Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

LAUFEN launches three bathroom accessories collections

March 11, 2026

LAUFEN’s three new accessories collections, NIARA, HALI and NIXIE, are designed to bring the refined, uncluttered feel of luxury hotels into everyday homes.

Making a design statement

NIARA (pictured top), LAUFEN’s premium accessories collection features towel rails, soap dispensers, tumblers and hooks that have soft, rounded forms. The NIARA collection is available in six colour finishes, Chrome, Brushed Inox, Polished Rose Gold, Brushed Rose Gold, Matt Pale Gold and Titanium Matt Black. It has been developed to coordinate seamlessly with LAUFEN’s VITREON Steel basins, allowing homeowners to create a bathroom that truly reflects their personal style, from warm metallic tones to cooler contemporary finishes.

Nixie-Bathroom-Accessories-collection-from-Laufen.

HALI & NIXIE: two approaches, one mindset

HALI (below) is offered exclusively in Chrome and features slim proportions and discreet detailing. For a more flexible approach, NIXIE *above) delivers minimalist design in three finishes: Chrome, Matt White and Matt Black. Tested for everyday wear and fixed with precision screw fittings, it’s a practical choice with strong visual impact.

How to choose bathroom accessories like a professional

Bathroom accessories were once chosen at the very last minute, but that mindset has shifted. According to Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at LAUFEN, people now see accessories as an integral part of the overall bathroom design, with small decisions having a surprisingly big impact on how the space feels day to day. “One of the most important things is consistency,” Natalie says.

“Matching your metals makes a space feel intentional. If your taps are brushed brass or matt black, your accessories should follow suit. Coordinating finishes remove the guesswork and help pull a scheme together effortlessly.”

Installation is another detail that’s often overlooked. Wall-mounted accessories need to be planned early, before tiling begins, but the result is cleaner lines, easier cleaning and a more refined finish overall. “It’s also important to design around real life,” continues Natalie.

“Thinking about who uses the bathroom, how many towels need hanging and how robust the pieces need to be will shape better decisions. Family bathrooms benefit from durable, easy-to-clean designs, while ensuites or guest bathrooms can afford to be more design-led.”

NIARA, HALI and NIXIE are available now through LAUFEN dealers and showrooms.

Stockist: 01530 510007 or laufen.co.uk/point-of-sales

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kbb Birmingham 2026 celebrates 40 years with milestone edition

March 10, 2026

kbb Birmingham, the UK’s leading kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition, has marked its 40th anniversary with a dynamic edition at the NEC from 1–4 March. The four-day event welcomed almost 16,000 visitors, including retailers, designers, developers and installers, exploring displays from 320 exhibitors across 26 categories.

Jon Johnston, kbb Birmingham sales director, commented: “What an incredible celebration of our industry this special, 40th edition has been. A huge thank you to all our colleagues in the KBB community, whose support made this year’s event such an outstanding success. We were delighted to have welcomed such a strong mix of returning exhibitors, new brands making their debuts, together with a diverse international representation from over 20 countries, all showcasing the very best in KBB design and innovation.”

Show-stopping stands

The kbb Birmingham 2026 Stand Awards were announced on day one, recognising creative use of space and materials. Winners included:

Best Kitchen over 30sqm – Rotpunkt

Best Kitchen under 30sqm – Daniel George Kitchens

Best Bathroom over 30sqm – Ca’Pietra

Best Bathroom under 30sqm – Bonavit

Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, said: “2026 marked our 14th consecutive year at kbb Birmingham. The show is a fantastic networking environment, and winning Best Kitchen Stand is a proud achievement for the brand and our new 2026 collection.”

innovation in focus

House of Rohl UK and Aqualisa returned with smart showers, Victoria + Albert’s Lussari baths, and Vetralla basins. Michael Bennett, head of commercialisation, said: “kbb Birmingham has been a brilliant platform to showcase our latest innovations and connect with both new and longstanding partners.”

inSinkErator highlighted its COMPOST CADDY EASY strategy and instant hot water taps, alongside the LEDefense sink flange. Ashley Munden, managing director EMEA, said: “This year’s event was full of energy and provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the industry… it is a key moment in our calendar which we look forward to each time it comes around.”

