Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Schluter®-DITRA – still delivering for the flooring industry

January 21, 2026

Originally launched by Schlüter^®-Systems nearly 40 years ago, the DITRA uncoupling membrane revolutionised the flooring industry by offering functions such as load distribution, vapour management and reliable waterproofing. Over time, these practical benefits have been developed further, creating a key family of products within the Schlüter-Systems portfolio, which today comprises around 12,000 established product lines.

Low-profile & easy-to-install

The low-profile membrane features a distinctive dovetail-shaped structure that enhances the adhesion of tiles and natural stone coverings. A fleece backing allows DITRA to be securely bonded to a wide variety of substrates, ensuring it lays flat and helping to speed up installation.

More recent innovations have seen the DITRA concept embrace more diverse situations including:

Adhesive-free installation for greater ease of use by general builders and bathroom installers
Integration into installer-friendly underfloor heating systems.

Peel & stick technology

Drawing on Schlüter^®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology, DITRA-PS presents a pressure sensitive release film on the back of the membrane, which permits it to be repositioned as often as required provided no pressure has been applied, to ensure the membrane is perfectly placed. Once pressure has been applied, the mat is adhered to the substrate and is immediately ready for tiling.

The Schluter^®-DITRA-PS membrane is therefore the ideal answer to dealing with troublesome substrates such as P5 green chipboard, which is not suitable for use with traditional tile adhesive and does not offer the same level of protection against tiles cracking, debonding or moisture damage. DITRA Peel & Stick allows installers to easily stick down the membrane onto even the trickiest of substrates, with no tile adhesive required and no mess involved.

Delivering warmth underfoot

Then, where building owners or bathroom specialists want to deliver warmth independent of the main heating system, the Schluter^®-DITRA range also includes DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO. DITRA-HEAT is not just an ideal substrate for ceramic tiles and natural stone, vinyl and other substrates, but also an innovative system for warming wall areas, while heat output can be controlled via smart home devices, as well as the manufacturer’s app, or conventional controls. The membrane is available in mat or roll format.

One of Schlüter^®-Systems strategic strengths is that it has always listened to its customers’ needs which is why DITRA-SOUND was introduced to the range in 2017, very much suiting the trends towards multi-generational living and the popularity of apartment developments.

Retaining the original fleece-backed polyethylene membrane construction and low height, the heavy-duty version of the original DITRA has been independently tested to ISO 140-8 to prove it offers an impact sound reduction of 13 dB; though the perceived performance in terms of how footsteps and falling objects are heard in the room below, will vary depending on the overall floor/ceiling construction.

Ultimately, the market-leading Schluter^®-DITRA family of products offers game-changing benefits for domestic and commercial properties in terms of their uncoupling characteristics, ease of installation and allied benefits, demonstrated across the multiple variants.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Kate Hurst joins Utopia as sales director

January 21, 2026

Utopia Furniture Limited has announced the appointment of Kate Hirst as sales director.

Hurst, who joined the company on 12 January, has a wealth of knowledge and many years’ experience in the KBB sector including recent senior roles at both Lecico Bathrooms and Grohe UK.

Well known in the industry, Hurst is very much looking forward to building on existing relationships as well as forging new ones as she begins her role with Utopia.

MD Dave Conn comments, “This is a hugely significant appointment for Utopia and one that will play a key role in building outstanding customer relationships, enhancing how we work with and support our partners, and delivering long-term growth, profitability, and new opportunities.”

www.utopia.co.uk

For more news and product information from Utopia – see the brand profile.

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Why surfaces matter more than ever in busy bathrooms

January 20, 2026

The evolution of the bathroom is increasingly driven by material choice. Beyond fittings and finishes, surfaces now define how a space performs, endures and ultimately feels. In both residential and commercial bathrooms, users look for long-lasting solutions that use robust, dependable materials able to maintain their appearance through many years of intensive, high-traffic use.

