The past year has seen a huge change within the bathroom, the space evolving from focusing on the functional, clean and quick to becoming a room to luxuriate and enjoy a private moment of peace in. With this change has come a switch in the bathroom’s design, as the way it looks dramatically impacts its ambiance and the way it makes you feel. With wellbeing key to the space, these are the days of the soothing bathroom, one that instils a mood of calmness, tranquillity and spa-style relaxation, with good design at its core.
It’s a well-known phenomenon that when seeking comfort and solace, we often turn to the past. Nostalgia is a balm to the overworked mind, instantly reminding us of simpler times and making us feel grounded. An era that combines a sentimental and reflective feel with that of glamour, style, optimism and energy, for a mood boost there’s no better page in the history book to turn back to than the 1920s. A reaction against the hardship of World War I, the clean lines, straight edges, rounded angles and smoothness of the decade’s Art Deco movement renewed interest in pure beauty and the joy of aesthetics – a sentiment which underpins the Riviera Collection by Burlington.
The UK-designed Riviera Collection is a homage to the dynamism of the Art Deco 100 years after its inception. Offering a modernised, retro look for the bathroom and fitting into contemporary and period properties alike, the range fuses evocative 1920s design with up-to-date proportions and shapes. Encompassing an array of brassware, ceramics, WCs, vanity units and accessories, the Riviera Collection can populate the entire bathroom, or can be seamlessly mixed and matched with existing Burlington and Clearwater products.
Ceramics
Handcrafted with clay from Devon and Cornwall, Burlington’s Riviera Collection comprises a choice of six different wash basins in softly rounded D shapes and more angular squared pieces, both epitomising Art Deco elegance. There are basin options for bathrooms of every size, and the range includes freestanding full pedestals, wall mounted semi pedestals and cloakroom options, plus a choice of tapholes. WCs come in wall hung and back-to-wall models, with all ceramics decorated with linear 1920s detailing.
Vanity units
A fusion of smooth geometric lines and calming colours, the Riviera Collection vanity units meld the Art Deco with considered practical details. Available in two sizes and delivered fully assembled, each unit has a durable, UV-resistant coat to withstand the effects of sunlight exposure and the rigour of daily life, as well as a built-in shelf waiting for folded towels. Choose from Matt White, Matt Pink or Matt Blue to give your bathroom a playful 1920s flourish.
Brassware
In keeping with the Art Deco attitude that functional elements should be made attractive or hidden, the Riviera Collection’s brassware falls firmly into the good-looking category, made with the finest materials and manufacturing techniques, and incorporating innovative technology. Taps and mixers have perfectly cylindrical bodies and spouts, and are embellished with elegant 1920s-esque faceted handles. Bath brassware comprises rim mounted and floor-mounted fittings, showering brassware includes everything needed for over-bath and walk-in installations and basin brassware can be both wall mounted and freestanding in a variety of options. All pieces come in Chrome or a Gold finish, and are fitted with aerated flow spouts for a smooth champagne-style flow which is wonderfully soft to touch as well as reducing water usage.
Showers
A comprehensive showering solution, the Riviera Collection includes a single and dual outlet valve, a handset and hose, slide rail and a range of shower heads, all exemplifying the refined, considered Art Deco aesthetic. Thermostatic control valves ensure accurate temperature control and fast, safe cut-off, with the fixed showerhead featuring Airburst technology which creates the decadent sensation of showering in bubbles, while also saving water.
Accessories
Riviera Collection bathrooms can be dressed to impress with 1920s-inspired finishing touches, with Burlington’s coordinating Gold finish accessory range. Adorn your bathroom in jewellery-like soap dispensers and dishes, WC roll holders, towel rings, storage baskets, lighting, radiators, mirrors and more, each piece celebrating the wow factor and nostalgia of the Art Deco in all of its glory.
‘Burlington’s Riviera Collection is a throwback to the creativity and allure of the Roaring Twenties, embodying 1920s-style freedom of expression with an up-to-date twist,’ says Graeme Borchard, MD at UK Bathrooms. ‘The collection’s shapely lines and smooth forms bring Art Deco gracefulness to the bathroom at a time when we most need its positive philosophy, beauty and luxury feel.’