Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Award-winning kitchen and bathroom brand Abode made a strong impression at Kbb Birmingham 2026, showcasing its new boiling water tap collection, innovative product designs, and coordinated finishes across trend-focused kitchen and bathroom spaces.

Bathroom display

Abode opened its stand with a dedicated bathroom zone, showcasing the FOCUS 60 collection, including the CAVA and IOX basins, new Gunmetal brassware, UNO showering solutions, mirrors, and accessories. Supported by distribution partner PJH, the display included a colourful vanity unit and freestanding bath with Fibo UK panels, demonstrating how the brand’s bathroom products combine style and functionality.

Four trend-focused kitchen environments

Abode’s Stand P80 was buzzing with UK visitors exploring the latest kitchen innovations. The display featured four style-led areas – Traditional, Scandi/Japandi, Contemporary, and Personalised – each designed to show how products from a single brand can be combined seamlessly across kitchens of any size or style.

Curated by Abode, the stand included exclusive product demonstrations, insights into the Accumulate rewards programme, and practical examples of how customers can create coordinated solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.

Highlighting next-generation boiling water taps

Leanne Stansfield, digital & marketing director at Abode, explained: “Our stand was built around four key style trends, with different product pairings illustrating how complete kitchen and bathroom solutions can be achieved with Abode. Visitors also experienced the relaunch of our boiling water tap collection, featuring the new PB3X boiler and five new tap designs: Persona, Arkitect, Oxbury, Organico, and Scandi-X.”

Stansfield noted that the Persona Boiling Water Tap has been praised for its customisable design, with a wide choice of finishes and interchangeable handle packs. The compact PB3X boiler was particularly well-received, allowing installation alongside a traditional Belfast sink while still leaving storage space in a standard 60mm base unit.

Traditional kitchen display

The Traditional zone showcased the Oxbury boiling water tap in Antique Brass, alongside Oxbury mixer taps in Dark Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes. Paired with Abode’s ceramic sinks – including the signature Belfast Sink and Sandon models – the display demonstrated how traditional British style can blend with modern functionality.

Personalised kitchen display

In the Personalised area, visitors explored the Persona boiling water tap and Ornate mixer tap ranges, featuring fluted dual-lever handles. These were paired with Abode’s reversible Optima Belfast sink in Taupe Grey, offering a fluted surface on one side and a smooth finish on the other. Accessories, matching wastes, and overflows completed the look, showing how vertical grooves and complementary finishes can tie a kitchen together.

Contemporary kitchen display

The Contemporary space introduced the Arkitect boiling & filtered water tap, with bold sculptural form and a two-stage safety handle. Displayed in the new Gunmetal finish with a KOTO PVD Black sink, the setup was complemented by the LINARO granite sink collection in Pure Black, Matt White, and Grey. The area also previewed the Arkitect Flex Pro Spray in Matt Black, a professional-style pull-around tap with boiling and filtered water capabilities.

Scandi/Japandi kitchen display

The Scandi/Japandi area celebrated Nordic warmth and Japanese minimalism, featuring the Organico boiling water tap with Beechwood handles and optional filtered cold water. Abode’s award-winning Scandi-X tap was also on display, highlighting solid metal levers and advanced boiler technology alongside the Synchronist sink collection and accessories.

How to create a bathroom for multigenerational living with JTP

With multigenerational living on the rise, bathrooms are increasingly being designed to support the needs of the whole household, from young children to older relatives. Creating a space that balances style, safety and everyday practicality is key, allowing everyone to use the bathroom comfortably and independently while ensuring the design stands the test of time.

Prioritise accessibility and ease of use.

A well-designed multigenerational bathroom should be easy to navigate for all users. Walk-in showers with low or level access are a practical choice, reducing the need to step over high bath edges and making showering safer and more convenient for both children and older adults. Pairing this with thermostatic shower controls helps maintain a consistent water temperature, reducing the risk of scalding.

Similarly, lever-style taps or single-lever mixers are often easier to operate than traditional crosshead taps, particularly for those with reduced grip strength.

Prioritise-accessibility-and-ease-of-use.

Bathrooms used by multiple generations often experience heavier daily use, so selecting durable materials and high-quality brassware is essential. Robust finishes, easy-clean surfaces and reliable fixtures help ensure that the space remains functional and looking its best over time.

Opting for coordinated fittings and accessories can also create a cohesive design scheme while maintaining practicality throughout the space.

