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GROHE SPA brings Aqua Sanctuary to Milan Design Week 2026

GROHE-SPA-Aqua-Sanctuary-–-Milan-Design-Week-

For Milan Design Week 2026, GROHE SPA returns to the Brera district with its most ambitious installation yet: the Aqua Sanctuary. Over a brief 72-hour window, the Piccolo Teatro Strehler is transformed into an immersive environment dedicated to the brand’s ethos of “Wellbeing through Water”.

An immersive journey in water and design

Visitors are invited to step away from the city’s vibrant pace and enter a carefully curated sanctuary where water, light, shadow, sound and materials guide the experience. The installation unfolds across three interconnected sanctums, each exploring distinct states of being: inspiration, curation and reflection.

Rather than focusing on individual products, the Aqua Sanctuary presents a holistic vision of bathroom design, demonstrating how water can shape spaces that cleanse, rejuvenate and relax.

“At the Piccolo Teatro Strehler, we have envisioned a series of spaces that express the restorative power of water, creating exquisite moments of transcendence,” says Paul Flowers, chief design and Brand Identity Officer & Executive Vice President, LIXIL. “Milan Design Week is an invaluable moment for the global creative community to converge. The GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary presents the profound fusion of water and architecture, consciously shaping our living and bathing spaces, whilst elevating wellbeing. Within these curated spaces mind, body, and space align in perfect harmony through materiality and craftsmanship to redefine our experience of water as a transformative architectural element.”

Materials, colours and craftsmanship

The installation showcases a carefully considered ecosystem of colours, finishes and materials, supported by strategic partnerships and innovative material exploration. Designers and architects can draw inspiration for expressive, harmonious interiors that invite emotional interaction and elevate everyday wellbeing.

Visiting the Aqua Sanctuary

The GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary is open to architects, designers, media and the public at Piccolo Teatro Strehler, Largo Greppi 1, 20121 Milan, during Milan Design Week 2026:

  • 22 April: 10:00–17:00
  • 23 April: 10:00–17:00
  • 24 April: 10:00–21:00
  • 25 April: 10:00–21:00
  • 26 April: 10:00–18:00

Experience how GROHE SPA transforms water into an immersive architectural and sensory experience, blending design, ritual and wellbeing.

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MERLYN & VADO announce exciting collaboration at KBB 2026

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MERLYN and VADO have announced a strategic collaboration for KBB 2026, where they will present a total bathroom solution on a joint 140 m2 exhibition stand. The collaborative space will guide visitors through five beautifully designed bathrooms.

Both part of Norcros plc, MERLYN and VADO will combine their expertise to present a comprehensive, design-led bathroom solution. The partnership brings together MERLYN’s specialist knowledge in premium shower enclosures and trays, with VADO’s expertise in brassware, accessories and furniture. Demonstrating how coordinated specification can deliver a cohesive total bathroom offering for retailers, designers and specifiers.

Our research shows that KBB retailers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions that optimise resources and deliver greater efficiency.

The shared exhibition stands, designed by Jo Love will be the largest to date and feature five distinct bathrooms, each with a themed daily ritual showcasing fully integrated bathroom offerings. By pairing MERLYN showering solutions with VADO products throughout, the stand demonstrates how complementary ranges work together to deliver consistency in design, performance and finish across the bathroom.

Through a considered use of colour, form, lighting and materials, the stand positions the bathroom as a space shaped by intentional design and everyday rituals, reinforcing MERLYN and VADO’s shared commitment to quality, innovation and design-led, sustainable solutions for the UK market.

Designed as a flowing, guided layout, the stand will include clear sightlines between each bathroom and a welcoming social space in the form of a central ritual lounge, creating a focal point for meetings and discussion. Additional elements include dedicated brand meeting areas, hospitality and takeaway ritual journals, enabling visitors to explore the concept further and translate inspiration into real-world projects beyond the show.

www.merlynshowering.com / www.vado.com / www.kbb.co.uk/en/home

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Houzz announces the “Best of Houzz 2026 – powered by Houzz Pro” winners

Houzz-announces-The-Best-of-Houzz-winners-for-2026-awards

Houzz, the leading software platform for construction and design, has announced the winners of its Best of Houzz 2026 awards, powered by Houzz Pro.

