CONTINENTAL SHIFTS

Fresh from the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt, we reveal the trends and innovations coming soon to a bathroom near you.

From baths to basins, showers to shaving cabinets, bathroom trends are constantly evolving. Technology changes, new materials arrive on the scene and designers continue to push the envelope. Every two years, manufacturers from around the globe gather in Frankfurt, Germany, for ISH, the biggest bathroom trade fair of its kind. Held in March, this year’s ISH attracted more than 200,000 visitors. Among that number were several Australians who wandered among the thousands of exhibits, taking in the latest fixtures and fittings. We asked them for their take on the hottest trends and what we might expect to see in bathroom showrooms soon.

‘There’s such diversity of choice in metallic finishes now, and at ISH we saw Alape unveil a gorgeous new metallic dubbed Dark Iron (right).’ Daniela Santilli, Reece

“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 with

Patricia 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, Rogerseller

Inspired 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.com

‘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, Bathe

“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.” Semee Dickerson, Caroma