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The bathroom is more than a functional space — it’s a personal retreat a room to breathe, reset, and unwind. With warm materials, calming colours, and elegant forms, Kaldewei explains how to turn the bathroom into a favourite place that evolves with you through every stage of life. Well‑being shouldn’t depend on age or physical vitality; it should feel intuitive, comforting, and beautifully timeless.

Flowing shapes, smooth transitions

Floor-level, spacious and elegantly refined. Kaldewei shower surfaces crafted from exquisite steel enamel blend harmoniously into any room architecture and create a feeling of spaciousness. Their purist design language makes a design statement, the surface a delight for the senses: skin-friendly, safe underfoot and permanently beautiful. Innovative technologies such as Invisible Grip and Secure Plus ensure maximum slip resistance, you can feel the difference. Floor-level installation enables design freedom whilst providing barrier-free capabilities resulting in a space that offers independence and choice at every stage of life.   

Beautiful today. Comfortable tomorrow

Generous with space for movement, clean lines, and harmonious proportions it creates a sense of openness. And as life evolves, the bathroom adapts effortlessly, retaining its timeless character at every stage. Age-adapted elements, such as handles or adjustable seats, can be added with ease—without compromising on style. Redefining accessibility – where design takes precedence from the very start.

Luxury that is quiet

Kaldewei stands for design with attitude. Series such as the Superplan Zero, Cayonoplan Multispace and Calima shower surfaces introduce elegance and luxury to reliable comfort. The enamelled steel surface gently reflects the light, radiating understated style and natural sophistication. A wide range of colours – from a cosy Warm Beige to elegant Cool Grey and crisp pure White – opens up scope for individual design. The shower surfaces can either blend harmoniously into monochrome colour schemes or pose as striking eye-catchers. Contrasting designs can make orientation easier – this is particularly beneficial for people with dementia or impaired vision. Whatever colour scheme is chosen, be it a striking statement or harmonious subtlety, every detail of Kaldewei shower surfaces speaks of quality, durability, and a refined sense of beauty.

Kaldewei-bathroom-as-a-retreat-with Superplan_Zero
Form follows feeling

Small elements can make a difference: if you prefer a fully tiled shower area, Kaldewei’s awardwinning drainage systems including. FlowLine Zero and FlowPoint Zero prove that function and design go hand in hand. The patent-pending Click’n’Clean® mechanism ensures effortless cleaning, while stainless steel in modern colours promises a subtle, high-quality look.

A bathroom that evolves with life

Kaldewei takes bathrooms further – as spaces that inspire and provide a sense of security. Floor-level, elegant, durable. The result is a bathroom that offers comfort and enhances quality of life. Great design is more than just good looks – it accompanies us through life.

Kaldewei-the-bathroom-as-a-retreat-barrier-free-bathroom

Aqualisa has launched its new S Range, bringing smart technology into the bathroom for control, convenience and personalised comfort. Showers can be started via remote, app, or voice with Google Assistant or Alexa, while the SmartValve™ regulates water temperature 10 times a second for precise performance.

Personalised showering for all users

Households can save profiles for multiple users, monitor water use, and enjoy precise temperature control thanks to the concealed SmartValve™, which adjusts water 10 times per second.

The S Range includes three models: S1, S2 and S3, each catering to different levels of smart sophistication. The S1 offers intuitive, analogue-style controls for those new to smart showers. S2 adds an HD digital display, app-powered routines, and remote start for daily convenience. The flagship S3 combines a fully customisable glass display with advanced connected features, colour-changing mood lighting, and spa-like performance with its 400mm overhead drencher.

Available in four premium finishes – Brushed Brass, Chrome, Matt Black, and Gun Metal – the S Range fits a variety of bathroom styles, from family bathrooms to ensuite retreats. Additional features include handshowers, bath fillers, divert functions, timers, child locks, delayed start, and eco modes, offering both luxury and sustainability.

With smart technology increasingly part of the home, the S Range demonstrates how connected showers can enhance daily life, delivering precision, comfort, and style. Whether a quick morning blast or a relaxing evening soak, Aqualisa’s S Range ensures every shower is perfect, personalised, and effortless.

