Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

FM Mattsson Group acquires Bristan Group

July 29, 2026

FM Mattsson Group enters into an agreement to acquire Bristan Group Limited, the UK supplier of taps and showers in a move that exxpand its offering in the UK and broadens it portfolio of bathroom brands.

The acquisition complements FM Mattsson Group’s existing UK and Ireland business, Aqualla, which has a well-established presence in the retail and consumer bathroom market. Together, the two businesses will provide the Group with a broader offering and a stronger platform in one of Europe’s largest markets.

Bristan has established a strong position in the UK market over many years and is recognised as one of the country’s leading brassware suppliers. The company works with a wide network of profesional customers including installers, specifiers, wholesalers, and DIY retailers and online merchants.

“The acquisition of Bristan is a major step in line with our strategy to strengthen FM Mattsson Group’s international presence through strong brands. Bristan is established as the no. 1 brassware supplier in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and broad product offering, particularly for the professional market. As the largest brassware supplier in the UK, Bristan gives us a significantly stronger platform in one of Europe’s largest markets for bathroom and kitchen mixers.” said Fredrik Skarp, CEO of FM Mattsson Group.

“We very much look forward to continuing to develop the business together with Bristan’s experienced management team and committed employees, whose expertise and drive have been crucial to the company’s success. Together with Aqualla, Bristan creates an even stronger platform for long-term profitable growth in the UK, combining complementary strengths across retail, professional and commercial project channels.”

Bristan’s CEO Jen Cassidy said “We are delighted to be joining the FM Mattsson Group, an organisation whose values and ethos align so closely with our own. We look forward to continuing to drive through our strategy focusing on our new product roadmap, demand generation and strategic supplier partnerships development with the support of our new parent company.”

Following the completion of the acquisition, Bristan will become part of FM Mattsson Group while continuing to operate as a stand-alone brand business under its own management team.

The deal is expected to broaden FM Mattsson Group’s geographical footprint and strengthen its presence in the UK, while creating opportunities to expand its product offering, develop customer relationships and enhance operational capabilities.

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Trade sector welcomes education reform & skills shift

July 28, 2026

Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS), responds to the Prime Minister’s landmark technical education reforms.

BIFIS has strongly welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister introducing significant technical education pathways for 14-year-olds and putting vocational qualifications on an equal footing with academic degrees.

Speaking in response to the Government’s plan to open early access to skills training, work experience, and industry links from Year 10, Damian Walters, Chief Executive of BIFIS, commented:

“For far too long, our education system has operated under a misguided cultural bias that treated academic degrees as the default measure of success while viewing vocational trades as a second-class alternative. Yesterday’s clear message from the Prime Minister, that Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap, is a vital, long-overdue shift.

“Our sector, alongside the wider construction and home improvement industries, faces an acute skills shortage. We have an aging workforce, a generation of talented young people who were never introduced to the incredible opportunities within the trades, and over a million young adults currently disconnected from education or employment.

“Giving 14-year-olds hands-on experience, clear vocational pathways, and early exposure to real-world employers isn’t just good for young people, it is essential for the future of the UK economy. A career in specialist installation and skilled trades offers high earning potential, entrepreneurship, technology integration, and genuine job security.

“However, policy must be matched by seamless execution. As regional mayors, local leaders, and Ofsted reshape learning pathways, trade bodies and specialist employers must be placed at the heart of curriculum design. We need to ensure that the technical skills taught in classrooms directly align with modern industry standards and modern consumer demands. BIFIS stands ready to work alongside government, regional authorities, and educational leaders to bridge the gap between school classrooms and rewarding, lifelong careers in home installation.”

Key Industry Takeaways from the Announcement:

• Parity of Esteem: Formal recognition of technical and vocational training as prestigious routes into employment.

• Early Intervention: Introducing workplace exposure and technical subjects at age 14 (Year 10) to prevent school leavers from falling into NEET (not in education, employment, or training) status.

• Devolved Partnership: Regional mayors and employers leading local curriculum alignment to match regional economic needs.

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Designing for calm: How thoughtful bathroom design shapes everyday wellbeing

July 27, 2026

Duravit has highlighted the role thoughtful bathroom design can play in supporting everyday wellbeing, exploring how form, materials, lighting and colour can influence the way bathrooms are experienced. As the bathroom continues to evolve beyond a purely functional space, the manufacturer believes carefully considered design can help create interiors that feel calm, balanced and restorative.

