Two Axor projects win three awards at the European Hotel Design Awards 2011

Read article : Two Axor projects win three awards at the European Hotel Design Awards 2011

Tuesday 22nd November marked the annual European Hotel Design Awards at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge. Held on the eve of the prestigious 2011 Sleep Event, the black tie dinner was hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine and celebrated the very best in new hotel design from across Europe.

Recognised by the judges for their creative excellence and commercial viability, two of the winning projects - The Savoy Hotel and Four Seasons, Park Lane, London, both feature showers and bathroom fittings from international bathroom brand Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe. 

Following an ambitious £220 million restoration, the Savoy re-opened in October 2010 and won two awards ‘Interior Design of the Year’ for its lobby and public areas and one of the key accolades of the night ‘The European Hotel Design of the Year’.  A British icon since 1889, the new design successfully blends old and new while allowing English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors to shine with timeless elegance and glamour.  The Axor Montreux collection with its nostalgic, turn of the 20th century styling and modern technology was a perfect fit for the bathrooms in 215 of the hotel’s 268 guestrooms and suites.

Axor designers, Phoenix Design, combined clear, geometric shapes with pure, traditional elements such as filigree cross handles, ceramic detailing at the centre of each mixer handle and accessories such as wall lights with handmade crystal glass shades, soap dishes and towel rails.  Other unique reminiscences of the era include bridge mixer taps and a freestanding version of the bath tub mixer. All taps, shower and accessories are available with a distinctive brushed or polished nickel finish or, as chosen by the Savoy, the timeless option of polished chrome.

These latest two awards join a cavalcade of prizes to round off a successful first re-opening year including the ‘2011 Hot List’ from Condé Nast Traveller and ‘Favourite UK Hotel’ at the Telegraph Travel Awards.

The Four Seasons on London’s Park Lane won the top award ‘Architecture of the Year’ for conversion of an existing hotel building. Hansgrohe supplied its design-led, superbly crafted Axor Citterio bathroom collection to all 192 luxury guest rooms, including 45 one, two and three-bedroom suites with airy views across fashionable Mayfair rooftops and the greenery of Hyde Park. 

Axor Citterio was the ideal partner for the finely detailed bathrooms which feature delicate marble and brushed steel, enhanced by walnut and marble cabinetry and vanity mirrors with integrated televisions. There are over 70 individual items bearing the Axor Citterio label including a wide choice of mixers for basins, bidets and baths, as well as coordinating showers, showerpipes, bath tubs and accessories.  All are characterised by a strong geometric design with gleaming, perfectly crafted chrome surfaces and a harmonious combination of straight angular edges next to rounded curves.  Designed to perfectly blend into both modern and classic interiors, the line radiates luxury as an expression of quality, workmanship, expertise and added value.

Ben Reed, Contract Manager responsible for both the Savoy and Four Seasons hotels comments, “It has been a privilege to be involved with these tremendous hotel projects. The Savoy is steeped in history so was not only a great contract to win but crucial to get right in order to meet the exacting standards required of the hotel design team. With the Four Seasons, we worked very closely from start to finish with the client’s designers at ReardonSmith Architects, so I am delighted also to see the practice recognised and rewarded for their vision and talent with Patrick Reardon winning the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ ‘.

 

Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe AG, successfully realizes “Designer Visions for Your Bathroom". In cooperation with Axor, leading product designers, architects and interior designers develop their vision for the bathroom as a living space. The Axor collections offer a great number of unique and sustainable solutions to create personalised bathrooms of the highest aesthetic and technological levels. To date, Axor collections have been created by Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola as well as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. They all contribute towards making life in and around the bathroom a little more meaningful and beautiful. The Axor brand is headed by Philippe Grohe.

 

Emerging Hotel Bathroom Trends | Hotel Industry Magazine

Read article : Emerging Hotel Bathroom Trends | Hotel Industry Magazine

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Hotel bathrooms have come a long way from being purely functional and have arguably become one of the most marketable parts of the hospitality experience. As a result they are often used to sell the hotel to potential customers. But are your bathrooms on trend? We ask C.P. Hart’s Ian Dutch to explore the emerging hotel bathroom trends.