Aqualisa-S1-in-Brushed-Brass

Installer Connect for exceptional installer support

Aqualisa prides itself on exceptional products backed by exceptional service. Its recently launched Installer Connect programme is the framework on which it will build and sustain installer engagement for many years to come. It delivers the support needed at the time it’s required, in the preferred format. Installers receive quick access to product and install content with a dedicated first-line phone number, video calls for trouble-shooting and site-specific challenges, dedicated field service engineer support with 1:1 support and pre-booked on-site consultations. There’s also an Installer Connect website forum with live Q&A.

Designed and built by Aqualisa in Westerham, Kent and supported by a UK-based customer services team, the S Range is covered with a 1-year guarantee, which can be extended to 5 years.

Gary Simpson has rejoined the team at Kudos Showers as a senior business development manager for the company. This new appointment follows a seven-year spell working away from the business but still within the bathroom market. He returned to Kudos in January and will now be covering sales in the North of England and Scotland for Kudos, reporting to managing director Mark Hill.

Simpson first joned Kudos in 2015 as an RSM (Engineer) for three years and then a hybrid role which included sales until he departed in 2019.  He returns to the fold with increased experience and deeper customer insights and relationships that will undoubtedly benefit the Kudos brand.  In this new role he will be supporting independent retailers and plumbing and heating merchant customers, working closely with these accounts to grow their Kudos sales.

Mark Hill said: “Gary has developed great relationships over the years with many of our customers and prospects, so it is great to have him back on board for this pivotal role in the business. The timing is great as 2026 will see many initiatives come to fruition at Kudos, we have lots of new products to be launched and Gary will be our link to ensure they are delivered acorss his region.”

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit its website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call 01539 564040, or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

The UK residential construction and design sector enters 2026 on uneven footing, according to the 2026 Houzz UK State of the Industry report. While optimism is climbing among architects and interior designers, design and build firms remain more cautious, reflecting the varied experiences of 2025.

Architects and interior designers are showing renewed confidence, with 55% and 54% respectively reporting a good or very good outlook for the year ahead — a significant jump from 33% and 45% in 2025. By contrast, only 32% of design and build firms are similarly upbeat, with nearly half expecting a challenging year.

“The outlook for 2026 is far from uniform across the industry,” notes Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “Architects and interior designers are more optimistic than last year, but design and build firms continue to navigate uncertainty. Rising costs and fluctuating demand are driving many to focus on efficiency and stronger sales strategies.”

Although 2025 was tough for many, the report highlights signs of easing pressure. Revenue growth is picking up, with 38% of businesses reporting increases (up from 34% in 2024) and revenue declines slightly down to 45% (from 47%). Profitability also shows modest improvement: fewer firms reported losses (47% vs 62% in 2024), while 27% recorded higher profits.

Operational priorities for 2026

Across the sector, firms are investing in efficiency and operational improvements. Streamlining processes is top of the agenda, with 65% of design and build firms, 57% of interior designers, and 56% of architects dedicating resources to productivity.

Design and build firms are also prioritising cost and risk reduction, while architects and interior designers focus on enhancing client and team communication. Refining the sales process emerges as a priority for all groups, reflecting the need to win new business amid persistent market challenges.

Costs remain a major pressure: 90% of design and build firms, 86% of architects, and 68% of interior designers reported higher operating expenses in 2025.

Key drivers: Material and product costs top the list (52%), followed by marketing (40%) and software expenses (30%).

Finding clients remains a central challenge, with 55% of design and build firms, 50% of interior designers, and 48% of architects citing difficulty attracting new customers.

Staffing growth slows: Only 9% of firms added staff, compared to 15% in 2024, while 72% reported no change in headcount.

Houzz Pro: Supporting the UK Design Community

Houzz Pro, the leading all-in-one software for home construction and design, continues to empower professionals with project management, CRM, estimates, takeoffs, selections, 3D visualisations, and client collaboration tools. More than 3 million UK and global professionals, from architects and interior designers to home builders and design and build firms, rely on Houzz to manage projects efficiently and profitably.

The full 2026 Houzz UK State of the Industry report is available online.

PJH is celebrating the achievements of two colleagues from its Learning & Development team, Lauren Fergus and Justyna Prasek, who have each successfully completed their CIPD apprenticeships.

Their commitment to developing skills embodies the culture of continuous learning PJH is building across the business, and their success reflects the positive impact that professional growth can have on both individual confidence and the wider organisation.