The programme serves as a trusted, homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the most highly regarded professionals across the global residential sector, spanning kitchen designers, bathroom designers, home builders, architects, interior designers, garden designers and renovation specialists.

“The Best of Houzz awards are a symbol of trust for homeowners choosing professionals for their projects,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This year’s winners showcase outstanding creativity and service, with many embracing Houzz Pro software to support top-tier project execution. We’re honoured to celebrate their success.”

Three award categories – customer service, design and photography

The Best of Houzz is presented annually across three core categories:

  • Design – awarded to professionals whose projects proved most popular among the Houzz community
  • Customer Service – based on overall Houzz ratings and verified client reviews for projects completed in 2025
  • Photography – recognising architecture and interior photographers whose images generated the highest engagement

The awards reflect aesthetic excellence and performance metrics, as well as peer visibility and verified client feedback – so that recognition iss aligned with measurable impact.

Winners have been announced globally. To see the most popular home designs visit: houzz.co.uk/best-of-houzz-2026. For residential professionals interested in learning more about the Best of Houzz programme, visit houzz.co.uk/best-of-houzz.

Professional credibility and digital visibility

Winners receive a “Best of Houzz 2026” badge displayed on their Houzz profile, helping homeowners quickly identify trusted, top-performing professionals locally and internationally.

For professionals using Houzz Pro software, the recognition can be further amplified with a Best of Houzz highlight tag that appears within directory listings, enhancing discoverability and credibility.

Houzz Pro continues to play an integral role in supporting project delivery, offering tools such as:

  • Client Dashboards
  • Estimates and Takeoffs
  • 3D Floor Plans and visualisations
  • Centralised project management
  • Invoicing and Payments

These features are designed to help residential construction and design professionals streamline workflows, improve client communication and keep projects on time and on budget.

Supporting industry professionals and homeowners and

As the residential design and renovation sector evolves, homeowners are placing increasing emphasis on transparency, reviews and digital project management capabilities. The Best of Houzz programme reinforces this shift, spotlighting professionals who combine creative excellence with operational efficiency.

For more information, visit houzz.co.uk.

About Houzz

Houzz is a leading platform for construction and design, connecting homeowners with industry professionals while providing powerful digital tools to support project success.

Its cloud-based, AI-powered software solution, Houzz Pro, enables professionals to win work, collaborate with clients and teams, and manage their businesses more efficiently and profitably. The platform provides 24/7 access to project information, financial management tools and immersive 3D visualisations.

Globally, Houzz supports more than 3 million construction and design professionals and over 70 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts. Houzz and Houzz Pro are available via web and mobile app.

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Acquabella Boutique welcomes visitors at kbb Birmingham

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Acquabella has confirmed its participation in KBB Birmingham 2026, the UK’s leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom exhibition. The company will be exhibiting in Hall 20, Stand D44, with a 90.25 sqm space conceived as an authentic Acquabella Boutique: an elegant space inspired by the sophisticated interiors of contemporary ateliers.

From 1 to 4 March 2026, Acquabella will showcase its vision of the contemporary bathroom in Birmingham through a carefully curated, experiential exhibition concept, designed to highlight design, materials and customisation as the core pillars of its products. Designed around the principles of harmony and movement, the space features delicate curves and dynamic volumes that evoke natural forms, creating an organic aesthetic that offers a warm and inviting welcome.

The stand has been created as an inspirational environment where architects, interior designers, distributors and installers will be able to discover the brand’s latest innovations first-hand.

Among the key new products to be unveiled at KBB Birmingham 2026 are new shower trays, ultra-light wall panels, bathtubs and an expanded colour range, developed to respond to current market trends and the specific requirements of both residential and contract projects.

With this presence, Acquabella reinforces its commitment to the British market and to the professional channel, focusing on solutions that combine contemporary aesthetics, high technical performance and ease of installation. KBB Birmingham is thus reaffirmed as a strategic event for the brand, both to strengthen existing relationships and to create new business opportunities in a key market.

Find Acquabella in Hall 20 – Stand D44 – kbb 2026 Birmingham | 1-4 March, 2026

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Bathroom Association launches early bird savings for Connect Conference 2026

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20% off all delegate packages until 28 February 2026, plus ‘Bring a Customer’ deal offering free conference-day attendance for qualifying guests

The Bathroom Association has opened bookings for its Connect Conference 2026, unveiling two standout offers designed to help the industry lock in value early and bring more of the supply chain into the room.