Finishes and Forms

A strong trend we are seeing is the desire to mix and blend different materials and finishes. Designers and specifiers are experimenting with developments in materials and new combinations of finishes and surfaces, resulting in a more tactile and luxurious bathroom experience. Grey continues to be the dominant key colour trend and applied to bathroom furniture in particular, varying from the very light to the very dark with added elements of blue and green hues. This dominating palette is being mixed with the growing trend for natural materials and textured finishes over high gloss finishes.

Bathroom furniture units are being treated as design pieces in their own right, showcasing the beauty of wood or drawing upon contemporary new materials. Tactile textures are increasingly playing a more important role when it comes to planning high specification hotel bathrooms, with designers and specifiers thinking more about the way a bathroom feels as well as how it looks. Textured furniture pieces are also being stripped back to their wood form; a natural aesthetic has emerged as manufacturers celebrate the natural beauty of wood through distinctive grain finishes.

In addition to texture we are seeing experimentation in terms of sculptural shapes and forms, especially when it comes to brassware and washbowls, as small no longer means insignificant. Statement basins such as hand-blown lead crystal basins fuse Italian artisan craftsmanship with beautiful contemporary design. When it comes to brassware we are seeing graceful statement pieces that show an instinctive appreciation of the beauty of flowing water. Brassware in a gold or nickel material are being specified more at the top end of the market, while feature walls using gold leaf or metallic materials deliver a truly luxurious finish. Marble is being used as a form of wall art, applied alongside clean white sanitaryware and neutral walls.

Experience

The configuration of a hotel bathroom space is being reworked and re-examined, with bathroom and bedroom areas merging to create a hybrid space. At the heart of this is an emphasis on pampering which has become synonymous with hotel bathrooms. Contemporary baths are now deeper and more comfortable. The versatility of the latest composite materials allows more fluidity in shape and structure. Shower enclosures are becoming streamlined, but shower heads are now much larger in scale and replicate the cascading effects created by a waterfall or rainfall. Spa elements are becoming more practical to install, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of steam in their room as part of an integrated shower enclosure (eliminating the need for additional space). It all comes down to personal comfort and relaxation, but translated in a way that works with the room layout.

The all-important vanity unit typically forms the centrepiece of the hotel bathroom, blending decorative and functional furniture elements to avoid a clinical finish and ensure the room becomes a living and breathing space in its own right. Large decadent vanity units that function as a dressing area for beauty treatments are also a key ingredient as they’ve become increasingly decorative in style and work as an extension of the hotel bedroom. Vanity units are being accentuated with strategic eye level lighting to enhance the experience and create a flattering effect. Mirrored cabinetry around the dressing area is multifunctional, offering 360° visual views through intelligent mirror placement, built-in shaver sockets and strategic internal shelving and storage for complete guest usability.

Technology

Technology is an ever-growing trend; from multifunctional brassware to all-singing, all-dancing showers, the bathroom is beginning to meet the needs of our technology driven culture, creating a more liveable space that strikes the right balance between design and experience. Digital showers emerged onto the market with button controls, but are now starting to feature simple touch screen controls that control the lighting, scents, varying water temperatures and pressures. And whilst digital showers are leading the way the rest of the bathroom is quickly catching up. Brassware is moving into a more digital realm, with manufacturers starting to incorporate technology in the form of a digital screen interface that controls flow and temperature. Baths will be able to be filled using a smart phone or tablet, and home spa elements are becoming more accessible and fit for purpose in the modern hotel as steam starts to be integrated into the shower enclosure.

Accessible Design

Where specialist accessible design guidance is required, C.P. Hart believes that an impressive bathroom should have universal appeal. Each and every functional component of the bathroom has to be considered to ensure practicality and durability is achieved throughout the entire bathroom. C.P. Hart’s coordinated Accessible Design range by Hewi is testament to our belief that DDA compliance need not mean unappealing and utilitarian design. Sleek and minimalist in style, the collection has been designed to aid mobility around the bathroom, providing support through subtle recesses and support rails which perfectly complement the range’s minimalist aesthetic. Support rails are sculpted to ensure they are understated yet practical, featuring easy to grip contours for those requiring support when standing up or sitting down to use the WC, shower or washbasin. The rails are available in either a rounded or square profile, in addition to a variety of length options. The shower seat is geometric in its design and available in clean white or architectural anthracite that complement the minimalist finish. Manufactured from high quality materials, the seat has been designed to be both comfortable and slip resistant due to its lightly structured surface.