As modern lifestyles grow busier and expectations rise, bathroom surfaces face new demands. Today’s homeowners seek more than just aesthetic appeal, instead they want materials that not only look great but are also low‑maintenance, hygienic, and durable enough to resist moisture and everyday wear. At the same time, sustainability has become a key consideration, making the choice of surface material more important than ever.

Introducing the RAUVISIO crystal collection

Developed by REHAU, the RAUVISIO crystal collection is the elegant alternative to real glass, delivering the same visual brilliance with superior everyday practicality. Introduced this year, the new RAUVISIO crystal pure collection combines a refined, glass-like appearance with outstanding performance credentials.

Around 50% lighter than glass and up to ten times more impact-resistant, it is safer to handle, easier to install and compatible with standard woodworking tools. Available in both high-gloss and matt finishes, the collection is offered in timeless colours including crisp whites, soft neutrals and deep dark tones, supporting both understated minimalist schemes and more expressive bathroom interiors.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-bath

Crucially, its properties make RAUVISIO crystal pure suitable for private residential bathrooms, but also for large-scale commercial and hospitality projects, where durability, hygiene and long-term reliability are essential. Moisture resistance, colour stability and easy cleaning make the RAUVISIO crystal pure collection a low‑maintenance, high‑performance solution, offering an outstanding design choice for spaces subjected to frequent, everyday use.

REHAU will showcase its RAUVISIO crystal surface collection at the upcoming Surface Design Show 2026 at stand 364. In addition to its main collection, the brand will demonstrate creative applications and innovative fabrication techniques, including bespoke shapes and tailored design solutions that highlight the material’s flexibility and craftsmanship potential.

At REHAU, surfaces matter because they shape how spaces function every day. With RAUVISIO crystal pure, surfaces do not simply complement the bathroom – they define it.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-radiator

For more information and free samples please visit: https://interior.rehau.com/uk-en/surfaces-matter or chat to us at stand 364, Surface Design Show 2026.

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Signature by Atlanta gains momentum with retailers & homeowners

January 20, 2026

Following the successful launch of Signature by Atlanta, Atlanta Bathrooms has reported an exceptional response from retailers, designers, and homeowners across the UK. Since unveiling the collection, which blends refined craftsmanship with timeless design, interest has continued to grow—affirming Signature by Atlanta as one of the brand’s most well-received introductions to date.

Over the past several weeks, Atlanta’s dedicated showroom partners have showcased the new collection to customers seeking a balance of heritage style and contemporary performance. Retailers have praised the range’s elegant paint palette, premium hardware options, and the depth of range, noting that the collection resonates strongly with homeowners looking to upgrade their bathrooms with a sense of quiet luxury.

The Signature Show Van Tour, which has been visiting retailers nationwide, has played a pivotal role in accelerating exposure. Retailers have welcomed the opportunity to experience the collection in person—allowing them to explore finishes, examine construction quality up close, and understand how the coordinated accessories create a seamless, premium aesthetic.

Early feedback highlights three standout themes:

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1. Exceptional Personalisation

Retailers have been impressed by the variety of basin styles, countertop finishes, and hardware options that allow customers to tailor the collection to their home and taste. The ability to build a truly co-ordinated look is proving to be a major selling point.

2. The timeless longevity of classic design

Consumers are gravitating toward warmer, traditionally inspired interiors. Signature by Atlanta’s blend of heritage detail and modern functionality positions it perfectly for this growing design trend.

3. Exceptional quality from a trusted brand

Showroom teams have specifically noted that customers appreciate the reassurance of a British brand, fast lead times, and the durability associated with Atlanta’s long-standing craftsmanship.

Julian Pearson, commercial director, comments: “We expected Signature by Atlanta to perform well – but the enthusiasm from both retailers and end customers has exceeded our expectations. It’s clear that the market is craving design that feels authentic, grounded in craftsmanship, and thoughtfully made.”

