SIX T O P&nbsp; &nbsp;P I C K S&nbsp; &nbsp; from Kbb Birmingham 2024

Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Kbb Birmingham 2024, the UK’s dedicated kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms event, reported its most impressive turnout in ten years.

Spanning four days from March 3rd to 6th at the NEC, the event attracted over 17,150 visitors, including a notable contingent of over 7,000 retailers, as well as a wider range of visitors than before, such as installers, specifiers, interior designers and more. With over 320 exhibiting brands, the innovation, creativity and technology presented across the show floor reaffirmed its presence as the leading industry event for the KBB sector

The exhibition floor featured 320 exhibitors representing 26 diverse categories, highlighting the breadth of products and innovations on display and signalling robust engagement within the industry.

Diane Larner attended the show and has curated six noteworthy highlights from the event.

SIX T O P P I C K S from Kbb Birmingham 2024

Acquabella presents Noon Slate bathtub

Acquabella showcased its latest Noon Slate bathtub at Kbb Birmingham. The bathtub is available in over 2,000 colours.

VitrA premieres 100% recycled ceramic washbasin

Shown for the first time in the UK at the Kbb show, VitrA’s new *100% recycled ceramic washbasin is environmentally friendly, yet stylish.

Kbb Birmingham exceeds expectations for St James England

St James England presented its three complementary portfolios, including the brand new Living range, at KBB Birmingham 2024.

Startup Hidealoo invents ‘lootilities’ for households

Hidealoo showcased its ‘lootilities’ for households that lack space or money for a whole new bathroom.

Aqualla releases new range of statement bathroom mirrors

Brassware brand Aqualla presented its recently launched range of mirrors said to offer something for every style of bathroom.

Flair Showers showcased new products at Kbb Birmingham

Flair Showers showcased products from Harmony Collection & unveiled ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’.

Jon Johnston, sales director, Kbb Birmingham

This year’s show has featured over 320 exhibitors showcasing products and new launches that have drawn a record number of visitors.

“Throughout the event, we have seen fantastic collaboration from bathroom brands on the show floor and in the BMA seminar talks programme, and forward-thinking solutions in the Innovation Awards. The positive response surrounding kbb Birmingham reflects the spirit of the KBB industry and we are proud to have come together for our most successful show in ten years.”

Özgen Özkan, Eczacıbaşı Building Products’ CEO

Özgen Özkan highlighted VitrA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the ceramic sector, stating,

“By integrating circular design principles and innovative business models, we’ve begun repurposing waste from our ceramic sanitary ware production. This approach allows us to conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and cut carbon dioxide emissions, all while managing costs and material constraints more effectively.

“Our 100% recycled washbasin embodies our dedication to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and a stronger circular economy.”

Take a tour through this year’s kbb Birmingham by watching the exciting drone footage of the show floor here

Kbb Birmingham will return to the NEC 1 – 4 March 2026

Bathroom trends: Blurring boundaries and timeless designs

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), recently hosted a discussion at Kbb Birmingham on emerging bathroom trends where timeless design reigns supreme; here are his most notable insights.

I’ve had the pleasure of gathering pearls of wisdom from some of the brightest minds in the industry recently at the kbb Birmingham show. The BMA hosted several riveting discussions, one of which was on emerging trends in bathroom design. Among the luminaries gracing our stage were Hayley Robson of Day True, Nigel Palmer of House of Rohl, and Sofia Charalambous of Origins Living. Together, we explored the exciting transformation of bathrooms into multifunctional living spaces where boundaries blur and creativity thrives.

One prevailing theme that emerged from our discourse is the dissolution of traditional barriers between the bathroom, bedroom, and in some cases, the dressing room. Gone are the days of compartmentalisation; today’s bathrooms are seamlessly integrated into the living space, fostering a harmonious flow throughout the home.

