SONAS Bathrooms • Summer 2023 • Styled by SONAS Magazine

MEET THE PRODUCT TEAM

LATEST DESIGN AND TRENDS

INSTALLATION TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

From THE EDITOR

As the world evolves, so does the role of bathrooms in our lives. No longer just functional spaces, as we spend more time at home, bathrooms have become a place where we can slow down and reconnect with ourselves. That's why we've created Styled by SONAS – a bathroom magazine dedicated to inspire, and help you create the bathroom of your dreams.

In this edition, we delve into the details that make a bathroom truly unique - We will share some of the most notable trends in the bathroom industry that are taking the design world by storm and showcase the newest SONAS products. As well as offer installation tips and advice on how to create your own personal sanctuary. Whether you're a designer, homeowner, or simply looking for some inspiration for your bathroom, we invite you to immerse yourself in this issue.

I hope you enjoy it,

SONAS Mood Board

Karla Santana

LATEST DESIGNS AND TRENDS

LATEST DESIGNS AND TRENDS

BLACK TO BASICS 1

In recent years, we have seen a huge shift towards colour in the bathroom and a move away from basic white wares. One colour that has proved particularly strong in the last five years has been black. Initially considered a fad, black has curated its own space as a dominant colour within interiors, due to its simplicity, timeless and minimal appeal.

Anne-Marie

Craig,

SONAS Nationwide Showroom

Designer, discusses the use of black in bathroom design. “I love working with black, and creating monochrome spaces when designing. I think it’s so simple, yet effective. People are sometimes concerned that the absence of colour is going to somehow make the space feel cold or clinical. When really, what you get is quite a restful and tranquil space.” In the latest edition of the SONAS brochure, black is heavily featured within the Scandinavian Collection of furniture. Its tone allows for so much versatility when reimagining and designing your perfect bathroom. A strong and independent colour, it can be mixed with multiple fixtures in different finishes such as Chrome, Brushed Gold and Brushed Nickel. Anne-Marie says of the latest additions, “I’m delighted that we’ve added the Matt Black to the Scandinavian Collection.

As a designer it’s such a versatile colour to work with. I think it captures the essence of Scandinavian design also, as the finished design is quite minimal and clean.”

SONAS have seen an increase in demand of over 100% for black products since 2020, across product categories such as shower enclosures, brassware, accessories and even sanitaryware.

Black is back – and it is sure to stand the test of time.

1/ ALITA Floor Standing Bath Shower Mixer in Matt Black 2/ ALITA Smooth Wall Mounted Basin Mixer in Matt Black

3/ AVANTI Back To Wall WC in Carbon Black

STOCKHOLM 120cm Floor Standing in Matt Black

ECHO Round in Matt Black

DOUBLE UP DESIGN FOR TWO

With the new range of SONAS Scandinavian Collection double vanity units, you can enjoy a shared bathroom without having to sacrifice personal space. Double vanities are a great design solution for couples who have busy mornings, offering additional storage and allowing the space to be shared for both at the same time. The added countertop space gives the users plenty of freedom to use the space without fuss and clutter.

As a design feature, the double vanities offer a great opportunity to introduce colour into your design, as well as mixing materials to add interest and personality to your bathroom.

1/ SKÅL Round Countertop Basin in Cashmere Pink

STOCKHOLM 120cm Wall Hung in Cashmere Pink

4/ AVANTI Oval Countertop Basin in Parisian Blue

3/ SKÅL Oval Countertop Basin in Morning Sky Blue

AVANTI Round Countertop Basin in Forest Green

“For many couples, double basins and vanities are a real life-saver and lead to more harmonious relationships. They can really help the busy morning routine when people need access to the bathroom at the same time.”

Aoife Tobin, Interior Designer at Style So Simple.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS BRUSHED GOLD

When we think of gold fixtures in bathrooms, our minds take us back to the latter part of the 20th century when antique gold was a prominent colour used in traditional bathroom settings. Fast forward to the 21st century and gold has taken on a new meaning within the bathroom space. Brushed Gold has proven to be a contemporary staple in interior and bathroom designs. When used subtly, its warming effect stands out as a focal point within the bathroom design. It has also proven to be extremely versatile when mixed with other colours, as demonstrated with the SONAS Scandinavian collection.

