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kbb Birmingham 2026 is set to showcase the latest innovations shaping the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry from over 320 exhibitors at the NEC from 1-4 March 2026.

The event expects an audience of over 15,000 visitors over the four days. This year, the spotlight is on future-forward design, where sustainability, smart technology, and personalisation converge to meet evolving lifestyle needs.

Bathroom exhibitor highlights:

Sustainability, material innovation and smart functionality are shaping the future of bathroom design. At kbb Birmingham, Frascio (C64) will unveil its latest sensor tap technology, powered by running water rather than electricity or batteries, offering a low-maintenance and eco-conscious solution for modern bathrooms.

Layered textures and multifunctional design take centre stage at Clearwater (M110). The brand will showcase new sink innovations alongside British-made ceramic designs, reflecting growing demand for versatility, tactile surfaces and flexible layouts.

Natural materials continue to gain momentum, with Woodio (C72) redefining bathroom design through waterproof wood-based solutions. Combining Nordic design with sustainable innovation, the range delivers a lower-carbon alternative to traditional ceramics without compromising durability.

Affordable luxury is also in focus, as VR Bathrooms (D80) introduces waterproof woodgrain vanity units in warm, contemporary finishes, designed to combine practicality with refined aesthetics.

Other bathroom exhibitors include Laguna Bathrooms (F55), Croydex (D64), Showerwall (D54), Vado (E65), Merlyn Showers (E65), Aqualisa (D68), Whitebirk Sink Company (C86), Innowin (Q60) and Disbain (SP2).


Kitchen exhibitor highlights:

Quiet luxury will dominate kitchen design in 2026, with clean lines, natural materials and Japandi-inspired simplicity shaping modern interiors. At kbb Birmingham, Sachsenküchen (N70) brings this trend to life with refined cabinetry, tactile ceramic surfaces and integrated lighting and storage solutions designed for contemporary living.

Natural finishes continue to influence kitchen design, with Rotpunkt (Q90) showcasing a mix of wood and metallic surfaces that add depth and character. The brand’s latest collections highlight Scandinavian influences, industrial accents and textured detailing for design-led spaces.

Demand for boiling water taps continues to rise as homeowners prioritise integrated appliances and clutter-free worktops. British manufacturer QETTLE (S98) will showcase its mechanical boiling tap technology, delivering true 100°C boiling water without electronics or complex servicing, alongside a new integrated rinse feature.

As kitchens become increasingly connected, AVINTAGE (J110) is expanding the role of built-in refrigeration. The brand will present innovations in wine and food storage, combining connectivity, smart control and seamless integration to support modern cooking habits.

Timeless design and everyday functionality define the latest collection from Nolte Kitchens (L80). The 2026 range focuses on minimalist styling, authentic materials and durable surfaces, with both modern and classic influences. Nolte will also host live cooking demonstrations during the show.

Other kitchen exhibitors include Abode (P80), Nobilia (Q80), Smeg (S110), Quooker (L90), InSinkErator (J82), Transformad (P110), Kesseböhmer (K84), Caledonia Kitchens (G100), Bidbury & Co (C86), Servicanto (SP1), Lamello (W70) and Rubio Monocoat (S62).

Visit kbb Birmingham 2026

From 1–4 March 2026 at the NEC, explore over 320 exhibitors across over 25 different product categories and discover the trends shaping the future of kitchen and bathroom design. Don’t miss your chance to experience the latest products, technologies, and creative ideas first-hand.

NKBA will host a dozen editors from Europe and South America on a guided KBIS experience as part of the International Media Tour in Orlando, FL, Feb. 16 to 19. It is the largest such tour ever organised by NKBA. 

Journalists hailing from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Brazil will attend KBIS 2026, which is owned by NKBA and is the largest and most comprehensive trade show in North America dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design and remodeling. The expo, held in the Orange County Convention Center, features a wide array of brands and manufacturers in the sector, as well as networking and educational opportunities.