C.P. Hart Contracts works exclusively on building and refurbishment projects, from luxury apartments through to hotels and commercial developments. For more information visit www.cphart.co.uk/pro or call 0845 873 1121.

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DISCUSS

7 stunning bathroom trends for 2017 revealed

Read article : 7 stunning bathroom trends for 2017 revealed

The bathroom is first and foremost a functional space, but it is also a space that can be beautifully designed to make it a standout feature visually as well.

Aside from the usual practical aspects of this space, Kyle Turner from Luximo, the local distributor for the luxurious ROCA sanitaryware brand, offers some insights into the main trends influencing bathroom design going forward:

1. Organic is back

Kyle says organic elements can add warmth, uniqueness, and a rich tactile sensation to the overall composition. As such, materials such as wood, stone, metal and ceramics remain popular.

It is understandable why designers and homeowners alike admire Mother Nature as the ultimate source of design inspiration - organic elements can add warmth, uniqueness, and a rich tactile sensation to the overall composition. As such, materials such as wood, stone, metal and ceramics remain popular.

“Natural materials are being used to great effect to bring nature back into our homes. To stay within budgets, and to ensure easy maintenance and longevity, lots of indistinguishable imitative products are gaining popularity,” says Kyle.

“These warm organically-inspired or natural materials are used to great effect when juxtaposed with modern materials and super clean, streamlined design lines that offer practical and simple arrangement of spaces.”

2. Leading colourways

Darker more moody tones are making a huge comeback throughout the home, as well as in the bathroom.

“Darker tones, especially the rich palette of grey hues, are proving to be enormously popular. In the bathroom, they can be used on the walls and floor, and juxtaposed against brilliant white sanitaryware for maximum visual impact,” says Kyle.

He says can also integrate other popular colours.

“Matte, nude and neutral colours offer the perfect combination when paired with darker greys and blacks, and offer a great way of introducing some contrast to the overall colour palette,” says Kyle.

“Combinations of pastel tonalities in blue, green, salmon and ash are also on the rise, but only when used as accent tones. And of course, the classic all-white monochromatic bathroom never seems to go out of fashion.”

3. Metal and marble mania

“These warm organically-inspired or natural materials are used to great effect when juxtaposed with modern materials and super clean, streamlined design lines that offer practical and simple arrangement of spaces,” says Kyle.

“Marble cladding on the walls and metal accessories in gold or copper are bang on trend,” says Kyle.

“There has been a stylish revival of this 70s aesthetic - brass has really become that most fashionable metal for the bathroom, and when paired with the nobility of marble, it makes a truly irresistible combination.”

4. Play with geometry

A variation of geometric shapes inspired by the strong lines of architectural and structural elements has really come to the fore with regards to tiling and ceramic cladding.

“Hints of the Orient and the Mediterranean are being introduced in a modern and dynamic way in new trendy bathroom tile ranges,” says Kyle.

“An example of this is the rising popularity of the hexagonal tiles used for wall and floor coverings - it is proving to be a very popular design combination with multiple variations that can interpreted in many ways.”

5. Water efficiency rules

Water has always been a very precious commodity, but it is becoming a very high priority, especially in light of the severe water shortages we have been living through of late.

Kyle says awareness of water shortages has made choosing sanitaryware that is water efficient a must.

“You use more water in the bathroom than every other room in your home combined. Choosing water-efficient options is the right thing to do, and it can save thousands of litres and lots of money in the long run,” he says.

“Matte, nude and neutral colours offer the perfect combination when paired with darker greys and blacks, and offer a great way of introducing some contrast to the overall colour palette,” says Kyle.

“Water-efficient taps, double-flush cisterns, and low-flow showerheads all make a big impact on reducing your water consumption in the bathroom. However, there are other really clever and innovative products - one of them being the exclusive ROCA W+W, which reuses the water from the basin to fill the cistern after filtering it, further reducing water consumption by up to 25%.”

6. Smart storage

Adequate storage is essential in any bathroom space, and today, it takes on the role of being both functional and visually pleasing.

