KITCHENS BATHROOMS INTERIORS
DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2024
Book your place at the design event of the year!
SHARED VISIONS
Exploring what really makes designers and makers tick
form FUNCTION
Smart choices for blending beauty & utility
Welcome...
to the September issue of designerati
AS I WRITE THIS, we’re just a matter of days away from revealing the finalists for the 2024 designerati awards, following an intense judging process. Keep a close eye on designerati.co.uk and our socials this month to find out who has made the shortlist.
Projects of all shapes and sizes were in the mix, from cleverlydesigned smaller schemes to large and luxurious endeavours, making it a difficult but totally fascinating process.
Once again, the task was made a tough one by the quality and diversity of kitchen and bathroom projects submitted, but our superb panel of judges tacked the challenge brilliantly. Huge thanks to them, and also to everyone who entered this year. Good luck to all of our finalists on the big day – Thursday 14 November 2024 at City Central at the HAC, in Central London. Secure your place at the industry’s most important design accolades by booking your tickets at designeratiawards.co.uk
In the meantime, there are plenty of other good reasons to get out and about over the next few weeks. From the BMA Annual Conference in Leeds to the always-dynamic London Design Festival, and even a trip to Germany for Küchenmeile, there’s no shortage of events at which to engage and connect. If you can’t make it in person, rest assured that we’ll be covering all the highlights on designerati.co.uk
Here’s to another inspiring month ahead. Enjoy the issue!
Martin Allen-Smith Editor, designerati
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Contents
September 2024 - Issue 281
6 SOURCE
Our round-up of the people, products, and places that matter from across K&B design, including streamlined soaking from Victoria + Albert, Mid-Century Modern inspiration from Perrin & Rowe, plus a look ahead to this month’s London Design Festival
12 MATERIAL BLEND
A mix of natural tones set the scene for an open-plan kitchen designed to enable a whole host of family living options for the homeowner
16 SHARING THE VISION
Jamie Harding, Managing Director of kitchen design studio Et Lorem, details the essence of collaborative design, and how a shared creative journey result in uniquely tailored spaces
18 ELEVATING EVERYDAY RITUALS
The bathroom continues to evolve apace, thanks to topics such as sustainability, technology and rising consumer expectations. Jay Phillips, MD at Hansgrohe UK & Ireland, discusses how the brand aims to stay across all of these factors in shaping its future product development
22 CRAFTING THE ELEMENTS
Tristan de la Haye has established his eponymous design studio aiming to deliver high-end bespoke furniture and interiors projects. We caught up with him to find out more about his grand plans
24 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES
With an ocean of kitchen and bathroom products to choose from, knowing where to start can be one of a specifier’s biggest challenges. We highlight a few recent additions
28 DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2024
The judging sessions have taken place, with two days of deliberations to assess entries from some of the very best kitchen and bathroom designers from the UK and around the world
30 SUBTLE SCANDI
A Victorian terraced house in Tyneside embraces a fusion of Scandinavian influence and British craftsmanship for a modern family kitchen space
34
POWERED UP
Switching on some of the latest kitchen appliances to hit the market
38
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Neolith’s Ross Stewart on the key factors in selecting surfaces that meet the highest sustainability standards
40
EXIT
A new book utilises the power of AI to discover a creative world without limits
ideas Source
Steamlined Soaking
Victoria + Albert Baths has created a new slipper bath that is says uses 30% less water.
The Ledro freestanding tub is just under 1.7m long, with an avocado shape that provides ample space for shoulders at the head end, tapering towards the foot end. It features a gentle angle of recline that is designed to support the lower back, with a flared rim for resting the head and high sides that cocoon the bather for deeper relaxation.
The bath is made from Quarrycast,
Modular Thinking
Bathroom and kitchen
brassware manufacturer
GRAFF provided products for this project by Canadabased Nunu Interior Design. GRAFF’s M.E. and MOD+ collections featured in the pared-back spaces, which featured light Scandi woods and light-grey stone surfaces.
GRAFF’s MOD+ range is a modular collection offering 20 finishes, including Gunmetal, Matt White, Vintage Brushed Brass, or 24K Gold. Handle material can be specified in variations of Tuscan marble including Storm Black, Forest Green, and Smoky White.
GRAFF / graff-designs.com
Nunu Interior Design / nunuinterior.design
The South Bank Show Launched this month, Southbank by Perrin & Rowe is a tribute to the 1951 Festival of Britain –held on London’s South Bank – and its designers, embracing their ideals in a detailed and wellproportioned Mid-Century Modern style. The new collection is available in eight finishes: Chrome, Nickel, Pewter, English Bronze, 24-Carat Plated Gold and unlacquered Polished, Satin and Aged Brass. Alongside a bridge mixer and single lever mixer, options include instant hot taps and filtration taps, a mini tap that dispenses both steaming hot water and filtered cold, a pot filler and a soap dispenser.
Perrin & Rowe / houseofrohl.design
TOP LEFT: Community-inspired flag installation at Battersea Power Station by Power Out of Restriction
ABOVE: Material Matters (18-24 September) returns to the Bargehouse at OXO Tower, showcasing over 50 designers, makers, manufacturers and organisations (photo: Sophie Mutevelian)
BOTTOM LEFT: The graphic identity for this year’s LDF, devised by Pentagram
EVENT: LDF Celebrates Creativity and Innovation
Back for its 22nd edition, the London Design Festival will be spotlighting global design talent this month throughout its extensive line-up of events and exhibitions.
