Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Duravit expands Balcoon collection with new furniture washbasins

July 12, 2026

Duravit has extended its Balcoon bathroom collection, designed by Patricia Urquiola, with the addition of a new range of furniture washbasins that offer greater flexibility for residential and specification projects.

The collection introduces four basin sizes – 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm and a 1300mm double-basin option – providing a broad choice of layouts for bathrooms of different sizes. Positioned within the mid-price segment, the new additions combine premium design with practical functionality.

Available in White, Matt White and Clay Terra Matt, a warm terracotta-inspired finish, the basins feature Balcoon’s distinctive architectural styling. Patricia Urquiola describes the collection as an exploration of different volumes and levels, with the furniture washbasins taking the form of monolithic ceramic cuboids. A slim raised rim defines the basin while creating a subtle transition between the worktop and bowl, reinforcing the range’s clean, geometric aesthetic.

The washbasins are complemented by matching vanity units offering either two drawers or a combination of a drawer with an open, symmetrically divided storage compartment. Coordinating semi-tall cabinets extend the design language while providing additional storage.

Furniture finishes include Ivory, Sand Beige, Slate Brown, Terraccino and Umbra, allowing designers to create a range of colour palettes. The collection is completed by coordinating mirrors with integrated lighting and matching brassware for basins, baths and showers, available in Chrome, brushed Stainless Steel and Matt Black.

Duravit says the Balcoon collection is designed to deliver premium-quality materials and craftsmanship while remaining accessible within the mid-market, making it suitable for both private bathrooms and high-end hospitality and residential developments.

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Victoria + Albert expands Vetralla Collection with back-to-wall basins

July 12, 2026

Victoria + Albert has expanded its Vetralla collection with the introduction of new D-shaped back-to-wall basins, responding to growing demand for sculptural sanitaryware and statement bathroom design.

Available in 500mm and 600mm sizes, the basins feature the same angular styling as the Vetralla freestanding bath, creating a coordinated look across the bathroom. A flat back edge sits flush against the wall to provide a watertight seal, while compatibility with Victoria + Albert’s Kit 22 bottle trap offers a neat solution for exposed plumbing.

We’re seeing strong demand for bathroom products that combine statement design with everyday practicality,” says Emma Joyce, head of product marketing at Victoria + Albert.

“As floating vanity units continue to grow in popularity, the new Vetralla back-to-wall basins offer a striking yet space-conscious design solution, making them ideal for compact bathrooms, en-suites and other contemporary schemes where every centimetre counts.”

Designed to complement the Vetralla bath, which is available in 1500mm, 1650mm and 1800mm sizes, the basins are offered in gloss or matt white finishes. The exterior can also be specified in more than 200 RAL colours, giving designers and homeowners the flexibility to match existing interiors or introduce a bold focal point.

The basins are available with one, three or no tap holes, allowing compatibility with deck-mounted or wall-mounted brassware.

Manufactured from Victoria + Albert’s proprietary Quarrycast™ material, the basins combine Volcanic Limestone™ with high-performance resins to deliver a durable, high-performance surface. The material is scratch, stain and UV resistant, while also being lightweight to simplify installation.

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KEUCO publishes second sustainability report

July 12, 2026

German bathroom manufacturer KEUCO has published its second Sustainability Report, outlining the progress it has made in reducing its environmental impact while reinforcing its long-term commitment to responsible manufacturing and sourcing.

The report highlights a 22.3% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with 2021/22, alongside the introduction of 100% renewable electricity across its operations since 2024. KEUCO has also set a target of achieving climate neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2045.

The latest report details the company’s continued focus on designing durable, resource-efficient and recyclable products, while also making further reductions in water consumption, material use and waste generation.

Alongside its environmental initiatives, KEUCO says it has strengthened its responsible sourcing strategy by assessing suppliers against social and environmental criteria, while continuing to invest in employee development and wellbeing.

Lubert Winnecken, managing director of KEUCO, said: “For years, sustainability has been an essential aspect of our corporate philosophy. Our goal is to actively contribute to climate protection and firmly anchor this claim in the company. Only ecological action secures our economic future.

“Numerous individual projects in the areas of economic, ecological and social sustainability have developed from this. We have set ourselves the goal of intensifying topics such as greater resource efficiency, water protection and social contributions.

“A lot has happened since our first sustainability report. What this entails in detail, where we have already been able to bring about changes, which priorities we have set and what goals we have, you will find out in this second sustainability report. We are happy to take you on this journey.”