Incorporate safety features

Safety features do not have to mean compromising on aesthetics. Non-slip flooring, well-positioned lighting and discreet support features such as integrated grab rails can be incorporated seamlessly into modern bathroom designs.

Adjustable or handheld shower heads are another practical addition, offering flexibility for users of different heights and mobility levels while making tasks such as bathing children or cleaning the shower area easier.

By carefully considering the needs of everyone in the household, homeowners can create a bathroom that works for today while adapting to changing lifestyles in the future.

Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP, comments: “Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly common, which means bathrooms need to be more versatile than ever. By choosing well-designed fittings and focusing on accessibility, durability and ease of use, it’s possible to create a bathroom that works beautifully for every member of the household while still delivering a stylish, contemporary finish.”

Ritmonio enhances luxury bathrooms at OHLIVE Beach Villa in Skiathos

Bathrooms featuring the Diametro35 brassware collection by Ritmonio bring understated luxury and contemporary elegance to the OHLIVE Beach Villa, an exclusive coastal retreat in Skiathos designed by 3H Architects.

Contemporary bathrooms defined by Diametro35

Within the private bathrooms of OHLIVE Beach Villa, the Diametro35 collection by Ritmonio has been specified in a polished chrome finish, introducing a refined design detail that complements the villa’s minimalist interior scheme.

Known for its clean lines and versatile aesthetic, the Diametro35 series integrates seamlessly into the bathrooms, combining discreet functionality with distinctive character. The chrome finish enhances the calm, contemporary palette of the interiors while adding a touch of timeless elegance.

The result is a bathroom environment that supports the overall mood of the residence – one centred on relaxation, comfort and wellbeing.

Ritmonio_OHLIVE-Beach-Villa_Pics-Courtesy-of-3H-Architects

Ritmonio brassware brings timeless elegance

Located on Ligaries Beach in Skiathos, overlooking the Aegean Sea, the OHLIVE Beach Villa is a refined summer residence designed by 3H Architects.

Nestled within an ancient olive grove and surrounded by a protected nature reserve, the property accommodates up to eight guests and offers a secluded retreat where architecture and landscape are carefully balanced.

The villa’s elegant design centres on the geometry of a white cube, creating a minimalist architectural language that blends effortlessly with the surrounding Mediterranean scenery.

A luxury villa designed for privacy and relaxation

Outdoor spaces play a central role in the project’s design concept. A large terrace opens towards panoramic sea views and features a variety of lounge areas equipped with hammocks and sun loungers.

An L-shaped infinity pool anchors the outdoor environment, reinforcing the villa’s connection with the surrounding coastline. Adjacent spaces include a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with dining area and a comfortable lounge featuring a home theatre and fireplace – ideal for relaxed evenings overlooking the sea.

Indoor–outdoor living with panoramic sea views

Outdoor living is integral to the project’s design. A large terrace provides sweeping views across the sea and features a series of relaxed lounge spaces complete with hammocks and sun loungers.

An L-shaped infinity pool further enhances the connection between architecture and landscape, while an outdoor kitchen and dining area provide space for entertaining. Inside, a comfortable living area with home theatre and fireplace offers a setting for quieter evenings.

Ritmonio_OHLIVE-Beach-Villa_Pics-Courtesy-of-3H-Architect

Serene bedrooms with private terraces

A staircase leads to the ground floor where the sleeping quarters are arranged. The villa features two master bedrooms and two junior bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and direct access to private terraces.

Across the interiors, natural light, neutral tones and carefully considered materials create a calm and welcoming atmosphere – allowing the Ritmonio brassware to integrate naturally within the design.

Together, the architecture, interiors and bathroom specification form a harmonious blend of luxury, privacy and nature, offering guests an authentic experience of comfort and relaxation on the Greek island.

PJH celebrates first anniversary of exclusive partnership with Fibo

Leading distributor PJH is celebrating its exclusive distribution partnership with Norwegian wall panel specialist Fibo.

Since the partnership was established in March 2025, PJH has worked closely with the Fibo team to expand access to its innovative waterproof wall panel systems across England, Scotland and Wales. Through PJH’s extensive distribution network, customers can now benefit from fast nationwide next-day delivery, making the Fibo range easier to order, specify and install than ever before.

The partnership combines Fibo’s design-led wall panel technology with PJH’s nationwide logistics infrastructure, giving retailers, installers and merchants access to a comprehensive portfolio of more than 200 SKUs, including wall panels, profiles and accessories.

