As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the UK bathroom industry, Utopia has announced it has become a corporate member of the KBSA. Having been at the forefront of the bathroom furniture sector for almost forty years, Utopia shares many of the same aims of the KBSA, such as promoting professionalism, innovative design, and premium-quality craftsmanship, all supported by exceptional service. Utopia is particularly proud to design and manufacture its award-winning bathroom furniture collections in the UK.
Gary Matthews, Utopia’s sales director, comments, “We are delighted to be joining the KBSA as a corporate member. As well as supporting the overall development of the bathroom sector in general and the independent K&B showroom in particular, one of our key objectives is to contribute to the conversation in the bathroom category offering our insight as a leading manufacturer. At the same time, we are looking forward to driving our own growth plans by strengthening our existing relationships within the membership as well as forging new ones.”
Richard Hibbert, KBSA Chair, said “It is important for the Association to continue to recruit the industry’s major manufacturers, distributors and service providers as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Association that is essential for a prosperous independent sector. The continued prosperity of this sector is of course of vital importance to all members alike.”
Hyperion Tiles, a leading UK tile and flooring specialist, has launched a cutting-edge collection of waterproof wall panels, designed to offer a stylish and practical solution for high-moisture spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, wet rooms and indoor leisure areas.
This new range of grout-free panels combines modern aesthetics with long-term durability. Made from eco-conscious acrylic and Dibond® materials, the panels are 100% waterproof and mould-resistant and available in eight size options, starting from 800 x 2440 x 3mm. Prices begin at £677.75 per panel.
Available in 14 curated collections—ranging from Animal & Nature, Marble and Stone to Pop Art & Graffiti, Wood and Metal—these decorative waterproof wall panels offer over 450 striking design options. Customers can also personalise panels with custom photography, quotes or branding to create a bespoke finish for residential or commercial projects.
Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, explains: “These waterproof panels have been designed to stand the test of time, but what makes them really special is that these grout-free wall panels offer you a seamless aesthetic. At Hyperion Tiles, we are committed to innovation and practicality in interior design, and these panels don’t just look good; they are built to last and work with any room style.”
Key features of the new wall and floor panel collections include:
Waterproof and mould resistant – ideal for wet areas including kitchens, bathrooms and indoor pools
Grout-free installation – offering a clean, seamless aesthetic with reduced maintenance
Customisable designs – choose from a wide range of colours, sizes and patterns, or add quotes and personalised images
Built for durability – easy to clean and resistant to scratches and chips, with optional acoustic insulation
Versatile design – suitable for a variety of interiors, from bold and artistic to natural and minimalist
Hyperion Tiles also offers more than 15,000 tile designs in a variety of colours, patterns, textures, finishes, shapes and sizes. The company’s wider portfolio includes designer paint, luxury wall coverings, statement bathroom accessories and premium flooring, from engineered wood to luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).
Drummonds has unveiled a new iteration of its traditional shower controls, updating the Dalby and Colll collections. Established as a restorer of antique bathroom pieces, Drummonds has been manufacturing in its own foundry for nearly three decades, preserving the authenticity of original Victorian forms while introducing subtle innovations.
The new Dalby Concealed Shower controls include a thermostatic valve, on/off control, and a two-way shower diverter. They can be purchased separately or as a complete shower plate set. The Coll shower fittings adapt classic Edwardian lever handles into elegant concealed controls, with a thermostatic valve, on/off control, and two-way diverter.
