GRAFF, the luxury bath and kitchen fixture manufacturer, unveils the Riva Wall Mount Shower, a stunning new addition to its Riva collection.
Like the Riva Scala, this wall-mounted shower draws inspiration from the meticulously crafted dashboards of European luxury cars and yachts, evoking the thrill of driving a high-performance sports car or cruising along the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. This exceptional shower system combines luxury, elegance, and a superior sensory experience, setting a new benchmark for bathroom design.
The Riva Wall Mount Shower features a sleek, cylindrical-shaped showerhead that swivels effortlessly, its intricate knurled patterns adding a touch of sophistication. Designed for ultimate personalisation, the shower offers a variety of options to ensure an experience that aligns with each individual's unique vision and preferences. The showerhead is adjustable up to 15 degrees in any direction, providing tailored comfort for every user.
Ziggy Kulig, GRAFF’s Founder and CEO, explains, “Our passion for bringing dream spaces to life defines Riva showers. The Riva Wall Mount shower is designed for tailoring to the individual’s vision, offering choices comprising the highest levels of quality, design, and engineering, to complement and enhance interiors across the style spectrum.”
Available in both traditional and contemporary designs, the Riva Wall Mount Shower offers shower plates in a range of configurations. Traditional models feature knurled control knobs, while contemporary versions incorporate flat push-button controls paired with a knurled temperature control knob. The collection also includes round contemporary plates and square options that blend both push-button and traditional knobs.
The shower comes equipped with four distinct spray functions - Shower, 4-Spray, 6-Jet, and Cascade - to elevate the overall wellness experience. Additionally, an optional LED fixture is available, further enhancing the collection with a soft, ambient glow.
For a refined touch, the collection also includes four decorative editions: Plaine, Fluted, Knurled, and Oblique, each adding its own unique flair to the design.
Featuring versatile styles for the customized wellness space, Riva shower plates can be mixed and matched for a seamless aesthetic. With 26 meticulously handcrafted finishes to choose from, including stunning two-tone pairings such as Polished 24K Gold with Architectural Black, each component ensures a luxurious and customised shower experience.
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.
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Cosentino, global leaders in the production of sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, expands its bathroom portfolio with the launch of Zoe TOP. A new model of bathroom sink by Silestone® with Integrity Technology that allows the seamless integration of basin and countertop for total visual continuity.
Responding to trends that seek organic and curved shapes with soft lines, Zoe TOP is a refined expression of form and function. Made from a single, uninterrupted piece, it eliminates visible joins; a unique feature that enhances both the visual purity, practical performance and everyday maintenance of the basin. Highly resistant to stains, scratches and chemicals, this design also contributes to the product’s long-term durability, making Zoe TOP the smart and reliable solution.
The Zoe TOP offers thoughtful customisation, with four design options:
- Zoe TOP: A stylish and minimalist sink with organic lines, which instantly enhances the concept of bathroom design. - Zoe TOP + Basa: Customised Zoe TOP model with a base of straight lines at just the right height to subtly and proportionally lift the sink on the bathroom counter. - Zoe TOP Bao: Variant with a rounded finish that results in a soft and harmonious touch for the sink and the bathroom as a whole. - Zoe TOP Bao + Basa Round: Elevate this variant of the model with a base of rounded edges.
All options are available in three prominent Silestone® colours – choose between Desert Silver, a sophisticated grey with subtle veins; Blanco Zeus, the perfect choice for a bright and timeless bathroom; and Calacatta Gold, which brings the luxury and elegance of marble with the resistance and durability of Silestone.
Installation is quick and hassle-free, with the Zoe TOP ready to fit seamlessly into existing design plans and bathroom schemes, optimizing timings and guaranteeing a flawless result.
Being able to now specify basins in the same design as countertops, splashbacks, shower trays and wall cladding, further elevates the bathroom space as a true place of well-being, a place of calm and sanctuary.
Zoe TOP is more than just a surface, it’s a design-led solution that combines beauty, innovation and practicality in one timeless piece.
“What really sets it apart is its ability to integrate and be customised to seamlessly work with other Silestone elements as a seamless piece, allowing for a cohesive, design-led space that doesn’t compromise on durability.
