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VitrA London is set to spotlight sustainability at this year’s London Design Festival with a dedicated Sustainable Products Showcase at its Clerkenwell Design & Specification Hub. Running from 15–19 September, the exhibition will explore how recycled and repurposed materials are reshaping the future of design.

Taking centre stage is VitrA’s Recycled Ceramic Washbasin, crafted entirely from 100% recycled ceramic. The basin demonstrates the brand’s commitment to resource-conscious manufacturing and positions VitrA at the forefront of sustainable bathroom innovation. Alongside, a curated line-up of like-minded brands – Little Greene, Mater, Pit-to-Table and Smile Plastics – will present their own pioneering materials and products.

A highlight of the week, the Meet the Maker event on Tuesday 16th September (10 am–3 pm), will see Smile Plastics and Pit-to-Table join VitrA in conversation with visitors. The session offers a rare chance to explore the processes behind the products and discover how waste can be transformed into new design solutions.

Showcase highlights include:

  • Little Greene’s Absolute Matt Emulsion, reformulated so that 40% of each tin now comes from recycled content, without compromising the depth and richness of colour.
  • Mater’s Eternity Chair, designed by Space Copenhagen, is made from Matek – a material blend of coffee shell waste and post-consumer e-waste – and is designed for disassembly and reuse.
  • Pit-to-Table’s Pit-board, turning discarded olive pits into durable panels and tabletops for architecture and interiors.
  • Smile Plastics’ signature panels are celebrated worldwide for their striking surface designs and strong commitment to circular production.

The showcase reinforces VitrA’s belief that collaboration and innovation are essential to creating lasting environmental change in the design industry.

For more information, visit vitra.co.uk or follow @vitrabathroomsuk

Grange Design has unveiled its bathroom trend forecast for autumn-winter 2025, highlighting a growing consumer appetite for natural materials, organic forms, and wellness-led design.

According to the UK-based manufacturer and distributor, the natural trend is now the most influential style in bathroom interiors, with homeowners and designers embracing calming colours, tactile textures, and biophilic influences to create sanctuary-like spaces.

Basins
The wash zone continues to be shaped by biophilic design. Wood accents, greenery, and curved design details are increasingly present, with circular basins and rounded brassware spouts reflecting nature-inspired forms.

Bathing
Wellness remains a driving force, with demand for freestanding soaking tubs complemented by sleek floorstanding or wall-mounted bath fillers. Integrated handshowers and diverters add versatility, supporting the shift towards luxury bathing experiences at home.

Showers
Sensory showering is another key trend, with rainfall-style deluge heads offering full-body coverage and a closer connection to nature. Larger, ceiling-mounted models are cited as the preferred option for creating a spa-inspired daily ritual.

Layout
Spatial planning is moving towards uncluttered, free-flowing schemes. Grange Design notes that maximising light and layering natural textures are central to layouts that feel uplifting yet restrained.

As part of its trend forecast, Grange Design highlights its Atlantic Collection of brassware, designed to pair with raw materials such as wood and stone. The range includes the Atlantic Single Lever Mono Basin Mixer Tap in Chrome (£185 inc VAT) and the Atlantic 3-Piece Basin Mixer with Square Spout in Matt Black (£468 inc VAT).

Roca has expanded its bathroom solutions portfolio with the introduction of two new flush plates – the Duplo S PS3 and PS4 – both designed to work seamlessly with the brand’s Duplo S WC installation systems.

The new additions offer a wide range of choices, providing a selection of finishes to complement various bathroom aesthetics. Options range from classic White, Chrome, Matt White and Matt Black, through to premium PVD finishes. The PS3 also introduces a playful colour palette, featuring bold shades such as Honey Yellow, Mint Green, and Cobalt Blue, which were created to coordinate with Roca’s Nu brassware collection. Metallic tones, including Brushed Brass, are also available to align with popular Ona and Targa ranges.

In terms of scale, the plates have been designed with compact dimensions, starting from 19.4 x 13.4cm, compared to the standard 25 x 16cm format. This reduction creates a neater, more streamlined look, particularly suited to bathrooms with minimalist or architectural design schemes where precision detailing is key. Both the PS3 and PS4 models also offer full customisation for projects requiring a bespoke touch.

Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca UK, said: “We understand both homeowners and clients want bathroom designs that reflect a particular style, down to the finest detail. The new Duplo S PS3 and PS4 flush plates allow for this, with materials, finishes and sizing that let the flush plate become a thoughtful part of the wider design, not just an afterthought. The customisation option in particular is a game-changer, as it allows homeowners and designers to create a unique space. Whether it’s a bold and striking scheme or a pared-back and subtle look, all styles are beautifully complemented by the PS3 and PS4 flush plates.”

