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Fittings manufacturer Dornbracht is enhancing its spa applications by adding Aquahalo, a sculptural experience shower modelled on a classic crystal chandelier. The product from designer Michael Neumayr offers unique experiences in line with the “Follow Your Bliss” guiding principle: Three effective flow modes, including a spot for light and water integrated into the ceiling, provide meditative and invigorating moments of happiness in everyday life.

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

Design Artwork for the Bathroom

Aquahalo is a water sculpture with character, in a ring-shaped design that becomes the central element in every bathroom. Attached at four points, it circles a central spot for light and water embedded in the ceiling. Designer Michael Neumayr based his concept on the Gustavian style, a Swedish trend inspired by antiquity and French neoclassicism at the time of King Ludwig XVI. “My original inspiration was a chandelier that hung in my parent’s dining room”, explains Neumayr. He continues: “The glint of the lead crystal and the way in which it reflected the light always reminded me of sparkling water as a child. In this respect, Aquahalo is a contemporary, minimalist interpretation of a Gustavian candlestick.”

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

Invigorating Moments of Wellbeing in Everyday Life

The product is available in five finishes, polished and brushed versions of Chrome and Champagne (22kt Gold), as well as Matte Black. Three different flow modes, together with an integrated light, ensure unique water experiences: With Aqua Circle Rain, the water falls from the ring like a soft cone, creating a relaxing and meditative effect. Tempest Rain is like an invigorating shower of rain, coming from every direction. The gentle drops fall seemingly without pressure and bring clarity as well as energy. Diamond Rain, on the other hand, combines water and light into a crystal-clear stream that is both comforting and aesthetically pleasing. All three flow modes create moments of recovery for the body and soul, allowing a welcome time-out from hectic, everyday events.

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

“Follow Your Bliss” as a Message and a Promise

The “Follow Your Bliss” guiding concept is both a message and a promise. Users are invited to go along with their own wishes and needs – and discover which of the environmental elements are most suited to them. Materials and textures, fragrances, sounds, colours, and light play a crucial role here, but most importantly is the presentation of the water. Aquahalo is designed for wellbeing – and contributes to an appreciably better quality of life.

About Dornbracht UK & Ireland

Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets. As an ultra-luxury brand, Dornbracht prides itself on its innovative technology and “Made in Germany” manufacturing standards which are made possible by state-of-the-art production technologies and highly qualified employees. The brand is driven by its clearly defined Design Principles which ensure every product will remain timeless and relevant for generations to come, characteristics for which Dornbracht has achieved worldwide recognition.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Perfect for all those who want to bring their own ideas to life: IMO – short for “In My Opinion” – should be seen as an invitation to create an expressive and personal design for the home bathroom. The series from Dornbracht fits effortlessly into many different styles, and will be available as a refined design from April 2024. With the aid of artificial intelligence, a video piece has been created to emphasise the universal character of IMO.

A morphing video, produced with the aid of artificial intelligence, shows the universal character of IMO in a playful way. The depicted interior designs merge, to produce innumerable architectures.

Hybrid forms, fluid transitions

The moving images translate the versatility of IMO in an eye-catching and playful way: Providing the starting point were four, newly-created bathroom architectures showing the fittings series in completely different settings – including a pink guest bathroom, an urban apartment bathroom, a family bathroom in fresh, pastel yellow, and the premium version in soft sage green. The shapes morph into one another, allowing the bathrooms to transition smoothly between each other. The forms, colours, and structures of the interior designs merge continually, and are seen caught in dynamic motion. Dornbracht uses this to provide valuable impetus for designing home bathrooms.

The soft sage green gives colour to the “premium bathroom”, and is combined with light shades of wood and classic white elements to represent functional elegance.

Subtle refinement: IMO now more delicate

The reason for the artistic project is the thorough review of the IMO series. Sieger Design, a partner of the Iserlohn-based manufacturer for many years, gently changed the design of the fitting. “IMO is a fitting that works in many contexts and in many furnishing styles,” says owner Michael Sieger. “Now, after more than 13 years, we have given it a refined, lighter, and therefore contemporary appearance. It is more slender, making it seem more delicate and even more precise. But in making the refinements, we have retained the proportions and traits that distinguish IMO: These include, for instance, the striking shape of the spout, and the combination of two basic geometric forms, the circle and the rectangle,” he continues.

