Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
As demand for efficient, easy-to-install shower spaces continues to rise, today’s manufacturers have responded with a range of products that simplify the process for architects and specifiers. Modular components, standardised product ranges and user-friendly installation solutions make it easier to create customised shower spaces that meet functional and aesthetic demands.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from minimalist shower design to water-saving features.
Minimalist Style
In recent years, minimalist design has surged in popularity. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces and a focus on functionality characterise the movement. The look has extended beyond living and kitchen areas to the bathroom, making it the perfect design philosophy for the shower.
James Sketch, KEUCO UK country, explains, “Minimalism continues to shape contemporary shower design, with the focus on clean lines, understated elegance, and intelligent functionality. Current trends emphasise walk-in showering spaces with sleek, accessible features that can be adapted for multigenerational living while maintaining a luxurious feel. Neutral palettes and tactile finishes create calm, spa‑like environments, with the use of concealed fittings to ensure seamless aesthetics.”
In the world of bathroom innovation KEUCO’s IXMO shower series has become a benchmark for both technical excellence and design minimalism. Developed for specifiers, designers, and discerning homeowners, IXMO combines multiple functions into the fewest possible visible components, creating shower spaces that are as stylish as they are efficient.
Making Connections
Pairing shower enclosures and shower trays with the rest of the bathroom requires careful attention when coordinating with the rest of the space. The key is to ensure the materials and finish complement the overall design to create a cohesive look that blends with furniture, tiles and sanitaryware. Additionally, unobtrusive low-profile shower design helps create a seamless look, which in turn enhances the overall aesthetic.
Yiota Toumba, senior designer at The Villeroy & Boch Group, agrees, “These days, shower trays and enclosures aren’t just about function – they’re a key part of the bathroom’s look and feel. We’re seeing a real move toward sleek, low-profile trays that sit almost level with the floor, giving a more open, seamless feel.”
The Connect 2 range of shower enclosures from Ideal Standard is designed for flexibility, with sliding doors, bi-fold styles, and wet-room solutions available to suit a variety of bathroom layouts and spaces. Available in Chrome and Silk Black finishes, the enclosures are easy to pair with matching furniture and fittings, creating a cohesive, integrated bathroom.
Carefree Colour
Colour has made a comeback this year, becoming a central fixture on the design agenda. In bathrooms, colour helps create a bold aesthetic or can be used to define structure and layout. The use of colour in hardware adds an unexpected twist, especially when used to soften or accentuate design schemes – whether matte black for a sleek, contemporary look, or rose gold for a touch of luxury.
Simon Boocock, MD, CRL, comments, “Colour remains big news and innovation in hardware design is providing consumers with more choice than ever before. Designers can now create boutique-inspired enclosures with hardware in a plethora of finishes from Brushed Nickel and Satin Brass to Matte Black – and innovations such as our new Shower Door Thresholds are giving customers even more creative freedom.”
CRL has extended the design possibilities of its shower systems, including the multi-award-winning Quadrato, with the launch of new, coordinating Shower Door Thresholds. Available in six chic and sophisticated colours of Matte Black, Brite Anodised, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Satin Brass, and Brite Gold Anodised, CRL’s new Shower Door Thresholds will seamlessly complement all of its bespoke frameless shower screens to create a truly cohesive look.
Tall Orders
We have a love affair with height in the UK, and buildings that boast extravagantly high ceilings carry an undeniable charm. However, making use of such a space can be a challenge. According to Chaboun Construction, properties built before the mid-20th century often feature higher ceilings, sometimes up to 2.7 meters. Leveraging the space without it feeling lofty and uncomfortable can be achieved through innovative panel design, creating a stunning, cohesive atmosphere that is expansive yet well-proportioned.
Elliott Fairlie, product and marketing director at Grant Westfield agrees, “As more homeowners renovate period properties like Georgian and Victorian homes, there’s growing demand for wall solutions that accommodate higher ceilings without compromising on style. The result is a sleek, seamless look that enhances the architectural character of these homes while offering the waterproof performance and ease of installation retailers and fitters rely on.”
Waterproof bathroom wall panel brand Multipanel is expanding its range to include a new 2.7m panel height, designed to meet the growing demand for full-height solutions in properties with taller ceilings.
Water Aware
Only last week, the Environment Agency urged water efficiency to become a national priority, with Helen Wakeham, EA Director of Water, saying, “Climate change and population growth are putting a tremendous strain on resources and this year’s drought is a stark reminder that we all need to be more mindful of our consumption.”
The water agency has also issued a bleak warning about the likelihood of more frequent droughts in the future, and is continuing to progress toward mandatory water labelling. With this in mind, incorporating water-saving products into bathroom design is more relevant than ever before. By selecting high-performance, water-saving fixtures, architects, house builders, and homeowners can address rising environmental costs and lower utility bills, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of their projects.
Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Crosswater agrees, “Across the industry, we have seen a growing appreciation for intuitive controls that hold temperature reliably and make every day shower use effortless and user-friendly. Equally important is the shift toward eco-conscious design in showering, requiring manufacturers to deliver water-saving solutions that maintain high pressure and performance while meeting the expectations of today’s buyers.”
Module Push from Crosswater is designed with sustainability in mind. It features water-saving controls while presenting the latest in luxury showering technology and design.
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