Through the NKBA Global Connect international business membership program, editors will visit a curated selection of Global Connect exhibiting members and learn about North American brands, design directions, market trends, and business nuances throughout KBIS, so they can report to their home markets. Editors will attend sessions designed to help international companies explore a foray into the U.S. and Canada or strengthen and expand their opportunities in the region.

This exclusive NKBA program brings the global kitchen and bath community together through a vibrant exchange of information, market insights, product development, and go-to-market strategies to help international companies with business opportunities in the North American market.

Meet the Journalists on the International Media Tour:

• Javier Gómez, Editor in Chief, Cocina Integral, Spain. Javier is based in Barcelona and heads up the editorial team for the official media outlet of the Spanish Kitchen Manufacturers Association.

• Emma Hedges, Editor, KBB Focus, UK. Emma has logged more than 25 years covering design and interiors across a broad range of national newspapers, trade and consumer publications, specializing in the kitchens and bathrooms sector, including as former editor of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine.

• Gabriele Mühlen, Editorial Director, möbel kultur, Germany. Gabriele brings more than two decades of experience in international media and brand development, including editor in chief positions and executive management roles at global outlets such as Bauer Media Group and Hubert Burda Media, and founded GMC Gabriele Mühlen Consult, where she advises brands, publishers, and associations on strategic communication, brand positioning, organizational leadership, and media transformation.

• Diane Larner, Founder, Kitchen Review & Bathroom Review, UK. Diane specialises in news, trends, and product innovation within the kitchen and bathroom industry and has extensive experience covering major international trade shows, including ISH Frankfurt and KBB Birmingham.

• Roberta Mutti, Editor in Chief, The Design Week Guide, Italy. Roberta is a journalist, author, and consultant whose work bridges the worlds of architecture, design, and media. She wrote the bilingual volume “Storia del Fuorisalone” (“History of Milan Design Week”), which traces the evolution of the iconic urban design event and the cultural phenomenon of Milan’s creative industries, and currently leads The Design Week Guide dedicated to design-focused events around the world.

• Natalia Ramalho, Editor and Founder, The Luxe Resident, UK. The Luxe Resident is a global luxury publication dedicated to interior design, hospitality, and lifestyle. Natalia curates and produces editorial features that spotlight exceptional interiors, design innovation, and the brands and creatives shaping the future of luxury living.

• Antonia Pozo Comas, Journalist, IM Cocinas y Baños magazine; media coordinator for Publimas Digital publishing house, Spain. Antonia, based in Barcelona, currently serves as media coordinator for the publishing group, providing an overarching view of editorial operations and reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-quality, sector-driven communication in specialized business journalism.

• Martin Allen-Smith, Editor, Digital Savvy Media, Colchester, UK. Martin has been writing about kitchen and bathroom design for almost 20 years and oversees all editorial content of kitchen and bathroom design magazine designerati, runs the judging process for the annual designerati awards, and edits The Installer, a UK publication for K&B installation professionals.

• Matteo Lirosi, Journalist, FIRSTOnline, Italy. Matteo joined FIRSTOnline in 2021, initially focusing on social media management and digital communication, and now covers technology, innovation, cybersecurity, and current affairs, with a strong focus on their economic and strategic implications.

• Susanne Koglin, Editor in Chief, Moebelnews, Germany. Susanne has worked in advertising, as a business coach, and in B2B journalism throughout her career, covering the kitchen and furniture sectors for more than 20 years. She joined Moebelnews in 2016 as a freelancer and was named editor in chief in 2022.

• Laura Naito, Global Editor and reporter for Casa e Jardim, Brazil. Laura writes about art, architecture, decoration and design and is based in São Paulo, Brazil.

• Camila Santos, Assistant Design Editor, Casa Vogue, Brazil. Camila is a journalist specializing in digital communication and social media. She has been part of the Casa Vogue Brasil team for over five years, where she works as Assistant Design Editor, focusing on the production and curation of content related to the sector.