Four new bathroom architectures are the starting point for the moving images. Here: the small guest bathroom, the “Powder Room”. IMO in Matte Black creates a particularly expressive contrast against the pastel-pink background.

Lower water consumption and numerous new product types

The water consumption of the basin fittings was also optimised as part of the refinement. The reduced flow rate achieved a saving of approximately 35%, with the spray pattern barely changed.

In the “apartment bathroom”, balanced browns are combined with wood provide naturalness and homeliness. The bathroom architecture is designed for urban living environments, conveying a visual sense of openness and spaciousness, even in a small area.

Lastly, Dornbracht added numerous new product types and finishes to the series, so that IMO can adapt even better to individual ideas and requirements: Just one of the many innovations is the two-hole mixer, where the handle can be positioned anywhere on the washstand. With Matte Black, Dark Chrome and Brushed Dark Platinum, there is also a far wider choice of dark finishes available.

For the refinement, Dornbracht’s partner, Sieger Design, subtly changed the striking, hybrid design form of the IMO series.

About Dornbracht

Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets. As an ultra-luxury brand, Dornbracht prides itself on its innovative technology and “Made in Germany” manufacturing standards which are made possible by state-of-the-art production technologies and highly qualified employees. The brand is driven by its clearly defined Design Principles which ensure every product will remain timeless and relevant for generations to come, characteristics for which Dornbracht has achieved worldwide recognition.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Premium bathroom retailer C.P. Hart is at the vanguard of first-to-market bathroom collections, recently introducing over 30 new luxury ranges to their expansive product portfolio.

“We are so pleased to launch such an exciting range of bathroom collections, many of which are internationally sourced and exclusively available in the UK from any of our showrooms,” says Yousef Mansuri, C.P. Hart Director of Design. “Whilst all our showrooms undergo continual upgrades to introduce the most striking product innovations, our flagship Waterloo showroom offers over 40 room set displays across almost 40,000 sq. ft – the largest premium bathroom showroom in the UK.”

C.P. Hart

“We’ve curated our latest launch to showcase the best of both classical and contemporary bathroom design, featuring new collections from world-renowned makers, including Duravit, Artelinea, AXOR, and Effe, as well as a selection of hand-picked brands, bought to the UK as C.P. Hart exclusives,” explains Yousef.

“Please click here to browse our new collections online, however, only close personal inspection through a showroom visit can convey the true quality of our products, with inspirational room set displays and extensive sample selections. As importantly, our showrooms provide personal consultations with the industry’s most knowledgeable and highly trained bathroom consultants and designers, building on over 85 years’ experience in specifying innovative, beautiful, and durable bathroom products. Here, you are able to learn more about our product offering and trade design services.”

C.P. Hart

Trending New Collections

Please find a selection of the new C.P. Hart ranges below. Should you require any further information or product specifications, please contact your nearest C.P. Hart showroom or book an appointment here.

Franz Viegener

C.P. Hart brings a distinctive collection of top-quality brassware to the UK in an exclusive partnership with expert manufacturer Franz Viegener. Each of Franz Viegener’s ranges of taps and shower fittings offers a selection of impeccably designed products with mirror-like finishes and precision engineering to ensure years of reliable performance.

All brass used is produced on-site to ensure quality and is 100% lead-free, and taps and shower fittings are available in a choice of up to 12 finishes. The collection also offers multiple handle styles and texture options.

Discover Franz Viegener here.

C.P. Hart

Park Avenue

In another exclusive first-to-market launch, C.P. Hart introduces bathroom furniture, brassware, and baths by Italian manufacturer Park Avenue. Based in Florence, Park Avenue is best known for its classically styled and beautifully engineered products, now on display in C.P. Hart’s flagship Waterloo showroom.

Discover Park Avenue here.

C.P. Hart
C.P. Hart

Relax Design

In an exclusive launch, C.P. Hart introduces a range of contemporary designer baths with Italian manufacturer Relax Design. This company has more than two decades of experience in producing sculptural bathroom designs in solid surface and resin materials in an impressive palette of colours and imaginative textures and effects. Production is meticulously controlled, the entire process completed on-site in the Relax Design manufacturing facility in Naples, Italy.

