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Villeroy & Boch has announced two new appointments to its UK sales leadership team, reinforcing its strategic commitment to strengthening its market position and driving growth across key channels. Rob Osborne and Elliot Smith  have joined the company as sales channel directors for retail & wholesale and residential, respectively.   

  ”Lisa Whitfield, managing director UK Cluster commented on the appointments ‘As Villeroy & Boch continues its dynamic growth trajectory, it is imperative that we have outstanding leadership guiding our sales efforts. I am thrilled to welcome Rob and Elliot, whose extensive expertise and their proven track records will be instrumental in enhancing our sales strategies, deepening relationships with our partners, and achieving our ambitious goals in the UK market.'”   

  Rob Osborne appointed sales channel director, retail & wholesale, UK   

Rob Osborne (pictured top) officially commenced his role on June 1, 2026. He will oversee the Retail & Wholesale channels across the UK, bringing a wealth of experience from over 18 years in sales leadership within the household products and consumer sectors. Most recently, Osbourne served as UK & Ireland retail & office channel sales leader at 3M, where he was recognised for successfully exceeding targets for priority brands. His profound understanding of the retail landscape is expected to be a significant asset as Villeroy & Boch expands its reach and optimises sales performance.   

Elliot Smith

  Elliot Smith appointed sales channel director, residential, UK   

Elliot Smith joined Villeroy & Boch on June 8, 2026, and will lead the Residential Channel for the UK. he brings a strong background in specification sales, having previously held the position of sales director – Specification at Vado. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in leading and inspiring the specification sales team and establishing successful strategic partnerships with national and regional developers, merchants, architects, and designers. Smith’s prior experience at Grohe further aligns with Villeroy & Boch’s strategic objectives for the Residential Channel.   

Toilet troubles are flushing Brits with fear – with ‘toilet anxiety’ causing some to avoid flushing altogether, new research reveals.

The research of 2,005 people found that nine in ten (91 per cent) say they’ve worried a toilet might not flush properly before using it, while 88 per cent admit they’ve felt embarrassed going to the toilet when others are nearby.

From running taps to mask the noise to waiting until everyone has left the room, Brits are going to surprising lengths to avoid awkward bathroom moments.

Public loos are a particular concer, with more than half (57 per cent) saying they weren’t confident that a public toilet would flush first time. While 31 per cent said the toilet not flushing when out of the home was one of their most awkward feature and a third (33 per cent) said realising there’s no toilet paper ranks among their most awkward fears, ahead of their card being declined at the checkout (30%), sending a message to the wrong person (28%) and tripping in public (25%).

Despite this, many Brits are still choosing style over substance when it comes to their own bathrooms. The research suggests shoppers often assume performance will match appearance, but that’s not always the case.

In fact, only half said they could remember being given any information about flush performance when buying a toilet. Yet 42 per cent said how well it flushes is more important than how it looks, while the same number (42 per cent) ranked it above price. A further 39 per cent said performance actually matters more than colour.

It may explain why nearly a third (31 per cent) of buyers admitted they’ve been left disappointed by how their toilet performs after it was installed.

Noise is another major issue keeping Brits on edge, especially at night. A separate study found that more than eight in ten (83 per cent) said they’ve been disturbed by the sound of a toilet flushing while trying to sleep.

The problem is so bad that 82% confessed to changing their behaviour, such as delaying or avoiding flushing altogether, to avoid making noise.

Toilet manufacturer, Geberit, which commissioned the research, says the findings highlight how outdated toilet design is failing to meet modern expectations.

Sonia De Gioia, sales director for Showrooms at Geberit UK, said: “People are worrying about something that should just work – and when it doesn’t, it causes unnecessary anxiety. A bad flush is something you remember every single time.

“The toilet is the hardest-working product in the bathroom, yet it’s often the most overlooked. We upgrade everything else in our homes – but toilets are still often chosen on habit or the sales rep at the time.”

With millions of Brits quietly stressing about something as basic as using the loo, it seems the humble flush could be the key to restoring the nation’s bathroom confidence.

At Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard presented the London iteration of its installation Design Continuum, transforming their Clerkenwell showroom into a space for material exploration, professional exchange and inspiration.