This edition of the SONAS Bathrooms collections sees the introduction of the popular Aspect Enclosure range launched in Brushed Gold. Whilst it might seem bold to introduce an enclosure in Brushed Gold, the tone is quite muted and yet still creates an impact in the overall design. Coupled with subtle finishing touches in showers and accessories, the Aspect Brushed Gold enclosures are sure to be a popular choice in many bathroom designs.

ALITA Rain Thermostatic Shower Kit in Brushed Gold

ARCANA Toothbrush Holder in Brushed Gold

LUTA Freestanding Basin Mixer in Brushed Gold

ARYA Towel Warmer in Brushed Gold

Sliding Door in Brushed Gold

REFLECTION IS AN ECHO 4

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, “echo is the voice of a reflection in a mirror”. The designer range of Echo ambient mirrors launching this edition, speaks to the importance of mirror selection in bathroom design.

Often an afterthought, mirrors are one of the most prominent and frequently used products in any bathroom. Furthermore, mirrors are not just a product of reflection, but speak to the overall ambience and tone of our bathroom design.

ECHO Segment

The use of lighting, shape and size, all play a significant part in designing a bathroom and your choice of mirror is key. The Echo range features 5 distinct designs, multiple sizes and the availability of coloured frames in selected designs.

The use of ambient, or indirect lighting, ensures that the light bounces off your wall and back into the bathroom space, reverberating like an echo. This use of ambient lighting creates a calming experience and captures the focal points within your bathroom design.

The Echo range uses two switch functions, to offer user control over light and heat. Most illuminated mirrors use one control switch that controls both light and the demister heat pad. This is an inefficient use of energy, as you do not always require both on at the same time. So, the Echo range is far more energy efficient. Oh, and did we mention that our mirrors are powered by SAMSUNG LED??

5

DIVE INTO THE WONDER OF COLOUR

Who knew something as simple as a coloured bath could make such a statement?

For many years, white baths have been the go-to choice for homeowners. It was seen as the safe and conventional choice, and it was the one option that was most widely available. But times are changing, and people are starting to realise that they don't have to stick with the norm.

Coloured baths are making a comeback, and they're quickly becoming the new must-have item for anyone looking to add some personality to their home. It's no longer about playing it safe - it's about making a statement and expressing your individuality. Your home reflects your personality, and the bathroom is no exception. It's a chance to create a space that truly represents who you are. Designers are embracing the trend of coloured baths because they're versatile and can be used to create a wide range of different styles and moods. A bold, bright bath can add a pop of energy and excitement to the space, while a more muted tone can create a calming and soothing atmosphere.

Pairing a coloured bath with a matching vanity is a great way to create a cohesive and visually stunning bathroom design. Here are a few other options to consider:

1. Match your vanity to your bath for a cohesive look: Opt for a vanity in a complementary shade to the bath, which can help create a unified look in your bathroom.

2. Make a statement with a contrasting colour: Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate a vibrant and contrasting colour.

Adding a dynamic layer creates depth and dimension to your design but also serves as a testament to your unique style.

3. Let your bath be the star of the show: Choose a vanity in a neutral tone to allow your coloured bath to be the standout feature in the space.

Customise the exterior of your freestanding bath in any RAL colour possible, available in more than 2500 colours, you're sure to find the perfect shade to match your personality and style.

With a multitude of colour possibilities to choose from, why live in a neutral world? It’s time for you to reimagine life with hues that you have never seen before.

Let SONAS colour your imagination!

6 FROM THE HOTTEST FIRE COMES THE STRONGEST STEEL

New to this edition are the Arya Stainless Steel towel warmers, available in four finishes – Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Gold & Brushed Nickel. Setting itself apart from the rest, the Arya range offers an upgraded material choice by utilising stainless steel instead of the standard mild steel commonly found in other ladder rails. The Arya range offers better heat retention, better durability and a superior finish. Make sure your bathroom design is completed with the strength and durability of Arya.