Luxury bathroom retailer Nôsa has introduced the Terra Tile collection to the UK market, a new range produced by one of Europe’s most respected tile manufacturers.

Drawing on generations of artisanal expertise, the collection is defined by durability, authenticity and refined aesthetics. Spanning contemporary textures, subtle stone effects and architectural tones, Terra Tiles has been designed to help homeowners, specifiers, and designers transform modern bathrooms into sanctuary spaces.

Alongside the launch, Nôsa has released its forecast of the top bathroom tile trends for 2025. The brand showcases a shift towards natural textures, layered neutrals, and statement finishes, offering guidance on how to style these looks for both residential and design-led projects.

The company has also announced that it has achieved a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, placing it ahead of competitors in the luxury bathroom retail sector. The rating is based on verified customer reviews and reflects Nôsa’s commitment to product quality and service.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this achievement is a testament to their trust and satisfaction,” said Neil Thompson, MD at Nôsa. “We’re honoured by this recognition and grateful to every customer who has taken the time to share their experience.”

Later this year, Nôsa will open a new showroom in Harrogate to showcase its growing portfolio. The retailer states that it is well-positioned to provide product launch coverage for both consumer and trade audiences, design trend commentary for long-form features, and insights into the luxury bathroom and tile market from a physical retail perspective.

Frontline Bathrooms has added to its Aqua Range with the launch of the Ophelia, a freestanding bath designed to combine sculptural form with everyday comfort.

Available in a choice of white or black, Ophelia is intended to suit a wide variety of bathroom schemes, from contemporary urban to more traditional interiors. At 1700mm long and 780mm wide, it offers generous proportions without dominating the space, and features an in-built tap deck.

Part of the Aqua Range, Ophelia continues the collection’s focus on design-led products that are straightforward to specify and easy to install. For retailers, its clean silhouette, premium look and limited colour options support strong showroom appeal and simple specification while catering to broad customer tastes.

For more information on the Ophelia bath, visit www.frontlinebathrooms.com

Messe Frankfurt has announced a new knowledge partnership with Frost & Sullivan that will shape the content delivered at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for water, heating and air, and Light + Building.

The initiative aims to provide exhibitors and visitors with expert insight into future trends impacting the built environment – from sustainability and decarbonisation to digital building technologies and new business models. For bathroom manufacturers, this means a sharper focus on water efficiency, innovative living solutions and integrated energy management – areas increasingly influencing product design and specification.

Johannes Möller, group show director – Building Technologies Shows at Messe Frankfurt, commented: “We are very much looking forward to working with Frost & Sullivan and drawing on their extensive industry expertise, particularly on key topics shaping the built environment, for both ISH and Light + Building. Their insights into emerging trends, political frameworks, and innovation drivers will provide our exhibitors and visitors with valuable strategic orientation. This input will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of both leading international trade fairs, and the insights gained will also be available year-round on Building. Technology. Solutions. – the information platform of Messe Frankfurt for intelligent building technology.”

Kamal Shah, associate partner & head of DACH Region at Frost & Sullivan, added: “Sustainable, connected infrastructure is no longer optional – it’s the new baseline. Through this partnership, we aim to empower businesses to understand the macro forces reshaping their industries and to make smarter, faster decisions. By combining Frost & Sullivan’s global analytics expertise with the reach of ISH in the fields of water, heating and air, as well as Light + Building’s focus on lighting, building services technologies, and connected security, we are creating a knowledge-sharing platform that will elevate the conversation and catalyse future growth.”

With bathroom brands under increasing pressure to deliver products that conserve water, reduce carbon emissions and connect with digital home systems, Messe Frankfurt says the partnership will give manufacturers strategic insights to help future-proof product development.

Frost & Sullivan estimates the global smart building market will exceed USD 50 billion by 2030, highlighting opportunities for bathroom manufacturers to align with wider sustainability and digitalisation trends.

Roca UK & Ireland has promoted Emma Mottram to head of brand and communications. She was previously brand marketing manager for LAUFEN, part of the Roca Group.

During her time with LAUFEN, Mottram is credited with having played a pivotal role in driving brand visibility, strengthening partnerships and delivering standout campaigns that positioned the brand at the forefront of premium bathroom design.

As head of brand and communications, Mottram will oversee the strategic direction and execution of marketing and communications across LAUFEN and Roca brands in the UK and Ireland. Her remit includes brand development, PR, digital strategy, events, and trade and consumer engagement.

