Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Florim unveils sustainable surfaces at Clerkenwell Design Week

June 3, 2025

Florim, renowned for its innovation in surface design, presented a selection of its most advanced and aesthetic-driven ceramic collections at its central London showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week. The showcase celebrated Italian craftsmanship and sustainability across surfaces ideal for bathroom interiors and architectural spaces.

The display highlighted three standout ranges, each combining high performance with design flexibility:

SensiTerre
SensiTerre (pictured above), by Matteo Thun & Benedetto Fasciana, channels the emotional resonance of hand-crafted clay through Florim’s state-of-the-art ceramic technology. The collection offers a sensory-rich experience with three-dimensional textures and an artisanal finish, ideal for creating warm, organic atmospheres in bathroom settings.

FLORIM stone
FLORIM stone introduces a series of refined surface options tailored to the needs of bathroom design. Available in five Stone finishes with a tactile “matte leather” feel and four Marble finishes with a luxurious “matte silk” effect, the collection strikes a balance between durability and design sophistication. These large-format slabs are ideal for bathroom countertops, furniture elements, and bespoke detailing.

FLORIM skin
Offering a super-slim 3mm profile, FLORIM skin is engineered for flexible installation — from curved wall cladding to furniture facades. The broad material palette includes marble, metal, stone, wood and concrete effects, making it a versatile solution for modern bathroom environments where aesthetics meet performance.

www.florim.com

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RAK Ceramics Re-Use wins award at Ideal Home Awards

June 3, 2025

Epitomising RAK Ceramics’ dedication to sustainability, Re-Use are the world’s first porcelain tiles to be made entirely from 100% pre-consumer recycled materials. The ultimate eco-friendly surface solution, these groundbreaking tiles respond to consumer demand for stylish, sustainable interior products that are made using the most advanced, environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.

The perfect blend of style, sustainability and durability, Re-Use tiles feature a chic and sophisticated Matt Soft Rustic finish, which will suit a range of interior styles from classic through to contemporary. They are available in two versatile sizes of 58 x 58cm and 58 x 116 cm and four timeless, on-trend finishes. Re-Use Quartz tiles come in Grey and Beige, while Reuse Mineral tiles can be specified in Grey and Light Grey. Offering endless design possibilities, these exceptional tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors, allowing consumers to create seamless spaces that meet the demands of modern living.

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Now in their 5^th year, the annual Ideal Home Awards recognise excellence in home design, interiors and innovation. They are judged by the Ideal Home editorial team and a guest panel of industry experts. RAK Ceramics was presented with the coveted Bathroom Award at an exclusive ceremony held at Mr Fogg’s Botanical Tavern & Treehouse in London on 3^rd June, where this year’s outstanding Ideal Home Awards’ winners were celebrated.

Steven Holloway, Sales and Marketing Director, Tiles, at RAK Ceramics UK, said: “We’re thrilled that our Re-Use range has been recognised with this award. At RAK Ceramics, we’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of design, innovation and sustainability, and this award is a testament to that.”

RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850 www.rakceramics.com/uk/

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Chic collection wins highly-commended in Bathroom of the Year category

June 3, 2025

Chic, Utopia’s brand new modular range of bathroom furniture, has been Highly Commended in the Bathroom of the Year category of the Ideal Home Best Bathroom Awards 2025.

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Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “To say we are delighted is an understatement. We are so proud of the Chic Collection and the limitless opportunities it offers to create stunning personalised bathrooms, but it’s wonderful to have the powerful independent endorsement of leading interiors magazine Ideal Home.”

Designed and manufactured exclusively in the UK, Chic was launched last year and is a truly versatile collection of modular furniture. The perfect fusion of form and function, it is available in 19 fabulous finishes with a whole host of opportunities to create a unique look.

As Richard Shore, head of product design at Utopia, explains, “Everyone can be a designer with Chic, creating unique, personal and eye-catching combinations from the array of options available. I call it ‘bespokability’!”

2025 is the third year running that Utopia has been recognised in the Ideal Home Bathroom Awards. In 2023, Roseberry, Utopia’s premium solid timber range, was Highly Commended in the Best Bathroom Category, with its Tile Collection winning a similar accolade the same year. Last year, Utopia was delighted to win the Best Modern Bathroom Range category with its new Qube Collection.