Alongside the usual array of landmark projects and special commissions, visitors to the event – which runs 14-22 September – will be able to explore a host of creative showcase venues, including LDF at the V&A, and the 11 design districts across London, including Brompton, Chelsea, Greenwich Peninsula and the Shoreditch Design Triangle. Showrooms and special events will bring each area’s diverse creativity to the fore.
Ben Evans, London Design Festival Director, said: “The 2024 festival promises to be another strong year. The lineup is set to offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will captivate and inspire our audiences. Equally important, the festival continues to champion inclusivity and provides crucial opportunities for emerging talent to shine.”
London Design Festival 2024 / londondesignfestival.com
(POoR Collective)
A mix of natural tones set the scene for an open-plan kitchen designed to enable a whole host of family living options for the homeowner
This contemporary openplan kitchen extension in Beckenham features organic materials and textures to create a light, airy feel. Designed for a family with young children, the clients wanted a kitchen that would connect well to the other areas in the space – specifically a dining area and seating snug overlooking the garden – to create a space that flowed well and would be great for entertaining.
Kitchen design studio Piqu was tasked with bringing the client’s vision to life. The family wanted to include a large kitchen island with seating, as well as a
walk-in pantry. For the latter, Piqu developed the design to also include a partially concealed door through to the utility room, creating a seamless look within
MPhotography: Chris Snook
the tall line of cabinets.
Graves explained that the colours and materials for the project were narrowed down by working together with the client and their architect, Selencky Parsons. “The client loved the mix of simple wood with a dark island and the Caesarstone 4044 Airy Concrete work surfaces. These, together with the painted exposed brick work, give a slightly industrial feel which is still very chic and sophisticated.
“We chose Airy Concrete for the aesthetic as it complements these other elements perfectly and also for its durability. The client loved its authentic appearance and the tactile finish.”
Graves says that working collaboratively with all their clients
delivers the best result, so the starting point for any new design is to gain a good understanding of the specific requirements from each client. “We always ask a lot of questions to find out who lives in the house and how they like to spend their time.
“During our initial fact-finding meetings, we discovered that a family with young children lives in this beautiful new open plan extension space. They wanted a kitchen that would connect well to the other areas in the space so one of our key goals was to create a space that flowed well and would be great for entertaining and for the family to spend time together.
“We included a large kitchen island with seating, which not only delivers a very sociable and inclusive feeling for whoever is in the kitchen, but also subtly ‘zones’ the different areas.”
Graves added: “Our favourite aspects of this project are the cohesiveness of the materials and colours chosen. The warm
MPhotography: Chris Snook
“Our favourite aspects of this project are the cohesiveness of the materials and colours chosen”
wood of the kitchen furniture is reflected in the wooden floor of the dining area and bookcases in the snug. The exposed painted bricks throughout blend seamlessly with the external
Bbrickwork that you can see through the large sliding doors really delivering that feeling of bringing the outside in which is very natural and organic.”
With the emphasis on bespoke for all of its work, Piqu pays close attention to its specification choices for each individual project. Graves said: “We work with a range of different brands and are constantly embracing new techniques, technologies and materials whilst keeping a respectful eye on classic design values to ensure we are able to cater for various clients’ needs and aesthetics and to be able to create something beautifully bespoke for each space.”
Piqu / piqu.co.uk Caesarstone / caesarstone.co.uk
Jamie Harding, Managing Director of kitchen design studio Et Lorem, details the essence of collaborative design, and how partnerships with clients and a shared creative journey result in uniquely tailored spaces
Sharing the Vision
QTell us about the creative ethos of Et Lorem and how you look to differentiate what you can offer to your clients.
ACreativity is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just design kitchens; we craft spaces that become the centrepiece of our clients’ homes, where life unfolds. Our creative ethos revolves around a deep understanding that no two clients are the same. We believe that each kitchen should be as unique as the people who live in it and this mindset drives us to push the boundaries of design, blending form with function in ways that resonate personally with our clients.
We take the time to get to know our clients, understanding their lifestyle, tastes, and the quirks that make them who they are. This allows us to design spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations. We strive to create kitchens that are not only aesthetically stunning but also totally practical, ensuring
that they cater to the daily needs of our clients without compromising on style. It’s this attention to detail and dedication to bespoke design that truly differentiates Et Lorem in a crowded market.
QHow do you work with clients to determine the best options for their kitchen project?
AThe process of designing a kitchen at Et Lorem is nothing short of a collaborative journey and we see our clients very much as partners in the design process. From the moment they walk into our studios, the dialogue begins. We listen carefully to their ideas, their aspirations, and their practical needs. It’s not about us telling them what they should want; it’s about discovering what they truly desire and translating that into a reality. This collaboration is woven into every stage of the project, making it a process of co-creation. We begin by
exploring a broad range of ideas, often sketching concepts that capture the essence of the client’s vision. As we move forward, we meticulously dive into the finer details – materials, finishes, and appliances –ensuring that every aspect is thoughtfully considered.
While our expertise steers the process, the client’s voice remains at the forefront. We actively encourage clients to share their insights, challenge our suggestions, and engage deeply in the journey.
QEt Lorem has invested heavily in its kitchen studios – why are these spaces so important to the work that you do?