Available in three distinctive shades, our flawless bright Blanco Zeus; elegantly veined grey Desert Silver, or more luxurious marble finish of Calacatta Gold, the ZOE Top can be easily combined with other Cosentino brand solutions for visual continuity.” - Katie Parry-Stone, Cosentino UK Retail Expert
About Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people. This objective is possible thanks to pioneering and leading brands in their respective segments such as Silestone®, Dekton® or Sensa by Cosentino®. Technologically advanced surfaces that allow the creation of unique environments and designs for the home and public spaces.
At ISH 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for water and energy technologies, bathroom design took centre stage for an exchange of ideas and innovations. Roca, a global leader in bathroom solutions, unveiled a series of new and reimagined products that encapsulate the key trends emerging from the event.
“This year’s ISH has highlighted a shift towards bathrooms that blend aesthetics, functionality and sustainability,” says Natalie Bird, Brand Marketing Manager at Roca. “From moody metallics to smart technology, the industry is moving towards designs that enhance both lifestyle and well-being. Roca is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, offering products that resonate with contemporary living needs.”
One of the most striking trends at ISH 2025 was moody metallics, bringing depth, drama and a refined sense of luxury to modern bathrooms. Moving beyond traditional chrome, these darker, brushed and matt metallic finishes create an intimate yet sophisticated ambience.
Designed by Stefan Diez, Roca’s Kay brassware collection epitomises this trend. Inspired by anchor mounting points, Kay introduces fluidity and strength – its oval-shaped operating lever adding a touch of softness to the otherwise angular design, while the sculptural form makes a bold visual impact. Available in six curated finishes – Chrome, Matt Black, Matt White, Brushed Brass, Brushed Graphite and Stainless Steel – the Kay collection offers versatility while enhancing the moody aesthetic that defines modern elegance.
Another key trend is soft geometrics, where pieces combine angular forms and curved elements, creating a wholly balanced design. The Kay mixer, mentioned above, is a good example, by bringing sharpness and softness into balance and redefining squarish design, as is the reimagined Meridian collection.
Designed by Altherr Désile Park (ADP) and led by Jeanette Altherr, Meridian draws inspiration from Mediterranean architecture. The basin is rectangular in shape, but it contains a softly curved oval bowl within, to create an overall form that is light and flowing. The basins can be either be paired with a steel frame or a vanity unity – but in both cases, the straight lines are softened by the delicate contours. Storage solutions such as metal boxes and drawers ensure a clutter-free space, while a natural palette of White, Black and warm Beige wood tones reinforces the collection’s organic appeal.
Reflecting a growing movement towards wellness-focused design, Japanese soaking tubs emerged as a standout trend at ISH 2025. Inspired by the traditional Ofuro, these deep, space-efficient tubs prioritise full-body immersion and relaxation, making them ideal for urban homes and spa-like retreats.
As part of the Ohtake collection, Roca introduces a new Stonex® Japanese soaking tub designed by Rodrigo Ohtake. Paying tribute to his late father, Ruy Ohtake, who collaborated on the original collection, Rodrigo’s design recreates a traditional bath in a modern composite material. Featuring an integrated seat for a cocoon-like bathing experience, the tub is complemented by sustainable soy resin accessories, including a multifunctional entry step that doubles as a stool, reinforcing both functionality and eco-conscious design.
The bathroom sector continues to be transformed by smart technology, with smart WCs still gaining prominence at ISH 2025. Consumers are increasingly prioritising hygiene, comfort and efficiency, driving the adoption of intelligent toilets that integrate cutting-edge technology.
Roca’s new In-Wash Vorea WC represents the pinnacle of this trend. It features Coanda Effect drying with three air pressure levels, plus Airtech, which mixes air with water for a better washing experience. Other features include a heated seat and a self-cleaning UVlight nozzle that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria.
The In-Wash Vorea can be controlled via the Roca Connect app (which also provides real-time data on water usage and maintenance alerts), the remote control or integrated control panel. It is also available as an In-Tank version, where the tank is integrated into the bowl for a sleek and spacesaving solution.
About Roca London Gallery
Roca have more than 100 years experience of designing bathroom products and kitchen solutions with the aim of increasing peoples quality of life through continuous innovation in the production of sanitary ceramics.
House of Rohl is delighted to once again be part of one of the most anticipated events on the international design calendar, WOW!house at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from 3 June – 3 July. For its fourth consecutive installation, House of Rohl has collaborated with global, luxury interior and architectural design firm, 1508 London to create a distinctive and emotive Primary Bathroom that explores three guiding design principles – Reflection, Ritual and Reverie.