Utopia Furniture Ltd, 01902 406402

www.utopiagroup.com

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PJH announces new distribution partnership with VitrA

June 3, 2025

PJH has strengthened its bathroom portfolio with the addition of VitrA – a globally respected manufacturer known for design-led innovation, premium quality, and engineering excellence. This new partnership gives PJH’s retail network broader access to one of the industry’s most recognised brands.

The VitrA Bathroom Collection is now available to all PJH retail customers, offering a wide choice of stylish and functional bathroom solutions. Additionally, the Vitality Collection will be offered exclusively to VitrA Vitality Partner showrooms, providing tailored access to this curated range.

Commenting on the new strategic partnership, Kim Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, said: “We’re thrilled to bring VitrA into our bathroom brand portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with a manufacturer that shares our values of quality, innovation and customer-first service. The addition of VitrA offers our retail customers access to a globally recognised brand, supported by PJH’s industry-leading logistics, next-day delivery options, ‘First Choice’ service promise, and our easy-to-use Partners Portal™ ordering system.”

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PJH will hold a significant stock of VitrA’s core lines, enabling next-day delivery on many items, with select pieces available by special order. The VitrA product offering includes basins, WCs, bathroom furniture, brassware, showers, frames, and flush plates.

Retailers can also order the latest brochures, POS assets, and colour samples from VitrA through PJH’s streamlined customer portal, helping showrooms bring the brand to life in-store.

Providing further comment, Ruth Davies, Marketing Director at VitrA, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with PJH and to take advantage of their exceptional service model. PJH’s strength in distribution, from extensive stockholding and nationwide coverage to their streamlined customer experience, makes them the perfect partner to deliver our premium bathroom solutions across the UK. We look forward to working closely with PJH to bring VitrA to an even wider retail audience.”

The full VitrA bathroom range will be available for browsing via the PJH Partners Portal website. To learn more, visit www.partners.pjh.uk, contact your regional PJH sales manager, or call 0800 8 77 88 99.

To learn more about Vitra, visit www.vitra.co.uk.

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SFA Saniflo hosts product talks at Installer Show 2025

June 3, 2025

With just a month to go until the Installer Show, SFA Saniflo is gearing up for one of its biggest events yet. The brand will showcase a host of new product innovations across both the Saniflo and Kinedo brands, exhibiting back-to-back on stand 4F22.

Dedicated customer talks are scheduled on Wednesday, 25 June at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, 26 June at the same times. Attendees will receive a free goody bag, and places can be reserved by emailing marketing@saniflo.co.uk.

For those unable to attend the stand talks, Saniflo and Kinedo will also appear at the BMA’s Pitchfest. On Tuesday, Saniflo will take part in the pitch battle to present the latest in the Kinedo range, while on Wednesday, they return to the stage to talk shower pumps.

Throughout the show, the Saniflo sales team will be available daily to discuss product solutions, ranging from compact macerators to stylish showering systems, helping installers, merchants, and retailers discover what’s new.

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BC Designs launches the Wivenhoe Bath

June 3, 2025

Responding to increasing demand for softer, design-led bathroom aesthetics, BC Designs has unveiled the Wivenhoe – a new freestanding bath that blends timeless form with modern functionality.

Cast from BC Designs Cian® solid surface material, the Wivenhoe bath offers a beautifully smooth, high-gloss finish that feels as good as it looks. Non-porous and easy to maintain, the material is both durable and practical, making it ideal for everyday use without compromising on style. Available in either polished white or silk matte, the Wivenhoe is a fantastic choice that will sit comfortably in both classic and contemporary settings, pairing just as easily with warm metallics and textured stone as it does with minimalist monochrome palettes.

