RAK Ceramics presents timeless I Sassi Matera

June 17, 2026

RAK Ceramics introduces I Sassi Matera, a surface inspired by the architectural landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Paleolithic cave dwellings.

This unique cultural reference brings together history, materiality and design, drawing inspiration from the natural formation of Matera itself, where soft calcarenite stone, shaped over time by water and wind erosion, defines the texture and character of the landscape. This geological identity becomes the foundation for a refined ceramic interpretation that captures depth, movement and authenticity in surface form.

Developed as part of the wider I Sassi Collection, alongside I Sassi Borgogna, the Matera design combines the Borgogna background with layered decorative flakes – sharing the same base background to ensure a seamless visual connection and balanced colour relationship between the two designs. This coordinated approach enhances continuity across the collection while allowing each surface to maintain its own distinct identity.

I Sassi Matera is available in dark greige, dark ivory, dark sand and grey, with coordinated decors designed to extend creative flexibility across applications. Offered in 90x180cm, 120x120cm and 60x120cm formats, the collection supports a wide range of design requirements, from large scale architectural installations to more detailed interior compositions.

With its layered material narrative and precise aesthetic harmony, I Sassi Matera reflects RAK Ceramics’ commitment to transforming historical inspiration into contemporary surface design, where heritage and innovation coexist in a refined and enduring expression.

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Refined drama in dark tones with new Ceralsio Marquina

June 17, 2026

Sophisticated and versatile, Marquina is the latest dark surface to join the Ceralsio ceramic collection from CRL Stone, offering a modern take on monochrome design with subtle movement and timeless appeal.

Featuring a deep black base gently lifted by delicate veining, Marquina adds depth and richness to the surface without overpowering the space. Its natural finish enhances the understated character of the stone, making it ideal for contemporary kitchen and bathroom schemes, as well as high-end commercial interiors.

Marquina benefits from all the technical strengths of the Ceralsio range. Developed using advanced ceramic manufacturing processes, it is a surface designed to meet the demands of modern environments. Non-porous, highly stain resistant and hard-wearing, Ceralsio also resists scratches, thermal shock and UV exposure, ensuring the finish remains stable over time.

This performance makes Marquina suitable for use across a wide range of applications — from kitchen worktops and bathroom vanities to wall cladding, media walls, flooring, outdoor kitchens and facades. With a 12 mm thickness and large-format slab design, it delivers on the demand for thin-profile surfaces that combine elegance with enduring strength.

For more information and brochures call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk

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Frontline Bathrooms launches new Price Crash brochure

June 17, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms has launched its new Spring/Summer 2026 Price Crash brochure, created for the trade and designed to make selling, specifying and ordering bathroom products simpler, faster and more commercially effective.

Featuring more than 1,000 discounted in-stock products, the new brochure brings together some of Frontline’s best-selling lines across sanitaryware, furniture, brassware, showers, baths, enclosures, wetroom panels, radiators, lighting, ventilation and bathroom technology, with savings of up to 60% available across selected ranges.

The Price Crash brochure has been developed with the merchant counter and showroom environment firmly in mind, giving teams a clear, easy-to-use sales tool that supports everyday conversations with customers while also streamlining the order process. Each product entry clearly shows the RRP, the new promotional price and the product ordering code, helping trade customers quote with confidence and place orders quickly, without unnecessary back-and-forth or product ambiguity. A key feature of the brochure is its inclusion of ready-made bathroom bundles and suite packages, offering simple solutions when customers are looking for a complete bathroom.

To further support profitability, the brochure also includes a lighter trade code beneath each listing, allowing merchants and retailers to identify their own buying price at a glance and understand margin opportunity with ease. This has been introduced to make the brochure as useful commercially as it is practically, helping trade customers make faster decisions on the products that best suit each customer.

The launch also reinforces Frontline Bathrooms’ commitment to supporting merchants and retailers with products that offer both value and reliability. The brochure includes a wide mix of Frontline’s own brand Aqua products, which are distributed exclusively by Frontline Bathrooms, with recent supply chain cost increases currently being absorbed across Aqua wherever possible to support price stability and help trade customers protect margin in a challenging market.

