“ Are bathroom suites a thing of the past?”
Do we still invest in a matching bath, basin, and WC or are we mixing designs to show off our own style? Hayley Robson, creative director of Day True, takes a look at an interesting shift in our buying habits
T
ypically, when we think of a bathroom suite, it’s a tub, basin, and WC designed to complement
each other in style and generally match in material and colour. Like with a three-piece sofa, I think traditional sets are fast becoming a thing of the past. And for good reason: we’re being more free in our choices and going for a fun mix-and-match approach that ultimately leads to a more personal, contemporary, and interesting bathroom scheme (and living room, if you’re still thinking sofas). There is no doubt that these types
of bathroom suites still exist and I'm sure there is a market for them – they're certainly helpful if you’re balancing a budget, as some now come complete with taps as well. But with such an increase in the number of cool bathroom choices, why not do something away from what’s been the norm for so long? So why the shiſt away from the suite? The main factor is available fl oor area. Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is probably the most important space in the house.
On average, it's as big as a king- sized bed – plus some serve dual purpose, for example as a dressing area. While you may be able to steal fl oor area from a bedroom or landing to increase the footprint, the fi xtures and fi ttings you put into the bathroom still have to suit the oſt en limited size – in which case a standard suite may not always be the most effi cient option. Merging spaces dictates changes
in product scale, size, and material, as a combined scheme has to fl ow and be soſt er in terms of colours and textures. Squeezing additional bathrooms into our homes has also forced a change in basin and general product sizes – the need for compact solutions and changing proportions has resulted in some exciting design ideas that throw the traditional bathroom layout out of the window. Innovation in materials is
probably one of the biggest factors that has changed how we buy bathrooms. Composites mean that baths can be smaller in size, but hold more water. Showers are much more open
In this bathroom for a property in Wimbledon, I mixed different tiles, metallics, and paired a pink basin with a white freestanding bath.
and seamless, while trays are now wetroom ready so the surface is tiled or colour matched. Basins are actually much shallower
DESIGN TIP
Still love a matching suite? Check out designer ranges by Philippe Starck and
Norman Foster for Duravit or Marcel Wanders for Laufen to achieve a high-end look
or smaller, as we no longer need to fi ll a bowl with a mixture of hot and cold water to achieve the right temperature – thanks to mixer taps (as well as thermostatic showers), which provide the perfect temperature in one go. I asked my team of designers at Day True and they can’t remember the last time they created a basin on a ceramic pedestal – and neither can I. It seems like such a waste of space, not to mention basins are more oſt en a focal point and usually incorporate storage as well as allowing you to introduce exciting materials such as concrete,
wood, or glass to the fi xture. The WC is really the only element
You can still create a cohesive look through colour, even if you choose pieces from different ranges – like I did in this Day True Project.
that remains in ceramic – they are oſt en wall hung and, in some cases, provide much more technology and innovation than before. White is still common, but there is a growing trend for matt fi nishes and subtle colour tones (but no avocado for me please).
Aside from practicalities such as space, layout, and materials, I fi rmly believe the bathroom can have a big impact on improving how we live, relax, and revive – so your space should be a joy to use and the scheme you go for should refl ect you and make you feel at ease. Does an all-white suite achieve that for you? The idea of buying a complete
bathroom is a bit like buying a set of clothes that all match – the result is looking the same as everyone else. I think we like the idea of choice; and while we still might buy a collection or a range, we mix it up with other elements to make it more interesting and personal. The layers of diff erent materials and fi nishes, a range of styles, and old and new are what makes our bathrooms interesting and unique. Yes, the space's necessary functionality and compatibility introduce a level of complexity, but with good advice and guidance these are easy elements to overcome. Our homes are such important spaces – they should provide comfort and refl ect who we are. No one wants a cookie-cutter style of living; the things that surround us should provide reference to places we have been, things we have collected or inherited, which is why no two bathrooms should look the same.
KBB
APRIL 20 l KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS 147
For stockists turn to p156
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