Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

HiB returns to kbb Birmingham with ‘Wall of Mirrors’

March 19, 2026

After nearly 15 years away, hib. returned to kbb Birmingham with a presence that was confident, creative and firmly customer-focused. Across the four-day show, the brand’s refined identity and evolved product direction were brought to life through 96 new mirrors and cabinets, many of which appeared on a standout ‘Wall of Mirrors’. From statement large-format designs to new shapes and finishes, the collection reinforced hib.’s reputation for innovation – fitting for the brand that pioneered the first steam-free mirror.

The timing was equally significant. Landing just ahead of the first anniversary of hib.’s April 2025 rebrand, the show marked a natural milestone moment – a reflection of how far the business has come in 12 months, and a clear signal of where it’s heading next.

“kbb Birmingham was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with customers and industry peers,” said Rob Ginsberg, CEO of hib.. “We saw an incredible level of engagement on the stand, with our wall of mirrors drawing real attention and sparking great conversations. It’s always valuable to be part of events like this that bring the industry together and give us a chance to showcase how hib. continues to innovate.”

Overall, kbb Birmingham delivered exactly what hib. set out to achieve: high engagement, meaningful conversations and strong interest in a broadened, design-led range – setting the tone for the next phase of growth.

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Frontline Bathrooms introduces Mineral Flute brassware collection

March 19, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms has expanded its brassware portfolio with the launch of the Mineral Flute collection, a new range of textured taps and fittings designed to respond to growing demand for surface detail within bathroom design.

The collection is characterised by a fluted brass body that introduces texture directly into the casting of the tap, creating a distinctive surface while maintaining a clean, contemporary silhouette. The detailing is integrated into the structure of the brassware rather than applied as a secondary treatment, providing a consistent finish across the range.

Mineral Flute has been developed to provide specification flexibility across a wide range of bathroom schemes. The collection is available in multiple finishes including chrome, matt black, brushed brass, gunmetal and brushed bronze, allowing retailers and designers to match fittings to both cooler and warmer interior palettes.

The range includes basin mixers, wall-mounted basin mixers, bath fillers and floorstanding bath shower mixers, enabling a coordinated brassware specification across basin and bathing zones.

All products in the range are manufactured from solid brass and are fitted with ceramic disc cartridges to support smooth operation and long-term durability. The brassware body is covered by a lifetime guarantee, while the internal cartridges carry a five-year warranty.

Selected finishes within the Mineral Flute collection are produced using PVD coating technology to increase resistance to scratching and tarnishing in everyday use. Many models also carry WRAS approval, confirming compliance with UK water regulations.

The launch forms part of Frontline Bathrooms’ ongoing expansion of its Aqua brassware portfolio, with the Mineral Flute collection designed to offer retailers and installers a textured alternative within contemporary bathroom brassware.

For further information visit

www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

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Keep glass clean & clear with CRL’s next generation Surface Protection Solutions

March 19, 2026

Sleek and stylish, glass has become the material of the moment due to its practical and visual appeal, and now it’s easier than ever to keep it looking clean and clear thanks to CRL’s ground-breaking surface protection solutions.

Unlike other glass coatings on the market, CRL 6K Surface Protection uses next-generation Nano technology to create a hydrophobic, water repellent coating that reduces grease, dirt and limescale build-up to create an easy-clean surface that requires minimal maintenance.

Perfect for use on a wide range of glass installations from shower screens, canopies and railings to balustrades and conservatories, 6K is a cost-effective, natural silica dioxide based solution that can be easily applied in two simple stages. Pre-Clean prepares the surface and ensures it is in optimal condition before 6K Protect is applied. It is simply polished into the surface to provide immediate, long-lasting protection.

Equally easy to use by spraying and polishing, CRL’s TPC Surface Protector is a cost-effective water -and stain-repellent polymer coating designed to protect a variety of surfaces from glass, porcelain, ceramics, and plastics to polished metals, fibreglass and marble. It makes surfaces easier to maintain and reduces costly cleaning, repairs and replacements.