Responding to this impressive market momentum, Atlanta Bathrooms will continue to expand the Signature range throughout 2026, introducing new additional unit types to meet growing demand.

With strong demand, positive early reviews, and a growing retailer network already placing display units, Signature by Atlanta is well on its way to becoming a core pillar of the Atlanta Bathrooms brand.

Signature by Atlanta is exclusive to displaying retailers, to make an appointment to view or to speak to one of our team about becoming an exclusive Signature retailer, contact your Atlanta area sales manager or call 0191 428 3104.

Download the Signature by Atlanta brochure and find out more about the Herrington range here – Signature Bathroom Furniture Archives – Atlanta Bathrooms

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HeyU bathroom furniture is designed to be experienced

January 20, 2026

HeyU, Utopia’s most versatile modular range combines an inspired fusion of texture, colour and creativity, all designed and manufactured at Utopia’s headquarters in the West Midlands.

“Silent, yet screaming touch me!” is how Richard Shore, head of product design, describes this stunning new collection which features four distinctive design styles at its heart. Each style has been meticulously developed to bring tactile sophistication and emotional connection to the bathroom space.

Each HeyU design style offers its own sensory and visual experience:

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Smooth – Uncomplicated and calm, Smooth is a blank canvas with a subtle chamfered edge inviting quiet sophistication or confident contrast.
Linear – Architectural and refined, the clean vertical grooves of Linear transform the ordinary into something pure and structured.
Wave – Capturing the fluid beauty of nature, Wave’s hypnotic undulations evoke the motion of ocean waves or drifting desert dunes. Pictured below.
Ripple – Edgy yet fluid, Ripple’s concentric pattern creates a mesmerising illusion of infinite motion. Pictured at the very top.

In keeping with Utopia’s reputation for design freedom, HeyU offers limitless opportunities for personalisation. Once a design style is chosen, there are 14 stunning finishes available, from bold statement hues to soft neutrals, including two brand new metallic options: Iridescent Bronze and Iridescent Claret. All cabinets are available as either pull to open with neat handles or push to open for a sleek, handleless look.

Creating two completely different looks, HeyU washbasin units can be teamed with a sleek slabtop basin or a sit-on basin plus worktop combination. Brand new to Utopia’s collection of stylish sit-on basins is the new MetaLux design, a stunning circular metallic basin in Brushed Stainless Steel, Brushed Gunmetal Black or Brushed Brass. Completing the collection is the new GlowLux mirror range, featuring a frosted halo surround, demister function, and optional matching fascia backboard.

HeyU-Wave-twin-washbasin-unit-in-Iridescent-Claret-from-Utopia

To find out more about Utopia’s collections – visit the website.

More news and product information from Utopia

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Bathroom Association Annual Conference returns to Birmingham

January 20, 2026

The Bathroom Association has announced that its Annual Conference will return to the Grand Hotel in Birmingham on Thursday, 8 October 2026, bringing together leaders from across the bathroom sector for a one-day programme of keynote talks, panel discussions and networking.

Following strong delegate feedback and high satisfaction with the venue in 2025, the Association has confirmed it will host the event at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham for a second consecutive year.

This year’s conference theme, ‘Stronger Together’, will run throughout the day and focuses on how the bathroom sector can collaborate to support sustainable growth, strengthen resilience and deliver better outcomes for customers.

In an industry shaped by changing consumer expectations, shifting regulation and continuing pressure on skills and supply, the Bathroom Association will use the conference to explore how stronger collaboration across the full supply chain can drive progress and unlock growth.

Delegates can expect a programme featuring thought-provoking keynote presentations from industry experts, practical panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to help businesses share insight, tackle common challenges and identify new opportunities.

Following the daytime conference programme, the event will conclude with an exclusive gala dinner for industry leaders, with further details to be announced shortly.

