The world’s biggest interior design fair, Milan’s Salone del Mobile, showcases the very latest in furniture, kitchen and bathroom design.
This year’s show has just ended, having given an excellent insight into what is and will be happening in bathrooms around the world.
While bathroom items such as taps, basins and baths were more of a variation on the current theme, technology really grabbed the innovation spotlight.
Some highlights included:
Invisible heating – using the shower enclosure. A film sandwiched between two planes of glass heats the outside of the glass only (a towel rail is attached to this side). The entire room, along with the towels, is heated without any intrusion on space or aesthetics by conventional heating appliances.
Lighting – lighting has become much more of a statement piece while still being extremely practical and efficient. Fittings have become sumptuous, sleek, decorative and sometimes over the top! But lighting is incorporated into every aspect of the bathroom from the water coming out of taps and showers to inlaid decorative LEDs in shower screens – just choose your own customised design.
Decoration – wall embellishment and decoration was huge. Large installations featuring intricate patterning, in natural and man-made materials, plus highly coloured designs – also available in tiles.
Integration – and the greater utilisation of space. A top pick was the integration of a toilet, bidet and beautiful storage space for toiletries in a low-slung ‘credenza’. Looking like a very sleek piece of furniture – crafted in either all white or natural timber – its real use is only revealed when one of the lids is lifted. Not one hint of any plumbing.
Storage – the race is on to create more storage space in the bathroom and designers are concentrating on those previously wasted bits of space in corners and hard to reach areas etc One idea, for skinny areas and corners, were a series of what looked like floor to ceiling mirrors. A simple flip of the mirror revealed multiple storage areas in vibrant hues – pink, turquoise, yellow, red, pink.
Lighting has become a key player in bathroom decoration
Wall embellishment is set to become highly decorative and extremely textural
Wall embellishment has become three dimensional
Storage is being designed to utilise every millimetre of space in the bathroom
And then there were those designs that were simply fun - and OTT!
July basin mixer tap with Forefront rectangular basin
Clean, understated lines and timeless style have pegged the combination of the July basin mixer tap and Forefront basin as a favourite option with renovators.
July, in polished chrome, features a duck-bill lever and a four star WELS rating (only 7.5 litres of water a minute) while Forefront is a beautifully symmetric basin with rounded edges in either a square or rectangular format.
The Kohler Design team took Urbis Design Day 2012 to new heights with the Kohler Design Centre, Auckland, being transformed into a Wonderland of Colour complete with live art exhibits, freestyle painting zones and full body artworks.
Teaming up with collaborative partners, Art Associates and Resene, their efforts were rewarded with a record KDC attendance level of more than 2500 people being entertained by ‘artists in residence’, including an installation in the working area of the RainCan shower head space and bathroom designs such as the Kohler Escale bath tub being filled to overflowing with M&Ms. Other standouts were the ever popular photo booth and Candy Floss and Resene colour-coded cupcakes.
The most popular exhibit however, was the live freestyle art canvas that was positioned at the entrance so that all visitors could play their own part in creating an outstanding work of art.
Full body artworks by Sandi Cutts designs
Artist: Jesse Watson
Artist: Jessica Pearless - installation by Brad Pearless
Artist: Jonathan Brown
Artist: Erno Hajos
Live freestyle art canvas that visitors helped create an outstanding work of art
Perth’s premium residential builder, Riverstone, has just unveiled its most luxurious home to date. Situated in Mosman, on the shores of the famous Swan River, the Palais is a three storey, state-of-the-art home cleverly designed to take full advantage of the river views and showcase some of the most contemporary interior design elements.
Considered a benchmark in residential architecture and quality, Riverstone is renowned for incorporating eyecatching, forward thinking features into the 30-40 homes it completes each year. And with the Palais, there are many – from the convenient mud room (custom fitted with benches and storage) and lift from underground garage to second level, to the award-winning Kohler bathroom and kitchen fixtures in each of the four bathrooms and two kitchens (one alfresco).
Kohler stand-outs include the Presqu’ile whirlpool, Symbol taps, and DTV electronic programmable showering technology with WaterTile shower heads and rain shower panel. In addition there are Kohler’s clever Flipside shower, streamlined Panache wall-faced toilets with concealed cisterns, Escale basins and Evok bath, Loure bathroom accessories and the outstanding articulated kitchen mixer – the Karbon.