Key highlights from the report include:

22.3% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with 2021/22
100% renewable electricity across operations since 2024
Climate neutrality target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2045
Continued focus on durable, resource-efficient and recyclable product design
Ongoing reductions in water consumption, material use and waste

The report reflects KEUCO’s wider sustainability strategy, which integrates environmental responsibility across product development, manufacturing and operations, while maintaining a strong emphasis on product quality, employee wellbeing and long-term business resilience.

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Bathrooms2GO adds electric underfloor heating range

July 12, 2026

PJH has expanded its Bathrooms2GO collection with the launch of a new electric underfloor heating range, giving retailers, merchants and installers a competitively priced option for adding underfloor heating to bathroom refurbishment projects.

Designed to support value-focused renovations, the range includes sticky heating mats, loose-wire heating cables, tile backer boards, and a choice of digital, WiFi, and touchscreen thermostats. The products have been selected for ease of specification, strong stock availability and fast delivery.

Suitable for a variety of bathroom layouts, the Stickymat range is available in 150W undertile heating mats covering 1m², 2m², 3m², 7m² and 10m² areas for regular-shaped rooms. For more complex layouts, the Loose Wire System is offered in 20m, 30m and 40m lengths, allowing greater installation flexibility around fixtures and irregular spaces. Both systems use dual-core resistive heating cables with FEP (Teflon) insulation and a 4mm PVC outer coating.

The range also includes 1200 x 600 x 6mm tile backer boards, supplied in packs of five, to improve thermal performance beneath tiled floors, alongside a selection of thermostats offering different levels of control.

Kim Cooper, product & marketing director at PJH, said: “The Bathrooms2GO proposition is all about giving our customers access to the right products, at the right price, with the stock availability and delivery service they need to keep projects moving. By adding underfloor heating to our latest Bathrooms2GO portfolio, we are helping retailers, merchants and installers offer a popular comfort upgrade that is practical to specify, competitively priced and well suited to today’s bathroom refurbishments.

“Underfloor heating is no longer viewed as a niche luxury. For many consumers it is a desirable, energy efficient, space-saving finishing touch that can make a bathroom feel warmer and more comfortable, while supporting clean, uncluttered design. The new Bathrooms2GO range gives our customers another strong add-on sales opportunity, backed by PJH’s nationwide logistics, stockholding and First Choice service promise.”

The underfloor heating range is backed by a lifetime guarantee and is supported by PJH’s Quality & Price Promise, with products available from stock for next-day delivery through the company’s nationwide logistics network.

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Grant Westfield appoints Matthew Lecointe as new BDM

July 12, 2026

Wall panel manufacturer Grant Westfield has announced the appointment of Matthew Lecointe as business development manager for the South West.

Lecointe joined Grant Westfield on 1 June, bringing with him 10 years’ experience in the KBB industry, all gained within the independent bathroom showroom sector. During his time at HomeSupply Retail Ltd, he progressed from showroom assistant to showroom manager, developing strong product knowledge, customer insight and a deep understanding of the day-to-day needs of bathroom retailers and showrooms.

Before entering the KBB sector, Lecointe was a professional footballer with Plymouth Argyle for five years, an experience that helped shape his team-focused approach, discipline and drive.

In his new role, Lecointe will be responsible for developing Grant Westfield’s presence across the South West, working with retail and merchant showrooms, merchant trade counters and independent showrooms. He will also work closely alongside the company’s specification and key account teams to support customers and strengthen relationships across the region.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew Lecointe said: “Having worked in the bathroom showroom environment for the past 10 years, I understand the pressures, opportunities and expectations our customers face every day. I’m excited to bring that first-hand experience into my new role with Grant Westfield and to support retailers, merchants and independent showrooms across the South West. The brand has a fantastic reputation in the market, and I’m looking forward to working closely with customers and colleagues to help drive continued growth in the region.”

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VitrA announces launch of five Experience Centres across the UK

July 12, 2026

Bathroom brand VitrA has unveiled the first of five Experience Centres opening across the UK in 2026, which it says underlines its continued investment in and commitment to its network of independent retailers. The initiative will strengthen the brand’s showroom presence across key regions, including the South East, Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

Marking the launch of the initiative, AS Fenner in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, became the first to open its doors on 29 June 2026. It sets the benchmark, demonstrating how VitrA and its retail partners are working together to showcase the brand’s new ranges alongside long-standing favourites whilst delivering a consistent brand experience.

