LAUFEN consistently stays abreast of the leading bathroom trends through collaborations with world-renowned designers. This was evident at the Milan Fair in April, where LAUFEN showcased its trend-led approach in both new product introductions and their presentation. Here’s a summary of five bathroom trends that are likely to continue through 2024 and beyond.
Terracotta, a material celebrated for its earthy warmth and timeless appeal, has emerged as a key influencer in shaping the landscape of modern interior design trends. The charm of terracotta is not confined to the physical spaces it occupies. Its influence pervades deeper, extending to various aspects of interior design including furniture.
The richness of terracotta as a colour is particularly sought after in the bathroom because it adds warmth. Whether it’s a subtle hint of terracotta in a piece of furniture or a bold statement wall, this versatile material elevates the aesthetic appeal of the space, making it truly stand out.
Neutral colours, celebrated for their understated elegance and versatility, play an indispensable role in the world of interior design, particularly when curating a monochromatic scheme. These colours range from the quiet whispers of soft greys to the gentle embrace of warm taupe. Each of these hues, in their own way, contribute to crafting a serene and calming backdrop, which is particularly welcome in a bathroom setting. Variations in neutral tones, however minor, can dramatically alter the ambiance of the room, adding depth and interest. Thus, the use of neutral colours is not just about simplicity, but about creating a balanced and harmonious space that can effortlessly adapt to changes in style or mood.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go. However, there are a few staples that have stood the test of time due to their timeless elegance and functionality. One such staple in bathroom decor is chrome brassware, which has remained popular for its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and ability to complement any bathroom style.
Timeless and versatile chrome not only blends seamlessly with any colour palette, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of other materials, such as glass, marble and wood. This means that it can easily fit into any bathroom decor, whether you’re aiming for a luxurious spa-like ambiance with marble countertops and glass shower doors, or a cosy, rustic vibe with wooden cabinets and natural stone tiles.
Curves in bathroom design add a soft, organic touch to what is traditionally a space filled with hard, angular lines. They offer a refreshing visual contrast, introducing a more relaxed and natural feel and can also invoke a sense of comfort and luxury, reminiscent of high-end spa retreats. Moreover, curves can make a bathroom appear bigger, as they easily guide the eye through the space.
There are many ways to incorporate curves into a bathroom design. Rounded mirrors are a popular choice, adding a touch of elegance and softening the overall aesthetic. Curved bathtubs and basins can also make a bold statement, serving as a focal point in the room. Even subtle additions, like using rounded tiles or installing curved brassware, can go a long way in transforming the bathroom into a more calming and inviting space.
One of the primary benefits of having plants in your bathroom is the improvement of air quality. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help to freshen up the air in your bathroom. Additionally, certain plants are known to remove harmful toxins from the air. The humidity from your shower also helps plants like ferns and ivies thrive, making your bathroom an ideal place for them.
Plants have a calming effect on our minds, reducing stress and helping us to relax. This makes them perfect for the bathroom, a place where many of us begin and end our day. The addition of greenery can transform your bathroom into a peaceful oasis, providing a tranquil space for you to unwind at the end of a busy day. It’s small wonder that in our busy and stressful lives, indoor plants have become more popular than ever!
Stockist: 01530 510007 or laufen.co.uk/point-of-sales
About LAUFEN
LAUFEN is a premium brand under the ROCA umbrella and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sanitaryware and bathroom furniture, with a global distribution network. For over 125 years, the LAUFEN brand has been using ceramic, the oldest malleable material known to man, to create innovative sanitary products in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. What makes LAUFEN products unique is the combination of emotional Italian design and legendary Swiss precision, resulting in functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Additionally, LAUFEN is fully committed to preserving natural resources and environmentally friendly production.
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The tour will be led by Margarita Valova from Zaha Hadid Design and Head of Marketing at Roca Group (UK) David Bromell. The speakers will discuss the conceptual and technical aspects of the gallery design, and will reveal the fascinating story of how the architecture took shape, from Hadid’s initial design concept through to the practical installation. The 90-minute tour will examin the challenges presented by the existing building, the design concept and spatial strategies, and will give an in-depth look at the innovative processes and materials used to achieve the iconic double curvature of the interior.
SBID Members earn 2 x CPD points for attending!
AJ sustainability editor Hattie Hartman and FCBStudios partner Joe Jack Williams will discuss how to use their new book, MATERIALS: An Environmental Primer, to help make responsible material choices and reduce the environmental impacts of construction: what to consider, what questions to ask, how to read an EPD – and more. They will highlight current trends and innovations related to conventional materials and the increasing use of bio-based materials. Bring your questions!