Presqu’ile freestanding whirlpool bath, and Stillness floor mount bath filler
Symbol basin mixer taps and Ladena under counter basins
Forefront basin, July basin mixer tap, July bath mixer, Evok Bath, Memphis bath spout, Flipside shower
Install a water efficient, three star toilet. They currently account for about 20 per cent of our water usage, with conventional single flush toilets using a massive 12 litres per flush!*
Kohler has invested heavily in developing new technology and sophisticated design to make toilets more efficient, use less water and look more beautiful! There are now five Kohler designs that have the maximum four star WELS water efficiency rating, using an average 3.3 litres per flush. That’s a saving of about 104 litres a day based on the national average of 12 flushes a day!
And there are three different styles to choose from – wall hung (minimalist in style and easy to clean under); wall-faced (again, no visible cistern and floor mounted); and back-to-wall (bowl and cistern sit flush with wall).
Check out the Kohler Panache, Parliament, Escale, Opiaz and Ove toilet models to see more.
Kohler’s Director of New Product Development, Mark Bickerstaffe, highlights some directions in bathrooms:
Destination – bathrooms have evolved into a living space rather than just a bathing room. We use them for relaxation, privacy, grooming, and bathing. Therefore the needs and expectations of the bathroom space are being stretched ever farther and companies like Kohler are responding with the introduction of smart bathroom appliances that enhance the bathing experience while being ever mindful of limited resources such as water and energy.
Digital showering – our concerns for water management have been met with new technology that will precisely control water use and synthesise this with control of light, steam and entertainment. Digital showering systems can be used to custom programme the exact requirements of each family member.
Toileting – while this hasn’t changed for decades, the dual pressure of water-saving and hygiene is driving innovation. This is the area where we waste the most water so we will see continuous innovation here. Numi, our flagship, is a beautiful very low flush toilet that also has a hygienic personal cleaning system with comfort and entertainment features. (not yet available in Australia and New Zealand).
Key considerations – when renovating a bathroom, storage and lighting are key elements of a successful design. These are both pivotal elements of a bathroom that are very difficult and expensive to retro fit. Sophisticated lighting will enhance the bathing experience and banish the discomfort of overly harsh – or even annoyingly dim – lighting. Well thought out storage, while ensuring an uncluttered space, will also utilize previously wasted space, such as under baths.
Parliament toilet and basin
Maintenance – everyone wants low maintenance, especially for high traffic areas such as the bathroom. Wall-mounted taps, above the basin, not only give a super-clean look but also make cleaning really easy.
The symbolism and alchemy of water and glass feature prominently in the beautiful collection of glass vessels and wash basins called Nature’s Chemistry.
The combination of the two accentuates the ever-changing play of light and shadow, ripples and reflection when water hits glass – seen brilliantly in the cast glass slab of subtly rippled texture that is the Antilia Wading Pool; the faceted brilliance of Kallos, crafted from spun glass; and the sublime, purist form of the funnel-shaped Lavinia.
A dream-come-true house of the future actually does exist! The House of Innoventions at Walt Disney World Resort features a high-tech home filled with the very latest technology and the most innovative gadgets and gizmos. There are also numerous interactive spaces and experiences plus kid-friendly labs that provide a hands-on look at the house of the future.
But perhaps the most exciting of all? Each of the Kohler products featured in the futuristic House of Innoventions is already available!
The House of Innoventions at Walt Disney World Resort
The kitchen features the Karbon kitchen mixer, it bends and twists, letting you direct the water where you need it.
DTV customised showering system controls the WaterTile bodysprays. Set your temperature, time your shower, and adjust each spray, all at the touch of a button.
Here at Kohler we are busily preparing for Christmas, and in Australasia the summer holiday break anticipation draws closer. At Kohler head office, Wisconsin, USA, their preparations show a traditional winter Christmas. The twinkling lights have been used to illuminate trees all over the Kohler corporate campus and village, and the season starts with the official tree-lighting ceremony called ‘Set the Season Aglow’. Complementary horse-drawn carriage rides around the village, a visit from Santa and his reindeer and lots of hot chocolate add to the festivities during the ceremony.
And while the lights, the tinsel, the good food and gifts all play a part in Christmas the true essence is the opportunity to share time with loved ones and extend the hand of friendship to others.
All of us at Kohler wish everyone, across the globe, a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Lights illuminate trees outside Kohler’s corporate office, as part of the ‘Set the Season Aglow’ ceremony, Kohler Village, Wisconsin, USA.
Kohler’s Karbon articulated kitchen mixer continues to turn heads – not only for its unique good looks but also for its sheer versatility. Inspired by the angle-poise lamp, the Karbon has several articulated joints that enable the ‘spout’ to be bent into a multitude of shapes and angles meaning water can be taken to exactly where it is needed (think tall vases, heavy pasta pots etc). An added bonus is that the Karbon looks like a piece of sculptural art when not in use!
