Leading bathroom manufacturer, BC Designs, has announced it will now hold stock of all of its brassware ranges in its brushed gold finish.
Previously, ordering the finish could have up to a four-week lead time, but as demand for this finish remains strong within bathroom design, BC Designs has taken this step to better support its retailers.
Holding stock will significantly shorten lead times from up to four weeks to around three days. As well as the brushed gold finish, BC Designs also holds chrome in stock.
Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs, says: ““We’re pleased to now hold stock of our most popular brushed gold brassware finish, which means lead times are reduced from four weeks to just three working days.
“We know how important speed and flexibility are for our retail partners, particularly when managing customer expectations and tight project timelines. By stocking this finish, we’re making it easier for retailers to secure high-demand products quickly as and when they need them.”
BC Designs brassware ranges include traditional Victrion as well as the modern Chelmsford. The company will also be holding stock of essential items such as wastes in all the colours.
BC Designs offers eight finishes across its brassware ranges, including chrome, gold, nickel and copper, along with brushed finishes of each. The rest of its finishes remain on a four-week lead time.
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 industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Shower design for today’s housing market requires a balance of style, functionality, and adaptability to evolving consumer needs. As urban living spaces become more compact and multi-generational, the demand for chic, space-saving solutions is at an all-time high.
Modern shower designs are moving towards open, minimalist concepts that maximise space and light while offering luxury and practicality. Flatter shower trays and seamless enclosures are increasingly popular and provide an aesthetic edge. At the same time, the rise of sustainable and smart technologies means designers can integrate water-efficient features with easy-to-maintain materials.
Diane Larner examines how innovations are transforming shower design to reflect user expectations.
Ultra luxurious
BetteUltra Space Shower Tray
Sleek, low-profile shower trays deliver a minimalist look that helps create an open feel to the bathroom space. In a world where multi-generational living is on the rise, flush-to-floor installations enhance accessibility and inclusivity, making them a safer option for all ages, from young children to elderly family members. They also provide peace of mind for homeowners, as they are less likely to run into leakage or drainage issues.
Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing at Bette, agrees, “There is a growing demand for large, flatter and level-with-the-floor shower trays, that can give the look of a wet room, without any worries about water leakage. There’s also a growing understanding of the benefits of glazed-steel shower trays in terms of their durability and ease of cleaning. With a wide colour choice available, such as Bette’s 31 Key Colours available on all shower trays, there is also the opportunity to coordinate the shower tray with the bathroom flooring.”
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
Going solo
Kinedo Solo Range
For architects and designers, sourcing bathroom products from a single supplier is an efficient way to streamline the process. Consolidating purchases means buyers can worry less about design consistency across the project, since each element will likely be coordinated, be it shower trays, enclosures, or accessories. In addition, this approach simplifies the procurement process, mitigating the risk of compatibility issues between different product lines. Thanks to volume discounts, cost savings can also be expected on package deals. A single-supplier approach will simplify project management, offering reliable delivery schedules, warranty management, and a direct point of contact for support. This ultimately allows buyers to focus on the creative aspects of the design. Kinedo is one such supplier that offers this service to its customers.
Amanda Mills, marketing manager for Kinedo, comments. “With a comprehensive range of all-in-one cubicles, shower enclosures, walk-ins, trays, plus our stunning collection of shower panels, Kinedo is very much a one-stop shop for showering. There is a growing market for products that help customers personalise their space, and the new glass panel options and the myriad of panel designs in our range mean that a customer can opt for unique combinations to suit their own taste.”
Kinedo has revamped its walk-in shower range and added some stunning new options. The Solo range combines existing products in various sizes with door options that include pivot, bi-fold, sliding, static, and kick panels.