SBID Members earn 1 x CPD point for attending!
On 6th June, the Roca London Gallery will host a panel discussion as part of the new Bio-spaces: Regenerative Resilient Futures exhibition, curated by Planted and Oliver Heath Design.
Global biophilic design specialist Oliver Heath will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss how we can transform our buildings if we recalibrate our relationship with nature. The discussion will explore how our urban environments would look and feel if nature was part of the architectural design process. Asking the questions: How can we start to collaborate with nature as a member of the project team rather than a service provider? Can we really advocate for nature in the design of our buildings and cities without a human-centric bias?
This talk will bring together some of the leading voices who are helping architects to design with nature rather than against it. To conclude the discussion a Q&A will provide the audience to engage with our expert panel.
Roca London Gallery’s panel of experts will explore how allowing nature to flourish in all spaces can support biodiversity, make cities more resilient to the effects of the climate crisis, whilst also more comfortable and equitable to live in.
This talk will draw on some of the leading authorities on biophilic design and explore why nature should be at the heart of every design process, whatever the scale. To conclude the discussion a Q&A will provide the audience to engage with our expert panel.
Speakers:
– Oliver Heath, Oliver Heath Design
– Paul de Zwart, Another Country
– Adrian Byne, Benholm
– Dr Vanessa Champion, Journal of Biophilic Design
On 25th April, the Roca London Gallery will host a launch event of the new exhibition Bio-Spaces: Regenerative, Resilient Futures, in the company of curators Planted and Oliver Heath Design Studio.
Bio-Spaces runs until 30th September 2024 and looks into biomorphic design, bio-based materials and bioregenerative design.
Guests will journey through a series of modular gridded ‘islands’, each exploring a theme pertinent to the concept of nature-informed design and each populated with exemplary case studies and products that derive inspiration and materials from nature and the environment. A multi-sensory approach alongside touches of greenery will enhance the experience, bringing the water-inspired spaces of the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Roca London Gallery into direct dialogue with like-minded projects and products that aim to reconnect people and spaces with nature.
Click here for more information about the exhibition.
Curated by environmentally-focused media and events platform Planted, in collaboration with Oliver Heath Design Studio, Bio-Spaces will plunge the visitor into the world of biophilic design, exploring biodiversity and biomimicry in design, as well as biomorphic design, bio-based materials and bioregenerative design.
Visitors will journey through a series of modular gridded ‘islands’, each exploring a theme pertinent to the concept of nature-informed design and each populated with exemplary case studies and products that derive inspiration and materials from nature and the environment. A multi-sensory approach alongside touches of greenery will enhance the experience, bringing the water-inspired spaces of the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Roca London Gallery into direct dialogue with like-minded projects and products that aim to reconnect people and spaces with nature.
Curated by Clare Farrow Studio, the talks panel will focus on the vitally important theme of health and wellbeing in small urban living-work spaces, from a designer and user point of view.
Featuring William Bracewell, Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet, whose new film explores movement and wellbeing in small spaces; Tokyo architect Toshiki Hirano and his Rika-chan doll’s house; Proctor & Shaw; and Richard Beckett from the Bartlett who is doing a live probiotic workspace experiment.
Other participants in this inspiring event will be Tokyo adviser and architectural designer Toshiki Hirano from the Kuma Lab at The University of Tokyo, who has taken the Rika-chan dolls house as a playful but also very serious model for future small space design, investigating its light, compact and foldable thinking with a view to future micro transforming designs; architect Mike Shaw of Proctor & Shaw, whose award-winning Shoji Apartment plays with the idea of translucency, vertical stacking and an opening and closing cocoon that enhances the psychological and physical experience of a tiny home; and Richard Beckett, Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Architecture, who has collaborated with an immunologist from UCL to conduct a live experiment entitled ‘Imagining a probiotic microbial workspace’, which visitors will also be able to interact with and experience for periods of time.
Health in tiny spaces is not just about the dimensions of rooms and flexibility of furniture, or about bringing green plants in for pleasure and detoxing the air. It is about recognising that over-sanitised spaces disrupt the balance of microbes in our living and work environments, especially since the pandemic, resulting in autoimmune diseases that are on the rise. Beckett’s groundbreaking exhibition and experiment that blends architecture with science and medicine, brings the forest floor and ‘forest bathing’ concept out of nature and into the smallest of spaces. The results of his experiment will be revealed at the close of the exhibition in January 2024.