AOur kitchen studios are more than just showrooms; they are spaces where inspiration comes to life. They’re designed to stimulate the senses, offering a tactile experience where clients can touch the materials, see the
colours in different lights, and imagine how various layouts would work in their homes.
The importance of these spaces cannot be overstated. They allow us to demonstrate the quality of our craftsmanship and the range of options available. But perhaps most importantly, they serve as a meeting ground where ideas can be exchanged freely.
Clients can see, feel, and experience the potential of their future kitchen, making the design process far more tangible and interactive. It’s this direct engagement that helps us ensure our designs not only look incredible but feel right for each individual client.
QYou partner with a range of brands but in a market full of choice, how do you go about selecting the right manufacturing partners to team up with?
AWe look for manufacturers who share our passion
for quality and innovation. We want partners who are as committed to excellence as we are, and who understand the importance of both design and functionality.
Beyond quality, we also seek out partners who are forwardthinking, those who aren’t afraid to push the envelope in terms of materials, sustainability, and technology. We look for suppliers who are responsive, reliable, and who can work with us to bring our creative visions to life without compromise. It’s about building relationships based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
QHow has the role of the kitchen design studio changed in recent years, and what trends do you believe will shape your future output?
AThe role of the kitchen design studio is ever evolving and with the shift in shopping habits, fewer customers visit high streets. Advancements in technology will allow us to create immersive virtual experiences, effectively bringing the studios to our clients. For those who do visit in person, our studios must offer something exceptional to serve as a destination in themselves.
Looking ahead, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping our future output, enabling us to create innovative and personalised designs. Additionally, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with a growing demand for sustainable products and materials.
EtThe design of outdoor kitchens we also see a growing demand for, as more people seek to utilise their outdoor spaces as extensions of their homes. This presents a real opportunity for kitchen designers to expand into new areas of the home and cater to evolving customer needs.
Et Lorem / etlorem.com
Elevating EVERYDAY RITUALS
The bathroom continues to evolve apace, thanks to topics such as sustainability, technology and rising consumer expectations. Jay Phillips, Managing Director of Hansgrohe UK & Ireland, discusses how the brand aims to stay across all of these factors in shaping its future product development…
DDESIGN HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF HANSGROHE’S MESSAGING FOR A VERY LONG TIME. WHY IS DESIGN SO IMPORTANT TO THE BUSINESS AND HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE THE COMPANY’S ETHOS?
For over 120 years, Hansgrohe has been combining outstanding designs with excellence in manufacturing and innovative technology, to create products that last a lifetime and experiences with water that go beyond hygiene.
Our design brand AXOR is built on the fundamental belief that real progress is more likely to be made if all those involved are given as much freedom of design as possible and if they engage in an open, collaborative dialogue. For over 30 years, AXOR has been working with the world’s best architects, interior designers, and designers to develop visions of the bathroom as a living space and collections that offer a
variety of sustainable solutions for the realisation of personal bathroom spaces.
At AXOR, we never accept a regurgitated design, we are always focused on creating entirely unique products that break bathroom design boundaries whilst providing a fantastic experience for the end-user, so that their daily hygiene rituals are enhanced. Meanwhile, our Hansgrohe brand is more technologyfocused, and we are regularly expanding existing ranges to incorporate new technologies that bring new, exciting water experiences for the consumer. In terms of showering, we are well known for our spray pattern technology which is a great example of how form and function comes together.
AXOR’s ShowerSelect ID can be specified in a range of finishes including marble, walnut or glass
HHANSGROHE HAS A TRACK RECORD FOR DEVELOPING IDEAS, WHETHER THAT BE NEW DESIGNS OR ADDITIONAL FINISH OPTIONS. WHAT PART DOES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAY FOR THE BUSINESS NOW AND LOOKING AHEAD?
We are rightly proud that our products are known for highquality materials, great design, and robust testing processes. This can only be achieved by putting research and development at the heart of our business.
When we are developing products, we need to ensure our products can be adapted to appeal to a wide range of consumers and different price points. It’s therefore crucial that we balance aesthetics with how the product will ultimately function in a bathroom space. All our products are tested with water or air to get as close to the bathroom experience as possible and we also ‘over-test’ to ensure the robustness of all our showers and taps – so in the UK, three-bar working pressure tends to be the average water pressure, but our products are all tested to sixteen bar as standard.
In the last few years, we have also transitioned from being a brassware specialist to a holistic bathroom solutions provider, with ceramics, furniture, mirrors, accessories and drains now part of our product portfolio. Here, we have also taken research and development to the next level with our ExcellentFit service, providing our clients
with our recommended combinations of mixers and wash basins, which have been assessed against a number of customer priorities.
Meanwhile, our ComfortZone team of experts test multiple potential mixer and ceramic combinations to assess their functionality and projected whole life performance.
IIN AN EVER-CHANGING CONSUMER ENVIRONMENT, WHAT’S THE KEY TO CONSISTENTLY CREATING PRODUCTS AND IDEAS THAT RESONATE WITH CUSTOMERS? HOW DOES HANSGROHE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH – OR EVEN PREDICT – SOME OF THESE CHANGING TRENDS?