2026 Innovation Awards

The People’s Choice Award went to Sensio Lighting’s Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting System. The Judge’s Choice was Flova UK’s DripFree® Rainshower. The Sustainability Award was won by Finsa for its Fimapan Bio BDecor. Ben Hughes, UK sales director at Finsa, commented: “Topping it all off by winning the Sustainability prize was a truly proud moment for the Finsa team.”

Forty rubber ducks were hidden across the show floor to celebrate four decades, offering visitors prizes from Ca’Pietra, Smeg, Bidbury & Co, Rangemaster, Abode and more. Sam Fisher, kbb Birmingham event director, also presented the inaugural Andy Bishop Award posthumously. He said: “I’m so proud to be celebrating four decades of kbb Birmingham as the industry’s meeting place… the stands reflected the creativity and dedication of our exhibitors and partners.”

kbb Birmingham returns to the NEC from 5–8 March 2028.

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Cosentino launches Manchester City showroom as collaborative hub

March 10, 2026

Surface manufacturer Cosentino has launched a new Cosentino City showroom in Manchester, creating a dedicated space for architects, designers and specifiers to explore materials, collaborate and develop projects.

Situated close to Manchester Victoria station and the city’s Green Quarter, the showroom has been created to strengthen connections within the regional design community while making Cosentino’s surface collections more accessible to professionals across the North of England.

Covering 208sqm, the Cosentino City Manchester space includes a working Atelier, an extensive sample library and interactive digital slab displays, allowing visitors to view and compare materials in an environment designed to support specification and project development.

The showroom highlights Cosentino’s leading surface brands, including Dekton, Sensa and Silestone. By bringing together designers, architects and specifiers, the space is intended to provide a setting for networking, industry events and creative collaboration.

Commenting on the new showroom opening, Cosentino UK regional director Paul Gidley states: “The opening of our new Manchester showroom marks an exciting new chapter for Cosentino. We are incredibly proud to open here, right at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing design communities. Manchester has long been a centre for culture, innovation and creativity and our new showroom is testament to Cosentino’s commitment to supporting and investing in the North. By establishing this dynamic hub, we’re not only bringing our world-class surfaces and expertise closer to designers and architects in the region, but we’re also creating a collaborative space where ideas can thrive and the local design community can continue to flourish.”

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Kudos launches CONNECT2 Trays now in slate white

March 10, 2026

The Connect2 tray, designed and made in the UK by Kudos is designed to avoid floor joists, ensuring it retains its super-low profile when installed. Launched in a choice of grey slate effect, high gloss white or slip-resistant white, Kudos has now added its best-selling slate effect white colourway to the collection.

Connect2 trays stand at just 35mm in height, are guaranteed to avoid all standard joist sizes and spans thanks to the precise positioning of a unique offset dual waste outlet, allowing the installer to choose the waste clear from obstruction to connect. The tray may need to be rotated to accommodate the fixed joists, but once set, the installer simply uses the blanking plug provided to seal the unused waste and plumb in the high-flow waste and trap, avoiding any need to lift the tray off the floor. If both waste holes are free then both wastes can be connected for even faster water removal. A re-inforced, magnetically secured waste cover, that’s easily removed for cleaning, then sits neatly over the plugs to complete the installation.

The Connect2 range of shower trays are manufactured in a acrylic capped ABS filled with a structural resin bonded stone for maximum strength and stability. The collection offers 12 rectangular sizes from 800mm square to 1700x800mm plus four quadrant/offset quadrant options. Each comes complete with a high flow waste rated to 35 litres of water per minute, and is competitively priced.

Kudos has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. They understand the UK bathroom market and all its idiosyncrasies and endeavour to develop products with easy to install features. Their products are stocked with a number of regional distributors to ensure a reliable service and ease of availability and they offer a lifetime guarantee on their shower trays and a spares website giving a superior after sales service.