Measuring 1800mm, this generously sized double-ended bath features sloping sides for comfort, making it ideal for solo or shared bathing. With a capacity of 180 litres, the Wivenhoe delivers a deep, luxurious soak, all while maintaining a refined silhouette that suits both spacious and compact bathrooms.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the Wivenhoe is compatible with both floor-standing and wall-mounted taps, allowing homeowners and designers to exercise complete creative control over the final look. As with all BC Designs baths, it comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

For more information, visit www.bcdesigns.co.uk

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First KBB retailers awarded accreditation in Westminster

June 3, 2025

Following the official launch of AiM (Accredited Installation Methods) in October 2024, and after a successful initial audit phase, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced the first group of retailers to achieve AiM certification – the industry’s new benchmark standard for fitted interiors.

In a prestigious ceremony held at Portcullis House on the Parliamentary Estate, three pioneering retailers – Christian Andrews Interiors (Scotland), Signature Projects, and national home improvement brand Wickes – received their certification. The honours were presented by BiKBBI ceo Damian Walters and honorary patron Calvin Bailey MBE MP.

All three businesses have been recognised for their consistent and professional approach to KBB installation, meeting strict AiM criteria developed to support local, regional, and national retailers in delivering high-quality, low-risk installation services.

The AiM standard was created to raise the bar across the industry by offering a consistent and independent framework backed by BiKBBI – the UK’s only dedicated KBB installation institute. This robust accreditation provides assurance to consumers, demonstrates credibility to trade partners, and serves as a beacon for skilled installers looking to align with reputable retailers.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be in a position to bring AiM to this amazing industry and I’m so pleased that we have three contrasting businesses in terms of size, who become the first to receive certification. To be clear, AiM is very much for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re an independent showroom such as Christian Andrews and Paragon Designs, or indeed a national business with hundreds of showrooms and thousands of installers, like Wickes. The purpose of AiM is to help businesses to meet and maintain processes and procedures that our industry can be proud of, helping to level the playing field on the subject of fitted interior installation.

Ian Cloggie of Christian Andrews Interiors commented, “We are incredibly proud to be one of the first companies to achieve BiKBBI’s AiM Accreditation, which recognises our commitment to excellence as both a KBB retailer and an installation business.

This milestone reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our team but also reinforces our responsibility to uphold the highest standards within our industry, from design innovation and customer care right through to our installation methods and practices. In an ever-evolving market, initiatives like AIM provide retailers like us with a clear framework for growth and continuous improvement. This achievement marks a significant step forward for our business, and we’re excited to continue leading by example.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the BiKBBI team for all of their hard work in bringing this scheme to fruition. We look forward to being part of an initiative that will help shape the future of the KBB industry for years to come!”

Sarah Taitt, Chief Property & Services Officer at Wickes, said: “We’re really proud to be the first national retailer to achieve AiM accreditation. At Wickes, we’ve always believed in doing things properly, and working with BiKBBI, this accreditation shows how we’re giving both customers and installers confidence in the work we do. It reflects the proactive approach we take to raise standards in installation and deliver a service our customers can rely on.”

Signature Projects Director, Tom Baldwin commented: “We’re proud to be one of the first businesses to be awarded AiM certification and thank BiKBBI for their continued efforts to raise standards. It’s exciting for us to be part of this long overdue change to an industry that desperately needs positive change and to attract new talent. We hope that the work BiKBBI is investing will be the start of the transformation into KBB installation being seen as both a professional industry and a career to aspire to.”

BiKBBI is actively working with a growing number of retailers through the accreditation process, with further awards expected over the coming months.

BiKBBI has now opened up the initiative to any retailer wishing to obtain more information about AiM and cordially invites initial interest to be directed to www.bikbbi.org.uk/aim or by calling the team on 01375 213 199.

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Cradle to Cradle Certified® bathroom solutions from Kaldewei

June 3, 2025

Bathroom brand Kaldewei has taken a big step towards the circular economy and can now offer Cradle to Cradle Certified® [C2C] bathtubs, shower trays and washbasins. The company continues to pave the way for the global trend towards a circular economy, being a healthy, fair and sustainable future. With the increasing need for sustainable solutions, including stricter regulatory requirements, economic advantages, and the need to conserve the planet’s natural resources, Kaldewei is convinced that the construction industry will rely even more on C2C Certified products and materials in the future.