In the last few years, we have seen an increased demand from customers for a holistic bathroom, whereby all the brassware, the ceramics and the furniture are provided by a single brand. This was a major factor in terms of us moving into sanitaryware in
Hansgrohe’s Designflex shower hose features yarn made from recycled plastic bottles and is available in a choice of finishes
2023, incorporating ceramics, furniture and mirrors – it was a very natural progression for us. The holistic bathroom concept also resonates with our retail customers, especially as designers look to combine finishes and materials in the bathroom, as certain finishes such as Matt Black can differ slightly from one brand to another.
Years of research has led to the development of our FinishPlus offering, which includes a variety of trend-led colours from Matt Black and Matt White to metallic finishes, such as Polished Gold Optic or Brushed Bronze.
WWHAT ARE THE REAL DRIVERS FOR INNOVATION IN YOUR MARKET?
Sustainable design and practices are becoming increasingly core to commercial developments, not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it contributes positively to a company’s bottom line. Sustainability has long been part of the DNA of Hansgrohe, and we are continuing to invest in this area to ensure both Hansgrohe as a company, as well as the products we manufacture, continue to save water, reduce carbon emissions and the improve circularity of resources.
It’s likely that sustainability will continue to drive further
innovations in bathroom design, and for us this means designing products that go beyond simply reducing water use. By making sustainable technology readily available to consumers through well-thought-out design concepts, we can actually help influence consumer behaviour to make daily sanitation rituals more sustainable.
To this end, our ‘Green Vision’ bathroom concept completely reimagines the bathroom experience, with a 90% reduction in water and energy consumption, resulting in 90% fewer CO2 emissions caused by water heating. The ‘Green Vision’ intends to go beyond the sustainability triad ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ as it’s all about rethinking and questioning our daily routines and rituals in the bathroom.
WWHAT FACTORS ARE LIKELY TO DOMINATE FUTURE
DISCUSSIONS ON THE SHAPE OF KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS TO COME, AND HOW IMPORTANT WILL THE SPECIFIER/MANUFACTURER RELATIONSHIP BE GOING FORWARD?
When it comes to renovation or installation, speed really is of the essence for retailers – but not at the sacrifice of quality. Many customers may not want to further delay the much-awaited completion date, nor do they want to settle for
anything less than their ideal expectations.
As a company, having strong service levels and a collaborative approach has allowed us to remain close to our partners in all markets, and that has paid dividends in the long-term. We’ve continued to invest, even during the challenging times, to ensure we stay relevant and close to our partners and their customers. Our investment in new finishes across the portfolio, as well as increasing the stock we have in the UK has been a result of listening to feedback and has been a significant driver of our positive performance in the market.
What’s more, we recently invested significantly in our UK presence – doubling the size of our previous UK HQ with a brand-new facility which we officially opened in May. With a spacious, 375 sqm showroom, we want this to be an extension of our partner’s businesses so that they can bring their colleagues and customers along to experience and understand the Hansgrohe brand and the technology behind the products.
Hansgrohe / hansgrohe.co.uk
AXOR’s Green Vision concept design, developed in partnership with design studio Phoenix
THE ELEMENTS Crafting
Experienced KBB figure
Tristan de la Haye has established his own eponymous design studio aiming to deliver highend bespoke furniture and interiors projects. We caught up with him to find out more about his grand plans…
Please tell us about your new venture, Studio de la Haye.
Studio de la Haye is a holistic bespoke furniture and interiors design service backed by a wealth of knowledge in spatial awareness and architectural knowledge.
From concept to completion, commercial or domestic, national or international, SDH facilitates a fully bespoke design service tailored to the client’s needs.
Although I specialise in built-in and freestanding furniture installations, I address a project in its entirety including, spatial planning, furniture design, aesthetics, upholstered furniture, fixtures, equipment and more.
The studio’s ethos is based around partnerships. How does this work in practice, in terms of how you work with clients on developing ideas and executing projects?
It all starts by asking the right questions, listening, interpreting and influencing my clients to understand how their vision can materialise into tangible products and environments. Shaping an interior with bespoke furniture is not so much about a ‘wish list’ but rather about translating
a need and a desire into a physical product they can cherish for years to come. A partnership is built on trust and by listening and executing to the highest standard, an honest foundation for communication is established which allows every decision to be made in confidence.
Your past work is not easy to ‘pigeonhole’ – do you have a signature style or is your work more varied than that?
I am a style enthusiast rather than a style follower which is why I feel I can work with so many different clients and preferences. Whether it’s traditional or modern, simple or ornate, as long as it is done authentically and admired by its owner, I believe it is a successful design.
I couldn’t do what I do, bringing my clients visions to life, without working closely with some very talented craftspeople. Quite often my ‘style’ is influenced by the abilities to manipulate the raw materials in hand as they can be so beautiful and striking when in the hands of the right maker.
Supplier relationships can be a key part of the design process. What’s your experience of working with suppliers within the industry?
It all starts with quality, whether that’s in terms of quality of materials or quality service; I only work with people and organisations who can deliver exactly the level of service and product I promise to deliver to my end customers. My list of suppliers has taken several years of experience and expertise to curate, and I can now proudly say that every company I work with will not disappoint myself or my customer, as we share
the same working values; delivering beautifully made products to last for years to cherish. Some of the key product categories I work with are, of course, my trusted furniture makers, stone yard masons, hardware makers, appliances providers, upholstered furniture makers and a variety of boutique decorative suppliers. Seeking out innovative products and practices is key in creating authentic interiors.