Built within the Design Avenue, WOW!house is a one-of-a-kind showhouse stretching 600 sqm2 with 22 full-size rooms and outdoor spaces to be explored - each uniquely designed by world-class interior designers, working in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and incredible suppliers.
“WOW!house is now firmly established as one of the highlights of London's design calendar, attracting global interest. House of Rohl is extremely proud to have participated every year since its inception, presenting exciting and highly original bathroom spaces in partnership with acclaimed design practices. 1508 London were top of the list of practices we most wanted to work with, and so we are thrilled that they have taken the project on for 2025. We immediately fell in love with their concept, and can't wait to unveil the completed bathroom, with our award-winning Seros bath as the centrepiece, in June.” Nigel Palmer, Head of Communications Marketing for House of Rohl
Nestled like a hidden gem within the bustle of everyday life, the Principal Bathroom has been designed to be an oasis of serenity, where the hum of the outside world fades into a whisper. A place to reflect, refocus and unwind.
Capturing the ancient rituals of bathing, showering and cleansing. The Principal Bathroom reveals itself and its more intimate, mysterious atmospheres as day turns to night. Light and shadow play across the room, across surfaces through watery reflections and metallic accents.
Recalling cultural and historical stories, which bring meaning to the experience. Creating a feeling of being a traveller of the world, discovering another way of seeing the world. Inspired by traditional hammams, tactile materials such as plaster walls, intriguing floor pattern and artisanal furniture selections create a unique character.
1508’s inspiration for House of Rohl’s Primary Bathroom stems from its global perspective on design, focusing on the themes of ritual and wellbeing with the aim to create a space that fosters exploration and personal rejuvenation, encouraging a mindful engagement with one’s surroundings. The thoughtful curation of light and shadow, combined with a tactile material palette, evokes a sense of intimacy and discovery. The layering of subtle and bold design elements adds depth and intrigue, creating a continuously unfolding experience for visitors, all of which celebrate the rituals of a bathroom.
Key products from House of Rohl’s portfolio include the sculptural Victoria + Albert Seros freestanding bath developed with renowned British sculptor, Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson, which embody the energy and movement of water. Brassware from Perrin & Rowe’s Langbourne collection have also been specified. The strategic placement of brassware and carefully curated materials will create an interplay of light, reflection, and texture, fostering a unique and memorable experience.
“We've worked with House of Rohl on a number of successful projects, having found that we share the same essential values: attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for storytelling.” Ailsa Connery, Regional Director and Design Principal for Europe at 1508 London.
The design will also incorporate key pieces and bespoke elements from Artisans of Devizes, Bert Frank, Clayworks, Tom Faulkner, Charles Burnand, Porta Romana, Anka Bespoke, Atelier Alain Ellouz, Atelier 001, Novacastrin, Coral Stephens, Christy and Britannicus Stone. Commissioned artworks by Carl Koch of Paynes Grey have also been specified crafted from thousands of individually rolled, cut, dipped, and assembled ceramic tiles.
With an impressive international portfolio, 1508 London has worked on Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental Residences Beverly Hills, The OWO Residences with Raffles, Chelsea Barracks, One Grosvenor Square, and Park Hyatt Residences. Private residential projects throughout London include The OWO, Park Modern, Nine Elms, Chelsea Barracks and Whiteley. Current projects include Cipriani Residences Miami, Baccarat Hotel and Residences in the Maldives and Dubai, Four Seasons Mauritius, Mr. C Residences Dubai along with a number of private residential projects worldwide.
“It feels serendipitous to be part of WOW!house 2025, as it coincides with our 15th anniversary. This event is a fantastic platform to stand alongside other industry leaders, as well as world renowned suppliers, showcasing our design philosophy and celebrating the art of craftsmanship and design. WOW!house is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of community and collaboration, and we cannot wait to be part of it.” Ailsa Connery, Regional Director and Design Principal for Europe at 1508 London.
About Perrin & Rowe
The World's finest range of bathroom and kitchen fittings. Perrin & Rowe is a British-based brassware 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.