Discover Relax Design here.

C.P. Hart Odyssey

C.P. Hart’s new and exclusive Odyssey shower collection is made in Britain from 10mm toughened safety glass, designed to accommodate a multitude of shower configurations.

Single wetroom panels range from 700mm to 1400mm, extending to 1600mm when installed with a hinged panel door. Corner and recess options are also available, with a series of sliding and hinged door arrangements to suit bathrooms of all styles and sizes. The range’s bath screens boast a frameless, near-invisible design to help create the sense of a larger space whilst providing effective splash protection, with single, fixed, and folding options available.

Discover Odyssey here.

C.P. Hart
C.P. Hart

Effe Natural Sauna

Continuing its commitment to offering the best in home spa products, C.P. Hart launches the new Natural sauna by Effe.

Natural is a glass-fronted home sauna composed of heat-treated Aspen exuding a warming timber essence to enhance its connection with nature, complete with chromotherapy light, reverberating off the satin glass side panel to create an immersive colour experience that aids relaxation and wellbeing.

Discover Natural here.

View all new collections here.

About C.P. Hart

C.P. Hart are an established bathroom supplier with over 80 years’ experience of specifying and sourcing the world’s most innovative and durable premium bathroom products. A successful Contracts division works for architects, interior designers and builders, often on major commercial property developments and hotels. While a highly qualified in-house design team works with individual and private clients, ensuring that each of these bespoke bathrooms is unique.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Presenting Incanto Arté, the latest innovation from leading kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer GRAFF, the collection enhances the bath space marrying artistic details with minimalism. The Incanto Arté is a twist on the popular Incanto range with handles that boast intricately tactile patterns representative of jewel-like texture.

GRAFF
GRAFF

Including smooth and knurled surfaces that are instantly drawn to the eye, the Incanto Arté collection features 40 luxurious products, comprising single-lever basin mixers, wall-mounted basin mixers and an accompanying accessories range.

GRAFF
GRAFF

Crafted from the highest-quality materials with precision engineering, Incanto Arté is available in 26 luxurious handcrafted finished in rich colours and textures capturing the crosshatch patterns including 24K Brushed Gold, Rose Gold PVD and Polished Chrome.

GRAFF CEO and President Ziggy Kulig states, “We’re thrilled to offer the new Incanto Arté alongside the ever-popular Incanto. We’re passionate about giving our customers the options they desire to beautifully elevate and personalise their interiors.”

Incanto Arté is available to buy in the UK with prices starting from £493 + VAT for a wash basin single lever tap in Chrome.

GRAFF

About GRAFF

GRAFF’s luxury taps and shower collections elevate the bath space with designs that are both timeless and cutting-edge, complementing endless architectural and interior styles. Available in 21 luxury finishes such as Brushed Brass, Polished Nickel, and 24K Gold, and with a choice of three Tuscan marble inserts, GRAFF basin mixer or shower controls offer bespoke and unique customisation possibilities. Backed by a rich heritage of European artisanship, GRAFF products transform the bath space into a masterpiece of tranquillity, wellness, and spa like experience. With a focus on design, sustainability, and high technology, GRAFF caters to the senses with features such as chromotherapy, bringing bath and shower experiences to luxurious heights.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The Leeds-based supplier becomes the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor of MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins.

MIXA®
MIXA®

Supplier CDUK announces a partnership with German manufacturer Pfeiffer, becoming the exclusive distributor of MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins in Corian® Solid Surface in the UK & Ireland markets.

VIVARI®

With the addition of MIXA® and VIVARI®, CDUK strengthens its portfolio of coordinating surfaces and products for kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms, which includes Corian® Solid Surface, M|R Walls, PaperStone® and Polygood®, as well as products by The 1810 Company.

MIXA®

As one of the pioneers of Corian® Solid Surface products in Germany, Pfeiffer applies its extensive knowledge of the material to deliver long-lasting solutions for both the kitchen and bathroom. MIXA® sinks are a seamless match for Corian® Solid Surface and VIVARI® basins and washbasins are made to order using the same solid surface.