Global Connect programming includes daily presentations and discussions in the NKBA Booth (#S25058) in South Hall, international country-sponsored pavilions, spotlight presentations, and more. Learn more here.

About NKBA Global Connect

The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market.

BC Designs has launched three new additions to its Cian bath collection for bricks-and-mortar bathroom retailers. The showroom-exclusive launch recognises the need for margin protection and in-store expertise.

The new Westmere, Cavendish, and Highcroft baths will not be available to online-only sellers – a move that BC Designs says recognises the value of face-to-face specification, product knowledge and design-led selling that bricks-and-mortar retailers continue to provide.

All three designs sit within the established Cian range, BC Designs’ proprietary solid surface material known for its smooth finish, durability and suitability for contemporary and classic bathroom schemes alike, allowing retailers to offer sculptural freestanding baths that feel distinctive, premium and confidently specified, while remaining practical for everyday use and straightforward installation.

By restricting availability of Westmere, Cavendish and Highcroft to physical showrooms, BC Designs is giving retail partners:

  • A tangible point of difference on the shop floor
  • Protecting them from direct online price comparison
  • Enabling meaningful conversations with customers around material quality, design intent and long-term performance

Commenting on the launch, Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs, says: “Independent bathroom retailers remain absolutely central to how we do business, and this launch is a very deliberate statement of support for the showroom network. Westmere, Cavendish and Highcroft have been developed exclusively for bricks-and-mortar partners to ensure they can offer products that customers cannot simply find online, compare on price and purchase without guidance.

“Physical retailers invest heavily in displays, product knowledge and the time it takes to help customers make confident, well-informed decisions, and we believe that level of expertise deserves genuine protection. By keeping these Cian baths off online platforms, we are helping our partners safeguard margins while also giving them something distinctive to build meaningful conversations around design, material quality and long-term performance.”

This launch also signals the start of a wider programme of retailer-first product development, with BC Designs confirming that further exclusive lines are already in progress and will be rolled out to bricks-and-mortar partners over the coming months, strengthening the proposition for showrooms looking to stand apart in an increasingly competitive market.

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

You can find more news and product information from BC Designs here

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Originally launched by Schlüter®-Systems nearly 40 years ago, the DITRA uncoupling membrane revolutionised the flooring industry by offering functions such as load distribution, vapour management and reliable waterproofing.  Over time, these practical benefits have been developed further, creating a key family of products within the Schlüter-Systems portfolio, which today comprises around 12,000 established product lines.

Low-profile & easy-to-install

The low-profile membrane features a distinctive dovetail-shaped structure that enhances the adhesion of tiles and natural stone coverings. A fleece backing allows DITRA to be securely bonded to a wide variety of substrates, ensuring it lays flat and helping to speed up installation.

More recent innovations have seen the DITRA concept embrace more diverse situations including:

  • Adhesive-free installation for greater ease of use by general builders and bathroom installers
  • Integration into installer-friendly underfloor heating systems.
Peel & stick technology

Drawing on Schlüter®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology, DITRA-PS presents a pressure sensitive release film on the back of the membrane, which permits it to be repositioned as often as required provided no pressure has been applied, to ensure the membrane is perfectly placed. Once pressure has been applied, the mat is adhered to the substrate and is immediately ready for tiling.

The Schluter®-DITRA-PS membrane is therefore the ideal answer to dealing with troublesome substrates such as P5 green chipboard, which is not suitable for use with traditional tile adhesive and does not offer the same level of protection against tiles cracking, debonding or moisture damage. DITRA Peel & Stick allows installers to easily stick down the membrane onto even the trickiest of substrates, with no tile adhesive required and no mess involved.

Delivering warmth underfoot

Then, where building owners or bathroom specialists want to deliver warmth independent of the main heating system, the Schluter®-DITRA  range also includes  DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO.  DITRA-HEAT is not just an ideal substrate for ceramic tiles and natural stone, vinyl and other substrates, but also an innovative system for warming wall areas, while heat output can be controlled via smart home devices, as well as the manufacturer’s app, or conventional controls.  The membrane is available in mat or roll format.