Materiality took centre stage in our conversation, with a resounding call for natural, authentic, and honest materials. In an age where authenticity reigns supreme, there’s a growing appetite for tactile experiences and a return to the roots of design. From rich woods to luscious marbles, the allure of raw materials adds depth and character to any bathroom space.

But it’s not just about individual materials; it’s the artful blend of textures and finishes that truly elevates a design. Matte surfaces are having a moment, exuding understated elegance and inviting touch. And let’s not forget the changing landscape of brassware – warm bronzes and sultry gunmetals are stealing the spotlight, injecting warmth and personality into every corner.

Yet amidst all these trends, one timeless message resonated above all: the importance of rethinking the traditional bathroom mindset. Functionality, form, and design remain paramount, but personalisation is the new frontier. Embracing timeless design means investing in quality – buying once and buying better for enduring durability. This call for high quality makes sense when a bathroom renovation will generally take place once every 10 years or so. Buy better, buy once was definitely the clarion call.

In essence, it’s about crafting a space that transcends trends and reflects the unique essence of its inhabitants. Whether it’s a sleek urban oasis or a rustic retreat, the key lies in infusing your personality and functional requirements into every facet of the design.

Good designers know how to embrace the fluidity of design, celebrate the tactile beauty of materials, and, above all, create spaces that stand the test of time. The marriage of their skills and high-quality products from reputable manufacturers will be the key to lasting design.

If you’d like to watch the discussion, Day True kindly recorded the session, which is available on their YouTube channel: Emerging Bathroom Trends for 2024 Talk at KBB Birmingham.

Saniflo appoints Zahin Sanjania as technical sales manager

Saniflo is welcoming Zahin Sanjania to the sales team, where he will focus his energy and experience on the range of Zehnder and Saniflo commercial pumps.

As technical sales manager for the North, Zahin started his new role at the end of 2023 and had already delivered a number of CPD sessions to public health engineers and installers, mechanical consultants, and architects. He’s also been on the road working with customers on spec’ing up pumping solutions for their projects.

Before joining the Saniflo team, Zahin worked in Dubai with GF Piping Systems for almost nine years and has over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing in the Middle East.

When he’s not at work, Zahin likes to spend quality time with family. Having recently moved to the U.K., he – along with his wife and two sons – loves to set out on road trips to explore sights and scenes around the country. He is passionate about cricket and supports his team, India, on any given occasion. He loves to cook and host family gatherings at home, specialising in Indian cuisine.

Sanipex takes urban living challenge at Sheffield’s Kangaroo Works

Located in the heart of Sheffield, Kangaroo Works is a residential project by Whittam Cox Architects, forming part of the Heart of the City II regeneration masterplan.

The architects took a design-centric approach, carefully considering quality fixtures and finishes. SANIPEX GROUP says it was a natural fit for the specification and supply of a full bathroom solution, from brassware and accessories to sanitaryware.

The masterplan aims to become the commercial hub of the city centre and deliver a dynamic mixed-use district with premium retail brands, restaurants, offices, hotels, public spaces, and quality apartments. Taking inspiration from the city’s urban heritage, the brick façade building, designed around the vernacular Sheffield courtyard typology, forms a transition between the formal city centre and the more historic Devonshire Quarter.

The apartments have been designed to a superior specification in keeping with the area, featuring sanitaryware and brassware from the BAGNODESIGN brand and comprehensive plumbing solutions from AQUAECO. Back-to-wall WCS, wall-mounted washbasins, basin, bath and shower mixers all feature.

For more details, call 01924 233977 or visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

Pictured above – Kangaroo Works exterior

More news from Sanipex

Acquabella presents Noon Slate bathtub

Acquabella showcased its latest innovation at the Kbb exhibition in Birmingham: the Noon Slate bathtub. According to the bathroom solutions brand, this new product will transform the bathroom industry and elevate the standard of luxurious design.

The free-standing noon slate bathtub delivers a bathing experience that combines elegance and functionality. With a Slate texture on its exterior, this bathtub offers a sophisticated and natural look, while its smooth interior includes a practical ledge for placing bath products or accessories. Its material, Akron®, offers the highest technical properties and allows the bathtub to be designed in over 2,000 colours.