Darren Allison, Managing Director at Frontline Bathrooms, says: “Merchants and retailers are operating in a market where customers are still looking for good design, reliable quality and clear value, but they also need the confidence to make decisions quickly. Price Crash has been shaped around that reality. It gives trade teams a practical way to open up stronger conversations at the counter and in the showroom, whether they are helping a customer complete a full bathroom project or identifying the right product to finish a job. We have focused on the lines we know perform well, supported by stock availability and straightforward ordering, while continuing to work closely with our supplier base to maintain price stability across Aqua wherever possible, so merchants and retailers can sell with confidence while protecting their own commercial position.”

Available now, the Spring/Summer 2026 Price Crash brochure is designed to help trade customers make the most of Frontline’s discounted product offering while keeping the quoting and ordering process clear, efficient and profit-focused.

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

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Grant Westfield to host Spin-the-Wheel prize giveaway at InstallerSHOW 2026

June 12, 2026

Grant Westfield, the UK’s leading wall panel manufacturer and the company behind the award-winning Multipanel and Naturepanel brands, is bringing back its hugely successful ‘Spin-the-Wheel’ prize giveaway to InstallerSHOW 2026.

Throughout the three-day event, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 23^rd – 25^th June, visitors to stand 4D14 will be given the chance to win a range of Grant Westfield branded merchandise; Greggs, Costa and Amazon vouchers, and a grand prize of £5,000 worth of Multipanel and Naturepanel Panels for the year.

Each day a different premium prize will also be up for grabs with installers able to compete to win a Makita Site Bundle on Tuesday 23^rd June, a Veho Home Entertaining Bundle on Wednesday 24^th June and a Makita 18V Twin Pack C/W, 2x batteries, Charger and Case on Thursday 25^th June.

To take part, installers simply need to visit the Grant Westfield stand, sign in with Installer Elite, the company’s loyalty programme, and ‘spin the wheel’.

As well as bringing the fun to the show, Grant Westfield’s expert team will be hosting on-stand demos to showcase how its easy-fit Hydrolock tongue-and-groove system can help create a smooth, watertight finish with fewer joins, no grout and less mess to save time on site. Visitors will also be able to see a range of design-led wall panels from the Naturepanel Shiplap and Wood Slat collections, which will be on show alongside Multipanel’s CL Offset Tile Collection.

For more information, please visit: www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 337 6262.

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Inside CDW: design, innovation and inspiration in Clerkenwell

June 11, 2026

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Celebrating its 16th edition, Clerkenwell Design Week returned to the creative heart of London this May, transforming the capital’s leading design district into a vibrant showcase of innovation, craftsmanship and design. The three-day festival brought together leading brands with architects, designers and specifiers, providing an opportunity to discover new products and emerging trends.

Attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the event spanned multiple exhibition venues and more than 160 showrooms across sectors including furniture, lighting, surfaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Alongside product launches and immersive displays, Clerkenwell Design Week hosted networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as one of the premier events on the global calendar.

Diane Larner attended the event and shines a spotlight on six standout bathroom highlights.

SIX T O P P I C K S from Clerkenwell Design Week

Balcoon-by-Patricia-Urquiola-and-Duravit-wins-German-Design-Award-2025

Duravit highlights Balcoon at Clerkenwell Design showroom event

Marking over seven at years at Clerkewell Design Week, since its showroom first opened, Duravit once again showcased its design-led ranges.

Villeroy & Boch & Ideal Standard bring Design Continuum to CDW

First introduced during Milan Design Week, Design Continuum explores how design shapes perception.

Bette presents BetteUltra Space & new BetteAlva at CDW

The showcase took place at the historic Charterhouse, where the company introduced its two key highlights.

BAGNODESIGN launches Tokyo inspired Ginza

Bagnodesign introduced Ginza – a striking new collection that reflects the dynamic spirit of contemporary urban living in the bathroom space.