Drawing on the design philosophies behind collections created in collaboration with Philippe Starck, Christian Werner, Sebastian Herkner and Antonio Citterio, Duravit explores how considered design choices can contribute to more harmonious bathroom environments.

The bathroom is one of the few places where people can enjoy uninterrupted time alone. As the space where the day begins and ends, its design plays an important role in shaping everyday routines and the overall user experience. Even simple rituals, such as a morning shower or evening wind-down, can feel markedly different when the surrounding environment has been carefully considered.

Forms & materials

Soft radii, clean lines and carefully coordinated materials and colours create a cohesive overall aesthetic. Many contemporary bathroom collections embrace these principles, using organic forms, matt textures and warm tones to establish a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Designers including Philippe Starck, Christian Werner and Sebastian Herkner employ a restrained design language, combining refined detailing with balanced proportions to create timeless bathroom environments.

Light & colour

Lighting also plays an important role in how a bathroom is experienced. Bright, focused illumination around the wash area can promote alertness, while indirect lighting creates a softer, more relaxed atmosphere.

Colour further reinforces this effect. Warm beige and wood tones introduce a sense of comfort, while green shades help evoke calm. Lighter finishes can make rooms feel larger and more open, while darker furniture and accent surfaces provide visual contrast and create defined focal points within the space.

The bathroom in everyday life

The bathroom serves as both a place of retreat and one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, making thoughtful design increasingly important. Clearly organised layouts and integrated storage create a sense of order, helping everyday routines feel simpler and more intuitive.

This is particularly evident in the wash area, where repeated daily rituals benefit from an environment that is uncluttered, functional and visually calm.

A new approach to bathroom design

For Duravit, contemporary bathroom design is increasingly focused on combining clean forms, balanced proportions and practical functionality to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. The manufacturer’s collections demonstrate how considered design and everyday practicality can be brought together to create cohesive bathroom solutions that are visually striking while promoting a sense of calm and harmony.

Pictureed: 01

Bathroom with the look & feel of a living area: White Tulip by Philippe Starck combines light-coloured fronts with striking chrome handles for a gently structured washing area. The warm setting featuring wood and decorative objects lends the room an appealing, homely atmosphere. (Image source: Duravit AG)

Pictured: 02

Compact clarity: Tight space with a homely feel. A compact console with above-counter washbasin and a harmoniously positioned mirror from the D‑Neo range by Bertrand Lejoly offers storage and shelf space. The green wall colour instills a sense of composure and creates a relaxed setting. (Image source: Duravit AG)

Pictured: 03

Light and storage space: The mirror cabinet by Duravit combines lighting and storage in a single unit. With a mirrored interior and glass shelves, it keeps everything neat and tidy and provides for pleasant lighting in the washing area. Functional and sedate in appearance. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Kaldewei’s Grand Tour: colour, craft and sustainability define the modern bathtub

July 27, 2026

Kaldewei spent the first half of 2026 on something akin to a modern Grand Tour, taking its steel enamel bathtubs across Europe’s leading design events and, setting out a clear position on where bathroom design is heading: toward colour, craft and genuine sustainability in equal measure.

The journey began in Milan, where Fuorisalone’s Bubbles of Time installation at Palazzo Crespi paired the freestanding Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval, in Dusty Pink, with cinematic lighting and floating forms courtesy of Parasite 2.0 and Forgotten Architecture. In Madrid, Casa Décor saw architect Isabel López Vilalta explore balance and sensitivity through the Nuio Duo Zen Edition, introducing heat, sound and light to the bathing experience. Berlin brought colour to the fore with the bold Oyo Duo in Golden Sun for Kaldewei’s collaboration with e15, a shade that will move aside for Dusty Pink this September.

The tour’s most recent stop was London’s WOW!house at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, and saw Kaldewei partner with Ca’ Pietra and De Rosee Sa on a Mediterranean-inspired bathroom built around the Classic Duo Oval — a fitting pairing, given that both are family-run businesses with craftsmanship at their core.