VIVARI®
VIVARI®

MIXA®, an established solution for seamlessly integrated kitchen sinks, includes eleven single sinks and eight double sinks, available in three base colours – stainless steel, or with black and white enamel, as well as two XL options available in stainless steel. The sides of the sinks are seamlessly cladded in Corian® Solid Surface, which will be made to order and delivered prefabricated, ready for installation. The seamless integration of MIXA® sinks and Corian® Solid Surface prevents everyday liquids and typical household dirt from penetrating joints and edges.

MIXA®

The collection is available in all Corian® Solid Surface colours recommended for kitchen worksurfaces, which are paired with MIXA® stainless-steel bases to make these premium sinks extremely durable and heat resistant, as well as hygienic and practical. To complete the design, MIXA® sinks can be paired with waste disposal kits, and a series of accessories is also available to order, including grids and baskets.

MIXA®

The VIVARI® basins range comes in a variety of shapes with a total of 93 models, including vanity top basins, countertop basins, built-in under-mounted basins and one freestanding basin. All the range is made to design requirements and available in a wide range of Corian® Solid Surface colours. Beautiful shapes, multiple configurations and a full spectrum of colour choices offer designers unique customisation options and creative freedom.

VIVARI®

VIVARI® basins are robust, non-porous and easy to maintain, designed to suit both bespoke bathrooms and commercial applications.

Andy Noble, Managing Director at CDUK, comments: “The partnership with Pfeiffer, with whom we share a vision to expand the presence of the MIXA® and VIVARI® brands in the UK, marks an exciting milestone in our journey to broaden the CDUK portfolio of surfaces and complementary products. We are thrilled to incorporate MIXA®, a proven and established product, into our portfolio and to introduce VIVARI® to new commercial markets. Personally, I look forward to the future and the continued expansion of this partnership and our portfolio.”

VIVARI®

Both MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins in Corian® Solid Surface are made to order, exclusively from CDUK for UK and Ireland, and have a lead time of 3-4 weeks. Both solutions can be designed in multiple configurations to suit both one-off bespoke projects and extensive commercial applications where larger quantities are required.

About CDUK

CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interior designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands. We are a business with over 40 years’ experience. We support our customers through a journey, as their design partner, from sourcing the best products and materials to helping them unlock their full potential through expert advice and technical knowledge. Our team of industry experts also provides technical advice, sampling and bespoke training courses for designers, manufacturers and fabricators.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Ensure the mirror is a good reflection of the overall style and décor of the bathroom with RAK-Picture from RAK Ceramics, a versatile option available in a choice of shapes and frame finishes.

An all-important part of any design, RAK-Picture takes this must-have bathroom accessory to a new level, combining style with technology to turn the mirror into a focal point of the space. In Round, Oval, Soft and Square versions, the mirror can also be chosen in a variety of frame finishes, Black, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Gold and Chrome. This makes it ideal for matching with brassware and shower hardware, for a cohesive look that maximises on the sale.

Technology comes in the form of LED lighting, a demister pad and touch-sensor activation, all discreetly built-in to the mirror to take care of the practicalities of using the bathroom.

RAK-Picture Round with Matt Black frame

Located visibly on the mirror, the touch-sensor strip is operational with wet and dry touch, while the low energy consumption LED lighting provides more consistent light when it’s needed, while reducing the household’s carbon footprint.

About RAK Ceramics Ltd

RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Following the success of the award-winning Armstrong kitchen collection, the British brassware and sanitaryware manufacturer Perrin & Rowe has taken this design DNA into the bathroom. Combining an industrial aesthetic with a designer’s eye for balance and proportion, Armstrong offers a luxurious take on a pared-back design trend, with distinctive knurled handles and raised levers paying homage to our industrial past.

Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection
Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection

Perrin & Rowe’s foundry in Wolverhampton is just a short walk from the former site of the Stafford Road Railway Works. From 1858, it produced over 800 steam engines for the Great Western Railway. Most were designed by two brothers, Joseph and George Armstrong. Intended as durable workhorses, their locomotives still stir the emotions today. Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong bathroom collection has been inspired by these brothers, transforming the purely functional into a model of timeless elegance.

Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection

Beautifully proportioned with restrained detailing, the Armstrong bathroom collection is one of the most comprehensive ranges Perrin & Rowe has ever launched. For basins, there is a single lever mixer and a dual lever mixer, both available as wall-mounted or deck-mounted. There is a complete Shower Set with hand-shower and overhead rose. Accessories include robe hooks, a paper holder, a towel bar or towel ring, and a matching built-in soap dispenser for a cohesive design. The standout piece is perhaps the freestanding bath-shower mixer. It takes 4-5 hours of skilled polishing to bring this glorious bathroom centrepiece to final perfection.

Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection
Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection

As with all Perrin & Rowe brassware, the collection is designed by the in-house design team at Rainham in East London. Tap bodies are forged at the Perrin & Rowe foundry in the Black Country using the highest quality brass, poured by hand at 1700° Fahrenheit into moulds. After machining, specialist polishers develop the deep, lustrous finish. It’s a time-consuming and painstaking task.

Armstrong can be specified in Chrome, Nickel or Pewter or a choice of special finishes; 24-carat Gold, Polished Brass, Satin Brass, and English Bronze. Perrin & Rowe’s two brass finishes are unlacquered, so will develop a unique patina over time, enhancing the beauty of the surface. For a true industrial look, English Bronze offers a darker metallic finish that brings out the detail of the knurled handles.

Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Bathroom Collection

In discussions at House of Rohl’s London showroom, interior designers expressed a strong interest in a range of luxury bathroom brassware with an industrial edge. The Armstrong bathroom collection has been created to match this demand. Previewed earlier this at ISH in Frankfurt and Design Week in London, the initial reaction to the bathroom collection was as positive as it had been for the kitchen collection, some 2½ years earlier. It has already been shortlisted for an international design award by the Society of British & International Interior Designers (SBID). Armstrong is now available in the UK and most EMEAA markets.

About Perrin & Rowe

The World’s finest range of bathroom and kitchen fittings. Perrin & Rowe is a British-based brassware and sanitaryware manufacturer with an unrivaled reputation internationally – bringing together traditional craftsmanship and manufacturing methods with precision engineering. Perrin & Rowe is a distinctive member of the House of Rohl.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the designer RAK-Petit collection of washbasins from RAK Ceramics, now available in square.

Creating a sense of orderliness and simplicity, the straight lines and square profile of the new washbasins in this stylish shape are available in a floorstanding or countertop version in striking Alpine White ceramic. Standing at a tall 900mm high, the floorstanding RAK-Petit Square washbasin is an excellent space-saver in en-suites and cloakrooms where floor space is at a premium, while the countertop version is half as tall yet equally as arresting in appearance.

RAK-Petit Collection - RAK Ceramics
RAK-Petit Collection - RAK Ceramics

Created for RAK Ceramics by renowned Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins designed with small spaces in mind. With minimal shapes and small dimensions, the collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units.

About RAK Ceramics Ltd

RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Francone Bespoke Taps is a company specialising in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We offer an online platform that gives customers direct access to a stunning collection of artisan-crafted brassware. With a strong focus on customisation, we give our customers the option to personalise their fixtures according to their preferences. Our extensive range includes a variety of designs and finishes, that combine the old classic style of British design with modern technology. You can find Francone Bespoke Taps in high-end homes internationally as well as in the bathrooms and changing rooms of a number of renowned corporate clients.

What are the origins of the brand?

Francone Bespoke Taps was born out of passion, curiosity, and respect for skilled craftsmanship. I grew up in the Piemonte region of Northern Italy, surrounded by talented artisans and their workshops. When I moved to London, I loved the traditional British style. This inspired me to create Francone Bespoke Taps, with the goal of combining the best of both worlds. I’m proud to say that our products reflect both sides, the art of Italian craftsmanship and the charm of British design.

Francone Bespoke Taps
Francone Bespoke Taps

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

We create solid brass products by bringing craftsmanship and quality together. I believe our products add a special touch to homes. Our brand is customisable, which means that clients can work together with artisans and designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that match their vision. Our solid brass products, especially when unlacquered, become really special pieces as they develop a natural patina over time. When clients use Francone Bespoke Taps in their projects, they can have a luxurious and bespoke product that enhances the space.

