“Necessity is the mother of invention”, so the famous saying goes. And it’s certainly true that the unprecedented events of last year have led to huge changes within the world of retail and design. Like many other high-end interiors brands, since the emergence of COVID-19, we have had to be resilient and resourceful to adapt the way we work. So, I’m very proud to unveil the next stage in our evolution: our new inspirational bathroom showroom. Through this exciting digital initiative, our clients can enjoy a new, immersive experience – and browse our carefully curated collections –anywhere in the world, at any time. In today’s ‘new normal’, I believe it makes perfect sense to showcase every special piece and design in this way.
Navigating our new virtual bathroom showroom is quick and easy. You’ll find there are options to ‘watch the video’ or ‘take a look around’. My team and I have created a collection of industrial-style bathroom displays, with a contemporary East London vibe. Each room-set features a selection of Origins Living products, such as bathroom mirrors, storage solutions and accessories, alongside distinctive sanitaryware, fixtures and fittings. If you hover over the links, you see the name of every individual piece on display. And if you click the link, you access more in-depth information, such as price points and where to buy.
Our new virtual bathroom showroom is open and ready to welcome you, at any time, from anywhere. No appointment necessary! Visit the home page on our website here
Bathroom showroom aims and objectives
I created this new virtual bathroom showroom in partnership with Virtual Worlds. My vision was to produce a sensory journey in an ultra-realistic setting – to create an inspirational gallery for people to view as if they were physically there. If we were to build a real showroom, this is exactly how it would look. My team and I treated the brief as it were a physical showroom, even down to the colour of the bricks and walls.
It was time-consuming, but highly worthwhile. It’s an important development – and not just because of the pandemic. Lockdowns notwithstanding, virtual showrooms are an ideal way to showcase designer products, and facilitate viewings at a time and place that’s convenient. There’s no need to travel, and no opening times to organise. So, this sort of interactive initiative offers insight, inspiration and cohesion. However good a website is, it’s easier to make decisions when you see sets together.
It’s important to emphasise that we have created our new virtual bathroom showroom with retailers and design professionals in mind. Seeing products on display like this makes everything so much easier for everyone involved. And it’s enjoyable to explore luxury bathroom décor in inspirational surroundings. But it’s practical, too. We have linked each item to its unique product page on our website, where all the technical information is listed.
Our luxury virtual showroom even includes a striking water feature with fish, to help create a sense of peace and calm
Bathroom showroom style and structure
The building design of our virtual bathroom showroom is based on the surrounding architecture of Whitechapel High Street. The shape and stone façade of the Whitechapel Gallery was an influence and the industrial interiors of local warehouses. Overall, the space was designed to reflect East London bohemian creativity. When visitors (virtually) enter, they are welcomed into a sea of calmness. We wanted to create a space that reflects the very essence of wellness and a sense of peace.
The right combination of mirrors can make or break a bathroom. Our virtual showroom showcases our extensive selection in an easy-to-browse gallery format
Everything begins with a wall of mirrors, which take centre stage and create a gallery feel. I see our mirrors as a work of art, so it makes sense to display them in the same way you would paintings. I must also highlight our distinctive wall of accessories, which we showcase in a way that makes it easy to view and compare complete ranges. Sectioned together, you can view each accessory with related items. Other special touches include running taps and a shower to replicate the reality of a physical bathroom showroom.
Our distinctive wall of accessories makes it easy for designers and retailers to view and compare complete ranges
“I am very pleased with the results, and have been overwhelmed by the feedback and positive comments,” says Virtual Worlds Lauren Sutton. “Sofia had a clear idea of how she wanted her virtual showroom space to look. We worked hard to bring that idea to life…Whether you are a brand or a retailer, with or without a physical showroom, we can provide your business with a clever and interactive marketing tool that creates a uniquely designed shopping experience for the consumer.”
Japandi virtual bathroom case study
Our Japandi bathroom blends elements of both Japanese and Scandinavian design, using natural materials and a muted colour palette to create a minimalist haven of wellbeing
Our new, bespoke showroom includes a Japandi virtual bathroom case study. Best described as a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, it’s one of my favourite styles. Japandi combines natural materials, minimalism and a muted colour palette. With wellbeing now at the forefront of so many people’s minds, we wanted to create a room-set which reflected this important ‘me time’ element.
Colours, shapes and textures play an important role in Japandi design, as does storage. So, we combined both open and closed storage options. This helps to create a clutter-free zone, while still allowing scope for expressing individual style. This was achieved through a mix of our Pier black glass shelves in alcoves, and our S5 Fahrenheit corner shower shelves. We also chose our Tate Light rectangular mirror to create a striking focal point.
Transitional virtual bathroom case study
Take a tour of our on-trend transitional bathroom from the comfort of your own home or office
Transitional design typically refers to a balanced blend of the contemporary and the traditional. So there’s plenty of scope to mix different genres. Mixing things up is a significant new trend in luxury bathroom designs, so I felt a transitional space would be a perfect fit within our new bathroom showroom. We selected both traditional and Art Deco elements, and combined both classic and contemporary accents.
Above all, we wanted to convey a sense of sumptuous relaxation, and create a retreat that offered an escape from the outside world. We chose the 140cm x 70cm version of our Ravenna Light Mirror to make a strong style statement, placing it above the eye-catching Nickel Boat bath by BC Designs. We then framed this mirror with a living wall, to bring elements of nature inside. This biophilic feature softens the space, and adds a subtle touch of colour. We also introduced a smaller version of our Ravenna Light mirror, sited above the basin. There’s plenty of open bathroom storage, courtesy of our functional yet stylish Pier Box Storage shelf system. In terms of accessories, we showcased our Tecno Project collection (which includes a towel ring, handy hooks, soap dish and dispenser) in brushed nickel, to complement the statement bath.
We are always on the look-out for new partners, in the UK and internationally. If you’d like to find out more about working with us, please click here.