1/ ARYA Stainless Steel Towel Warmer in Brushed Nickel

AND TO FINISH…

No bathroom design is complete without the finishing touch. When reimagining and designing your perfect bathroom space, there are so many things to consider. Alongside other important considerations, such as layout and functionality, one essential aspect to take into consideration is the selection of accessories and brassware finishes – small details that hold significant importance in enhancing your overall aesthetic.

SONAS have extended coloured finishes into a number of our most popular product ranges, such as the Arcana accessories, now available in Brushed Gold & Brushed Nickel. The Luta & Scope basin mixers, available in Matt Black, Brushed Gold & Nickel. Whatever your design style is, SONAS have the finishing touches you require to make your bathroom space complete.

5/ ARCANA Toilet Roll Holder in Brushed Gold

2/ ARCANA Robe Hook in Brushed Nickel 4/ SCOPE Basin Mixer in Matt Black

3/ ARCANA Towel Ring in Brushed Gold

6/ ARCANA Toothbrush Holder in Brushed Nickel

DESIGNING A BRIGHT FUTURE

In 2022, SONAS Bathrooms & TU Dublin School of Art and Design launched the Bathroom Design of the Year award in association with the Interiors Association of Ireland.

The competition is for third year students of the Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design at TUD, which is led by one of Irelands best know interior designers, Dr Neville Knott.

Now in its second year, the brief for students is to create a luxury bathroom design for a contemporary hotel. What was most refreshing was the depth and and variety in the designs produced by the students.

SONAS Design of the Year Finalists: Isobel McCann, Niamh Mynes, Georgia Robinson, winner Anna Szwagrzyk, Niamh Tighe, Nicholas Conneally, Richard Sloan (SONAS Bathrooms CEO)

Dr Knott said, “This has been a really exciting competition for our students. As SONAS are the largest supplier of bathroom products in Ireland, 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.”

This sentiment was further echoed by SONAS Bathrooms CEO Richard Sloan, “We 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 sustainability, wellness and technology to play in the modern bathroom. It will be wonderful to bring the winning bathroom to life in one of our retailer showrooms.”

The participants received a certificate for their designs, along with a cash prize.

The overall winning design will be brought to life in a SONAS Studio later this year. The winning design went to Anna Szwagrzyk. According to the judges, the originality of design and the harmonious use of colour, materials and texture were the determining factors in awarding Anna with first place.

It is clear to see that the world of bathroom design has a bright future ahead.

Jackie Carton, President of the Interiors Association of Ireland said “It is wonderful to see Irish companies investing in the designers of the future. And what a future that is – I have been blown away by the talents I witnessed as part of the judging panel.”

“It is wonderful to see Irish companies investing in the designers of the future.”

Jackie Carton, President of the Interiors Association of Ireland

Jackie Carton (President of the Interiors Association of Ireland), Richard Sloan (SONAS Bathrooms CEO), Anna Szwagrzyk (Competition Winner), Dr Neville Knott (Leading Interior Designer).

Winning Design by Anna Szwagrzyk

MEET THE PRODUCT AND DESIGN TEAM

Aoife Farrell (Graphic Designer), Junkal Arenaza (Product Analyst), James Quinn (Product Developer), Barry McGrath (Product Designer), Hillary Oaker (Graphic Designer), Francisc Pentek (Product Developer), Karla Santana (Marketing Executive).

Behind every great SONAS product is a team of imaginative experts, who generate ideas, transcend creative limitations and deliver carefully designed products to meet customer needs. The product and design team at SONAS Bathrooms embodies the company’s core values, through supportive and open collaboration, the team continuously strive to deliver ambitious, innovative designs that deliver long term sustainable vitality for the product offering and the business. The team is made up of seven – two product developers, a product designer, product analyst, product marketing executive and two graphic designers. Spanning three continents and five nationalities, the Product & Design team are tasked with designing and developing all of the company’s new products, with full ownership of design and specification managed in house.

The team have been busy preparing the company’s 2023 second edition brochure, which launches this July. There are a number of new products and trends that they have been working on. “It’s very fast paced and there’s always something to do, with deadlines to meet – but that’s what makes it fun. Everyone rows together, and we all play a part in developing the product and delivering it to market”, Junkal Arenaza – Product Analyst.