“Bathroom storage needs to provide you with easy access to all your items - it prevents the items from getting lost inside the furniture unit. ROCA’s range of bathroom furniture, for example, boasts drawers with full extraction systems that display all their contents so that you may access even the farthest corner,” says Kyle.

“Some models also include a concealed drawer to facilitate the tidiness of?the smaller objects.”

However, he says that modern bathroom furniture has also become smart.

“ROCA’s Statum-N Base Unit, for example, allows you to connect your smartphone to the Bluetooth speakers of the furniture unit and enjoy your music while you shower or get ready to go out. It also offers a built-in socket in its drawer so that you can use to plug your hairdryer, electric shaver, or straightening iron in.”

“Combinations of pastel tonalities in blue, green, salmon and ash are also on the rise, but only when used as accent tones," says Kyle.

7. Deluxe showers

The bath has always taken centre stage in bathroom design, however, there is a trend to replace the bath with a super-luxurious and grand shower instead.

“Showering is water efficient, it is quick and easy, and it provides one of the few occasions in which we are relaxed, calm and away from the stress caused by our everyday lifestyle,” says Kyle.

“It is no wonder that it is really starting to take centre stage in modern bathroom design. From the shower walls, shower heads and faucets, you can customise your shower according to your budget and needs.”

He says another important element to consider is the shower floor or tray.

“Gone are the days when acrylic shower floors were your only option, as ROCA now also provides shower trays in STONEX, steel and vitreous china. Shower trays manufactured in STONEX, a resistant and long-lasting material, may be installed levelled to the floor, and thanks to their textured surface, offer a high anti-slip feature,” says Kyle.

“They are also available?in different natural finishes to meet the needs of all kinds of bathroom environments, providing a very modern look - Helios, wooden texture, Terran, stone texture.”

Adequate storage is essential in any bathroom space, and today, it takes on the role of being both functional and visually pleasing, says Kyle.

Kyle says steel shower trays are functional, long lasting and extra slim so that they are perfectly integrated in the shower space, and it is only necessary to clean them with a wet cloth and soap.

“For greater comfort, ROCA’s In-Floor or Blues XL collections include an anti-slip base,” says Kyle.

“If you are searching for an economic shower tray that is easy to clean and resistant to chemical agents, those manufactured in vitreous china - such as ROCA’s Malta shower tray for example - are a good option.”

All ROCA products are currently available at Bathroom Bizarre outlets countrywide.

 

2018 DECOR SNEAK PEEK - StoneGable

Read article : 2018 DECOR SNEAK PEEK - StoneGable

I know that 2017 is only half over but I’m hearing decorating rumblings about what will be trendy and popular in 2018! Some things we love are predicted to keep going strong but some decor is talking on a hip-pier look. If you loved the 70’s or would like to live in them if you are too young to remember 2018 might be your chance! Let’s take a sneak peek of 2018 decor trends!

Now, don’t shoot the messenger! I’m only telling you what the “experts” are saying about decor on the horizon and what I think might be a new fun trend in the next new year.

Remember you should only decorate your home with what YOU love and certainly not all the forecasted trends of 2018! But I bet you will find at least one beautiful new-to-you decor style coming around the corner you would love in your home!

GEOMETRICS

I am so happy to see this trend coming on strong! I love geometrics in home decor. It can be fresh or tribal. Earthy or upscale! If you add one thing new in 2018 make it something with a little geometric design… and do it in your way! Don’t you love love love this neutral tribal geometric pillow from Magnolia Home? See the pillow here.

FRINGE

Fringe is back. The image below shows a very prim and proper trim. I personally love a more tailored fringe. But if there is a little hippy living somewhere inside you, go crazy with fringed lamps, sofas, clothes, and even a fringed shawl hanging from the ceiling like a canopy!

We should be seeing lots of fringed decor in 2018.

Here’s a great on trend pillow from Pier 1. See it HERE.

WOOD 

The warmth and richness of real wood is back in a big way. Maybe not everything in a room but a beautiful hand cut wooden bowl or a chunky coffee table. 

I still love painted furniture but I’m loving to see it mixed with neutrals and a great piece made from organic wood! I’m crushing on this gorgeous coffee table! LOVE the wood and metal with neutrals. See this coffee table HERE.

Do you notice the layered rug? Right on trend and hides are too! So beautifully done!

