The Connect 2 range of shower enclosures from Ideal Standard brings together functionality, accessibility and refined aesthetics in one coordinated collection. Designed for everyday living, each product is made from high-quality materials and engineered for easy maintenance and use.
The Connect 2 range partners perfectly with the Simplicity and Idealite shower trays, which provide clean lines and a sense of openness in a space. The range can also be paired with Ideal Standard’s Ultra Flat Evo tray, with its ultra‑low profile and sleek finish helping to create a near‑flush transition from floor to enclosure, supporting a seamless, contemporary look.
Thoughtful design details for the enclosures include 6 mm toughened safety glass, concealed fixings and smooth‑running door mechanics, all engineered to ensure precision and durability. The range also embraces easy‑clean features making it easy to keep shower spaces looking immaculate with less effort.
The Connect 2 range is also designed for flexibility, with sliding doors, bi-fold styles and wet-room solutions on offer to suit a variety of bathroom layouts and spaces. Available in Chrome and Silk Black finishes, it’s simple to pair the enclosures with matching furniture and fittings, creating a cohesive, integrated bathroom.
Connect 2 shows how well-considered design and solid engineering can transform everyday routines into something more refined and effortless. It’s about creating a shower space that works well and stays easy to maintain, without overcomplication or unnecessary expense.
In the world of bathroom innovation, KEUCO’s IXMO shower series has become a benchmark for both technical excellence and design minimalism. Developed for specifiers, designers, and discerning homeowners, IXMO combines multiple functions into the fewest possible visible components, creating shower spaces that are as stylish as they are efficient.
At the heart of IXMO’s success is its pioneering technical construction. Round or square fittings conceal ingenious combinations of functions—such as a 3-way diverter valve, hose connection, and hand shower bracket—all integrated into a single element. This streamlined approach not only reduces visual clutter but also elevates the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.
Flexibility is another hallmark of IXMO. Thanks to a clever mounting rail, components can be aligned horizontally or vertically with precision, while the thermostat fitting showcases KEUCO’s ingenuity: if waterways are crossed during installation, cartridges can be switched internally, eliminating costly pipework adjustments. A depth compensator further ensures compatibility with wall depths between 80–110mm, making IXMO suitable for both new builds and renovations.
Designers can also explore IXMO’s possibilities through its intuitive online planner, which allows up to three water outlets to be combined—whether a main shower head, waterfall, spa hose, or hand shower. The planner generates detailed specifications and installation guides, simplifying the design process.
The standout innovation is the IXMO solo thermostat, which condenses shut-off valve, thermostat, and hose connection into one elegant fitting. Available in six finishes—from chrome to brushed bronze and black PVD—IXMO fittings embody KEUCO’s philosophy of functional luxury. Accessories such as movable soap dishes and height-adjustable rails further enhance usability, proving that IXMO is not just a product range, but a complete design solution for modern bathrooms.
With deep sadness, SFA Saniflo UK has announced the passing of former colleague, John Jarmulowicz (John J). Although John left the business eight years ago following 30 years of dedicated service, he remained an integral and popular part of the Saniflo family.
John began his career with Saniflo in 1987 and played a pivotal role in developing the company’s nationwide network of Saniflo approved engineers. His commitment, expertise and passion were instrumental in establishing the Saniflo brand as a trusted household name throughout the UK and he personally became well-known and extremely well-liked by the wider industry.
John will be deeply missed by everyone at Saniflo UK, across the wider Saniflo Group and throughout the plumbing and heating industry. We kindly ask that John’s family be given privacy during this very difficult time.
CRL has extended the design possibilities of its shower systems, including the multi award-winning Quadrato, with the launch of new, co-ordinating Shower Door Thresholds.
Created with ease of installation in mind, the new snap-in thresholds are infinitely practical, measure 2.4m and are designed for use with SDCD38 U Channels. They can be positioned under and above fixed panels, allowing the U Channel to be used as a frame, and continue across door openings to create a watertight barrier and ensure no water leaks out of the shower area.
Available in six chic and sophisticated colours of Matte Black, Brite Anodised, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Satin Brass and Brite Gold Anodised, CRL’s new Shower Door Thresholds will seamlessly complement all of its bespoke frameless shower screens to create a truly cohesive look.
Taking the trend for personalised showering solutions to new heights, the new Shower Door Thresholds provide customers with even more creative freedom and are made from premium materials to ensure long-lasting durability. The perfect partner to its popular, award-winning Quadrato Shower System, pictured, which combines style, versatility and ease of installation, the new aluminium thresholds provide CRL customers with a stylishly cohesive showering solution.
Grant Westfield’s Multipanel has supported a full refurbishment of wet rooms at Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, North London, combining a contemporary, hotel-inspired finish with inclusive design and long-term practicality.
