The flowing yet puristic design of MEM from Dornbracht is reminiscent of the most natural and original form of water presentation: spring. The fitting takes a deliberate step back, and by doing so, is fully taken up by the individual ambience of the architecture. The series stands for clarity, reduction, and balance, and thanks to the extensive enhancement, it now offers an even greater variety of design options.
Dornbracht provides several new variants for the washing area: The washbasin fitting is now also available as a single-lever basin mixer and a three-hole mixer with a flat spout. Joining the wall-mounted fittings line-up, are a single-lever mixer, a three-hole mixer, and a monobloc single-lever mixer. The latter is a totally new product type. All five of the new products have one thing in common – they are perfect for small bathrooms and have an aesthetic impact there. Another impressive new highlight is the slender, freestanding single-lever bath mixer which can be positioned anywhere in the room, as the main attraction.
MEM is impressive, not just for this great product variety, but also for its wide choice of surface finishes. From now on, the series, which was created by Sieger Design, will also be available in Dark Chrome, Champagne (22kt Gold) and Brushed Champagne (22kt Gold). While the Dark Chrome represents subtle elegance, the warm golden hue of the two Champagne finishes sets a refined tone.
New textured handles complete the series enhancements. These are produced by the so-called hammering technique, a traditional and skilled manual working method that creates decorative surface finishes. The indentations and projections formed by hammering reflect instant light, creating glossy and matt areas. This gives the handle a unique texture that is pleasant to touch. Its complex nature stands in fascinating contrast to the strict form of the MEM handle geometry. This elaborate manufacturing process makes every handle unique.
Both the new products and the MEM variants that have been available in the market for 20 years, prove to be unobtrusive and visible at the same time. A spout with a 180-degree bend, an invisibly integrated jet regulator and minimalist handles, the series embodies a basic aesthetic appeal that intentionally avoids any extrovert elements. Conceived according to the Dornbracht design principles – proportion, precision, progressiveness, performance, and personality – MEM conforms directly to the Dornbracht claim of creating “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
More information can be found at www.dornbracht.com/mem
About Dornbracht UK & Ireland
Based in Iserlohn, Dornbracht is the leading specialist supplier of superior designer fittings and accessories for bathroom, spa and kitchen. The company was founded in 1950 and is represented by a portfolio of products on more than 125 markets worldwide. With clearly-defined design principles for a lasting product design and a consistent focus on user needs, Dornbracht has transformed the bathroom and kitchen into living spaces – and in so doing, continues to set new standards. The premium manufacturer is famous worldwide for its design and architectural expertise and quality of manufacture at the highest level and underlines its leadership aspirations with the brand claim “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
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Luxury bath and kitchen brand GRAFF and prestigious American industrial designer Stephen Burks present Faucet Fantasy, an artistic installation drawing attention to the importance of water conservation. Burks, known for using artisan and handcrafted influences in his designs, will showcase nine GRAFF faucets in luxurious finishes, reimagined in his signature mix of bright colours with natural and manmade materials.
“Inspired by the graphic flow of water, Faucet Fantasy showcases nine luxurious faucets in a colorful array of handcrafted finishes, textures, and materials,” Burks said. The eye-catching installation generated considerable buzz among the attendees at the unveiling event.
Faucet Fantasy represents GRAFF's Art of Bath sustainability program. GRAFF is an actively green brand, from using lead-free materials in its products to adhering to zero waste in its lean manufacturing system. The brand is inherently dedicated to water conservation, understanding our most valuable resource's role in a healthy ecosystem. In 2012, GRAFF raised the bar on eco-standards by automatically including water-saving systems with all bathroom-sink and kitchen faucets, and showerheads. Partnering with sustainable projects worldwide, GRAFF strives to make luxury green.