This bathtub has won some of the most prestigious awards in the world of design, such as the IF Design Award and the Archiproduct Design Award. Noon Slate has been awarded these distinguished accolades and seals of design excellence.

In today’s era, design is pivotal in selecting components for one’s personal oasis. Material quality, finishes, shapes, and functionality are all integral considerations. These factors were meticulously evaluated by the international jury in conferring this distinguished honour.

The Noon Slate freestanding bathtub seamlessly integrates all these elements to deliver an elegant solution that promises an unparalleled bathing experience. Its contemporary, minimalist design effortlessly complements any bathroom style, positioning it as the focal point of the space.

The textured Slate finish lends a sophisticated, organic charm, evoking the serene beauty of nature—a perfect match for a relaxation sanctuary.

Furthermore, the bathtub’s clever design, recessed into the wall only at the back, features a convenient shelf ideal for storing bathroom essentials or decorative accents, allowing homeowners to infuse their personal style into the space.

www.acquabella.com

VitrA premieres 100% recycled ceramic washbasin

Shown for the first time in the UK at the kbb show and a world’s first, VitrA’s new *100% recycled ceramic washbasin is environmentally friendly, yet stylish and reflects the brand’s commitment to using fewer resources, minimising waste and maximising their contribution to the circular economy.

Made from using broken and discarded ceramics, along with other waste materials from the manufacturing process that would typically end up in landfill, the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin from VitrA is said to set a new standard in sustainable design within the industry. A life cycle assessment found that the production of the recycled washbasins minimises VitrA’s environmental impact on fossil fuel usage and global warming by a significant 30% per product.

Available in five thoughtfully crafted designs, each basin embodies its own unique character, from the organic simplicity of the ‘Pebble’ to the geometric precision of ‘Square’ and ‘Circle, to the distinctive outline of ‘TV’ and the graceful curves of ‘Oval’. Finished in a textured matt taupe finish, the 100% recycled ceramic washbasins combine organic forms with minimalistic sophistication.

Above left – diagram of the manufacturing process for the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin / Above right – VitrA’s 100% recycled ceramic washbasin shown at the kbb show

Gokce Ersel Otkun, head of sustainability at VitrA, comments: “The launch of the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin marks a turning point for the brand and the industry at large. Being the first in the industry to devise such a product demonstrates VitrA’s wholehearted commitment to delivering on its promises to champion sustainable design. We’re so excited to be on this sustainability journey, and feel this product is a significant step forward.”

Find out more about VitrA’s 100% recycled ceramic washbasin here.

*The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials generated and disposed of during the CSW manufacturing process.

Pictured top: 100% Recycled Ceramic Washbasin in rectangular shape.

Kbb Birmingham exceeds expectations for St James England

Luxury brassware manufacturer St James England presented its three complementary portfolios, including its new Living range, at KBB Birmingham 2024.

St James offers design-led brassware, including taps, mixers, showers, sinks, and accessories. Its three complementary portfolios include St James Living (pictured below right), a new range of bathroom and kitchen brassware which the company unveiled at Kbb Birmingham, in its first appearance at the event in recent years.

St James’ three complementary portfolios provide a solution for every individual design requirement. St James Traditional is inspired by Victorian elegance and hand-finished with bespoke details. St James Distinction still embodies that iconic British style, combined with a contemporary twist.

St James also presented its market-leading POS materials at kbb Birmingham. Reportedly, the sales team received a significant number of requests from retailers keen to install displays at kbb. New brochures for the Traditional, Distinction, and Living collections were also on display to present St James’ customisable options for its products, which were available to see on the stand.

Andy Burton, divisional marketing manager, St James England, says: “We were delighted to showcase the St James luxury brassware collections at kbb Birmingham. Our team has been working exceptionally hard over the past 12 months to refine our new portfolio based approach including the St James Traditional and Distinction ranges, as well as launching our brand new Living collection.