Made of polished chrome and carbon fibre, the Karbon is five star WELS rated – check it out on this video, with a twist!!
William Fernandez (interiors architect for Woods Bagot) and partner Mia Grimaldi were winners of the Kohler prize in the memorable Saturday In Design paper plane competition (August 19 and 20, 2011).
William and Mia used their prize last weekend (November 20/21) to tour Auckland and took full advantage of the Kohler Design Centre’s experience room, luxuriating in Escale BubbleMassage bath and Solaro Whirlpool.
William and Mia enjoying spa experience at Kohler Design Centre, Auckland
Kohler Co. has been inducted into the prestigious Business Committee for the Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of its outstanding leadership, vision and long-term commitment in support of the arts.
In accepting the award at a ceremony at Central Park Boathouse, New York City last month, Kohler Chairman and CEO, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr stated that artistic expression is always part of any Kohler product, a focus that has helped establish the company as a global industry leader.
Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. Chairman and CEO (centre), accepted the Business Committee for the Arts Hall of Fame award last month in New York city. Besides him are Joseph Dilg, Managing Partner of Vinson & Elkins (left), and Robert Lynch, President & CEO of America for the Arts.
Kohler is an active advocate for the arts in many ways, not least of which is its Artists-in-residence programme that was established in 1974. Each year a group of emerging and established visual artists, working in any discipline, are invited to work and study in Kohler’s pottery, iron and brass foundries plus its enamel shop to develop a wide variety of skills and expertise in clay, enamelled cast iron and brass. It was resident artists, in 1985, who inspired Kohler’s ground-breaking collection of Artist Editions surface-decorated basins. Designs are continually added to the collection with each drawing on the world’s cultural history to bring a sense of drama, individualism and sheer beauty to the domestic bathroom.
Conical Bell Vessels Basin with Serpentine Bronze Design
The Business Committee for the Arts established the Hall of Fame in 1992 and includes inductees such as Hallmark Cards Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.
Influenced by the Euro-Modern aesthetic, Kohler has taken three-piece tapware to a new level with the introduction of Oblo. Strong, bold and organic, this new range melds fluent curves with a distinctive obloid profile.
Basin, bath and shower are all covered, with tapware to suit each installation – think hob mounted or wall mounted for basins, and hob mount or top assembly for bath and shower.
The basin tapware features an impressive five star WELS rating using only 6.6 litres of water a minute.
The US Fast Company magazine, in a recent article (October 2011) on The United States of Design, named Kohler as one of ’30 companies who get it’ in terms of good design being a critical competitive advantage.
Highlighting Kohler’s ground-breaking Karbon articulated kitchen mixer, the feature described Kohler as a design icon that produces ‘fixtures that make the loo worth a visit’!
New generation freestanding baths are set to turn bathing into an art form! A new material – called Lithocast – creates a greater platform of shapes and an altogether different tactile experience.
Lithocast is a premium quality solid-surface acrylic that looks like finely honed stone yet is warm to the touch and comfortable on the skin. Kohler’s new collection of Lithocast freestanding baths comprises three designs – the one-person Abrazo and the two-person Askew and Aliento models. Each is distinctly different but all create a sense of drama and individuality in the bathroom.
All models feature an integrated slotted overflow and a self-covered toe-tap drain to create an uninterrupted look and clean aesthetic. An additional feature is the exceptionally easy to clean matte surface of the baths.
Bathrooms have become the status symbol of the home in a way the kitchen could never be. Perceived as a place to luxuriate, relax and pamper, bathrooms are now featuring materials and finishes that were once taboo in this ‘wet’ area. With the help of ever evolving technology resins and acrylics, timber, mirror, wallpaper and fabric are being used to set the scene for a totally inspirational bathroom. No single design style dominates anymore – something that was highlighted to me recently as I travelled around Sydney as a judge for the 2011 HIA/CSR Kitchen and Bathrooms Awards (to be announced this Saturday – October 22).
The sculptural freestanding bath continues to be a key feature though I was dazzled by elements as diverse as a Turkish hand-sculpted stone basin and a vanity crafted in glass and mirror. I saw some whacky bathrooms, too, where the designer was, sadly, caught in a time warp – surely Day-Glo red floor tiles, metallic painted finishes and coloured sensor lights belong in a disco?
I was interested to see painted timber cabinetry, wall panelling and stained floorboards (a feature of the East Coast American look) as a popular style option if you aren’t into ‘sleek contemporary’ which almost always focuses on stone finishes and hard surfaces.