The Connect Conference 2026 takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, bringing together senior leaders and decision-makers from across the bathroom sector for a day of ideas, insight and high-value networking, followed by an evening gala dinner.

Early Bird Offer: 20% off all packages (ends 28 February 2026)

Delegates can book now and receive 20% off all packages, available only until the end of February 2026.

Bring a Customer Offer: invite two customers to attend the conference day for free

Businesses can also take advantage of a special ‘Bring a Customer’ promotion: buy two Package A places and bring two customers (must be a merchant/distributor) to the conference day for free.

This offer also includes a 10% discount on gala dinner tickets for guests who wish to stay for the evening celebrations.

“A lot of the value of the conference comes from the conversations you have in the room, with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, merchants and distributors all sharing what they’re seeing in the market,” said Amy Kirk, Engagement Director and conference organiser. “These offers are designed to make it easier to commit early and to bring your customers with you. If you’re looking for a practical way to strengthen relationships, align on priorities and get real insight in a single day, this is a brilliant opportunity, and the savings are significant if you book before the end of February.”

The conference theme for 2026 is ‘Stronger Together’, reflecting the sector’s shared opportunity to collaborate on standards, skills, innovation, sustainability and customer needs, building long-term resilience and growth across the market.

The Gala Dinner will again feature popular elements from previous years, such as the charity raffle/auction and the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, which are now open for nominations.

More information about the Connect Conference 2026, including booking details, sponsorship opportunities, and delegate prices, is available on the Connect Conference website.

www.bathroom-association.org.uk

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Top emerging & international exhibitors to see at KBIS 2026

KBIS-International-exhibitors.

With the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show  – KBIS 2026 – just days away, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is set to showcase the latest in kitchen and bath innovation from February 17–19. From new-to-KBIS brands to international innovators, this year’s show highlights the products shaping the future of residential interiors.

Discover the Future of Design

“At its core, KBIS is a place of discovery and opportunity for the design community,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “Year after year, we create the premiere destination for the residential interiors community to connect with industry experts, niche products, and services that give them an edge, spark inspiration, and provide critical solutions to everyday challenges. The NKBA’s growing network of global and regional relationships and partners continues to be the driving force behind KBIS and its massive audience, providing attendees with unparalleled access to up-and-coming brands as well as leading manufacturers and retailers.” 

Whether it’s a striking marble slab, a statement cabinet knob, or intuitive kitchen technology, emerging and international exhibitors are bringing fresh ideas and global design perspectives to the show floor.

Spotlight on Surfaces
Spanish surfacing brand VENUX Surfaces (Booth #W650) makes its KBIS debut with an impressive range of slabs and tiles, blending innovation, style, and sustainability. Meanwhile, Canada’s Anatolia (Booth #S25153) presents ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, sintered slabs, and mosaics inspired by art, textiles, and nature.

Craftsmanship That Inspires
Brazilian custom cabinetry maker Berlim Ambientes (Booth #S24069) offers kitchens built to last, with 50 years of experience in the Latin American market. Italian brand Mosian (Booth #RC1008) showcases FSC-certified wood cabinetry, combining ethical sourcing with timeless design.

Luxury kitchen appliances and smart home solutions are represented by Vezeni (Booth #S22153), known for handcrafted, professional-grade products using German brass and Italian aluminium – a blend of style, performance, and reliability.

Discover Emerging Trends
The Discovery District, returning to KBIS 2026, is the hub for rising stars and established brands shaping future trends. Highlights include Renaissance Handmade (Booth #RC1012), with bespoke furniture hardware crafted from premium materials, and Nobu Concept (Booth #RC1001), presenting contemporary, traditional, and transitional bath vanities.

Plan Your Visit
Attendees can secure their spot at KBIS by registering here now. For a full directory of exhibiting brands, please visit here. 

About KBIS & NKBA
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) owns KBIS, North America’s largest kitchen and bath show. With 55,000 members across the industry, NKBA supports professionals through education, events, and certifications. For more, visit www.nkba.org.

