Utopia opened the doors at its Wolverhampton headquarters earlier this month for an exclusive preview event for its new HeyU Collection, described by the company as its most ambitious and versatile modular collection to date, and other new product innovations.
Centred around four distinct and irresistibly tactile design styles in 14 colourways, HeyU is designed to be touched, and visitors did exactly that as they toured the company’s extensive showroom viewing the latest new products.
On display alongside the new lifestyle room settings featuring HeyU were other product developments, including two exciting new finishes for the Lustre Collection. Rift Black and Sandy Ecru greatly extend the design potential of this luxurious glass fronted range, now available in 18 different finish and handle trim combinations.
The showroom, which houses over 60 inspirational displays, showcases Utopia’s entire collection and retailers are most welcome to visit it with their customers by appointment.
Following the four-day event, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, said, “We were delighted to host this exclusive preview event to unveil our new Autumn Collection. The response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming our belief that HeyU brings something truly special to the marketplace, together with the other exciting new products we’re proud to offer.”
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and La Compañía Hotels & Resorts, today announced the grand opening of Elysium Spa & Wellness House – a 22,000 sq. ft. wellness sanctuary at Hotel La Compañía del Valle set inside the crater of an extinct volcano in Panama’s El Valle de Antón. Inspired by Roman bathhouses and the region’s dramatic volcanic landscape, the spa combines natural materials, sensory design, and local craftsmanship to create a restorative environment deeply rooted in its setting.
Design Concept
Elysium’s interiors feature volcanic stone, carved marble, raw timber, and oxidised metals – materials that mirror the surrounding terrain. Arched passageways and vaulted ceilings introduce light and scale, while soft cove lighting and flickering sconces evoke the atmosphere of an ancient ritual space. Every detail, from the scent of eucalyptus to the hand-laid mosaic tiles, reinforces a connection to nature and the region’s raw beauty.
Key Features
Thermal Pools & Hammam-Inspired Steam Rooms: Reflecting the area’s geothermal character, these spaces invite guests into a rhythm of purification and renewal.
Signature Treatments: The spa menu highlights local ingredients such as cacao, pomegranate, and bamboo, featuring experiences like Wine Therapy, Cacao Experience Wrap, and the Lavender Ritual.
Sensory & Thermal Rooms: Facilities include a Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy steam room, mud therapy room, and the Sensory Deprivation Pool, the spa’s centrepiece of stillness and calm.
Wellness Experience
Elysium’s treatment philosophy draws on the elemental balance of earth, water, wind, and metal. Guests can choose from tailored massages – Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, and sports – alongside restorative wraps and facials that channel the natural potency of Panama’s highland flora.
Integration with Hotel Design
Surrounded by the peaks of La India Dormida, El Gaital, and Las Tres Marías, Hotel La Compañía del Valle complements the spa’s ethos with Tuscan-inspired architecture and a sculpture park of over 200 works in marble, steel, granite, and bronze. Together, the hotel and spa form a seamless dialogue between art, nature, and wellbeing.
Conclusion
With Elysium Spa & Wellness House, Hyatt and La Compañía Hotels & Resorts have realised a tranquil, sensory-led space that redefines wellness through design. By drawing on the materials, energy, and spirit of its volcanic setting, it offers guests a transformative connection to Panama’s highland landscape.
When a historic Derbyshire almshouse charity needed a faster, safer way to modernise its bathrooms, Kinedo’s Kinemagic walk-in shower cubicle from Saniflo provided the perfect solution.
The Etwall Almshouses, founded in the 1500s by Sir John Port, are managed by a charitable trust that provides homes for residents aged over 50. To minimise disruption during refurbishments, the trustees wanted a shower solution that could be installed quickly and safely, with grab rails and a seat included as standard, but they wanted one that was also aesthetically pleasing.
Working with local plumbers’ merchant Willbond and installer Etta Plumbing, the trust selected the Kinemagic Serenity. Thanks to its striking design, integrated tray, glass panels and door system, Kinemagic delivers a watertight, low-maintenance showering solution with no need for tiles, grout or silicone, making it ideal for rapid installations with minimal mess.
The first installation was completed in just one day with support from Saniflo’s technical team. A second, smaller model followed soon after.
Trustee Graham Wale said: “Our tenants love the Kinemagic units and they save us valuable time during refurbishments – it’s a win-win.”
VitrA has unveiled two new product ranges – the S2 furniture range and the Minimax tap range. The S20 furniture and ceramics washbasin range is designed to optimise space and storage in compact or family bathrooms. Complementing this, the new Minimax range of taps reimagines classic silhouettes in a variety of finishes with refined proportions, ergonomic levers and water efficiency.
The versatile S20 furniture range emphasises thoughtful details, such as soft-close drawers, tactile finishes, and durable materials, to create bathrooms that feel both personal and purposeful. The accessible priced range is available in square or round forms, creating either a striking architectural statement or a softer, more organic look and feel.