Creative director James Lentaigne comments: “The Dalby surface-mounted shower is a continuation of the earliest nineteenth-century designs, which featured external pipework and robust valve controls adapted from nautical and manufacturing machinery. Characterful and charming, they are a piece of British interiors history and bring an eye-catching structure to any bathroom scheme, available in all nine of our unique brass finishes. “With our classic collections, we tread a considered line between remaining authentic to the original forms and evolving with new options for today’s designers. We wanted to retain that character while adapting it for modern bathrooms with a more subtle aesthetic. ”
Previous adaptations include monobloc taps in the Coll and Mull collections, and the Rother back-to-wall toilet pan, translate to Victorian forms into contemporary formats. This evolution is made possible by the peerless skill of Drummonds’ artisans, who preserve traditional casting techniques for cast iron, china, and brass. The brass foundry, in particular, is a world leader in the art of lost-wax casting, producing intricate forms with exceptional precision. Famed for its cast-iron baths, Drummonds has also become renowned for its shower offering, and most notably, the inimitable freestanding shower collection. The updated Coll and Dalby collections will be available to order from May 2025 in all nine of Drummond’s signature brassware finishes.
With its durable products, documented environmental performance and efficient manufacturing processes, Duravit offers dependable solutions for sustainable architecture.
Currently durability, resource-efficiency, and transparent product information are essential requirements in architecture. Key to the realisation of sustainable construction projects are dependable materials, transparent environmental standards, and responsible partners. When it comes to planning sustainable buildings, Duravit’s product range impresses both in terms of design, but also its sustainable qualities – which are documented, certified, and manufactured with the future in mind.
Certified transparency for sustainable planning
Environmental product declarations (EPDs) mean that Duravit can provide substantive information about the environmental impact of its products. The EPDs document the entire lifecycle – from sourcing raw materials through production and use right up to disposal – and enables sound decision-making at the planning stage. They comply with the standards ISO 14025 and EN 15804, are audited by independent institutions while also serving as a solid foundation for integration into common building certifications such as LEED, or BREEAM.
Through this process, Duravit is able to create maximum transparency for product selection and planning certainty for the realisation of sustainable concepts.
Sustainability starts with the material
The basis of any long-lasting product is the material. Duravit’s sanitary ceramic is based on natural raw materials such as kaolin, clay, quartz, and feldspar – formed, glazed, and fired at over 1,200°C. This produces robust, hygienic surfaces that are easy to clean and have a long useful life – ideal for projects in private buildings as well as properties with heavy footfall. A further benefit for planners is the lifetime guarantee on many ceramic parts and the long-term spare-part availability meaning that sustainable use is ensured for years to come. Sanitary acrylic and the DuroCast® mineral material round off the portfolio with durable, recyclable options.
Resource-efficient production
Duravit sets standards in production – with energy-efficient manufacturing processes, systematic recycling of materials, and ongoing optimisation of the carbon footprint. The complete bathroom manufacturer produces many ceramic products each day at its Hornberg site. Adhering to strict quality standards keeps the reject quota particularly low.
The company is currently building a new plant in Canada which is due to come on stream at the end of 2025 and promises almost entirely climate-neutral manufacturing. At the Schenkenzell site, Duravit’s bathroom furniture production is PEFCcertified (PEFC/04-31-2357) and uses wood from sustainably managed forests. Wood waste from production is used to generate heat.
Abode, a bathroom and kitchen solutions brand, has revealed a new-look website with fresh, new content, greater product choice, and a smart, user-friendly interface.
Live now at www.abodedesigns.co.uk, the new-look Abode website includes various innovative features and benefits to improve the overall user experience and engage online visitors for longer. The website will undergo further updates, as this is only Phase 1 of the company’s planned redevelopment.
Leanne Stansfield, marketing manager at Abode says, “We are really excited to develop the company’s digital footprint so we can ensure that our online identity reflects our brand evolution and more importantly, today’s consumer who demands the very best omnichannel experiences. Enhancing our digital presence is key to our onward strategy, so we are keen to share our vision of providing a more immersive and intuitive online experience to our network of retail customers and suppliers. With a view to increase user dwell times by delivering high-quality products and an exceptional customer service, our new-look website is aimed at building stronger relationships with our customers before they make an online purchase or arrange a design consultation with one of our UK retailers.”
The reimagined Abode website includes the following key highlights:
FRESH NEW-LOOK: A streamlined, minimalist look and feel ensures web users can enjoy a smooth online journey throughout the site, freely exploring signature designs and product innovations by Abode at their own pace. Clear, accessible product information and aspirational lifestyle photography all help convey the company’s unique product offer for the kitchen and bathroom, which will become an online destination for UK customers seeking quality design and lasting innovation.