For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk

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Flair Showers launches BABY AYO reduced-height wetroom system for compact and loft bathrooms

March 19, 2026

Flair Showers has expanded its wetroom portfolio with the launch of BABY AYO, a reduced-height shower screen system designed for compact bathrooms and loft conversions.

Building on the design language of its AYO wetroom range and BABY ILI enclosures, the new collection stands at 1800mm high, offering a practical solution for spaces with restricted or sloping ceilings. As demand for space-efficient bathroom design continues to rise, particularly in attic renovations, the lower profile allows specifiers greater flexibility when planning contemporary wetroom layouts.

The modular system combines pared-back detailing with robust materials. Panels are manufactured from 8mm toughened safety glass, certified to EN12150 standards, and treated with a Clearvue hydrophobic coating to minimise limescale and grime build-up. Ultra-clear seals and concealed internal fixings maintain a clean, architectural aesthetic, supporting the growing trend for spa-inspired bathrooms in smaller footprints.

Part of the premium Harmony Collections, BABY AYO is available in three finishes – Silver, Matte Black and Brushed Brass – all applied using PVD technology for enhanced durability and colour consistency across components.

Designed with versatility in mind, the collection includes fixed panels ranging from 700mm to 1400mm, alongside T-pieces, 300mm rotating panels, recessed channels and a range of stabilising bars, including angled, ceiling-mounted and L-shaped options. All panels are reversible, enabling multiple wetroom configurations across both tray and floor-level installations.

For projects requiring a tray, Flair Showers also offers its Gemstone Slate Textured Trays. With a minimal height of 25–30mm, anti-slip properties and four colour options – Onyx Black, Graphite Black, Flint Grey and White – the trays are designed to integrate seamlessly with contemporary bathroom schemes. Both square and linear waste options are available, with chrome or colour-matched grilles.

BABY AYO is backed by a 20-year guarantee and has been tested for durability, stability and water retention, ensuring compliance with industry standards and long-term performance.

Ronán O’Grady, lead product designer at Flair Showers, said the launch responds to increasing demand for solutions tailored to compact and awkward spaces: “We are seeing a clear shift towards bathroom designs that maximise smaller footprints, including rooms with low or angled ceilings. BABY AYO allows our retail partners to deliver a premium wetroom experience without compromising on design or performance.”

Information on the collection is included in the 2026 Harmony Collections brochure, available in print and digital formats via Flair Showers – www.flairshowers.co.uk

Flair-Showers-BABY-AYO-Wetroom-Panel-Brushed-Brass

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Drummonds unveils Hudson Collection in collaboration with Pembrooke & Ives

March 18, 2026

Drummonds has introduced the Hudson Collection, a new brassware range developed in collaboration with New York-based design studio Pembrooke & Ives. The collection brings together British manufacturing heritage and a contemporary American design sensibility, with a focus on proportion, materiality and longevity.

The partnership evolved over several years, beginning shortly after Drummonds established its New York showroom. Creative Director James Lentaigne and Pembrooke & Ives founder Andrew Sheinman found common ground in a shared interest in the physical and architectural qualities of plumbing – from weight and tactility to its role within interior space.

Named after the Hudson River, the collection references the city both brands now operate from, despite their British roots. Its design language balances precision with restraint: angular cross-head handles provide a defined, architectural expression, while lever options introduce a more understated alternative. Across the range, crisp geometry is softened by subtle curves, creating a sense of equilibrium and adaptability.

The cross-head handle is designed as a central feature, with a sculptural, almost monolithic quality that reflects Drummonds’ established approach to brassware. In contrast, the spout adopts a more fluid form, introducing a gentle curvature that offsets the collection’s sharper lines.

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KEUCO at Milan Design Week 2026 – a vitruvian approach to contemporary design

March 18, 2026

From 20–26 April, Milan Design Week returns to transform the city once again—and this year, KEUCO will take a prominent place in the heart of the Brera Design District. KEUCO is inviting visitors to discover their installation at Corso Garibaldi 34, where it will join forces with two complementary German brands: Gira, specialists in sustainable smart switches and home technology, and TRILUX, leaders in intelligent, future‑ready lighting systems.

