Victoria + Albert Baths has ruled the world of relaxation with the Tombolo bath rack for years and is thrilled to announce an update to the collection: an indulgent Black finish with exposed wood edges.
Available in three sizes to suit different baths, the extended range is shaped from laminated marine plywood, tackling even the steamiest conditions in a bathroom. With gently bevelled cut-outs for two wine glasses and a broad flat space for candles, chocolates or a book, the bath rack encourages relaxation and indulgence.
Alongside the current White, Walnut and Oak options, the new Black addition adds sophistication to the room and effortlessly elevates any bathing experience. Although specifically designed with Victoria + Albert baths in mind, they will fit many other freestanding baths, where the width of the bath matches the two ‘peaks’ on each end of the rack.
Bringing natural materials into the bathroom is growing in popularity, and the ambition to create a more tactile, sensual space continues. The Tombolo is a simple way to add style, practicality and a touch of luxury to a freestanding bath.
Victoria + Albert Baths’ new Tombolo 9 in Black is priced from £410.26 (incl. VAT) at vandabaths.com.
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.
You can see more on our site if you enjoyed thisBathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
KEUCO has launched a new addition to its PLAN collection: the PLAN blue thermostatic bathtub mixer. This wall-mounted solution combines timeless, contemporary design with functionality, making it a perfect fit for various bathroom styles.
Designed for new builds and renovations, the PLAN blue mixer discreetly conceals water supply connections behind two round decor discs. The handles on either side allow users to easily adjust the water temperature and flow rate.
Safety is paramount, as the mixer features a temperature block set at 38 °C to minimise scalding risks. The centrally positioned spout and conveniently located shower hose connection enhance usability.
The slender design of the PLAN blue series complements existing thermostatic shower mixers and is further supported by a wide range of accessories for bathtubs, showers, and washbasins. Available in classic chrome or bold matt black, these options cater to diverse design needs, making them suitable for modern bathrooms in hotels, healthcare facilities, and private residences.
Duravit has expanded its successful D-Code range, designed by sieger design, offering an all-inclusive bathroom solution that caters to both residential and commercial projects. This affordable range includes ceramics, furniture, bathtubs, accessories, and faucets, all designed with versatility and modern aesthetics in mind.
The D-Code ceramics range features sleek washbasins, toilets, and bidets in various dimensions to suit any project. The washbasins combine spacious inner basins with large tap platforms for maximum comfort, while the toilets incorporate Duravit’s innovative Rimless® technology, offering superior hygiene and water efficiency. These features make the range suitable for diverse environments, from residential homes to high-traffic public spaces.
In the bathroom furniture category, D-Code offers vanity units, semi-tall cabinets, and illuminated mirrors made from PEFC-certified sustainable materials. Available in contemporary finishes like Anthracite and Oak, the furniture is delivered pre-assembled for quick and easy installation, making it a practical choice for large-scale and bespoke projects. The recessed grip handles in Chrome or Matt Black add a sleek, modern touch.
The bathtub collection includes a variety of rectangular built-in acrylic bathtubs in all standard dimensions. These bathtubs feature a comfortable seat depth of 45 cm and an optional “Jet Project” whirl function, providing a luxurious bathing experience at an affordable price. The D-Code shower trays come in square, rectangular, and quadrant shapes, catering to a wide range of bathroom layouts.
Duravit also offers a comprehensive faucet and accessories range in Chrome or Matt Black finishes. The faucets feature water-saving technologies such as FreshStart and MinusFlow, which help reduce water and energy consumption. Accessories like towel rails, soap dishes, and toilet roll holders are perfectly coordinated to complete the look of any bathroom.
Michael Sieger of sieger design highlights the thought behind the D-Code range: “The rigor and new versatility of D-Code – from the washbasin to the toilet, from bathroom furniture to bathtubs, whirl tubs, and shower trays up to accessories – expand the opportunities for bathroom design.” This reflects Duravit’s commitment to offering practical yet stylish solutions.
Duravit stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee on ceramics and five-year warranties on faucets, furniture, and bathtubs.
Duravit’s D-Code range is ideal for those seeking high-quality, durable products that combine timeless design with functionality. It delivers versatility and sustainability, making it a perfect choice for private and public projects.