Francone Bespoke Taps

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

In our industry, we provide fittings that combine modern technology with tradition. The inner parts of our fittings have the latest innovative features, while the outer design has a classic look that reminds people of older times, like what you would see in homes back in the days. What makes us different is that we stand apart by prioritizing local resources, allowing us to offer customisations for both large orders and individual needs. We take pride in our commitment to personalisation, ensuring every customer receives tailored products that meet their unique requirements. We are proud to offer products that are not only trustworthy and dependable but also have a traditional and timeless look.

Francone Bespoke Taps
Francone Bespoke Taps

How do you work with interior designers?

Usually, interior designers come to us with a clear idea of what they want, and we just need to give them samples of finishes and then help them choose the best design for a space. Sometimes, they might ask us to create a unique concept for their client, which means we have to make a custom solution. We love being able to personalise and customise a design and give them flexibility in different areas, such as adapting products for floor or deck installation and adjusting spout sizes to meet their specific needs.

Francone Bespoke Taps

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

In the past year, we had a fantastic opportunity to work on a special project for a client in Saudi Arabia. It was really exciting because we had to create a vanity area with special thermostatic taps that had touch systems. We adapted our thermostatic shower panel to be deck mounted, which matched the basin taps. We also made custom soap holders and designed huge brass mirrors that were fixed to the ceiling. These mirrors were challenging to make due to their size and it’s not something we would usually offer. We can pretty much create anything in solid brass for clients.

The most challenging part was installing three outdoor taps for three large stone sinks. It took some time as we had to figure out the exact measurements for the drainage, but the team drilled into the stone to make fully functional sinks. This project showed us how committed we are to providing clients with extraordinary solutions. We were so proud of our work that we decided to enter this exceptional project into the KBB category for this year’s SBID awards.

Francone Bespoke Taps

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

The demand for unlacquered brass has been rising, as it seems to be a trend among clients. What sets unlacquered brass apart is its ability to develop a natural patina over time, making it difficult to stock in a store or shop. At Francone Bespoke Taps, we offer an advantage and a key reason why our clients choose us for this finish. We provide a made-to-order service, which ensures that our products are delivered polished and shiny, that will age beautifully overtime.

Francone Bespoke Taps

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

I feel 70s and 80s decor is making a comeback, as well as vibrant colours. We are currently developing tap styles that go with these aesthetics, by designing taps with shapes similar to these eras. It’s exciting to see these trends popping up again. Thermostatic solutions are also gaining popularity, not just for showers but also for basin and bath taps. Thermostatic options are reliable which makes them popular.

Francone Bespoke Taps

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We are excited to be to working on solutions for thermostatic basin and bath taps, and we’re making good progress. We’re always committed to product development, it’s an ongoing thing. We’re always exploring opportunities to expand our product range and identifying new solutions to add to our site. We’re hoping to add a collection in Stainless Steel next year which is exciting.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Being a part of the SBID community within the interior design space is fantastic. It provides us with a great opportunity to stay connected with the trends and updates in the industry. We appreciate being an accredited partner alongside other great brands and the sense of community and connections that come with it.

Paolo Francone, CEO and Founder of Francone Bespoke Taps

About Francone Bespoke Taps

Francone Bespoke Taps is a company specializing in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We take pride in offering a seamless online platform that grants customers direct access to a stunning collection of artisan-crafted brassware. With a strong focus on customization, we empower customers to personalize their fixtures according to their unique preferences. Our extensive range encompasses a variety of designs, finishes, and functionalities, ensuring that each customer can find the perfect fit for their space. With a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, Francone Bespoke Taps delivers exquisite, personalized fixtures that elevate the aesthetic and functionality of kitchens and bathrooms alike.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

West One Bathrooms Ltd is best known for being one the most illustrious and innovative supplier of bespoke luxury bathrooms. With history dating back to 1978, it is a family-run business that established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Specialising in tailored sales and design services, they offer a complete end-toend solution for clients seeking exceptional bathroom experiences. Charlotte Waters, Head of PR and Marketing, has given her insight into West One Bathrooms.

What are the origins of the brand?