About Emerald
Produced by Emerald, KBIS connects buyers and sellers through in-person and digital experiences, creating opportunities for discovery, networking, and growth. Learn more at www.emeraldx.com.

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Duravit achieves EcoVadis Gold status

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Duravit’s Hornberg site has moved from silver to gold in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment in just 12 months, placing the manufacturer in the top 5% of companies assessed worldwide.

EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability benchmark, evaluating performance across environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Achieving gold status underlines Duravit’s ability not only to set ambitious sustainability goals, but to deliver against them consistently. Notably, further gains have been made in sustainable procurement and labour & human rights, where performance was already strong.

For Duravit, the accolade marks progress rather than a finish line. The company is targeting significant carbon reduction across all emissions scopes by 2030, with particular focus on supply chain-related emissions.

“The leap from silver to gold in the EcoVadis assessment shows clearly that sustainability is an integral component of our actions and shapes our decisions. The award confirms that we’re not simply treading water and defining targets, but we’re forging ahead to implement them,” said Duravit’s CEO Stephan Tahy.

Duravit_Stephan_Tahy

“The gold medal isn’t an end point, but another step on the journey of continual improvement. The aim is to significantly reduce the carbon emissions across all scopes by 2030. With this in mind, we’re currently analyzing our entire supply chain and working with our partners to develop measures to reduce the emissions in scope 3 in particular – the indirect emissions that arise along the entire value creation chain,” said Marcus Staudt, HSE manager at Duravit.

Local supply chains and climate-neutral production

Duravit’s sustainability strategy extends beyond regulatory requirements. Measures include a climate-neutral firing process, regional production based on a “local for local” approach, and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. These principles are reflected in the company’s newly opened ceramic plant in Canada, reinforcing Duravit’s commitment to long-term, structural change and setting new benchmarks within the sector.

Transparency and verified standards

The EcoVadis gold medal complements Duravit’s wider sustainability framework, which is built on transparency and independently verified standards. The company is a member of organisations including the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB) and the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU), and supports international programmes such as LEED.

Duravit also works with environmental product declarations (EPDs) and complies with recognised international standards, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 50001 for energy management. Together, these initiatives provide customers with confidence through clear criteria, verified processes, and a consistent focus on quality, energy efficiency, and responsibility.

About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is one of the world’s leading sustainability ratings platforms, assessing companies across four key areas: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Its objective is to increase transparency and drive continuous improvement throughout global supply chains. More than 130, companies worldwide use EcoVadis as a benchmark for responsible business practices.

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BIFIS launches new app for fitted interiors industry

BIFIS has launched a new app for the interiors industry

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has launched a new and improved mobile app, delivering a modern, user-friendly and content-rich experience for professionals in the fitted interiors sector.

The new app, which replaces the original BIFIS app entirely, and has been developed following user and industry feedback with a wide range of new features, tools and resources to meet evolving industry needs. New functionality focuses specifically on building communities, professional development and practical support for installation businesses. And, for the first time, the official BIFIS app is available industry-wide, not just for BIFIS registered businesses, bringing together the whole sector whilst delivering news, insights, resources, guidance, training and much more.

“This launch represents a major step forward for how we support the industry,” said Michelle Daniels, director of marketing & communications at BIFIS. “We’ve had an app for four years and it was a great tool for BIFIS Registered businesses to manage their registration and access their benefits, but we wanted to create more than just an app — we wanted a shared space where people can learn, connect, and grow together. By opening access to the wider industry, we’re strengthening collaboration and raising standards across the board.”

As well as becoming the go-to resource for installation professionals, the new BIFIS app provides a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and training providers to proactively support the institute in its objective to build a professional, sustainable workforce for the future. The Skills Hub, a central learning & development area of the app, is just one of the latest features, signposting users to available training opportunities, both online and in-person, across the fitted interiors sector – from health & safety to marketing, technical and product-specific modules.

The app is now available to download on both iOS and Android, as well as a desktop version which can be accessed via the BIFIS website.

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Woodstock shares the five top trends set to hit the bathroom in 2026

Woodstock-shares-2026-trends-trenda-and-highights-Calypso-bathroom-Chiltern-collection-in-Heritage-Green

Leading British bathroom brand Woodstock has spotlighted the key trends set to shape bathroom design in 2026. Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock shares five insights into what we can expect to see shaping the spaces of tomorrow.

