Wisely planned, today’s comfortable bathroom can become tomorrow’s age-appropriate or even accessible bathroom. Comfort, flexibility, and safety can coexist with sophisticated design and a welcoming atmosphere.
Therefore, it makes sense to think of the future during any bathroom renovation. There are an increasing number of people who wish to continue living autonomously in their homes as they grow older, or if they become disabled. Surveys suggest that the bathroom may be the most essential room in the house in terms of features suitable for older or disabled individuals.
Between necessity and free expression: accessible bathroom features
Guidelines on how to design an accessible bathroom exist in many countries. For example, in Germany, a bathroom in a public building must be DIN 18040 compliant to attract funding and be deemed accessible. The main requirement is sufficient space to move freely or manoeuvre a walking frame or wheelchair. It is also essential to remove or lower the heights of thresholds and access points.
Showers such as the Sustano and Tempano ranges from Duravit that are flush with the floor are crucial, and an accessible bathroom should be wheelchair-accessible beneath the washbasins, as is the case for models Duravit D-Code Vital, DuraStyle Vital, or Starck 3 Vital. And into the mix, contactless faucets such as Sensor 1 from Duravit, which make everyday life easier. Toilets with a raised sitting position and a projection of 700 mm enhance the quality of life for people with limited mobility.
Other essential elements for an accessible bathroom include grab bars and support rails, as well as non-slip floor covering. Doors should be wide enough and open outward, especially for wheelchair users. Bright lighting makes it easier to navigate.
Comfort that grows with you – multi-generational planning
However, relying solely on standards to manage this complex topic is insufficient. An assessment and future-oriented planning based on an individual’s needs is valid here, as a multi-generational bathroom with accessible elements can then be adapted to the users’ needs in later phases of life. It is designed to be welcoming and aesthetically appealing – a feel-good space that seamlessly integrates accessibility. As a comprehensive bathroom manufacturer, Duravit offers a range of design products that encompass both inclusive and attractive bathroom designs.
Universal design: when beauty knows no bounds
The principle of “universal design is geared toward the same approach: rooms should be designed to be accessible for everyone while still being aesthetically appealing, for greater inclusion and quality of life. Duravit offers a comprehensive product range that intelligently combines function, form, and emotional impact, supporting planners, architects, and private developers. After all, a beautiful bathroom knows no barriers.
*According to a representative study conducted by the German Sanitary
Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft, VDS) in conjunction with the Forsa Institute, 95 per cent of respondents consider age-appropriate bathroom design to be important or very important in enabling autonomous living for older people. The fact that 66 per cent consider such features to be “very important”, with even 60 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds agreeing with this opinion, deserves special mention.
(Source: Trends, Talks and new products – Accessible bathroom Campaign)
For once, the weather was kind as staff at Utopia’s Wolverhampton headquarters took part in the company’s much-anticipated annual charity walk in the sunshine on Saturday 5 July, raising to date a fantastic £1,004 for two very worthwhile causes.
The event, organised by Assembly Team Supervisor Matt Cox, has become a highlight in the Utopia calendar. Described by Matt as “a relaxed and enjoyable walk with colleagues, with plenty of refreshments and good conversation along the way,” the day once again brought people together in support of charity and community.
This year’s fundraising total will be split between MIND, the mental health charity, and the Liz Green Fund, created in memory of one of Utopia’s founding directors to support cancer charities and local initiatives.
Participants were easy to spot along the 13.5km route, dressed in striking orange T-shirts bearing the logos of the supported charities. The walkers received plenty of encouragement from the local community, with strong support and cheers helping to keep spirits up throughout the day.
Matt added, “It’s always a brilliant opportunity to come together outside of work, support great causes, and build team spirit. A huge thank-you to everyone who took part and to all those who supported us along the way.”
Premium stone and tile specialist Ca’ Pietra has hired Isabel Baker as its first dedicated social media manager, marking a new phase of investment in the brand’s online community and in the marketing support it provides to retailers, designers, and installers.
With an Instagram audience of 248,000 followers – the largest of any UK tile brand – social already sits at the heart of Ca’ Pietra’s marketing strategy. The creation of a specialist role marks the next step in turning that reach into even stronger foot traffic, qualified leads, and sell-through for the company’s nationwide network of showroom partners.
Grazzie Wilson, group marketing director and head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, says: “We’re incredibly proud of the community we’ve built on social, seeing installers, designers, and homeowners tag us in finished projects every single day is a real vote of confidence. Isabel joins us with award-winning agency experience and a proven track record of turning engagement into action. Her appointment signals our intent to take social to even bigger heights and to keep driving value back to the trade.”