Springdene Group, which operates the home, was seeking a modern solution that avoided the clinical or institutional feel often found in care environments. With many residents living with dementia or mobility challenges, the specification brief focused on delivering safe, hygienic and visually welcoming bathrooms that felt more like stylish hotel spaces than traditional care interiors.
Multipanel’s grout-free, fully waterproof wall panels offered the ideal solution. Their smooth, tile-effect surfaces create a fresh and elegant finish, helping to elevate the visual standard of each bathroom. The panel system, which is made in the UK, allowed the care home to achieve a premium, homely aesthetic while meeting strict hygiene and safety requirements.
Installation was completed quickly, with each bathroom taking just 1.5 days to complete using a team of multi-skilled tradesmen. This rapid turnaround helped minimise disruption to residents, allowing daily routines to continue with minimal interruption.
Jamie Sandilands, specification sales director at Grant Westfield, said: “The Spring Grove refurbishment shows what’s possible when functional specification meets design ambition. Multipanel panels enabled the client to move away from an institutional look and deliver stylish, accessible bathrooms that feel more like high-end hotel spaces. It’s exactly what a modern care environment should look and feel like.”
As part of the refurbishment, the bathrooms were also upgraded with slip-resistant vinyl wet room flooring. Combined with Multipanel’s easy-clean wall panels, the design now meets Lifetime Homes and accessibility standards, ensuring safety and ease of use for residents who require extra support.
Importantly for operators and care staff, the new wall panel system reduces long-term maintenance demands. Without grout or porous surfaces, the bathrooms are quicker to clean and more resistant to mould and damage. This allows staff to spend less time on repairs and deep cleaning, and more time on delivering personal care.
The project began with a free trial bathroom installation, including complimentary panels, installation and onsite training. The success of that trial gave Spring Grove the confidence to roll out the solution across 12 rooms, with a further 12 scheduled for completion. The group is now planning similar works across its other locations in Enfield and Haringey.
Multipanel panels come with a 30-year warranty and are up to five times quicker to install than tiles. EPD-certified and made using responsibly sourced materials, they also support care homes working toward lower carbon construction methods.
For developers and specifiers in the care and independent living sector, Multipanel offers a practical and design-led alternative to tiles. The brand’s free trial scheme gives teams the opportunity to experience the product’s performance and installation benefits first-hand.
Across PJH’s nationwide network of sites, colleagues swapped business for baking as they came together to host a series of Macmillan fundraising events over the past few weeks – involving popular activities that always stir up generosity, good humour, and over £900 in donations for Macmillan Cancer Support.
From cake sales to creative games and raffles, PJH teams continued to show their support for this amazing charity by enthusiastically getting involved and giving back. It also helped boost the running total to an impressive £8,077!
At PJH’s Wolverhampton distribution centre, colleagues organised a day of light-hearted competition featuring office mini golf – a popular favourite from a previous year – as well as a ‘Human Fruit Machine’ game conceived after seeing the idea online. An array of cakes and a sweet raffle kept energy levels high throughout the morning.
Over at PJH’s Head Office in Bolton, staff hosted a bake sale, raffle, Macmillan wordsearch, ‘guess how many coffee cups’ challenge, and even a Strictly Come Dancing sweepstake.
Meanwhile, the PJH Worcester team combined a coffee morning with a charity Bingo session, where half the proceeds went to charity and half to lucky winners. Regular themed quizzes and scratch-card fundraisers also added to the total, proving that a little friendly competition can go a long way for a good cause.
Commenting on the success of the latest fundraising events, Lynn Statham, head of people at PJH, said: “It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and enthusiasm our teams bring to fundraising. Whether it’s cake baking, bingo, or inventive games like the human fruit machine, everyone’s efforts help make a real difference. Supporting Macmillan Cancer Support is close to our hearts at PJH, and events like these show how our people come together to do just that.”
This latest charitable event success forms part of PJH’s ongoing support for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2025, alongside other fundraising events that collectively continue to bring PJH employees together for an important cause.
These inspiring achievements are part of PJH’s wider commitment to raise £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with a further £10,000 to be added by PJH once the target is met.
For many Brits, the new year signals a time for renewal, taking time to better yourself and look after yourself. This also makes the start of the year the perfect time to focus your attention on transforming the areas of your home that are important to your well-being.
UK Google searches for terms such as ‘bathroom design’, ‘bathroom design ideas’ and ‘bathroom layout’ all peak in January, when most people are likely to be committing to New Year renovation resolutions and looking to give their home a new feel.
In 2025, we saw the rise of double basins and bold trends like tile drenching in bathrooms. But according to Emily Robertson, bathroom expert at Mira Showers, the era of subway tiles and dark colour palettes is coming to an end. She reveals the trends you should be embracing for your 2026 bathroom makeover.