Neutral kitchen design never goes out of fashion – after all, timelessness is its USP! Yet subtle seasonal shifts and emerging trends continuously infuse fresh vitality into this classic look, ensuring that neutral kitchen cabinets remain both modern and relevant in homes of all styles. For 2025, Roundhouse designers are anticipating a move away from cool neutrals – pure whites and greys – towards warmer, more inviting neutral kitchen colour schemes.
First spotted at the Milan Furniture Fair and now firmly evident across the interiors landscape, we’re talking about pale browns, soft beiges and warm taupes. Still timeless and easy on the eye, the new neutrals trend is all about incorporating earthy colours that bring a sense of nature indoors, instilling a sense of calm and balance into contemporary kitchens. What’s not to love? Here’s how to bring this refreshing trend into your kitchen.
One of the easiest ways to work the earthy neutrals trend in kitchens is by integrating natural materials like wood and stone. Timber toned cabinetry, worktops, and open shelving in warm, natural finishes can dramatically shift the ambient temperature of a neutral kitchen. Similarly, stone elements – whether they are marble-inspired quartz or natural stone splashbacks – will help reinforce the connection to outdoors. Patinated metallic finishes in warm copper tones dial into the terracotta trend, without disrupting the serene atmosphere of a soothing neutral scheme.
Embracing earthy neutrals is about more than the colour of the walls or cabinets, it’s about creating a layered, tactile energy that tunes into all the senses. Textures play a pivotal role in this interior design philosophy – think woven textiles, rustic timber and burnished metals. Even with a neutral palette that deliberately lacks strong colour contrasts, you can shake things up a little just by mixing up matte and gloss finishes. This dynamic interplay of textures will add depth and subtle friction that feels sophisticated. Don’t overlook the effects of light and shadow on textural surfaces – they can dramatically enhance depth, highlight movement, and bring your kitchen’s design details to life throughout the day.
While earthy neutrals provide a relaxed foundation, that doesn’t mean brighter colours are banned. Modern neutral palettes tend to be in warmer tones, which makes them so easy to elevate with the strategic use of colour accents. The key is to go for subtle colour pops, nothing that overpowers. Roundhouse designers recommend allowing around 20% of the palette for accent colour if you want to keep the balance firmly neutral. Accessories, such as ceramic vases, patterned cushions, window treatments or art that incorporate colours inspired by nature are all great choices. For more permanent accent colours, try kitchen splashbacks in burnished copper, or a two-tone kitchen with pale perimeter cabinets and an island in deep green or soft sage. Aim for accent colours that tie in beautifully with the overall warm, earthy theme, providing contrast while still harmonising with your core neutral shades.
The importance of lighting cannot be overemphasised when planning an earthy neutral palette. Above all, you need to avoid a chilly atmosphere, so aim for light bulbs with colour rendition in the range of 2700K-3000K, which will provide a warm, white light that complements soft neutrals like stone and greige. Also try to plan in as much natural light as possible to highlight the depth and variety of a neutral palette throughout the day. Large-scale architectural glazing is ideal, while skylights and roof lanterns are also a popular way to flood a neutral kitchen with light.
The new neutrals trend in kitchens is about more than just a switch in colour – it’s a shift towards creating spaces that nurture, comfort, and inspire. For more ideas and inspiration, why not head to one of our showrooms and chat to our design team?
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
To celebrate London Craft Week, Vispring, the world's most sought-after luxury bed and mattress maker, is delighted to host a panel talk with guests including, broadcaster and smallholder, Kate Humble, on Tuesday 13th May 2025 from 6pm – 7pm.
The discussion will explore the evolving landscape of traditional British craft skills in the design industry today, notably focusing on the use of natural materials, including British wool. In 2025, the notion, “buy once, buy well” is making a comeback, with a gradual return in appreciation for longevity in design and the value of buying to last. The panel will discuss this, along with the importance of provenance of materials, local sourcing and sustainability for producers, manufacturers and consumers.
A leading luxury British bed manufacturer, Vispring introduced the pocket sprung mattress in London in 1901. Based in Plymouth, Devon since 1970, Vispring is the benchmark for bespoke, handcrafted beds, made using only the finest natural materials, including British wool, Real Shetland wool, cashmere, horsehair and silk. Epitomising a distinctly British form of elegance, Vispring combines technical prowess with lasting respect for traditional methods of workmanship and remains the international standard for comfort and sophistication.