Mottram says, “I’m incredibly proud to take on this new role at such an exciting time for the business. Having worked closely with the LAUFEN brand, I’ve seen firsthand the strength and potential across both the Roca and LAUFEN portfolios. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum while ensuring each brand’s unique identity is clearly defined and powerfully communicated. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring even greater impact to both brands across the UK and Ireland.”

Roca Group said the move underlines its commitment to innovation, design excellence and sustainability across residential and commercial sectors.

The Villeroy & Boch Group has shared its proposal to close one tunnel kiln at the Armitage Shanks site in Staffordshire, potentially impacting 100 employees.

The proposal is part of a strategic realignment to optimise operations, streamline capacity, and enhance long-term business competitiveness and growth. This proposal is part of the Villeroy & Boch Group’s wider evaluation of its global manufacturing footprint, which aims to ensure efficient operations and overall cost-competitiveness within a highly competitive marketplace.

“This is an incredibly difficult announcement to make”, says UK managing director, Lisa Whitfield. “We recognise the impact this proposal will have on our employees, their families, and the community and we are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our site manufacturing team.”

As one of Villeroy & Boch’s largest markets, the UK is a key country for the company with an offering of a full range of bathroom solutions through its brands Villeroy & Boch, Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks. With commercial roles and its central distribution center not impacted by the proposal, the company is committed to maintaining a strong commercial and manufacturing presence in the UK and does not expect any disruption for customers.

Villeroy & Boch will now enter a minimum formal 45-day collective consultation period with the trade unions and employee representatives in Armitage.

Saniflo has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the Clear Water range – a complete line-up of pumps designed for the collection, distribution and pressurisation of clean water.

Building on more than 70 years of experience in wastewater management, the new range introduces robust solutions for applications such as rainwater harvesting, garden irrigation, basement drainage and boosting domestic water pressure.

The line-up includes:

  • Sanijet – a five-model range of stainless steel centrifugal surface pumps, self-priming with Venturi (jet) technology for suction up to 8m. Maximum head: 50–54m; max flow: 3.6–5m³.
  • SaniMHP – ten multi-stage surface pumps suited to irrigation, rainwater and water supply. Models offer heads of 40–52m and flows of 4–8.7m³.
  • Saniboost – four domestic booster pumps with heads of 40–54m and flows of 3.6–5m³. Each features a buffer tank to regulate pressure, reduce noise and extend product life.
  • Sanisub – submersible pumps for flood recovery, basement drainage and rainwater re-use. Flow rates range from 9–15m³/hour with heads up to 11m.
  • Sanifos – two underground lifting stations with 110L and 280L capacities, designed for grey or treated water management in residential and garden outbuildings.

Saniflo says the Clear Water range supports sustainable water use by enabling collection and re-use of rainwater, grey water and alternative sources, helping reduce demand on mains supply.

With this addition, Saniflo now offers complete solutions for both wastewater and clean water applications.

For more details or to download the Clear Water brochure, visit www.sfasaniflo.co.uk.

RAK Ceramics has extended the design possibilities of its Concrete Collection of wall and floor tiles even further, following the launch of Opificio. This intriguing new range will inject industrial-style luxe into any setting.

A minimalist masterpiece inspired by the organic beauty of traditional, industrial workplaces where raw materials are transformed into high performing products, the Opificio tile range is effortlessly elegant and stunning in its simplicity.

Bathroom Review RAK_OPIFICIO_Living_Particolare

Incredibly versatile, Opificio can elevate any interior with its timeless charm and has been expertly manufactured to provide designers with a stylish surface solution that will excel in domestic as well as many commercial environments. 

Featuring a tactile, textured matt finish, Opificio benefits from an R10 slip rating, with rectified edges for precision laying and a seamless aesthetic. Available in a diverse palette that extends its visual appeal, porcelain Opificio tiles come in White, Light Grey and Beige, pictured right, as well as a dark and dramatic Grey, which can create contrast when paired with lighter colours and materials.

Easy to clean and maintain, 9mm thick Opificio tiles are infinitely durable, can be used on walls as well as floors and come in sizes of: 30 x 60cm, 60 x 60cm, 60 x 120cm and 120 x 120cm. Ideal for designers looking to create a visual link between different spaces, including interiors and exteriors, these tiles are also available as an 80 x 80cm outdoor version measuring 20mm thick.

Also part of the new Opificio collection are white body ceramic wall tiles, which can be specified in two modern neutral finishes of Ivory and Light Grey, pictured left. They come in a 30 x 60cm format, measuring 8.5mm thick, and have a chic and sophisticated matt finish that makes them perfect for bathroom and kitchen walls as well as a diverse selection of commercial settings.

Bathroom-Review-Opificio-Light-Grey-Lifestyle

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/