The new-look website reflects the evolution of the Abode brand, and paints a clear picture of why the company exists for its customers by touching on design and innovation, quality and service, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the value of its people.
ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY: Presenting a user-friendly format across all devices and platforms, the new Abode website is fully responsive so customers can browse confidently. Simply click on the horizontal navigation bar for all kitchen and bathroom products, or use the handy search icon to explore the entire site. All sink and tap solutions listed on the website are now driven by Abode’s NEW product information management (PIM) system, which provides real-time product updates and enhanced stock information, all with 48-hour delivery times. Visitors can create an online customer account to make repeat purchases faster and simpler than ever before.
SMART PRODUCT FILTERS: Explore the complete range of kitchen and bathroom taps, kitchen sinks, boiling water and filtered water taps, bathroom basins, showering, and accessories with ease. Abode designs are categorised so online visitors can easily explore all the different products by function/type, finish, shape, size, style, material, and finish. In addition to product categories, Abode has also introduced finish examples, which show the available options for each kitchen and/or bathroom product to demonstrate the look of your new sink or tap. Web users can also benefit from ‘Abode Recommends’, a new product feature that delivers search results based on personal preferences such as Antique Brass; Kitchen Taps; Price.
LATEST DESIGN INSPIRATION: Packed with the latest trends, customer reviews, real-home projects, design guides, lifestyle blog posts, and shoppable products, Abode’s renewed website offers the perfect blend of style and functionality for the kitchen and bathroom. Featuring the latest designer tips, interior styles, and product recommendations from the leading experts at Abode, visitors are spoilt for choice when gathering inspiration for their next kitchen or bathroom project. Online customers can also check out the company’s live Instagram feed, as well as sign-up with their email address to receive the digital newsletter straight to their inbox and be the first to know about the latest products and company news.
INTEGRATED CUSTOMER SUPPORT: The friendly customer service team is only a phone call or email away and now, UK customers can also make use of the new online support page, which includes frequently asked questions, product care, facility to order samples, and access/register product warranties. Customers can also shop for tap spares and consumables such as water filters, and even create a Wishlist by registering for a free Abode Account. Finding your nearest Abode stockist just got easier too thanks to the fully updated retailer locator, where you enter the postcode to call up contact information for local suppliers near you. Customers can also get up close and personal with a selection of Abode Approved Partners who reveal who they are, what they do, and where to find them!
If you’re a UK retailer interested in becoming an Approved Partner, then please contact a member from the Abode Sales Team today on 01226 283 434 (option 3).
For further information on Abodeproducts, please contact:
JTP, a leader in design-led bathroom brassware and solutions, has introduced a bold new bronze finish to its best-selling HIX, EVO and VOS collections – bringing warmth, depth and a modern-luxe edge to bathroom interiors.
The new bronze colourway blends timeless sophistication with contemporary design, offering an elegant alternative to traditional chrome and black finishes. With its rich, brushed appearance, the bronze finish adds a sense of understated opulence and pairs beautifully with both neutral palettes and bolder design schemes.
Available across the architectural lines of HIX, the sleek silhouettes of EVO and the minimalist elegance of VOS, this new finish offers designers and homeowners even more creative freedom. Whether used to warm up cool-toned tiles or to complement natural textures like stone and wood, bronze delivers a statement-making yet versatile option for the modern bathroom.
Further enhancing the user experience, JTP has also unveiled the new Round Water Outlet which features an improved wider spray. Designed for a more immersive and indulgent shower, the outlet combines refined aesthetics with elevated functionality – ideal for homeowners seeking both performance and visual harmony.
“We’re excited to offer our customers a wider choice with the introduction of this beautiful tactile bronze finish. It reflects our commitment to offering innovative design with enduring style – helping to create bathrooms that are as impressive as they functional,” comments Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP.