Spa vibes
Perfecting your morning and nighttime routines has been a big part of people’s self-care journeys in 2025, so much so that people are now considering their interior design choices as part of perfecting that ritual. According to TikTok’s creator search insights, searches on the app for ‘relaxing bathroom ideas’ have increased by 1000% in the past 7 days alone, as people hone in on their wellness routine.
Pinterest – @emilyo2033
“The main trend that will be seen across bathrooms in 2026 is creating a spa-style environment at home. The bathroom is where you start and end the day, so it should be a place where you feel relaxed and are able to wind down.
“We will see a shift away from stark white bathrooms, and instead, we will see people move towards tonal design choices that will help to create a more calming atmosphere.
“Adding wooden accents in lighter tones, along with tonal soft furnishings like bath mats and robes and accessories like candles and diffusers, will give you the perfect finishing touches.”
Lamps
Rechargeable lamps have been popular additions to the home in 2025, but according to Google, this trend is set to make its way into the bathroom as well, with UK searches for ‘bathroom lamps’ having increased by 242% in the last month and 116% in the last quarter.
Pinterest – @julyajaedierson
“With spa-style bathrooms set to become even more popular in 2026, so too will lighting. In order to create a calming, sanctuary-style environment, lighting is key. It’s time to say goodbye to harsh overhead fixtures and instead welcome soft, ambient light to create your own private retreat. Adding a rechargeable lamp to a shelf or windowsill will help you reduce the glare in your bathroom and create a relaxing atmosphere without having to rewire the whole room.
“Of course, it’s important to remember that with any type of lighting and electricals, you must be cautious in bathrooms, even when using portable lamps, so make sure you are careful with your placement and avoid placing them too close to your bath or shower, where they may come into contact with water.
“This trend is especially friendly for renters as it requires no physical changes to your bathroom. Even for those with more than one bathroom, who don’t want to invest too much, buying a portable lamp means you can easily set the mood in whichever bathroom you desire.”
Zellige tiles
Zellige tiles are the latest style set to become a firm favourite in both bathrooms and kitchens in the coming years. Currently, UK Google searches for Zellige tiles are up 56% compared to last year, with further searches predicted to go up another 11% next year.
Pinterest – @Inesbgnobre
“Subway tiles have been one of the most popular choices in bathrooms for the last few years, whether it be white with a contrasting grout or varying shades of green, but in 2026, it’s time to say goodbye to the design favourite. Instead, zellige tiles are set to be the tile of choice in the home.
“Zellige tiles are Moroccan-style clay tiles that are glazed and come in varying colours, although the most popular choices will be earthy tones such as terracotta, oyster and sand. With this style, no two tiles are the same, with each one having unique cuts, whether that be in colour or texture, but this handmade, rustic look will help to give your bathroom a timeless, considered charm.
“It’s common for zellige tiles to be either square or rectangular in shape. If opting for a thinner rectangular shape, consider laying them vertically rather than horizontally or diagonally, as has been popular previously; this will make your room feel taller and more airy.”
Sculptural basins
Pinterest – @thesrinathcollective
“A trend we’ve seen start to emerge but will continue to see in 2026 is a shift towards ‘furniture-worthy’ bathroom fixtures, where each element of the bathroom feels considered and more of a statement piece.
“One of the easiest places to start with this trend is with the basin. When looking at basins, sculptural designs are what will be most popular in materials such as stone or textured ceramic. Opting for a sculptural basin whose shape is more organic and feels less man-made will help create a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.”
Tile clashing
Pinterest – @tileexpert
“Another trend set to evolve in the world of bathrooms is tile clashing. It may sound similar to the trend previously dubbed tile drenching, where every surface in the bathroom, from the floor to the ceiling, was tiled; this tile trend is more considered and intentional.
“Tile clashing is being used in focused areas rather than throughout the whole room. For example, around the sink, in shower enclosures or alcoves, or as a backsplash. Instead of overwhelming the space with a mixture of tiles that feel random, this trend is about curating clashes that have a clear colour palette or theme.
“Clashes can be created through shapes by adding subtle directional changes in placement or by mixing hexagonal tiles with rectangular ones. They can also be created by mixing tones to create a clash from a contrast in hue rather than brightness, which can be overwhelming to the space.”
Floating vanities
Pinterest – @Wendynapier72
“A more functional trend expected to be adopted in many bathrooms is floating vanities. Making the vanity area a focal point is a trend in itself, but adopting the floating style will add a touch of luxury to your space.
“Floating vanities are great for bathrooms that have minimal space, as they help to create the illusion that there is more space than there is. They also help to make the room feel sleek and less cluttered, which in itself elevates the room.
“Popular materials for vanities moving forward will be natural wood tones that tie into that previously mentioned spa feel. Wooden vanities also pair nicely with fixtures made from materials like stone to give the room a natural, calming feel.”