Even if your bathroom is small or irregularly shaped, you can still indulge in relaxing, life-affirming moments with clever planning and the right space-saving products. A wide range of compact bathtub or space-saving options offer attractive solutions for maximising space and combining functionality with comfort.
Compact & stylish
Built-in bathtubs are generally installed between two walls or in a corner, which makes them a good choice for smaller bathrooms. Sizes starting at 1,400 x 750mm or narrow models with widths of just 650mm fit perfectly into any floor plan. Freestanding tubs, such as the Duravit D-Neo, measure 1,600 x 750mm and are available in compact sizes. Placed near the wall, these bathtubs slot harmoniously into the room, creating a lighter visual impression thanks to the free space below the backrests.
Odd indeed
Asymmetric bathtubs are perfect for irregular-shaped rooms and enable a luxurious bathing experience with a comparatively low fill volume even for small floor plans. With sizes starting at just 1500 x 800mm, the trapezoid Duravit No.1 bathtub offers bathing comfort in the smallest of spaces. Because of its asymmetric properties, it is ideally suited to a corner installation.
One for all
Combined bathtubs that integrate a walk-in shower and bathtub, such as the Shower & Bath model with dimensions of just 1,750 x 700mm, are ideal for the most limiting of floor plans. With an integrated glass shower wall, cushion and easy entry, this option guarantees maximum comfort and a range of choices that make everyday life easier for those with restricted mobility.
Driven by environmental concerns and the growing cost of heating and water, consumers continuously seek ways to create sustainable bathroom designs. Victoria + Albert Baths has produced a bath that is as comfortable and stylish as its existing range but uses an outstanding 30% less water than your average tub.
Ledro’s maximum water capacity is 180 litres. In comparison, Victoria + Albert’s iconic Barcelona 1500 has a capacity of 256 litres – 40% more. Additionally, a typical shower uses 15 litres a minute with an average time of 8 minutes, so it uses a similar 120 litres of water without the luxury and bliss provided by Ledro. Not only is Ledro ideal for residential use but it’s also expected to be a popular choice in the hospitality industry.
Ledro is made from Victoria + Albert’s unique composite, QuarrycastTM, a natural insulator that reduces heat loss and prolongs your luxury bathing experience. The strong, durable, and scratch-resistant material means Victoria + Albert baths are made to last and benefit from a 25-year consumer warranty, further boosting its environmental credentials. Like Victoria + Albert’s other product ranges, the Ledro can be customised in over 200 RAL colours, and customers can choose between a gloss or matt finish.
The Ledro is launching today, August 1st, and is priced at £2,832.00. Customers will be able to purchase in-store or from www.vandabaths.com
Bathroom specialist Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has released its new Edition 19 brochure featuring the latest innovations.
New for Edition 19 are the stylish fluted Linea Curve and Linea Cloakroom furniture collections. Linea Curve offers ample storage space and features a stylish, curved design with fluted detail. The Linea Cloakroom unit with fluted panelling is perfect for cloakrooms, en-suites, and small bathroom spaces.
Scudo has also introduced a collection of bold basins. KOKO (pictured left) combines metallic and poly marble finishes, and the luxurious Core basin is made from stainless steel to provide an industrial twist. The new Riviera basins are ideal for adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom.
The Tutto freestanding bath creates the perfect retreat for relaxation and has been designed with style and practicality in mind. The subtle deep edge prevents water spillage, which allows you to rest your bathroom products and install deck-mounted bath taps.
Also new is a range of statement mirrors to offer something for every bathroom style. These mirrors combine contemporary aesthetics with features such as wireless charging pads and ambient colour change options.
Discover Scudo 19 for the latest bathroom inspiration online at www.scudo.co.uk
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.
Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.
Colour me happy
Acquabella Acquasolid collection
The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.
As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.
Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’
In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).
Life’s a beach
Beach House by BAGNODESIGN
The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.
Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’
One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.
Flushed with love
VitrA ‘s QuantumFlush
Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.
“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“
VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.
Free & easy
Bathrooms to Love Striata Fluted Bath
Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.
Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models.
