Nature is a need

Well-being and safety are the two main bathroom design trends in evidence at Cersaie 2021. Nature is closely connected with both, combining a visual sensation of calm with the sense of reassurance that comes from projects with a low environmental footprint.

 

Colours and customisation

Gone are the days of standardised bathrooms designed according to functional needs and optimal use of space, equipped with hi-tech sanitary fixtures but lacking in personality. The concept of the home that has emerged in recent months, a period in which we have spent much more time indoors than in previous years, is one with a strong personality and sense of warmth. And the bathroom is the room that more than any other epitomises this transformation. Nature is the dominant theme in terms of colours and materials, but everyone is free to pursue different trends according to their own personal tastes. Some people prefer matt finishes because they imitate natural elements more realistically than glossy surfaces, explains colour designer Francesca Valan. Others opt for colours inspired by water, earth or the plant world. The colour green in particular can be considered the “new neutral” in all its infinite shades. More than any other, it is the colour that makes us feel part of nature while at the same time eliciting a more or less unconscious need to protect and cherish the natural world.

 

Transparent communication 

Along with aesthetic considerations, companies’ production processes are another factor that must be taken into account. Today’s customers choose a given product or material over another either because of its special characteristics or because they are aware of the company’s commitment to an environmentally sustainable supply chain. So while it was previously important but not crucial, transparent and high-quality communication is now absolutely essential. Moreover, it is not sufficient for companies to advertise the unique performance characteristics of their products, they must also share the latest eco-friendly innovations they have introduced into their production processes, the latest certifications they have obtained or the fact that they are members of internationally recognised associations.

 

Eco-friendly technologies 

Choosing eco-friendly design means identifying companies that are committed to improving the environmental sustainability of their production processes by lowering emissions, reducing or eliminating production waste and using locally sourced raw materials. Choosing to work with local craftsmen and businesses is also a sustainable choice as it avoids long-distance movements of materials and products and reduces transport and related environmental costs. Green products are typically made from materials and components that meet strict environmental criteria, are manufactured using a certain percentage of recycled or recyclable material, adopt finishes that reduce the need for chemical cleaning agents, or are equipped with water-saving systems and technologies.

 

01. Along with Simas’ focus on water saving, the circular economy, ease of cleaning and user safety, the Wave collection also stands out for its unique range of colours (pictured: colour Mirto). The round, square, oval or rectangular washbasins have an asymmetrical bowl with a slightly sloping front edge. The wastes are also made of matching coloured ceramic. www.simas.it

02. The Ipalyss series of washbasins designed by Studio Levien for Ideal Standard combine a super slim profile with a wide range of colours and outstanding durability. Diamatec®, the company’s patented ceramic material, stands out for its strength even when used to make low-thickness articles. www.idealstandard.it

 

03. The colours of the new collections proposed by Ceramica Flaminia recall sand and earth tones and enhance the sensation of warmth and intimacy of the bathroom environment (pictured: Nudaslim 60). The company has been adopting an industrial waste management system since 2005, enabling it to obtain ISO 14001:2004 certification. www.ceramicaflaminia.it

04. Natural wood takes centre stage in the Wood range of vanity tops from Gaia Mobili. The Wood series shelves are made of 7 cm thick solid chestnut wood and can be customised in terms of length and depth. www.gaiamobili.it

 

05. Refined and essential, the Piana collection from antoniolupi is ideal for tailor-made projects. With their many different sizes, colours and finishes, the units can be used to create a highly customised bathroom. The vanity top is made of Colormood, the company’s patented new material consisting of non-toxic, eco-friendly and compact resin with a soft touch finish. www.antoniolupi.it

06. The Linea bathroom collection from Itlas combines the natural appeal of wood with other materials such as marble and resin. In this composition, the D10 Oak wood cabinet is accompanied by a wood wall (5 mm Rovere Collection) and the Dot Collection Pattern vanity top designed by Scholten & Baijings, with a Luce di Carrara marble washbasin. www.itlas.com

 

07. The new Vague collection from Badenhaus stands out in particular for its eco-friendly PET coated panels.Stylistically, the collection combines minimalism and rationality and incorporates graceful flowing lines capable of satisfying all aesthetic and spatial requirements. www.badenhaus.it

08. Mobilduenne takes an inclusive and wide-ranging approach to environmental sustainability. In 2016, for example, it introduced solid wood for the production of bases and tops. This high-quality material is complemented by a sophisticated multi-layer processing technology that guarantees its solidity. All products are made in Italy and processing waste is recovered and recycled (pictured: COMP 685 verde comodoro). www.mobilduenne.it

 

 

09. The freestanding (or wall-hung) WCs in Geberit’s new Style range are equipped with Rimfree® water-saving technology. The absence of a rim also eliminates areas where germs and dirt can build up, allowing for very rapid cleaning. In addition, the 4.5-litre flush system achieves excellent levels of performance and removes waste effectively and thoroughly. www.geberit.it

10. Ceramica Tecla’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its production processes have focused on the use of photovoltaic panels and the recycling of unused by-products. Siena Cemento is the name of one of the colour proposals that most closely responds to the need for contact with nature. www.ceramicatecla.it

11. A commitment to water saving has long been driving Ceramica Globo to design efficient products and systems. The company’s latest WCs are optimised in terms of their dimensions and are equipped with the Globo Water Saving system, which reduces the average flush volume to less than 3 litres. www.ceramicaglobo.com

 

Other collections of Italian sanitaryware can be seen in the Products Gallery.

 

 

October 2021