The dynamic duo of Francisc Pentek, a qualified engineer and James Quinn, a stalwart within the bathroom industry for the last 25 years, are the team’s product developers. Together, they oversee and manage the development of new products across the companies ten product categories. “Our role is to look at the market, understand the customer needs and see how we can address this, either by enhancing existing products or developing new innovative designs”, says Francisc Pentek. The team carries out a lot of research as part of their product development process, generating new ideas and prototypes to

present to sales teams and customers. James Quinn added, “The most important part of developing a new product is understanding how it will be accepted by the customer once we’ve introduced it to market. Their valuable insights play an instrumental role in shaping and perfecting our innovative offerings." The responsibility for design of these products sits with Barry McGrath, Product Designer. “I love working with James and Francisc, and digesting the brief for what the design requires. Francisc is quite technically minded, whereas James is very customer centric.

“Everyone rows together, and we all play a part in developing the product and delivering it to market”

Junkal Arenaza, Product Analyst

As a designer, it’s a great balance between the two guys and helps bridge the boundaries between function and design. I think that’s why it works so well.” Once the product has been designed and developed, it is then handed over to the marketing and graphic designers to translate those designs and product benefits.“Our job is to tell the why, the story behind the products and how our products make people feel”, Karla Santana, Marketing Executive. “The team does an outstanding job designing and developing our products, and I am aware of the significant influence that effective messaging has on our customers. So, we need to ensure that our message hits the mark.”.

The company’s main communication tool for showcasing their products is their brochure, managed by Aoife Farrell, Graphic Designer. “As a graphic designer, I understand the importance of accurately representing the hard work and dedication that goes into designing and developing our products. Crafting the imagery and layout of the brochure is a crucial responsibility that I take seriously. Recent independent research*, indicates that printed brochures play a significant role in the bathroom consumer journey, with over two thirds of consumers relying on them for information. Therefore, it is essential that we structure the brochure in a manner that enables customers to envision our products in their homes with ease.”

The team was recently joined by their newest member, Hillary Oaker as a graphic designer. “I’ve only just joined the team and straight away I was made to feel so welcome. What’s great is that the team are genuinely interested in my ideas and what I have to contribute.” The team and overall product development is overseen by the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ger Fahy, who has been with the business for nearly seven years now. “I think the main strength of the team is the individuality each member brings.

I love how this influences the dynamic of our work. Everyone has something to contribute and with so many perspectives, we get a great blend of ideas that helps us deliver products that the consumer is looking for.” Product vitality is a key metric for the team, ensuring that the offering remains fresh and ahead of new trends. The team are already developing new products for their 2024 collection with some exciting collections that will no doubt enhance the vitality SONAS brings to the bathroom industry across the UK & Ireland.

“As a graphic designer, I understand the importance of accurately representing the hard work and dedication that goes into designing and developing our products”

Aoife Farrell, Graphic Designer

ECHO ARENA Mirror Collection

AMURA Horizontal Double Panel

FINLAND 120mm Countertop Unit in Matt Black

SKÅL

Countertop Basins in Matt Black

ALITA Accessories in Brushed Gold

WATER-WISE: THE EASY ECO-FRIENDLY UPGRADE

In a world where water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, it becomes increasingly evident that each and every one of us must step forward and take responsibility. Bathroom products never stop evolving and small changes in our daily routines, such as adopting efficient bathroom products, and practising mindful water usage, can collectively create a significant impact.

Embrace the Power of Low-Flow Fixtures

Your daily shower may be refreshing, but it can also be a major source of water wastage. Traditional thermostatic showers deliver 12 litres of water per minute without us even realising it. That's where flow restrictors come to the rescue. These innovative fixtures use advanced technology to maintain water pressure while significantly reducing water consumption. By using flow restrictors you can enjoy your shower while using up to 50% less water.

With ALITA range of water-saving exposed showers, equipped with an optional 6 l/min flow restrictor, you can lather up guilt-free, knowing that you're conserving water without compromising on performance.