Fergus (pictured right) has completed her Level 3 Learning & Development Practitioner Apprenticeship, gaining a strong understanding of how people learn and how to design training that genuinely supports different needs. As she explains, “Completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Learning & Development has been a really rewarding experience. The apprenticeship journey has given me a deeper understanding of how people learn, what motivates them, and how to design and deliver training that makes a real impact.”

Prasek (pictured left) has completed her Level 5 CIPD Learning & Development Business Partner Apprenticeship, further building her skills in both learning design and delivery. She has developed her confidence in coaching, working with stakeholders, and supporting management development, while continuing to align Learning & Development with the needs of the business.

Commenting on her acheivement she said: “Completing my apprenticeship has been one of the most valuable development opportunities in my career. The programme has strengthened both my strategic understanding of Learning & Development and my practical ability to deliver impact across the business.”

Dawn Kennedy, PJH’s learning & development manager, commented: “We are proud of both colleagues for their hard work and dedication to their professional development. Their success is a welcome reminder of the value of investing in people and the positive impact that learning has on the strength and capability of PJH as a whole.”

With more PJH colleagues taking responsibility for their development and exploring new training resources , these achievements underline the growth in Learning & Development engagement across PJH.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0345 450 8932.

At KBB 2026, MERLYN showcased a one‑off Pink Shower installation created in partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation. The special ARYSTO X Shower Enclosure served as a meaningful design statement to raise awareness around the importance of regular breast self‑checks – a simple routine everyone can incorporate into everyday life.

The ARYSTO X collection is designed to offer an uninhibited showering space that encourages relaxation, quality, and luxury. Created with wellness in mind, ARYSTO X complements the modern bathroom aesthetic while its ethereal simplicity helps create a calming space to unwind and recharge.

Marketing director, Eileen Slattery comments, “Our partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation allows us to shine a light on something incredibly important. The privacy of your shower makes it an ideal moment to pause and do a quick breast check. The pink ARYSTO X shower designed exclusively for KBB helped us raise awareness and normalise the conversation!”

Head of corporate partnerships, events & PR, Lisa Allen comments, “MERLYN has been a valued long-term corporate partner, and together we’ve been able to keep promoting the importance of breast cancer awareness. With around 55,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, encouraging regular self-checks is vital, and the shower is one of the best places to do this.”

The company donates £25 from the sale of every ARYSTO X shower enclosure to the Foundation, directly contributing to breast cancer research and support services.

Merlllyn Pink Ribbon Foundation

About MERLYN

MERLYN is renowned for pushing the boundaries of luxury bathroom design, delivering products that combine innovation with quality. Known for our award-winning designs and after sales service.

About the Pink Ribbon Foundation

About the Pink Ribbon Foundation: www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk The Pink Ribbon Foundation is a grant making trust with a mission to fund projects and provide financial support to UK charities which relieve the needs of people who are suffering from, have been affected by breast cancer, or who advance the understanding of breast cancer and its early detection

Grant Westfield, the UK manufacturer behind bathroom wall panel brands Multipanel and Naturepanel, has announced a new strategic partnership with professional power tool brand Festool, focused on strengthening installer training, development and engagement.

As part of the partnership, Grant Westfield will be working closely with Festool to produce a series of installer training videos filmed at Festool’s UK headquarters in Bury St Edmunds. The professional training environment will allow Grant Westfield to deliver high-quality, practical content using Festool tools alongside Grant Westfield products, reflecting real-world installation scenarios.

The partnership will also enable Grant Westfield to host in-person training sessions, demonstrations and discussions at Festool’s facilities, bringing together installers and merchant partners in a professional setting designed specifically for hands-on learning.

Elliott Fairlie, product & marketing director at Grant Westfield, commented: “This partnership with Festool is about raising standards and delivering meaningful training for installers. Festool shares our focus on quality, precision and professional workmanship, making them a natural partner as we continue to invest in the installer community. Using their facilities and tools allows us to create training content that genuinely reflects how our products are installed on site.”

The collaboration brings together Grant Westfield’s product expertise with Festool’s tooling and training knowledge, creating a platform for practical, installer-led education. Content produced through the partnership will support the launch of Grant Westfield’s new Installer Elite installer training platform, which is focused on building skills, sharing best practice and creating clear development pathways for both new and experienced installers.

By combining filmed training, in-person sessions and ongoing engagement, the partnership reinforces Grant Westfield’s long-term commitment to installers, extending support beyond products alone and into professional development and community building.

