Mixing Materials in Bathrooms

Apparently, to quote a Swiss bathroom manufacturer, “Bathroom manufacturers are like bakers. We all use the same ingredients and we all have our special secret recipes which we are constantly trying to improve.”

 

Are they trying to cash in on the popularity of the Great British Bake Off? No not really, they were trying to say that like bakers, bathroom manufacturers are all producing the same fixtures – baths, basins, toilets and bidets with all the accessories necessary for the bathroom.

 

Of course they are correct, and like bakers, their point of difference is often in their quality and the design.

 

Showing off innovation

With several high end bathroom products available now, getting the message beyond the factory or shop walls needs a showcase. And exhibitions and festivals are great places to do just that and showcase innovation. This year’s London Design Festival which ran for a week in September was the perfect place, as was 100% Design which ran concurrently with LDF. From a water sculpture / light created for a bathroom, to great bathroom technology, to a collaboration of plastic and clay bathroom designs. The latter also appeared at the Milan Furniture Show in April.

 

The ‘plastic and clay’ collaboration was the partnership between Laufen and Kartell. The combination shown produced sleek ceramics and ‘translucent polycarbonate furniture and accessories to create open, flexible spaces more like living rooms’.

 

The combination works well with the ‘plastic’ shelves, stools, mirrors and lights blending seamlessly with the bathroom fixtures. The plastic furniture comes in a range of colours allowing you to keep your bathroom crisp, clean and white using the transparent clear see-through option – think Philippe Starck Ghost chairs – or bright but earthy colours such as burnt orange, brown or deep blue.

 

Italian design

Yes Italian design is up there at the top – think Ferrari, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Alessi, just skim the tip of the Italian design iceberg. Italian furniture design has made quite a name for itself too so it’s not surprising to see Kartell collaborating in this way.

 

The Italians are also famous for some incredibly designed bathroom fixtures too especially if you are looking for high end innovation. Whilst most of their baths showcase stone mineral resin and super contemporary designs, they also reference historic design too.

 

Innovation for your home

If you want your bathroom to be right up to the minute there are plenty of options. Whatever your preferred style there will be bathroom fittings and fixtures to match. You can expect tip top design in your bathroom in the same way you can in any other room in your home.

 

Whether you are looking for a roll top bath or a freestanding contemporary one, they are readily available at outlets near you. Or you can always scan the next big show.