Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Utopia Group supports local and national charities through year-round fundraising

January 7, 2026

Staff at Utopia Group, based in Bilston, West Midlands, entered the Christmas spirit with their usual enthusiasm in late December, donning festive jumpers in style and hosting a Christmas Raffle. These two charity events marked the end of another successful year of active fundraising by Utopia employees.

At Christmas, the money raised was donated to The Mel Evans MBE Foundation, a local charity nominated by an employee and committed to supporting research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Mindful of local families facing hardship, Utopia Group also continues to support The Excel Foodbank in Bilston, delivering a significant haul of donated groceries in the run-up to Christmas to help those in need across the local community.

Throughout the year, employees also took part in the annual Utopia charity walk, held in July, which raised over £1,000 for MIND and the company’s own Liz Green Fund. The fund was created in memory of one of Utopia’s founding directors and supports cancer charities and local community initiatives.

October saw staff dressing up once again for Wear It Pink Day, raising a further £100 for Breast Cancer Now as part of Utopia’s ongoing commitment to national cancer awareness campaigns.

Helen Clark, Head of marketing at Utopia Group, commented:“As part of our ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, we are proud to continue to support national cancer charities including Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, alongside local charities that are close to our employees’ hearts. Cancer charities are particularly dear to us, but we encourage all employees to suggest local worthy causes, enabling us to support a wide range of initiatives that matter most to our people and our local community.”

About Utopia Group

Utopia Group is a UK-based company located in Bilston, West Midlands, committed to delivering excellence while making a positive impact through strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The company actively supports national charities, local organisations, and community projects that matter most to its employees and the communities it serves.

For more news and product information from Utopia, visit our Utopia stories hub or see their official website at www.utopiagroup.com

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Michael Demmer joins Duravit AG Executive Board as chief transformation & people officer

January 6, 2026

Duravit AG has announced that Michael Demmer will join the company’s Executive Board on 1 February as chief transformation & people officer (CTPO). In his new role, Demmer will oversee transformation, organisational strategy, and human resources at the highest level.

The move reflects Duravit’s commitment to consolidating key competencies to drive the company’s strategic development and embed lasting change across the business.

“Duravit’s employees are the decisive factor for the sustainable success of our company. Especially in times of change, it is crucial to think about transformation and human resources issues together and to implement them
consistently,” emphasises Gregor Greinert, chairman of the supervisory board of Duravit AG.

Demmer brings with him many years of international management and leadership experience. In his previous positions, his focus was on the further development of organisations and successful leadership in dyamic market conditions. His leadership approach combines clear objectives, efficient structures, and the consistent involvement of employees.

With this decision, Duravit is sending a clear signal for the future: the company is anchoring transformation and employee orientation as key success factors at the executive board level.

More news and product information from Duravit

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AI tools for KBB professionals: 2026 predictions from Houzz

January 6, 2026

Houzz is highlighting how AI tools for KBB professionals will transform workflows in 2026. From streamlining administrative tasks to improving client communication, these insights show how technology is becoming essential to modern bathroom, kitchen, and home improvement businesses.

Artificial intelligence is quickly shifting from “nice-to-have” to a core part of how construction and design professionals work day-to-day. According to the U.S. Houzz State of AI in Construction & Design report, more than a third of pros (34%) already use AI in their businesses, saving, on average, over three hours per week. Two-thirds of pros (66%) expect AI to transform the industry within five years, with adoption highest among larger firms (those with 10 or more employees) that have resources to experiment and train their teams.

Industry professionals are using AI to streamline estimating and proposal creation, automate administrative tasks, generate marketing materials, and improve client communication. Yet most still lack formal training, highlighting the need for tools that make AI accessible and trustworthy. Rather than adding complexity, pros are looking for AI that fits naturally into the systems they already use and can act like an extra set of hands rather than a new workflow to learn. Solutions like Houzz Pro, which integrates AI into everyday workflows for estimating, takeoffs, and visualisation, are helping to bridge that gap, turning AI into a reliable teammate that expands a team’s productivity rather than another tool to manage.

Small teams get smarter through systems

Many construction and design pros feel stretched thin juggling office tasks, client management, and their craft. In 2026, burnout is expected to drive a stronger focus on process improvements, including CRM platforms, project management tools, and automation for estimating, scheduling, and invoicing. Together, these systems form a solid operational backbone that cuts down back-office burdens and frees pros to spend more time on project delivery. These tools don’t just organise the business; they increase a small team’s effective capacity, allowing pros to take on more projects without immediately adding staff or compromising quality.

