Bathroom products brand Acquabella has unveiled its new website, a digital space that reflects its refreshed corporate image. The new platform invites users to rediscover the bathroom, not just as a functional space but as a sanctuary dedicated to well-being and self-care. This vision, embodied in each of the company’s products, translates into a web design that allows users to immerse themselves in its philosophy: Keep Feeling.
The brand offers tailored solutions that let each user express their individuality, transforming the bathroom into a personal work of art. With designs, materials, and shapes that evoke emotions, Acquabella aims to create unique experiences and make sensations flow freely in the most intimate space of the home.
Among the website’s new features, there’s a dedicated section for professionals, offering specialized content tailored to key audiences: architects and interior designers, installers, and distributors. Each profile includes information adapted to their needs, making it easier to find products and customised solutions.
With a dedicated in-house facility for the creation and manufacture of bespoke worktops spanning over 27 years, Utopia is forever expanding the possibilities of its solid surface and general worktop ranges, and 2024 is no different.
The latest design innovation is a new solid surface under-mounted basin with a fully matching bowl and worktop in a contemporary, clean white colourway, giving a completely new look and greater creative flexibility. This new option can be manufactured in lengths up to 2.8m, offering a variety of configurations, including the option of multiple basins.
The new Plain White addition brings the number of colourways in the 22mm solid surface collection to eight. Worktops are available in various sizes and with optional upstands in three heights, all fabricated on-site to the customer’s specific requirements.
Practical and durable, solid surface worktops combine the attractive look of natural stone with the warmth and resilience of a hard-wearing manmade material.
Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, comments “Solid surface has always been the ultimate luxury and we expect both the new option to have a seamless worktop with inset bowl and the new solid white colourway to be very popular.”
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.
Inclusive design is becoming more accepted in general bathroom projects. It ensures that buildings not only meet accessibility requirements but also creates a welcoming environment that caters to the needs of all users. In today’s world, it makes sense to deliver accessible spaces that serve all physical abilities, including mobility challenges, sensory impairments, and age-related conditions.
Hewi product manager Florian Haude agrees, “Accessible design is increasingly becoming the standard in architecture and product design. The focus is particularly on universal design, which makes products and rooms accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities. For example, floor-level showers are not only practical for people with limited mobility but also offer comfort and safety for all age groups. Combined with non-slip surfaces, grab rails and shower seats, an accessible bathroom becomes the norm, combining functionality and aesthetics.”
Easy elegance
Ideal Standard
According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people—about 15% of the global population—live with some disability*, and one in five people are 65 or over. Creating beautiful, inclusive spaces ensures everyone can experience the same level of comfort and enjoyment which makes it a win-win for developers.
Ideal Standard’s senior designer Yiota Toumba comments, “Building or upgrading bathrooms to be more accessible and comfortable for elderly or less mobile residents is one of the most impactful steps developers and housing managers can take. This will both greatly improve quality of life for residents and increase a property’s value.”
Ideal Standard seamlessly blends stylish design with thoughtful functionality. Its Concept Freedom range, designed in collaboration with Studio Levien, offers considerate features for users with mobility impairments. For example, the collection includes wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs that are 25% higher than average, reducing knee pressure and improving comfort.
Axess all areas
KEUCO AXESS
Accessible showers also ensure safety and comfort for all users. Key features include barrier-free entry, which allows easy access for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Adjustable showerheads, grab bars, and non-slip flooring enhance safety, while a shower seat offers a convenient resting option. By integrating inclusive design, these product lines ensure accessibility is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Several companies are leading the way in this area, offering a wide range of products to ensure safety and comfort. KEUCO is one such brand. As the demand for barrier-free bathroom concepts continues to grow, so has KEUCO’s product offering. Its ranges support physical disabilities and comprise highly functional but beautifully designed products that ensure comfort and safety in the bathroom.
KEUCO’s ranges include ergonomically designed PLAN CARE shower products, IXMO shower fittings, including shower rails and railing systems, KEUCO AXESS (pictured above and top), and a sustainable and cross-generational wetroom rail system that can be flexibly adapted to suit any space.
Accessible accessories
HEWI Tilting Mirror
Thanks to growing innovation in the industry, accessible design is not limited to the shower or bath. A growing range of products means inclusivity is easily accommodated in every aspect of the bathroom. Adaptive accessories play a vital role in ensuring usability for all; for example, mirrors placed at accessible heights help individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility use them easily.
As an expert in barrier-free sanitary solutions, HEWI has introduced an exciting addition to its product lineup: the motorised tilting mirror. This new model offers extra ease and functionality – the tilt function can be adjusted with precision up to a 28° angle, all controlled wirelessly via a sleek wall switch.
