Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Fitzroy of London to showcase New Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack at CDW

May 13, 2026

Fitzroy of London will unveil its latest accessible washroom innovation at Clerkenwell Design Week, taking place from 19-21 May 2026.

The design-led accessible washroom specialist will introduce its new Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack, alongside an exclusive first look at its upcoming online configurator, designed to simplify compliant washroom specification for commercial projects.

Created to meet UK Building Regulations Doc M requirements, the Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack has been developed as a pre-configured solution that combines carefully considered components to streamline both specification and installation. Fixing heights, clearances, colour contrast and reach zones have all been designed to comply with Doc M regulations, helping reduce the risk of non-compliant layouts on commercial projects.

Developed for high-use hospitality, leisure, workplace and public environments, the collection combines accessibility with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Products are manufactured using durable materials, reinforced mounting points and non-porous surfaces to support hygiene, longevity and user confidence in busy washroom settings.

The Oxford Pack is available in five finishes — Satin, Polished, Dark Bronze, Matt Black and Satin Brass — enabling specifiers to coordinate accessible washrooms with wider interior schemes. Accessories including grab rails, dispensers and backrests have also been ergonomically designed and positioned to support comfortable, independent use while maintaining compliance.

As part of its Clerkenwell Design Week showcase, Fitzroy of London will also preview its new digital configurator ahead of its official launch in June 2026.

The online tool has been created to help architects and designers configure fully compliant, project-ready Doc M washroom solutions quickly and accurately. Users will be able to select component combinations, explore finish options and download specification-ready documents including technical drawings, visuals and BIM files.
The configurator is designed to support faster specification, improve design-stage accuracy and simplify collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams.

Targeted at architects, interior designers, developers and project managers working across commercial and hospitality sectors, the latest launch reflects growing demand for accessible washroom solutions that combine regulatory compliance with high-quality design.

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UK construction & design sector embraces AI

May 13, 2026

Houzz has published its first-ever UK State of AI in Construction and Design Report 2025, revealing increasing adoption of artificial intelligence across the industry, alongside strong optimism about its future impact.

The report, based on a survey of more than 145 UK construction and design professionals, highlights how businesses are beginning to integrate AI into everyday workflows to improve efficiency, save time and streamline operations.

According to the research, almost half of respondents (46%) are already using AI within their businesses. Those adopting the technology report saving an average of more than three hours every week, equating to an estimated annual productivity benefit of over £23,000 per company.

Industry awareness of AI is also continuing to grow. More than seven in 10 professionals surveyed (72%) said they are familiar with AI technology, while the same percentage are aware of AI tools created specifically for construction and design applications.

The findings suggest confidence in the technology is strengthening, with 60% of respondents believing AI will significantly reshape the sector over the next five years.

Alon Cohen commented: “AI innovation in construction and design is accelerating, creating a competitive advantage for pros who adopt it. As the report shows, pros in our industry are approaching this era with openness and a strong desire to learn.”

He added that AI is increasingly becoming an essential business tool for professionals looking to improve productivity and strengthen client relationships.

The report found administrative tasks are currently the most common use for AI tools, with 79% of professionals using the technology for activities such as note-taking, document editing and formatting.

Other key areas where AI is being used include:

Sales and marketing activities, including social media content and lead management
Planning and design tools for project visualisation and floor plans
Project management functions such as estimating, invoicing and task tracking
Business reporting and operational processes including expense tracking and financial management

While adoption is rising, the research also identified several ongoing concerns among professionals, including the accuracy of AI-generated content, data privacy and a lack of training.

Despite these challenges, nearly two-thirds of professionals currently using AI (61%) said they are satisfied with the technology, while 60% believe it is already having a meaningful impact on their day-to-day workflow.

Andrea Yorston Interior Design highlighted the importance of intuitive solutions integrated into existing systems: “We know AI could save us time, but most tools require a level of training and experimentation that just isn’t realistic when you’re running projects day to day. What makes the biggest difference is when those capabilities are built into the tools we already use, so you can start benefiting from them straight away.”

Houzz Pro continues to expand its AI-powered capabilities across project management and design software, helping construction and design professionals integrate emerging technology into daily operations more seamlessly.

The full report is available from Houzz UK

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Villeroy & Boch reports resilient Q1 result amid market pressures

May 12, 2026

The Villeroy & Boch Group has reported a satisfactory performance for the first quarter of 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures impacting global markets.

Group revenue for the period totalled €318.7 million, down 13.7% from €369.1 million in the same quarter last year. The company said performance was affected by the disposal of the northern European business operations of the Gustavsberg and Vatette brands, alongside adverse currency effects. Adjusted for these factors, revenue declined by 8.3

Despite softer sales, the Group reported a positive increase in its order book, which rose by €47.3 million to €197.7 million as of 31 March 2026. Operating EBIT reached €17.2 million for the quarter.