Builders and designers reimagine client communication as a competitive edge

Client communication will become a key differentiator for builders and designers in 2026. According to Houzz’s What Homeowners Want study, over a third of homeowners say their biggest struggle is getting clear and detailed estimates (34%), followed by timely, accurate communication (30%). Once projects begin, transparency becomes even more important: 31% wish they had received better communication overall, and 17% say a clear project timeline would have improved their renovation experience. Builders and designers who use software to deliver detailed estimates, visual previews, and real-time updates can turn client anxiety into confidence. Professionals who deliver early, clear, and structured communication will stand out as trusted partners.

Process discipline becomes the antidote to chaos

As delays, costs, and client expectations continue to rise, builders and designers are strengthening operations with more structure and accountability. Using an all-in-one software platform like Houzz Pro helps ensure that everyone works from the same up-to-date information, reducing costly internal miscommunication and rework. This shift emphasises internal consistency: creating repeatable, documented processes that protect margins and prevent avoidable mistakes. In 2026, firms that embed disciplined, transparent systems into every stage of a project will experience fewer surprises, smoother workflows, and more satisfied clients.

Collaboration between trades tightens through tech

Scheduling conflicts, handoffs, and cross-company miscommunication remain major pain points. According to the 2025 Houzz State of the Industry report, 42% of firms planned to invest in improving efficiency, and 35% wanted to improve communication. Shared digital platforms and collaboration tools are becoming essential for keeping trades, suppliers, and clients aligned in real time. Teams that integrate workflows through unified software for task tracking, file sharing, and stakeholder updates will move faster, make fewer costly errors, and gain a competitive edge in a tight market.

Photo Credit: Etch Design Group ©Houzz

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Tennis star Marta Kostyuk named Duravit global brand ambassador

January 6, 2026

Duravit has named Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk as its new global brand ambassador, reinforcing the company’s commitment to design excellence and its position within the international bathroom sector.

The partnership reflects Duravit’s focus on craftsmanship, quality and innovation, aligning the brand with globally recognised figure known for performance and precision. Kostyuk’s role will support Duravit’s ongoing efforts to connect its premium bathroom solutions with a worldwide audience, highlighting the company’s design-led approach and dedication to exceptional product experiences.

The 23-year-old is among the top players on the WTA Tour, currently holding the No. 26 spot in the world rankings. With her powerful game and achievements, such as a WTA singles title in 2023 and two WTA doubles titles, she is regarded as one of the most promising contenders for future Grand Slam success.

“Excellence is the result of dedication and striving for perfection – principles that connect Duravit with elite sport. With Marta Kostyuk as our partner, we’re showing what we stand for: the advancement of people and ideas that perform at the highest level and redefine standards,” said Duravit CEO Stephan Tahy.

“I’m excited about the partnership with Duravit. For me, it’s important to work with brands that share the same values and drive toward constant improvement. Duravit is a byword for quality and design, which perfectly complements what I aim for on the tennis court,” said Kostyuk.

Design meets excellence

Top-level sport demands more than intense training: recovery and mental strength are essential for success. This is where Duravit comes in with bathroom solutions that create spaces for tranquillity, relaxation, and preparation, fully in line with the brand promise ‘Upgrade your everyday’. Duravit’s commitment to tennis underscores this connection: premium design meets sporting excellence.

“Marta Kostyuk is an inspiring personality with outstanding levels of talent, discipline, and passion. These qualities reflect precisely what Duravit stands for. We’re proud to have her on our side as a brand ambassador and to be working together to create new inspiration for our brand around the world,” said CMO Lüder Fromm.

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Sanipex Group appoints Darren Blackburn as southern business development manager

January 6, 2026

Sanipex Group has appointed Darren Blackburn as southern business development manager, supporting the continued growth of its UK retail bathroom business.

With 27 years of bathroom industry experience, Blackburn brings with him a wealth of retail and sales expertise, having held senior roles at leading brands including Manhattan Shower Doors, Aqualisa Showers, Perrin & Rowe, and Carron Baths. His career began in a Southampton-based bathroom showroom, giving him invaluable hands-on insight into the end-to-end customer experience.

In his new role, Blackburn will focus on developing business opportunities and supporting Sanipex Group’s luxury bathroom brand, BAGNODESIGN, across the southern region. His passion for product detail, from materials and craftsmanship to design inspiration, perfectly aligns with the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. Blackburn will work closely with existing retail partners while identifying new opportunities to expand BAGNODESIGN’s presence in premium showroom environments.

Blackburn commented: “What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work so closely with a product range that’s driven by design, quality, and innovation. I’ve always enjoyed understanding what makes a product special, from how it’s made, to the inspiration behind it, and BAGNODESIGN’s portfolio gives me the chance to share that story with retail partners in some of the most beautiful showroom settings across the region.”