Looking ahead, what kind of projects are you particularly looking to undertake, and what does the future hold for Studio de la Haye?
I work with clients across the globe and will continue to seek them out without putting myself in a certain category for style. Ultimately, the clients who choose to work with me, and those I align with
the most, come with an appreciation for a job well done. Naturally, the level of service and design detail I provide falls into the high net worth, luxury market sector whether being domestic or
commercial and that will continue to be the future of the company. Working with more developers and architects is something I aspire to establish in the next year or so and one fun area I would like to experience
for myself is designing luxury yachts. The space limitation along with the abundance of resources, makes it such an exciting challenge to undertake.
Studio de la Haye / studiodelahaye.com
With an ocean of kitchen and bathroom products to choose from, knowing where to start can be one of a specifier’s biggest challenges. Here are a few recent additions that we think you should know about
Making the Right Choices
Kitchen sink and tap specialist BLANCO has recently launched CHOICE, which it says is the first drinks system of its kind in the UK, revolutionising homeowners’ water experience.
The platform offers sparkling, boiling, filtered chilled or unfiltered water, for an incredibly versatile solution with options to suit every taste. The spacesaving new system allows full customisation, precisely controlling the temperature, bubbles or quantity of the water, all via the interface or new BLANCO UNIT app.
BLANCO’s stylish, new, twojet CHOICE Icona has separate outlets for drinking water and regular water, so there is no contamination when delivering different water choices. The Icona tap features an intuitive touch control, with a colour coded LED light ring to indicate boiling, still and sparkling preferences, all at chosen temperatures. Plus, a unique measuring function ensures reduced water consumption by delivering exactly the amount of filtered water needed.
The CHOICE Icona tap is available in brushed stainless steel, satin dark steel, black matt and satin gold and can be
Take Your Choice
combined with matching sink components like InFino sets and soap dispensers to provide perfect colour harmony from sink to tap. Specifiers can combine CHOICE with the ETAGON 500-U sink in a choice of eight Silgranit colours, to create a multi-purpose work station. This clever sink comes with a set of multi-functional rails to create three working levels so you can do multiple tasks around the sink at the same time. Then add the SELECT II 40/2 Combi
waste and organisation system, which sits neatly next to the CHOICE.All water conditioning unit. It provides good access for changing the filter or CO2 cartridges and has a shelf above it for storage of new cartridges. Lastly, there is the Orga shelf which offers additional space in the base cabinet to store sink utensils such as brushes, sponges, and waste bags, rounding off this innovative and multi-functional BLANCO UNIT.
BLANCO / blanco.co.uk
Modular Versatility
Lakes Showering Spaces’ new Modular Walk-In shower collection is highlighting the numerous benefits of specifying modular products in the bathroom. As demand for customisable and flexible solutions in bathroom design continues to grow, Lakes says its modular range offers unmatched versatility and personalisation.
Specifying modular products simplifies the specification process, reduces installation time, and enhances the adaptability of the bathroom design, making it easier to meet the specific needs of any project. This flexibility not only benefits consumers by providing a personalised experience but also aids bathroom retailers, designers, and specifiers in delivering tailored solutions with ease.
The new Modular Walk-In collection from Lakes features 28 different configuration options, allowing designers, specifiers, and consumers to tailor their shower spaces precisely to their needs. The range features options for 8mm and 10mm glass
panels, a variety of bracing and stabilising choices, and six distinct colour finishes – including silver, matt black, gun metal, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and the upcoming brushed bronze.
This modular approach enables seamless integration into any bathroom layout, whether for recess, alcove, corner, or flat wall installations, and can be installed on a shower tray or directly onto a tiled wet room floor.
The launch of this modular collection signifies a significant step forward for Lakes, especially after its 2023 management buy-out, as the company says it continues to set industry
standards for high-quality, customisable bathroom products.
Following more than a year of research and development, this range reflects Lakes’ ambition to create intelligent designs that cater to varying styles, scales, and budgets. Mike Gahir, Managing Director at Lakes Showering Spaces, said: “Hot on the heels of our Wave range expanding last year with black and brushed brass – both of which have been popular with installers and consumers alike –we’re building on the momentum we’ve created.”
Lakes Showering Spaces / lakesshoweringspaces.com
Giving Storage Space Wings
Manufactured in Germany by Hettich, WingLine L brings a fresh and innovative approach to flexible storage in the kitchen, bedroom, office or any living space.
The bi-folding doors are the latest addition to Hettich’s sliding and folding doors range and offer a sleek and elegant solution which creates an impressive panorama of 6 sqm of cabinet content, to ensure everything is visible and accessible.
Either handleless with push-tomove technology, or with handles with pull-to-move, opening
WingLine L has been designed to lend a sense of theatre, quality and attention to detail to any project.
WingLine L comes with optimised running performance, soft opening operation, and a concealed profile on the bottom panel, making it a versatile all-rounder throughout the home. In multi-functional spaces encompassing kitchen areas and working-from-home for example, WingLine L can bring food preparation zones, appliances or work stations into action or hide them from view.
Established in 1888, Hettich has been in the UK since 1990, inspiring the British interiors sector with innovative furniture technology made to exacting standards in its German factories. This includes drawer systems, hinges and sliding/folding systems and other distinctive products which aim to bring furniture to life.