Dr Markus Warncke, chief financial officer of Villeroy & Boch AG, said: “The first quarter of 2026 was marked by a complex interplay of divestments and geopolitical tensions that affected our results. Despite these challenges, we were able to achieve positive developments in certain areas, such as the order book across both divisions and the e-commerce business in Dining & Lifestyle. This underscores the resilience of our business model and our strategic direction,” said

Bathroom & Wellness division affected by geopolitical pressures

The Bathroom & Wellness division achieved revenue of €248.0 million in Q1 2026, a year-on-year decline of 16.1% Adjusted for the divested Gustavsberg entities, revenue was down 9.9%.

Regionally, revenue fell by 15.6% across EMEA and by 23.2% in APAC/Americas, with the business citing divestments, economic weakness, the conflict in the Middle East and the slowdown in the Chinese construction sector as key factors. Operating EBIT for the division stood at €12.9 million.

Dining & Lifestyle division delivers stable result

The Dining & Lifestyle division delivered stable revenue of €70.0 million during the quarter. The company highlighted strong performances in e-commerce and its own retail stores, supported by Easter trading activity.

In Germany, revenue increased by 7.5%, driven primarily by e-commerce growth. Operating EBIT for the division rose slightly to €4.3 million.

Full-Year 2026 Outlook

Despite continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Villeroy & Boch has confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance. The company expects consolidated revenue to remain in the mid- to high-single-digit percentage range below the prior year.

However, the Executive Board now anticipates operating EBIT to be towards the lower end of its previously forecast range of €75 million to €85 million.

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The Bathroom Distribution Group launches Aqua Options fitted furniture

May 12, 2026

The Bathroom Distribution Group has launched Aqua Options, a new British-made fitted bathroom furniture collection developed to make specifying, selling and installing fitted furniture simpler for KBB retailers and merchant customers.

Manufactured in Britain, the collection gives retailers and merchants a strong service-led advantage, combining shorter supply routes and next day delivery. At a time when customers expect both choice and availability, Aqua Options has been designed to offer a straightforward fitted furniture solution with the reassurance of UK production behind it.

The new collection of Aqua furniture offers a concise, easy-to-sell range that brings together practical installation details, flexible specification options and a competitive product structure. Developed around the strapline “bathroom furniture made easy”, Aqua Options responds to the need for fitted bathroom furniture that can be presented with confidence in showrooms, merchant branches and trade counter environments, even where detailed furniture planning experience may be limited.

Each furniture pack is ordered and priced under a single product code, helping retailers and merchants present a complete run clearly while reducing the complexity often associated with specifying fitted bathroom furniture. This simplified ordering structure has been created to support faster conversations with customers and make the category easier to manage for busy trade teams.

The range is available in two door styles, with slab and Shaker fascias offered across six colour options. All furniture features Torino oak effect cabinets and oak-backed doors, an exclusive detail for Frontline Bathrooms that gives Aqua Options a clear point of difference within the fitted furniture market.

To support a wide range of bathroom layouts, Aqua Options is available in standard and reduced depth formats, with two run sizes of 1260mm and 1580mm. Each run can be specified with a left or right-hand basin option, giving retailers and merchants the flexibility to meet everyday customer requirements without overcomplicating the ordering process.

Aqua Options will initially be stocked and distributed via Smiths Briten before being introduced into the main Frontline Aqua brochure, strengthening the wider Aqua offer with a British-made fitted furniture range designed around value, simplicity and trade-ready practicality.

For further information contact sales@smithsbriten.co.uk

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Supervisory Board confirms Michael Demmer as CEO of Duravit AG

May 11, 2026

At its meeting on April 29, 2026, the Supervisory Board of Duravit AG officially appointed Michael Demmer as CEO and chairman of the management board, following his period as interim CEO.

The appointment reflects the Supervisory Board’s confidence in Demmer’s strategic vision and leadership, as the premium bathroom brand continues to strengthen its global market position.

Gregor Greinert, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “In a very short time, Michael Demmer has provided decisive impetus and developed a compelling strategic vision for Duravit’s future. On this basis, we have decided to officially appoint him as CEO and to consistently continue on the path we have chosen.”

Strategic focus on premium positioning and sustainable growth

Under Demmer’s leadership, Duravit is sharpening its corporate strategy with a clear focus on sustainable value creation, operational excellence and premium brand positioning.

Key pillars of the strategic realignment include reinforcing Duravit’s reputation for timeless, high-quality designer bathrooms while further differentiating the premium brand on a global scale.