Discussing the event, Clare Schifano, Global Marketing Director at Vispring says: “We are thrilled to be hosting a panel talk with Kate Humble at our Regent Street, St. James’s showroom during London Craft Week 2025. Traditional British manufacturing techniques, natural materials, brand authenticity and craftsmanship are central to our ethos. Vispring has a rich heritage rooted in British craft skills, quality, and innovation. As pioneers of the pocket sprung bed, we’re proud to be setting the standard for luxury mattresses around the world to this day. Every Vispring bed is meticulously crafted by hand, in our Devon factory, with exceptional attention to detail.”
Hosted at its flagship Regent Street showroom, 22 Regent Street Saint James's, London SW1Y 4PH, Vispring is thrilled to welcome visitors to its flagship showroom. Following the talk, Kate Humble will host a signing of her new book, Home Made.
About Vispring Ltd
Vispring is one of the world’s leading luxury bed brands, manufacturing in the UK since 1901. Based in Plymouth since 1970, Vispring sells to 59 countries globally and is the benchmark for handmade, bespoke, high-quality beds made using only the finest natural materials. With values of excellence and craftsmanship at its core, Vispring epitomises a distinctly British form of elegance. Their beds combine technical prowess with a bespoke approach worthy of the finest tailoring and are the international standard for comfort and sophistication. Vispring has graced the first-class cabins of legendary ocean liners – including Titanic – the suites of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including The Dorchester; and on board a Princess Yacht or Gulfstream Jet.
Leading bathroom and tile manufacturer RAK Ceramics is gearing up for Clerkenwell Design Week 2025, which is taking place from 20th to 22nd May, where it is set to launch the aspirational KLUDI brand into the UK market.
Founded in Germany’s Sauerland region in 1926, KLUDI has built up an enviable reputation for its innovative, high-quality kitchen and bathroom fittings. Over the last century, KLUDI has become synonymous with excellent designs that harmonise with functionality and its products have been globally recognised with numerous international design awards. To date, the company has recorded 170 inventions, 100 patents and 1,000 registered designs and, in 2022, KLUDI was named one of the ‘Top Innovators in Germany’.
Now, for the first time, products from KLUDI’s extensive kitchen and bathroom ranges will be on display at the inspirational RAK Ceramics Design Hub, which is centrally located at 100 St John Street, London.
One of the largest showrooms in the area, the two-floor Design Hub spans 7,276 square feet and has become an unmissable destination for designers, architects and specifiers looking for fresh innovations that push the boundaries of kitchen and bathroom design.
Throughout the inspirational three-day event, visitors to the Design Hub will have the opportunity to see the quality as well as the breadth and depth of the KLUDI range, which offers a complete bathroom solution spanning freestanding bathtubs, shower trays, sanitaryware, furniture and accessories in addition to its market-leading brassware.
As well as pop-in events, RAK Ceramics will host networking opportunities and interactive experiences during Clerkenwell Design Week 2025, treating guests to a closing party on the last evening to celebrate the three days of creativity and innovation.
“Clerkenwell Design Week is always a highlight in our calendar, and we’re delighted to be taking part in it once again in 2025,” said Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK. “Not only are we marking the third anniversary of our London Design Hub in 2025, but we’re also celebrating the UK launch of our premium KLUDI brand. Renowned for its beautiful, innovative, water-saving designs and durable materials, KLUDI has a rich history and heritage and we look forward to introducing the brand during Clerkenwell Design Week 2025.”
The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is located in the heart of London's design quarter at 100 St John Street, EC1M 4EH.
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. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
Innovation. Leadership. Impact. The 2024 Liang & Eimil Awards did more than recognise excellence, they set the tone for the future.
On 3rd April 2025, the Liang & Eimil Awards brought together visionaries, interior designers, and future leaders for a powerful afternoon of recognition and connection.
Held at The Liang & Eimil Shoreditch Showroom, this annual event honored individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions across innovation, research, design, leadership, and collaboration.
- Residential Project Award went to Olga Ashby Interiors for their pioneering work in their Paris Quai d'Orsay project. - The Show-Home Award was awarded to Studio Howes, whose passion and work achieved an amazing project featuring our designs in their Bryanston project. - The Hospitality Project Award was a highlight, with heartfelt tributes to Bergman Design House, recognising their work in their Knightsbridge Gate – Kinnerton Project.