Founder and President of GRAFF, Mr. Ziggy Kulig, commented: "For GRAFF, quality, design and sustainability, go hand in hand. We look to align with creatives whose own work embodies this same philosophy. We are pleased to partner with Stephen Burks for creating an exclusive sculpture installation. We hope his creation will inspire viewers to do their part in supporting water conservation initiatives."
Burks’ installation also dovetails seamlessly with GRAFF’s rich heritage of artisanship and craftsmanship in production. “For Faucet Fantasy, we were looking at the idea of bringing the hand to industry and presenting a range of products that give the customer a sense of what’s possible,” said Burks. Together with his studio Stephen Burks Man Made, Burks has been commissioned by many of the world’s leading design-driven brands to develop collections that engage hand production as a strategy for innovation.
As a product development consultant, Burks has worked in close collaboration with artisans and craftspeople around the globe. His work has been exhibited internationally and he has been the recipient of several awards, including being the only African American to win the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in Product Design. In 2019, he became the first Harvard Loeb Fellow in the discipline of product design and was recently an adjunct assistant professor of architecture at Columbia University’s GSAPP.
Following its unveiling at RNDD, the Faucet Fantasy installation will be on display at Chicago’s Studio 41 home design showroom from September 10th to September 30th and then at the GRAFF Design center at the Mart for Design Chicago.
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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The Vintage collection by GRAFF Designs, a unique range marrying industrial style with rich heritage. Inspired by the Chicago Fire Department’s heroic role in extinguishing the state's Big Fire of 1934, GRAFF Designs pays homage with this tactile and vintage style brassware.
Reminiscent of the iconic fire hose valve silhouette and mirroring the red logo of the Chicago Fire Department, the collection boasts exquisite craftsmanship and detail, from its architectural elements to its modern take on traditional design. Comprising 140 stylish products including bath and basin mixers, showerheads and rails, as well as an accompanying accessories range.
Formed with precision engineering and premium-quality materials, the Vintage Collection is available in 21 luxury finishes including 24K polished gold, vintage brushed brass and the classic limited-edition red.
Available to buy now in the UK with prices starting from £500 for a basin mixer in Chrome, up to £5,500 for a 24K Gold freestanding bath shower mixer.
For more information, expert comment or imagery, please contact the team at [email protected]
MOD+ by GRAFF Designs, a rich and diversified modular collection that offers endless customisation possibilities. Allowing a high degree of creative freedom with luxury custom finishes, materials and configurations, MOD+ unlocks up to 65 000 possible combinations - a collection like no other.
Comprising 55 bathroom products for the washbasin, bathtub and shower areas, in which each element can be completely customised GRAFF has created its MOD+ Collection Configurator to fully exhibit the collection’s potential. An online tool to help design and specify, personalisation options include handle detailing, finishes, materials, spout size and mounting type.
MOD+ offers 20 unique finishes, including Gunmetal, Matt White or Vintage Brushed Brass, or for that extra special touch, a unique 24 K gold finish. Handles materials include variations of Tuscan marble including Storm Black, Forest Green and Smoky White.
President of GRAFF Designs, Ziggy Kulig comments: “GRAFF is committed to presenting the best bathing experiences in the personal space of your house with exceptional style and selection of precious raw material innovations in a way that exceeds expectations.
To see the full collection and try the online configurator, visit www.graff-designs.com/en/catalog/configurator/
Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions anticipate the latest 2022 market trends for kitchen sinks and taps, as they continue to play a leading role in the modern home.
Following extensive market research and trends monitoring, Abode can reveal the following trends are set to influence kitchen design in 2022.
Leanne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Abode says, “The need for 24/7 convenience that empowers both home and lifestyle is inspiring new levels of design in the kitchen, utility room and hybrid wash zones like the home bar and boot room. Accordingly, end users young and old have become part of the now generation where time is of the essence and well-considered functionality that improves health and wellbeing is top priority. This has led to a rise in high performance kitchen taps, which add value and maintain their design integrity without compromising on style or user safety. Naturally, the trend for steaming hot water and filtered water on tap is set to reach new heights in 2022, with 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 taps becoming a staple of the traditional and contemporary kitchen whilst helping us all save energy, reduce our use of plastic bottles and lead healthier lives.”