The bathroom has opened up…
The biggest difference though is the bathroom’s floor plan – it hasn’t necessarily become bigger, though it might allude to that. It’s more that the bathroom now has ‘zoned’ functions – the toilet is included in the bathroom but located behind closed doors (sometimes there are two toilets, his and hers). The shower area -with a rainshower fitting – is big enough for two and is screened in frameless or printed glass. The bath – the star of the area – has its own space. The vanity bench and basin are freeform, often separated from the other zones and frequently designed as furniture to complement the bedroom.
Vanity is a virtue…
The basin in many aspects has become the hero and is more often included in, rather than mounted on, the vanity counter itself. On holiday recently in Italy, I saw a white basin as wide as the neat table it was placed on together with a small table lamp. So what’s new with that? On closer observation you see that all elements were formed in porcelain as one unit, even the table lamp. The only contrast were the lamp and table, which were finished in chrome. Now, that was interesting!
Here are some other emerging design features:
• Glossy white resin for an amazing seamless floor finish
• Coloured polymer sheeting as an alternative to glass in wet areas
• Printed coloured glass tiles
• Organic shapes
• Sensor lights installed in the floor
• Mirror on mirror — very glam
• Truly elegant wall flushes for concealed cisterns and narrow wall-hung toilets
• Mosaics behind glass
• Bridge-style tapware complementing uber-modern baths
• And don’t expect all baths these days to be oval
Rose-Marie Hillier is an interior design journalist and a former editor of House and Garden magazine. Currently, as one of the magazine’s contributors and editor-at-large, she reports on design trends. She was also a judge in the 2011 HIA/CSR Kitchen and Bathroom Awards. Rose-Marie is also a qualified colour consultant and loves to dabble in photography.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the guest blogger and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kohler Co.
Having a shower should always be both a relaxing and reviving experience. And shower heads and shower taps should always look good and perform outstandingly. Pressure, pattern and versatility all play a major role in delivering a good shower experience. Choose the taps and the showerhead carefully and ensure they suits the overall style of the bathroom.
Kohler has been in the bathroomware and kitchenware business for over 135 years. The brand’s innovative products are both beautiful and functional, making them the default choice of a large and loyal customer base. Its extensive range of shower tapware ensures there is a perfect choice for all needs and all bathroom styles. From hand showers to fixed shower heads, Kohler’s product catalogue is any shower addict’s personal heaven.
Some of the most popular Kohler shower taps are the hand showers. The Flipside hand shower is an innovative design leader with a sleek polished chrome surface finish. The shower head is designed to flip over at the touch of a finger, with each side delivering a distinctly different shower pattern. The ‘Koverage’ provides a traditional soothing full spray and can be used for everyday purposes. ‘Kotton’ is a dense, soft relaxing spray. The ‘Komotion’ is an exhilarating drenching spray, providing a circular pattern intended to refresh the senses. ‘Kurrent’ is a unique targeted massage spray that helps soothe body aches.
Flipside 02 Handshower
Kohler also offers fixed shower heads designed to be mounted on walls or the ceiling. One of the more interesting shower heads is the RainCan, available in either a square or round shaped option and featuring Kohler’s innovative water-saving spray technology called Katalyst. The Katalyst technology injects two litres of air into the waterflow every minute – which produces an invigorating, intense drenching experience just like a natural summer rain shower. This powerful, voluptuous water spray clings to the body giving a truly indulgent experience and yet has the highest water conservation rating available for showers – a fabulous three stars, which translates to just nine litres of water a minute! Like most Kohler products, the polished chrome finish of the RainCan resists tarnishing and corrosion. To further enhance the versatility of its showering experience, Kohler has combined the RainCan showerhead with a large EO hand shower in a single installation called the Rain Duet shower column.
Some people see their bathrooms as a necessity rather than a luxury, preferring them to be more functional than aesthetically pleasing. There are others, however, who prefer a combination of elegance and functionality. These people spend considerable time and effort choosing the perfect bathroomware. At Kohler we cater for both types and have a large enough range of products to suit everyone’s needs and tastes.
Kohler has been manufacturing high-quality bathroom products for over 135 years. It is a major global player in the kitchen and bathroom products industry whose taps, basins, toilets and showers are featured in bathrooms throughout the world. Newer designs are also added to the ever-expanding product catalogue.
Bathroom taps are one of Kohler’s specialties. From floor-mounted bath filler taps to basin taps there is a wide range to select from. Taps can be mounted on the wall, benchtop or basin or even in the ceiling in terms of the Laminar bath filler (truly one of the most elegant and innovative bathroom taps available). Kohler taps are made from brass with a polished chrome finish that will resist both tarnishing and corrosion. The tapware is for mains pressure. If you’re looking for excellence in design as well as reliability, Kohler is the tap brand for you.