Electric appeal
Aqualisa E2 Series
Electric showers continue to gain traction among architects working across retrofit, modular, and multi-residential sectors, particularly where water pressure, space constraints, or system independence is a concern. Their ease of installation and self-contained heating mean they remain a practical solution in scenarios where system separation or decentralised supply is an issue. Aesthetic limitations, once a common drawback, are now being addressed by manufacturers pushing design-forward innovation. The latest electric showers feature slimmer profiles and improved interfaces, whilst finishes reflect broader bathroom trends – think matte black, brushed brass, and soft-touch digital controls. Electric showers are no longer purely functional but align with design intent and user experience.
Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing for House of Rohl, agrees, “The latest electric showers may surprise people with their performance and stylish design, as well as value for money. There is a trend towards more premium finishes, so you don’t have to opt for cheap-looking plastics. And by using electricity to heat up the exact amount of water used, they are efficient too – many electric showers have an ‘A-rating’ for energy efficiency.”
Aqualisa’s electric showers have been designed to be stylish and sophisticated additions to any bathroom. They combine the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Its E2 series, for example, is a sleek, space-saving shower with advanced functions and simple operation. It provides a hot and refreshing shower virtually instantly, taking water from the cold mains supply, so there is no demand for stored hot water tanks.
Time to spa
BAGNODESIGN – BAGNOSPA 4 FUNCTION SHOWER HEAD
Spa-style bathrooms are fast becoming recognised as a design staple. Drawing on natural materials, ambient lighting, and elegant fittings, these spaces feel calm and considered. Features such as freestanding tubs, rain showers, and soothing colour schemes enhance well-being.
In addition, shrinking bathroom footprints in UK properties present an ongoing challenge for developers and designers attempting to deliver a sense of luxury in compact spaces. With urban living on the rise and space at a premium, balancing functionality with high-end aesthetics is key. This shift calls for innovative thinking that blends streamlined design with products that maximise every inch without losing that essential feeling of indulgence. This is where a luxurious shower design can make its mark.
Katy Olsen, brand manager at BAGNODESIGN, explains, “Showering has become key to creating a wellness environment and is now seen as just as important as a freestanding bath in cultivating a spa-style bathroom. Like many elements of bathroom design, it really comes down to personal preference, and for many consumers, showering is definitely perceived as promoting relaxation and wellness as well as rejuvenation.
“Showers that combine different functions are perfect for creating a wellness environment with ceiling-mounted shower heads that offer an immersive experience, proving popular with consumers looking to personalise their showering space.”
The BAGNOSPA 4 Function Shower Head from luxury bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, perfect for creating a spa-like setting at home. This recessed shower head features four functions: waterfall, spray, rain curtain, and rain, as well as RGB LED lights. It measures 600 x 600mm and requires a minimum operating pressure of 1.5 bar for an indulgent showering experience that promotes wellness.
Mix & match
Kudos Ultimate Slimline Shower Tray
As shower trends shift towards a more customised approach, there is a growing preference for integrating design elements that help to build a cohesive, sophisticated aesthetic throughout the bathroom or shower room. Eye-catching new materials, colours, and finishes make it easy to create visually striking yet practical shower spaces. This approach allows for a seamless integration of luxury features while meeting the demand for efficient, modern living environments.
Sarah Stepney, trade marketing at Kudos, concurs, “From an enclosure perspective, the key is to offer a broad range of design options, at all price points, allowing the end-user to personalise the space and trade-up. So, whether that be low-level shower trays in various colours, minimalist enclosures with slim profiles or a wet room solution with complementary glass panels, anything goes. Coloured profiles that match or coordinate with brassware are growing in popularity as are tinted glass, decorative or mirrored shower panels.”
Kudos has been creating showering products in its Cumbrian facility for the past 26 years. The most recent product introductions developed and manufactured within its UK facility are the ULTIMATE slimline shower tray, just 27mm in height (manufactured to bespoke sizes), and SIONA, a semi-frameless shower panel and enclosure collection – available in eight popular sizes.
END
Visit the Bathroom Review features pagefor more like this. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
Clerkenwell Design Week will see the UK launch of Bette’s flattest ever shower tray, the BetteUltra Space, and its new colour, ‘Salvia’.All Bette shower trays are made of glazed titanium-steel and are durable, easy to clean, fully recyclable and come with a 30-year warranty, making them as suitable for hotels as they are for private homes.