Freshen up
TOTO NEOREST WX
Shower toilets offer significant benefits when it comes to accessible design. These toilets provide a hygienic, gentler and more effective cleaning method than traditional toilet paper; this is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, arthritis, or sensitive skin. The latest models allow users to adjust water pressure, temperature, and positioning, promoting independence and reducing the need for assistance. Their ergonomic design enhances comfort for all users, while their water-saving features make them an environmentally responsible choice. When prioritising inclusivity, shower toilets offer a practical solution for creating comfortable spaces.
Kazuki Osugi, general manager of TOTO UK, explains the importance of new technology, “If people lose strength and mobility, things like going to the toilet can become very difficult. It’s an unpleasant experience to feel helpless in such intimate moments – especially for people who wish to live self-determined lives with dignity. Designing an appropriate bathroom is an important step to keep people going to the toilet as long as possible without assistance. A TOTO WASHLET bidet toilet with various features is a great solution for hospitality environments.”
TOTO’s NEOREST WX features the latest WASHLET technology. This new design cleverly conceals advanced features while maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The NEOREST WX is one of TOTO’s premium offerings, showcasing the brand’s commitment to luxury, hygiene, and comfort.
Child’s play
HEWI
Using colour in residences where children with disabilities and special needs are cared for can promote a positive and supportive environment. Colours influence mood, behaviour, and cognitive function, helping create spaces that are calming, stimulating, or comforting, depending on the child’s needs.
HEWI’s products for children are not only designed in uplifting colours but also meet a variety of requirements: They are safe, easy to use, and robust. In addition, they are easy to clean and hygienic. Products used in cots, nurseries, kindergartens, or schools must withstand high loads over the long term. HEWI products for children meet all these requirements.
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Hansgrohe has announced it is a proud participant in this year’s Hospitality Interiors Experience (HIX), which will take place on November 27th and 28th at London’s Business Design Centre.
Based on STAND 5, the company’s attendance at HIX will continue highlighting its continued and deep-rooted focus on sustainable innovation for a better future. The theme ‘In Touch with our Planet’ will underpin a wide variety of exciting activities and special events over the two-day event.
Stand visitors will also experience an array of Hansgrohe’s holistic and luxury bathroom solutions, the AXOR range’s colour-matching support, and a full suite of furniture and ceramic options.
Discussions to make a difference
On day one, Hansgrohe will host a special discussion between Steffen Erath, the company’s head of innovation and sustainability, and Arche Hospitality’s founder and CEO, Jonathan Braun.
Steffen leads Hansgrohe’s sustainability strategy, which will see the business switch all its water products to deploy water-saving EcoSmart technology by the end of the decade.
He is also the author of the forward-thinking Green Vision Beyond Water:Rethinking Bathroom Culture, a stimulating overview that highlights the need to bring the bathroom space into harmony with people and nature for a sustainable future.
Commencing at 11.30 am on the Hansgrohe stand, the thought-provoking conversation will explore sustainability’s theoretical and practical aspects and how to make a difference for the planet without compromising bottom-line success.
On day one, Hansgrohe will also host a panel talk on Value Engineering in the Hospitality Sector. The discussion, which will occur in the Gallery Hall and start at 4.30 pm, aims to unpick an area commonly cited as one of the biggest challenges in the Hospitality project life cycle.
The debate will bring together companies from a broad spectrum to discuss their approaches and experiences and advocate for solutions enabling the sector to work better together.
Rewarding new talent
Day two of HIX will see the unveiling of the AXOR student design competition winner. It will take place at 12 noon on the Hansgrohe stand. AXOR invited current and recently graduated interior design students from across the UK and Ireland to design a compact luxury bathroom to showcase ‘their take on luxury’. The many entries have been reviewed and the lucky winner – who receives a one-night luxury stay at The Broadwick Soho hotel in London – will be announced at HIX.
Following the show’s completion, in line with its sustainability commitment, the Hansgrohe stand wall panels will be reused by key retail partners to further promote key sustainability messages.
Emma Freeman, brand and communications Manager for Hansgrohe UK comments: “HIX is an important event for the hospitality interiors sector. It brings together stakeholders to share views and opinions on the topics that matter such as efficiency and the impact of value engineering.
“Hansgrohe is using this year’s event to showcase how the company continues to drive the sustainability focus through everything we do, and facilitate important debate and expert discussion, knowledge sharing and adopting best practice.
“And it is also important that we look to the future in terms of encouraging and acknowledging the thinking of today’s interior design students as they embark on their careers. There have been some fantastic entries to the AXOR Student competition, and we look forward to revealing the winner on the second day of HIX.”
Bathrooms2GO, the easy-to-shop and affordable bathroom collection from leading KBB distributor PJH, has extended its bathroom furniture offering by adding the new COSMOS wall-hung range.