Featuring slimmer, smarter taps, the Minimax range has been updated with refined proportions, a wider selection of contemporary finishes, and round and square options. The taps combine efficient water use with ergonomic controls and deliver a steady five litres per minute with a hidden aerator.
With a bold palette of durable, scratch-resistant finishes – Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Copper, Brushed Gold, and Brushed Nickel – the Minimax range transforms everyday fixtures into design statements. This choice of warm metallics and sleek matt tones ensures a stylish look can be achieved without compromising on performance, sustainability or investment.
Prices for the S20 furniture range start from £265 for the 45cm square washbasin unit, and prices for the Minimax taps start from £135.
Ideal Standard, part of the Villeroy & Boch Group, has renewed Roberto Palomba’s role as chief design officer. Palomba and his Milan-based studio, Palomba Serafini Associati, have been working with Ideal Standard since 2018.
Renowned for his human-centred approach, Palomba draws on the brand’s rich heritage while responding to the evolving demands of modern life. His design ethos centres on creating enduring products that seamlessly blend form and function, delivering lasting value and timeless relevance.
Speaking about his continued partnership with the brand, Roberto Palomba explains: “I embrace this opportunity because it allows me to focus on what matters most to me: good design. I’ve always believed that design should be a right, not a luxury. My goal is to create high-quality objects that are accessible to a broad audience – a philosophy deeply ingrained in Ideal Standard’s history and culture. That’s why I’m here.”
Ideal Standard has a distinguished legacy of collaboration with visionary designers such as Achille Castiglioni, who created the Linda and Aquatonda series; Paolo Tilche, designer of the iconic Conca basin; and Gae Aulenti and Mario Bellini, whose work across architecture and industrial design has left a lasting mark on modern design culture. Palomba’s leadership builds on this heritage while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of bathroom design for a new era.
“Building on Ideal Standard’s strong design heritage, our objective is to establish the brand globally as the leading name for approachable contemporary design,” said Sven Ullrich, executive vice president marketing, R&D and product management at Villeroy & Boch.
“We have ambitious plans for the future and a clear vision of where we want to take the brand. Roberto Palomba’s creative leadership and deep understanding of the bathroom space have been key in shaping Ideal Standard’s distinctive identity — and will continue to play an important role in driving its growth and success.”
Among Palomba’s latest creations, La Dolce Vita® – part of the award-winning Atelier Collections – perfectly captures his distinctive design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Zeta basin of the 1950s, he reinterprets its tapered silhouette as a contemporary signature, combining timeless aesthetics with Italian flair and intelligent functionality.
The i.life collection – with its latest addition, i.life O – demonstrates how smart, versatile solutions can adapt to every lifestyle.
Under Palomba’s continued creative leadership, Ideal Standard is reaffirming its position as a defining design voice in the bathroom sector, delivering relevant, human-centred solutions for modern living.
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.
According to Greenmatch, approximately 39% of UK households embraced home technology in 2024. Furthermore, the UK smart home market reached a staggering £3.1 billion in 2025, a 7% increase from 2023. As expected, water and energy conservation are leading the march, but consumers are also in the midst of a love affair with technology that enhances convenience and efficiency.
For house builders, developers and the design community, the smart money is on smart technology. Incorporating cutting-edge smart-home features into new builds can significantly boost property value. Homeowners, too, are reaping rewards – studies show a potential increase in property value of up to 5%*, a noteworthy margin in the highly competitive UK real estate market.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from intelligent WC’s and showers to next-gen lighting and mirror solutions.
Connect & reflect
Sensio Luka Smart Mirror
The integration of smart bathroom technology is a game-changer for architects and designers, as it requires the creation of spaces that are seamlessly connected, enhancing functionality and elevating the overall user experience. As today’s consumers continue to embrace the ‘Age of Alexa’, smart-enabled devices have become an integral part of everyday life. Put simply, the way we interact with our homes has undergone a transformation in recent years.
Karl Hallam, head of marketing at Sensio Lighting, explains, “Home automation is nothing new. It’s been around for almost 10 years now. What has changed is our behaviour and attitude towards smart-enabled homes.
“Smart technology and devices are far more mainstream. At Sensio Lighting, we’ve seen a demand shift in recent years, with our smart-enabled products almost doubling in sales. Lighting is no longer just on/off, with users now expecting to change between task and ambience lighting with simple voice command or home automation. This industry shift is exciting to be a part of, especially in an innovative, design-led business.”
The Luka Smart Mirror is more than just a mirror; it serves as a hands-free portal to a connected world. This mirror seamlessly integrates Amazon’s Alexa into your bathroom routine, with integrated LED lighting and touch-sensitive controls. The Luka Smart Mirror is also available as a bathroom cabinet and is designed in the UK, sold exclusively from Sensio.