Isabel arrives from social-first agency The Social Shepherd, where she rose to senior social media manager, and worked on some of the UK’s best known brands.
At Ca’ Pietra, she will focus on developing platform-specific content that inspires consumers and showcases new collections. She will also strengthen partnerships with creators and installers to supply retailers with a steady stream of ready-to-use lifestyle assets.
Isabel adds: “Ca’ Pietra is already the industry pacesetter on social. My goal is to transform that enviable reach into measurable sales growth for our stockists while continuing to surprise and delight the design community with thumb-stopping content.”
Bathroom Association members have been learning more about how to utilise market research to drive commercial success in the latest Insights Bites session, hosted by MRA Research.
The lunch and learn webinar went out live on 19th June and is now available online and ‘on demand’ in the members area. It introduced delegates to the fundamentals of market research for the built environment, sharing practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid, and introducing real-world case studies to demonstrate how research can generate tangible commercial results.
The webinar was hosted by Callum Budd, research director at MRA Research, an end-to-end market research agency specialising exclusively in the built environment. MRA Research set up and runs the well-respected Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) and Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) in partnership with the BMF.
Callum said: “We condensed 30+ years of experience in market research into a thirty-minute session for the Bathroom Association to give members a flavour of how this powerful tool can be used to improve their bottom line – from understanding their customers’ needs and expectations better and identifying how to improve their customers’ experience to measuring how well they are doing against their competitors.
“With this knowledge at their fingertips, businesses can identify opportunities for growth and where they can increase their market share. In tough trading conditions, where competition for every customer pound is fierce, the commercial gains market research offers can make a big difference, particularly in terms of retaining existing clients and attracting new ones.
“At MRA Research, our passion is helping businesses in the built environment become more effective and profitable through smart, targeted research. Good market research is action oriented, and with it you can make your marketing more effective. Its insights and recommendations should correlate directly with an improved customer experience which leads to better customer retention, customer acquisition and more profitable growth. That’s what research is for, and hopefully our webinar has inspired more people to think about putting fact-based insight at the heart of their decision-making.”
The Bathroom Association launched the Insights Bites lunchtime sessions at the start of the year. CEO Tom Reynolds said: “We introduced the webinars to support and inspire our members and to help them flourish. The MRA Research session was really valuable and there were plenty of nuggets to takeaway, particularly for members who haven’t considered market research before or those who recognised the pitfalls all too well.
“Traditionally, our industry has been slower to adopt insight-led approaches in B2B markets than in B2C home improvement markets, but it’s clear that those embracing research are seeing real rewards, and if we want to deliver best-in-class marketing for our trade and consumer customers and raise the bar in the bathroom sector, it’s certainly one area where we need to up our game.”
Bathroom Association members will find a link to the webinar in their member area. It is also available to view online.
If you would like a more in-depth discussion about how market research can drive the commercial success of your business, please contact Callum Budd (callum@mra-research.co.uk).
Classic British bathroom brand Thomas Crapper has revealed its autumn/winter 2025 collection – a refined edit of basins, washstands, WC suites and accessories that blend period detailing with contemporary practicality.
The Florin Suite – deco elegance
Leading the launch is Florin, a new basin and WC suite inspired by Art Deco architecture. Bold lines are softened by subtle curves, offering elegance with a touch of versatility. Customers can choose from a full pedestal, classic wall brackets or a wooden washstand for a tailored finish.
Versatile washstands
Thomas Crapper’s new washstands are designed to pair with the florin basin or a sit-on model. They come in two widths – 600mm and 1200mm – with a drawer or shelf option. Finish choices include natural oak, crisp white, and a handpicked palette of heritage paints, with tones echoing Farrow & Ball classics.
The Greenwich Suite
A pared-back update to the popular Marlborough range, Greenwich offers a more streamlined silhouette while keeping the brand’s timeless appeal. This accessible collection pairs seamlessly with the well-loved venerable wc pan, making it ideal for both renovations and new installations.
Compact wall-hung furniture in standout shades
New Bromley and Bentham wall-hung units add style to smaller spaces. Available in oak, forest green and indigo blue, each unit is colour-matched to its basin, creating a bold, unified look with compact proportions.
Brassware in four finishes for every style The Palais and Cruze tap collections now include monobloc and 3-hole deck mixers, alongside thermostatic shower options. Finishes include chrome, nickel, polished brass, and brushed brass, with a choice of lever or crosshead handles – ideal for both period homes and modern interiors.