Now trading as RONAL Bathrooms UK Ltd, the Kudos portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Visit its website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call 01539 564040, or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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SFA Saniflo invests in growth with move to larger premises

March 10, 2026

SFA Saniflo has announced its relocation to significantly larger premises a short distance from its current location, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to customer support.

The move will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend from 2–4 May 2026, with the business fully operational at its new address from Tuesday 5 May 2026. Customers and partners are advised to update their systems accordingly from this date.

The new facility provides an additional 10,000 sq ft of warehouse space, increasing stock capacity and strengthening service levels across the UK. In addition, SFA Saniflo has invested in a dedicated on-site training centre, enabling the team to deliver comprehensive product training covering installation, maintenance and fault finding.

The enhanced space and facilities reflect SFA Saniflo’s ongoing focus on supporting installers, merchants and specification partners with both product availability and technical expertise.

The new address is: Unit 2 Watford Logistics Hub, Clive Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4PX

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Rob Law confirmed as afternoon keynote speaker for Connect Conference 2026

March 10, 2026

The Bathroom Association has confirmed Rob Law as the afternoon keynote speaker at the Bathroom Association Connect Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, 8 October, at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’, centres on how the bathroom sector can collaborate across the supply chain to build resilience, increase capability and unlock growth.

Rob Law’s keynote will bring a sharp, real-world manufacturing and entrepreneurship lens to that challenge, sharing how he turned an early setback on BBC Dragons’ Den (2006) into a global product success story. His company reshaped the children’s travel market through relentless innovation and a focus on practical user needs, with its flagship ride-on suitcase, Trunki, becoming a UK-manufactured staple from 2012 and going on to reach homes in over 100 countries, with sales surpassing 5 million units and more than 120 industry accolades.

For Bathroom Association members, the relevance is direct: product categories grow when manufacturers combine smart design, operational discipline, and an uncompromising focus on the end user, then scale through strong partnerships and consistent execution. Rob’s session will explore the mindsets and decisions that help manufacturing businesses move from ‘good idea’ to global growth, even when the early odds are against you.

Amy Kirk, Bathroom Association Marketing and Events Director, said:

“Rob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation and scaling a physical product brand. Our members operate in a highly competitive market where consumer expectations are rising, and margins are hard-won. Rob will bring the kind of practical inspiration that lands: how you stay ambitious, keep improving, and build the partnerships and culture that help you grow. That’s Stronger Together in action.”

About Rob Law

Rob Law is a seasoned entrepreneur best known for transforming an initial setback on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2006 into the foundation of a groundbreaking children’s travel product business. His company redefined the market with innovative solutions that simplify family travel. Its flagship ride-on suitcase, manufactured in the UK since 2012, has been sold into more than 100 countries, surpassed 5 million units in sales, and received over 120 industry accolades.

In February 2023, Rob exited his business to Heroes Technology Ltd. He has since launched new ventures with his brother: Aphelion Agency Ltd, supporting brands to thrive on Amazon, and Zeepy Ltd, a start-up focused on enhancing natural sleep in infants and young children.

Rob is also a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of leaders and innovators, receiving two honorary doctorates and an MBE for his business contributions. His autobiography, “65 Roses and a Trunki: Defying the Odds in Life and Business,” shares his journey and the lessons that shaped it.

About Connect Conference 2026

Connect Conference 2026 will feature keynote talks, panel discussions and dedicated networking time, followed by an exclusive gala dinner. The charity raffle and auction, and the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, also return.

Sponsorship opportunities and delegate packages are available, including day delegate passes, gala dinner attendance, and accommodation packages. View the Connect Conference website for more details.

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How a toilet can boost wellbeing from Duravit

March 6, 2026

Clear design language combines with modern technology

The toilet is a firm fixture of our everyday life that we tend not to pay much attention to – yet comfort, cleanliness, and design significantly impact wellbeing in the bathroom. This is precisely where the ME by Starck Hero Edition comes into its own: designed by Philippe Starck, the wall-mounted toilet pairs aesthetic minimalism with modern technology and shows how good design can enhance a product that plays such a fundamental role in the bathroom.