New BetteUltra Space shower tray
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
New colour – Salvia
Bette’s new colour, ‘Salvia’, an elegant glossy sage green, will also launch in the UK at Clerkenwell Design Week. It joins Bette’s existing 30 Key Colours, which are available on the entire Bette enamelled-steel range of shower trays, baths, and washbasin.
Two colour ranges and new colour fan
Bette’s colour expertise is demonstrated through its two colour ranges: Key Colours and Bespoke Colours. Key Colours offers a choice of 31 colours, available across all Bette’s shower trays, baths and basins, while Bespoke Colours are 40 additional colours, including eye-catching shimmering effect colours. They are available on specific products and can be used to create colour accents and stylish focal points.
All Key Colours and Bespoke Colours are included in Bette’s new free colour fan. Its format and accurate colours are designed to make it easy to select colours to create a complementary colour scheme by holding the Bette colours against other items to be included.
Bette sustainability
Bette products can support a more sustainable circular economy approach, in which products are re-used and recycled. The glazed titanium-steel material from which products are made is so durable that all products come with a 30-year warranty. This means that, when a bathroom is being refurbished, Bette’s baths, shower trays and basins will often be re-used or will be sold for re-use elsewhere. The products are made from natural materials and can be recycled entirely. They are also extremely easy to clean, with minimum cleaning products required.
Where possible, carbon-neutral green steel is used at no extra cost to customers. Bette has been buying significant quantities of green steel since 2021.
Bette also makes its manufacturing processes as environmentally friendly as possible. It generates electricity and heat from combined heat and power plants and solar energy, and when the sun shines, it creates 2/3 of its electricity requirements from solar energy.
Bette is a specialist in bathroom products made of a special material and manufacturing process.
Titanium steel sheets are formed under high pressure and refined with a thin coating similar to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is ideal for the bathroom living space – it is smooth, hygienic, durable and robust.
The family-owned company Bette was founded in 1952 in Delbrück (North Rhine-Westphalia) and has specialised exclusively in this manufacturing process, which enables the products to be shaped with the highest level of precision craftsmanship.
Around 390 people are employed at the production and administration headquarters. Thilo C. Pahl, a representative of the owner family, is the managing director.
The range includes baths, shower surfaces, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture “Made in Germany”: unique pieces that can be varied in colour and dimension and open up inspiring scope for the interior design of the bathroom. Bette manufacturing combines high-tech production with handcrafting where it serves the customer’s benefit. Today, more than half of the products are customised according to the customer’s wishes. Over 600 different bath and washbasin models are offered in a wide range of possible surface colours.
High-quality, completely recyclable products are created from the natural raw materials glass, water and steel. They are verified according to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Kinedo has revamped its walk-in shower range and added some stunning new options. The Solo range combines existing products in various sizes with door options that include pivot, bi-fold, sliding, static, and kick panels.
A stand-out new addition to the range is the Solo Design +. A single shower panel encased in a beautifully slim aluminium thin frame, the Solo Design + is available in five profile colours – white, black, brushed graphite, brushed stainless steel and brushed gold with matching reinforcement bar.
Six different glass types can be specified depending on the panel chosen. As open bedroom/bathroom designs become popular, the trend towards shower privacy glass increases. Two options, Cosmos and Weave, feature frosted designs that lend themselves perfectly to this purpose.
Patterned glass is also making a comeback, and the Art Deco glass from the Solo Design + range features a gold pattern that perfectly complements the brushed gold profile. The black Mondrian pattern version caters to the industrial trend, pairing nicely with pretty much all profile options, while the fluted glass option makes for a spectacular statement piece in any bathroom.
The new range, with anti-limescale treatment on all glass panels, is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to clean. Whether with wet room flooring or a shower tray, the panels have been designed to work with both and feature reversible left/right installation (depending on the glass finish).