The event featured networking sessions and bubbly that had the room buzzing. With each award presented, the energy grew—this wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a celebration of purpose.
"This event reminds us that behind every success is a story of vision, persistence, and collaboration." – Gabriella Catino
With a community that continues to grow, the Liang & Eimil Awards are quickly becoming a key annual highlight.
Stay connected. Get inspired. And join us next year as we continue to spotlight the people building what’s next.
About Liang & Eimil
Liang & Eimil, a British brand that specialises in furnishing design for the residential and hospitality sectors, believes in making ordinary moments remarkable. Renowned for producing expertly crafted furniture, lighting and accessories, they take pride in offering innovative solutions that can be tailored to any interior design aesthetic.
Having natural stone in a bathroom is one way to add a touch of luxury to your home. The earthy tones of limestone can recreate a spa-like experience or the bold colours of marble elevate a space with a hint of grandeur.
No matter what materials you use in a wet environment, regular maintenance will always be necessary. The grout of a porcelain tile, for example, will become discoloured easily if you don’t keep on top of the cleaning. A little more time investment might be needed to care for natural stone, but having to do this means that you’ll not neglect the tiles as is so easily done with a ‘low-maintenance’ surface.
As with any room that you are considering installing natural stone in, there’s stone types that are more suitable and usually this is down to reducing the required maintenance.
Marble installed in a bathroom should ideally be the highest grade possible for the minimal inclusions and veining. This is because the vein composition is vulnerable to moisture damage. Very light, white marble can also be subjected to discoloration over time due to its naturally occurring iron content rusting. On the contrary, dark marbles will show the etch marks and hard water deposits very easily and so do require a diligent approach to maintenance.
It is important too, if considering limestone or travertine to opt for a less porous type. Stone suppliers should be able to talk you through the options with the lowest water absorption rate.
After selecting the stone type, particular attention should be paid to the finish on the stone, size of tile and other factors that will impact the slipperiness of the surface if being installed on a bathroom floor.
We recommend that you clean your stone shower and bath area daily. The easiest and most effective way is to spray the walls and floor of the stall with a stone safe cleaner, then squeegee down after everybody in the home has taken a shower for the day. This will stop hard water build ups to the surface of the stone.
This is particularly pertinent when it comes to Marble which is acid sensitive. With strong acids, you will see the effects of this instantly with a white or dull burn mark showing almost instantly. Known as etching, this is not something that can be wiped or cleaned off and will require professional restoration.
Tap water is not always PH neutral which means that over time, this can have a similar effect on your stone. In a marble bathroom, this means that it is really important to keep the surfaces as dry as possible.
In hard water areas (like London and the South East), sitting water will also lead to a build-up of limescale and mineral deposits which can be tricky to remove without risking damage to the stone surface.
When it comes to cleaning the stone in your bathroom it is essential to use a pH neutral stone cleaner. If in doubt, look out for ‘stone-safe’ on the label.
We also recommend keeping this in mind when cleaning other areas of your bathroom. Try using alcohol to clean your windows and mirrors rather than harsher acidic-based cleaning chemicals. If using bleach for your toilet then it is worth taking a little more time to protect any surrounding stone too.
Don’t let metal bathroom accessories (toilet brush holder, toilet paper stand etc) sit directly on the stone floor. Moisture, even from steam condensation will pool around the bases and can cause unsightly and difficult-to-remove rust marks in the stone.
It is also very important to keep an eye on grout and particularly silicone throughout the bathroom. Not only will worn grout look unsightly, but water that gets behind the stone can cause damage beyond repair.
Although stone will have been sealed when installed, it is important to note that this will not prevent the damage that acids and hard water can do over time. Periodic reapplication of a sealant can help to maintain the aesthetics as well as topping up the protection.
Just pour a small amount onto a microfibre cloth and apply to the stone surface in small circles until you have covered the area. Then buff the stone with a fresh cloth to remove any excess. Leave this for at least 15 minutes to dry, ideally 24 hours if possible.
If you opt to have your stone professionally restored or cleaned, the application of a sealant will always be included as part of the treatment.
