Some takeaways from the bath sector at Milan’s mega-show.
Want a little leather with that marble? The EuroCucina show in Milan focused on modern luxury and simplicity. Elle H-Millard, CKD, Industry Relations Manager and an NKBA Insider, immersed herself in the exhibition and brought back key trends, from popular color palettes to freestanding bathtubs.
Gold, gold, and more gold!
“Gone are the days of brushed nickel as the finish of choice,” Millard said. “Gold, unlacquered finishes appeared everywhere in Milan.”
During a Rohl factory tour, Millard noted the gold trend recurring, primarily in elements for the bathroom. These included gold accents, hardware, faucets, fixtures and lighting.
“High-end homeowners are attracted to a raw metal look,” she said. “It lends a luxurious yet industrial feel.”
Coordinated Freestanding Units
“Space tends to be the design obstacle in Europe. However, there was no shortage of soaking-tub options at EuroCucina,” Millard said. “The Europeans are complementing the shape of the soaking tub with uniquely shaped pedestal sinks.”
Natural elements such as Carrera marble were popular for soaking tubs as well as pedestal sinks, offering a simple yet luxurious aesthetic dominating the market in 2018.
Pedestal sinks complete the bathroom oasis, and brands including Kreoo and Antoniolupi displayed great examples. The sinks ranged from transparent resins to hand-carved marble, each serving as a one-of-a-kind piece of art in master suites and powder rooms.
Integrated Sinks
Innovative tech permeated the show floor, but integrated sinks stood out. Antoniolupi showed a product that integrated a sink with LED lights into a wall, but not as a standalone unit. Rather, it’s an integrated sink that’s a part of the wall panel, creating an all-in-one unit—low maintenance and easy to install, a contractor’s dream.
Hidden Drains — Hidden Grime!
Drains often give a negative first impression, as they’re a showcase for sludge and bacteria buildup. The Europeans, however, have discovered a solution that gives the illusion of a drain-free sink. The drain is built into the front of the sink as a slender trough, allowing the eye to overlook this simple line. Same is true for the overflow, which is placed at the back of the sink’s edge, complementing the style of the drain. Picture a drain with a front-lip cutout and thin tresses, allowing the water to spill down. Rather than an unkempt sink, it’s a visually appealing “drain-less” illusion.
An Organic, Industrial Twist
“The vibe at EuroCucina was organic yet industrial, with many exhibitors juxtaposing an experience of fragility with strength and durability,” Millard said. “It’s obvious the Italians love their marble, but there is also a sense of pride in the environment and clean living that blends with metals and woods carrying that organic-industrial vibe.
“In fact, Milan was filled with character and charm,” she added, “with its rugged textures bringing a fresh energy and imparting earthy, organic elements.”
Soft Curves With a Bold Element
“What I found interesting was the overwhelming mix of independent, geometric shapes blending soft and hard lines in a modern aesthetic,” Millard said. “Designers tend to stick with one shape in a space and play off of scale, pattern, texture and color. In Milan, it was a lovely surprise to see so many manufacturers and designers blurring the lines.”
