Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

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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City Plumbing joins the Bathroom Association in landmark partnership

March 16, 2026

The Bathroom Association is celebrating as City Plumbing, one of the UK’s most respected and wide-reaching plumbing and heating merchants, has officially joined the Association.

As the first major national merchant to become a member of the Bathroom Association, City Plumbing’s decision marks a powerful endorsement of the Association’s broadened vision to unite the whole bathroom supply chain, from manufacturers and merchants to retailers, designers, and installers.

Daphne Doody-Green, chief executive of the association, commented: “City Plumbing’s decision to join the Association is hugely symbolic. It’s a signal that our new, more inclusive direction is not just timely, it’s necessary. With over 350 branches, award-winning showrooms, and a frontline connection to customers across the UK, City Plumbing brings a vital perspective to our work. This partnership is proof that by collaborating across the whole supply chain, we can tackle shared challenges, accelerate innovation, and make bathrooms better, for people and for the planet.”

City-Plumbing-Joins-Bathroom-Association

City Plumbing, part of the Highbourne Group, employs over 3,000 colleagues and operates nine businesses across the trade, home improvement, and DIY markets. Known for providing expert advice and a comprehensive range of plumbing, heating and bathroom products, the business is a cornerstone of the UK’s bathroom retail ecosystem.

With most of its branches housing state-of-the-art bathroom showrooms, City Plumbing plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer choice and supporting trade professionals with product selection, design expertise, and fast access to essential stock.

Steve Smith, managing director – Bathroom at City Plumbing, said: “We’re proud to be the first merchant partner to join the Bathroom Association. Their direction aligns with our values of being customer-first and creating the future. By adding our voice to this influential community, we’re committing to a shared goal: creating a better, more connected bathroom industry where innovation thrives, and challenges are solved collectively.”

Collaboration in action

City Plumbing’s membership opens the door to greater representation and sharper insights at the heart of the sector. From influencing government policy to enhancing product compliance and promoting sustainability, the Association and its newest member will collaborate to champion high standards and drive market growth.

“Our vision is clear,” added Green. “We’re building a platform where merchants, manufacturers, installers, and retailers can share knowledge, shape standards, and drive change together. City Plumbing joining us in this journey shows we’re on the right track.”

This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when businesses across the spectrum come together with a shared purpose: to make bathrooms better for everyone.

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Lakes expands popular Wave Collection

March 13, 2026

UK manufacturer of showering spaces, Lakes, has expanded its Wave Collection with two new colour additions – Gunmetal and Brushed Nickel. Launched in June 2022, the Wave Collection has become a cornerstone of the Lakes portfolio, recognised for its precision engineering, installer-friendly design and commercial versatility.

The introduction of these new finishes reflects Lakes’ continued commitment to staying at the forefront of trends within the showering market, making contemporary design choices more accessible across a wider range of products.

The range expansion follows a successful 2025 for Lakes, which the company says saw it become the first bathroom manufacturer in the world to achieve B Corporation certification, recognising its verified commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, customer care and employee wellbeing.

In addition, Lakes launched the extensive ROKU® Collection, featuring seven new bathscreens and two ranges of high-quality shower trays, while adding even more design options to its Flagship Modular Walk-In range. Beyond product development, the senior management team was strengthened with several key appointments to drive further growth.

Mike Gahir, managing director at Lakes Showering Spaces, said: “The Wave Collection is a great example of how we take emerging design trends and engineer them into products that are practical, reliable and commercially viable.

“Our approach to expanding our product portfolio has always been to listen closely to the market and act quickly, but adding new finishes is just one part of a much wider strategy.

“In the last few years, Lakes has looked to disrupt the market with bold product additions, strengthened our service proposition, improved availability across our collections and, as the company says, achieved B Corp certification.”

Gahir added that the addition of Gunmetal and Brushed Nickel to the Wave Collection aligns with broader bathroom and interior trends, allowing merchants, retailers and installers to offer a trusted product for more projects than ever.

Engineered with 8mm glass, the Wave Collection strikes an ideal balance between strength, durability and ease of installation. The range includes hinged, quadrant, slider and bi-fold doors, along with a side panel compatible with hinged, slider and bi-fold configurations.

Robust yet lightweight frames ensure long-lasting performance while remaining easy to handle on site, even in confined spaces. This installer-focused design reduces fitting time while delivering a product built to exceed UK standards for quality and reliability.

Like all Lakes enclosures, the Wave Collection features easy-to-clean AllClear® technology on both sides of the glass and is backed by a genuine no-quibble lifetime guarantee.

The new Gunmetal and Brushed Nickel finishes are stocked now and available through Lakes’ national network of merchants and retailers.

To find out more about Lakes, visit www.lakesshoweringspaces.com.

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Kaldewei unveils ‘Bubbles of Time’ installation at Fuorisalone 2026

March 13, 2026

Premium bathroom manufacturer Kaldewei will present Bubbles of Time during Fuorisalone 2026, transforming the historic Palazzo Crespi into an immersive design installation exploring time, materiality and contemporary bathroom architecture.

