Sustainable designs, clean lines, and plush, spa aesthetics – which of these new bathroom launches are you keen to make your own?
Following a tour around Clerkenwell Design Week’s showrooms and stands – and a short trip a little further out – these are my top eight bathroom launches deserving of your attention right now.
1. Pastel gloss
I loved every second of lying inside the super-comfy, 177.5cm x 77.5cm BetteSuno bath from Bette (sneak peek on our Instagram), designed by British design studio Barber Osgerby, at the brand’s Clerkenwell stand.
Don’t worry, I wasn’t being disrespectful but was rather encouraged to hop in, being reassured the tub is durable and will be easy to clean after, as it’s made from glazed-titanium steel. And while the bath itself is not new, this irresistible glossy sage green shade is – the Salvia hue is part of Bette’s Key Colour collection, which features 31 shades in total.
2. Earthy sanctuary
Duravit’s latest Balcoon series, designed by Patricia Urquiola, has caught my eye thanks to its simple, geometric lines and overall clean, architectural aesthetic.
It comprises everything from basins to baths, all in a nature-inspired palette ranging from white to earthy brown to anthracite, and with varying materials and textures adding depth and interest – perfect for that organic, effortless look and feel.
3. The spa bathroom effect
At House of Rohl’s outdoor CDW stand, I got a sneak preview of Victoria + Albert Baths’ new soaking tub, Kerid, officially launching in September. Emulating the serene ambience of a Japanese onsen, the display immediately made me feel like stepping into a sumptuous retreat.
The tub itself is shorter and higher than a conventional freestanding bath, at just 135cm long (15cm shorter than the brand’s range of compact baths) and 83cm high. The base of the bath has a seated end, allowing for a deeper submersion, making it ideal for both hot soaks and cold plunges. It’s also made from a blend of the brand’s Volcanic Limestone and a special resin, which prevents it from being damaged by ice-cold water.
4. Shiny bathroom brassware
Over at C.P. Hart’s corner at CDW, I fell in love with the brand’s newest brassware which comes in all sorts of dazzling finishes. Alongside those, I also got to browse through the brand’s recent ranges from its collaboration with premium brassware makers Franz Viegener. So many options, so little time to find my go-to – could I have them all?
5. Matt seats
Look out for Toto’s new NEOREST toilets in Matte Black and Matte White, which were also presented at CDW. Monochrome matt sanitaryware is increasingly known for its sophisticated, contemporary appeal, and the NEOREST Matte finish – in both black and white – offers a sleek, tactile alternative to traditional gloss ceramics.
6. Fancy flush
Geberit’s extra-luxurious push plates make for super-sleek, smooth flushes. There were a couple of new ones showcased at CDW, including a gold and a white flush plate, but there’s a whole palette of shades to choose from, to align with your bathroom’s aesthetic.
7. Eye candy
A few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the design festival’s dedicated venues, West One Bathrooms‘ showroom hosts some gorgeous new releases worth checking out. Kast’s new concrete basins from the Holm collection, Anno, Nema, and Mesa, get bonus points for creativity, allowing you to mix and match options to design your dream model.
Customise them by combining a terrazzo insert with a plain concrete exterior, or opting for plain concrete in and out, in either matching or contrasting colours. Each of the three bathroom basins can be customised with up to two shades per unit, choosing from Kast’s 28-colour palette. The insert is removable, too, for easy cleaning.
8. Wood-chip wonder
Finally, how about adding a touch of Finnish flair to your bathroom? Eco-conscious brand Woodio’s sustainable offerings, also displayed at West One Bathrooms, include everything from basins and toilets to wall panels, and are made from actual wood chips sourced from forests in Finland. Even better, they come in stunning colours such as the luscious berry seen below. Plus, they’re smooth to the touch, waterproof, scratch- and UV-resistant.
So, what will you choose?