Systematic cleanliness

The Hero Edition is designed to stay cleaner for longer and be easier to clean. The rimless design prevents deposits and the highly smooth ceramic surface significantly reduces build-up of residue. The pared-down interior design simplifies the layout and guarantees easy access to all surfaces.

Quiet, thorough, and efficient

A good flush does not draw attention to itself: the Hero Edition is as quiet as it is thorough – even with low water consumption. Saving resources without compromising hygiene.

Design that upgrades the everyday

Philippe Starck is a by-word for clean lines and functional elegance. The ME by Starck Hero Edition takes the same approach: a minimalist, contemporary design that is at home in any bathroom yet also exudes a touch of class. The ergonomically shaped seat ensures a pleasant level of comfort.

Sustainability in daily use

Less water, fewer cleaning products, durable materials: the Hero Edition shows that sustainability need not be complicated. Solutions that save resources in daily use while ensuring reliability are what counts.

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House of Rohl and Aqualisa preview new launches at KBB Birmingham

March 5, 2026

House of Rohl UK, comprising Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen and Victoria + Albert, alongside Aqualisa, showcased a series of new product launches at KBB Birmingham, held from 1–4 March 2026.

Taking one of the largest stands at the show (Stand D68, Hall 20), the group presented several innovations as part of the exhibition’s 40th anniversary edition. Highlights included the new Aqualisa S Range smart digital shower collection (available April), the Victoria + Albert Lussari built-in baths (available March), and the Victoria + Albert Vetralla back-to-wall basins (available July).

With a combined sales team and enhanced marketing support, House of Rohl UK offered distributors, retailers and showrooms a single source for premium kitchen and bathroom fittings. The stand also incorporated a hospitality space featuring Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong, Juliet, Phoenician and Provence 3-in-1 instant hot taps, while a dedicated heritage zone celebrated the history and craftsmanship of the House of Rohl brands.

A key highlight was the launch of the Aqualisa S Range, the brand’s next generation of smart digital showers. Visitors experienced working demonstrations on the stand, with Aqualisa experts explaining the connected features, intuitive controls and simplified installation.

Developed following extensive customer research, the S Range was designed to deliver a highly personalised showering experience while remaining simple and intuitive to use. The design combines a distinctive aesthetic with familiar dials and buttons, ensuring technology is seamlessly integrated without overcomplicating operation.

Each member of the household can create their own personalised shower routine through the Aqualisa app. Showers can be started via a wireless remote, smartphone or smart speaker, and the illuminated dial indicates when the water has reached the desired temperature.

At the heart of the system is the Aqualisa SmartValve™, which measures water temperature ten times per second to maintain consistent performance and eliminate hot or cold fluctuations. The smart valve can also be installed up to 10 metres away from the shower, offering installers greater flexibility.

With smart home technology now commonplace in UK households, Aqualisa believes digital showering is approaching a tipping point for wider adoption, with the S Range designed to make the benefits of connected showering accessible to a broader market.

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KBIS 2026 concludes with record attendance

March 5, 2026

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) concluded its 2026 edition following three days of product introductions, demonstrations, networking, and educational programming held February 17–19 at the Orange County Convention Center. Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by Emerald Expositions, KBIS is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to the kitchen and bath industry. The co-location of KBIS and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) creates Design & Construction Week (DCW).

“KBIS 2026 was, by every measure, an incredible success and a reflection of the remarkable vitality of the kitchen and bath industry,” said Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “As shared at our annual State of the Association meeting, the industry is poised for a strong outlook, and the consistent feedback we received from attendees was that KBIS reignited enthusiasm for the future and provided meaningful connections that will help their businesses grow. As KBIS continues to evolve and expand, it’s bringing even greater, lasting value to our members from around the world. KBIS is the can’t-miss event for the global kitchen, bath and home industry.”