For more bathroom trends and inspiration, visit the Mira Showers site.
Featuring warm, rich, earthy tones, Taj Mahal is an intriguing Quartz surface that radiates natural beauty. Aptly named after one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it embraces the trend for nature-inspired interiors to bring balance to darker colour schemes and intrigue to paler palettes.
Packed with charm and character, Taj Mahal is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms and will make an impressive style statement in every interior. From islands, work surfaces and splashbacks to furniture, floors and walls, Taj Mahal brings functional beauty to any residential or commercial setting.
Like all the finishes within CRL Stone’s bestselling Quartz collection, Taj Mahal is an infinitely versatile, non-porous surface that is stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant. Ideal for busy households, it is durable and strong and also benefits from being incredibly easy to keep clean as well as ultra-hygienic.
Part of CRL Stone’s Silica Free Collection, Taj Mahal has a shiny, polished finish and is available in slabs measuring 1600mm x 3200mm and thicknesses of 20mm or 30mm.
For more details, call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk
Bathroom brand, Roca, has announced the launch of Splash-T – a game-changing showering collection that proves that keeping costs down doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Designed to be suitable for all budgets, Splash-T delivers premium features in stunning Matt Black and Chrome finishes, offering a look and performance that rivals far more expensive alternatives.
“Traditional affordable collections often force customers to sacrifice either style or their showering experience,” explains Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca. “Splash-T shatters that outdated thinking. We’ve created a collection where families can enjoy fine design, five-star safety features and environmental responsibility – all at a price point that works for real homes and real budgets. Not only that, Splash T has a 10-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.”
Concealed and exposed control valves
The Splash-T collection is made of brass, which offers a higher finish quality at an affordable price. Options include concealed control valves with one-way, two-way or three-way capability, giving users control over hand shower, overhead shower and bath filler, if required (see top).
In addition, Splash T includes a wall-mounted thermostatic shower mixer, which pairs perfectly with Roca’s Stella hand shower and riser rail. To help with installation, the Stella riser rail is adjustable – so is easy to retrofit by lining up to existing holes – and the concealed Splash T controls feature an internal spirit level with inlet guidance. Plus, they are equipped with cool-touch bars and anti-scald protection buttons, proving reassurance for families, elderly users or anyone who values worry-free showering.
Dual-outlet column shower
For an easy installation, there is also a dual-outlet thermostatic column option (below right), with a fixed showerhead and hand shower in one unit. The dual-outlet column is currently available just in Chrome.
Your shower, your style
Splash T controls and mixers are perfectly compatible with a wide choice of Roca’s shower accessories (below). So, you can team it with the practical Stella handset or the new Sensum handset for a Chrome, Matt Black or Matt White handset. Meanwhile, the new Plenum handset and kit also comes in Chrome and Matt Black – or Stainless Steel, Titanium Black and Brushed Brass, for anyone who wants to lean into the coloured metallic trend. Finally, for a fully immersive showering experience, choose an overhead drencher with the Rainsense or Raindream shower heads
At the World Architecture Festival in Miami, GROHE SPA and Buster + Punch unveiled an integrated bathroom concept. This curated collection blends solid metal hardware, lighting, and bathroom fixtures to create coherent, seamless interiors
The collaboration debut includes four of GROHE SPA’s timeless finishes – Brushed Warm Sunset, Brushed Cool Sunrise, Phantom Black and Supersteel – mirrored across Buster + Punch’s iconic cabinet and door hardware, lighting, sockets and switches. Shared design cues – like both brands’ signature knurling – heighten tactility and ensure perfect harmony across elements.
“To elevate your look in spas, wet rooms, and bathrooms, it’s essential to combine detailing, brassware, and lighting in one seamless finish. This is one of the key reasons why this collaboration came about and is so powerful – the collection has everything a designer or architect needs to level up these spaces effortlessly,” explains Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director, Buster + Punch.
Paul Flowers, leader of LIXIL Global design and chief design officer, adds: “This collaboration is born from a shared obsession with colour, material, and finish – every surface, every detail considered to elevate bathrooms and redefine expressive interiors. Recognising that designers and architects often struggle to create perfectly coordinated interiors across different brands, we combined Buster + Punch’s bold craftsmanship with GROHE SPA’s expertise in water and experiential luxury to offer a fully integrated suite of products where every element aligns, with nothing left to compromise. The result is a space that invites emotional interaction and turns bathrooms into immersive experiences.”
The collaboration was unveiled at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), held at the Miami Convention Center from November 12–14, 2025. As a founding sponsor, GROHE continues to value WAF as a key platform for innovation and exchange in architecture and design. “WAF continues to be an invaluable platform for GROHE,” says Paul Flowers. “It’s where we present our brand and engage in conversations that shape the future of how we live.”