One of Schlüter®-Systems strategic strengths is that it has always listened to its customers’ needs which is why DITRA-SOUND was introduced to the range in 2017, very much suiting the trends towards multi-generational living and the popularity of apartment developments. 

Retaining the original fleece-backed polyethylene membrane construction and low height, the heavy-duty version of the original DITRA has been independently tested to ISO 140-8 to prove it offers an impact sound reduction of 13 dB; though the perceived performance in terms of how footsteps and falling objects are heard in the room below, will vary depending on the overall floor/ceiling construction.

Ultimately, the market-leading Schluter®-DITRA family of products offers game-changing benefits for domestic and commercial properties in terms of their uncoupling characteristics, ease of installation and allied benefits, demonstrated across the multiple variants. 

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

Utopia Furniture Limited has announced the appointment of Kate Hirst as sales director.

Hurst, who joined the company on 12 January, has a wealth of knowledge and many years’ experience in the KBB sector including recent senior roles at both Lecico Bathrooms and Grohe UK.

Well known in the industry, Hurst is very much looking forward to building on existing relationships as well as forging new ones as she begins her role with Utopia.

MD Dave Conn comments, “This is a hugely significant appointment for Utopia and one that will play a key role in building outstanding customer relationships, enhancing how we work with and support our partners, and delivering long-term growth, profitability, and new opportunities.”

www.utopia.co.uk

For more news and product information from Utopia – see the brand profile.

The evolution of the bathroom is increasingly driven by material choice. Beyond fittings and finishes, surfaces now define how a space performs, endures and ultimately feels. In both residential and commercial bathrooms, users look for long-lasting solutions that use robust, dependable materials able to maintain their appearance through many years of intensive, high-traffic use.

As modern lifestyles grow busier and expectations rise, bathroom surfaces face new demands. Today’s homeowners seek more than just aesthetic appeal, instead they want materials that not only look great but are also low‑maintenance, hygienic, and durable enough to resist moisture and everyday wear. At the same time, sustainability has become a key consideration, making the choice of surface material more important than ever.

Introducing the RAUVISIO crystal collection

Developed by REHAU, the RAUVISIO crystal collection is the elegant alternative to real glass, delivering the same visual brilliance with superior everyday practicality. Introduced this year, the new RAUVISIO crystal pure collection combines a refined, glass-like appearance with outstanding performance credentials.

Around 50% lighter than glass and up to ten times more impact-resistant, it is safer to handle, easier to install and compatible with standard woodworking tools. Available in both high-gloss and matt finishes, the collection is offered in timeless colours including crisp whites, soft neutrals and deep dark tones, supporting both understated minimalist schemes and more expressive bathroom interiors.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-bath

Crucially, its properties make RAUVISIO crystal pure suitable for private residential bathrooms, but also for large-scale commercial and hospitality projects, where durability, hygiene and long-term reliability are essential. Moisture resistance, colour stability and easy cleaning make the RAUVISIO crystal pure collection a low‑maintenance, high‑performance solution, offering an outstanding design choice for spaces subjected to frequent, everyday use.

REHAU will showcase its RAUVISIO crystal surface collection at the upcoming Surface Design Show 2026 at stand 364. In addition to its main collection, the brand will demonstrate creative applications and innovative fabrication techniques, including bespoke shapes and tailored design solutions that highlight the material’s flexibility and craftsmanship potential.

At REHAU, surfaces matter because they shape how spaces function every day. With RAUVISIO crystal pure, surfaces do not simply complement the bathroom – they define it.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-radiator

For more information and free samples please visit: https://interior.rehau.com/uk-en/surfaces-matter   or chat to us at stand 364, Surface Design Show 2026.

Following the successful launch of Signature by Atlanta, Atlanta Bathrooms has reported an exceptional response from retailers, designers, and homeowners across the UK. Since unveiling the collection, which blends refined craftsmanship with timeless design, interest has continued to grow—affirming Signature by Atlanta as one of the brand’s most well-received introductions to date.

