26 Nov 2015

Making a statement with bathroom fixtures, fittings and sanitaryware

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Regardless of when you choose to embark on designing this space, the bathroom is an area where you can really get creative and add a personal touch. From the fixtures and fittings through to the sanitaryware, there are a whole host of products on the market. Here, Helen Shaw, at Roper Rhodes, offers some trend advice to get you started.

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Consumers are looking for products that have been manufactured to stand the test of time. There is a notable influence from the European market with new contemporary ranges, which feature designer appeal with wall-hung basins in a variety of sizes leading the way. These are complemented with the most recent wall hung, back to wall and close-coupled WC options. Product designs vary from strong, angled lines to soft curves to suit a variety of bathroom styles.

Free up space

Wall-hung basins and WCs are great for freeing up valuable floor space and can create the illusion of a larger space, which is particularly useful for the UK’s smaller bathrooms. Short-projection WCs are also an obvious design choice, even more so if you go for a back-to-wall option with a concealed cistern.

There is also a growing market for short projection models, which are ideal for the UK’s smaller bathrooms. Comfort height WCs have also become more popular as the UK population’s average height and weight increases. Wall-hung WCs can also really cater for this as they can be mounted higher on the wall to suit. Water reducing flush technology is expected now, especially with more consumers paying more attention to their household water consumption. To meet this need we have close coupled WC models with 4.5/3l dual flush capacity.

Flexible furniture

Meanwhile, furniture is playing a growing part in bathroom design and homeowners are becoming more aware of the benefits and design possibilities that bathroom furniture provides.

Incredibly flexible, basin units can be used on their own or combined, where space allows, to create a designer look. In terms of colour, grey in all its various guises has really captured the imagination of consumers. It has become an incredibly popular colour in bathrooms as well as kitchens, and that’s a trend that we expect to continue.

Innovative technology

Technology is creeping into all elements of our everyday lives and the bathroom is no exception. Bathroom mirrors are a perfect example of the way bathrooms have embraced the technology trend and they are now so much more than just a piece of glass.

Not only do they look sleek and stylish, they are also practical light sources, with many featuring low-energy LEDs operated by no-touch infrared switches. Some may even feature wireless Bluetooth technology with touch-sensitive controls and an integrated stereo speaker system, so you can listen to the radio or music from your smart phone or tablet while brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Nowadays many mirrors and cabinets also boast built-in heated demister pads to ensure the glass remains steam free regardless of how hot and humid the bathroom gets.

Further information....

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