Together, the three brands present a shared vision inspired by the enduring architectural principles of Vitruvius: firmitas (durability), utilitas (functionality), and venustas (beauty). These values—still defining “good design” today—are reflected in every detail of the collections on display. All three brands proudly stand #VITRUVapproved.

At the centre of KEUCO’s presentation is the sensual and sophisticated EDITION 400 collection. Its fittings and accessories balance soft, organic contours with precise linearity, creating a distinctive oval signature. With finishes ranging from deep matt black to warm brushed brass, EDITION 400 brings tactile elegance and contemporary refinement to the modern bathroom.

Visitors will also be able to explore other KEUCO highlights, including the iconic I-look mirror series and AXESS, our inclusive design solution developed exclusively with Studio F. A. Porsche.

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Pimberly confirmed as Platinum Sponsor for Bathroom Association Connect Conference

March 18, 2026

The Bathroom Association has confirmed that Pimberly, the UK provider of cloud-based Product Information Management (PIM) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) solutions, will be a Platinum Sponsor of Connect Conference, taking place on Thursday, 8 October at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

The Platinum partnership builds on Pimberly’s Gold Sponsorship in 2025, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the bathroom manufacturing sector and the Association’s annual programme of insight, connection and collaboration.

The Connect Conference is the Association’s flagship industry gathering, bringing together manufacturers, the wider supply chain and partners for a day of keynote talks, discussion and dedicated networking, followed by an exclusive gala dinner.

With the 2026 theme set to ‘Stronger Together’, the conference will focus on practical, forward-looking collaboration across policy, standards, skills, innovation, and meeting customer needs, and on how supply chain alignment strengthens the category as a whole.

Amy Kirk, marketing and events director at the Bathroom Association, said: “Pimberly’s continued support of Connect Conference is hugely valued. Moving from Gold Sponsor in 2025 to Platinum Sponsor this year is a strong statement of commitment to our sector. Connect Conference is about bringing people together to share insight, strengthen capability and build confidence across the supply chain, and Pimberly’s sponsorship helps us deliver an event that’s practical, relevant and focused on what the industry needs next.”

Josh Bradley, VP marketing at Pimberly, said: “We’re delighted to be Platinum Sponsors of the Connect Conference on 8 October. The bathroom sector continues to be a strong area of growth for Pimberly, and we’re proud to support industry-leading bathrooms brands with the tools they need to deliver efficiency in their routes to market. As product data becomes central to omni-channel success, from digital platforms and in-store experiences to printed catalogues and sales enablement, we’re excited to keep working alongside the Association and its members.”

Pimberly is an affiliate member of the Bathroom Association and supports bathroom brands including Abode, VADO, PJH Group, Ideal Bathrooms and Aqualisa. Founded in Manchester in 2016, the company has grown rapidly, helping manufacturers, retailers and distributors streamline product data and strengthen digital product storytelling across all channels.

Following the Connect Conference daytime programme, delegates will come together for the gala dinner, with the charity raffle and auction also returning, alongside the much-loved 30-Under-30 Awards, celebrating emerging talent across the bathroom sector.

Further conference details, including delegate packages and sponsorship opportunities, are available via the Connect Conference website.

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REHAU highlights bathroom surface & edgeband excellence at kbb Birmingham

March 17, 2026

REHAU Interior Solutions UK presented its latest surface and edgeband innovations at stand W110, NEC Birmingham, inspiring bathroom designers seeking the very best materials for their upcoming projects.

Recognised for its leadership in decorative surface solutions, REHAU used kbb Birmingham to highlight its Surfaces Matter campaign, underlining the vital role surfaces play in shaping bathrooms that are both visually striking and built to last. Demonstrating a balance of durability and design flexibility, the initiative showcased how REHAU’s advanced materials combine refined aesthetics with high performance and sustainability, seamlessly complemented by its industry-leading edgeband solutions.

REHAU put the spotlight on its RAUVISIO crystal pure collection, a range of solid-colour polymer glass surfaces offered in both high-gloss and matt finishes, ideal for bathrooms due to their resistance to moisture and smooth, non-porous finish, which enables easier cleaning.