“We are able to offer retail partners brassware products that are exclusive to us, are not available online and that come with all the support they need to grow their own businesses. Our new branding, new products and new POS displays were very warmly received by visitors to our stand, and it was a pleasure to present the Signature of St James to retailers throughout the exhibition.

“Our presence at kbb Birmingham reiterated our commitment to bricks and mortar retailers. Overall, the exhibition exceeded expectations and we look forward to developing new partnerships with some incredible independent bathroom and kitchen specialists across the UK.”

For more information on St James, or to enquire about becoming a St James retail partner, please call 0121 358 1555 or email sales@stjamesengland.com.

You can also visit the website at www.stjamesengland.com.

Startup Hidealoo invents ‘lootilities’ for households

London startup Hidealoo showcased its innovative design for the industry at Kbb. Designers can factor in ‘lootilities’ for projects and households that do not have the space or money available for a whole new bathroom; Hidealoo delivers the solution.

The Hidealoo frame can be used with any standard UK wall-hung toilet and can be moved through 90 degrees, meaning it can be hidden inside a cabinet, cupboard or wall space when not in use.

In addition to creating more flexible floor space, the frame allows additional toilets to be installed where adding a new bathroom may not otherwise be possible, for example, by allowing a toilet to be fitted within a utility room cupboard or in a cabinet underneath loft eaves.

Hidealoo’s inventor, Monty Ravenscroft, has spent the last 25 years pioneering designs for innovative moving elements in architecture. This includes building a 3-bedroom home on a tiny plot in southeast London, which was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme. With very little space to play with, Monty needed to get creative with various space-saving inventions.

Monty then went on to appear as co-host of Channel 4’s ‘Inside Out Homes’, which focused on creating a new invention to solve a problem faced by a homeowner in each episode.

Inspired by these experiences and seeking a solution for his invalid father, who needed the convenience of bathroom facilities in his bedroom, yet in a discreet way that preserved his dignity, Monty developed the idea of a foldaway toilet. Spotting the broader potential for the frame, he worked closely with award-winning international designer Sebastian Conran to perfect its design.

Monty explains: “We’re hearing from a lot of homeowners at the moment who are under pressure with the high cost of living. Those who can’t afford to move but who need more facilities for their growing family, or who are having to rent out rooms to cover spiralling mortgage costs. They don’t have the space or money to install a whole new bathroom, so need an innovative solution.

“We can help them to get clever with the space they have available while opening up the options for where they might fit an additional loo and at a fraction of the cost of a big build project.”

The TheHidealoo frame is manufactured in Britain and is simple to install for any plumber or competent DIYer. It can hold up to 400kg in weight and has been tested through 250k uses the equivalent of being used more than 10 times a day for 65 years.

For more information, visit www.hidealoo.com

Ideal Standard celebrates triple success at iF Design Awards 2024

March 25, 2024

Bathroom brand Ideal Standard is celebrating a triple win in the 2024 iF Design Awards for its new product ranges: Solos, La Dolce Vita® and Alu+. The collections were created by chief design officer at Ideal Standard, Roberto Palomba.

The awards were presented at the iF International Forum Design competition after evaluation by an independent jury of experts based on criteria such as design quality, innovation, functionality, and environmental impact. This year the competition attracted almost 11,000 entries from 72 countries, highlighting its global reach and significance.

The first award was given to Solos, a visually striking collection featuring a unique integrated combination of basin and fittings and a range of sophisticated showering solutions. Fine, straight lines and extremely thin edges give the basin its distinctive weightless look, while the sleek, fully integrated fitting completes the seamless, pure appearance.

The shower products combine intuitive, smart controls with various spray modes and an integrated ambient light to create a sophisticated all-in-one solution that provides a true spa-like experience. Made from pioneering materials and packed with advanced technologies, Solos offers modern convenience and everyday luxury in the bathroom.