The smart choice
Duravit SensoWash
Smart toilets are truly making their mark in the world of bathroom innovation and intelligent technology. The once-humble loo is now a frontrunner in bathroom technology, offering an array of features that deliver wellness and accessibility – think heated seats, bidet functions, self-cleaning capabilities, night lights, and even app integration.
On top of all that luxury, many smart toilets are designed with sustainability in mind. From an environmental perspective, they help conserve water thanks to adjustable flush settings and water-efficient systems. It’s a win-win for both comfort and the environment.
Martin Carroll, managing director, Duravit UK, agrees, “Smart toilets are redefining bathroom design – combining hygiene, sustainability, and tech-driven comfort. With features like touchless operation, personalised wash settings, and minimal water use, they offer a more efficient, eco-conscious alternative to traditional fixtures. Integrated dryers and rimless flushing enhance cleanliness, while app connectivity and user profiles bring a new level of convenience.
“Once a luxury, they’re now a smart lifestyle choice – meeting rising demand for wellness, design innovation, and connected living in residential and hospitality spaces.”
The Duravit SensoWash® range can be controlled via an app on your mobile. Engineered for comfort and connectivity, it offers intuitive features that elevate everyday routines from user-ID recognition to activate personalised wash settings (Rearwash, Ladywash, Comfortwash) to programmable seat heating.
Look on the light side
ZUMA LED Lights with speakers
Installing ambient lighting in the bathroom space helps promote a sense of well-being, whilst delivering a touch of luxury. The latest tech-driven innovations are designed to seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality, delivering an immersive experience alongside sophisticated illumination.
Zuma manufactures LED lights with integrated premium speakers that can be installed flush into your ceiling. The Zuma app includes ambient lighting controls with intensity and colour options. Zuma also lets users tune into their circadian rhythm with an added light feature that tracks the sun throughout the day. The system also streams music, podcasts, and audiobooks, and it has an IP65 rating to ensure safety in the bathroom.
Perfect persona
Aqualisa Quartz Shower Range
The UK bathroom industry accounts for a significant share of domestic water use, with bathrooms alone estimated to use 30-40% of a household’s total water use. Recent innovations in smart shower technology allow homeowners to monitor and calculate their water usage, providing an opportunity for developers to incorporate these technologies into new builds. And, the latest personalisation features mean users can create individual profiles for each family member, adding safety and convenience at the touch of a button.
Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at Aqualisa, comments, “The smart home is now part of everyday life, yet many people don’t realise how quickly this technology is transforming the bathroom. Smart showers are bringing precision, personalisation and sustainability together, offering greater control over water use and energy consumption. With features like app connectivity, voice activation and usage monitoring, smart bathrooms are enhancing comfort and convenience while supporting more efficient, environmentally responsible living. It’s an exciting evolution for both homeowners and the industry.”
Aqualisa’s latest smart showers deliver precision, personalisation and safety. The industry-leading Quartz range is simpler than ever to use, featuring an updated app that lets each household member create an individual shower profile. It can be voice-activated via Alexa or Google Assistant, or operated using a remote control, ensuring water is always at the desired temperature and flow rate.
END
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Specialist UK-based wall panel manufacturer, Grant Westfield, has announced its membership of Timber Development UK (TDUK), the UK’s largest and most comprehensive trade association for the timber supply chain.
This milestone reflects Grant Westfield’s commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and responsible timber sourcing, strengthening its role in shaping the future of sustainable design and manufacturing.
As a TDUK member, Grant Westfield gains access to the organisation’s extensive knowledge base, technical resources, and industry networks, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation and best practice. The partnership also supports the wider timber industry’s transition towards more sustainable approaches.
Grant Westfield has already been actively participating in TDUK initiatives, including the monthly EUDR preparation meetings, which help businesses prepare for forthcoming European timber regulations, and the recent Women in Timber event, reflecting the company’s wider commitment to inclusivity and future talent development.
“I have seen real value of our engagement with TDUK. Attending the monthly EUDR preparation meetings has provided us with practical insights and guidance to ensure we are ready for new regulatory requirements, while also giving us the opportunity to share experiences and learn from others across the industry. I was also pleased to attend the Women in Timber event, which highlighted the importance of diversity and collaboration in driving the sector forward.
For us, joining TDUK is not just about compliance — it’s about strengthening our role in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the bathroom and kitchen industry, and for the timber sector as a whole,” says Marina Scerbakova, Quality Manager, Grant Westfield.ounded from the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and the Timber Research and Development Association, TDUK brings together the entire timber supply chain from sawmills to specifiers, to promote sustainable timber use, technical excellence, and industry collaboration.
Through this membership, Grant Westfield continues to align its business practices with the highest industry standards, supporting both its customers and the broader transition to a more sustainable built environment.