Further details on training content and installer events will be announced in due course.
For more information, visit www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 290 2862.

Located 10 kilometres from Geneva Airport, Jiva Hill Resort is a five-star Relais & Châteaux property set within a 123-acre estate in the Jura Mountains Nature Park. Positioned between open landscape and mountain views, the site is defined by its expansive greenery and low-density layout.

Accommodation is distributed across the park, which is primarily given over to leisure facilities. These include a nine-hole golf course with 18 tees, tennis courts, a waterski lake, restaurants, and a wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools.

The resort comprises 44 guest rooms, each with a private terrace, alongside four Jacuzzi lodges and two suites. Interiors pair exposed concrete surfaces with walnut detailing, softened by natural textiles in muted tones such as cream, copper and rust.

Bathrooms are fitted with stainless steel taps from CEA Design’s MILO360 and GIOTTO collections. Manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, the fittings reflect the project’s emphasis on durability and material integrity.

Ceadesign_JIVA-HILL_CG-Design
Ceadesign_JIVA-HILL_CG-Design

Technical characteristics:

MILO360 | bathroom collection

MIL35S

Wall-mounted mixer with spout in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish.

MIL35S + MIL87S

Wall-mounted mixer with spout in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish.

Rim mounted set of 2 mixers with cylindrical hand shower in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish.

FREE IDEAS + GIOTTO | bathroom collection

FRE36S + GIO33S + GIO34S

Rim mounted pull-out hand shower with hose in Cromolux and draining drip system paired with two deck mounted shut-off valves in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish.

www.ceadesign.it

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Marking its 40th anniversary, kbb Birmingham returned to the NEC this month with a vibrant and well-attended show floor, showcasing the latest innovations across the bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms sector. The four-day event brought together leading brands, retailers, designers and installers, offering a valuable opportunity to explore new product launches, evolving design trends and fresh commercial prospects.

Attracting close to 16,000 visitors, the exhibition featured over 320 exhibitors spanning 26 product categories. From furniture and surfaces to appliances, fittings and materials, the show delivered a comprehensive snapshot of the technologies and styles currently influencing the KBB market, while also fostering networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the industry.

Diane Larner attended the exhibition and shares six standout highlights from this year’s event.

SIX T O P   P I C K S   from kbb Birmingham 2026

hib-kbb-event-wall-of-mirrors

HiB returns to kbb Birmingham with ‘Wall of Mirrors’

HiB’s brought to life an evolved product direction with 96 new mirrors and cabinets, many of which appeared on a standout ‘Wall of Mirrors’.

Rehau-Bathroom-Surface

REHAU highlights bathroom surface & edgeband excellence at kbb Birmingham

REHAU showcased its latest surface and edgeband innovations, inspiring bathroom designers specifying premium materials.

House-of-Rohl-and-Aqualisa-at-KBB

House of Rohl and Aqualisa preview new launches at kbb Birmingham

House of Rohl UK, comprising Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen and Victoria + Albert, alongside Aqualisa, showcased a series of new product launches.

acquabella-plato-ducha-livo-slate-panel-slate-banera-round-lavab

Acquabella showcases design and functionality with its new products

Acquabella welcomed visitors to the Acquabella Boutique: an elegant space inspired by the sophisticated interiors of contemporary ateliers.

V-Care-3-Night-light_01

VitrA unveils V-Care 3 & hosts networking brunch

VitrA hosted a networking brunch on the Take 5 area of kbb Birmingham and unveiled its latest V-Care 3 range to visitors.

Bagno-Design-at-KBB-Birmingham

BAGNODESIGN makes kbb Birmingham debut with new luxury collections

BAGNODESIGN made its first appearance at kbb Birmingham this March – using the platform to spotlight a curated selection of new and existing collections.

Informa-Sales-Director-Jon-Johnston
Jon Johnston

Jon Johnston, kbb sales director

The 40th edition of kbb Birmingham was very special, with such a strong legacy to celebrate. Four decades of inspiring conversations, deep industry relationships and kbb Birmingham’s role as a cornerstone of the KBB industry felt particularly resonant this year. We’re hugely appreciative of the support from visitors, exhibitors and partners who have helped shape the show into what it is today.