Fibo’s waterproof panel systems are designed as a modern alternative to traditional tiling. Manufactured in Norway and backed by a 25-year warranty, the panels feature a durable laminate surface and Fibo’s patented Aqualock click system, enabling installers to complete projects significantly faster than conventional tiling while achieving a clean, virtually seamless finish.

Alongside their practical performance, the range offers an ever-growing choice of high-quality, authentic finishes and textures, from Fibo’s distinctive varied tile effect designs to a wide selection of marble-inspired décors and contemporary surfaces, giving retailers and installers the flexibility to create both classic and modern interiors without the complexity of traditional tiling.

Commenting on the anniversary, Kim Cooper, product and marketing director at PJH, said: “We’re extremely proud to mark the first year of our partnership with Fibo. Working alongside their team has been incredibly rewarding, with the relationship built on trust, shared goals and a mutual commitment to supporting customers across the UK.

“Combining Fibo’s innovative wall panel systems with PJH’s national distribution capabilities has allowed us to make the range more accessible than ever. With next-day delivery and reliable coverage nationwide, we’re helping retailers and installers deliver high-quality bathroom and kitchen solutions quickly and efficiently.”

Chris Bugg, ssales director at Fibo commented: “At Fibo, we’re passionate about delivering innovative wall panel systems that simplify installation while achieving a premium finish. Partnering with PJH has allowed us to support more retailers and installers across the UK with reliable supply, fast delivery and a comprehensive product range. The first year has been a great success, and we’re looking forward to building on that together.”

Over the past year, the partnership has also expanded beyond bathrooms with the introduction of Fibo kitchen wall panels, offering a contemporary collection of splashback designs that complement modern kitchen interiors.

With demand continuing to grow for stylish, waterproof wall panel systems as an alternative to tiles, PJH is looking forward to building on the success of the first year and continuing to strengthen the collaboration in the months ahead.

For more information about the Fibo range available through PJH, contact PJH: T: 0345 450 8932 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

LAUFEN launches three bathroom accessories collections

March 11, 2026

LAUFEN’s three new accessories collections, NIARA, HALI and NIXIE, are designed to bring the refined, uncluttered feel of luxury hotels into everyday homes.

Making a design statement

NIARA (pictured top), LAUFEN’s premium accessories collection features towel rails, soap dispensers, tumblers and hooks that have soft, rounded forms. The NIARA collection is available in six colour finishes, Chrome, Brushed Inox, Polished Rose Gold, Brushed Rose Gold, Matt Pale Gold and Titanium Matt Black. It has been developed to coordinate seamlessly with LAUFEN’s VITREON Steel basins, allowing homeowners to create a bathroom that truly reflects their personal style, from warm metallic tones to cooler contemporary finishes.

Nixie-Bathroom-Accessories-collection-from-Laufen.

HALI & NIXIE: two approaches, one mindset

HALI (below) is offered exclusively in Chrome and features slim proportions and discreet detailing. For a more flexible approach, NIXIE *above) delivers minimalist design in three finishes: Chrome, Matt White and Matt Black. Tested for everyday wear and fixed with precision screw fittings, it’s a practical choice with strong visual impact.

How to choose bathroom accessories like a professional

Bathroom accessories were once chosen at the very last minute, but that mindset has shifted. According to Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at LAUFEN, people now see accessories as an integral part of the overall bathroom design, with small decisions having a surprisingly big impact on how the space feels day to day. “One of the most important things is consistency,” Natalie says.

“Matching your metals makes a space feel intentional. If your taps are brushed brass or matt black, your accessories should follow suit. Coordinating finishes remove the guesswork and help pull a scheme together effortlessly.”

Installation is another detail that’s often overlooked. Wall-mounted accessories need to be planned early, before tiling begins, but the result is cleaner lines, easier cleaning and a more refined finish overall. “It’s also important to design around real life,” continues Natalie.

“Thinking about who uses the bathroom, how many towels need hanging and how robust the pieces need to be will shape better decisions. Family bathrooms benefit from durable, easy-to-clean designs, while ensuites or guest bathrooms can afford to be more design-led.”

NIARA, HALI and NIXIE are available now through LAUFEN dealers and showrooms.

Stockist: 01530 510007 or laufen.co.uk/point-of-sales

kbb Birmingham 2026 celebrates 40 years with milestone edition

kbb Birmingham, the UK’s leading kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition, has marked its 40th anniversary with a dynamic edition at the NEC from 1–4 March. The four-day event welcomed almost 16,000 visitors, including retailers, designers, developers and installers, exploring displays from 320 exhibitors across 26 categories.