Developed with Milan-based design studio Parasite 2.0 and curated by Forgotten Architecture, the exhibition unfolds across the ground-floor and basement foyers of the building, creating a layered spatial narrative that combines iconic Kaldewei products with new innovations and visionary perspectives.

A central feature of the installation is a reinterpretation of the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval, one of Kaldewei’s most recognisable freestanding bathtubs. Presented within a theatrical setting of floating forms, light and reflections, the products appear as fleeting moments within a continuous flow of time.

Parasite 2.0’s scenography draws inspiration from the architectural legacy of Piero Portaluppi. “Portaluppi’s bathroom design makes us constantly wonder whether something is about to happen,” explain Stefano Colombo, Eugenio Cosentino and Luca Marullo Viola of Parasite 2.0. “From a Hitchcock thriller to a romantic comedy with Grace Kelly – in Portaluppi’s hands, bathrooms become the perfect stage.”

Designed in the 1920s by Portaluppi, Palazzo Crespi is considered a landmark of Italian modernism. The architect’s holistic approach – combining structure, materiality and atmosphere – provides the conceptual framework for the installation.

Through Bubbles of Time, Kaldewei positions its products not simply as bathroom fixtures but as enduring architectural elements designed to last for generations. The installation reflects on how durable materials, thoughtful design and technological innovation continue to shape the future of bathroom design while honouring its heritage.

Bubbles of Time programme
Location: Palazzo Crespi, Corso Giacomo Matteotti 1, Milan

Exhibition: 20–26 April 2026 | 11:00am–7:00pm
Press preview: 19 April 2026 | 4:00–8:00pm (registration required)
Opening event: 20 April 2026 | 5:00–11:00pm (registration required)
Talk: 21 April 2026 | 7:00pm (registration required)

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Abode returns to Kbb Birmingham 2026 with style-led displays

March 12, 2026

Award-winning kitchen and bathroom brand Abode made a strong impression at Kbb Birmingham 2026, showcasing its new boiling water tap collection, innovative product designs, and coordinated finishes across trend-focused kitchen and bathroom spaces.

Bathroom display

Abode opened its stand with a dedicated bathroom zone, showcasing the FOCUS 60 collection, including the CAVA and IOX basins, new Gunmetal brassware, UNO showering solutions, mirrors, and accessories. Supported by distribution partner PJH, the display included a colourful vanity unit and freestanding bath with Fibo UK panels, demonstrating how the brand’s bathroom products combine style and functionality.

Four trend-focused kitchen environments

Abode’s Stand P80 was buzzing with UK visitors exploring the latest kitchen innovations. The display featured four style-led areas – Traditional, Scandi/Japandi, Contemporary, and Personalised – each designed to show how products from a single brand can be combined seamlessly across kitchens of any size or style.

Curated by Abode, the stand included exclusive product demonstrations, insights into the Accumulate rewards programme, and practical examples of how customers can create coordinated solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.

Highlighting next-generation boiling water taps

Leanne Stansfield, digital & marketing director at Abode, explained: “Our stand was built around four key style trends, with different product pairings illustrating how complete kitchen and bathroom solutions can be achieved with Abode. Visitors also experienced the relaunch of our boiling water tap collection, featuring the new PB3X boiler and five new tap designs: Persona, Arkitect, Oxbury, Organico, and Scandi-X.”

Stansfield noted that the Persona Boiling Water Tap has been praised for its customisable design, with a wide choice of finishes and interchangeable handle packs. The compact PB3X boiler was particularly well-received, allowing installation alongside a traditional Belfast sink while still leaving storage space in a standard 60mm base unit.

Traditional kitchen display

The Traditional zone showcased the Oxbury boiling water tap in Antique Brass, alongside Oxbury mixer taps in Dark Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes. Paired with Abode’s ceramic sinks – including the signature Belfast Sink and Sandon models – the display demonstrated how traditional British style can blend with modern functionality.

Personalised kitchen display

In the Personalised area, visitors explored the Persona boiling water tap and Ornate mixer tap ranges, featuring fluted dual-lever handles. These were paired with Abode’s reversible Optima Belfast sink in Taupe Grey, offering a fluted surface on one side and a smooth finish on the other. Accessories, matching wastes, and overflows completed the look, showing how vertical grooves and complementary finishes can tie a kitchen together.

Contemporary kitchen display

The Contemporary space introduced the Arkitect boiling & filtered water tap, with bold sculptural form and a two-stage safety handle. Displayed in the new Gunmetal finish with a KOTO PVD Black sink, the setup was complemented by the LINARO granite sink collection in Pure Black, Matt White, and Grey. The area also previewed the Arkitect Flex Pro Spray in Matt Black, a professional-style pull-around tap with boiling and filtered water capabilities.

Scandi/Japandi kitchen display

The Scandi/Japandi area celebrated Nordic warmth and Japanese minimalism, featuring the Organico boiling water tap with Beechwood handles and optional filtered cold water. Abode’s award-winning Scandi-X tap was also on display, highlighting solid metal levers and advanced boiler technology alongside the Synchronist sink collection and accessories.

