SONAS Bathroom Design of the Year - TU Dublin Student Winners Announced

Winners Announced for the 2024 Bathroom Design of the Year

SONAS Bathrooms and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), proudly announces the winners of the SONAS Bathroom Design of the Year 2024. This competition celebrates future designers and paves the way for new standards in luxury hotel bathroom design.

Announcing the Winners

First Place: Bianca Cirdei from Drumcondra, Dublin 9, whose design perfectly blends luxury and contemporary themes.

Runners-Up: Praise Akintokun of Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, and Ania Pop from Dunboyne, Co Meath, both showcasing exceptional creativity.

With the guidance of one of Irelands best known Interior Designers, Dr. Neville Knott, the students were tasked with creating a luxury bathroom design for a contemporary hotel.

Competition Highlights

Though not easy, every student rose to the challenge, with each design reflecting their unique style and point of view. Dr. Knott praised all the entrants, noting that, "working on real life commercial projects is always a great experience for tomorrow's designers."

Winner - Bianca Cirdei

Bianca Cirdei's Design - Overall Winner SONAS 2024 Bathroom Design of the Year.

This bathroom captured the attention of the judges due to the use of contrast throughout the room. Featuring an array of peach tones, it is clear Bianca took  inspiration from the Pantone Colour of the Year 2024 - Peach Fuzz. The room feels warm and welcoming with perfect use of light and colour. Working perfectly in any hotel environment, Bianca showed forward-thinking on how people would use the space. Her design has a high quality finish and some great incorporation of SONAS Products.

Runner-up - Praise Akintokun

Praise Akintokun's Design - Second Place SONAS 2024 Bathroom Design of the Year.

Praise's Bathroom embodies organic shapes and colours giving a very natural look to the bathroom. Pairing these with gold accessories produces a fantastic contrast and completes the luxurious feeling, making the design perfect in any hotel. With some fantastic product incorporation, Praise has created a bathroom full of vibrancy.

Runner-up - Ania Pop

Ania Pop's Design - Third Place SONAS 2024 Bathroom Design of the Year.

This bathroom was inspired by the abyssal zone of the ocean. Ania was interested in creating a feeling of the mysterious depths of the ocean. The room feels luxurious, with gold accents throughout, creating a very relaxing atmosphere far away from the outside world. Ania fully realised the underwater effect by incorporating a reflective ceiling.

Comments from Industry Leaders

Louise Murphy, SONAS Marketing Director, was in attendance at the awards, remarking that, "SONAS Bathrooms are proud to support the next generation of designers." Louise further noted the extraordinarily high standard in entries to the competition, stating "we really enjoy seeing the creativity of these students and how they brought wellness and technology to play in their vision of a luxury hotel ensuite."

Jackie Carton, President of the Interiors Association of Ireland, also had high praise for the students: "I have been blown away by the talents I witnessed as part of the judging panel."

Supporting Design Careers

The award-winning students received a certificate alongside a cash prize for their efforts. In addition, Bianca Cirdei's design will be brought to life at one of SONAS's retail partner locations or a future SONAS exhibition.

SONAS are also proud to sponsor all students with a one year membership for the Interiors Association of Ireland. Jackie Carton, IA President,  said "It is wonderful to see Irish companies investing in the designers of the future... The Interiors Association also appreciates SONAS Bathrooms sponsoring student membership of this entire class, as it provides them with great support at the start of their careers."

A look back at 2023

Last year, the overall winner of the SONAS 2023 Bathroom Design of the Year was Anna Szwagrzyk from Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Followed by Niamh Tighe of Knocklyon, Dublin 16 in second place and Georgia Robinson from Bray, Co Wicklow in third place.

SONAS Finalists at the SONAS 2023 Bathroom Design of the Year.

Finalists - 2023 SONAS Bathroom Design of the Year

According to the judges, Anna Szwagrzyk winning design "scored highest due to its great originality of design and how colour was used in such a harmonious manner. Anna took a considered risk in using a wide range of colours, materials, and textures, but the balance and overall use of space works really well, leading to a stunning final result.”

Anna Szwagrzyk's 2023 Winning Design.

Second Place runner up, Niamh Tighe's use of a bold magenta colour combined with monochrome gave her bathroom instant impact. It was a clever, simple design proving that less is more. Third Place runner up, Georgia Robinson's design is ambitious and original with boutique hotel vibes. There was a strong art deco revivalist feel to it, with brave use of materials, great layout and storage options.

(L-R) SONAS Bathrooms Design of the Year Winners Niamh Tighe 2nd place, Georgia Robinson 3rd and 1st place, Anna Szwagrzyk