Jon Johnston, kbb Birmingham sales director, commented: “What an incredible celebration of our industry this special, 40th edition has been. A huge thank you to all our colleagues in the KBB community, whose support made this year’s event such an outstanding success. We were delighted to have welcomed such a strong mix of returning exhibitors, new brands making their debuts, together with a diverse international representation from over 20 countries, all showcasing the very best in KBB design and innovation.”

Show-stopping stands

The kbb Birmingham 2026 Stand Awards were announced on day one, recognising creative use of space and materials. Winners included:

Best Kitchen over 30sqm – Rotpunkt

Best Kitchen under 30sqm – Daniel George Kitchens

Best Bathroom over 30sqm – Ca’Pietra

Best Bathroom under 30sqm – Bonavit

Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, said: “2026 marked our 14th consecutive year at kbb Birmingham. The show is a fantastic networking environment, and winning Best Kitchen Stand is a proud achievement for the brand and our new 2026 collection.”

innovation in focus

House of Rohl UK and Aqualisa returned with smart showers, Victoria + Albert’s Lussari baths, and Vetralla basins. Michael Bennett, head of commercialisation, said: “kbb Birmingham has been a brilliant platform to showcase our latest innovations and connect with both new and longstanding partners.”

inSinkErator highlighted its COMPOST CADDY EASY strategy and instant hot water taps, alongside the LEDefense sink flange. Ashley Munden, managing director EMEA, said: “This year’s event was full of energy and provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the industry… it is a key moment in our calendar which we look forward to each time it comes around.”

2026 Innovation Awards

The People’s Choice Award went to Sensio Lighting’s Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting System. The Judge’s Choice was Flova UK’s DripFree® Rainshower. The Sustainability Award was won by Finsa for its Fimapan Bio BDecor. Ben Hughes, UK sales director at Finsa, commented: “Topping it all off by winning the Sustainability prize was a truly proud moment for the Finsa team.”

Forty rubber ducks were hidden across the show floor to celebrate four decades, offering visitors prizes from Ca’Pietra, Smeg, Bidbury & Co, Rangemaster, Abode and more. Sam Fisher, kbb Birmingham event director, also presented the inaugural Andy Bishop Award posthumously. He said: “I’m so proud to be celebrating four decades of kbb Birmingham as the industry’s meeting place… the stands reflected the creativity and dedication of our exhibitors and partners.”

kbb Birmingham returns to the NEC from 5–8 March 2028.

Cosentino launches Manchester City showroom as collaborative hub

Surface manufacturer Cosentino has launched a new Cosentino City showroom in Manchester, creating a dedicated space for architects, designers and specifiers to explore materials, collaborate and develop projects.

Situated close to Manchester Victoria station and the city’s Green Quarter, the showroom has been created to strengthen connections within the regional design community while making Cosentino’s surface collections more accessible to professionals across the North of England.

Covering 208sqm, the Cosentino City Manchester space includes a working Atelier, an extensive sample library and interactive digital slab displays, allowing visitors to view and compare materials in an environment designed to support specification and project development.

The showroom highlights Cosentino’s leading surface brands, including Dekton, Sensa and Silestone. By bringing together designers, architects and specifiers, the space is intended to provide a setting for networking, industry events and creative collaboration.

Commenting on the new showroom opening, Cosentino UK regional director Paul Gidley states: “The opening of our new Manchester showroom marks an exciting new chapter for Cosentino. We are incredibly proud to open here, right at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing design communities. Manchester has long been a centre for culture, innovation and creativity and our new showroom is testament to Cosentino’s commitment to supporting and investing in the North. By establishing this dynamic hub, we’re not only bringing our world-class surfaces and expertise closer to designers and architects in the region, but we’re also creating a collaborative space where ideas can thrive and the local design community can continue to flourish.”

Kudos launches CONNECT2 Trays now in slate white

The Connect2 tray, designed and made in the UK by Kudos has been constructed to avoid floor joists, ensuring it retains its super-low profile when installed. Launched in a choice of grey slate effect, high gloss white or slip-resistant white, Kudos has now added its best-selling slate effect white colourway to the collection.