First introduced during Milan Design Week, Design Continuum explores how design shapes perception and how our senses influence the way spaces are experienced. In London, a series of curated display installations showcased key dimensions of contemporary bathroom design – from material innovation and enduring form to tactility, interaction and craftsmanship.

“At Milan, Design Continuum introduced a broader conversation about how bathroom spaces can be experienced through the senses,” says Sven Ullrich, executive VP marketing, R&D and product management at Villeroy & Boch.

“At Clerkenwell, we brought that idea into a more applied and collaborative setting – creating opportunities for even closer exchange with architects, designers and planners, and translating those ideas into tangible inspiration for real projects.”

Antao 3D was at the centre of the Design Continuum presentation. A material study developed with Design Studio KASCHKASCH. Produced using advanced 3D printing from 100 per cent internally recycled ceramic, the prototype reveals the expressive potential of new manufacturing technologies.

Alongside it, Antao Earth, also designed by KASCHKASCH, showcased the expressive possibilities of reactive Artisan Glaze finishes.

“Ceramic is one of the oldest materials, yet 3D printing opens completely new possibilities – not only in production, but also in design,” say Design Studio KASCHKASCH.

“Both Antao 3D and Antao Earth explore material as a starting point – one through technology, the other through craftsmanship. In both cases, the making process remains visible and becomes part of the final object. That connection between creation and perception is central to our work.”

Another display focused on the Atelier Collections by Roberto Palomba, demonstrating how strong geometry allows forms to evolve over time without losing their identity.

Artis Sense explored how texture and subtle relief can influence the perception of space. Designed by Christian Haas with a colour concept by Gesa Hansen, the refined basin introduces a delicate tactile quality that invites closer interaction.

“Design used to focus primarily on form, but today surfaces and textures have become equally important,” says Christian Haas.

“They add a sensual dimension that invites interaction and subtly shapes how we experience an object and the space around it.”

With more than 400 years of combined design heritage, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard continue to translate craftsmanship, material innovation and design expertise into a new perspective on the bathroom – one shaped not only by function, but by perception, interaction and experience.

Design-Continuum-Villeroy-Boch

At Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Bette presented its latest solutions for architectural bathroom design, including BetteUltra Space and the new BetteAlva washbasin. The showcase took place at The Charterhouse, where the company introduced two key highlights from its bathroom portfolio, combining precise design, functional quality and contemporary requirements.

Bette-UK-Jean-Francois-Marty-Projects-Manager-and-Alysha-Abdi-Specification-Manage

At the centre of the exhibition were BetteUltra Space and the new BetteAlva washbasin. BetteUltra Space is an ultra-flat shower tray developed for modern architectural layouts. Its space-saving installation, level-access, wall-adjacent waste and flexible installation options make it well suited to contemporary bathroom planning.

BetteAlva brings a new angular washbasin into focus, demonstrating Bette’s material and design expertise. Manufactured from glazed titanium steel, BetteAlva is defined by its visible material thickness, precise edge detailing and a durable, easy-care, non-porous surface. The design combines clarity of form with everyday usability, reflecting Bette’s commitment to design and quality.

The presentation was complemented by the BetteStarlet inset bath, a longstanding classic within the range, and BetteLux Oval Couture. Together, these pieces highlight the brand’s ability to balance established products with striking design.

Bette’s presence in London underlines its core values: bathroom products made of glazed titanium steel, made in Germany, and defined by durability, high design standards and sustainable material quality.

Bathroom Review

Pictured Above – L-R: BetteAlva washbasins & Bette UltraSpace Savia shower tray

Pictured Midde: Bette UK Jean-Francois Marty, Projects Manager and Alysha Abdi, Specification Manager

VitrA Bathrooms has announced that its nationwide roadshow VitrA On the Road, which ran from 14 April to 14 May, successfully raised £10,000 for UK-based construction charity Band of Builders.

The nationwide activation travelled across the UK, from Southampton to Manchester to Glasgow, and saw the VitrA team bring product innovation, training and engagement directly to bathroom retailers and installers across the UK. Through this initiate, VitrA supported Band of Builders, a construction charity supporting tradespeople and their families facing challenging circumstances and raised £10,000 for the cause. 