Do you like your baths hot or cold? What about some warm water to wash your dishes? We need water for different cleansing purposes, but if the temperature of the water isn’t right, the experience is rarely satisfactory. To that end, mixer taps come to the fold. Here, what emerges from the tap is a combination of the water from the hot and cold water valves. Mixer taps use a single lever to control the temperature and pressure of the water.
For over 135 years, Kohler has been a leading figure in the kitchen and bathroom fixtures industry. With a stellar combination of modern ideas and traditional good quality, Kohler caters to customers worldwide.
Kohler produces both kitchen and bathroom fixtures, which can be used in residences or commercially. Both the kitchen and bathware products are well known for their elegance, reliability and lasting durability.
Kohler Kitchen mixer taps feature durable ceramic disc valve technology which ensures precise water control, drip-free performance and a long life-span. The taps’ polished chrome surface gives a sleek, modern look and resists both tarnishing and corrosion. Kohler’s most inspired and innovative tap design is the Karbon Kitchen Mixer Tap which instead of having a lever, has a deck-mounted joystick control installed separately to the tap. The Karbon, made from carbon fibre and polished chrome, was inspired by the angle-poise lamp and features five articulated joints. These ensure the water is delivered to exactly where it is needed – tall vases, large pasta pots, all are catered for with the Karbon kitchen mixer. The tap has both a forceful spray and laminar water flow option that can be accessed at the touch of a button.
Toilets are the most underappreciated fixtures in a bathroom. Seen as a necessity rather than a stylish addition, most people pay little attention to the decision making process. However, there is much more to selecting the right toilet than just functionality. Size, structure, style – all are important contributing factors that should be taken into account before making the final choice. When it comes to solidly constructed, well-functioning toilets in stylish designs, Kohler stands out from the rest.
Kohler is a major player in the bathroomware and kitchen fixtures industry. It is renowned for its high-quality and elegant products. Products from Kohler are both innovative and technologically advanced. They offer an excellent combination of modernity and thoughtful design. Kohler’s product catalogue includes several toilet designs from the sleek, unobtrusive wall hung models to waterless urinals.
Back to wall toilets are often the preferred choice for both homes and commercial premises as they sit flush against the bathroom wall, concealing all plumbing. Made from vitreous china, these models are both easier to clean and more streamlined than traditional models. All Kohler toilets feature a dual flush for water efficiency.
Kohler also offers wall hung toilets in vitreous china . These are a very stylish option whereby the bowl is attached to the wall via a bracket. The cistern is completely concealed within the wall cavity and therefore takes less space than conventional toilets. The bowl is suspended above the floor – therefore cleaning is far easier than with any other toilet model.
There are many other toilet designs by Kohler to ensure consumers have the widest possible choice and are guaranteed to find exactly the right model for their requirements.
Most Kohler toilets are WELS 4 star rating, with dual flush 4.5/3L.
From water conservation to noise reduction, Kohler toilets deliver exceptional performance. All Kohler toilets are easy to install and have passed rigorous tests for premium comfort and flush.
Kohler toilets feature the ingenious Quiet-close seat. It is engineered to close slowly with the slightest touch, reducing unwanted noise often associated with lid slamming, and improved hygiene as minimal contact with lid.
When you are looking to buy a toilet you also need to check the waste outlet. The waste outlet behind the toilet will go through the floor (S-trap) or wall (P-trap). Age of the property, location of the bathroom and material used will effect which type is used. Fortunately all Kohler back to wall and close-coupled toilets (with the exception of the Odeon model) have a vario trap which is suitable for both S or P trap connection.
Opiaz Back to Wall Toilet Suite
Escale Wall Hung Toilet Suite with Bevel Flush Button Panel
Welcome to the Kohler Australia & New Zealand blog - a place for you to see the very latest in bathroom design, trends, and new products plus up to date information on sustainability.
Here you will be given sneak previews of new products from Kohler but also a heads-up on any beautiful and innovative accessories we think you should see.
We will introduce you to designers and stylists, artisans and specialists - anyone or anything that can give an insight into making the most of your bathroom.
Note: The blog product links go to the Kohler Australia website. New Zealand site
Kohler’s Director of New Product Development, Mark Bickerstaffe, highlights some directions in bathrooms:
Rose-Marie Hillier is an interior design journalist and a former editor of House and Garden magazine. Currently, as one of the magazine’s contributors and editor-at-large, she reports on design trends. She was also a judge in the 2011 HIA/CSR Kitchen and Bathroom Awards. Rose-Marie is also a qualified colour consultant and loves to dabble in photography.