Flush plates with flair
Lever-style dual flush plates join the collection, echoing the brand’s attention to detail. Designed to work with concealed cisterns, they deliver both function and style.
Each piece in the AW25 launch reflects Thomas Crapper’s founding values: “devoted to quality, for lasting luxury”. From Victorian townhouses to bold country homes or refined modern settings, this new collection respects tradition while offering a fresh take on British bathroom design.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
In the contemporary bathroom, functionality is just the starting point. According to the latest Houzz Design Trends Reportfor 2025, luxury is now taking centre stage, with over one-third of homeowners choosing a statement bath. Thisrepresents a staggering 53% increase in searches for ‘freestanding bath‘ – highlighting the demand for products that deliver a distinctive and captivating aesthetic.
In addition, as architects and designers prioritise sustainability and durability, the composition of bathroom fixtures is evolving. From natural materials to standout design, sanitaryware is no longer a hidden necessity; it has become the visual anchor of bathroom design.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to hit the market – from considered design with sustainable credentials to built-in technology and designer aesthetics.
Pure at heart
Kaldewei Puro Next Bathtub
Longevity and sustainability trends have not only been driven by consumer awareness but by an indirect, yet undoubtedly impactful regulatory shift away from quick-to-replace, short-lived products.
Benefitting from this demand, steel enamel has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Its resilience cannot be overstated; glazed steel is impact- and scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice for busy hotel bathrooms, spas, and premium residential design.
Furthermore, steel enamel surfaces are valued for their anti-slip properties, making them a safer option for environments where moisture and water are constant factors. The built-in texture enhances grip in wet conditions, meeting safety requirements for commercial and institutional use. Unlike other materials that may degrade or lose their anti-slip effectiveness over time, steel enamel is said to maintain its surface integrity and is expected to last for decades.
Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK head of sales, explains: “Both multigenerational living and future proofing the home are becoming important elements in many bathroom refurbishment plans. Consumers are looking for style and safety within their bathroom design, especially when it comes to baths and showers.
“Anti-slip surfaces are a key aspect; however, they want a product that will not discolour or decrease in effectiveness with age. They require a long-lasting anti-slip solution that is hygienic, easy to clean, yet practical and aesthetically appealing. “
Kaldewei has launched the next chapter in its Puro bathtub series: thePuro Next. This refreshed model features a streamlined design that combines elegance and practicality. Engineered for comfort and manufactured with durable, easy-to-clean materials, the Puro Next is available in six sizes, ranging from 160 x 70 cm to 190 x 90 cm. The series offers a wide range of bathroom solutions for various floor plans, and finishes such as Invisible Grip or Anti-Slip can be requested as an additional option.
Natural leaders
Nôsa Vermont Olive Freestanding Stone Bath
As trends demonstrate a clear shift towards nature-inspired products, designers are embracing contours and finishes that deliver a tactile, grounded feel. Combining smooth curves with compelling texture ensures spaces feel both modern and inviting. This approach favours materials and colours that create a calm, spa-like atmosphere, transforming everyday bathrooms into personal retreats.
Lauren Hudson, marketing assistant at Nôsa, agrees: “This season, bathroom trends are all about balance -organic shapes, raw textures, and tonal contrast. Think stone basins, matte black toilets, and statement freestanding baths that create spa-like serenity at home.”
Inspired by contemporary European aesthetics and manufactured with premium materials, Nôsa’s products are intended to transform the bathroom into a personal sanctuary, whether the style is minimalist, country chic, or modern maximalist.
Notable pieces from Nôsa’s latest lines include the Vermont Olive Freestanding Stone Bath, a stunning centrepiece in a rich, earthy green that evokes the calm of nature. For refined wash spaces, the Fiore Pietra Grey Marble Countertop Basin from the OpusArtis™ Collection (pictured above left) blends the heritage of Egyptian stone with Italian artistry, bringing timeless luxury into everyday use.
Bold as brass
Waterline Copper Bath Tub with Nickel Interior
Luxurious copper and brass baths offer a distinct advantage when creating high-end, bespoke interiors. Their rich, decadent finishes, combined with artisanal craftsmanship, bring an enduring sophistication that enhances the design. These statement pieces not only deliver functionality but also serve as a sculptural centrepiece.