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How to create a bathroom for multigenerational living with JTP

March 12, 2026

With multigenerational living on the rise, bathrooms are increasingly being designed to support the needs of the whole household, from young children to older relatives. Creating a space that balances style, safety and everyday practicality is key, allowing everyone to use the bathroom comfortably and independently while ensuring the design stands the test of time.

Prioritise accessibility and ease of use.

A well-designed multigenerational bathroom should be easy to navigate for all users. Walk-in showers with low or level access are a practical choice, reducing the need to step over high bath edges and making showering safer and more convenient for both children and older adults. Pairing this with thermostatic shower controls helps maintain a consistent water temperature, reducing the risk of scalding.

Similarly, lever-style taps or single-lever mixers are often easier to operate than traditional crosshead taps, particularly for those with reduced grip strength.

Prioritise-accessibility-and-ease-of-use.

Bathrooms used by multiple generations often experience heavier daily use, so selecting durable materials and high-quality brassware is essential. Robust finishes, easy-clean surfaces and reliable fixtures help ensure that the space remains functional and looking its best over time.

Opting for coordinated fittings and accessories can also create a cohesive design scheme while maintaining practicality throughout the space.

Incorporate safety features

Safety features do not have to mean compromising on aesthetics. Non-slip flooring, well-positioned lighting and discreet support features such as integrated grab rails can be incorporated seamlessly into modern bathroom designs.

Adjustable or handheld shower heads are another practical addition, offering flexibility for users of different heights and mobility levels while making tasks such as bathing children or cleaning the shower area easier.

By carefully considering the needs of everyone in the household, homeowners can create a bathroom that works for today while adapting to changing lifestyles in the future.

Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP, comments: “Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly common, which means bathrooms need to be more versatile than ever. By choosing well-designed fittings and focusing on accessibility, durability and ease of use, it’s possible to create a bathroom that works beautifully for every member of the household while still delivering a stylish, contemporary finish.”

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Ritmonio enhances luxury bathrooms at OHLIVE Beach Villa in Skiathos

March 12, 2026

Bathrooms featuring the Diametro35 brassware collection by Ritmonio bring understated luxury and contemporary elegance to the OHLIVE Beach Villa, an exclusive coastal retreat in Skiathos designed by 3H Architects.

Contemporary bathrooms defined by Diametro35

Within the private bathrooms of OHLIVE Beach Villa, the Diametro35 collection by Ritmonio has been specified in a polished chrome finish, introducing a refined design detail that complements the villa’s minimalist interior scheme.

Known for its clean lines and versatile aesthetic, the Diametro35 series integrates seamlessly into the bathrooms, combining discreet functionality with distinctive character. The chrome finish enhances the calm, contemporary palette of the interiors while adding a touch of timeless elegance.

The result is a bathroom environment that supports the overall mood of the residence – one centred on relaxation, comfort and wellbeing.

Ritmonio_OHLIVE-Beach-Villa_Pics-Courtesy-of-3H-Architects

Ritmonio brassware brings timeless elegance

Located on Ligaries Beach in Skiathos, overlooking the Aegean Sea, the OHLIVE Beach Villa is a refined summer residence designed by 3H Architects.

Nestled within an ancient olive grove and surrounded by a protected nature reserve, the property accommodates up to eight guests and offers a secluded retreat where architecture and landscape are carefully balanced.

The villa’s elegant design centres on the geometry of a white cube, creating a minimalist architectural language that blends effortlessly with the surrounding Mediterranean scenery.

A luxury villa designed for privacy and relaxation

Outdoor spaces play a central role in the project’s design concept. A large terrace opens towards panoramic sea views and features a variety of lounge areas equipped with hammocks and sun loungers.

An L-shaped infinity pool anchors the outdoor environment, reinforcing the villa’s connection with the surrounding coastline. Adjacent spaces include a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with dining area and a comfortable lounge featuring a home theatre and fireplace – ideal for relaxed evenings overlooking the sea.

Indoor–outdoor living with panoramic sea views

Outdoor living is integral to the project’s design. A large terrace provides sweeping views across the sea and features a series of relaxed lounge spaces complete with hammocks and sun loungers.

An L-shaped infinity pool further enhances the connection between architecture and landscape, while an outdoor kitchen and dining area provide space for entertaining. Inside, a comfortable living area with home theatre and fireplace offers a setting for quieter evenings.

Ritmonio_OHLIVE-Beach-Villa_Pics-Courtesy-of-3H-Architect

Serene bedrooms with private terraces

A staircase leads to the ground floor where the sleeping quarters are arranged. The villa features two master bedrooms and two junior bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and direct access to private terraces.

Across the interiors, natural light, neutral tones and carefully considered materials create a calm and welcoming atmosphere – allowing the Ritmonio brassware to integrate naturally within the design.

Together, the architecture, interiors and bathroom specification form a harmonious blend of luxury, privacy and nature, offering guests an authentic experience of comfort and relaxation on the Greek island.

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