Also on display was the multi-award winning RAUVISIO cube, an architectural, concrete-inspired surface that combines an industrial aesthetic with impressive lightness and ease of processing. RAUVISIO cube’s engineered surface is easier to work with than cast concrete and brings more possibilities to bathrooms through its versatility.

Additionally, visitors discovered the super-matt RAUVISIO brilliant noble matt and noir ranges, featuring rich, sophisticated colours with a velvety touch and outstanding everyday durability, making them perfect for both residential and commercial high-traffic areas.

Complementing these surfaces were REHAU’s edgebands and tambour door systems, giving visitors an insight into how these products work seamlessly with surface collections, enabling cohesive, exceptional bathroom spaces.

For more information on REHAU products, visit interior.rehau.uk or contact us at UKinteriors@rehau.com.

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GROHE expands Essence ceramics with new basin designs and enhanced hygiene

March 17, 2026

Blending organic design with advanced performance, GROHE’s latest additions to its Essence ceramic collection introduce ultra-slim basins and next-generation WC technology for a more refined, hygienic bathroom space.

As one of the most personal spaces in the home, the bathroom continues to evolve as a sanctuary for wellbeing, relaxation and self-expression. Reflecting this shift, GROHE has expanded its best-selling Essence ceramic range with new basin designs and upgraded technologies that balance aesthetics with performance.

Inspired by nature, the Essence collection is characterised by soft curves, slim proportions and a minimalist language that brings a sense of calm to contemporary bathroom schemes. Designed for those seeking both style and tranquillity, the range combines understated elegance with practical innovation.

Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Leader, product management, fixtures – GROHE UK, comments: “With our new Essence range we’re delighted to give customers a modern, yet timeless addition to the bathroom that provides style and functionality in equal parts. The new range focuses on sleek and slim silhouettes that lean into Essence’s nature-inspired shape, evoking feelings of simplicity, purity and ultimately calm.”

At the heart of the expansion are two new basin lines that respond to current design trends. The thin-rimmed basins deliver a sculptural aesthetic, defined by an ultra-slim 5mm edge. Available as both vessel and countertop options, the designs offer flexibility across a range of bathroom layouts. The vessel basins come in round formats (40cm and 45cm) alongside a 60cm oval option, while the countertop basins are offered in 50cm, 60cm and 80cm sizes, all featuring the collection’s signature lozenge shape.

Finished in GROHE’s White Alpine, both basin styles incorporate advanced surface technologies to support hygiene and ease of maintenance. GROHE AquaCeramic coating helps repel dirt and limescale, while HyperClean glazing delivers antibacterial properties for enhanced cleanliness.

The wider Essence collection has also been updated, with the wall-hung WC now featuring GROHE’s TripleVortex flush technology. Using three water outlets, the system creates a powerful yet quiet, splash-free flow that effectively cleans the entire bowl. Combined with a rimless design and integrated antibacterial and anti-stick finishes, the latest updates reinforce the brand’s focus on hygiene-led innovation.

With its latest additions, GROHE continues to evolve the Essence range, offering specifiers and homeowners a refined solution that brings together contemporary design, comfort and high-performance functionality.

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CRL Stone launches new Ceralsio Patagonia finish

March 17, 2026

Blending natural drama with modern durability, Patagonia is the latest surface to join the Ceralsio ceramic collection from CRL Stone. Inspired by the intricate beauty of natural stone, Patagonia makes an immediate visual impact with its layered pattern and tonal variation.

This distinctive surface evokes the textures and colours of raw earth and rock formations, creating a bold design statement. Whether used as a feature kitchen island, bathroom wall, or part of a commercial interior scheme, Patagonia brings a unique sense of character and movement to the space.

Alongside its strong design credentials, Patagonia delivers all the practical benefits that define the Ceralsio collection. The surface is completely non-porous, highly stain resistant and built to withstand scratches, heat and UV exposure — qualities that make it ideal for busy environments and long-term use.

Patagonia is suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring, media walls, facades and outdoor kitchens. The material’s colour and texture remain stable over time, even in areas exposed to direct sunlight or changing conditions.

Offered in 12 mm and 20 mm thicknesses, Patagonia is part of Ceralsio’s response to the growing demand for slim, large-format surfaces that offer both design versatility and technical resilience.

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

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