As more of us are living in a multi-generational household, home ergonomics is a point for discussion with an emphasis on ease of use and product safety. Trends are therefore identifying water safety as a number one priority with taps that are designed to be used by people of all ages, including those with limited mobility, outperforming other inclusive-style taps that forego style over substance. Having a kitchen that can grow with you is going to impact how we design the kitchen wash zone next year with young families, downsizers and the newly retired alike seeking future-proof taps that are easy reach, hygienic and distinct by design.
PRODUCT - We recommend the Abode Agilis Single Lever kitchen tap, which is ergonomically designed. Featuring a sweeping L shape body with knurled aerator collar, the handle is located on the front of the tap body to reduce reach. Providing agile movement via a single lever, just a flick of a wrist will operate the water flow: great if you have dirty hands!
As climate change intensifies, the need to source only the most ethical products on the market is becoming a criterion when planning a kitchen space. Managing water and energy use will continue to remain on trend next year with multi-functional taps taking centre stage in the battle to save the planet. Enjoying the idea of chilled filtered water on tap is now easier than ever, not only cutting down on the use of plastic bottles but the rise in hot water taps has made the kettle redundant – freeing up space and time while reducing water consumption and energy in high usage households.
PRODUCT – Discover Abode Swich, a revolutionary design solution that will transform a new or existing kitchen tap in to a filtered water tap that delivers a constant supply of crystal clear filtered water! The exclusive and patented Swich water filter system is a discreet yet ultra-luxe device, which is easy to use and install, either retro-fit in an existing kitchen or add to a new kitchen design.
Popular with interior designers and homeowners alike, industrial-style kitchens stand to remain a firm favourite next year, with trends reporting a new appreciation for sinks and taps that help define a scheme. Practicality and luxury will therefore go hand-in-hand, with contemporary matt black and delicately distinct brass finishes in high demand. Complementing big ticket items like your appliances and designer fixtures, black will bring extra refinement to next year’s industrial-style kitchen and welcome an eclectic mix of materials and finishes that see the sink and tap area stand up and be counted.
PRODUCT – Answering growing demand for 24/7 convenience that is practical and beautiful, the Pronteau 4 IN 1 Propure Monobloc Quad is seen here in an industrial-style Matt Black finish. Available in five on trend finishes and two spout designs, this 4 IN 1 kitchen tap is a must for the design and time conscious. The steaming hot water is delivered via a two-stage safety handle and with cold filtered drinking water on tap as well as the domestic hot and cold supply you truly have everything you need packaged up in a sleek design that sits proudly in an array of kitchen styles.
About Abode
Established in 2002, Abode has a team with extensive knowledge of sinks, taps and the kitchen & bathroom industry. They are renowned for award winning product design and have been recognised by various industry awards. Over 15 years on their thirst for innovation, design, quality and service remains just as strong as it was on day one. Abode is part of the Norcros plc group of companies, a leading supplier of high quality and innovative kitchen and bathroom products.
Kohler, leading global brand, features eight additions to its smart home portfolio at CES 2022, focusing on enhancing wellbeing and making it easier for people to find peace of mind.
PerfectFill smart bathing technology is a smart drain, digital/app controller and bath filler. PerfectFill draws a bath to a preferred temperature and desired depth with a simple voice command or through the KOHLER Konnect app, reducing time spent monitoring the bath as it fills. Previously demonstrated as concept technology, PerfectFill will be available for purchase in May 2022.
Anthem Valves and Controls – digital valves can operate multiple outlets, integrate into the KOHLER Konnect app, can be paired with voice assistants, and offer the unique functionality of independent temperature and flow control in each outlet. Paired with the immersive sprays of the Statement showerheads, hand showers, rain heads and body sprays, Anthem upgrades the shower through innovative technology and engineering.