Flush Away Waste, Not Water

Toilets play a significant role when it comes to water wastage in the bathroom. The standard singleflush toilets often use a substantial

amount of water, regardless of the waste being flushed away. But fear not, there's a smarter alternative available: PEÑA and VIA watersaving toilets. These innovative fixtures are designed to operate on a mere 4/2.6 litres of water per flush. Compared to standard toilets, these low-flush options allow you to reduce water consumption by up to 30% with each use. Low-flush toilets are a game-changer, striking the perfect balance between hygiene and water conservation.

Yvonne Orgill, Managing Director of the Unified Water Label Association (UWLA), expressed her excitement and extended a heartfelt welcome to SONAS, recognizing the valuable contributions they bring to the association. "We are absolutely thrilled to have SONAS become a part of the UWLA," Orgill emphasised the significance of collaboration in achieving tangible results. "By working together with SONAS, we can maximize our collective efforts to embrace the cleaner, greener bathroom revolution and truly make a difference. Together, we have the power to influence behaviour and inspire positive changes in how individuals and organizations consume resources." She added, "With their expertise and dedication, we can continue to raise awareness, foster innovation, and implement effective strategies that promote water and energy conservation."

Orgill, Managing Director of the Unified Water Label Association (UWLA)

“By working together with SONAS, we can maximize our collective efforts to embrace the cleaner, greener bathroom revolution and truly make a difference.”

Yvonne

ALITA Rain Thermostatic Shower in Chrome

INSTALLATION TIPS

SONAS also gets products independently tested to match the performance standards. And whilst we do what we can to ensure the quality of our products, it is equally as important that the products are installed correctly.

Gavin McGarry, Quality and Compliance Manager

The importance of the installer

When embarking on a bathroom makeover, one of the most important things to consider is who you will get to install your bathroom – make your design a reality. Installation is key to a quality end product, and finding a qualified installer who knows what they are doing is a must, according to Quality and Compliance manager Gavin McGarry.

McGarry oversees the quality and compliance checks on all products introduced to the market by SONAS Bathrooms. The products undergo rigorous testing to guarantee that they meet the necessary CE & UKCA standards.

“Everyone has an expectation that their bathroom will be installed to a standard of quality, and so they should. However, this is not always the case, as some people often take on the project themselves or engage with someone who is not trained and qualified in the area. You’re going to invest a lot of time and money in your design and products. My advice would be to make sure that you invest the same amount in your installation.”

Working with a qualified installer has many benefits. As specialists, installers have plenty of experience with bathroom installs and can quickly identify and fix problems.

They can help you with your design and layout, offering advice on what products will work with your home heating and water systems. They can work to a specific timeline, ensuring your project stays on track, and more importantly within your budget.

“We often see issues that arise out of poor installation. It’s a shame, because consumers have invested so much time, energy and finance into their homes. So, what they thought they were saving initially, ends up costing more retrospectively to fix the issues.”

Design, Product and Installation – the

holy trinity of quality bathrooms.

Installers Tip – SEAL It!

Tomas Walsh of Walsh Tiling and Bathrooms has been fitting quality bathrooms for over ten years now. We asked him what advice he would give to homeowners when they are undertaking a bathroom refurb project.

“We’re doing multiple installs every week, and we see so many different designs based on our client’s individuality and personal

choice. One thing we always do and would advise any homeowner considering a bathroom refurb, is to ensure that you use a quality seal around wet areas, such as shower trays and baths, assuring protection from leaks, further down the line”.

SONAS launched their own sealing product, the SONAS Safe Seal last year. SONAS Safe Seal is innovative in its design by using

a taller membrane that combines two multiaxial polymer layers that are reinforced with a textile woven fleece and an extruded butyl adhesive tape. The added advantage of the two polymer multiaxial layers ensures a dual seal, one at the back and on the top of the shower tray or bathtub. The product is a firm favourite with installers and is available nationwide.

Real Bathrooms, in Real HOMES.

Take a picture of our products in your bathroom and share them with us through our social media channels.

Dont forget to add the hashtag #mySONAS

TEL ROI/NI: +353 (01) 817 9755

SALES ROI/NI: info@sonasbathrooms.com

TEL GB: 0345 6012343

SALES GB: sales@sonasbathrooms.co.uk

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