KALDEWEI experiences first time success at CDW

Making its debut at Clerkenwell Design Week, Kaldewei participated in the festival from a stand within The Charterhouse, a remarkable Grade 1 listed building.

VitrA welcomes visitors to Clerkenwell Design Week

VitrA welcomed architects, designers and specifiers to its London Specification & Design Hub for three days of product launches, design conversations and networking.

Marlon-at-Clerkenwell — Marlon Cera_Marle

Marlon Cera-Marle, director Media 10

What sets Clerkenwell Design Week apart from other design events is the character of the neighbourhood itself and the incredible design community within it. The historic streets, industrial buildings and hidden courtyards create an amazing backdrop for installations and exhibitions. The festival doesn’t take place in a single venue — it unfolds across the whole district, with showrooms, galleries, historic buildings and public spaces all becoming part of the experience. That integration with the neighbourhood is what gives Clerkenwell Design Week its distinctive atmosphere and energy.

“And of course many international brands have showrooms here, and the area is home to an extremely high concentration of architects, designers and specifiers from across the UK and internationally. At the same time, the neighbourhood has seen significant growth, with new creative workplaces, restaurants and cultural spaces opening up alongside its historic buildings. The festival brings tens of thousands of visitors to the district each year and shines a spotlight on these creative businesses based here, reinforcing Clerkenwell’s position as one of the most important design destinations in the world.”

Adam Teal, country manager Kaldewei

Adam Teal Kaldewei Country Manager small.

We were absolutely delighted by the response to Kaldewei’s debut at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026. The Charterhouse was a truly special setting in which to share our latest designs, and it was so good to see so much enthusiasm for products including the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval, AVELLINO washbasin, NUEVA and our new CALIMA shower trays.

“It was especially rewarding to connect with architects, designers and specifiers in person, and to hear such positive feedback on both the design and sustainability of the collection. The event was a wonderful first experience for Kaldewei at CDW, and we’re thrilled to have been part of it.”

Clerkenwell Design Week.
19/05/2026 – Photograph by Sam Frost ©2026 – www.samfrostphotos.com

About Clerkenwell Design Week

CDW is a UK design festival held annually in the heart of London’s design district, one of the world’s most important hubs for architecture and design. Bringing together leading brands, designers, architects, specifiers and industry professionals, the event showcases the latest innovations in interiors through a programme of showroom events, exhibitions, installations, product launches and talks, attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK and the world.

Clerkenwell Design Week will return 25th – 27th May, 2027

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Duravit highlights Balcoon at Clerkenwell Design showroom event

June 11, 2026

Marking over seven at years at Clerkenwell Design Week, since the showroom first opened, Duravit once again showcased its design-led ranges, with new additions to the 2026 Balcoon range, along with iconic bathroom ranges such as ME by Starck and Collection One, and technological highlights such as the SensoWash shower-toilets.

The Balcoon collection balances modernity with timeless, minimalist design, defined by clean geometric forms and a strong archtectural identity. Urquiola’s approach plays with layering and proportion, notably placing round and oval above-counter basins on square plinths to create a sculptural focal point. This two-level design language runs through the entire range, spanning basins, WC’s, bidet’s, furniture and bathtubs to ensure a cohesive aesthetic.

Patricia Urquiola has created an earthy terracotta shade for the Balcoon ceramic objects bringing their tactile and material qualities to the fore. This is also the basis of the nature-inspired colour scheme for the bathroom furniture, giving rise to unique combinations that flow from white to earthy brown tones into anthracite.

The showroom was open for all three days of the event and in addition to providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to view the design and technology spectrum covered by the Duravit product range some got to participate in extracurricular activities which included creating stunning floral displays to highlight the start of Spring.

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Villeroy & Boch announces two new appointments

June 11, 2026

Villeroy & Boch has announced two new appointments to its UK sales leadership team, reinforcing its strategic commitment to strengthening its market position and driving growth across key channels. Rob Osborne and Elliot Smith  have joined the company as sales channel directors for retail & wholesale and residential, respectively.  