The new walk-ins perfectly complement Kinedo’s Kinewall panels and trays, enabling a whole solution to be purchased from Kinedo.
For further information, visit the Kinedo website.
The BAGNOSPA 4 Function Shower Head from luxury bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, perfect for creating a spa-like setting at home.
This recessed shower head features four functions: waterfall, spray, rain curtain, and rain, as well as RGB LED lights. It measures 600 x 600mm and requires a minimum operating pressure of 1.5 bar for an indulgent showering experience that promotes wellness.
Designed for those prioritising self-care, it offers a therapeutic escape at home, enhancing ambience and functionality.
BAGNODESIGN is a leading luxury bathroom brand known for its sophisticated design, exceptional craftsmanship, and innovative approach to modern living. Part of the SANIPEX Group, BAGNODESIGN offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-end bathroom solutions, including sanitaryware, brassware, furniture, and wellness products. With a strong focus on form and function, the brand blends contemporary aesthetics with advanced performance to create products that elevate everyday routines. Whether a statement piece for a boutique hotel or a refined touch for a private residence, BAGNODESIGN is synonymous with quality, elegance, and enduring style, making it a go-to choice for architects, designers, and discerning homeowners worldwide.
The perception of electric showers lags behind the reality. Electric showers are often seen a compromise, installed for budget or technical reasons. Some people have had a poor experience with an electric shower, and see them as low quality, delivering a weak water flow that struggles to reach an acceptable temperature. Yet the best modern electric showers are exceptional value, simple to install and offer good performance with A-rated energy efficiency.
Aqualisa’s electric showers have been designed to be stylish and sophisticated additions to any bathroom. They combine the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Its E2 series, for example, is a sleek, space-saving shower with advanced functions and simple operation. It provides a hot and refreshing shower virtually instantly, taking water from the cold mains supply, so there is no demand for stored hot water tanks.
Aqualisa produces some of the best shower handsets on the market. The Daily Telegraph consumer team recently awarded its Harmony model a ‘Recommended’ seal. The E2 comes with a three-spray, easy-clean handset that maximises performance.
The electric shower unit is available in Polar White, Titanium Grey, or glossy Piano Black. Each is equipped with eight water and electric entry points, allowing straightforward installation in a new bathroom or when replacing other types of electric showers.
Aqualisa is based in Westerham, Kent, and its customer support is amongst the best in the industry (the current Trustpilot rating is 4.8* based on more than 11,000 reviews). Moreover, its electric showers are backed by a two-year parts and labour guarantee, fulfilled by their UK field team of engineers.
Electric showers, according to Aqualisa, are no longer the compromise option.
BAGNODESIGN is bringing innovation, inspiration and indulgent hospitality to Clerkenwell Design Week 2025. From Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 May, the luxury bathroom brand from SANIPEX GROUP will be welcoming visitors into its A&D Gallery at 119 Charterhouse Street – right in the heart of the festival – to explore the very latest in premium bathroom design.
Two exciting new collections—the bold and playful Toko Flavours and the refined elegance of Studio 316—will headline the showcase. They reflect BAGNODESIGN’s design-forward ethos.
Toko Flavours introduces a fresh twist to the popular Toko brassware, offering six bold new finishes: Sage, Cocoa, Truffle, Blueberry, Mandarin and Lip Gloss. Designed to energise and personalise spaces, this vibrant palette is available across taps, showers and accessories. Whether creating a calming, nature-inspired bathroom with earthy tones or making a statement with vivid pops of colour, Toko Flavours lets designers mix and match finishes for maximum creative impact. Crafted using Armour technology and backed by a 10-year guarantee, it’s a collection made to last.
In contrast, Studio 316 is a study in understated sophistication. Blending Nordic minimalism with luxurious detail, this collection centres on 316 Grade Stainless Steel mixers and accessories – suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Distinctive curved forms and fluted handles are paired with eight expressive colour accents, including Turquoise, Caramel, Cocoa, Truffle, Lip Gloss, Mandarin, Midnight and Raspberry. With coordinated vanity units, washbasins, bathtubs and shower columns, Studio 316 brings a seamless, textural beauty to both residential and hospitality projects.
