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.
Shower design for today’s housing market requires a balance of style, functionality, and adaptability to evolving consumer needs. As urban living spaces become more compact and multi-generational, the demand for chic, space-saving solutions is at an all-time high.
Modern shower designs are moving towards open, minimalist concepts that maximise space and light while offering luxury and practicality. Flatter shower trays and seamless enclosures are increasingly popular and provide an aesthetic edge. At the same time, the rise of sustainable and smart technologies means designers can easily integrate water-efficient features with easy-to-maintain materials.
Diane Larner examines how innovations are transforming shower design to reflect user expectations.
Ultra luxurious
Sleek, low-profile shower trays deliver a minimalist look that helps create an open feel to the bathroom space. In a world where multi-generational living is on the rise, flush-to-floor installations enhance accessibility and inclusivity, making them a safer option for all ages, from young children to elderly family members. They also provide peace of mind for homeowners, as they are less likely to run into leakage or drainage issues.
Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing at Bette, agrees, “There is a growing demand for large, flatter and level-with-the-floor shower trays, that can give the look of a wet room, without any worries about water leakage. There’s also a growing understanding of the benefits of glazed-steel shower trays in terms of their durability and ease of cleaning. With a wide colour choice available, such as Bette’s 31 Key Colours available on all shower trays, there is also the opportunity to coordinate the shower tray with the bathroom flooring.”
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
Going solo
For architects and designers, sourcing bathroom products from a single supplier is an efficient way to streamline the process. Consolidating purchases means buyers can worry less about design consistency across the project, since each element will likely be coordinated, be it shower trays, enclosures, or accessories. In addition, this approach simplifies the procurement process, mitigating the risk of compatibility issues between different product lines. Thanks to volume discounts, cost savings can also be expected on package deals. A single-supplier approach will simplify project management, offering reliable delivery schedules, warranty management, and a direct point of contact for support. This ultimately allows buyers to focus on the creative aspects of the design. Kinedo is one such supplier that offers this service to its customers.
Amanda Mills, marketing manager for Kinedo, comments. “With a comprehensive range of all-in-one cubicles, shower enclosures, walk-ins, trays, plus our stunning collection of shower panels, Kinedo is very much a one-stop shop for showering. There is a growing market for products that help customers personalise their space, and the new glass panel options and the myriad of panel designs in our range mean that a customer can opt for unique combinations to suit their own taste.”
Kinedo has revamped its walk-in shower range and added some stunning new options. The Solo range combines existing products in various sizes with door options that include pivot, bi-fold, sliding, static, and kick panels.
Electric appeal
Electric showers continue to gain traction among architects working across retrofit, modular, and multi-residential sectors, particularly where water pressure, space constraints, or system independence is a concern. Their ease of installation and self-contained heating mean they remain a practical solution in scenarios where system separation or decentralised supply is an issue. Aesthetic limitations, once a common drawback, are now being addressed by manufacturers pushing design-forward innovation. The latest electric showers feature slimmer profiles and improved interfaces, whilst finishes reflect broader bathroom trends – think matte black, brushed brass, and soft-touch digital controls. Electric showers are no longer purely functional but align with design intent and user experience.
Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing for House of Rohl, agrees, “The latest electric showers may surprise people with their performance and stylish design, as well as value for money. There is a trend towards more premium finishes, so you don’t have to opt for cheap-looking plastics. And by using electricity to heat up the exact amount of water used, they are efficient too – many electric showers have an ‘A-rating’ for energy efficiency.”
Aqualisa’s electric showers have been designed to be stylish and sophisticated additions to any bathroom. They combine the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Its E2 series, for example, is a sleek, space-saving shower with advanced functions and simple operation. It provides a hot and refreshing shower virtually instantly, taking water from the cold mains supply, so there is no demand for stored hot water tanks.
Time to spa
Spa-style bathrooms are fast becoming recognised as a design staple. Drawing on natural materials, ambient lighting, and elegant fittings, these spaces feel calm and considered. Features such as freestanding tubs, rain showers, and soothing colour schemes enhance well-being.
In addition, shrinking bathroom footprints in UK properties present an ongoing challenge for developers and designers attempting to deliver a sense of luxury in compact spaces. With urban living on the rise and space at a premium, balancing functionality with high-end aesthetics is key. This shift calls for innovative thinking that blends streamlined design with products that maximise every inch without losing that essential feeling of indulgence. This is where a luxurious shower design can make its mark.
Katy Olsen, brand manager at BAGNODESIGN, explains, “Showering has become key to creating a wellness environment and is now seen as just as important as a freestanding bath in cultivating a spa-style bathroom. Like many elements of bathroom design, it really comes down to personal preference, and for many consumers, showering is definitely perceived as promoting relaxation and wellness as well as rejuvenation.
“Showers that combine different functions are perfect for creating a wellness environment with ceiling-mounted shower heads that offer an immersive experience, proving popular with consumers looking to personalise their showering space.”
The BAGNOSPA 4 Function Shower Head from luxury bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, perfect for creating a spa-like setting at home. This recessed shower head features four functions: waterfall, spray, rain curtain, and rain, as well as RGB LED lights. It measures 600 x 600mm and requires a minimum operating pressure of 1.5 bar for an indulgent showering experience that promotes wellness.
Mix & match
As shower trends shift towards a more customised approach, there is a growing preference for integrating design elements that help to build a cohesive, sophisticated aesthetic throughout the bathroom or shower room. Eye-catching new materials, colours, and finishes make it easy to create visually striking yet practical shower spaces. This approach allows for a seamless integration of luxury features while meeting the demand for efficient, modern living environments.
Sarah Stepney, trade marketing at Kudos, concurs, “From an enclosure perspective, the key is to offer a broad range of design options, at all price points, allowing the end-user to personalise the space and trade-up. So, whether that be low-level shower trays in various colours, minimalist enclosures with slim profiles or a wet room solution with complementary glass panels, anything goes. Coloured profiles that match or coordinate with brassware are growing in popularity as are tinted glass, decorative or mirrored shower panels.”
Kudos has been creating showering products in its Cumbrian facility for the past 26 years. The most recent product introductions developed and manufactured within its UK facility are the ULTIMATE slimline shower tray, just 27mm in height (manufactured to bespoke sizes), and SIONA, a semi-frameless shower panel and enclosure collection – available in eight popular sizes.
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