“Copper baths are a real statement in a bathroom, and many retailers use them in window displays to draw attention to their design offering and bring people in. The look is timeless and stylish, and one that many people are accustomed to seeing in high-end boutique hotels,” comments Michael Marriott, CEO at Waterline.
The new collection of brass and copper baths from Waterline is handcrafted from 100% 16-gauge copper and brass. These stunning baths combine timeless elegance with accessible prices, making high-end luxury more attainable than ever.
Staying smart
VitrA V-Care
Toilets have evolved far beyond their basic utility, now serving as a sophisticated, design-led feature. As smart technology options increase, we are seeing features such as self-cleaning nozzles and heated seats integrated as standard. These latest benefits are designed to offer consumers an experience once reserved for high-end hotels. For bathroom designers, the shift presents a valuable opportunity to educate clients and promote smart sanitaryware as a realistic and desirable upgrade.
Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA, agrees: “Toilets have come a long way from being purely functional fixtures. Today’s sanitaryware is more innovative, sleeker, and packed with technology, giving retailers a valuable opportunity to educate and upsell.”
Smart toilets, such as the VitrA V-Care range, are making advanced hygiene and comfort accessible to more households. With a host of benefits, including integrated bidet functions, app control, a night-light, and an automatic lid, they’re no longer reserved for luxury hotel suites but serve as a realistic upgrade for design-led bathrooms at home.
Designer chic
A Bertrand-Lejoly design for Duravit
The influence of the visionary designer is increasingly sought after in bathroom design as consumers and specifiers favour products bearing the hallmark of a design house or a particular designer. Signature pieces heighten the look to deliver curated style, craftsmanship, and personality. The result is a space where innovation meets artistry, and every detail reflects a considered, design-led approach that resonates long after installation.
Duravit frequently collaborates with a diverse array of renowned designers, blending forward-thinking expertise with visionary aesthetics to create bathroom collections that set new standards.
Pictured above is Bertrand Lejoly’s symmetrical, moss-green space featuring the D-Neo range. His design emphasises serenity and precision, resulting in a refined sanctuary that meets the highest standards of design and convenience.
Sensory sanctuaries
BC Designs Metal Roll Top Baths
The feel of a smooth or textured surface turns the everyday act of bathing into a sensory ritual. For designers, material choices are more than just a matter of visual success – they determine how a space is experienced. Designing with touch in mind means creating bathrooms that soothe, support, and connect with users.
BC Designs offers a range of baths that balance texture with form, from its signature metal roll-top baths, which bring drama and depth to the bathroom space, to its latest Sculptura bath – a striking new addition to its Acrymite range with unique abstract geometry that adds a sculptural presence to any bathroom (pictured below left).
In addition, BC Designs’ exclusive Cian® material (pictured bottom right) allows for bold, sculptural shapes with a smooth, tactile finish. Cian® is a solid surface material made from high-quality raw ingredients, offering durability, heat retention, and a luxurious feel. Available in classic white or one of eight ColourKast shades – including Gunmetal, Satin Rose, and Khaki Green – it opens up new possibilities for personalisation.
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Seamlessly blending Nordic minimalism with exceptional craftsmanship, Studio 316 is an exciting new range from BAGNODESIGN, the luxury bathroom brand from SANIPEX GROUP.
Meticulously designed to exceed the demands of modern living, Studio 316 gives the interior trends for colour and texture a fresh, elegant twist. Combining beauty, functionality, durability, and sustainability in equal measure, Studio 316 will transform bathrooms into tranquil, spa-style sanctuaries designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Central to this exquisite new range, the Studio 316 stainless steel mixers embrace the ever-growing trend for personalisation in the bathroom. Feature handles accentuate their distinctive, curvaceous form in a tactile fluted finish, which is further enhanced by BAGNODESIGN’s exclusive Armour finish in eight accent colours. With Turquoise, Caramel, Cocoa, Truffle, Lip Gloss, Mandarin, Midnight and Raspberry to choose from, Studio 316 offers a chic palette that exudes sophistication.
Rigorously tested in both lab and real-world conditions, BAGNODESIGN’s industry-leading Armour finish offers the highest level of resistance to corrosion and chemicals, making these mixers suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Stunning in its simplicity, the versatile Studio 316 range also includes vanity units with elegant, slimline ceramic basins that integrate seamlessly with the furniture. Featuring the same fluted finish as the mixers, the vanity units are available in Matt Navy, Matt White, Oak Wood and Soft Grey to provide a cohesive design and enhance the modern aesthetic. They come in four versatile sizes of 450mm, 500mm, 600mm and 800mm.