With something for every design sensibility, Clerkenwell Design Week is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with the latest collections from BAGNODESIGN. Whether visiting for product inspiration, design conversation or just a warm welcome and a good coffee, the BAGNODESIGN team would love to see you.
Grant Westfield, the leading UK-based wall panel company behind award-winning brands Multipanel and Naturepanel, has appointed Donna Baird as its new head of customer experience.
Donna brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having worked in customer service for the last 19 years at various companies, including British Gas, Utility Warehouse, and Stagecoach Bus.
In her new role, Donna will lead and manage the Customer Service Team while working closely with the Sales, Marketing, and Operations departments to streamline the customer experience. She will also focus on delivering and implementing new strategies to ensure customer satisfaction.
Donna says: “Grant Westfield is growing at an unprecedented rate, and I am delighted to join at this exciting time. The team here are dedicated to creating the best experience for our customers. I look forward to adding a strong continuous improvement element by learning from when things haven’t gone right, enhancing the quality of service and moving us further into a proactive service model. My goal, ultimately, is to ensure we can delight our customer at every opportunity.”
John Mortimer, managing director at Grant Westfield, adds: “We’re excited to welcome Donna to our growing team. Her experience, drive and passion make her a fantastic addition, and she will play a key role in developing our service proposition as we refine and embed our new stock level service model.”
For more information, please visit: www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 337 6262.
Kudos has been creating showering products in its Cumbrian facility for the past 26 years. The most recent product introductions developed and manufactured within its UK facility are the ULTIMATE slimline shower tray, just 27mm in height, and SIONA, a semi-frameless shower panel and enclosure collection.
The ULTIMATE slimline tray (pictured above) comes in 2 standard slate effect finishes, four bespoke-coloured options and 19 standard sizes. They are lightweight, slip and stain-resistant and trimmable to fit on site. The composite material used to produce these trays is up to 60% lighter than a traditional stone-filled shower tray. It has a CNC-machined waterproof core, features a slip-resistant acrylic surface and is virtually unbreakable. The trays can also be manufactured to bespoke sizes, expanding the range of sizes and colours with an option to choose a contrasting-coloured edge to the tray.
The SIONA shower panel and enclosure collection (pictured above and below) includes pivot and sliding doors and walk-in panels in chrome and matt black profile finishes. Each panel stands 2 metres in height, has Lifeshield protection for easy cleaning, and is backed by the Kudos Lifetime Guarantee.
All the panels in the collection are 8mm toughened glass; the pivot doors feature a quality barrel hinge mechanism, the slider doors a double roller ensuring a smooth sliding action, and all come complete with concealed fittings and crystal-clear seals. This Walk-In range features eight popular panel sizes from 700mm to 1400mm in width, and they can all be installed on its Connect2 shower trays or a wetroom floor like Aqua4Ma.
The SOMARIS mirror cabinet from KEUCO is an interior designer’s dream. Its concise and straightforward design and extreme versatility, both in terms of practical solutions and storage options, plus its external configurations, such as symmetrical or asymmetrical doors, make it ideal for larger basins. You can continue to look in the mirror while opening the other door.
However, the highlight of the SOMARIS bathroom cabinet and the element that makes it stand out from the crowd is the option to change the colour. The side panels are already available in four standard variants, white, black, oak or mirrored, and it can be colour matched to the new EDITION 11 ART furniture in series in shades of Smoke, Sand, Manhattan, and Blue Satin.
But the true advantage of the SOMARIS cabinet in terms of interior design is that it can now be colour matched to any one of the 216 RAC Classic Colours. For a supplementary fee of £348.00 including VAT the sides of the mirrored cabinet can be colour matched to any one of the 216 RAL Classic Colours with an eight week lead time.
