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BIFIS launches new app for fitted interiors industry

BIFIS has launched a new app for the interiors industry

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has launched a new and improved mobile app, delivering a modern, user-friendly and content-rich experience for professionals in the fitted interiors sector.

The new app, which replaces the original BIFIS app entirely, and has been developed following user and industry feedback with a wide range of new features, tools and resources to meet evolving industry needs. New functionality focuses specifically on building communities, professional development and practical support for installation businesses. And, for the first time, the official BIFIS app is available industry-wide, not just for BIFIS registered businesses, bringing together the whole sector whilst delivering news, insights, resources, guidance, training and much more.

“This launch represents a major step forward for how we support the industry,” said Michelle Daniels, director of marketing & communications at BIFIS. “We’ve had an app for four years and it was a great tool for BIFIS Registered businesses to manage their registration and access their benefits, but we wanted to create more than just an app — we wanted a shared space where people can learn, connect, and grow together. By opening access to the wider industry, we’re strengthening collaboration and raising standards across the board.”

As well as becoming the go-to resource for installation professionals, the new BIFIS app provides a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and training providers to proactively support the institute in its objective to build a professional, sustainable workforce for the future. The Skills Hub, a central learning & development area of the app, is just one of the latest features, signposting users to available training opportunities, both online and in-person, across the fitted interiors sector – from health & safety to marketing, technical and product-specific modules.

The app is now available to download on both iOS and Android, as well as a desktop version which can be accessed via the BIFIS website.

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Woodstock shares the five top trends set to hit the bathroom in 2026

Woodstock-shares-2026-trends-trenda-and-highights-Calypso-bathroom-Chiltern-collection-in-Heritage-Green

Leading British bathroom brand Woodstock has spotlighted the key trends set to shape bathroom design in 2026. Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock shares five insights into what we can expect to see shaping the spaces of tomorrow.

At Woodstock, we expect to see a clear move towards bathrooms that feel calm, balanced and genuinely restorative. People want spaces that help them unwind, combining classic touches with simple, modern design. Natural materials, soft textures and thoughtful layouts are also becoming essential.

  1. The future is fluted

Fluting will be one of the leading bathroom trends for 2026, celebrated for its ability to add visual detail, depth and a refined architectural feel to any space. Inspired by classical design, fluting refers to a series of shallow groove that create soft lines, bringing a sense of rhythm and gentle movement, making them an ideal way to add interest without overpowering a scheme. In 2026, the look will be most prominent on bathroom vanities, where the sculptural fronts offer an elevated focal point without overwhelming the room.

  1. In great vein

Marble is set to take centre stage in 2026. In bathrooms, bold, expressive veining will transform spaces into bespoke, serene sanctuaries. Paired with soft neutrals, brushed metal accents, floating vanities and ambient lighting, it strikes a harmonious balance between natural opulence and modern minimalism. Statement marble surfaces combine durability with elegance, creating focal points that complement tactile cabinetry and layered textures.

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  1. Grounded in style

Earthy colours are set to continue to dominate bathroom design in the New Year, with earthy greens continuing to be one of the most enduring and versatile choices for modern homes. Long associated with nature, calm and balance, green has steadily grown in popularity and is now favoured for creating spaces that feel restorative yet timeless. This shift towards grounded, nature-inspired palettes reflects a wider movement in interiors, with rich, earthy shades such as olive and moss bringing depth, warmth and a subtle sense of sophistication.

Earthy tones also pair beautifully with timeless neutrals, creating a layered, harmonious look.

  1. Double trouble

Double features are set to rise in popularity in 2026, offering both practicality and a sense of quiet luxury. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards double sink vanities and spacious double showers as they look to create bathrooms that feel both functional, indulgent and better suited to modern family living. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards double sink vanities and spacious double showers as they look to create bathrooms that feel both functional, indulgent and better suited to modern family living. These layouts support busy households by allowing two people to use the space comfortably at the same time, making the bathroom a more social, shareable environment rather than a bottleneck in the morning routine.

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  1. Personal sanctuary

We expect homeowners to increasingly seek bathrooms that feel like personal sanctuaries – a calm, considered space designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. This trend will focus on soft, layered lighting, timeless finishes and intentional styling to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. LED-lit mirrors and layered light sources are likely to be incorporated to provide a warm, flattering glow that enhances both mood and functionality, while durable materials such as soft neutrals, natural wood grains and matte textures will add lasting elegance and a sense of tranquillity.

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Frontline Bathrooms & Smiths Briten strengthen marketing team

Frontline-Bathrooms-and-Smiths-Briten-strengthen-marketing-team-with-appointment-of-Sarah-Hopkin

Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have appointed Sarah Hopkins as Graphic Designer and Assistant Marketing Manager, marking another strategic appointment as the businesses continue to grow under the Bathroom Distribution Group.