For more information on how to look after stone in a bathroom or for you free copy of Athena Aftercare to share with clients please email [email protected]
About Athena Stonecare
Natural stone is an investment and we are committed to ensuring that its beauty endures. We specialise in working with marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and all types of natural stone, ensuring that stone will continue to be a beautifully sustainable feature within any property. As natural stone restoration experts we work with floors, worktops, shower walls, sinks and vanity units. The ongoing care of stone is important to us too and so we have developed a suite of advice and guidance on how to maintain the finish of any stone surface. This is distributed through stone suppliers across the UK and is also available to anyone who works with natural stone.
Karndean Commercial, a trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, is set to showcase the power of inclusive design at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 with its immersive installation, Designing for the Senses. This thought-provoking exhibit will highlight how neurodiverse design can create environments that cater to a wide range of cognitive and sensory needs.
The UK’s leading design festival, to be held in London’s famous design district on 20-22 May, CDW25 is a must attend event in the industry’s annual calendar and is set to feature the latest design developments, leading brands and emerging talent.
Renowned for its design innovation, Karndean Commercial will be demonstrating how their portfolio of products can support a more inclusive built environment. through a thought provoking installation at its Clerkenwell Green showroom. Featuring a blend of quiet relaxing neutrals and bold stimulating patterns supporting neurodivergent individuals experiencing hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity respectively, the installation demonstrates how designing for the senses can celebrate difference and improve lived experience for everyone.
Richard Allen, commercial sales director at Karndean Commercial, said: “One in seven people in the UK identify as neurodivergent and experience the world in ways that can vary greatly from neurotypical individuals. Neurodiverse conditions include autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, an increasing number of people are living with neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
“As designers of the built environment, shaping people’s day to day experiences, we have a responsibility to ensure that all users feel comfortable through the creation of inclusive environments where those who experience and process the world differently are recognised and where every individual will feel comfortable. Hypersensitive and hyposensitive design are essential considerations in creating neuro-inclusive environments that cater to individuals with different sensory processing needs, creating environments that benefit the wellbeing of everyone.”
The British Standards Institution introduced guidelines for designing inclusive environments in 2022. PAS 6463 Design for the Mind: Neurodiversity and the Built Environment Through the Different Elements of Sensory Perception presents detailed guidance on how to accommodate for neurodiverse needs through the consideration of sensory needs, from lighting and acoustics to thermal comfort and wayfinding.
Flooring is one of the largest continuous surfaces in a space so its design and material choices can play a pivotal role in creating neuro-inclusive environments. Karndean flooring is designed to authentically reproduce the natural beauty of the world’s most precious woods and stones and so is ideal for creating a biophilic look to complement either calming or stimulating interiors, but without the time consuming maintenance requirements of natural materials.
Karndean’s RIBA approved CPD seminar, Designing Neuro-Inclusive Environments with Flooring, investigates how neurodiversity and neurodegenerative conditions can be accommodated in the built environment by catering to various sensory and neurological processing differences. The key topics covered by the seminar include the British Standards Institution guidelines PAS 6463 and its implications for architecture and interior design, how a selection of real life projects puts this theory into practice and how neuro-inclusive spaces can support the latest fire safety regulations and facilitate evacuation in an emergency situation.
Richard Allen explained: “We’ll be running a taster of our latest RIBA approved CPD seminar during this year’s CDW festival. The session is ideal for anyone looking to understand how individuals with neurodiversity conditions experience interiors and learn how to create thoughtful spaces that allow everyone to thrive.
“Having attended the seminar, designers and specifiers will be able to confidently consult with neurodiverse user groups and stakeholder communities, learn about their lived experience and so fully involve them in the design process, resulting in a superior outcome. We are already taking bookings for our neurodiversity CPD and encourage you to secure your place early, as we expect high demand following this year’s festival"
Karndean Commercial’s Clerkenwell Green showroom will be open throughout CDW25, 20-22 May. Visitors will be able to explore the flexibility of Karndean flooring and meet with dedicated commercial specification managers. Register for your pass at clerkenwelldesignweek.com
To find out more and register your interest for the Designing Neuro-Inclusive Environments seminar visit karndean.com/cpd.
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean is a global supplier of commercial and residential luxury vinyl tile flooring. We’re an industry leader in flooring design, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, helping you create unique looks that are both stylish and practical; guaranteed to last. We see flooring differently. We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining original features with cutting edge design, we create beautiful floors that bring your vision to life and take our clients on an endless journey of design discovery.
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