Meet the maker: Kast
Known for its sculptural, colourful designs and deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship, Kast creates statement pieces that bring individuality into bathroom spaces. In this exclusive Q&A, we chat to Kast’s Creative Director, Amy Bartlett, to learn more about Kast’s design process, influences, and why concrete basins are taking centre stage in high-end bathroom design.
Q: Can you walk us through your design process from concept to final product?
A: Our design process is rooted in both creativity and craftsmanship, and it often begins with a simple idea, sketch, or visual reference. From there, we explore the concept through 3D modelling and prototyping. Our design studio is located within our factory, so we’re able to quickly test and refine ideas through hands-on experimentation. We evaluate everything from proportions to the mould making process until we’re happy with the final design which is then refined for production. Every product is the result of close collaboration between design, technical, and production teams, and we never stop learning or evolving.
Q: How do you balance functionality with aesthetics when designing concrete basins?
A: Every Kast basin is thoughtfully designed to strike the perfect balance between purpose and visual impact. Concrete is a uniquely versatile material that allows us to explore sculptural and artistic forms not often seen in bathroom design, yet we always keep usability in mind. Each piece is extensively prototyped and refined to ensure proportions and everyday functionality are considered at every stage. While some designs prioritise practicality more than others, we recognise that different spaces have different needs - a basin in a powder room, for instance, doesn't demand the same functionality as one in a busy family bathroom.
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs? Are there specific places, experiences, or influences that spark new ideas?
A: Our design process is shaped by a wide range of influences, from architecture, textiles and ceramics to historic art and design movements like Art Deco, Bauhaus, and Modernism. These references inform the aesthetic language of our products, while hands-on experimentation and prototyping allow us to explore new ideas and solve design challenges in real time. We believe that true innovation comes from a deep, practical understanding of materials and making. That’s why our design studio is based within our factory, giving us the freedom to test, refine, and realise every idea on-site. This close connection between design and production gives us full creative control and the agility to constantly innovate.
Q: Do you follow design trends, or do you prefer to create pieces that are more timeless?
A: At Kast, we aim to create designs that feel both current and enduring. While we stay aware of design trends, we don’t follow them for the sake of it. Trends are often cyclical, resurfacing in new ways over time, so we focus on the underlying design principles that give those styles lasting appeal. By combining this with our commitment to craftsmanship, colour and materiality, we create pieces that feel fresh yet enduring.
Q: What role does sustainability play in your design process, especially when using concrete?
Concrete is the most widely used manufactured material in the world, so its scale of use makes it a complex material to assess in terms of sustainability, especially when compared to more traditional bathroom materials. However, at Kast, we believe that through conscious design and responsible production, we can minimise its environmental impact. Our production process offers a low-energy alternative to traditional ceramic basins. Unlike the energy-intensive, high-temperature kilns required for ceramic curing, our concrete basins are cast and cured at room temperature through a natural chemical process. Each basin is crafted to order, significantly reducing overproduction and excess inventory, common issues in conventional manufacturing.
We’re also committed to sourcing materials locally, minimising waste, and using water conscientiously throughout our processes. In conjunction with this, we’re actively exploring recycled materials and alternative mixes and technologies to reduce our footprint, without compromising on the quality or character that defines our work. Sustainability is not a fixed goal, but an ongoing responsibility, and it's something we’re continually working to improve across all areas of our business.
Q: How do you experiment with colour and texture in your concrete basin designs?
A: Colour and texture are integral to our design philosophy at Kast. Unlike traditional bathroom fixtures, concrete allows us to push creative boundaries and bring real personality into a space. We’ve developed a carefully curated palette of 28 colours ranging from soft, muted tones to bold, saturated hues, each designed to complement the natural texture and depth of the material. Our colour palette is the result of extensive pigment blending, casting, and testing, often creating many iterations to perfect just one shade.
With my background in surface pattern design, texture has always been a key focus. We explore it through ribbing, fluting, and subtle surface detailing that gives each basin a sculptural identity, encouraging light and shadow to interact with the form. This play of light adds depth, tactility, and visual interest, making each piece feel dynamic and engaging in its space. Together, colour and texture allow us to create basins that are not just functional pieces, but expressive design statements.
Q: Are there particular design challenges when it comes to making concrete basins work in luxury or high-end spaces?
A: Concrete is a beautiful and versatile material, but its perfectly imperfect character requires a high level of craftsmanship to meet the expectations of high-end environments. One of the key challenges is controlling those natural variations in surface texture and tone while still celebrating the organic character of the material. We’ve spent the last two decades developing highly specialised processes to ensure precision, consistency and quality without losing the material’s soul. Ultimately, it’s about finding the perfect balance between raw beauty and refined execution. When done well, concrete brings a richness and individuality that other materials simply can’t replicate, making it a bold and sophisticated choice for luxury spaces.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to incorporate a concrete basin into their bathroom design?
A: My advice would be to treat a concrete basin as more than just a functional element but as an opportunity to make a bold design statement. With our sculptural designs and unique colour and texture, a concrete basin can become the focal point of the entire space, so think about how it ties into the overall mood and style of the bathroom. It may be that you fall in love with a particular style or colour of concrete basin, and you want to design the bathroom around this, or sometimes it’s helpful to look at tiles first and then choose one of our 28 colours that will complement this.
It’s also important to plan for installation early in the process. Concrete is significantly heavier than traditional materials, so wall-mounted designs may require additional structural support or wall reinforcement. With the right planning, a concrete basin can bring character, creativity, and a true sense of individuality to your bathroom.
Q: How do you see the future of concrete basin design evolving? Are there any new trends on the horizon?
A: Traditionally seen as industrial or utilitarian, concrete has been redefined over the last decade, and we will continue to push boundaries, especially in terms of colour, form, and how it interacts with other materials. As bathrooms continue to be viewed as spaces for creativity and personal expression, there’s growing demand for fixtures that feel like works of art which are bold, unique, and full of personality.
Personalisation is also becoming a key driver, with growing interest in customisation and flexibility. Customers today want more than just beautiful products; they want the freedom to tailor those products to reflect their individual style and vision.
Want to find out more about how our designers work? Visit your nearest showroom to discuss your project with them.
This client project features a breathtaking bespoke basin which centres the scheme.
