Ireland’s
GUIDE
BathroomTrade
Spring 2025 Issue 08
2025 SONAS BATHROOM DESIGN OF THE YEAR – TU DUBLIN STUDENT WINNERS REVEALED
Sonas Bathrooms and TU Dublin (Technological University Dublin) announced the winners of the 2025 Bathroom Design of the Year. The overall winner is Honor Curé from Kilcolgan in Galway with Helen O’Brien from Carrickmines, Dublin in second place and Drogheda’s Amy Byrne taking third place.
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tudents of the Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design, led by one of Ireland’s best known interior designers Dr. NEVILLE KNOTT, were tasked to create a luxury bathroom for a contemporary hotel. There were seven finalists, with the three third year award-winning students receiving a certificate along with a cash prize. The overall winning design will be brought to life in a Sonas Studio display at one of the Sonas Retailers or exhibitions. Sonas has also sponsored all students with one year’s membership to the Interiors Association of Ireland. HONOR CURÉ was a very worthy overall winner who certainly achieved her goal of ‘creating a space influenced by Oriental design.’ The judges said, ‘This bathroom was awarded for its design originality and the specific combination of colours and materials that were very arresting. The concept of oriental chinoiserie, with the use of gold in the panels and the way this highlighted the Sonas brass fittings was stunning. The high gloss wood and wonderful colours made this a very exotic space. In terms of the Sonas goal to enable people to reimagine their bathrooms, this had it all. It was wonderful to see the Sonas products used to get a stunningly individual, unique and different bathroom design result.’ Speaking about her win, Honor said, ‘I am absolutely thrilled. I believe that the bathroom should be a space of serenity and calm, where you can give your body the care that it deserves and shut off your mind for a few moments from all your day-to-day thoughts or worries. I am delighted that the judges understood what I was trying to achieve.’ In second place was HELEN O’BRIEN who certainly achieved her ambition of creating a bathroom that radiated energy and boldness. The judges said, ‘There was superb originality in this bathroom with a great layout and combination of balance and colour that was really interesting and impactful. We loved the concept of revisiting the 1970’s through the graphic floor and the splitting of the room with
L-R FINALISTS AND OVERALL WINNER, HELEN O’BRIEN, HONOR CURÉ AND AMY BYRNE
the orange tile and grout was really clever. The attention to detail in this project really made it stand out. There was a freshness and cleanliness about the space – perfect for an energising morning with its retro European feel.’ And in third place, AMY BYRNE set out to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere that seamlessly blended modern elegance with natural elements. The judges said, ‘This bathroom was a very calm tranquil space which whispered sophistication and luxury. The inspiration from the Irish landscape with the nod to the marbling gave it a really considered feel and made it a truly grounded space. This would fit into any Irish home, whether a grand house or a cottage. A very sophisticated premium luxurious bathroom space with excellent use of Sonas products.’ Dr. Knott said, ‘This is a really exciting
competition for our students. As Sonas are Ireland’s leading bathroom brand, the students had the opportunity to explore a variety of themes and styles in bathroom design with products from their extensive range. Working on real life commercial projects is always a great experience for tomorrow’s designers and these students have really risen to the occasion with a wide range of amazing designs. I am extremely proud of the quality of their work.’ LOUISE MURPHY, Marketing Director said ‘Sonas Bathrooms are proud to support the next generation of designers and noted the extraordinarily high standard in entries to the competition. We really enjoy seeing the creativity of these students and how they brought colour and wellness to play in their vision of a luxury hotel ensuite. I look forward to seeing the winning bathroom brought to life in one of our displays.’
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF • IRELAND’S HOMES INTERIORS & LIVING MAGAZINE • IRELAND’S KITCHEN GUIDE • IRELAND’S KITCHEN TRADE GUIDE