Leading bathroom manufacturer, BC Designs, has announced it will now hold stock of all of its brassware ranges in its brushed gold finish.
Previously, ordering the finish could have up to a four-week lead time, but as demand for this finish remains strong within bathroom design, BC Designs has taken this step to better support its retailers.
Holding stock will significantly shorten lead times from up to four weeks to around three days. As well as the brushed gold finish, BC Designs also holds chrome in stock.
Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs, says: ““We’re pleased to now hold stock of our most popular brushed gold brassware finish, which means lead times are reduced from four weeks to just three working days.
“We know how important speed and flexibility are for our retail partners, particularly when managing customer expectations and tight project timelines. By stocking this finish, we’re making it easier for retailers to secure high-demand products quickly as and when they need them.”
BC Designs brassware ranges include traditional Victrion as well as the modern Chelmsford. The company will also be holding stock of essential items such as wastes in all the colours.
BC Designs offers eight finishes across its brassware ranges, including chrome, gold, nickel and copper, along with brushed finishes of each. The rest of its finishes remain on a four-week lead time.
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 industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Shower design for today’s housing market requires a balance of style, functionality, and adaptability to evolving consumer needs. As urban living spaces become more compact and multi-generational, the demand for chic, space-saving solutions is at an all-time high.
Modern shower designs are moving towards open, minimalist concepts that maximise space and light while offering luxury and practicality. Flatter shower trays and seamless enclosures are increasingly popular and provide an aesthetic edge. At the same time, the rise of sustainable and smart technologies means designers can integrate water-efficient features with easy-to-maintain materials.
Diane Larner examines how innovations are transforming shower design to reflect user expectations.
Ultra luxurious
BetteUltra Space Shower Tray
Sleek, low-profile shower trays deliver a minimalist look that helps create an open feel to the bathroom space. In a world where multi-generational living is on the rise, flush-to-floor installations enhance accessibility and inclusivity, making them a safer option for all ages, from young children to elderly family members. They also provide peace of mind for homeowners, as they are less likely to run into leakage or drainage issues.
Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing at Bette, agrees, “There is a growing demand for large, flatter and level-with-the-floor shower trays, that can give the look of a wet room, without any worries about water leakage. There’s also a growing understanding of the benefits of glazed-steel shower trays in terms of their durability and ease of cleaning. With a wide colour choice available, such as Bette’s 31 Key Colours available on all shower trays, there is also the opportunity to coordinate the shower tray with the bathroom flooring.”
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
Going solo
Kinedo Solo Range
For architects and designers, sourcing bathroom products from a single supplier is an efficient way to streamline the process. Consolidating purchases means buyers can worry less about design consistency across the project, since each element will likely be coordinated, be it shower trays, enclosures, or accessories. In addition, this approach simplifies the procurement process, mitigating the risk of compatibility issues between different product lines. Thanks to volume discounts, cost savings can also be expected on package deals. A single-supplier approach will simplify project management, offering reliable delivery schedules, warranty management, and a direct point of contact for support. This ultimately allows buyers to focus on the creative aspects of the design. Kinedo is one such supplier that offers this service to its customers.
Amanda Mills, marketing manager for Kinedo, comments. “With a comprehensive range of all-in-one cubicles, shower enclosures, walk-ins, trays, plus our stunning collection of shower panels, Kinedo is very much a one-stop shop for showering. There is a growing market for products that help customers personalise their space, and the new glass panel options and the myriad of panel designs in our range mean that a customer can opt for unique combinations to suit their own taste.”
Kinedo has revamped its walk-in shower range and added some stunning new options. The Solo range combines existing products in various sizes with door options that include pivot, bi-fold, sliding, static, and kick panels.
Electric appeal
Aqualisa E2 Series
Electric showers continue to gain traction among architects working across retrofit, modular, and multi-residential sectors, particularly where water pressure, space constraints, or system independence is a concern. Their ease of installation and self-contained heating mean they remain a practical solution in scenarios where system separation or decentralised supply is an issue. Aesthetic limitations, once a common drawback, are now being addressed by manufacturers pushing design-forward innovation. The latest electric showers feature slimmer profiles and improved interfaces, whilst finishes reflect broader bathroom trends – think matte black, brushed brass, and soft-touch digital controls. Electric showers are no longer purely functional but align with design intent and user experience.
Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing for House of Rohl, agrees, “The latest electric showers may surprise people with their performance and stylish design, as well as value for money. There is a trend towards more premium finishes, so you don’t have to opt for cheap-looking plastics. And by using electricity to heat up the exact amount of water used, they are efficient too – many electric showers have an ‘A-rating’ for energy efficiency.”
Aqualisa’s electric showers have been designed to be stylish and sophisticated additions to any bathroom. They combine the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Its E2 series, for example, is a sleek, space-saving shower with advanced functions and simple operation. It provides a hot and refreshing shower virtually instantly, taking water from the cold mains supply, so there is no demand for stored hot water tanks.
Time to spa
BAGNODESIGN – BAGNOSPA 4 FUNCTION SHOWER HEAD
Spa-style bathrooms are fast becoming recognised as a design staple. Drawing on natural materials, ambient lighting, and elegant fittings, these spaces feel calm and considered. Features such as freestanding tubs, rain showers, and soothing colour schemes enhance well-being.
In addition, shrinking bathroom footprints in UK properties present an ongoing challenge for developers and designers attempting to deliver a sense of luxury in compact spaces. With urban living on the rise and space at a premium, balancing functionality with high-end aesthetics is key. This shift calls for innovative thinking that blends streamlined design with products that maximise every inch without losing that essential feeling of indulgence. This is where a luxurious shower design can make its mark.
Katy Olsen, brand manager at BAGNODESIGN, explains, “Showering has become key to creating a wellness environment and is now seen as just as important as a freestanding bath in cultivating a spa-style bathroom. Like many elements of bathroom design, it really comes down to personal preference, and for many consumers, showering is definitely perceived as promoting relaxation and wellness as well as rejuvenation.
“Showers that combine different functions are perfect for creating a wellness environment with ceiling-mounted shower heads that offer an immersive experience, proving popular with consumers looking to personalise their showering space.”
The BAGNOSPA 4 Function Shower Head from luxury bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, perfect for creating a spa-like setting at home. This recessed shower head features four functions: waterfall, spray, rain curtain, and rain, as well as RGB LED lights. It measures 600 x 600mm and requires a minimum operating pressure of 1.5 bar for an indulgent showering experience that promotes wellness.
Mix & match
Kudos Ultimate Slimline Shower Tray
As shower trends shift towards a more customised approach, there is a growing preference for integrating design elements that help to build a cohesive, sophisticated aesthetic throughout the bathroom or shower room. Eye-catching new materials, colours, and finishes make it easy to create visually striking yet practical shower spaces. This approach allows for a seamless integration of luxury features while meeting the demand for efficient, modern living environments.
Sarah Stepney, trade marketing at Kudos, concurs, “From an enclosure perspective, the key is to offer a broad range of design options, at all price points, allowing the end-user to personalise the space and trade-up. So, whether that be low-level shower trays in various colours, minimalist enclosures with slim profiles or a wet room solution with complementary glass panels, anything goes. Coloured profiles that match or coordinate with brassware are growing in popularity as are tinted glass, decorative or mirrored shower panels.”
Kudos has been creating showering products in its Cumbrian facility for the past 26 years. The most recent product introductions developed and manufactured within its UK facility are the ULTIMATE slimline shower tray, just 27mm in height (manufactured to bespoke sizes), and SIONA, a semi-frameless shower panel and enclosure collection – available in eight popular sizes.
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Clerkenwell Design Week will see the UK launch of Bette’s flattest ever shower tray, the BetteUltra Space, and its new colour, ‘Salvia’.All Bette shower trays are made of glazed titanium-steel and are durable, easy to clean, fully recyclable and come with a 30-year warranty, making them as suitable for hotels as they are for private homes.
