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
This week magazine editors from around the world converged on the Kohler Village, Wisconsin, USA for the Kohler company’s third international editors’ conference. A much anticipated event, more than 31 editors from 13 countries attended representing the globe’s leading interior and lifestyle titles such as House & Garden, Elle Decor, Homes & Gardens, Hello!, Living Etc and Ambientes. Diversity and cross cultural input was assured with attendees from UK, Australia, South East Asia, China, Russia and South America.
David Kohler, President and Chief Operating Officer for Kohler Co, welcoming the guests
Hot topics were industry insights into the future of bathroom design, emerging technology, sustainability and the changing culture of bathing with keynote speakers including Mark Bickerstaffe, director of new product development and Tristan Butterfield, creative director.
Editors reported another key feature of the event was the meeting of counterparts from diverse cultures and the swapping of ideas and information.
Australia and New Zealand continue their love affair with the Flipside! Simple, innovative and very cute the Flipside taps into our love of a custom-designed shower! One head and yet four different spray patterns.
Simply flip the showerhead and you can take your pick from a traditional soothing spray; a dense, soft relaxing spray; an exhilarating drenching spray; and a targeted massage. And less than nine litres of water a minute!! (3 star WELS rated).
Watch the video below to show the flipside shower in action and what difference it can make to the bathroom.
Find the Kohler range of showering tapware on the website to see what other products may interest you.
Kohler’s ground-breaking toilet – the Numi – has appeared in California’s Stahl house, often described as the world’s most photographed home.
Numi is a technological masterpiece that combines stunning aesthetics with a sophisticated practicality that includes self- opening and closing lid, feet warming and deodoriser features, music and advanced bidet functionality.
To celebrate its release in the US earlier this year, and as part of a global advertising campaign, it was photographed in the landmark Stahl house, designed and built in 1959 as part of Art & Architecture Magazine’s Case Study programme to develop affordable, modern houses.
Set in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, the Stahl house offers panoramic views of southern California from practically all rooms thanks to an innovative design of floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The house, by Pierre Koenig, features a cantilevered design dramatically poised at the edge of the hill with the living room seemingly floating above a sheer drop off.
Costing less than $14,000 to build in 1959, Stahl house has since become a landmark of sleek, modern design serving as a backdrop in photography, art, fashion, film and now the iconic Numi by Kohler.
The Numi Toilet is not yet available in Australia or New Zealand, to view Kohler’s range of toilets follow this link.
Kohler’s UK-based director of new product development EMEA and Asia Pacific, Mark Bickerstaffe, recently visited Australia and New Zealand as part of an ongoing R&D program aimed at maintaining Kohler Co,’s position at the forefront of innovative bathroom design in Australasia.
Contemporary bathroom design: Reve collection
He made the following observations:
It is clear that location is no barrier to creativity. Bathroom design thinking and aspiration in Australia and New Zealand is as current and advanced as the best worldwide. There’s a uniqueness in lifestyle, environment and materials which can add a unique twist – color and material combinations, the use of light, space and the great outdoors – these are being harnessed to create some amazing, vibrant rooms in keeping with the spirit of the place.
There’s a soulfulness about much of what’s coming out of Europe and America at the moment because of the economic and political turmoil. Design is thoughtful as a result. This is at odds with the optimism and future-first attitude in Asia and other high growth markets where what’s required is expressive, positive new design. There could be a big difference in what these markets desire in the future, once these emerging markets re-discover their own design identity and stop adopting other markets’ design as their aspiration. ‘Leadership’ in design is on an interesting journey.
Australasia is somewhere in-between and I urge and hope that design in and for this region remains optimistic, bright and full of attitude as it is today.
It has been refreshing to talk to Australians and New Zealanders during this trip and find them in tune with the same design directions we have been exploring.
Kohler, in conjunction with Mico, opened a brand new showroom in Melbourne last week.
Aimed at architects, designers and consumers who want to experience the very latest in bathroom design and technology this new showroom not only has the very latest products on display but also working exhibits and an ‘experience’ room.
In the latter, visitors can actually use and experience a BubbleMassage spa bath, Kohler’s customised showering technology called DTV and such groundbreaking innovations as the Laminar Spout. Go to Mico Design at 280 Normanby Road, South Melbourne and check it out. Call 03 9234 7760 for hours and further details.
Here are some images of the opening night!
From left to right: Michael Jorgensen, General Manager Projects, Tradelink, Mark Bickerstaffe, Director of New Product Development, Kitchen & Bath EMEA & Asia Pacific, Kohler Co., Paul Thornewell, Specification Manager, Mico Design, Michael Moldenhauer, Director – Product Marketing, Kitchen & Bath International, Kohler Co., Ivor Timmins, Executive General Manager, Trade Distribution.
Mark Bickerstaffe presents new global design trends during the Mico Melbourne showroom opening.
Mark Bickerstaffe, UK-based designer and director of new product development for Kohler, spent just two days in Sydney last week but managed to fit in a number of interviews – including a live discussion on the future of bathroom design on Radio 2BL with Deb Cameron (presenter) and Rose-Marie Hillier, design journalist, colour consultant and former editor of House & Garden magazine. Judging by the calls, emails and text messages listeners found it of great use for planning their new bathroom.
We have posted a link below if you would like to listen to the complete interview.
Welcome to the Kohler Australia & New Zealand blog - a place for you to see the very latest in bathroom design, trends, new products and materials 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, whatever the space, in the most sustainable way.
Note: The blog product links go to the Kohler Australia website. Most products are also available on the NZ website www.kohler.co.nz
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.