At Woodstock, we expect to see a clear move towards bathrooms that feel calm, balanced and genuinely restorative. People want spaces that help them unwind, combining classic touches with simple, modern design. Natural materials, soft textures and thoughtful layouts are also becoming essential.

  1. The future is fluted

Fluting will be one of the leading bathroom trends for 2026, celebrated for its ability to add visual detail, depth and a refined architectural feel to any space. Inspired by classical design, fluting refers to a series of shallow groove that create soft lines, bringing a sense of rhythm and gentle movement, making them an ideal way to add interest without overpowering a scheme. In 2026, the look will be most prominent on bathroom vanities, where the sculptural fronts offer an elevated focal point without overwhelming the room.

  1. In great vein

Marble is set to take centre stage in 2026. In bathrooms, bold, expressive veining will transform spaces into bespoke, serene sanctuaries. Paired with soft neutrals, brushed metal accents, floating vanities and ambient lighting, it strikes a harmonious balance between natural opulence and modern minimalism. Statement marble surfaces combine durability with elegance, creating focal points that complement tactile cabinetry and layered textures.

Calypso-bathrooms-Petra-vanity-range-in-soft-linen
  1. Grounded in style

Earthy colours are set to continue to dominate bathroom design in the New Year, with earthy greens continuing to be one of the most enduring and versatile choices for modern homes. Long associated with nature, calm and balance, green has steadily grown in popularity and is now favoured for creating spaces that feel restorative yet timeless. This shift towards grounded, nature-inspired palettes reflects a wider movement in interiors, with rich, earthy shades such as olive and moss bringing depth, warmth and a subtle sense of sophistication.

Earthy tones also pair beautifully with timeless neutrals, creating a layered, harmonious look.

  1. Double trouble

Double features are set to rise in popularity in 2026, offering both practicality and a sense of quiet luxury. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards double sink vanities and spacious double showers as they look to create bathrooms that feel both functional, indulgent and better suited to modern family living. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards double sink vanities and spacious double showers as they look to create bathrooms that feel both functional, indulgent and better suited to modern family living. These layouts support busy households by allowing two people to use the space comfortably at the same time, making the bathroom a more social, shareable environment rather than a bottleneck in the morning routine.

Double-trouble-2026-trends-from-Woodstock-highlight-the-CALYPSO-BRENTA-PEARLY-WHITE-VANITY
  1. Personal sanctuary

We expect homeowners to increasingly seek bathrooms that feel like personal sanctuaries – a calm, considered space designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. This trend will focus on soft, layered lighting, timeless finishes and intentional styling to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. LED-lit mirrors and layered light sources are likely to be incorporated to provide a warm, flattering glow that enhances both mood and functionality, while durable materials such as soft neutrals, natural wood grains and matte textures will add lasting elegance and a sense of tranquillity.

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Frontline Bathrooms & Smiths Briten strengthen marketing team

Frontline-Bathrooms-and-Smiths-Briten-strengthen-marketing-team-with-appointment-of-Sarah-Hopkin

Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have appointed Sarah Hopkins as Graphic Designer and Assistant Marketing Manager, marking another strategic appointment as the businesses continue to grow under the Bathroom Distribution Group.

Sarah joined the team, at the start of February and will be based at the group’s Featherstone headquarters. She returns to the business following a three-year break, having previously worked within the organisation, and brings with her a strong understanding of both Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, as well as the wider structure and complexity of Bathroom Distribution Group.

In her new role, Sarah will support marketing activity across both brands, working closely with the wider marketing team on graphic design, brand communications and the development of consistent marketing assets for customers and partners. Her previous experience within the business will allow her to integrate quickly and contribute from the outset.

Darren Allison, managing director of Bathroom Distribution Group commented: “Sarah’s return comes at an important time for Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten as we continue to invest in the business and strengthen our teams. She already understands how the two brands operate within Bathroom Distribution Group, which gives her a valuable head start. Her design expertise and knowledge of the business will play a key role in supporting our ongoing growth.”

The appointment reflects continued investment across Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, with Bathroom Distribution Group focused on building strong central teams to support long-term development across its portfolio.

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