The company is also placing greater emphasis on sustainable efficiency and profitability through an organisational structure designed to support long-term growth and future development.

Alongside operational priorities, Duravit continues to place strong importance on company culture, with collaboration, accountability and transparency identified as central to future success. The business says employees and customers will remain at the heart of its long-term strategy.

Michael Demmer said: “Duravit has a strong brand, a long tradition, and great potential. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to taking the next steps together with the team and shaping the company’s future in a sustainable way.”

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New built-in baths extend Victoria + Albert’s popular Lussari Collection

May 11, 2026

Victoria + Albert has expanded its best-selling Lussari collection with the introduction of new built-in bath options in 1600mm and 1700mm sizes, offering greater flexibility for contemporary bathroom design projects.

Joining the existing freestanding, back-to-wall and corner bath models, alongside coordinating freestanding and back-to-wall basins, the new drop-in and undermount baths retain the collection’s signature sculptural aesthetic and ergonomic comfort, while catering to a broader range of bathroom layouts.

Designed for compact, family and multigenerational bathrooms, the latest additions respond to growing demand from designers and homeowners for alcove bathtubs manufactured in a premium material. The built-in baths can be clad in marble, natural stone, antique mirrored glass or polished tiles to create a sophisticated, bespoke bathroom scheme.

Named after Mount Lussari in the north-eastern corner of Italy, the Lussari collection has been designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, while also delivering a comfortable showering experience. Featuring an elegant oval silhouette, the new built-in models coordinate seamlessly with the Lussari freestanding and back-to-wall basins.

The baths can be paired with traditional brassware, including collections from Perrin & Rowe, or contemporary fittings such as showers from Aqualisa. Designers can also specify a Victoria + Albert bath filler and overflow, removing the need for deck or wall-mounted bath taps.

Available in either a gloss or matt finish, the new baths are designed to diffuse light softly for a refined appearance. Levelling feet are also included to support precise installation.

Victoria + Albert pioneered contemporary freestanding bath design with the development of its proprietary Quarrycast™ material more than 30 years ago. Made using a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins, the material is engineered for durability, strength and ease of maintenance.

More than twice as hard as acrylic, Quarrycast™ is resistant to scratches, stains, UV damage, hair dyes and bath oils, while preventing creaking or flexing. The naturally insulating material also helps retain water temperature for longer, enhancing bathing comfort while improving energy efficiency. Despite its strength, Quarrycast™ remains lightweight for easier installation on-site.

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Duravit at Milan Design Week 2026

May 11, 2026

Duravit presented its eclectic “Balcoon – Scapes” installation by Patricia Urquiola at Milan Design Week 2026, and hosted a rooftop cocktail event. The iconic bathroom brand also presented a selection of new products in its Milan-based showroom, while a well-placed presence around the city boosted visibility for throughout the week.

Patricia Urquiola’s “Balcoon – Scapes” was trasnformed into spatial presentation. The installation of abstracted shapes and warm colour moods was presented at the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio and saw washbasins and toilets presented as playful, totem-like elements.

Patricia Urquiola describes the approach: “We wanted to show how even such functional elements as a washbasin or a bidet can develop an expressiveness of their own. We worked on this installation for more than a year. The result is a little “teatrino” – a field of totems and objects which enter into dialog with one another and open up new perspectives on the bathroom as a designed living environment.”

An exclusive evening above the rooftops of Milan

At the start of the Design Week, Duravit hosted an exclusive cocktail event on the rooftop of the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio. Some 450 invited guests – including business partners from the fields of architecture and design, friends of the brand and international VIPs such as Kelly Rutherford and Angela Missoni – experienced the installation in an atmospheric evening mood. Patricia Urquiola and Duravit CMO Lüder Fromm welcomed the guests and offered insights into the collaboration and the design approach behind Balcoon – Scapes.

The limited-edition Balcoon stool: a sculptural collector’s item

A stool developed with Patricia Urquiola transformed the Balcoon range into a distinct sculptural item of furniture was on show as part of the installation. The limited edition comprises 26 numbered pieces – a reference to the year 2026 – and was produced at the Duravit plant in the Black Forest. The stool was on show to the public for the first time in Milan, as part of the overall presentation.

Product presentation in the Duravit showroom

In parallel with the installation, Duravit opened the doors of its showroom in Milan to Design Week visitors and was heavily frequented. On show were new additions to the 2026 Balcoon range, iconic bathroom ranges such as ME by Starck and Collection One, new washing area solutions such as Ocavo by Christian Werner and technological highlights such as the SensoWash showertoilets. The presentation offered a compact overview of the design and technology spectrum covered by the product range and complemented the installation with examples of specific products.