Running through every stop is Kaldewei’s Luxstainability® ethos: the belief that luxury and sustainability can and do work in unison. Every product is crafted from steel enamel, is 100% recyclable, and more than 600 are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. The Calima shower tray, made using Solidlite™ technology, extends this thinking with a base of recycled glass.

What emerged across Milan, Madrid, Berlin and London is a consistent message for the trade: today’s bathtub is judged not only on form and finish, but on colour storytelling and material integrity — proof that sustainable manufacturing and genuine design ambition can, and should, sit in the same room.

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Duravit expands Balcoon range with new Patricia Urquiola washbasins

July 27, 2026

Duravit has expanded its Balcoon bathroom collection with a new range of furniture washbasins designed by Patricia Urquiola. The original collection took its inspiration from architectural structures, and the new elements bring the option of an additional sculptural centrepiece to the series.

Available in four widths — 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm and 1300mm, the largest being able to accommodate two basins — the new washbasins enable a broad range of planning options, from compact private bathrooms to large-scale project specifications. Each is a crafted as a ceramic monolithic cuboid, with the basin seamlessly integrated into the unit’s clean-lined form. A narrow rim traces the outline, creating a gentle transition from the flat vanity surface to the recess below — a signature detail that lends the design its quiet sophistication. The generously proportioned vanity surface reinforces the collection’s calm, architectural presence and unique character.

Urquiola describes Balcoon as “a study in interactions between different volumes and levels,” and that dynamism carries through to the washbasins’ three finishes: classic White, a stylish Matt White, and Clay Terra Matt, this warm terracotta tone brings a natural, warmth to a room.

The washbasins are designed to complement Balcoon’s wider furniture concept, including storage units with plain drawer fronts or open, symmetrically divided compartments, and a semi-tall cabinet with open storage below. Textured surfaces in White, earthy Brown and Anthracite add depth and faucets in Chrome, brushed stainless steel or Matt Black, plus a round mirror with integrated lighting, complete the ensemble. Within the wider Balcoon range, the washbasins sit alongside coordinated ceramics, bathroom furniture, mirrors, bathtubs, faucets and accessories, creating a harmonious overall look. Balcoon is positioned firmly within the mid-price segment, bringing, high-quality design within reach of both private bathrooms and high-end project business.

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Frontline expands its bathing offer

July 27, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms is strengthening its bathing offer with a broader collection designed around the realities of UK bathrooms, rather than simply adding more freestanding shapes to the catalogue.

At the centre is AquaKast, a nine-model collection developed with British bath designer Barrie Cutchie. It includes compact ovals, slipper baths, boat baths, back-to-wall and corner designs, giving retailers options for both statement schemes and more restrictive layouts. Models such as Minuet suit smaller rooms, while Desire includes a practical tap ledge for deck-mounted brassware, with the option to pair it with a floorstanding mixer.

Each AquaKast bath is made from acrylic reinforced with stone resin. This gives the bath a solid feel and smooth finish, while keeping the weight more manageable for delivery and installation, particularly on upper floors or in older properties.

The collection is supplied in gloss white as standard, but every model can also be painted in any RAL or BS colour through Frontline’s custom service. This gives retailers an accessible way to offer personalisation, whether the customer wants a strong feature colour or a shade that sits more closely with surrounding furniture, tiles or paintwork.

AquaKast forms part of Frontline’s wider Aqua bathing portfolio, which also includes fitted baths, shower baths, corner models, solid-surface designs, bath panels and screens. This breadth allows showrooms to specify around the room, budget and installation requirements rather than treating a freestanding bath as the answer for every project.

All AquaKast models share a £1,600 RRP and come with a lifetime guarantee. Together with Frontline’s retailer network and stock-backed approach, the collection gives showrooms a clear, practical offer built around design choice, easier specification and reliable availability.

A-frontline-bathrooms-AquaKast-paintable-bath

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New regional manager for Kudos Showers

July 27, 2026

Ethan Phillips has joined the Ronal Bathroom Group as regional sales manager for Kudos Showers covering Wales and the south-west of England. He is part of the contract sales team at Kudos, looking after both contractor and merchant customers in his region.