Purist Suspend – ceiling-mounted kitchen faucet featuring a remote puck that manages activation, temperature and volume, and a fully adjustable hose with 180-degree rotation.
Touchless Residential Bathroom Faucet – New category for Kohler, these faucets function with a simple wave of the hand, offer temperature control and operate by battery, offering an easy tech upgrade.
Kohler Power Reserve – a modular home energy storage system that pairs with solar power systems to provide homeowners with access to solar energy regardless of the weather, time of day or status of the grid.
Robern IQ Digital Lock Box – a smart lock box that offers a compact way to securely protect valuables, medication and personal items. Digital Lock Box is equipped with a touchpad panel as well as an app to set and protect your password and ensure that your items are secured.
Additional featured products coming to market in 2022 include Stillness Bath, a multi-sensory bathing experience inspired by Japanese forest bathing, and H2Wise powered by Phyn, smart water monitors designed to detect leaks and track household water usage.
About Kohler
Founded in 1873, Kohler Co. is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; engines, generators, and clean energy solutions; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland.
Kohler, a leading global kitchen and bath brand, showcases its long-standing innovation and design leadership through a custom-created installation by New York-based artist Daniel Arsham, entitled “Stone Flow” at Design Miami/ 2021. Stone Flow explores the KOHLER x Arsham collaboration’s experimental phase and uses giant rocks to emulate the design of the innovative sink, Rock.01.
With a series of stone-like objects and forms, Arsham unveils a further exploration of his design process, which plays with organic forms found in nature. The 3D-printed Rock.01 crafted in Kohler, Wis., debuted within the Stone Flow installation in December last year and has been available for purchase since in an edition of 99. The one-of-a-kind, limited-edition sink brings together creative innovation and expert craftsmanship from Kohler and Arsham.
Within Design Miami/ 2021 Kohler presented a Design Talk, “Design in the Now: How technology and craft meet the cultural moment” on Thursday, Dec. 2 with Daniel Arsham, artist-designer; Marc Benda, Cofounder Friedman Benda; David Kohler, President and CEO Kohler; and Samuel Ross, artist-designer and moderated by Wava Carpenter, Curatorial Director Design Miami.
Additionally, Kohler features other innovative and design-forward global collections in its activations in Miami. Among them, the Occasion faucet collection that was inspired by the high fashion and effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, offering both charm and elegance within the bathroom.
In celebration of Design Miami/ 2021, Kohler has made a contribution to DigDeep, a nonprofit working to bring clean water to families on the Navajo Nation. Access to safe water is at the centre of Kohler’s work to preserve the planet and support the well-being of individuals and communities around the world. Reliable access to water is not only crucial for life, but for enriched lives and the pursuit of education and art.
In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winner for the Kitchen Product Design category, Abode, Design Manager Paul Illingworth answers questions on the company's approach to projects and the technical features and functionality of their award-winning tap filter - Swich.
SBID Awards Category: Kitchen Product
Practice: Abode
Entry: Swich
As a premium manufacturer, we are proud of our products and want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to understand their features and benefits, so entering the SBID International Design Awards is a great way to raise the profile of our brand on a global stage. To be recognised by SBID and its panel of leading industry experts is a great achievement for Abode, acknowledging Swich for its outstanding examples of technical innovation, aesthetic creativity and fit-for-purpose functionality. There is something truly special in knowing that the talents of every member of our team, from product developers to marketing and sales, are recognised and celebrated by the international design community and the entire Abode family.
For me, I think the versatility and ease of use of Abode Swich makes this product an industry game changer for the modern home. It’s a revolutionary design solution that will transform a new or existing kitchen tap into a filtered water tap that delivers a constant supply of crystal clear filtered water! The exclusive and patented Swich water filter system is a discreet yet ultra-luxe device, which is easy to use and install, either retro-fit in an existing kitchen or add to a new kitchen design. Swich works in conjunction with a normal kitchen mixer tap to improve the overall taste, appearance and quality of your drinking water without compromising on style. For the first time, our customers are not restricted to the style of tap they can have in their kitchen and now, they can enjoy fresh filtered tap water while removing the need for a countertop water purifier or bottled water, which we all know is harmful to the environment.
