From chic, Scandinavian-inspired slatted designs to abstract patterns and subtly textured woodgrains, Lisa Hibberd takes a look at some of the latest door and drawer fronts to look out for, as consumers relish the opportunity to add originality to their spaces.
“Driving the trend for textured finishes on bathroom furniture is the need to bring the outside in,” says Laufen brand marketing manager, Emma Mottram. “Consumers want to feel closer to nature, creating a relaxing bathroom that offers the ultimate in rest and relaxation in the sanctuary of their own homes. This idea is nothing new, but following events of recent years, homeowners have further committed to creating a bathroom that serves as a retreat from the stresses and strains of the world. Textured finishes are also an excellent way of softening the look and feel of a space that has the potential to be sterile thanks to the dominance of hard, cold materials.”
Ben Bryden, sales and marketing director of RAK Ceramics, agrees that natural, unrefined finishes offer a welcoming, warm alternative to cold surfaces commonly found in the bathroom. “Natural and nature-inspired materials, such as wood, have long been popular as a way of introducing calm to the bathroom, so adding a textured finish simply takes this trend a step further, with the same understated style and minimalism. Just like when it comes to adding colour to the bathroom, texture should be added in moderation. There are lots of opportunities to add texture, from the furniture to tiling, and designers shouldn’t be tempted to overload the space, particularly when it is compact, as many modern bathrooms tend to be. As ever in the bathroom, less is more to achieve maximum impact. There are practicalities to consider too though – as with any bathroom surface, textured furniture fronts need to be easy to clean – the grooves may well be a place for germs to gather so being able to wipe the furniture down with ease will be important to the consumer.”
“Texture is key to the customisable design journey for Root, VitrA’s new bathroom collection,” explains Margaret Talbot, marketing manager for VitrA Bathrooms in the UK and Europe. “Groove, a panelled contemporary option in the range, is available in 17 striking colours. The texture is a stand-out feature, and, like the whole range, Groove is adaptable to suit any bathroom setting. Durability and longevity are essential; designers must look for products explicitly produced for bathroom environs that offer protection from water ingress, swelling, rot or decay. Plenty of sustainable materials are available too – some made from 100% recycled plastic that is multi-layered and offers superb performance as well as peace of mind for eco-conscious clients.”
Anthony Barker, sales director of Optidek, suggests that – for those worried about the hygiene aspect of textured surfaces – a subtle texture can be added through the use of large format wall panels such as Dekton. “Since the pandemic, there has been an emerging trend toward featuring more hygienic surfaces in bathrooms and, increasingly, in wet rooms; the latter becoming a popular option in today’s homes. Consumers are opting for a hotel spa-like feel in their own homes and, consequently, in some cases there has also been a ‘less is more’ approach to the types of surfaces being specified by designers. 4mm Dekton Slim is an ideal option as it is lightweight and easy to clean. The finishes and textures also match most of the standard thickness Dekton surface and floor coverings. Bathroom designers now have the opportunity to design a layout with the same textured surface for everything from the cabinetry doors and drawers to the floor, the walls and work surfaces, providing visual harmony and making the room look subtle and minimalist. Scratch and stain resistant, 4mm Dekton Slim is resistant to humidity and will not lose colour or texture when regularly cleaned, plus it is resistant to UV, so it can be installed in rooms with a lot of natural light. Being a proprietary blend of quartz and porcelain, it is so fine and lightweight that it is an ideal textured surface option for door and drawer fronts, and at Optidek, we will fabricate every piece to exact size.”