Connect2 trays stand at just 35mm in height, are guaranteed to avoid all standard joist sizes and spans thanks to the precise positioning of a unique offset dual waste outlet, allowing the installer to choose the waste clear from obstruction to connect. The tray may need to be rotated to accommodate the fixed joists, but once set, the installer simply uses the blanking plug provided to seal the unused waste and plumb in the high-flow waste and trap, avoiding any need to lift the tray off the floor. If both waste holes are free then both wastes can be connected for even faster water removal. A re-inforced, magnetically secured waste cover, that’s easily removed for cleaning, then sits neatly over the plugs to complete the installation.

The Connect2 range of shower trays are manufactured in a acrylic capped ABS filled with a structural resin bonded stone for maximum strength and stability. The collection offers 12 rectangular sizes from 800mm square to 1700x800mm plus four quadrant/offset quadrant options. Each comes complete with a high flow waste rated to 35 litres of water per minute, and is competitively priced.

Kudos has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. They understand the UK bathroom market and all its idiosyncrasies and endeavour to develop products with easy to install features. Their products are stocked with a number of regional distributors to ensure a reliable service and ease of availability and they offer a lifetime guarantee on their shower trays and a spares website giving a superior after sales service.

Now trading as RONAL Bathrooms UK Ltd, the Kudos 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.

SFA Saniflo invests in growth with move to larger premises

SFA Saniflo has announced its relocation to significantly larger premises a short distance from its current location, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to customer support.

The move will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend from 2–4 May 2026, with the business fully operational at its new address from Tuesday 5 May 2026. Customers and partners are advised to update their systems accordingly from this date.

The new facility provides an additional 10,000 sq ft of warehouse space, increasing stock capacity and strengthening service levels across the UK. In addition, SFA Saniflo has invested in a dedicated on-site training centre, enabling the team to deliver comprehensive product training covering installation, maintenance and fault finding.

The enhanced space and facilities reflect SFA Saniflo’s ongoing focus on supporting installers, merchants and specification partners with both product availability and technical expertise.

The new address is: Unit 2 Watford Logistics Hub, Clive Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4PX

Rob Law confirmed as afternoon keynote speaker for Connect Conference 2026

The Bathroom Association has confirmed Rob Law as the afternoon keynote speaker at the Bathroom Association Connect Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, 8 October, at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’, centres on how the bathroom sector can collaborate across the supply chain to build resilience, increase capability and unlock growth.

Rob Law’s keynote will bring a sharp, real-world manufacturing and entrepreneurship lens to that challenge, sharing how he turned an early setback on BBC Dragons’ Den (2006) into a global product success story. His company reshaped the children’s travel market through relentless innovation and a focus on practical user needs, with its flagship ride-on suitcase, Trunki, becoming a UK-manufactured staple from 2012 and going on to reach homes in over 100 countries, with sales surpassing 5 million units and more than 120 industry accolades.

For Bathroom Association members, the relevance is direct: product categories grow when manufacturers combine smart design, operational discipline, and an uncompromising focus on the end user, then scale through strong partnerships and consistent execution. Rob’s session will explore the mindsets and decisions that help manufacturing businesses move from ‘good idea’ to global growth, even when the early odds are against you.

Amy Kirk, Bathroom Association Marketing and Events Director, said:

“Rob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation and scaling a physical product brand. Our members operate in a highly competitive market where consumer expectations are rising, and margins are hard-won. Rob will bring the kind of practical inspiration that lands: how you stay ambitious, keep improving, and build the partnerships and culture that help you grow. That’s Stronger Together in action.”

About Rob Law

Rob Law is a seasoned entrepreneur best known for transforming an initial setback on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2006 into the foundation of a groundbreaking children’s travel product business. His company redefined the market with innovative solutions that simplify family travel. Its flagship ride-on suitcase, manufactured in the UK since 2012, has been sold into more than 100 countries, surpassed 5 million units in sales, and received over 120 industry accolades.

In February 2023, Rob exited his business to Heroes Technology Ltd. He has since launched new ventures with his brother: Aphelion Agency Ltd, supporting brands to thrive on Amazon, and Zeepy Ltd, a start-up focused on enhancing natural sleep in infants and young children.

Rob is also a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of leaders and innovators, receiving two honorary doctorates and an MBE for his business contributions. His autobiography, “65 Roses and a Trunki: Defying the Odds in Life and Business,” shares his journey and the lessons that shaped it.

About Connect Conference 2026

Connect Conference 2026 will feature keynote talks, panel discussions and dedicated networking time, followed by an exclusive gala dinner. The charity raffle and auction, and the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, also return.

Sponsorship opportunities and delegate packages are available, including day delegate passes, gala dinner attendance, and accommodation packages. View the Connect Conference website for more details.