WingLine L can be experienced at Hettich UK’s new Innovation Centre at its headquarters near MediaCity in Salford.
Hettich / web.hettich.com
‘Water Your Way’ is the ethos behind Franke’s premium Mythos Water Hub 6-in-1 multifunctional tap which aims to set a new benchmark in high-end kitchen design and consumer choice. Combining technology with stainless steel craftsmanship, it offers filtered ambient, chilled, sparkling, and instant boiling water, alongside standard mains hot and cold. Intuitive and easy to use, the colour-coded electronic dial allows users to switch
FINDING YOUR WATER WAY
effortlessly between options.
The Mythos Water Hub is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Its compact one-box system –measuring 440 x 200 x 495mm – fits neatly under the sink, housing a 4L hot water tank, CO2 cartridge, and advanced ProM filter cartridge. Installation is quick and efficient, taking around 30 minutes for an experienced installer thanks to its plugand-play design. For kitchen
designers, this ease of installation ensures seamless integration into various kitchen layouts.
The Mythos Water Hub features an LED interface and integrates with the Franke @Home app, enabling a customised water experience all from a smartphone. Settings such as water quantity, sparkling levels, and boiling temperatures (from 80°C to 100°C) can be easily adjusted, while RFID technology ensures timely filter changes, maintaining optimal water quality with minimal effort.
Mythos Water Hub is also a sustainable choice. Constructed from recyclable stainless steel, its cold filtered water functions reduce plastic bottle waste by up to 99% and it conserves energy by providing instant boiling water, making it a responsible option for eco-conscious designs.
Recognised with three Kitchen Innovation Awards and a Red Dot Award, Mythos Water Hub stands out for its design and technology. Franke / franke.com
Statement of Distinction
and mixers is strong, bold and simple, perfect for those who seek an industrial style for their bathroom. Corinthia boasts subtle curves, knurled accents and a sophisticated design. Inspired by art-deco, Stratton is designed to stand out and make an eye-catching feature in the bathroom. Finally, Wallios has simple lines that sit beautifully and add a classical luxury touch to the bathroom.
The Distinction collection of bathroom taps and mixers from luxury brassware manufacturer, St James England has been created with a combination of exquisite craftsmanship and creative design elements. The range aims to embody the British style that St James is known for, re-imagined with a contemporary twist.
Perfect for specifiers looking to add the wow-factor to a project, St James Distinction is influenced by some of the greatest eras of design history. The collection comprises four striking ranges: Arno, Corinthia, Stratton and Wallis that are available in a choice of seven finishes. The Arno range of taps
Distinction products come in a choice of seven on-trend finishes including chrome, bright nickel, brushed nickel, graphite, polished brass, unlacquered copper, and unlacquered brass. Certain products can also be customised, with a choice of either lever or cross top handles, for further personalisation.
St James England / stjamesengland.com
Decision Time!
The judging sessions for the 2024 designerati awards have taken place, with two days of deliberations to assess entries from some of the very best kitchen and bathroom designers from the UK and around the world…
Judging for this year’s designerati awards took place last month, with an expert panel gathering in London
across two days to consider this year’s bumper crop of kitchen and bathroom entries.
Day One saw kitchen projects assessed at the stunning Cosentino City London showroom. The day kicked off with an inspiring showroom tour, setting the stage for an exciting round of judging. After carefully evaluating this year’s kitchen project entries, the panel was treated to lunch hosted by Cosentino City London. Recharged, they continued deliberations throughout the
afternoon, selecting this year’s finalists across a number of categories.
Day Two was the turn of the bathroom entries and the process proved to be just as exacting and thorough as the previous day.
Hosted by the wonderful team at VitrA Bathrooms in London, we started the day with a delicious breakfast, fuelling us for a full day of evaluating the incredible bathroom projects submitted this year.
The creativity and craftsmanship on display were outstanding, making it a tough
but rewarding process for our panel of industry experts. After a productive morning of judging, we enjoyed a delightful lunch provided by VitrA Bathrooms, and at the end of a very full day, we celebrated with a well-deserved glass of bubbly.
Martin Allen-Smith, Editor of designerati, said: “It was another tough but highly enjoyable couple of days devoted to our judging process, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our judges for bringing their wonderful effort, time, and very good spirits to the process. We couldn’t do any of this without them!
“A huge thanks also to our wonderful hosts across the two days. We were so fortunate to be able to spend time at the absolutely first class Cosentino City London and the equally sublime VitrA London, where we were expertly looked after throughout. Both spaces are absolutely must-visit destinations for anyone involved in kitchen and bathroom design and we would recommend booking in to
take a look for yourself if you have not already done so.”
Allen-Smith added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter their finest projects and innovative products this year – we wish everyone the very best of luck!”