Sarah joined the team, at the start of February and will be based at the group’s Featherstone headquarters. She returns to the business following a three-year break, having previously worked within the organisation, and brings with her a strong understanding of both Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, as well as the wider structure and complexity of Bathroom Distribution Group.

In her new role, Sarah will support marketing activity across both brands, working closely with the wider marketing team on graphic design, brand communications and the development of consistent marketing assets for customers and partners. Her previous experience within the business will allow her to integrate quickly and contribute from the outset.

Darren Allison, managing director of Bathroom Distribution Group commented: “Sarah’s return comes at an important time for Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten as we continue to invest in the business and strengthen our teams. She already understands how the two brands operate within Bathroom Distribution Group, which gives her a valuable head start. Her design expertise and knowledge of the business will play a key role in supporting our ongoing growth.”

The appointment reflects continued investment across Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, with Bathroom Distribution Group focused on building strong central teams to support long-term development across its portfolio.

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Frontline Bathrooms launches AquaKast bath collection designed by Barrie Cutchie

Frontline-bathrooms-hass-launched-a-new-freestanding-AquaKast-Minuet-bath.

Frontline Bathrooms has launched a new AquaKast bath collection for its Aqua brand, developed in collaboration with acclaimed British designer Barrie Cutchie. The AquaKast range reinforces Frontline’s focus on exclusive, design-led product development that delivers clear value for retailers while remaining accessible to the end consumer.

The collaboration brings together Barrie Cutchie’s four decades of design expertise with Frontline’s manufacturing capability and market insight. Widely recognised for reintroducing classic bath silhouettes and refining them for modern living, Barrie’s work is rooted in proportion, comfort and longevity, principles that have shaped some of the most recognisable freestanding baths in the UK market. This new collection translates that heritage into a commercially focused range that works across a wide variety of bathroom styles and footprints.

Commenting on the launch, Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline says: “This collaboration signals an important step forward for Aqua and AquaKast will be a key part of how we are strengthening our offer to our retail partners. Bringing Barrie into the fold allows us to deliver genuinely design-led baths at an accessible price point, while maintaining the quality, specification and reliability that our retailers expect. It gives them a collection that feels distinctive on the showroom floor and commercially robust in the long term.”

All baths in the collection are manufactured using a premium material combining high-quality acrylic with stone resin reinforcement. The material is selected for its durability, strength and refined surface finish, and is produced using advanced reverse-moulding technology to ensure a smooth, flawless result. Each bath is hand-finished and rigorously inspected prior to dispatch, supporting consistent quality and reducing issues at installation stage.

Despite their solid feel, the baths are weight-optimised to simplify handling and installation, making them suitable for a wide range of properties, including period homes and upper-floor bathrooms. All models are supplied in gloss white as standard, with the option for sanding and painting available across the range, allowing retailers to offer personalisation as an added-value upsell.

The AquaKast collection includes a broad mix of silhouettes, from compact oval and slipper designs to boat baths, back-to-wall and corner configurations. Practical details such as integrated tap ledges, discreet pipework recesses and space-saving sizes have been designed in from the outset, ensuring the range works equally well in smaller bathrooms as it does in larger schemes.

Reflecting on his return with a new collection, Barrie Cutchie adds: “This is my first new bath collection in several years, so it was important that it had purpose and longevity. Frontline felt like a natural partner because there is a clear respect for design, balanced with a strong understanding of how products need to perform in the real market. Together, we focused on creating baths that feel resolved, comfortable and timeless, without pushing them into a price bracket that limits who can specify them.”

All baths in the collection are priced at RRP £1,600 and supported by a lifetime guarantee, the AquaKast collection offers retailers a compelling proposition: exclusive designs, strong design credentials, reliable specification and a price point that broadens appeal. Available exclusively through Frontline retailers, the range underlines Aqua’s position as a design-led brand with a clear commercial focus.

Frontline Bathrooms has launched a new AquaKast collection - pictured her is Desire-Paintable
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RAK Ceramics brings spa-style luxury to the beautiful bathrooms at Retreat Gardens

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Leading tile and bathroom manufacturer RAK Ceramics, which has become the go-to partner for both large and small-scale projects, has helped Yellow Door Property realise its vision for Retreat Garden, a new and exclusive development in Suffolk. 

Uniquely located within the walled kitchen gardens of Lakenheath Hall, Retreat Gardens is an ambitious new-build project that takes luxury, sustainable living to new heights. Created in collaboration with London practice, Works Architecture, it consists of two architecturally stunning properties that feature a naturally beautiful, modern aesthetic.