Phillips joins the business after a decade ‘on the tools’ as a plumber, which has given him a strong practical understanding of the market he now sells into. This was followed by four years in sales within the bathroom industry, combining technical knowledge with building customer relationships and recognising business opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with Kudos customers and to becoming someone they can rely on for support, service, and product knowledge,” said Ethan Phillips.

“I want to increase the visibility of the Kudos brand across my region by creating new opportunities, strengthening existing partnerships, and helping customers recognise the value and quality Kudos delivers. I intend to bring energy and a hands-on approach to the role to drive long-term growth.”

Phillips reports directly to Mark Batley, National Accounts & Contracts Manager for Kudos, who adds: “Ethan is already proving to be a real asset to the team. His practical understanding and skill set provide strong support for our customers and the rest of the team at Kudos. He’s also a very likeable colleague whom we all enjoy working with, and I have no doubt he will help further develop the Kudos brand.”

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, the company’s 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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REHAU refreshes RAUVISIO crystal Strong Collection with six new décors

July 27, 2026

REHAU has expanded the design possibilities of its RAUVISIO crystal range with the launch of the refreshed Strong Collection, introducing six new polymer glass decors inspired by natural materials.

Developed for contemporary bathroom and kitchen interiors, the updated collection has been designed to help specifiers create calm, cohesive spaces while making it easier to coordinate finishes across furniture, splashbacks and wall surfaces.

The range comprises six décors, each offered in both high-gloss and matt finishes. Vela, Torino and Onice draw on the look of natural stone, while Creta, Nube and Cortena take inspiration from other natural materials. Positioned beneath the RAUVISIO crystal polymer glass surface, the décors create subtle transitions, visual depth and a distinctive three-dimensional effect as light penetrates the material, adding texture without overpowering a scheme.

Suited for furniture fonts, wall cladding and other interior applications, the collection is available as a 2,800 × 1,300 × 19 mm with an MDF backed panel, or as a 3.7 mm glass laminate version for projects that require greater installation flexibility. The slimline panel can be fitted directly over existing tiles, making it particularly suited for refurbishment projects where installation speed and minimal disruption are key considerations.

Alongside its design potential, the polymer glass surface collection offers several practical advantages over conventional mineral glass. It is significantly lighter, more resistant to scratches and impacts and can be fabricated using standard woodworking tools. The easy-clean surface also incorporates anti-fingerprint properties, while the muted décors have been selected to work across a wide range of interior styles.

Jonathan Heginbottom, national sales manager at REHAU Interior Solutions UK, said: “The collection was redeveloped to capture the essence of natural materials in a calm, contemporary design language. The focus was on creating visual harmony through timeless aesthetics and a carefully considered palette that can be used across a variety of interior applications.”

To support the specification process, REHAU also offers Surface Select, an online platform that enables designers to browse its decorative surface collections and order samples for client presentations and project development.

Interior.rehau.uk/surface-select

For more information, visit: interior.rehau.com/crystal

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Frontline Bathrooms expands Aqua Glass collection with major new product investment

July 23, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms has significantly expanded its Aqua Glass collection for 2026, adding new enclosure configurations, larger sizes and additional finish options, further strengthening its stock-backed showering options to the UK market.

The launch forms part of Frontline Bathrooms’ ongoing refresh of the Aqua brand and product portfolio, building on the established Aqua glass range, which includes the 6mm Purity enclosure range, 8mm shower enclosures, and thepremium 10mm Elite wet room collection.

Frontline Bathrooms has invested in new tooling to expand its 6mm enclosure offering with several new models, including single-door quadrants and offset quadrants in the sizes most commonly specified by retailers. The range has been expended with double-door sliding enclosures in popular configurations, providing greater choice for both compact bathrooms and larger showering spaces.

The existing Purity collection has been extended with additional offset two-door quadrants and corresponding tray sizes, alongside a wider choice of sliding doors. New 1700mm, 1800mm and 2000mm options allow retailers to cater for the growing demand for more generous showering areas without moving into a bespoke product category.

Velar-Fluted-Glass-Walk-In-Brushed-Brass

Frontline Bathrooms has also added new 1000mm pivot and bi-fold doors, broadening its offering for bathrooms where limited wall space or restricted door clearance makes specifying a standard enclosure more challenging.

The expansion also introduces a new range of bath screens in a wider selection of brassware-inspired finishes. New gunmetal and bronze options join the collection, enabling retailers to create more coordinated bathroom schemes while meeting growing demand for alternatives to chrome.