New BetteUltra Space shower tray
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
New colour – Salvia
Bette’s new colour, ‘Salvia’, an elegant glossy sage green, will also launch in the UK at Clerkenwell Design Week. It joins Bette’s existing 30 Key Colours, which are available on the entire Bette enamelled-steel range of shower trays, baths, and washbasin.
Two colour ranges and new colour fan
Bette’s colour expertise is demonstrated through its two colour ranges: Key Colours and Bespoke Colours. Key Colours offers a choice of 31 colours, available across all Bette’s shower trays, baths and basins, while Bespoke Colours are 40 additional colours, including eye-catching shimmering effect colours. They are available on specific products and can be used to create colour accents and stylish focal points.
All Key Colours and Bespoke Colours are included in Bette’s new free colour fan. Its format and accurate colours are designed to make it easy to select colours to create a complementary colour scheme by holding the Bette colours against other items to be included.
Bette sustainability
Bette products can support a more sustainable circular economy approach, in which products are re-used and recycled. The glazed titanium-steel material from which products are made is so durable that all products come with a 30-year warranty. This means that, when a bathroom is being refurbished, Bette’s baths, shower trays and basins will often be re-used or will be sold for re-use elsewhere. The products are made from natural materials and can be recycled entirely. They are also extremely easy to clean, with minimum cleaning products required.
Where possible, carbon-neutral green steel is used at no extra cost to customers. Bette has been buying significant quantities of green steel since 2021.
Bette also makes its manufacturing processes as environmentally friendly as possible. It generates electricity and heat from combined heat and power plants and solar energy, and when the sun shines, it creates 2/3 of its electricity requirements from solar energy.
Bette is a specialist in bathroom products made of a special material and manufacturing process.
Titanium steel sheets are formed under high pressure and refined with a thin coating similar to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is ideal for the bathroom living space – it is smooth, hygienic, durable and robust.
The family-owned company Bette was founded in 1952 in Delbrück (North Rhine-Westphalia) and has specialised exclusively in this manufacturing process, which enables the products to be shaped with the highest level of precision craftsmanship.
Around 390 people are employed at the production and administration headquarters. Thilo C. Pahl, a representative of the owner family, is the managing director.
The range includes baths, shower surfaces, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture “Made in Germany”: unique pieces that can be varied in colour and dimension and open up inspiring scope for the interior design of the bathroom. Bette manufacturing combines high-tech production with handcrafting where it serves the customer’s benefit. Today, more than half of the products are customised according to the customer’s wishes. Over 600 different bath and washbasin models are offered in a wide range of possible surface colours.
High-quality, completely recyclable products are created from the natural raw materials glass, water and steel. They are verified according to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Kinedo has revamped its walk-in shower range and added some stunning new options. The Solo range combines existing products in various sizes with door options that include pivot, bi-fold, sliding, static, and kick panels.
A stand-out new addition to the range is the Solo Design +. A single shower panel encased in a beautifully slim aluminium thin frame, the Solo Design + is available in five profile colours – white, black, brushed graphite, brushed stainless steel and brushed gold with matching reinforcement bar.
Six different glass types can be specified depending on the panel chosen. As open bedroom/bathroom designs become popular, the trend towards shower privacy glass increases. Two options, Cosmos and Weave, feature frosted designs that lend themselves perfectly to this purpose.
Patterned glass is also making a comeback, and the Art Deco glass from the Solo Design + range features a gold pattern that perfectly complements the brushed gold profile. The black Mondrian pattern version caters to the industrial trend, pairing nicely with pretty much all profile options, while the fluted glass option makes for a spectacular statement piece in any bathroom.
The new range, with anti-limescale treatment on all glass panels, is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to clean. Whether with wet room flooring or a shower tray, the panels have been designed to work with both and feature reversible left/right installation (depending on the glass finish).
The new walk-ins perfectly complement Kinedo’s Kinewall panels and trays, enabling a whole solution to be purchased from Kinedo.
For further information, visit the Kinedo website.
