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Julie-Ann
06-10-2009, 10:05 AM
The International Bathroom and Tile Expo is held in Bologna, Italy every year. This is the largest expo for bathroom and tile manufacturers. The top designers from Italy and around the world show their latest collections.

There is so much I want to show you from the expo. So many beautiful, even some strange items. So I have decided to break it down in to 2 articles. Today I will show you some of the trends in bathroom fixtures. Tomorrow I will feature trends in tiles from the International Expo. And everyday after that I will post under the Home Decorating Forum some of the most interesting pieces that were on the show. I will show you my favourite vanity last, it is beautiful.



There was a definite trend with bathroom pieces, such as vanities, toilets and bidets towards being round or curved, to the extreme of many being egg shaped. This was across a broad range of companies and designers, not just one.

Picture 1
Disegno Sfera serie

Picture 2
Disegno Sfera serie

The few straight edged vanities were more rectangular than square. There were the irregular shapes as well, with many being a rectangle shape that was shorter on one end than the other, or the rectangle was skewed. There were square edged toilets with very narrow cisterns and seats that got wider towards the front, very contemporary looking.

Picture 3
Disegno Fluid collection

Several designers have introduced ranges that use traditional shapes, but they have given the shape a modern interpretation. Some of these were my favourites. Beautiful soft lines but something that doesn’t necessarily look like it belongs at Grandma’s house.

Picture 4
Designed by Meneghello Paolelli Associates
Jazz collection

Many companies have been working on being able to do a single cast with large items. Disegno have successfully done a single cast of a beautiful, traditional rolled top bath.


Another experiment with ceramics saw ranges of ceramic taps and several ranges of ceramic shower panels (shower columns). Shower panels feature the taps, shower sprays at various heights, and some include soap dishes as well. Most but not all continue up the shower and curve at the top to include the main shower rose (spray). These look like they are made from a resin type product, similar to some benchtops. Very smooth, clean lines.

Picture 5
Triton Supri Shower Tower

rachel
06-10-2009, 10:14 AM
Wow Julie-Anne, those pictures are amazing - love the shower!

My in-laws are actually in Bologna right now.

Julie-Ann
06-10-2009, 10:16 AM
Did they go to the expo?

rachel
06-10-2009, 10:25 AM
Nope - although I wish they would have! My mother-in-law has been studying Italian and my father-in-law has joined her for some eating and drinking :)

Julie-Ann
06-10-2009, 11:18 AM
Lucky them.
I love Italy especially all their contemporary furnishings.
Have a look at the tiles post I do tomorrow, a very big trend developing.

rachel
06-10-2009, 12:28 PM
Yay I'm looking forward to it!

(Although personally I hate tiles - grout gives me the heeby geebies. But that's another story)