SBID Members earn 1 x CPD Point for attending!
Exhibition: Takeshi Hosaka, Love2 House, Tokyo, © Takeshi Hosaka
Event: Richard Beckett (UCL), Living in a probiotic microbial space, Live experiment in the exhibition
Only a few days before London Design Festival returns on Saturday 17 September! For a whole week, LDF will celebrate and promote the city as a design capital on the global stage, offering an expansive programme of over 13 design disciplines, ranging from digital design and art, to landscape, interiors and materials.
Are you ready to dive into the world of design? Read the SBID’s helpful guide to the festival to plan your diary, get inspired and engage with the design industry. Ensure you don’t miss any important events and CPD sessions from SBID members!
London Design Festival 2022
Where: Multiple venues across London
When: 17 – 25 September
Arper joins LDF in celebrating the city’s creativity in newly restyled London showroom to present its latest 2022 collections with a range of engaging events and creative activities across Clerkenwell Design Trail.
Learn more
An immersive installation of pioneering designs showcases objects developed by Zaha Hadid Design over the past 15 years. The exhibition fills the sculptural spaces of the striking gallery designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2011.
Kohler invites you to explore their recently refurbished London showroom in Clerkenwell, attend an exclusive Breakfast Meeting with networking, talk and tour, and discover the latest product innovations in the KBB sector.
Parkside are hosting a Breakfast Club with live CPD event alongside fresh pastries and coffee as part of the Clerkenwell Design Trail! Unlock knowledge on tiling patterns, innovations in sustainable materials and how to specify bespoke surfaces.
House of Rohl’s networking brunch in partnership with SBID will bring together a collection of luxury kitchen and bathroom brands and provide an opportunity to meet peers and exchange ideas.
VitrA London showroom will run a series of free virtual reality CPD experience sessions, where they will turn bathroom designs into 4-D, enabling people to explore a fully immersive virtual bathroom space.
RAK Ceramics Design Hub is an interactive and immersive environment to inspire – explore the latest in bathroom designs, materials, finishes and colours with exclusive showroom tour, showcasing RAK Ceramics ranges, kitchen taps, and brassware.
Drop by Karndean’s Commercial Showroom to grab a mocktail or a bite to eat, meet the team and view an exclusive collection preview – take a first look at their new abstract flooring designs launching this autumn!
EDGE presents a variety of products, installations, CPDs, workshops, talks and events surrounding sustainable design, highlighting the industry’s best in circular products and materials for living and working spaces.
VitrA is hosting an immersive colour experience using artwork by Carnovsky, which experiments with the interaction between colour in print and light form.
Bolon is showcasing their latest products, celebrating the launch of new colour palettes for their bestselling collections, and holding a variety of talks on sustainability during the London Design Festival week.
The art of high-tech returns as Cosentino celebrates breathtaking new collections at the Cosentino City Showroom. Presenting award-winning carbon neutral materials with ‘DJ Nadia Noudle’ and tapas.
Bolon is hosting a CPD session led by Bolon’s visionary Head of Sustainability Håkan Nordin to learn about how Bolon’s experience in sustainable design has informed their approach and understanding of the circular economy today.
EDGE (Eco Design Green Environment) is celebrating their first anniversary with a short talks programme focusing on sustainability and regenerative thinking.
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With growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions, manufacturers are increasingly introducing new developments for innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene. From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate water flow in taps, flush the WC or control mirror lights without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.
Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.
Easy installation is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage. The battery operated versions are exceptionally durable with alkaline batteries which guarantee over 250,000 uses. A further innovation means both greater safety and more savings – the electronic device stops the water flow after a preset usage time to promote moderate use and prevent unnecessary waste of water.
Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort model, allow users to activate functions such as the ambient light or the demister device through movement, which means less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.
The EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates make it possible to activate the toilet flush without touching it. With a stylish, contemporary design and very easy installation, they are automatically activated when moving a hand in front of them, ensuring maximum hygiene and avoiding any contact.
With a backlit surface divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full), they can be set off by simply bringing the hand closer or by choosing the automatic option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches or when a specific time has passed after its use.
Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, providing an extra layer of safety within every type of bathroom.
About Roca
Roca began in 1917 as a manufacturer of cast iron radiators at its factory in Gavà, near Barcelona. From humble origins, the company has grown into a global business driven by a firm focus on improving the quality of life for its customers. Roca began producing innovate new designs, products and materials to provide the complete bathroom solutio. Today, Roca manufactures at 78 facilities around the world and is active in over 170 markets.
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