Ideal Standard International's Designer Robin Levien Gives His Bathroom Predictions

Ideal Standard International's designer Robin Levien (RDI) gives his bathroom predictions. We are living through uncertain times once again and this creates insecurity. This translates into nostalgia for a supposedly better time. This time is usually the 'vintage era' of the mid-20th century and will impact on the bathroom through optimistic splashes of colour or fabrics and even bold geometric patterns to brighten up bathrooms. The popularity of freestanding baths will continue to grow, becoming more sculptural and offering the chance of a big splash of colour by painting the exterior. A standard UK bathroom is very small and not everyone can have a freestanding bath therefore showering is becoming ever more popular. The 'P' shaped shower bath provides the choice between bathing and a spacious shower and will be an important bathing trend for 2012. In 2012, grey will be the logical step back into colour after the massive dominance of white. During the 1980's and 1990's the choice of colour used on bathroom ceramics was the main marketing decision of the year. The new vintage trend is now beginning to influence the colour of bathroom suites. Many companies are reporting an increase in sales of coloured ceramics for new bathrooms. Many people are seeing the value link between water saving and money saving. A good example of this is Ideal Standard's CeraMix Blue technology taps. The thin plastic pipes within the spout of the tap means less water runs through before the hot comes through and it is estimated that this will save up to £174 per year on utility bills for a family of four. A major change coming to UK bathrooms is the needful addition of smart storage. The sculptural appeal of a washbasin on top of a ceramic pedestal is strong, but this wasted space without a storage cupboard does not make sense. Integrated storage space is a key long-term trend for UK bathrooms. Source: kbb.co.uk