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Drummonds selected for riverside Queen Anne bathroom

May 7, 2026

Drummonds has been specified throughout a considered bathroom renovation at a Queen Anne house on a private stretch of the Thames in West London, the home of fashion designer and Wiggy Kit founder Wiggy Hindmarch.

The principal bathroom, previously charming but impractical, has been comprehensively reimagined. A roll-top bath beneath a large window had given the room its character, but with no shower, limited storage and daily routines spread across floors, the brief called for something more resolved. The result is a space that functions seamlessly without sacrificing ceremony.

At its centre, a marble-clad walk-in shower forms an architectural pivot, open on both sides and positioned to draw the eye across the full width of the room. Beyond it, a freestanding Meon bath from Drummonds sits before the original fireplace, reinstating the sense of occasion the layout once had. Bespoke commodes on either side serve as vanities, reinforcing Hindmarch’s instinct to treat the bathroom as a furnished room rather than a purely functional one. The WC is discreetly repositioned and recedes from view.

Drummonds fittings were chosen for their material integrity and classical language – solid brass construction and traditional casting methods that sit naturally within the house’s period bones. “They are the crème de la crème,” Hindmarch says simply.

The decorative scheme layers hand-painted wallpaper by Martyn Lawrence Bullard against book-matched marble, while walls are papered rather than tiled, rugs soften the floor underfoot, and lighting is kept deliberately domestic. Existing shutters are dressed with ladder-stitched linen, an upholstered chair, antique rug and birdcage lantern completing the effect.

Elsewhere, a compact cabin bathroom makes inventive use of a smaller footprint with a neat tub and cleverly concealed sanitaryware. In the powder room, unlacquered Drummonds brass fittings have been left entirely untreated, allowed to age and patina in place. “I like seeing the age,” Hindmarch explains. “The watermarks, the tarnish – that’s the beauty.”

It is a project that reflects a broader philosophy: bathrooms shaped not by trend, but by instinct, craft, and an understanding of how people inhabit the spaces around them.

Drumm onds

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YOO and apaiser launch TEMBO bathware collection

May 6, 2026

YOO Studio London and apaiser have come together to launch TEMBO in a new collaboration announced today. The collection includes two bathtubs and three basins, and is available in a curated palette of 18 organic shades from the House Palette.

Rooted in a shared focus on materiality and form, the collection pairs YOO’s narrative-led design approach with apaiser’s expertise in handcrafted stone, resulting in a series of quietly powerful pieces designed to anchor and elevate the bathroom space.

Since 1999, YOO has grown into the world’s largest residential design brand, bringing together creative directors including Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Steve Leung, Kate Moss and Sussanne Khan to deliver more than 85 residential projects across 39 countries. This sculptural bathware collection marks YOO’s first move into product design.

Meaning ‘elephant’ in Swahili, TEMBO is defined by a sense of quiet strength and grounded presence. Each piece is conceived as both object and anchor – balancing sculptural clarity with a softness that supports the rituals of everyday life.

“We approached the collection as an extension of the space,” says Claire Rizzi, design director at YOO Studio London. “Each piece is designed to anchor a room; balancing sculptural presence with a quiet sense of restraint.”

“Partnering with YOO Studio London on the TEMBO collection, has been a powerful creative exchange, uniting apaiser’s sculptural DNA with YOO’s bold, global design vision. The result is a collection grounded in spatial sculpture and projecting calm authority,” says Belinda Try, founder and president of apaiser.

Handcrafted in apaiserMarble®, apaiser’s proprietary material made from reclaimed marble, the collection balances sustainability with tactile refinement.

TEMBO introduces a refined, architectural softness through elongated silhouettes, continuous curves and a tactile, material palette.

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Kudos launches Ultimate Reeded shower panel

May 6, 2026

Kudos has introduced an alternative glass option to its showering panel collection. Ultimate Reeded, available from mid-April 2026, adds vintage charm to the bathroom setting, perfectly balancing privacy and light. The new panels obscure views with their ribbed styling while allowing soft, diffused light to filter through.

Ultimate Reeded glass panels make a bold statement in bathroom design. Whilst these new 8mm panels create a reeded illusion, they are manufactured with a flat surface to ensure easy cleaning and offer a stylish alternative to the ultimate coloured and clear glass options. Available in 5 flat panel sizes, all 1950mm in height, with a foldaway deflector panel option to prevent spray outside the enclosure. They are available in eight colour profiles (Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Nickel, Polished Gold, White, Brushed Gun Metal, and Brushed Copper), Lifeshield easy-clean glass coating, and a lifetime guarantee.

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk.

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