This year’s designerati awards finalists will be announced in early September. Be sure to follow our social media and check our website for updates. All finalists will also be contacted individually. Tickets are now available for this year’s designerati awards, which take place on 14 November at City Central at the HAC in Central London, and can be booked at our dedicated awards website.
designerati awards 2024 / designeratiawards.co.uk Cosentino City London / cosentino.com VitrA London / london.vitra.co.uk
2024 DESIGNERATI AWARDS JUDGES
Olga Alexeeva, Creative Director, Black & Milk
Jordan Cluroe & Russell Whitehead, Co-Founders, 2LG
David Conlon, Founder & Executive Designer, En Masse Bespoke
Sally Conran, Founder & Creative Director, Sally Conran Interior Design
Alan Crawford, Founder, Crawford Partnership
Barrie Cutchie, Founder, BC Designs
Tristan de la Haye, Founder, Studio de la Haye
Natalie Fry, Founder & Creative Director, Grid Thirteen
Simon Hamilton, Educator, Interior Designer, and Moderator
Mia Karlsson, Founder, Mia Karlsson Interior Design
Renee Mascari, Creative Design Director, Mascari Design
Sophie Mills, Founder, Sophie Mills Studio
Philip Winter, Global Head of Sales, CTO Lighting
“Thanks to all of our judges for bringing their wonderful effort, time, and very good spirits to the process”
Subtle Scandi
A Victorian terraced house in Tyneside embraces a fusion of Scandinavian influence and British craftsmanship for a modern family kitchen space
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SA striking contemporary design with a Scandi feel, the Stockholm kitchen is characterised by a contrast of natural wood and monochrome finishes and details. With ample storage, a neat island with cantilevered breakfast bar, and builtin seating at the corner dining area, this sleek kitchen has been created for its urban location and modern family life.
“Aesthetically, the influences were Scandi and German, so clean, neutral and minimal, but with distinctive character reflecting a British bespoke company”
SCreated for a family of four in a Victorian terraced house in Tyneside, it was designed by Mowlem & Co’s Lois Riley to be a functional space with a good-sized island, while also fitting in a dining area. The original layout was completely changed to rearrange those features and then maximise the high ceiling with tall, angled cabinets notched around the staircase to increase storage capacity.
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The downdraft hob on the island is ducted underground to the exterior. An integrated dining table/bench seat was positioned towards the end of the room creating a sociable family zone, while the utility room was relocated to a new space of its own in the garage.
Aesthetically, the influences were Scandi and German, so clean, neutral and minimal, but with distinctive character reflecting a British bespoke company. The colour scheme is monochrome combined with wood finishes to keep it light and airy and the cabinetry is a mixture of handleless spray-painted doors and light-stained oak cabinets with Armac Martin handles to bring in texture and warmth. Mowlem & Co / mowlemandco.com
Take a 360° View
Cooker hood manufacturer Westin has developed its 360 recirculation technology to create the 360 HEPA version, first integrated into its Stratus 360 HEPA hood late last year. It features multiple filters including a grease filter, activated carbon filter and HEPA filter which helps minimise the presence of allergens, dust and other airborne particles that can cause health problems. The system also includes UV filtration which actively destroys microscopic bacteria, pollutants, viruses and allergens in the air, by mimicking, and accelerating a natural process. Westin / westin.co.uk
Turning Professional
Novy has sought inspiration from the best restaurant kitchens to incorporate ideas into the domestic setting with what it says is the first 90cm vented hob in the market with front rotary dial controls that are integrated beneath the hob, a style usually found on a professional range. The Novy Easy 90 Prestige can be surface or flushmounted, with a range of cooking functions and has an ultra-quiet central matrix extraction vent that activates when cooking starts, automatically regulating the extraction speed as required. Novy / novy.com
Sleek and Slimline
Fisher & Paykel says its handleless wall ovens and companions aim to provide another level of design freedom and product integration for the architect or kitchen designer. The lack of handles or dials removes elements which may fight other design choices in the kitchen space, allowing the product to sit more comfortably within the overall environment.
In keeping with the materiality across product lines, consumers can choose from a minimal style, sleek black glass or subtle, softer grey glass finish to suit their kitchen design. It provides plenty of choice for those with dark cabinetry who want their ovens to blend in seamlessly, or those who want a sleek, standout oven in a light kitchen environment.
Users can effortlessly open and close the oven with a press of a button, ensuring convenience and smooth operation in the kitchen. Moving away from traditional oven doors, these models are an ideal match for kitchens with a continuous, handle-free design, ensuring a seamless flow across the cabinetry.
Guided touchscreen cooking across the range makes it
simple to cook by food, function or recipe. The SmartHQ app’s voice-activated oven door can be operated using Google’s voice assistant for hands-free control. The user simply speaks to a compatible device to open the oven door.
With up to 23 functions and generous capacities, the co-ordinated design includes pyrolytic, steam, combisteam wall ovens and combimicrowave oven options.
Fisher & Paykel / fisherpaykel.com/uk/cooking
Elica has introduced the VIRTUS90-TFT electric single oven which includes a host of features including ‘Hydrocleaning’ for easy maintenance, a food probe thermometer for precision cooking, and moisture control to ensure every dish is cooked to perfection. It has a temperature range of 30-300°C and a variety of cooking functions including conventional, fan grill, and pizza modes, and can monitor the internal temperature of meat and fish to control the timing of the cooking programme.
Elica / elica.com
Chef’s Assistant
Back to Black
Liebherr’s BlackSteel is a transverse polished finish designed to offer a modern interpretation of the classic stainless steel front. It can be specified on six appliances across the Liebherr range and incorporates Liebherr’s freshness innovations, BioFresh and HydroBreeze, on selected models. Liebherr / home.liebherr.com
Fast & Cool
Smeg has introduced a blast chiller to its range. The powerful appliance can be used to rapidly chill or freeze food, lowering the temperature of cooked foods to +3C in just 90 minutes. It has been designed not only to help store food for longer but preserves the freshness and makes the process of batch cooking easier. Aesthetically, it has been designed to sit neatly alongside other products in Smeg’s range, and forms part of the Vitality System, a trio of appliances comprising Smeg’s built-in combi-steam oven, blast chiller and vacuum drawer.