Exclusive to Bathrooms2GO, COSMOS is a contemporary furniture range with design-led looks. It features soft curved edges, handleless drawers and doors, and a smooth matt finish. The new wall-hung range perfectly complements the current Bathrooms2GO furniture choice of floor-standing styles, offering the same highly competitive price points.
As the brand name suggests, COSMOS is ready ‘2GO’, being always in stock and available for next-day delivery via PJH’s class-leading nationwide distribution network. What’s more, next-day delivery is available to store or customer home address.
Available in three premium lacquered matt finishes; Matt Latte, Matt Black and Matt White, COSMOS is featured on the front cover of the new Bathrooms2GO brochure, showcasing it’s stylish new looks and practical storage solutions – and is suitable for any bathroom project.
The curvaceous range includes wall-hung vanities—which include curved inset ceramic basins and a deep, spacious drawer—and wall-hung tall units—with two handy shelves. Choose from 500mm, 600mm, or 800mm width vanity units, with a depth of 460mm. The tall unit measures W350 x H1200 x D250mm. All units offer a quality water-resistant finish, and soft-close drawers and doors come as standard.
Bathrooms2GO also offers some special package deals for its new COSMOS family, as featured in the new brochure. Choose from low price suite bundles that incorporate a 600mm vanity unit and WC, with coordinating basin tap, push button and waste; or a 600mm vanity unit and tall unit, with coordinating basin tap and waste. Metallic finishes include brushed brass, black and chrome.
Kim Cooper, head of marketing and product at PJH, said: “Our Bathrooms2GO brand has proved extremely popular with both retailers and merchants since its launch last year, and the collection continues to grow based on this demand. Feedback from our customers has highlighted its ease of use, exceptional savings, quality product, and excellent levels of service.”
For further information on Bathrooms2GO’s new COSMOS furniture range, visit the PJH Partners Portal at www.partners.pjh.uk or contact PJH at sales@pjh.uk / T: 0800 8 77 88 99.
Following the launch of its ground-breaking certification scheme last week, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced the appointment of its first assessor. The organisation is preparing to commence the first wave of Accredited Installation Methods (AiM) applications over the next three months.
Paul Everitt, an experienced KBB specialist, has been appointed as AiM’s primary assessor and will be responsible for delivering and establishing the assessments and developing the scheme as it navigates its initial phases.
Paul’s background includes holding senior roles for multiple well-respected national, regional, and independent KBB retailers in sales and installation capacity. Over recent years, he has developed a solid reputation for delivering an independent inspection service to clients, including BiKBBI, other relevant associations, and retailers. Paul will remain an independent consultant as he takes on the AiM Assessor role.
BiKBBI’s director of operations, Chris Gliddon, who will work alongside Paul commented, “We are delighted to welcome Paul Everitt as our inaugural assessor – his experience, diplomacy and nurturing personality will undoubtably add enormous value to the development of AiM. We know that those businesses Paul assesses as part of AiM will benefit from his input and experience whilst supporting our wider institute objectives.”
Everitt said, “I have been working with the BiKBBI team for many years now and I’m honoured that I can play such a pivotal role in the scheme’s development. I’m excited about the potential of AiM because I know that its core principles will make a difference and will contribute significantly to the raising of KBB installation standards”.
BiKBBI invites the industry to find out more about AiM by visiting www.bikbbi.org.uk/aim – businesses can register for more information by following the links within the website, with the next phase of applicants being accepted in Q1 2025.
Expert in barrier-free sanitary solutions,HEWI has introduced an exciting addition to its product lineup: the motorised tilting mirror.
This new model offers extra ease and functionality – the tilt function can be adjusted with precision up to a 28° angle, all controlled wirelessly via a sleek wall switch. Featuring a state-of-the-art electric motor and designed with HEWI’s signature high-quality craftsmanship, the mirror’s linear, modern aesthetic complements any bathroom or sanitary setting. Moreover, these new motorised mirrors are fully compatible with HEWI’s comprehensive range of sanitary systems, making them an ideal choice for those seeking seamless integration and enhanced user experience.
With the existing tilting mirrors, the inclination is adjusted using a manually operated cord rerouting. Tilt adjustment is now even easier and more convenient with the new HEWI motorised tilting Mirror Plus, which is equipped with an electric motor. The tilt function is controlled via a battery- and maintenance-free wireless wall switch, conveniently from either a standing or sitting position.
Optionally with lighting
Just as the even more convenient version with integrated LED lighting is available for the manually operated tilting mirrors, the motorised tilting mirror also offers the option of choosing between versions with or without illumination. A separate wireless push-button is used to switch the lighting on and off and to continuously adjust the brightness and light tone—from warm white to cool white.