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Specialist development company Yellow Door Property selected RAK Ceramics to supply the tiles as well as all the bathroom solutions for the properties following a visit to the inspirational 7,276 sq ft RAK Ceramics Design Hub in Clerkenwell.

Paul Ashley, owner of Yellow Door Property, said: “I’d heard great things about RAK Ceramics but even so, I was blown away by the London Design Hub. RAK Ceramics’ design team were very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful as was their specification department. The CGIs they created really helped us visualise the project.”

RAK Ceramics’ full service offering and comprehensive portfolio enabled Yellow Door Property to create beautifully cohesive designs that flowed throughout the two homes. This included freestanding RAK-Valet baths, which star in the spacious master bedroom en suites, illuminated mirrors and recessed shower niches. Vanity units, rimless wall-hung pans, basins, mixers and shower valves also feature. All the products were chosen for their quality, durability and ability to create luxurious, spa-like sanctuaries.

Also used in the bathrooms and throughout the interiors were RAK Ceramics’ Surface 2.0 concrete-effect porcelain floor tiles in Off White Matt and Cool Grey Matt. They cover around 1500sq ft of each property, which is approximately half the internal floor area. Surface 2.0 Grey Matt Outdoor tiles also feature externally, providing a visual link between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Paul Ashley continued: “Over the years, strategic partnerships have been key to Yellow Door Property’s development, and they’ve certainly helped us realise our vision for Retreat Gardens. I have nothing but praise for RAK Ceramics’ team and products.”

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Utopia updates Lustre collection

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Utopia’s premium Lustre collection of glass-fronted, modular furniture has been significantly enhanced and extended with the introduction of two exciting new finishes, an update of an existing option and two additional handle inlays. The new additions take the number of possible finish and handle trim combinations from eight to 18, greatly increasing the versatility of the range.

The Lustre collection is based around the interplay of luxurious reflective surfaces and beautiful colours. New Rift Black is a rich woodgrain effect on the unit sides teamed with a gleaming plain black glass front for a darkly dramatic effect.  Creating an entirely different look, new Sandy Ecru is a soothing shade with cream and beige tones for a sanctuary feel.

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Both the new finishes can be combined with any of the three handle trims – original Chrome and the new Brushed Brass and Matt Black options. Existing unit finishes include Sea Green, Flat White/Everest White, Powder Grey and Indigo.

Commenting on the newly extended range, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, said “The definition of luxury, Lustre is one of our most popular modular collections. Refreshing the range for 2026 felt perfectly timed, and we are delighted with the new options and flexibility now offered to consumers.”

www.utopiagroup.com

Visit Utopia’s Brand Profile page on Bathroom Review to find out more about the latest product updates.

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Sanivite+ solves laundry drainage challenge

Shenton-Sanivite solves laundry drainage issue

A domestic property in Alton, Staffordshire sits in an elevated position with driveway and compact stone garage beneath the level of the house. The laundry room is housed in the garage which presented a common but problematic drainage issue: no direct access to the drainage system.

Waste water needed to be pumped upwards to the existing soil stack. After a flood caused by an incorrectly specified macerator pump, homeowner Ed Shenton sought a purpose-built solution and turned to Saniflo’s Sanivite+ — a pump designed specifically to handle hot, soapy grey water from domestic appliances.

“The previous unit simply wasn’t designed for washing machine discharge,” says Shenton. “The Sanivite+ has been completely reliable since installation. It runs quietly and efficiently, and I was able to fit it myself with minimal changes to the existing pipework.”

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Unlike standard macerator pumps designed for toilet waste, the Sanivite+ is engineered to handle the unique demands of grey water from washing machines, dishwashers, and sinks. The unit automatically detects incoming water and discharges it efficiently and quietly.

“This is exactly the type of situation the Sanivite+ was designed for,” says Amanda Mills, Marketing Manager at SFA Saniflo UK. “Many homeowners and installers don’t realise that using the wrong pump can lead to failures and flooding. The Sanivite+ is purpose-built for grey water applications, which is why it delivers reliable, long-term performance where other solutions fall short.”

With multiple inlets and the ability to pump up to 5 metres vertically or 50 metres horizontally — enough to reach drainage points in most domestic settings — the Sanivite+ also offers flexibility for future additions such as a utility sink or additional appliances.

Manufactured in France, the Sanivite+ is widely specified in utility rooms, kitchens, and garages where gravity drainage is not possible, making it ideal for conversions, extensions, and below-ground installations.

Click the link to read more about Saniflo and its latest drainage solutions.

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Duravit becomes main partner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2026

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When the world’s best female tennis players take to the clay courts in Stuttgart, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix becomes a stage for energy and emotion. This year Duravit is delighted to announce they are the new official main partner alongside the world’s elite tennis players and the iconic sports car. This sends a clear signal from the designer bathroom company as it further expands its commitment to world women’s tennis.

