of gunmetal and brushed bronze finishes to accompany brushed brass in Vibe.

Peter Woodward, Marketing Manager at Harrison Bathrooms, comments, “Consumers are becoming bolder and are embracing metallic finishes in their bathrooms to inject personality into bathroom design. Co-ordinating these radiators with other hardware elements – such as taps, showerheads, towel bars and robe hooks – creates a cohesive look. We offer perfect colour matching with our unrivalled Colour by Scudo service to create a show-stopping vibe to inspire bathroom makeovers.”

T: 0330 124 7290 W: scudo.co.uk E: sales@harrisonbathrooms.com

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CRL Serenity Sliding Shower Door System – now available in new finishes

October 15, 2024

CRL has unveiled two new finishes for its Serenity Deluxe 180° Sliding Shower Door System. With the addition of Brushed Brass and Brushed Gun Metal, this system is now available in six stylish finishes, including Polished Stainless Steel, Brushed Stainless Steel, Matte Black, and Brushed Bronze, offering more design flexibility to installers.

Tapping into the growing trend for sleek, minimal aesthetics in contemporary bathrooms, the Serenity Deluxe system is the ideal solution for achieving that clean, all-glass look. Its precision-engineered rollers ensure quiet, smooth door movement, while the minimalist design keeps the focus on the glass, enhancing the modern bathroom space with ease.

Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Serenity Deluxe system ensures long-lasting performance. It supports a variety of configurations, including a 90° mounted system when paired with an accessory kit.

The system accommodates doors up to 40kg in weight, with a maximum door width of 762mm, and glass thickness between 8 and 10mm, making it versatile for a range of installations.

For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk

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Domaine de L’Ansa – a fusion of luxury, nature, and Italian craftsmanship

October 14, 2024

Nestled within the serene landscape of the French Riviera, Domaine de L’Ansa is a standout project within the Fredensborg Collection. It comprises three interconnected yet nearly independent structures: the main house, pool house, and guesthouse. Recently renovated by Milan-based Studio M2Atelier, the estate embodies the finest Made in Italy design, featuring carefully selected natural materials and custom-made furnishings.

The renovation aimed to enhance the original structure’s relationship with the surrounding environment, preserving the estate’s 1,000 m² of living space while introducing sleek, simple lines that highlight the natural beauty of the landscape. By maintaining the estate’s existing volumes, the design seamlessly bridges the gap between architecture and nature, offering a continuous dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The estate can accommodate up to 18 guests, with seven bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and two master suites featuring exclusive en-suite facilities. The interior is defined by a sophisticated palette of greys, ranging from soft pearl to London Grey, complemented by brushed natural oak accents. This refined aesthetic runs throughout the estate, from the shared spaces such as the living room, cinema room, wellness centre, and fitness area to the more intimate and serene bedroom suites. Each space offers a peaceful retreat, enhanced by stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Every private bathroom within Domaine de L’Ansa is fitted with CEA taps from the INNOVO collection, finished in satin stainless steel. These fittings, known for their precision and elegant design, add a spa-like atmosphere to each space. The attention to detail in the bathrooms mirrors the overarching architectural theme—clean, modern lines that elevate the luxurious feel of the residence.

The natural materials, bespoke Italian furnishings, and careful integration of architectural elements with the surrounding landscape make Domaine de L’Ansa a prime example of modern luxury. The project offers luxurious accommodation and an immersive experience in nature and design, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Technical Details:

INNOVO INV05S (X2) – Deck-mounted mixer for countertop basin with swivelling spout, in AISI 316L stainless steel, satin finish.
INNOVO INV21S (X2) – Washbasin tap in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish, comprising a wall-mounted mixer with spout.

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Bathroom flooring trends for 2025, according to an expert

October 14, 2024

Far from just a functional space, bathrooms are increasingly seen as the sanctuary of the home. Flooring expert Alex Heslop reveals some top bathroom flooring trend predictions for 2025.

Alex Heslop, a Trend Expert at Flooring Superstore, comments: “Bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with your décor and flooring is a great place to start. While it makes sense to have a seamless flow of complementary flooring throughout the rest of your home, as a smaller, self-contained space – bathrooms are the place to get creative and let your personality shine through in your décor choices.”

Playful patterned flooring

“Elevate any bathroom space with a chic pattern; for 2025, it’s all about going bold. All-white bathrooms are a thing of the past, and now it’s about being daring with your design choices, and patterned flooring is a fantastic way to achieve this.