Global bathroom manufacturer TOTO will make its debut at HIX 2024, showcasing its iconic WASHLET within a bespoke 45 square metre stand. Designed by world-renowned architects Squire & Partners, the stand features a reception foyer, sensory zone, and a Tea House. The immersive space, illuminated by the soft glow of the WASHLET, takes visitors on a journey into a unique environment that blends modern technology with traditional Japanese design elements.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese architectural motifs, the design incorporates shoji screens with a contemporary twist. TOTO replaces traditional rice paper with architectural woven wire and wood mesh, creating a calm, serene space that allows visitors to experience the fusion of Japanese culture, cutting-edge technology, and design under one roof.
At HIX, TOTO will guide visitors on a sensory journey that reflects the event’s theme of exploring spaces and places. TOTO’s installation showcases the brand’s ability to transform environments and enhance user experiences, demonstrating its commitment to innovation in the bathroom sector.
A leader in design technologies for sanitaryware, TOTO’s dedication to continual product refinement, or kaizen, ensures exceptional comfort and hygiene. The WASHLET, TOTO’s signature toilet with an integrated bidet, has sold over 60 million units globally and is a popular choice for hospitality and luxury hotel suites.
TOTO will present its latest model, the NEOREST WX. Featuring the latest WASHLET technology, this new design cleverly conceals advanced features while maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The NEOREST WX is one of TOTO’s premium offerings, showcasing the brand’s commitment to luxury, hygiene, and comfort.
Since entering the European market in 2009, TOTO has become a key player in the hospitality sector, with luxury hotels across the continent specifying the ultra-hygienic WASHLET to ensure a positive guest experience. As the WASHLET range continues to expand, the variety of designs offers increased flexibility, making it the ideal choice for hotels seeking both style and functionality.
Sanipex bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN has released its 2024 Price Guide. Brimming with design inspiration, this comprehensive guide is now available to industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike.
The BAGNODESIGN Price Guide 2024 is more than just a catalogue; it’s a visual delight that combines all the essential information you need with plenty of creative inspiration.
Designed in the style of a high-end interior’s magazine, the coffee table-worthy guide showcases stunning photography and in-depth editorial content on both new and bestselling BAGNODESIGN collections. It serves as a captivating introduction to the brand, particularly for those new to the world of BAGNODESIGN.
Spanning over 300 pages, the Price Guide covers the full spectrum of BAGNODESIGN’s luxurious offerings. From elegant sanitaryware and exquisite brassware to stylish furniture and chic accessories, designers will find everything they need to craft extraordinary bathroom spaces – all from a single, trusted source.
The new guide offers a first look at BAGNODESIGN’s latest trends, including new brassware finishes, the opulent award-winning Nara range inspired by the Japandi interior design movement, and the serene Beach House collection, perfect for creating a tranquil Maldivian retreat in your own home. Alongside these new additions, the guide highlights celebrated collections such as the minimalist M-Line, the timeless elegance of Bristol, and the cosmopolitan Orology.
In addition to showcasing BAGNODESIGN’s stunning collections, the Price Guide is an indispensable tool for designers, offering detailed measurements, pricing, and order numbers to facilitate informed decision-making. The aim is to inspire creativity while providing all the necessary information to specify bathrooms with confidence and ease.
The BAGNODESIGN Price Guide 2024 is now available for order. To request a copy or to learn more about BAGNODESIGN’s extensive range of products, visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk
As the demand for barrier-free bathroom concepts continues to grow, so has KEUCO’s product offering. Its ranges support physical disabilities and include highly functional but beautifully designed products that ensure additional comfort and safety in the bathroom.
PLAN CARE is ideal because it offers intelligent solutions, integrated functionality, and individual design features that work within the bathroom. For example, the tip-up seat for the shower is stylish and efficient; working in conjunction with a railing system, it is available with or without a backrest in a range of colours and two sizes. The ergonomically designed seat is mounted on the railing system; it can be tipped up to save space after use or easily unmounted by hand and stored until needed again.
In addition, the shower system is intuitive and easy to operate. The IXMO shower fittings harmonise with any bathroom surroundings and with all KEUCO products. Shower rails and railing systems serve as hold or support, providing a constant sense of security for those with limited ability.
KEUCO continues to improve and expand this category and recently teamed up with Studio F. A. Porsche to create a range of unique and striking accessible bathroom products. These products combine aesthetics and barrier-free functionality without making the special functions visually obvious.
KEUCO AXESS (pictured top & below) is a sustainable and cross-generational concept made from high-quality materials and intelligent design. These details help support independence and autonomy so people of all ages and abilities can benefit. For example, when designing a wetroom, the rail system can be flexibly adapted to suit the space. It also serves as a stable grab rail, and the shower slider can be easily unlocked and moved up or down simply by pressing on the back and moving with one hand.