DCW 2026 By-the-Numbers

117,000 registrants
2,250 exhibitors
1,150,000 NSF

“KBIS 2026 once again proved why it is the must-attend event in the industry,” said Brian Pagel, executive vice President, Emerald, which produces KBIS. “From breakthrough product launches on the show floor to the innovation recognized through the Best of KBIS and Innovation Hour winners, this year’s exhibitors showcased the strength and evolution shaping the industry. The debut of Kitchen & Bath Canada and our executive peer-to-peer networks event, DesignPoint, speaks to the industry’s continued growth and our commitment to expanding our reach while creating meaningful opportunities for brands and buyers alike.”

The strong performance was reflected across the show floor, where exhibitors debuted new products and technologies with demonstrations and interactive displays, drawing steady crowds throughout the three-day event. Platinum sponsors Midea introduced the Top Control Dishwasher with STRAWash™, while Brio showcased the 740i Nugget Ice Maker, and ZLINE revealed The Marino Collection. Gold Sponsors Kichler unveiled the Mikale ceramic shade, and TOTO launched the Aurora™ WASHLET+ S7A One-Piece Bidet Toilet.

In its inaugural year, the Homeworthy x KBIS LIVE Studio sponsored by GE Appliances’ House of Brands extended the KBIS experience beyond the show floor, featuring live interviews streamed online for a broader audience. “What an exciting year to be the first partner to launch this effort with Homeworthy!” said Mary Putman, Vice president of marketing & brand at GE Appliances, a Haier Company. “There are so many great brands at this show and extending the trends, innovation and inspiration to a broader audience was a valuable experience for GE Appliances. Showcasing our Design District House of Brands allowed us to share our broad expertise with the designers and builders we value beyond the show floor.”

Next year, KBIS and Design & Construction Week will be held February 2-4, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and will once again co-locate with the International Builders’ Show.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest kitchen and bath show in North America. With nearly 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry, NKBA has educated and advised the industry since it was founded in 1963. The NKBA’s mission is to inspire and support the kitchen and bath industry through community, events, learning, and professional certifications. For more information, visit www.nkba.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

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Ca’ Pietra expands National Trust collection with Abbey and Lacock

March 5, 2026

Ca’ Pietra has added two new floor ranges, Abbey and Lacock, to its National Trust collection, extending the offer for retailers looking to balance heritage aesthetics with practical specification. The collection continues to draw on familiar British interior references, particularly materials and layouts historically used in kitchens, pantries and bathrooms, while providing formats suited to modern installation expectations.

Abbey (Pictured above and below left) is a small-format porcelain designed to replicate the softened appearance of aged stone floors without the servicing requirements associated with natural material. A subtly textured surface and replicated tumbled edges allow retailers to present a traditional look in projects where durability and ease of maintenance are key selling points, particularly in family kitchens and high-use circulation spaces.

From a merchandising perspective the range offers flexibility. The 25 x 25cm squares in Dove and Ivory can be sold individually or combined for a chequerboard floor, while the 3.8 x 38cm brick format produces a parquet layout that introduces pattern through installation rather than strong colour contrast. Because the tiles are porcelain and do not require sealing, the product provides a straightforward specification for customers wanting heritage styling without ongoing treatment.

Lacock (pictured below) sits alongside Abbey as the natural stone option within the same design language. The tumbled limestone is described as a softer interpretation of a heritage finish, with eased edges and visible fossil character that gives variation across the floor. The material is offered in a 60 x 60cm format and a random flagstone layout, allowing retailers to present either a more ordered or more relaxed installation depending on the project style.

As a genuine limestone, Lacock requires sealing, making it suitable for customers specifically seeking natural material and prepared for associated care. Positioned next to the porcelain Abbey range, it gives showrooms a clear upsell pathway from low maintenance heritage look through to authentic stone.

Product formats

Abbey porcelain square Dove 25 x 25 x 0.9cm
Abbey porcelain square Ivory 25 x 25 x 0.9cm
Abbey porcelain parquet blend 3.8 x 38 x 0.9cm

Lacock limestone tumbled 60 x 60 x 2.0cm
Lacock limestone tumbled 60 x random x 2.0cm

Visit www.capietra.com for more information.

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