  ”Lisa Whitfield, managing director UK Cluster commented on the appointments ‘As Villeroy & Boch continues its dynamic growth trajectory, it is imperative that we have outstanding leadership guiding our sales efforts. I am thrilled to welcome Rob and Elliot, whose extensive expertise and their proven track records will be instrumental in enhancing our sales strategies, deepening relationships with our partners, and achieving our ambitious goals in the UK market.'”  

  Rob Osborne appointed sales channel director, retail & wholesale, UK  

Rob Osborne (pictured top) officially commenced his role on June 1, 2026. He will oversee the Retail & Wholesale channels across the UK, bringing a wealth of experience from over 18 years in sales leadership within the household products and consumer sectors. Most recently, Osbourne served as UK & Ireland retail & office channel sales leader at 3M, where he was recognised for successfully exceeding targets for priority brands. His profound understanding of the retail landscape is expected to be a significant asset as Villeroy & Boch expands its reach and optimises sales performance.  

  Elliot Smith appointed sales channel director, residential, UK  

Elliot Smith joined Villeroy & Boch on June 8, 2026, and will lead the Residential Channel for the UK. he brings a strong background in specification sales, having previously held the position of sales director – Specification at Vado. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in leading and inspiring the specification sales team and establishing successful strategic partnerships with national and regional developers, merchants, architects, and designers. Smith’s prior experience at Grohe further aligns with Villeroy & Boch’s strategic objectives for the Residential Channel.  

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Britain’s dirty secret: Why toilet anxiety could be sending Brits loo-lally

June 11, 2026

Toilet troubles are flushing Brits with fear – with ‘toilet anxiety’ causing some to avoid flushing altogether, new research reveals.

The research of 2,005 people found that nine in ten (91 per cent) say they’ve worried a toilet might not flush properly before using it, while 88 per cent admit they’ve felt embarrassed going to the toilet when others are nearby.

From running taps to mask the noise to waiting until everyone has left the room, Brits are going to surprising lengths to avoid awkward bathroom moments.

Public loos are a particular concer, with more than half (57 per cent) saying they weren’t confident that a public toilet would flush first time. While 31 per cent said the toilet not flushing when out of the home was one of their most awkward feature and a third (33 per cent) said realising there’s no toilet paper ranks among their most awkward fears, ahead of their card being declined at the checkout (30%), sending a message to the wrong person (28%) and tripping in public (25%).

Despite this, many Brits are still choosing style over substance when it comes to their own bathrooms. The research suggests shoppers often assume performance will match appearance, but that’s not always the case.

In fact, only half said they could remember being given any information about flush performance when buying a toilet. Yet 42 per cent said how well it flushes is more important than how it looks, while the same number (42 per cent) ranked it above price. A further 39 per cent said performance actually matters more than colour.

It may explain why nearly a third (31 per cent) of buyers admitted they’ve been left disappointed by how their toilet performs after it was installed.

Noise is another major issue keeping Brits on edge, especially at night. A separate study found that more than eight in ten (83 per cent) said they’ve been disturbed by the sound of a toilet flushing while trying to sleep.

The problem is so bad that 82% confessed to changing their behaviour, such as delaying or avoiding flushing altogether, to avoid making noise.

Toilet manufacturer, Geberit, which commissioned the research, says the findings highlight how outdated toilet design is failing to meet modern expectations.

Sonia De Gioia, sales director for Showrooms at Geberit UK, said: “People are worrying about something that should just work – and when it doesn’t, it causes unnecessary anxiety. A bad flush is something you remember every single time.

“The toilet is the hardest-working product in the bathroom, yet it’s often the most overlooked. We upgrade everything else in our homes – but toilets are still often chosen on habit or the sales rep at the time.”

With millions of Brits quietly stressing about something as basic as using the loo, it seems the humble flush could be the key to restoring the nation’s bathroom confidence.