30-Under-30 Awards return

The Bathroom Association has also confirmed that its 30-Under-30 Awards will return as part of the gala dinner, following popular demand. The awards celebrate the achievements, talent and hard work of younger members who are already making a significant contribution and building long, successful careers in the sector. More details on the awards and how to enter will be available shortly.

Further information, including the full speaker line-up, registration details, and full details on the gala dinner and awards entry process, will be announced in due course and will appear on the official conference website. In the meantime, please save this date in your diary.

www.bathroom-association.org.uk

07795 972504

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Eclectic furniture choices for bathroom individuality

January 20, 2026

In response to the growing demand for more colour and unit options when choosing bathroom furniture, Bathrooms to Love by PJH has added two new flawless hues to its popular modular furniture range, ELEMENTS, as well as a new slim cloakroom basin unit and WC unit, for its 2026 Collection.

The contemporary new range is further enhanced with a great choice of handles, in an array of shapes and finishes, such as Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, Matt Black, Walnut-effect, and even a Chrome Deco-inspired knob.

The on-trend Matt Latte Elements option (pictured above) joins other new Matt Latte finished products in the Bathrooms to Love Collection for smart coordination, such as the Latte Belmont Free-standing bath, Latte slate shower tray and Latte vessel basins. In contrast, a new bright and playful Matt Misty Blue finish introduces a fresh pop of colour (pictured below).

Coordinated metallic finishes add a designer-inspired flow to the bathroom, as shown with Elements Matt Latte using a warm Brushed Bronze, and with Elements Matt Misty Blue using an industrial Matt Black. This can be through the unit handles, brassware, showering zone, accessories, and even the smallest details such as push-button covers and overflow rings. It all contributes to a themed luxurious look for individuality and character.

The enhanced Elements modular furniture range comprises both wall-hung and floor-standing basin units with a slim-edge white ceramic basin and one door, including a new space-saving cloakroom basin unit at just 410mm in width. A new matching floor-standing 500mm WC unit for use with a concealed cistern also joins the range.

Boasting a quality build and construction, the highly durable Elements modular units feature silent soft-close fittings and generous cupboard space to keep bathrooms neat and tidy.

Joining an eclectic choice of finishes – Matt Antique Rose, Matt Graphite Grey, Seville Oak & Glose White – the Elements range allows for optimum design personalisation.

As featured in PJH’s latest Bathrooms to Love Collection, Elements is available for ordering via the PJH Partners Portal, on an efficient next-day delivery service, to store or customer address. For further stockist support information, from POS to swatches and attractive display deals, contact PJH now (see below).

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0345 450 8932 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Bathrooms-to-Love-Elements-Matt-Misty-blue-furniture

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GROHE identifies interior design trends for 2026

January 20, 2026

Understanding how people want their homes to look, feel, and function is becoming increasingly essential in shaping the next generation of interior solutions. As lifestyles evolve and expectations rise, consumers are seeking spaces that not only reflect their personal style but also support their daily routines with greater efficiency, comfort and longevity. This shift calls for design and innovation that prioritise human needs first – solutions that blend seamlessly into everyday life while offering meaningful, long-term value.

With this in mind, GROHE has identified three major macro-trends set to influence homes over the next year and beyond. Here, Patrick Speck, leader, LIXIL Global Design, EMENA at LIXIL and GROHE UK explores how timeless finishes, energy-saving technologies and easy-fit installation systems are shaping the design landscape, and what these developments mean for the future of the modern home.

Minimal installation time, maximum impact

In 2026, we expect to see simplicity and speed become key priorities in bathroom design, driven by ongoing skills shortages, rising labour costs and a growing desire to minimise renovation disruption. Homeowners want projects completed quickly and with fewer trades on site, while installers and specifiers are increasingly seeking products that reduce complexity, limit the risk of errors and ensure consistent, reliable results. As a result, streamlined installation is becoming a defining factor in how bathrooms are planned and specified. This shift is fuelling demand for pre-assembled, standardised and modular solutions that remove unnecessary steps and significantly shorten fitting times.