Over the past several weeks, Atlanta’s dedicated showroom partners have showcased the new collection to customers seeking a balance of heritage style and contemporary performance. Retailers have praised the range’s elegant paint palette, premium hardware options, and the depth of range, noting that the collection resonates strongly with homeowners looking to upgrade their bathrooms with a sense of quiet luxury.

The Signature Show Van Tour, which has been visiting retailers nationwide, has played a pivotal role in accelerating exposure. Retailers have welcomed the opportunity to experience the collection in person—allowing them to explore finishes, examine construction quality up close, and understand how the coordinated accessories create a seamless, premium aesthetic.

Early feedback highlights three standout themes:

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1. Exceptional Personalisation

Retailers have been impressed by the variety of basin styles, countertop finishes, and hardware options that allow customers to tailor the collection to their home and taste. The ability to build a truly co-ordinated look is proving to be a major selling point.

2. The timeless longevity of classic design

Consumers are gravitating toward warmer, traditionally inspired interiors. Signature by Atlanta’s blend of heritage detail and modern functionality positions it perfectly for this growing design trend.

3. Exceptional quality from a trusted brand

Showroom teams have specifically noted that customers appreciate the reassurance of a British brand, fast lead times, and the durability associated with Atlanta’s long-standing craftsmanship.

Julian Pearson, commercial director, comments: “We expected Signature by Atlanta to perform well – but the enthusiasm from both retailers and end customers has exceeded our expectations. It’s clear that the market is craving design that feels authentic, grounded in craftsmanship, and thoughtfully made.”

Responding to this impressive market momentum, Atlanta Bathrooms will continue to expand the Signature range throughout 2026, introducing new additional unit types to meet growing demand.

With strong demand, positive early reviews, and a growing retailer network already placing display units, Signature by Atlanta is well on its way to becoming a core pillar of the Atlanta Bathrooms brand.

Signature by Atlanta is exclusive to displaying retailers, to make an appointment to view or to speak to one of our team about becoming an exclusive Signature retailer, contact your Atlanta area sales manager or call 0191 428 3104.

Download the Signature by Atlanta brochure and find out more about the Herrington range here – Signature Bathroom Furniture Archives – Atlanta Bathrooms

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HeyU, Utopia’s most versatile modular range combines an inspired fusion of texture, colour and creativity, all designed and manufactured at Utopia’s headquarters in the West Midlands.

“Silent, yet screaming touch me!” is how Richard Shore, head of product design, describes this stunning new collection which features four distinctive design styles at its heart. Each style has been meticulously developed to bring tactile sophistication and emotional connection to the bathroom space.

Each HeyU design style offers its own sensory and visual experience:

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  • Smooth – Uncomplicated and calm, Smooth is a blank canvas with a subtle chamfered edge inviting quiet sophistication or confident contrast.
  • Linear – Architectural and refined, the clean vertical grooves of Linear transform the ordinary into something pure and structured.
  • Wave – Capturing the fluid beauty of nature, Wave’s hypnotic undulations evoke the motion of ocean waves or drifting desert dunes. Pictured below.
  • Ripple – Edgy yet fluid, Ripple’s concentric pattern creates a mesmerising illusion of infinite motion. Pictured at the very top.

In keeping with Utopia’s reputation for design freedom, HeyU offers limitless opportunities for personalisation. Once a design style is chosen, there are 14 stunning finishes available, from bold statement hues to soft neutrals, including two brand new metallic options: Iridescent Bronze and Iridescent Claret. All cabinets are available as either pull to open with neat handles or push to open for a sleek, handleless look.

Creating two completely different looks, HeyU washbasin units can be teamed with a sleek slabtop basin or a sit-on basin plus worktop combination. Brand new to Utopia’s collection of stylish sit-on basins is the new MetaLux design, a stunning circular metallic basin in Brushed Stainless Steel, Brushed Gunmetal Black or Brushed Brass. Completing the collection is the new GlowLux mirror range, featuring a frosted halo surround, demister function, and optional matching fascia backboard.