Across the 5 weeks, the roadshow included:

  • Hands-on product demonstrations and technical insight
  • Opportunities for retailers and installers to engage directly with the VitrA team
  • A closer look at the latest bathroom collections and solutions

Ruth Davies, Marketing Director of VitrA UK comments:

“Our VitrA UK Roadshow has been an incredible opportunity to connect directly with our customers and partners across the country, bringing our latest innovations to life in a truly engaging way. Beyond showcasing our new products, we’re especially proud of the impact of our charity partnership with Band of Builders. Our tour raised £10,000 to support the fantastic work they do for members of the construction and trade industry, VitrA is proud to support such an important cause.” 

Find out more here: https://www.vitra.co.uk/vitra-on-the-road/

VitrA-Roadshow

Kaldewei has added another major design accolade to its portfolio after its NUIO DUO ZEN Edition wellness bath was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026.

Recognised by the international Red Dot jury for its exceptional design, integrated wellness technologies and sustainable material credentials, the luxury bath highlights Kaldewei’s continued commitment to innovation in premium bathroom design.

Designed by renowned industrial designer Stefan Diez, the NUIO DUO ZEN Edition combines organic forms with contemporary minimalism. Inspired by the natural contours of water-shaped basins, the bath features flowing ergonomics in the back and neck area, while its extra-deep interior creates a luxurious bathing experience centred on comfort, relaxation and wellbeing

The award-winning bath has been developed to transform the traditional bathing ritual into a holistic wellness experience. Combining infrared heat, ambient lighting and integrated sound technology, the NUIO DUO ZEN Edition creates a calming environment designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Key features include Kaldewei’s Heat Wave technology, immersive sound integration and atmospheric lighting, enabling users to create a personalised spa-like experience within the home.

Alongside its wellness credentials, the NUIO DUO ZEN Edition reflects Kaldewei’s commitment to sustainable bathroom design. Manufactured from durable steel and elegant glass, the bath is 100% recyclable and aligns with the company’s LUXSTAINABILITY® philosophy, which combines luxury, quality and responsible resource use.

Winning the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026 further strengthens Kaldewei’s reputation for design excellence and innovation, while highlighting growing demand for premium wellness products that combine luxury, technology and sustainability in the modern bathroom.

Roca Group has been recognised as one of Europe’s leading companies for climate action, securing a place in the prestigious Europe’s Climate Leaders 2026 ranking published by the Financial Times in partnership with Statista.

The global bathroom products manufacturer was ranked 242nd among the 600 companies included across all sectors and countries, making it the highest-ranked bathroom products manufacturer in Europe.

The annual ranking evaluates the climate performance of European businesses using measurable and independently verifiable sustainability data. Key criteria include reductions in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, improvements in emissions intensity and participation in internationally recognised climate initiatives such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Roca Group’s inclusion in the ranking reflects significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. Between 2019 and 2024, the company achieved a 48.1% absolute reduction in its core emissions, a key factor contributing to its position in the list.

The recognition highlights the ongoing efforts of teams across the business to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and accelerate the transformation of industrial processes throughout the organisation.

Roca Group said the achievement reinforces its commitment to responsible industrial development and creating a positive impact for people, the planet and long-term prosperity.

The Europe’s Climate Leaders 2026 ranking showcases companies that are making measurable progress towards decarbonisation and supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Spanish bathroom manufacturer Acquabella has expanded its showering portfolio with the launch of two new shower trays, Livo Slate and Acqua Zero, designed to bring together contemporary aesthetics, material innovation and enhanced functionality.

Developed around the brand’s philosophy of creating shower spaces where design, material and user experience exist in harmony, the new collections transform everyday functionality into a striking design feature for the modern bathroom.