We are strong believers in the power of feedback, so we are in constant contact with our network of retailers up and down the country to ensure that we are developing the very best products with the right functionality. We are highly creative with a strong ‘can do’ attitude and believe in taking care of every member of the Abode family, which is reflected in our high level of customer service and our development of hero product lines with full marketing support.
Our new product development team track lifestyle trends worldwide, as well as focus on the UK market in order to create a concept that seized key consumer concerns with a simple, failsafe solution – using the philosophy of ‘If you can dream it, we can do it’. With that in mind, we wanted to tick the boxes of reducing waste, saving space, enhancing cooking alongside boosting home hygiene as the open-plan kitchen absorbs many of the functions of the living and dining area. Like a Swiss army knife that combines multiple functions in a single unit, we wanted something which could be universal, minimal and super-easy to use. This is why we decided to make Swich available in four high fashion finishes – Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Chrome – simply turn the Round or Square control handle to indicate the type of water supply you wish to channel through the tap. Providing immediate access to both the domestic water supply and Abode-safe water, via the Swich filter cartridge, customers can enjoy clear refreshing results, every time!
We are celebrating 20 years in business in 2022 and are eagerly preparing for KBB 2022 with new products and innovations to introduce to the market. We are investing heavily in every aspect of our business as we want to be in an excellent position for the next 20 years onwards.
Always keep your portfolio up to date, take pride in your work and never be afraid to ask questions. There is no such thing as a silly question and you never know where the answer might take you in terms of inspiration. It is so important to feed your imagination so make sure you take time out to enjoy pursuits you are passionate about and be curious – look at innovations and trends in other industries to keep developing your design ideas and stay abreast of current affairs to anticipate future client and consumer needs. My approach to design has certainly become more subtle over the years and I think that as one matures you start to gather a wider appreciation for the design likes and dislikes of others and these automatically filter into your work, whereas I think the younger version of myself, designed more selfishly. I still probably get the greatest joys from solving annoying or fiddly design problems with the simplest solutions, these are the daily successes - in between the big product launches.
Questions answered by Paul Illingworth, Design Manager, Abode.
Established in 2002, Abode has a team with extensive knowledge of sinks, taps and the kitchen & bathroom industry. Abode is part of the Norcros plc group of companies, a leading supplier of high quality and innovative kitchen and bathroom products.
If you missed last week's Interview with the Lighting category winner II BY IV DESIGN, click here to read it.
Turning the finishing touch into a focal point of the bathroom, RAK-Sorrento from RAK Ceramics is a brassware collection that offers a solution for every installation. Available in four finishes to meet every design requirement, this latest brassware range offers the opportunity to bring individual flair into the bathroom.
RAK-Sorrento has a timeless elegance, with a long body and spout combined with single lever control for a modern twist. As well as Polished Chrome, the brassware can also be chosen in on-trend Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel or Matt Black.
The RAK-Sorrento basin mixers are available in three sizes – standard, medium and tall – enabling the brassware to be combined effortlessly with any washbasin, with a wall-mounted basin mixer also included in the range. For the bath, RAK-Sorrento offers an abundance of choice, including deck-mounted, exposed and freestanding options.
The sleek styling of RAK-Sorrento is carried through to the shower, with a choice of thermostatic valves that complete the streamlined look.
Giving any bathroom a stylish makeover, RAK-Sorrento delivers an excellent performance and is backed by a full manufacturer’s warranty.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics help to create icons and build marvels; their products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. They are known for their wide product range and ability to produce bespoke ranges for both small and large scale projects, enabling the clients to bring their ideas to life.