HeyU-Wave-twin-washbasin-unit-in-Iridescent-Claret-from-Utopia

To find out more about Utopia’s collections – visit the website.

More news and product information from Utopia

The Bathroom Association has announced that its Annual Conference will return to the Grand Hotel in Birmingham on Thursday, 8 October 2026, bringing together leaders from across the bathroom sector for a one-day programme of keynote talks, panel discussions and networking.

Following strong delegate feedback and high satisfaction with the venue in 2025, the Association has confirmed it will host the event at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham for a second consecutive year.

This year’s conference theme, ‘Stronger Together’, will run throughout the day and focuses on how the bathroom sector can collaborate to support sustainable growth, strengthen resilience and deliver better outcomes for customers.

In an industry shaped by changing consumer expectations, shifting regulation and continuing pressure on skills and supply, the Bathroom Association will use the conference to explore how stronger collaboration across the full supply chain can drive progress and unlock growth.

Delegates can expect a programme featuring thought-provoking keynote presentations from industry experts, practical panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to help businesses share insight, tackle common challenges and identify new opportunities.

Following the daytime conference programme, the event will conclude with an exclusive gala dinner for industry leaders, with further details to be announced shortly.

30-Under-30 Awards return

The Bathroom Association has also confirmed that its 30-Under-30 Awards will return as part of the gala dinner, following popular demand. The awards celebrate the achievements, talent and hard work of younger members who are already making a significant contribution and building long, successful careers in the sector. More details on the awards and how to enter will be available shortly.

Further information, including the full speaker line-up, registration details, and full details on the gala dinner and awards entry process, will be announced in due course and will appear on the official conference website. In the meantime, please save this date in your diary.

www.bathroom-association.org.uk

07795 972504 

In response to the growing demand for more colour and unit options when choosing bathroom furniture, Bathrooms to Love by PJH has added two new flawless hues to its popular modular furniture range, ELEMENTS, as well as a new slim cloakroom basin unit and WC unit, for its 2026 Collection.

The contemporary new range is further enhanced with a great choice of handles, in an array of shapes and finishes, such as Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, Matt Black, Walnut-effect, and even a Chrome Deco-inspired knob.  

BTL-Elements-MattLatte_-WC-furniture

The on-trend Matt Latte Elements option (pictured above) joins other new Matt Latte finished products in the Bathrooms to Love Collection for smart coordination, such as the Latte Belmont Free-standing bath, Latte slate shower tray and Latte vessel basins. In contrast, a new bright and playful Matt Misty Blue finish introduces a fresh pop of colour (pictured below).

Coordinated metallic finishes add a designer-inspired flow to the bathroom, as shown with Elements Matt Latte using a warm Brushed Bronze, and with Elements Matt Misty Blue using an industrial Matt Black. This can be through the unit handles, brassware, showering zone, accessories, and even the smallest details such as push-button covers and overflow rings. It all contributes to a themed luxurious look for individuality and character.                                               

The enhanced Elements modular furniture range comprises both wall-hung and floor-standing basin units with a slim-edge white ceramic basin and one door, including a new space-saving cloakroom basin unit at just 410mm in width. A new matching floor-standing 500mm WC unit for use with a concealed cistern also joins the range.

Boasting a quality build and construction, the highly durable Elements modular units feature silent soft-close fittings and generous cupboard space to keep bathrooms neat and tidy. 

Joining an eclectic choice of finishes – Matt Antique Rose, Matt Graphite Grey, Seville Oak & Glose White – the Elements range allows for optimum design personalisation.

As featured in PJH’s latest Bathrooms to Love Collection, Elements is available for ordering via the PJH Partners Portal, on an efficient next-day delivery service, to store or customer address. For further stockist support information, from POS to swatches and attractive display deals, contact PJH now (see below).

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0345 450 8932   / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Bathrooms-to-Love-Elements-Matt-Misty-blue-furniture