“Scandinavian designer Cecilie
Manz worked with Duravit to present
a stunning new line called Luv
(opposite page). The above-counter
basins have a subtle matt exterior
that’s barely noticeable to the eye but
has a softened aesthetic. Her furniture
designs are ideally suited to the
Australian lifestyle [because] they’re
light and minimal.”Tim Jordan, Bathe“Technology made its presence felt
across so many categories at ISH.
Probably nowhere more than in
toilets, though. Smart toilets were
everywhere, with the most notable
for me being the Roca In-Wash range
( 1 ), which showcased models that
can be controlled via an app.”
Daniela Santilli, Reece“The standout baths were simple but
elegantly proportioned and, in some
cases, individualised by external
panels or decorative elements. The
Bette Couture range of baths have
an external fabric wrap ( 2 ). They
generated a lot of interest.”Damien
Cool, Argent Australia“Fine-lined ceramics are still big
news in bathrooms. Laufen led the
way through its collaboration withPatricia Urquiola. Her Sonar line
( 3 ) uses SaphirKeramik to create
beautifully thin and textured fixtures.
Laufen also introduced delicately
rounded baths and basins to German
designer Konstantin Grcic’s Val
range.”Daniela Santilli, Reece“We noted a lot of seriously large
showers with multiple shower patterns
and other wizardry, all designed to
bring the spa experience home.
Unfortunately, our water regulators
are unlikely to ever pass showers such
as these, so I wouldn’t expect to see
them in Australia any time soon.”
Damien Cool, Argent Australia“The collaboration between Falper
and Fantini was amazing. The
Pure and Quattro Zero furniture
lines show exquisite attention
to detail in both form and function.”
Jo Jackson, RogersellerInspired by antiquity and the
natural beauty of marble, designer
Paolo Ulian created quite a stir
at ISH with his outstanding range
of Carrara washbasins ( 4 ) for
Italy’s Antonio Lupi.
antoniolupi.comTaking organic shapes to
thenext level, Gessi
showcased its beautiful
Equilibrio taps (above).
A collaboration between
an artist/philosopher and
a designer, the range
makes use of stone, timber
and metals to create truly
lovely fixtures.gessi.comAfter a shower that’s safe
and good-looking?
Hansgrohe showcased
its Unica Comfort shower
bars at ISH this year, the
idea being that the shower
rail is sturdy enough to
double as a grab handle
for anyone who needs one.
hansgrohe.com.au >“Metallic finishes on tapware – both brushed and polished
- remain very much in style. There were beautiful matt
finishes on basins and some fantastic applications of timber.”
SemeeDickerson,Caroma
HOT
TRENDS‘ Look out for tapware with
3D surfacing. These Gessi
taps (far left) are a good
example.’ Rob Sinclair, E&S Trading‘ Kaldewei had some incredible baths on its
stand this year, including the Tricolore (right)
and Grid by Germany’s Studio Aisslinger.
They’re prototypes, not production models,
but certainly represent a commitment to
innovation.’ Tim Jordan, Bathe1423