Frontline has also extended its 8mm Mineral walk-in collection, which complements the award-winning Mineral brassware range. New brushed bronze and gunmetal finishes have been added alongside additional panel sizes, increasing the range of layout options available.

Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, says: “Glass is not a one-size-fits-all category. Retailers are working with everything from smaller bathrooms that require careful door clearance to large walk-in spaces where customers want fewer profiles and a more open showering area. The expansion gives them more ways to answer those briefs from a stocked range, rather than compromising on size or waiting for a specialist order.

“We have invested in the areas where we know retailers need greater choice, particularly larger sliding doors, additional quadrant options and finishes that can work with the wider bathroom scheme. It means a merchant can offer the customer a much more complete showering solution while still having the reassurance of nationwide next-day delivery.”

Aquashield protective glass coating is supplied as standard across the Aqua Glass collection, helping to make the glass easier to maintain. The range is supported by a lifetime guarantee, an extensive replacement parts service and Frontline’s dedicated customer support team.

Frontline Bathrooms holds the Aqua Glass collection in UK stock, with nationwide next-day delivery available through its established distribution network.

For further information, visit www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

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Ideal Standard expands Alu+ range with new finishes and products

July 23, 2026

Ideal Standard has expanded its Alu+ range with taps, beauty bars and accessories, and two new finishes – Bronze and Chrome. Originally launched as a showering collection, award-winning Alu+ now offers even greater design flexibility and 100% recycled aluminium across showers, taps and accessories.

Designed by Roberto and Ludovica Palomba, Alu+ combines slim profiles with integrated functionality to suit bathrooms of all sizes, particularly those where space is limited. The extended collection reflects a growing trend for coordinated bathroom schemes that balance design, practicality and sustainability.

The introduction of Bronze responds to the increasing popularity of warmer metallic finishes, offering a softer alternative to black fittings and pairing with natural materials and earthy colour palettes. Chrome joins the collection as a timeless option, complementing the existing Silk Black, Rosé and Silver finishes to provide greater design flexibility.

One collection, multiple functions

Alongside the new finishes, Ideal Standard has broadened the collection with coordinated products designed to maximise space. Integrated shower shelves provide storage within the showering area, while beauty bars combine mirrors and accessories in a compact solution for smaller bathrooms. Matching accessories, including toilet roll holders, toilet brushes and flush plates, allow a consistent design aesthetic throughout the space.

The thinking behind Alu+ is simple: good design should do more. Developed with the realities of modern urban living in mind, the collection incorporates intelligent features that help maximise both functionality and available space.

Integrated shower shelves provide convenient storage for everyday products, while the coordinated Beauty Bars combine mirrors and accessories into a compact solution for smaller bathrooms. Available in multiple sizes, they offer practical storage without adding visual clutter. Matching accessories, including toilet roll holders, toilet brushes and flush plates, allow consumers to extend the design language throughout the room.

The collection also includes single-lever basin and bidet mixers featuring Ideal Standard’s market-leading FirmaFlow® XS cartridge technology. Tested for 500,000 cycles – twice the industry standard – they deliver exceptional durability alongside their distinctive design.

The range also now includes single-lever basin and bidet mixers featuring Ideal Standard’s FirmaFlow XS cartridge technology, tested for 500,000 cycles – twice the industry standard – to deliver long-term durability.

Sustainability designed in

Sustainability remains central to the Alu+ collection, with components now manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium, an increase from the previous 84%. The range also incorporates high-performance polymers suitable for drinking water applications, plastic-free packaging and water-saving technologies. Basin mixers are designed to use just 3.8 litres of water per minute, while low-flow showering products reduce water consumption without compromising performance.

Designed to elevate everyday routines

Shower systems feature Ideal Standard’s SilkRain spray technology, delivering softer, quieter water droplets, alongside a traditional Rain spray option. PreciTherm thermostat technology maintains a consistent water temperature, while CoolBody technology helps keep exposed surfaces safe to touch.

By extending Alu+ beyond showering into taps and accessories, Ideal Standard has created a coordinated bathroom collection that combines contemporary design, intelligent functionality and a more sustainable approach to bathroom specification.

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