PRODUCT FEATURE | En suites and cloakrooms
Arcilla Red from Silestone’s Sunlit Days collection
Infra-red sensor taps, smart mirrors and smart showers, as well as clever storage, are also important innovations, with storage most important of all, as this is the area that can present most challenges. And there are a few options when it comes to
storage – modular furniture, wall-hung furniture, as well as niche shelving built into the walls, which are all great options for helping maximise space and create an uncluttered and streamlined look.
Fitted furniture can of course be used too, but
Utopia head of marketing Helen Clark notes that designers should try and use all the corners and other underutilised spaces such as above the WC. “Try planning a tall sit-on unit above the toilet unit or on top of the worktop to use the gap above the base units,” she says. Wall alcoves are becoming a popular addition to bathooms, particularly where space is limited. They can help create a cohesive look and give the illusion of extra space. Hansgrohe’s XtraStoris wall alcoves, for example, are available in multiple finishes to continue the chosen design across the
bathroom. The trim on XtraStoris Individual comes in six finishes from Polished Gold Optic through to matt white, to perfectly match Hansgrohe’s FinishPlus range of showers and taps.
The illusion of space
Depending on the design preference of the customer, XtraStoris can be installed either flush with the tiles or protruding from the wall, ensuring clutter is kept away from the floor of the shower. The range is also available in different dimensions so consumers can create
a combination requirements.
Josie Medved, design manager at Symphony Group, adds: “Another innovation is the design of drawers that can be used under basins. Generally, a drawer under a sink or basin is not possible because of the plumbing, but in recent years a basin drawer has been designed to fit around the pipework allowing for some storage within the top drawer. “One of the major challenges for designing in small spaces is creating storage without crowding the room. It’s important to be able to move around freely within the space and that cupboard doors and drawers and shower doors can open fully.” Finally, on storage, Roca brand marketing manager Natalie Bird suggests using wall-hung accessories. The Roca Hotel’s range includes solutions such as wall-mounted tumbler holders, soap dispensers or dishes, as well as towel hooks and rails.
52 that suits their individual
Design by Chris Payne, senior designer at Ripples Bristol: “Maintain clean lines by hiding pipework, as well as using wall-hung sanitaryware, accessories, and brassware for a streamlined look.”
Don’t let the size of the room restrict your thinking. Small bathrooms should be luxurious and comfortable too
Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager, Sanipex Group
Discussing some of the other issues designers and installers face, and how they might overcome these, our contributors all agreed that thorough planning is key. Albion Bath Co man - aging director Phil Etherden notes: “Think
about not only the layout, but the order in which bathroom fittings are used.”
He recommends placing the sink or basin closest to the door, as it is often the last stop in most bathroom routines. The toilet and other fittings can then be further into the room. “This not only provides more privacy, but saves you from walking through puddles left behind by people stepping out of the bath of shower.” Similarly, other contributors recommend starting with the biggest item – the shower cubicle, or bath for example, and then working backwards from there. In addition, Roman CEO David Osborne believes inward-opening shower enclosures help maximise space, although, if the space is particularly awkward, you might consider a bespoke glass screen, as offered by Lakes Bathrooms. Specification and design manager for Sanipex Group Ashley Sinclair, adds: “Examining the space fully before embarking on its design is key – get to know your customer and how they intend to use the space. Don’t let the size of the room restrict your thinking in terms of introducing trends. Small bathrooms should be luxurious and comfortable too and, with good planning, they really can be. “Make the most of the opportunity to incorporate storage, accessories and mirrors as part of the sale, as these can all be used as practical measures to make a small bathroom look and feel bigger, while maximising on your sale.”
The Maru basin from Victoria + Albert Baths
Perrin & Rowe’s Juliet sink mixer with C spout and lever handles in aged brass
· February 2023
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