Antibacterial tiles by Marazzi win Best Domestic Design: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021

The article highlights the winners and shortlisted entries for the Best Domestic Design category in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021, focusing on products that enhance comfort, safety, and aesthetics in the home environment. The top honor goes to Marazzi's Carácter antibacterial tiles, recognized for their innovative Puro antibacterial technology. This technology, incorporated into ceramic surfaces, effectively eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. The Carácter collection is the first of three from the Italian manufacturer to feature this permanent treatment, offering continuous antibacterial protection without the need for external activation. These stone-effect tiles, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications in residential, commercial, and public spaces, are available in natural tones with minimal or pebbled textures. They are composed of 40% recycled materials and come in various sizes, also integrating anti-slip StepWise technology. This product is celebrated for its blend of sophisticated design and practical innovation, making it a valuable addition to any home. The shortlisted products reflect a growing consumer desire for comfort, safety, and beauty in their living spaces, especially given the increased time spent at home. Among these is the revived Beogram 4000c turntable by Bang & Olufsen. This iconic 1970s model has been re-engineered through an initiative to reimagine classic products, showcasing Bang & Olufsen's expertise in sound, design, craftsmanship, and commitment to product longevity. Engineers meticulously restored 95 original turntables, disassembling, cleaning, and upgrading components such as adding a touch-sensitive control panel and RIAA phono pre-amplifiers for modern speaker compatibility. The design was refreshed with a warmer champagne-toned aluminum, a hand-crafted wooden frame, and a new cover, all while preserving the original aesthetic. Another shortlisted entry is the collaboration between Georg Jensen and Philips, resulting in a new collection of audio products. This range includes pebble-shaped portable Bluetooth speakers characterized by Georg Jensen’s signature polished ‘slate blue’ steel and a luxurious, acoustically transparent blue-grey Kvadrat fabric. The collection also features wireless Bluetooth headphones and a wireless power bank crafted from dark leather, demonstrating a successful fusion of classic design and new technology. Nicholas Manville, Georg Jensen's chief creative officer, noted the challenge and learning experience of designing for technology while incorporating iconic expressions into new frontiers. Armani/Dada's 'Midnight' cocktail cabinet also made the shortlist, offering a sophisticated alternative to a traditional drinks trolley. This collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Molteni&C; presents a sizable bar unit with a sink, sliding trays, ample storage, and space for an integrated wine cellar. Its functionality is discreetly hidden behind Japanese-inspired gilded doors with vertical walnut rod inserts and champagne satin aluminum details. The cabinet boasts a Rosa Portogallo marble countertop equipped with cocktail-making accessories, including an ice-holder and cutting board. An optional LED lighting structure frames the marble back, featuring a wooden shelf with built-in LED lights and golden metal wine glass holders, elevating the home entertaining experience. Finally, Marco Piva's 'Aura' and 'Astro' bathroom sinks for Antonio Lupi are recognized for their distinctive design. Resembling melting ice-cubes, these free-standing sinks are crafted from Cristalmood, a smooth, eco-sustainable resin manually poured into molds, then sanded and polished to achieve a bright, imperfect-free finish. The Milanese designer integrated LED lighting, available in 13 Cristalmood colors, enhancing their luminous quality. The hidden drain and siphon contribute to their sculptural presence, highlighting the material's ability to create unique forms previously unachievable with other materials, as explained by Antonio Lupi’s art director, Andrea Lupi. These designs exemplify the convergence of art, functionality, and sustainability in contemporary home furnishings. #WallpaperDesignAwards #AntibacterialTiles #MarazziCarácter #HomeDesignInnovation #BangOlufsen #BeogramTurntable #GeorgJensenPhilips #BluetoothSpeakers #ArmaniDada #CocktailCabinet #BathroomSinks #CristalmoodResin #DomesticDesign #InteriorDesign #WallpaperDesignAwards #AntibacterialTiles #MarazziCarácter #HomeDesignInnovation #BangOlufsen #BeogramTurntable #GeorgJensenPhilips #BluetoothSpeakers #ArmaniDada #CocktailCabinet #BathroomSinks #CristalmoodResin #DomesticDesign #InteriorDesign