“Vinyl with a tile effect pattern is not only affordable but it’s made from resilient, synthetic materials, is hardwearing and resistant to water. It’s also easy to clean, and there’s a vast array of patterns, colours and designs to choose from.”

Quiet luxury through dark wood finishes

“Nothing says quiet luxury quite like dark wooden flooring, and we’ve seen a steady increase in demand for dark wood finishes over the last 12 months, with a 203% increase in searches for this finish.

Bathroom-Review-Flooring-Superstore-Asenso-Elegance-Plank-Lodge-

“While traditional hardwood is not the best option for bathrooms, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) look and feel like the real thing, with added the durability that is needed in a bathroom. LVT has come a long way in both style and functionality. Plus, it’s easy to maintain, perfect for high traffic areas, and with added waterproof and scratch proof properties, it’s bound to suit both contemporary and classic interiors.”

Get this look with Flooring Superstore’s Asenso Elegance Plank Lodge Oak, which provides the timeless beauty of solid wood with realistic knots and grain patterns and added durability for busy bathrooms. £37.49 per metre squared.

Dopamine décor and coloured tiles

“Dopamine décor seems to be the word on everyone’s lips, and we see no signs of this trend slowing down as we head into 2025. The bathroom is a great place to start when it comes to embracing this trend, which is all about taking a fun and adventurous approach to your home décor choices.

“Colour is a great way to add a touch of playfulness to your interior, but if it’s not done quite right it can make a space feel overwhelming, particularly in smaller spaces like bathrooms. Coloured tiles are a great way to make a bold statement.As well as creating a focal point for the bathroom, a pop of colour can make a space feel warmer and inviting.

“By choosing warm colours like yellows, blues, oranges and pinks – you are helping to evoke feelings of happiness. To incorporate colour in a more understated way, opt for a pastel colour palette to strike that balance of achieving a happy yet calming space.”

Get the look:

Flooring Superstore’s Sage Links Ceramic Tiles are a fantastic way to add a pop of colour into your bathroom, with stunning shades of sage green and a statement geometric diamond mosaic design. £34.99 per metre squared.

Make a statement with stone

“Whether it be marble-effect, slate or limestone, we are seeing stone effect patterns continue to dominate bathroom design choices. A great way to add texture and depth to any bathroom aesthetic, stone effect also gives the sense of the outdoors while creating a cosy and warm space.

“Vinyl flooring options are a much more affordable way to get the statement look of stone, without the huge price tag and installation costs that porcelain and ceramic can carry.”

Get the look:

Flooring Superstore’s Asenso Signature Herringbone in Glacial Marble combines the luxurious look of real marble in an attractive herringbone design, with the added waterproof, hardwearing properties of LVT. £29.99 per square metre.

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Hyperion Tiles announces exciting collaboration with Fired Earth

October 14, 2024

Award-winning tile and flooring specialist Hyperion Tiles has unveiled a new collaboration with Fired Earth. This partnership expands Hyperion Tiles’ extensive portfolio, offering a diverse range of exceptional tiles for homeowners, designers, specifiers, and architects.

Hyperion Tiles is now showcasing Fired Earth’s latest collections on its website, providing customers access to an array of innovative patterns, colours, shapes, and styles. These new offerings are designed to inspire and elevate both residential and commercial projects with distinctive, high-quality products.

Richard Skeoch, Director of Hyperion Tiles, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to offer our customers access to Fired Earth’s latest collections, which bring together a beautiful selection of colours and designs. Our expert team is on hand to provide specialist advice, whether it’s technical know-how or product knowledge. Together with Fired Earth’s craftsmanship, we’re proud to offer these stunning new tile collections at competitive prices.”

Customers can explore the new Fired Earth category on the Hyperion Tiles website and benefit from a comprehensive service that includes expert guidance and advice tailored to every project, large or small.

In addition to this, Hyperion Tiles’ latest blog delves into how carefully selected tiles can transform a bathroom into a peaceful haven. Featured in the blog are standout examples from the extensive new collections, such as the Nebula Green (10 x 30cm) tiles paired with Aegean Pink Herringbone Mosaics—perfect for adding a touch of colour and luxury. For those seeking a coastal-inspired look, the Seaspray Green Marble tiles provide an elegant option for contemporary bathrooms.

For further details and to explore the full product portfolio, including the Fired Earth collection, visit the Hyperion Tiles website or contact the team for personalised advice.

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