Livo Slate: inspired by architectural geometry

The Livo Slate shower tray features a refined architectural aesthetic, with a design centred around balance, geometry and the natural movement of water. Finished in Acquabella’s Slate texture, the tray recreates the appearance and tactile qualities of natural slate stone, delivering an authentic and sophisticated finish.

acquabella-plato-ducha-livo-slate-panel-slate-season-terracota

A distinctive feature of the design is the visual relationship between the water flow and the circular waste cover, creating a harmonious dialogue between two circular forms inspired by contemporary architecture. The circular grille is available in stainless steel or black, providing a subtle contrast against the textured surface while maintaining a cohesive design language.

Acqua Zero: minimalist design inspired by nature

Acqua Zero takes a more minimalist approach, drawing inspiration from the moment a single water droplet touches the surface and creates expanding ripples. This simple yet evocative concept has been translated into a permanent design feature, resulting in a shower tray that combines elegance with visual tranquillity.

Finished in Acquabella’s Zero microtexture, the tray offers a clean, contemporary appearance. Surrounding the integrated circular grille, crafted from the brand’s Akron material, a series of soft concentric ripples create subtle movement and depth without compromising the tray’s minimalist aesthetic.

The innovative design has already received international recognition, with Acqua Zero winning an award in the Product category at the prestigious iF Design Awards, one of the world’s leading design competitions.

By combining advanced materials, thoughtful detailing and contemporary styling, both Livo Slate and Acqua Zero demonstrate Acquabella’s commitment to creating shower solutions that elevate the bathroom experience through design.

Structure is increasingly defining the character of bathroom furniture, with texture adding a more sensuous, tactile dimension to contemporary interiors. Firmly established within living and lived in spaces in the world of interior design, groove and line structures are now making their way into the bathroom. Designer bathroom manufacturer Duravit is focusing on this design element in the bathroom furniture of the Balcoon, Zencha and Aurena ranges and applying it in an everyday context.

Vertical lines shape perception in bathroom design

Vertical line detailing has become a well-established design language within bathroom interiors. When applied to furniture fronts, fine linear grooves subtly alter the perception of volume and proportion. Large surfaces are visually broken down, creating a lighter, more refined appearance while introducing an enhanced sense of depth.

This structured rhythm also interacts with natural and artificial light. As light shifts throughout the day, shadows form and soften across the surface, meaning bathroom furniture appears to subtly change in character depending on viewing angle and illumination.

Haptic qualities elevate material expression

Alongside visual impact, haptic qualities are becoming central to bathroom design. Finely structured surfaces encourage a heightened awareness of materiality, bringing wood, décor finishes and glass fronts into sharper focus.

The result is a more expressive use of materials, where precision craftsmanship and surface detailing reinforce a sense of quality and permanence. These subtle enhancements allow bathroom furniture to feel more considered, more aligned with contemporary interior design expectations.

Structured_Bathroom_Furniture

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has announced the return of VitrA Bathrooms as an official Advocate of the organisation, reaffirming a shared commitment to professionalism, installation standards, and the long-term development of the fitted interiors sector.

VitrA rejoins a growing network of manufacturers, retailers and industry stakeholders supporting the work of BIFIS across the UK.

As an Advocate, VitrA will continue to support BIFIS initiatives focused on raising standards, supporting installers, improving compliance, and strengthening collaboration throughout the fitted interiors industry.

Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, said “We are absolutely delighted to welcome VitrA back as an Advocate of BIFIS. VitrA is a globally respected brand with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and professionalism, and their continued support demonstrates a shared commitment to improving standards across our sector. Our Advocate network plays a vital role in supporting the work we do for installers and installation businesses, retailers and consumers alike, and we look forward to working closely with the VitrA team on a range of important initiatives moving forward.”

Steve Breen, commercial director, Europe & UK managing director of VitrA Bathrooms, said “Rejoining BIFIS as an Advocate is an important step for VitrA UK and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting excellence throughout the bathroom installation sector. We value the role BIFIS plays in promoting high standards, education and professionalism across the industry, and we are pleased to once again be part of a network that is focused on driving positive change. We look forward to contributing to future initiatives and collaborating with industry partners to help strengthen the sector as a whole.”

The announcement further strengthens BIFIS’ growing network of industry Advocates and reflects continued momentum behind the organisation’s mission to improve standards and drive positive change throughout the fitted interiors sector.