Everyone appreciates a beautifully outfitted bathroom, whether it’s in a residential, hospitality, or office environment — and doubly so when one is an architect or interior designer. So, when world-renowned A&D figures transition from specifying to actually designing the bath fixtures, the expectations run high and the outcomes frequently deliver (with some exceptions, of course). We take a look at some recent successful designer-manufacturer collaborations.
Kallista’s Taper by BIG was designed by Bjarke Ingels.
Bjarke Ingels for Kallista: Taper by BIG
The Danish architect described this fixture and accessory collection as having been born out of the “holistic strategy of creating one simple shape transition that offers a lot of character without excess.” Indeed, the series is sleek and stripped down and includes 14 pieces from a one-piece faucet and complementing handles to a tub spout and toilet paper holder. All are finished standard in chrome, nickel silver, and brushed nickel but can be special ordered in gunmetal, black nickel, bronze, antique or weathered bronze, polished or matte gold, and antique or sterling silver.
Duravit’s DuraStyle is a commercial and residential bath line by Matteo Thun.
Matteo Thun and Partners for Duravit: DuraStyle
This line of sophisticated wall-mount and floor-standing fixtures and furniture includes not only residential, but contract- and hospitality-grade pieces. Fixtures run the gamut from toilets and urinals to wash basins and soaking tubs. The at-once elegant and understated furniture units can be specified with open or drawer/cabinet storage and are offered in dark chestnut, European oak, matte white, or matte basalt finishes. Mirrors with integrated LED lighting round out the mix.
Mark Zeff originally designed Watermark’s H-Line for a luxury residential building near the High Line.
Mark Zeff for Watermark Designs: H-Line
Geared toward residential and commercial markets alike, this collection was originally conceived by interior designer Mark Zeff for a condominium building near New York City’s famous High Line (hence the name). To honor its namesake, the faucets straddle the historic and the modern, combining straight, square forms with gently curving lines. Escutcheon levers have bases engraved with H and C. Matching tub fillers, shower systems, and diverter levers are also available.
Like its name hints, THG-Paris’s Métamorphose by Olivia Putman shape-shifts.
Studio Putman for THG-Paris: Métamorphose
Designed by the firm’s Olivia Putman, this collection is a study in three-dimensional geometry: the faucets start out with a cylinder but subtly shift into a rectangular shape before shifting back to a round form in the end. The designer’s passion for materials is exhibited in the small details such as optional space-tech carbon fiber or fine, jewelry-quality ceramic inlays for the lever handles. The fixtures, which also include tub and shower valve systems, are offered in chrome, nickel, rhodium silver, soft gold, or rose gold.
Two European mega brands — Kartell and Laufen — come together in this collection designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba.
Palomba Serafini Associati for Laufen: Kartell by Laufen
Husband-and-wife team Ludovica and Roberto Palomba have had other collaborations with Laufen, but their most recent project was unique in that it was a three-way collaboration with Kartell. The line consists of toilets, bidets, tubs, sinks, faucets, furniture, lighting, and accessories, some of which highlight, of course, Kartell’s colorful polycarbonate material.
One of the latest collaborations between Philippe Starck and Duravit, ME by Starck offers a wide array of ceramic fixtures enabling more design freedom.
Philippe Starck for Duravit: ME by Starck
Instead of a singular style, this collection offers a comprehensive selection of ceramic sanitary ware in different styles and weights — though all with a modern undertone — to suit a variety of bathroom settings. It includes vanity, basin-style, undermount, and pedestal sinks; freestanding and inset bathtubs; sculptural one-piece, floor-standing, or wall-mounted toilets and bidets; and shower trays.