Lee Palmer, Sanipex Group’s sales director UK & Ireland, added: “We are delighted to welcome Darren to the team. His extensive industry experience, deep product knowledge, and passion for excellence make him a valuable asset as we continue to grow our footprint across the UK retail market.”

For more information about SANIPEX GROUP UK, please visit: www.sanipex.co.uk

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RAK Ceramics brings subtle sophistication to Welsh holiday estate

January 5, 2026

Leading tile and bathroom manufacturer RAK Ceramics has extended its partnership with UK-based DRG Interior and Building Solutions following the successful completion of a new Welsh holiday estate.

RAK Ceramics, which has worked with leading-family-owned construction company DRG for over 8 years, has become its preferred supplier and was the natural partner for Parsonage Farm. Set within a Welsh National Park and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Amroth, Parsonage Farm has been transformed into a premium holiday destination, with beautifully designed interiors that seamlessly combine luxury living with contemporary comfort.

RAK Ceramics has built up an enviable reputation for its full-service solutions and has established itself as a trusted project partner that is able to supply comprehensive bathroom collections that span all price points.

Bathroom-Review-RAK-Ceramics-DRG-Interior-Emily-May-Parsonage-Farm-basin

Stacy Cox, buyer at DRG Interior and Building Solutions, explained: “RAK Ceramics instantly understood what we were looking to achieve at Parsonage Farm, and their extensive portfolio gave us plenty of scope to maintain the high levels of luxury required across each of the bathrooms.”

For Parsonage Farm, RAK Ceramics supplied everything for the bathrooms from basins, brassware and thermostatic showers to flush plates, WCs with built-in cisterns, LED mirrors, shower trays and vanity units.

RAK-Valet sanitaryware, created by celebrated designer Patrick Norguet, and brassware and accessories in Matt Black and Brushed Gold from RAK Ceramics’ beautiful RAK-Petite range were among the collections specified.

“Being able to get everything we need for a bathroom or ensuite from a single brand is invaluable,” Cox continued. “RAK Ceramics’ design-led products were the perfect fit for Parsonage Farm and enabled us to create aspirational bathrooms that will appeal to discerning guests looking for a luxurious holiday let.”

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Bathroom-Review-RAK-Ceramics-DRG-Interiors-Parsonage-Farm-Emily-May

Case Study: RAK Ceramics / DRG / Parsonage Farm Bathrooms

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The spa bathroom at home – recreating through lighting and sensory material

January 5, 2026

Imagine a bathroom that feels like a high-end spa—every fixture, handle, and light perfectly aligned to create a seamless, immersive experience. Buster + Punch and GROHE SPA have partnered to make that vision a reality with their new fully integrated bathroom collection.

The collaboration brings together GROHE SPA’s “wellbeing through water” philosophy and Buster + Punch’s signature solid-metal craftsmanship. The collection offers a complete toolkit for designers and architects, including plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, lighting, wall switches, dimmers, and outlets—all in coordinated finishes like Brushed Warm Sunset, Brushed Cool Sunrise, and matte black. Buster + Punch’s signature knurling adds tactility, creating bathrooms that are not only visually cohesive but also inviting to touch.

“To elevate your look in spas, wet rooms, and bathrooms, it’s essential to combine detailing, brassware, and lighting in one seamless finish,” says Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director of Buster + Punch. “This collaboration gives designers and architects everything they need to create elevated spaces effortlessly. It sets a new benchmark for premium bathroom design executed with precision.”

Paul Flowers, chief design and brand officer of GROHE SPA, adds, “By combining Buster + Punch’s craftsmanship with GROHE SPA’s expertise in water and experiential luxury, we offer a fully integrated suite where every element aligns. The result is a space that invites emotional interaction and turns bathrooms into immersive experiences.”

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Fitzroy of London’s Montcalm Mayfair Project

January 5, 2026

Leading accessible bathroom brand Fitzroy of London collaborated with London interior design studio, Studio Mica, to develop accessible bathroom solutions for the launch of the new guest rooms and suites at Montcalm Mayfair in London.

The brief was to elevate the guest experience through contemporary design that is both inclusive and effortlessly elegant, ensuring every accessible bathroom is as thoughtfully crafted as any other hotel room. In need of bathroom solutions that would meet accessibility standards without compromising on luxury, Fitzroy of London was chosen for its knowledge and comprehensive product portfolio.

Bathroom-Review-Fitzroy-of-London-Montcalm-Mayfair-Project-shower

The project features products from the brand’s popular Gosfield collection and is a striking example of contemporary design meets superior functionality. Gosfield fixed grab rails, removable grab rails, back rests and white pad shower seats were selected in PVD Satin Brass, pairing beautifully with the other finishes found throughout the hotel. The warm, contemporary finish helps to enhance the gold veining running through the bathroom tiles, alongside the bold, bespoke wallpaper and playful patterns found in the bedrooms.