Our story began in Mayfair, London, back in 1978. Since then, we remained a familyrun business, that is now in its third generation. Our passion and extensive experience enable us to provide exceptional guidance and source the most stunning bathrooms from around the world. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary in 2023, we continue to commit to deliver beauty and functionality in every bathroom project we undertake.

West One Bathrooms
West One Bathrooms

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

I think we have an approach that sets us apart from others. We’re your ultimate “onestop-shop” for expert advice, service, and access to an unmatched product portfolio. We’ve got access to an unrivalled selection of over 750 global suppliers, including exclusive brands like Ann Sacks, New Ravenna, and Wall&Deco that elevate interior design projects. From the very beginning, our company’s essence has been to provide a personalised sales and design service which enhances the projects and adds character as no bathroom will be the same. Our product offerings are limitless, and when combined with our renowned design service and highly skilled staff, we have the power to create truly exceptional spaces for our clients!

How do you work with interior designers?

We are able to offer a complete solution from start to finish. Our goal is to make life easier for interior designers by taking the stress out of bathroom planning. We’re here to assist with product selection and compatibility, ensuring everything fits together seamlessly. When designers visit our showrooms, they are guaranteed to be inspired. We’ve created a studio concept where you can find an abundant of samples to create personalised mood boards for clients. It’s all about bringing your vision to life in a way that’s uniquely tailored to your style. With an extensive product portfolio, we can find almost anything you need, no matter how bizarre or specialised the project is.

West One Bathrooms
West One Bathrooms

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

This year, we celebrated a major milestone – our 45th anniversary! It’s an incredible achievement that we’re absolutely thrilled about. One of the highlights of the past year was the complete refurbishment of our Chelsea showroom. We transformed all four floors, introducing exciting new features like the Studio concept, which focuses on colour, texture, and finishes. We had the pleasure of collaborating with renowned interior designers, Barlow and Barlow, who designed four unique displays. These displays showcased eclectic schemes with a classic contemporary twist, incorporating vibrant colours and playful patterns. But that’s not all. We have even more excitement as we are currently in the process of refurbishing our extensive Battersea showroom, set to be completed by the end of 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible transformation!

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

We don’t believe nor follow trends per se, they come and go. However, we have noticed an increase in clients embracing colour, patterns, and various textures in their designs. This shift could have been influenced by advancements in technology and the growing popularity of our Wall&Deco WET SYSTEM wallpaper, which can be directly applied in shower areas. We have also observed a rising demand for wellness-focused features. Clients are now seeking steam generators for walk-in showers, along with shower benches to enhance relaxation. Our Sunshower has also gained popularity, as it combines the benefits of sunlight during showering by utilising warming Infrared and carefully controlled UV light. It’s a fantastic option for those who crave the feeling of the sun. We remain committed to offering innovative solutions that cater to our clients’ evolving desires and needs whether they are trendy or timeless.

West One Bathrooms
West One Bathrooms

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

Looking ahead, we suspect sustainability and wellness will be the focus of the coming year. As people become increasingly conscious of our planet and environmental impact, they will seek out environmentally friendly options for their bathroom. The concept of at-home spa bathrooms is continuously evolving, especially after the pandemic, with a growing array of products designed to create the ultimate sanctuary at home, so it is definitely something to look out for in the upcoming future.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We are constantly working on lots of exciting projects, but one that our contracts department are very excited to be working on is the iconic Whiteley London Development where we are proud to be doing both the hotel and residences.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Being recognised as an SBID Accredited Industry Partner allows us to be part of a community of trusted suppliers, which is truly valuable. This recognition sets us apart, not just in the UK but also on a global scale, as a company dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in our industry. We strive to achieve the highest level of knowledge and industry experience, and being able to showcase this achievement will show a sense of confidence in our clients.

Charlotte Waters, Head of PR and Marketing

About West One Bathrooms Ltd

Established in London 1978, West One Bathrooms’ remains family run and our experience in the industry allows for outstanding guidance and sourcing for the most beautiful bathrooms worldwide. With unequalled access to the world’s leading bathroom brands, our portfolio extends to more than 750 global brands and covers thousands of products across the spectrum from the most exclusive and unique, to affordable and high-quality essentials.

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