“I’m thrilled that we’re part of this unique tournament that brings together elite international athletes, fans, and partners. The sponsoring also gives Duravit the opportunity to present itself as a premium brand in a demanding, sports-oriented setting,” said Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit.

Magnet for the elite of women’s world tennis

From April 11 to 19, 2026 the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart will host world-class tennis. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious women’s tournaments of the WTA Tour and boasts a rich tradition. Since 1978, the WTA-500 event has been a by-word for world-class tennis with a host of top stars – regularly including several players with a top-ten ranking – and a unique brand experience.

“We’re delighted to have acquired Duravit as a new main partner for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – this is a perfect fit for our event and really enhances the tennis experience. Duravit represents established tradition, exacting precision, and premium quality – values that are closely aligned with elite sport,” said tournament director Markus Günthardt.

The next step in international elite sport

Last year Duravit announced its partnership with the Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk who boosted her world ranking from 26 to 20 by reaching the final in Brisbane at the start of the season.

Marta Kostyuk said about this: “The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix means a lot to me in sporting terms. The tournament is a key building block in my preparation for the French Open. At the same time, I’m impressed by the incredibly strong field every year. With almost all the top-ten players in one place, the standard is unprecedented. So, I’m all the more thrilled to see the strong, visible presence of my new sponsors at this tournament.”

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Sanctuary Bathrooms launches freestanding bath for dogs

A pampered pooch in his own bath for doggies

Sanctuary Bathrooms is launching a freestanding bath for dogs in the UK – designed to meet the demand for pet-personalised spaces – particularly dog bathroom and wetrooms. In the UK – 120 people on average search monthly according to Google AdWords – Sanctuary Bathrooms have taken the plunge and added a dog freestanding bath.

This is especially beneficial for those smaller dogs that get nervous around larger bathtubs, or struggle with getting into basins and sinks. The Chien is exactly like a normal human bath – roll top edge, chrome feet, and traditional design – only much smaller at 800mm, requires no plumbing, and can be used indoors and outdoors. We all know someone who wants to give their dog a little extra pampering from time to time.

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Bathroom Association opens nominations for the Thirty-under-Thirty Awards 2026

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The Bathroom Association has opened nominations for its Thirty-under-Thirty Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding young professionals who are helping to drive progress, innovation and excellence across the bathroom industry.

The Awards are designed to do more than recognise individual achievement. They are a sector-wide statement that the bathroom industry is an exciting, ambitious and future-facing career choice, offering meaningful opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in everything from manufacturing and engineering to design, digital, sustainability, sales, marketing, finance and leadership.

The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in any home, and the sector behind it is evolving quickly. New technologies, changing consumer expectations, water efficiency, product performance, supply chain resilience and skills development are all shaping a growing industry that needs bright minds and fresh thinking. The Thirty-under-Thirty Awards shine a light on the people who are already stepping up, delivering results, improving businesses, and raising standards.

Daphne Doody-Green, CEO of the Bathroom Association, said: “Our industry is full of opportunity, and it deserves to be seen as a place where talented young people can build brilliant careers. Thirty-under-Thirty is about celebrating those who are already making a difference and showing the next generation that the bathroom sector is a dynamic part of the UK economy with real pathways to success.

“By highlighting success stories from member businesses, the awards aim to raise the industry’s profile as a place where young professionals can progress quickly. We believe it is our collective responsibility to showcase the next generation, demonstrating that our sector offers great opportunities and the chance to work with people and projects that genuinely improve everyday life.”

The Awards also provide an opportunity for the wider industry to celebrate the teamwork behind great performance; the managers who mentor and develop people, the businesses that invest in skills, and the colleagues and customers who recognise rising stars. In a competitive jobs market, recognising success publicly sends a clear message: the bathroom industry values ambition, invests in people, and offers careers with momentum.

Entry details

Nominations are open to all Bathroom Association member companies, including affiliates and partners, and there are just three key rules for eligibility:

  • Nominees must be 29 years old or under on 8 October 2026.
  • A statement (of up to 500 words) must be provided detailing why the nominee should be considered.
  • Nominations must be received by the end of business on Friday, July 17, 2026.

An independent judging panel will score entries based on:

  • The nominee’s growth within the business, including work achievements
  • Their future potential and attitude to work and personal development
  • Recognition among peers (testimonials from customers and colleagues are welcome)

The winners will be announced on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the Bathroom Association Annual Conference Gala Dinner, taking place at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. New for this year, the Association will also recognise an outstanding achiever from the 2026 cohort with a special award.

To submit a nomination and view full guidance, visit the official Thirty-under-Thirty website.

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