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Villeroy & Boch & Ideal Standard bring Design Continuum to CDW

June 10, 2026

At Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard presented the London iteration of its installation Design Continuum, transforming their Clerkenwell showroom into a space for material exploration, professional exchange and inspiration.

First introduced during Milan Design Week, Design Continuum explores how design shapes perception and how our senses influence the way spaces are experienced. In London, a series of curated display installations showcased key dimensions of contemporary bathroom design – from material innovation and enduring form to tactility, interaction and craftsmanship.

“At Milan, Design Continuum introduced a broader conversation about how bathroom spaces can be experienced through the senses,” says Sven Ullrich, executive VP marketing, R&D and product management at Villeroy & Boch.

“At Clerkenwell, we brought that idea into a more applied and collaborative setting – creating opportunities for even closer exchange with architects, designers and planners, and translating those ideas into tangible inspiration for real projects.”

Antao 3D was at the centre of the Design Continuum presentation. A material study developed with Design Studio KASCHKASCH. Produced using advanced 3D printing from 100 per cent internally recycled ceramic, the prototype reveals the expressive potential of new manufacturing technologies.

Alongside it, Antao Earth, also designed by KASCHKASCH, showcased the expressive possibilities of reactive Artisan Glaze finishes.

“Ceramic is one of the oldest materials, yet 3D printing opens completely new possibilities – not only in production, but also in design,” say Design Studio KASCHKASCH.

“Both Antao 3D and Antao Earth explore material as a starting point – one through technology, the other through craftsmanship. In both cases, the making process remains visible and becomes part of the final object. That connection between creation and perception is central to our work.”

Another display focused on the Atelier Collections by Roberto Palomba, demonstrating how strong geometry allows forms to evolve over time without losing their identity.

Artis Sense explored how texture and subtle relief can influence the perception of space. Designed by Christian Haas with a colour concept by Gesa Hansen, the refined basin introduces a delicate tactile quality that invites closer interaction.

“Design used to focus primarily on form, but today surfaces and textures have become equally important,” says Christian Haas.

“They add a sensual dimension that invites interaction and subtly shapes how we experience an object and the space around it.”

With more than 400 years of combined design heritage, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard continue to translate craftsmanship, material innovation and design expertise into a new perspective on the bathroom – one shaped not only by function, but by perception, interaction and experience.

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Bette presents BetteUltra Space & new BetteAlva at CDW

June 10, 2026

At Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Bette presented its latest solutions for architectural bathroom design, including BetteUltra Space and the new BetteAlva washbasin. The showcase took place at The Charterhouse, where the company introduced two key highlights from its bathroom portfolio, combining precise design, functional quality and contemporary requirements.

Bette-UK-Jean-Francois-Marty-Projects-Manager-and-Alysha-Abdi-Specification-Manage

At the centre of the exhibition were BetteUltra Space and the new BetteAlva washbasin. BetteUltra Space is an ultra-flat shower tray developed for modern architectural layouts. Its space-saving installation, level-access, wall-adjacent waste and flexible installation options make it well suited to contemporary bathroom planning.

BetteAlva brings a new angular washbasin into focus, demonstrating Bette’s material and design expertise. Manufactured from glazed titanium steel, BetteAlva is defined by its visible material thickness, precise edge detailing and a durable, easy-care, non-porous surface. The design combines clarity of form with everyday usability, reflecting Bette’s commitment to design and quality.

The presentation was complemented by the BetteStarlet inset bath, a longstanding classic within the range, and BetteLux Oval Couture. Together, these pieces highlight the brand’s ability to balance established products with striking design.

Bette’s presence in London underlines its core values: bathroom products made of glazed titanium steel, made in Germany, and defined by durability, high design standards and sustainable material quality.

Bathroom Review

Pictured Above – L-R: BetteAlva washbasins & Bette UltraSpace Savia shower tray

Pictured Midde: Bette UK Jean-Francois Marty, Projects Manager and Alysha Abdi, Specification Manager

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