“The 2026 show delivered everything from show‑stopping stand design and a breadth of innovation, to four days of genuinely meaningful discussions between visitors and exhibitors who clearly care about the future of the industry. One of the aspects we’re most proud of is the diversity of product on display and the stories behind them, with exhibitors from over 20 countries and a growing European presence that continues to strengthen the show. Many international brands clearly recognise the value of kbb Birmingham as a direct route to engaging with UK high‑street studios and independent retailers. It was a reminder that while the KBB industry continues to evolve, quality, innovation and human connection remain at its core.”



Michael Bennett, head of commercialisation for House of Rohl and Aqualisa

Aqualisa-Michael-Bennet-Head-of-Commercialisation

kbb Birmingham has been a fantastic show for all of our brands. The energy across the halls has been incredibly positive, and our stand had a real buzz and was consistently busy across all four days. It’s been a brilliant platform to showcase House of Rohl and Aqualisa’s latest innovations, connect with both longstanding partners and new customers, and have meaningful conversations about the future of the sector.

“What’s really stood out this year is the quality of the leads, the depth of the conversations, and the level of press attendance. We’ve met with highly engaged visitors who are genuinely looking to do business, as well as key members of the media who are passionate about sharing innovation and design stories from the show. It’s been a hugely valuable and successful few days for our teams.”



About kbb Birmingham

kbb Birmingham is the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector, held at the NEC Birmingham and established in 1986. Taking place every two years, the event brings together manufacturers, retailers, designers, installers and developers to showcase the latest product innovations, materials and technologies shaping the KBB market. Featuring hundreds of exhibiting brands and attracting thousands of industry professionals, it serves as a key platform for sourcing new products, discovering emerging design trends and gaining valuable business insight, while also providing important opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry.

kbb Birmingham will return March 5–8, 2028

Villeroy & Boch has reported a resilient set of results for 2025, with group revenue increasing by 1.8% to €1,447 million, supported by acquisitions in what the company describes as a challenging trading environment. Operating EBIT remained stable at €97.8 million.

Gabi Schupp, chair of the management board of the Villeroy & Boch Group said, “For us, 2025 was all about strategic realignment. We have consistently honed our brand positioning while further strengthening our profitability. The acquisition of Ideal Standard has made us significantly more resilient in an economic environment that remains challenging. As a result, we were able to hold our own despite a general reluctance to spend and a weak construction sector.”

Bathroom & Wellness sees acquisition-led growth

The Bathroom & Wellness division – the group’s largest segment – recorded a 2.3% increase in revenue to €1,124.5 million, slightly ahead of the previous year despite continued softness in the construction sector. On a currency-adjusted basis, growth reached 3.4%.

EMEA delivered positive performance, while Asia Pacific and the Americas declined. Growth was led by taps, shower systems and sanitary ceramics, with new product development playing a key role. Highlights included ALU+ (manufactured from recycled aluminium), Vortex flushing technology, and ranges such as i.life, Architectura and Antao. Operating EBIT for the division held steady at €65.2 million.

Dining & Lifestyle holds steady in subdued retail climate

The Dining & Lifestyle division reported revenue of €319.8 million, up 1.0% (excluding licence sales), despite continued pressure on consumer spending.

A strong fourth quarter and new launches, including the Fleur collection, supported performance. Regionally, Asia Pacific and the Americas saw growth, while EMEA declined slightly. Notably, stationary retail partners delivered a 9.4% increase in sales, underlining the ongoing importance of bricks-and-mortar channels. Operating EBIT rose to €32.6 million.

Continued investment and dividend proposal

The group invested €45.8 million across the year in production facilities, retail infrastructure and intangible assets, reflecting an ongoing focus on operational efficiency and brand development.

A dividend of €0.80 per ordinary share and €0.85 per preference share will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2026.

Cautious outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, Villeroy & Boch expects 2026 to remain challenging, citing geopolitical uncertainty such as the conflict in the Gulf, and continued market volatility. The group forecasts a mid- to high-single-digit percentage decline in sales, with operating EBIT expected to be between €75 million and €85 million.

The disposal of the Northern European operations of the Gustavsberg and Vatette brands (effective 1 October 2025) will impact year-on-year comparisons, with sales and EBIT in the first three quarters expected to fall below 2025 levels.

The business also expects ongoing pressure from integration costs and production realignment, while continuing to invest up to €50 million, including the rollout of SAP S/4HANA.