Energy-efficient tech

Another trend leading the way in 2026 will be energy-saving technology to shift from an optional upgrade to a standard expectation in bathroom design. Rising energy costs and increased environmental awareness are encouraging homeowners to prioritise solutions that reduce consumption without compromising comfort. As a result, we expect to see a rise in demand for discreet, built-in technologies that deliver meaningful savings while integrating seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. This trend places emphasis on products that combine intelligent engineering with practical everyday benefits -whether through reduced water usage, heat-recovery systems or efficient flow control.

Timeless finishes

In 2026, we expect the trend for timeless finishes to gain momentum as customers increasingly prioritise materials that balance durability with enduring style. Rather than responding to short-lived trends, people are placing greater value on creating spaces that feel calm, consistent and thoughtfully designed for the long term. This marks a broader shift in how homes are approached, with growing emphasis on quality, longevity and investment pieces that age gracefully. As a result, consumers are seeking finishes that remain relevant even as tastes evolve.

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GIOTTO PLUS + FREE IDEAS bathroom collection

January 20, 2026

CEA Design’s precision-engineered fittings have been selected for Westminster Residence, a contemporary private residence in Toronto’s High Park–Swansea neighbourhood, where bold architectural forms meet refined material choices.

Dark, architectural volumes define the exterior: elongated Roman-format black brick at ground level, an oversized slate-toned terracotta roof, and crisp rectilinear dormers that give the house a distinctly modern edge while remaining contextually grounded.

Inside, the 325-square-metre home unfolds across two floors with a carefully choreographed balance of light and dark. Generous, light-filled spaces are offset by richer, moodier material choices, creating interiors that feel both considered and liveable. Soft furnishings temper the architectural lines, while material transitions are handled with restraint and intent—hallmarks of a well-resolved residential project.

The kitchen exemplifies this approach. Satin-finished CEA GIOTTO PLUS taps introduce a subtle yet striking contrast against dark walls, stained walnut cabinetry, and a travertine countertop, proving that high-performance fittings can also function as visual punctuation. In the bathrooms, travertine continues across walls and custom elements, paired with CEA fixtures in Black Diamond satin for a refined, almost sculptural effect.

Batay-Csorba Architects’ design demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can be bold without being brash. Through a disciplined palette, strong forms, and the considered integration of premium fittings, Westminster Residence achieves a level of design clarity that will resonate with KBB professionals seeking inspiration rooted in both aesthetics and performance.

www.ceadesign.it

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Ritmonio Color Collection – designing with colour, character and choice

January 20, 2026

The new Ritmonio Color Collection is a creative palette composed of an infinite range of hues designed to aid the design journey of architects, interior designers, and customers.

The Diametro35 collections combine contemporary design, functionality, and a variety of accessories, allowing designers to create coordinated and coherent spaces. The evocative power of colour combines with quality manufacturing to simplify the customisation of shades, finishes, and surfaces with complete freedom.

Thanks to the international NCS^® – Natural Color System, customers can choose from over 2,000 colours, available in both gloss and matte versions, guaranteeing chromatic fidelity and freedom of expression.

With the Color Collection, creativity takes center stage. Mixers, shower heads, and accessories combine in an almost infinite range of possibilities. The wellness space becomes a laboratory of style and a refined sensory experience, equally at home in a private residence, an urban spa, or a design-led hotel.

Ritmonio offers a proposal that focuses on the individual and the project: Your touch, your signature, your idea of well-being.

About Ritmonio

Ritmonio is an Italian design brand renowned for its innovative approach to bathroom and kitchen fittings. Rooted in craftsmanship and driven by contemporary design, Ritmonio combines advanced technology, sustainability, and refined aesthetics to create products that elevate everyday rituals. With a strong focus on customisation, color, and material research, the brand transforms functional elements into expressive design features, delivering timeless solutions for residential, hospitality, and wellness spaces worldwide.

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