Next to be recognised by the judges was the La Dolce Vita® collection, a range that echoes the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian lifestyle. Launching later this year, this new series features solutions for the entire bathroom, from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to mixer taps, shower products and accessories. La Dolce Vita®’s beauty is balanced between geometric shapes and forms inspired by nature. Classic tapered design elements and sensual curved edges elegantly separate the products out of the crowd.

The Alu⁺ range of shower products and beauty bars was the third collection to be awarded. Sustainability was prioritised during the development of this collection, with Alu⁺ created from high-quality recyclable aluminium, consisting of 84% recycled content. The range is completely free from chrome and nickel and includes water-saving technology that helps to reduce water consumption without sacrificing comfort. Practicality is central to the range, and Alu⁺ includes storage shelves and matching beauty bars, with mirrors and other storage solutions, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The entire collection is available in three low-sheen finishes – Silk Black, Rosé and Silver – giving customers the option to play with colour in a new and exciting way.

The three ranges perfectly embody Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy, which aims to provide solutions across all bathroom categories that can be easily mixed and matched, enabling customers to create tailored designs with no compromise on their vision.

Jan Peter Tewes, CEO at Ideal Standard, said: “We are thrilled to receive three iF Design Awards, which underscore our ongoing commitment to design excellence in the bathroom industry. These awards reflect our dedication to creating products that not only enhance the bathroom space but also enrich the lives of our customers through thoughtful design and innovation.”

Roberto Palomba, chief design officer at Ideal Standard, added: “Design is all about making a difference to people’s lives. This can be through the aesthetic and the enjoyment of being in beautiful surroundings. It can be in the functional, where our experience of daily routines is made better. Or it can be in knowing our lifestyle choices are compatible with caring for our planet. All these things are considered in the creation of an Ideal Standard collection, and I am delighted to see this acknowledged by the iF judging panel with Solos, La Dolce Vita® and Alu⁺.”

Ideal Standard’s success at the 2024 iF Design Awards is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to design innovation and its ability to consistently deliver products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.

For more information about Ideal Standard and its award-winning product ranges, please visit www.idealstandard.co.uk

Aqualla releases new range of statement bathroom mirrors

March 25, 2024

Leading brassware brand Aqualla has recently launched a striking new range of mirrors that offer something for every style of bathroom.

The height of modernity, the mirrors combine sleek, contemporary aesthetics with thoughtful features such as wireless charging pads, ambient colour change options, and Bluetooth technology, effortlessly transforming bathrooms and luxuriously lavish retreats. The new mirrors include Horizon, Pebble, Studio, Linea Charge, Gallery, Solaris and Vision.

Horizon

With its unique three-quarter circle design and LED backlight, Horizon draws inspiration from the sunset and sunrise. Horizon, pictured top, is available in 800x746mm (RRP £387.60)and 1200x1120mm (RRP £624) formats.

Pebble

For those who like abstract décor, the visually intriguing Pebble mirror ticks all the boxes. It is available in an 800x555mm (RRP £272) size.

Studio

Pictured left, StudioA is a modern twist on a classic vanity set-up. Studio pairs iconic retro glamour with integrated LED fittings for a timeless look. It is available in an 800x700mm (RRP £364) size.

All new mirrors feature either LED back or front lights. To operate, simply press and hold the touch switch to select colour warm lighting and adjust the intensity accordingly with the dimmable function. Horizon, Pebble, Gallery, Solaris, Vision and Linea Charge are all fitted with a heated demister pad to prevent condensation, even while showering.

Made from durable 5mm safety-backed glass, every mirror has portrait and landscape fitting options to suit all customer preferences and a 5-year warranty for greater peace of mind.

Ruth Black, managing director at Aqualla, comments: “Our existing mirror portfolio has been incredibly popular, making it a growing category for us a business and one which we are keen to expand and diversify. The trend-led new designs cater to all interior tastes, whether customers are looking for a contemporary statement mirror or a nod to traditional styling.”