The Nordic, minimalist aesthetic, characterised by soft, fluid curves, is evident throughout BAGNODESIGN’s comprehensive Studio 316 range, which also incorporates shower columns, a freestanding washbasin and a bathtub.
For more details, contact SANIPEX GROUP on 01924 233977 or visit www.bagnodesign.it
A new collection of brass and copper baths from Waterline is bringing unparalleled luxury into the home at an exceptional value. Handcrafted from 100% 16-gauge copper and brass, these stunning baths combine timeless elegance with unbeatable prices, making high-end luxury more accessible than ever.
Each bath is meticulously hand-forged, ensuring a unique and sophisticated look that will only get better with age. As the natural copper develops a distinctive patina over time, it enhances the bath’s authentic, aged charm. Copper’s remarkable ability to conduct heat means that the entire surface of the tub warms up to match the water temperature, turning every soak into a truly indulgent experience.
The collection includes a Brass Bath Tub, a Nickel Plated Bath Tub, and a Copper Bath Tub with a Nickel Interior, all sized at 1650 x 750mm, along with matching bath wastes. To complete the luxurious bathroom setup, complementary brassware and shower sets are also available.
With this launch, Waterline continues to push the boundaries of accessible luxury, ensuring that premium craftsmanship can be enjoyed by a broader market. The baths are competitively priced at £5,985, allowing more homeowners to experience the perfect blend of style, quality, and affordability.
BC Designs has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading bath makers, known for creating statement pieces that sit at the heart of the bathroom. Their belief is simple but powerful: the bath is the centrepiece of the room. It’s where the day ends, where ritual meets relaxation, and where form and function come together in harmony. Their collection is defined by timeless silhouettes, rich materiality, and thoughtful innovation, with each bath designed to be a focal point, not an afterthought.
Their signature metal roll top baths bring drama and depth to the bathroom space. Handcrafted using traditional techniques, each piece is made from copper, brass, nickel or tin, with finishes that develop a unique patina over time. Whether polished to a high shine or softened with a painted exterior, these roll-top and boat baths are built to stand out, and to last, backed by a 10-year guarantee.
Innovation is equally important. BC Designs’ exclusive Cian® material allows for bold, sculptural shapes with a smooth, tactile finish. Cian® is a solid surface material made from high-quality raw ingredients, offering durability, heat retention and a luxurious feel. Available in classic white or one of eight ColourKast shades – including Gunmetal, Satin Rose and Khaki Green – it opens up new possibilities for personalisation.
For those seeking a seamless, contemporary look, the Acrymite® collection offers a minimalist take on the freestanding bath. Made from double-skinned acrylic with no visible joins or gel coat, Acrymite® baths are easy to clean, beautifully formed and carry a 10-year guarantee. This range includes the painted boat bath, BC Designs most famous and well-known bath.
BC Designs also offers a full range of ceramic and Cian® basins to complement their bath styles, allowing for a cohesive, design-led approach to bathroom specification.
Inspired by contemporary European aesthetics and built with precision and superior craftsmanship, Nôsa’s products are designed to transform the bathroom into a personal sanctuary, whether your style is minimalist, country chic or modern maximalist.
Standout pieces from Nôsa’s latest line include the Vermont Olive Freestanding Stone Bath (pictured below), a stunning centrepiece in a rich, earthy green that evokes the calm of nature. For those drawn to high-tech materials, the Senna Carbon Fibre Freestanding Bath offers ultra-modern sleekness with an architectural edge.
For refined wash spaces, the Fiore Pietra Grey Marble Countertop Basin from the OpusArtis™ Collection (pictured below) blends the heritage of Egyptian stone with Italian artistry, bringing timeless luxury into everyday use.
Nôsa’s Faro Matt Black Wall Hung Rimless Toilet delivers bold, space-saving elegance. At the same time, the Faro Matt White Back to Wall Rimless Toilet with Brushed Gold Flush Plate elevates contemporary bathrooms with its minimalist silhouette and refined hardware.
Every element is designed with precision, beauty, and lasting impact in mind. Whether you’re undertaking a complete renovation or refreshing a guest suite, Nôsa’s bespoke design service helps homeowners, interior designers, and architects bring their vision to life.
“At Nôsa, we believe a bathroom should be more than functional—it should be an immersive experience in design and craftsmanship. Our collections are curated to inspire, blending heritage materials with modern aesthetics to create spaces that are both timeless and transformative,” comments Sam McDermid, Nosa brand manager.