Smeg / smeguk.com
Elemental Cooking
Taking inspiration from the volcanic rocks and fjords of Scandinavia, appliance brand ASKO has introduced the new Pearl Grey 5-in1 Compact Oven to its Elements range. The three main cooking and heating technologies – full steam, microwave and traditional oven –make up the core of the product. They can all be used individually but the user can combine the microwave and steam functions with the traditional oven mode to create a versatile set of options.
ASKO / uk.asko.com
…designers should be asking about their materials
WITH SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT OF AN INCREASING NUMBER OF CLIENT BRIEFS, HOW DO SPECIFIERS CUT THROUGH THE JARGON TO REALLY UNDERSTAND WHICH CHOICES REALLY MEET THE STANDARD? ROSS STEWART, UK SENIOR SALES MANAGER FOR NEOLITH, BELIEVES IT’S ABOUT ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
As the design industry continues to evolve, sustainability is emerging as a key criterion in the selection of materials. Clients, whether in the commercial or residential sector, are increasingly demanding assurance that the products specified in their projects adhere to rigorous environmental standards and have an element of eco-friendliness.
This shift places an onus on designers to interrogate the sustainability credentials of the materials they choose. Asking the right questions can empower designers to make informed, eco-conscious decisions, so where to start? Here are some of the key points to cover:
What are the environmental impacts of architectural surface production processes?
Understanding the full environmental footprint of a product begins with its production process.
Designers should ask manufacturers about the energy and water usage involved in production. Are renewable energy sources utilised? How is water consumption managed and minimised? And how is the industrial waste managed to contribute to circular economy?
Additionally, it is crucial to inquire about the emissions associated with manufacturing. Low-impact production processes should be a priority. Sustainability has always been paramount for Neolith and the focus for the company is to
achieve full decarbonisation.
In our case, Neolith keeps implementing production processes aimed to minimise environmental impact. For instance, 100% of the electricity used in Neolith’s production
What is the source of raw materials?
The origin of raw materials plays a significant role in determining a product’s sustainability. Designers should seek transparency about where and how materials are sourced. Are the raw materials extracted responsibly? Are there certifications that verify sustainable sourcing practices? For example, Neolith’s sintered stone is composed of natural raw materials sourced in a manner
process comes from renewable sources.
The industrial water used is recycled and the company recovers and recycles more than 96% of the industrial waste generated.
that prioritises environmental stewardship. Proof of this is the EcoVadis certification, which is proof of operating in the excellent segment in terms of environmental, social, sustainable procurement, corporate governance and ethics commitments.
Besides that, Neolith does not add crystalline silica sand, cristobalite or resins as raw materials to its formulation, which means its surfaces have a low crystalline silica content. We also use up to 98% recycled materials in the manufacturing of some of our models.
What are the options for end-of-life disposal?
End-of-life considerations are crucial for ensuring the longterm sustainability of materials. Designers should ask about the recyclability of a product and the manufacturer’s take-back schemes or recycling programs. Products designed with a circular economy in mind, which can be reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, represent a more sustainable choice.
Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment will help to understand a product’s environmental impacts throughout its lifecycle, from
As designers, the choices you make have far-reaching implications for the environment and human health. By asking the right questions about sustainability, you can ensure that your specifications align with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. For our part, we are committed to providing transparent, sustainable solutions that help you meet these evolving standards with a premium quality surface with a high-end design. Neolith / neolith.com
raw material extraction to disposal. Due to the all-natural composition, Neolith products have an extended life cycle and can be recycled at the end of their useful life. It has also helped the brand to achieve
Are there third-party certifications? Third-party certifications are invaluable in verifying a product’s sustainability claims. Designers should look for well-respected certifications such as EcoVadis, Zero Waste and Cradle to Cradle. These certifications provide an independent assessment of a product’s environmental performance at a global level,
to
certification that recognizes the circular character of its products.
This certification is very unusual in the industry, proving how hard it is to obtain.
giving designers and clients confidence in their sustainable attributes and practices.
How enduring is this material?
It’s all very well to opt for materials which meet a sustainable criteria, but it is also imperative to ask what the lifespan of the product is. Sustainable design is not just about how a product is made, but also how long it lasts. Durable materials reduce the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources and energy over time, and assessing whether it is suitable to use both for indoors and outdoors applications.
Cradle
Cradle
Out this month, a new book explores the borderless fantasy and transformative power of artificial architecture…
Living in a Dream is a colourful trip through the possibilities of AI tools to visualise some of the most dream-like design schemes, from idyllic beach houses, utopian skyscrapers, and intriguing interiors.
Through a collection of images from design studios, professionals, students and passionate enthusiasts, the book showcases what’s possible with the removal of traditional limitations both in our imaginations and in technology, to create a new type of aesthetic innovation.
Who knows if this will be the way of visualising kitchen and bathroom projects in future, but this book certainly offers an inspiring glimpse of how rapidly AI is progressing – and an indicator of just how useful a tool it could prove to be for anyone working with interiors.
Gestalten / gestalten.com
One last thing to inspire…