The transformation to a circular economy means that raw materials are used and then reused at the end of their utilisation phase as source materials for new, pollutant-free products, without any loss of quality or significant loss of quantity. The prerequisites for this must be established at the very start of product development, so that pollutant-free materials can be dismantled and separated by type at the end. Kaldewei bathroom products have always been made of steel and glass, and are 100% recyclable, allowing them to be returned to the material cycle at the end of their life. This has been independently confirmed, and they now hold a Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification.

Certified sustainability

Kaldewei can demonstrate its consistently sustainable orientation with a C2C Certified certificate, making it the first supplier of bathtubs, shower trays, and washbasins to achieve this recognition. Around 600 different Kaldewei items in the colour Alpine white can now be classified as Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, including the most sought-after classics for both private bathrooms and for project business.

The initial entry, directly at the silver level, highlights the ambitious goals of the bathroom manufacturer: Kaldewei has consistently been a pioneer in sustainability, having signed the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative and utilised CO2-reduced steel. Kaldewei is now on track to align its processes and product developments strictly with C2C Certified standards. Obtaining this certification took over a year and a half to achieve, and is an important strategic step, and another positive contribution to the environment.

Alongside this, the construction industry benefits from the C2C Certified certification, as it helps it to become more sustainable, economical and innovative. It offers environmental, health and economic benefits and helps construction companies adapt more quickly to necessary market and regulatory requirements.

C2C Certified: Consistent circular economy without waste

The C2C Certified certification is a globally relevant and cross-industry multi-attribute standard; the goal a healthy, fair and sustainable future. It provides brands, producers and designers with guidance in the development and manufacture of products. At the centre of the Cradle to Cradle concept is an integrated and consistent circular economy in which waste is completely avoided and all materials are returned to either biological or technical cycles. Developed in the 1990s by Michael Braungart and William McDonough, the certification process looks at performance in five areas: Material health, product recycling, air pollution control and climate protection, water and soil management and social fairness.

Architects and specialist planners can find all the necessary information about C2C Certified
Kaldewei products here: https://www.kaldewei.com/company/sustainability/

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RAK Ceramics upgrades to Next-Gen Continua+ slab Technology

June 3, 2025

RAK Ceramics has announced the launch of its next-generation slab production facility, featuring the advanced Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, which marks a significant upgrade in its large-format slab manufacturing capabilities. This milestone further solidifies the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

RAK Ceramics was one of the first in the world to adopt Continua technology in 2012 and the first to introduce large-format slabs in the Middle East with its pioneering Maximus product range. This initial step revolutionised the regional ceramics market and positioned the company at the forefront of slab innovation. Since then, RAK Ceramics has continuously expanded its slab portfolio, leveraging Continua to improve design flexibility, production efficiency, and digital capabilities.

A New Era in Slab Manufacturing

The newly operational facility leverages Continua+ PCR 2180, one of the most advanced and efficient slab production technologies available today. This technology ensures high productivity with minimal material wastage and enables full digital synchronization at every stage of production, allowing for precision and flexibility in manufacturing.

In a bid to enhance sustainability, the facility features a seven-layer horizontal dryer, designed to operate on total heat recovery from the kiln, significantly reducing fuel consumption while optimising energy efficiency. The new line is evaluated to be more energy efficient in comparison to current continua setup.

Industry-First Digital Advancements

The slab production facility boasts state-of-the-art digital glazing technology, enabling the combined application of inks and materials. This innovation enhances design capabilities, offering high-definition patterns, deep digital structures, and advanced dry digital glaze/granule applications. Additionally, the facility incorporates multilayer granule application technology, fully synchronized with digital processes, ensuring uniform and seamless finishes across all slab productions.

Largest Kiln in the Middle East & Smart Manufacturing

RAK Ceramics has also introduced the longest European kiln in the Middle East, stretching 300 meters, reinforcing its high-capacity production capabilities. The facility integrates a smart scheduling storage system, incorporating real-time control and monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. A fully automated quality control system eliminates manual inspections by monitoring tiles at multiple production stages, ensuring unmatched product quality.

With the launch of its first-ever matting line for slab production, RAK Ceramics has standardized processes to maintain uniform finishes across various slab sizes. Additionally, the auto cutting line ensures consistency in customized product formats, optimising the production process.