Encapsulating the very essence of luxury urban living, SANIPEX GROUP was chosen to supply premium bathroom and kitchen solutions throughout St. Regis The Residences, Downtown Dubai – one of the city’s most prestigious branded residential developments by Emaar.
Situated in the heart of the Opera District along the renowned Emaar Boulevard, the twin Art Deco-inspired towers rise an impressive 110 floors, offering residents uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, and the wider Downtown skyline. The development features a curated mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside exclusive penthouses, all designed to exacting standards.#
Bathrooms are fitted with contemporary BAGNODESIGN chrome brassware, including basin and shower mixers, overhead and hand showers, and coordinated accessories. Each vanity is complemented by a hotel-style mirror with a x3 magnification function, while freestanding bathtubs in the three-bedroom apartments and penthouses elevate the sense of indulgence.
In the kitchens, BAGNODESIGN pull-out mixers are paired with BYSTRO stainless steel sinks to create stylish yet highly functional workspaces designed for modern living.
Through its collaboration on this landmark project, SANIPEX GROUP continues to deliver solutions that balance modern design with timeless elegance, setting a new benchmark for refined living in the heart of Dubai.
Frontline Bathrooms has unveiled a new trade-focused portal that gives customers instant visibility of stock levels across its full product portfolio. The platform provides real-time updates, enabling retailers and specifiers to see exactly what is available before placing an order.
The tool has been designed to remove uncertainty from the ordering process. Whether a retailer is planning a specification weeks ahead or responding to a last-minute request, having live stock information at their fingertips means they can make faster decisions, provide accurate lead times to customers, and avoid costly delays.
This launch forms part of Frontline’s wider programme of investment back into the business, with a clear focus on customer service and support for its nationwide network of partners. Alongside one of the UK’s largest stocked bathroom portfolios and industry-leading delivery options, the new portal demonstrates the company’s commitment to making it easier than ever for customers to do business with them.
Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, comments: “Customer service has always been at the heart of what we do, and this new portal is the latest step in making sure our retailers and merchants have everything they need to succeed. By giving our partners access to live stock levels across our entire range, we are helping them specify with confidence, manage projects more smoothly and give their own customers a better experience.
“We continue to invest heavily in our systems, our logistics and our people because we know that retailers rely on us every day. This isn’t just about launching a tool, it’s about reinforcing our promise that Frontline will always look for ways to add value and make our customers’ lives easier.”
Frontline believes that empowering its partners with real-time data will help retailers and merchants remain competitive in a demanding marketplace. The portal is now live and available to all trade customers.
A new survey of 2,000 UK adults by bathroom manufacturer, nuielux, reveals nearly half (47 per cent) of Brits are disgusted by the return of the avocado bathroom suite. The same number admit to hating the grandma-core design style, which sees deliberately “ugly”, chintzy styles take the spotlight.
Last year, the avocado suite made a comeback with homeowners, with striking green baths and sinks dominating the renovation scene. But its revival was short-lived, with many Brits now saying they’re not a fan of the 70s-inspired look.
Boomers are the biggest avocado-suite haters with over half (57 per cent) admitting the design makes them feel green – perhaps they’re put off by memories of the trend in its original incarnation, paired with outdated bathroom carpets. With that said, they’re the generation hardest to please and are resistant to modern trends too, with over a third (37 per cent) expressing a dislike for matte black fixtures and 28 per cent stating they are against freestanding baths.
Gen Z, on the other hand, are much more put off by the rise of “earthy bathrooms” with 54 per cent criticising the trend, and 46 per cent not taking well to wall hanging furniture. Instead, they see fitted storage as a marker of a premium bathroom experience, while 38 per cent point to countertop sinks and brushed brass finishes as the epitome of luxury.
Millennials are the easiest to please, with 14 per cent saying they don’t dislike any particular bathroom trend.
When it comes to the features and styles all generations can agree on, the rainfall shower is a true crowd pleaser – with over a third (37 per cent) agreeing it’s the true hallmark of bathroom luxury.
Most Brits’ bathroom design choices are motivated by practicality first, followed by appearance – ease of cleaning and maintenance was chosen by 65 per cent, the overall look by 34 per cent, and ease of use by 32 per cent.
The nation’s most hated bathroom design choices
The return of the avocado suite – 47%
‘Ugly décor’ and grandma-core – 47%
Bright colours – 26%
Fully tiled walls – 23%
Open shelving – 18%
“At nuielux, we love hearing Brits’ real opinions about bathrooms. While social media is full of people telling us what’s on-trend, that doesn’t necessarily reflect what real British homeowners want for their own bathroom space,” said Marcus Pearson, Head of Design at nuielux.
“Trends are a great place to look for inspiration, but we always advise choosing products that are timeless and future-proof.”