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With lockdown lifting, projects resuming and new clients on the horizon, we're sharing the latest product news from SBID Accredited Partners. Featuring premium, Mother of Pearl decorative wall panels; a table collection inspired by a new wave of Brazilian music, and an ecological collection of advanced natural paints with sustainable options for any project!
Introducing Siminetti's Mother of Pearl decorative panels
Siminetti’s Mother of Pearl Decorative Panels are the next generation in Mother of Pearl surface finishes. Handcrafted by Siminetti’s team of artisans, the ‘Golden Pearl Drop’ Decorative Panels capture the stunning natural beauty of Mother of Pearl that has for centuries been associated with luxury, sophistication and elegance. Utilising a combination of Siminetti’s ‘Bianco’ and ‘Golden Promise’ Mother of Pearl, every panel carries its own bespoke appeal.
Produced from fully sustainable Freshwater and Saltwater Pearl, each decorative panel is assembled to the clients exacting dimensions and can be produced in almost any shape up to maximum size of 240cm x 120cm. The individual Mother of Pearl pieces are hand placed onto a lightweight, robust, honeycomb backing which ensures they are also fully waterproof, making the decorative panels not only suitable for kitchen splashbacks and furniture inlays, but equally wet-room and shower environments. Siminetti Decorative Panels are the luxurious alternative to tiles and are available in over 30 stunning designs. Siminetti also offers a bespoke design service, allowing Designers, Architects and Specifiers to develop their own unique style.
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Cox London presents the Siren Chair for Collect at Somerset House
The Siren Chair was created by Cox London for Collect at Somerset house in March 2020. This generously proportioned chair is traditionally upholstered with natural lamb’s wool for great comfort, supported by sculptural cast-bronze arms and a forged iron frame. Both visceral and flocculent, the beguiling chair is signed and numbered by the artist. Special editions available in different finishes and different fabrics. The founders, Christopher and Nicola Cox take inspiration from the great traditions and techniques of making; their work is craft orientated, sculpture based and infused with historical references.
Christopher and Nicola make their artwork and furniture in their north London atelier and workshop. Having studied fine art sculpture together they set up their studio early in 2000, they have since taken on a wide variety of commissions from the worlds of fine art, craft and interior decoration to produce bespoke or limited-edition pieces that combine creativity with the best of British craftsmanship and artistry. Cox London’s unique designs are on display in their Pimlico and North London showroom’s.
Kassavello features elite brand's Bossa table collection
The Bossa collection is taken from a range of curated products from the portfolio of elite brands that are available through luxury furniture design atelier Kassavello. Inspired by ‘Bossa Nova’, the new wave of musical genre and culture that emerged from Brazil in the 1950’s, the Bossa table collection is defined by a sleek finish and subtle curved edges. Constructed from high gloss solid mahogany wood with contrasting natural cane and matt mahogany detailing, these unique pieces are subtle enough to compliment a myriad of schemes whilst adding a distinctive sense of style and flair.
The Bossa square coffee table combines natural cane with a practical glass top whilst the Bossa side table is completed with an elegantly crafted inset matt veneer. Designed with flexible grouping in mind, the taller side tables combine beautifully with the shorter coffee table creating a stunning composition and centerpiece. Bespoke options and finishes are available across the collection.
A New Era for advanced natural paints with Graphenstone
As a customer rightly stated, "Graphenstone offers a range of stunning colours, all of them Green.” Using 100% recycled and recyclable packing and delivery materials, Graphenstone is proud to hold 'Cradle to Cradle Institute' Gold and Silver Certifications, as the ultimate validation of its dedication to green products and processes. With natural ingredients combined with graphene technology, Graphenstone offer the most advanced, durable and ecological ranges of paint available on the UK market. The absence of toxicity makes the paints virtually odourless. LEED, WELL and BREEAM Compliant, Graphenstone’s products are ideal for any large or small-scale project seeking healthy and sustainable paint options with trusted certifications.
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