Removable products were specifically requested by the hotel’s operations team so they were able to provide a flexible solution that allows the bathrooms to be adaptable to better meet the needs of different guests. Offering complete fluidity, when the grab rails are not needed by a guest, they can simply be removed and a matching backplate in the same finish is added in its place. The result is a spacious bathroom that is both elegant and refined.

Anna Mazurak, senior interior designer at Studio Mica, commented: “When working on accessible bathrooms, it’s often difficult to find beautiful products that fit within our design brief. Working with Fitzroy of London was a fantastic experience. The brand offers a fully comprehensive range of accessible fittings in a wide array of designs, products and finishes, making it really simple to complement the existing features of the design. What really stood out was how collaborative the team was as they worked closely with us on every detail and provided us with all the product specification documents that we needed for our drawings.”

Following its temporary closure in 2023, Montcalm Mayfair recently reopened following a bold renovation. Architects Holland Harvey oversaw the transformation, working with Studio Est and Studio Mica who reimagined the interiors, including 151 guest rooms and suites, a wellness space, bar, restaurant, public areas and an all-day dining brasserie.

Fitzroy of London’s commitment to customisation and quality proved invaluable throughout the project, with the result being inclusive and contemporary bathrooms which received praise from the client and their customers.

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Malcolm Scott announced as BIFIS director of strategic partnerships

January 5, 2026

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has appointed Malcolm Scott (pictured) as its new director of strategic partnerships.

Malcolm joins the organisation following a long and highly regarded career within the fitted interiors sector, further strengthening his standing as one of the industry’s most respected figures.

His career began with a management apprenticeship at Plumb Centre, giving him hands-on experience and a strong grounding in the sector from an early stage. He went on to become general manager at Waterline, before taking on the role of commercial director at Swift Electrical, a position he held from 1998 until 2022.

Alongside his commercial roles, Malcolm has played a significant part in industry representation. In 2008, he was elected corporate chairperson of the Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA), a voluntary role he held for 14 years. In 2022, he moved into the full-time position of retail & corporate membership director at the KBSA, departing in December 2025 after contributing to a period of notable growth for the association.

In his new role at BIFIS, Malcolm will be responsible for developing the institute’s partnership model, supporting local, regional and national retailers in delivering robust installation propositions. He will also focus on expanding BIFIS’s established network of national and international advocate (corporate) brands that share the organisation’s vision for installation excellence.

Welcoming him to the organisation, Damian Walters, BIFIS chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Malcolm to the BIFIS team at such an exciting time for the organisation. His wealth of experience, industry knowledge, and passion for building meaningful partnerships align perfectly with our ambition to drive innovation and set new standards within the fitted interiors sector. I am confident Malcolm will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth and delivering even greater value to our retail partners and corporate advocates.”

Commenting on his appointment, Malcolm added: “I am honoured to join BIFIS as director of strategic partnerships. The organisation’s commitment to installed excellence and its dynamic vision for the future are genuinely inspiring and was key in my decision to join BIFIS. I very much look forward to working closely with the team, our partners and advocates, and indeed the wider industry to develop initiatives that deliver real impact and help shape the future of fitted interiors.”

For more information about partnering with BIFIS, visit www.bifis.org or call 01375 213 199.

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CRL Stone launches 2026 Ceralsio Brochure

January 5, 2026

CRL Stone has released the latest edition of its Ceralsio brochure, presenting the full 2026 collection of ceramic surfaces in a format tailored to the needs of kitchen and bathroom retailers, designers and specifiers.

The new brochure introduces ten new finishes, reflecting current design trends and expanding the already diverse Ceralsio portfolio. From deep, architectural tones to light-reflecting marble-inspired designs, each surface is shown in high-quality photography with clear specification details to support confident product selection.

Ceralsio surfaces are made from premium ceramic material using advanced manufacturing techniques. The result is a porcelain surface that is completely impermeable, highly resistant to staining, scratches, heat and UV exposure. The material is available in both 12 mm and 20 mm thicknesses, meeting demand for slim, large-format surfacing across residential and commercial projects.

The brochure includes a dedicated section on application areas, demonstrating the versatility of Ceralsio for kitchen worktops, bathroom surfaces, flooring, wall cladding, outdoor kitchens, media walls and facades. Each section is supported by product imagery and layout inspiration, making the brochure a practical tool for showroom teams and design professionals alike.

The 2026 brochure is now available to view online or request in print.

For more information and brochures call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk

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