Each Experience Centre showcases the breadth of the portfolio, supporting VitrA’s ambition to further strengthen its position as a leading bathroom brand in the UK market.

Visitors are guided through the latest collections, including Glora, Sareta and the V-Care smart toilet collection. By presenting the products within lifestyle bathroom settings, the displays give customers the opportunity to experience the products first-hand and discover the variety and versatility of all the design-led bathroom solutions.

Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA UK, comments: “The launch of the VitrA Experience Centres marks an important milestone in VitrA’s strategy. By working closely with selected retail partners, we’re making joint investments in creating showrooms that bring the VitrA portfolio to life. These spaces allow customers to explore the full VitrA range and discover the products first-hand. We are excited to complete this initial phase in 2026 and look to add more in 2027.”

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AQUA investment drives 52% rise in new trade accounts for Frontline Bathrooms

July 8, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms has reported a 52% rise in new trade accounts, as investment into its AQUA brand continues to gain traction with retailers, merchants and showroom partners. Sales from those new accounts has also grown by 28%,

The growth follows a significant period of investment into AQUA, Frontline’s own-brand bathroom collection, including a refreshed brand position, updated brochure, new product development, point-of-sale support and a clearer trade proposition for customers looking for quality, value and ease of specification.

The new AQUA brochure has been a key part of this renewed focus, giving merchants and retailers a stronger selling tool at a time when consumers are shopping around for longer and showrooms are under pressure to offer credible alternatives to more expensive bathroom brands.

Frontline has also continued to strengthen the AQUA product offer with new and updated ranges across key bathroom categories, including the development of its Aquakast bath collection. Created in collaboration with bathroom design expert Barrie Cutchie, the range has helped bring a more design-led edge to the AQUA portfolio, while still keeping the practical trade benefits front and centre.

The uplift in new accounts sits alongside wider momentum for the AQUA brand, with Frontline also reporting a nearly a £500,000 year-on-year sales increase in the three months following the launch of the new AQUA brochure, representing a 15% increase.

Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, says: “This growth is a really positive sign for us because it shows that more trade customers are looking again at what Frontline and AQUA can offer. We have put a lot of work into the brand over the last year, not just in terms of how it looks, but in making sure the range, the brochure, the product offer and the support behind it are all much stronger for merchants and retailers.

“The market is not easy at the moment. Customers are still investing in their homes, but they are taking longer to make decisions and are much more aware of value. That is where AQUA is landing well, because it gives our trade customers a range they can sell with confidence, with products that look current, are competitively positioned and are backed by a team that understands the day-to-day pressures of the trade.

“For us, this is not about chasing growth for the sake of it. It is about building a stronger network of customers who see the direction AQUA is going in and want to be part of it. The 52% rise in new accounts tells us that the investment is starting to cut through, and we are very focused on keeping that momentum going through the second half of the year.”

The latest figures also reflect Frontline’s wider focus on strengthening its trade offer across retail, merchant and online channels, with further product activity and customer support planned throughout 2026.

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Homeowners maintain renovation activity despite lower budgets

July 8, 2026

UK homeowners are continuing to invest in their homes with a long-term outlook, according to the 2026 UK Houzz & Home Study from Houzz. The research found home improvement activity remained resilient in 2025, with almost half of homeowners (49%) completing a renovation, while 60% undertook decorating or furnishing projects. Repair work also increased, rising to 44% from 39% the previous year.

Although activity remained strong, spending eased. Median renovation costs fell slightly to £20,000 from £21,440 in 2024, while the largest projects also reduced in value, with the top 10% of renovations reaching £115,000 or more, compared with £169,000 a year earlier.

Looking ahead, confidence in home improvement remains, with 46% of homeowners planning to renovate in 2026. However, intended investment is expected to be lower, with median planned spend falling to £10,000 from £14,000.

Most homeowners continued to finance projects through savings (86%), although the use of credit cards rose to 19%. Proceeds from a previous property sale (17%) and gifts or inheritance (10%) were also common funding sources, with younger homeowners more likely to rely on borrowing or family support than older generations.

Budget pressures remain evident, with 38% of homeowners spending more than planned, while only one-third completed their project within budget. More than a quarter (26%) started work without setting a budget.

The use of professional tradespeople remained widespread, with 92% of homeowners employing at least one specialist. Electricians (56%) and plumbers (54%) were the most frequently hired, followed by carpenters (41%).

Bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms were the joint most popular interior renovation projects, each undertaken by 27% of renovating homeowners. Heating upgrades led investment in home systems (38%), ahead of plumbing and electrical improvements (both 34%).

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Cyncly launches Cyncly Websites to empower UK KBB retailers

July 7, 2026

Cyncly has launched Cyncly Websites in the UK to help kitchen and bathroom retailers navigate a digital-first market by streamlining customer communication. improving online presence and showcasing product offerings more effectively,

“We know the customer journey is now digital-first, and consumers are looking for more immersive shopping experiences,” said Steven McMullen, senior vice president, Cyncly Websites.

“We also know that many independent retailers just don’t have the resources to build and maintain a high-performing website. Cyncly Websites is designed to make it easier for KBB businesses of all sizes to create a digital presence that reflects the quality of their showrooms, providing the solutions they need to create a seamless online experience. From inspiration to project completion, the Cyncly platform empowers retailers to connect with consumers in more meaningful ways, better showcase their expertise, and ultimately secure more sales.

Showcased at Kbb Birmingham, key capabilities include:

Digital Product Catalogue
Retailers can turn their website into a comprehensive product showcase that helps customers expore via a user-friendly product catalogue featuring strategic calls-to-action to encourage direct enquiries and appointment bookings.

Lead Generation and SEO
Cyncly Websites includes capabilities designed to generate a consistent flow of leads and convert interest into sales. Targeted advertising campaigns are designed to reach potential customers across platforms such as Google Search, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, or through programmatic advertising.

The platform is also designed to maximise ad performance and ROI via Integrated lead forms, call tracking and Web2Text chat make it easy for customers to connect and help retailers capitalise on every lead. Attention-grabbing website banners and promotions that highlight offers and deals further incentivise customers to engage. Underpinning all of this are proven SEO strategies that ensure retailers attract organic traffic and remain visible to customers actively searching for relevant services.

AI Inspiration
To help bring consumers’ visions to life, shoppers can simply upload a photo of their existing kitchen or bathroom to receive redesign concepts featuring the retailer’s product catalog. This bridges the gap between customer imagination and practical reality, allowing users to book a consultation after perfecting their design.

Project Gallery
Completed projects are compelling marketing assets. Cyncly Websites makes it easy for retailers to showcase an array of installed kitchens and bathrooms in the most engaging way. The Project Gallery builds credibility and trust by letting retailers showcase real-world results. It also gives businesses an opportunity to promote their trusted brands and highlight the attention to detail that sets them apart.

Ratings, Reviews & Reputation Management
Cyncly Websites includes comprehensive ratings, reviews and reputation management capabilities to help retailers confidently build their brand online. It streamlines the process of responding to and publishing reviews.

Add-On Services
A suite of add-on services such as Advanced SEO and AI-powered Email Marketing is available to help retailers enhance their online presence further and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

About Cyncly
Cyncly transforms the way customisable products and spaces are imagined, designed, sold, managed and made. Through its intuitive end-to-end software solutions, Cyncly connects professional designers, retailers and manufacturers to integrated management tools and the world’s largest catalog content hub. Cyncly solutions serve over 70,000 customers globally, helping to simplify communication, reduce errors, grow sales, increase efficiency and drive innovation – every step of the way.

For more information on Cyncly and how it can benefit your business and better support your customers, please visit www.cyncly.com.

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Duravit publishes Sustainability Report

July 1, 2026

Duravit has published its latest sustainability report, outlining the manufacturer’s progress, targets and strategic approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s sustainability activities. It also includes double-materiality data-collection software from Tanso.

Covering all of Duravit Group’s manufacturing facilities, the report features an ESRS index and is structured around the five key areas – climate, water, people, resources, and governance. Together, these priorities provide the strategic framework for sustainability initiatives across the company’s entire value chain.

Duravit says sustainability remains firmly embedded within its corporate strategy and plays a central role in the company’s global business development. The company aims to integrate environmental, social and economic responsibility while continuing its transition towards climate neutrality.

A key milestone highlighted in the 2025 reporting period is the commissioning of the new production facility in Matane, Canada. Designed to support low-emission manufacturing, the site uses electric roller kilns powered almost entirely by hydroelectric energy.

Alongside investment in production, the company continues to strengthen its governance and reporting processes while expanding stakeholder engagement in preparation for CSRD reporting requirements, which will apply to the 2027 reporting year.

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