Advanced Packaging & Sustainability Initiatives

The newly launched facility also features an automatic shrink hood wrapping machine, eliminating manual packaging processes and improving efficiency. Its advanced packing line supports multiple palletization methods, including A-frames, L-frames, and wooden boxes, with a robotic arm for seamless logistics management.

With an annual production capacity of 4 million square meters, the facility is equipped to manufacture slabs in multiple thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 20mm, with a maximum size of 180×360 cm—currently the largest in the industry. Standard slab sizes include 162×324 cm at 12mm thickness, as well as 80×320 cm uncut slabs for countertops. To further enhance durability, mesh reinforcement is applied to all 162×324 cm slab productions.

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A Strategic Leap Forward

The launch of this 100 million AED facility represents a strategic investment in the future of slab manufacturing, reinforcing RAK Ceramics’ position as an industry pioneer. By integrating IoT-enabled smart manufacturing, zero manual intervention for quality inspection, and enhanced digital glazing techniques, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

This milestone reflects RAK Ceramics’ ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its global clientele, ensuring superior quality, unparalleled design possibilities, and an optimized production process.

Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, stated, “At RAK Ceramics, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is at the core of our growth strategy. The launch of our exclusive slab production facility reflects our dedication to advanced, efficient, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. By investing in cutting-edge technology such as the Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, we are not only enhancing our production capabilities but also reinforcing our leadership in sustainable ceramics manufacturing. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.”

RAK Ceramics’ strategic investments in advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing are shaping the future of the ceramics industry. With the successful launch of its state-of-the-art slab production facility, the company is reinforcing its position as a global pioneer, delivering superior products that meet the highest standards of quality, design, and environmental responsibility.

For more information, visit https://rakceramics.com

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GROHE announces UK leadership appointments

May 29, 2025

GROHE UK has announced the appointment of two new additions to its senior leadership team. Joining the business in March 2025, David Nicholls is the new Leader, UK & Ireland, LIXIL Europe, following appointments in senior leadership roles working for market-leading businesses, supplying product and service solutions within the Built Environment.

Commenting on his appointment, David Nicholls said: “I am proud to be joining GROHE at an exciting time for the UK & Ireland business. Fresh off the back of a strong activation at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt, and with an ambitious multi-channel road map for the year ahead, I will be focusing on supporting the brand’s vision to deliver a customer-first strategy. Having worked in the commercial interiors and retail sectors for more than 30 years, I feel very lucky to work with a brand that so confidently leads when it comes to product innovation.”

GROHE UK has also announced the appointment of Kate Hirst as its new Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe. In this role, Kate will steer the strategy across multiple sales channels. Kate joins from Lecico Bathrooms following many successful years in a senior, customer focused-leadership role where she was responsible for growing the business through developing segmented sales, marketing and product strategies.

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Gael Magda, Leader Western Europe, LIXIL Europe said: “I am very pleased to welcome David and Kate to the GROHE team and have no doubt they will bring a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and outstanding experience that will steer our strong and defined multi-channel go-to market strategy in the UK. David and Kate both have a proven track record of developing successful and collaborative customer-centric teams in previous businesses which is a core value at GROHE.”

GROHE has also bolstered its UK Leadership team with further updates. Lewis Neathey has been promoted to Leader, Marketing & Product Management UK, LIXIL Europe. He will now oversee all UK Marketing activity, working directly with the sales and product teams, including Kate Hirst and Sanjeev Delipkumar, Leader, B2C UK LIXIL EMENA, on the development of the organisation’s multi-channel strategies.

The leadership announcements come at a key time for GROHE, which has several channel-relevant activations scheduled for 2025, including its presence at InstallerSHOW next month, Screwfix Live in September, and HIX in November. It also follows the successful launch of the brand’s first UK Design Hub at Islington’s Business Design Centre, which provides a dedicated space for A&D customers to see the GROHE portfolio firsthand, offering a tactical and personal experience ahead of decision-making.

Top: David Nicholls, Leader, UK & Ireland, LXIL Europe and below – Kate Hirst, Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe

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