METALLICS

Be still my heart! I adore metallic home decor. I’m seeing much more coming in 2018. Brass is back in the bathroom and kitchen. And really everywhere else. But make sure it is unlacquered or rubbed or antiqued. Not too shiny!

Mix metals to your heart’s content too! Finally, we are being sensible and mixing these beautiful materials in decor! This streamlined side table would look amazing in almost any decor. I just love it. And guess what? Marble is still big too. Score!

See this table HERE.

HIPPY BO HO

If you love hippie, bohemian or gypsy looks you are going to love the trend of Hippy Bo Ho decor this year! I am seeing it in lots of products now and it will be even going stronger in 2018.  

I don’t know if I will indulge in this style at StoneGable but who knows? I think this ottomen is perfection for a big splash of color!

You can see this fabulous upholstered ottoman HERE.

Sigh! You can see this beautiful bedding HERE.

WALLPAPER

I am a huge fan of the new look in wallpaper. It’s fresher, less fussy, bold, geometric forward and clean! I lean towards wallpaper that has lots of white space! So crisp. 

If you have not hung wallpaper in awhile it is much easier to apply and remove than it was back in the day. And now we can get repositionable wall paper. Yes! Wallpaper that you can remove and put back up. Really amazing!

My hall bath and hallway are getting the wallpaper treatment in 2018!

INTENSE COLOR

A decade or so ago we would have said “jewel tones”.  What goes around comes around but in a whole new fresh way! Yes, bold colors like royal and navy blue, mustard yellow and orange are back. Any very saturated color will show off in 2018. 

You know I love neutrals but a pop of one of these amazing colors might be a good thing. These chairs would work great in my neutral home! I’ve been itching to add a little blue the the neutral mix!

You can see it HERE.

BAR CARTS

Cheers! I love bar carts!!!! I have one on wheels and use it both indoors and out. Bar carts are a comeback classic and will be a standout, yet again, in the upcoming year! 

The bar cart below is the one I have. It has a mirrored top that becomes a removable tray. Can’t get any better! The great thing about bar carts is you can find them at quite reasonable prices!

You can see my bar cart HERE.

ANIMAL HIDES

As many of you know, I have a zebra hide in my living room. It adds sass and surprise and fun to a rather formal area. I think hide rugs warm up a room and creates a welcoming space wherever they are used. 

Don’t just think about putting a hide on the floor, but how about draping one over a chair or bench? You can see this beautiful rug HERE.

TRIBAL PRINTS

Oh yes, please!  I am so attracted to tribal prints! It’s like they tell an ancient story. And anything hand woven feels like a gift from the hands that created it. Tribal prints have been big in fashion and now they are showing up strong in decor.

Another beautiful pillow from Magnolia Home. See it here.

MAPS

Celebrate the street, town, county, state, country or the world you are from! Maps are going to be big… and little this year. Have one on a mug or on a wall! Just make sure to celebrate where you live! You can see this beautiful world map HERE.

Other trends we should be seeing in 2018…

• tropical prints
• lucite
• subway art… still going strong
• anything black
• black and white
• organic accents
• lots of layering
• wall hangings
• suede
• Oriental inspired decor
• anything red
• Bo Ho chic

Trends are fun and can liven up a room. Just remember not all of them will speak to you. I love trends and look at them as a way to refresh a space and keep it interesting. My home does not scream “trendy” but I hope it looks up to date. My personal way to use trendy things is to accessorize with them.

Here’s a look at my spin on some 2018 accents that might work in my home with my neutral furniture. The key to trends is to use them as a guide to refresh our homes. And most importantly we should find things we love and that we are comfortable with.

 wallpaper  ||  lumbar pillow  || reclaimed wood and metal coffee table  ||  paris map  ||  pendant lamp  || blue armchair  ||  hide rug  ||  ivory throw  ||  magnolia home fringe pillow  ||

What do you hope to see in decor in 2018? What would you love to see come back?

We are talking about 2018 DECOR TRENDS on the podcast today too! And we are having fun with it! You can listen below:

You can also listen to us on your podcast app on your phone. Take us in the car, on your walk or while you’re doing chores around your home!
 

Hey friends, If you have tried a decorating tip or project from me please find the pin on my Pinterest board and click the “tried it” button! Thanks! And follow me too. GO HERE.

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