A complete collection
Waterline Bathroom Collection
Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
WaterlineWaterline
Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love
END
You can see more on our site if you enjoyed thisBathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
Acquabella, known for its avant-garde designs, continues to redefine bathroom aesthetics with its latest range of baths and basins. Specialising in mineral-based solutions, Acquabella products exemplify elegance fused with functionality, appealing to both modern and classic bathroom settings.
Their flagship products, including the stylish Noon Slate bathtub and the sleek Acquasolid collection, composed of basins and worktops, showcase Acquabella’s mastery when blending form and function. Crafted from durable and silica-free materials, these offerings enhance the visual appeal of bathrooms and promise longevity and ease of maintenance—a testament to Acquabella’s dedication to sustainable design practices.
On the one hand, the Noon bathtub features a Slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. At the same time, its smooth interior boasts a practical ledge, which is ideal for placing bath products or any accessories. Thanks to its material, Akron®, it can be designed in more than 2000 colours. On the other hand, Acquabella presents the Acquasolid collection, composed of washbasins and countertops (Tai, Kivu and Tana series) made of Solid Surface with a white, matt, highly resistant finish.
Acquabella’s commitment to innovation and quality reaffirms its position as a trendsetter in the bathroom industry. It continually pushes boundaries and sets new standards for elegance and efficiency.
Duravit explores how materials can impact design. Whether selecting velvety cast-mineral materials or distinctive natural patterns, designers can raise the bar for bathroom design.
Intriguing textures, the best materials, and bespoke surfaces can create a personalised atmosphere highlighting individual design styles. A harmonious mix of materials can be achieved by comparing the different effects of the various elements used and how they interact.
Glass: lightness and transparency
Glass conveys a feeling of spaciousness and freedom and helps to create an elegant and airy atmosphere in any room. The Vitrium bathroom, designed by Christian Werner (pictured top), skillfully places this effect centre stage: the smoke-coloured glass fronts lend the furniture a light, almost floating appearance. Conversely, the black textured glass fronts combined with the wooden carcass on Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha range imbue the bathroom with a sophisticated elegance.
This makes glass a true all-rounder, which is especially effective when combined with other materials.
Natural stone: pure beauty
Choosing natural stone brings an element of nature into the bathroom. Natural stone conveys unique qualities with its individual colour nuances, textures, and patterns. A distinctive stone panel in three different tones brings a natural, timeless constancy to the Qatego designer bathroom range by Studio F. A. Porsche.
Metal: a variety of interpretations
Metal’s currency in the furniture sector is partly due to its versatility. With a range of different variants, the material can provide an extra-special look in any bathroom. For instance, a minimalistic piece of metal furniture can create a futuristic and pared-down impression or a gentle and softer effect can be produced when combined with wood.
The Viu/XViu model perfectly exemplifies how a sleek metal frame can mix with a delicately worked ceramic basin to create a washbasin with sculptural style. In turn, the Aurena bathroom range blends Italian elegance with a touch of modern industrial style by combining the metal frame either with ceramic panels for a marbled look or embossed ebony to create a highly elegant ambience.
Wood: cosy warmth
Surfaces with a wooden aesthetic imbue the interior design with warmth more than virtually any other raw material. Décor surfaces with a wooden texture make rooms homely and comfortable, creating a calming and relaxed atmosphere. Their natural colour palette makes them a perfect match for other surfaces, always fitting in while remaining unobtrusive. Above all, combining a wooden vanity unit and a ceramic or cast-mineral washbasin creates a sense of timeless elegance.
Ceramic: undisputed bathroom classic
Robust, durable, and easy-to-clean ceramic is practical and looks great. The innovative material DuraCeram® enables washbasins with extremely thin walls and precise dimensions to be manufactured without affecting quality and durability. A case in point is the washbasins of the Luv range, featuring clear contours and edges. They can be interpreted in various ways: sometimes elegant, sometimes minimalistic, but always unique and a design statement.
Cast mineral: tactile newcomer
There are many reasons why washbasins and bathtubs made from cast mineral are becoming increasingly popular. The unique feature of DuroCast, the cast-mineral material developed by Duravit, is the velvety matt surface that looks elegant, and allows extremely precise shapes to be crafted.
DuroCast feels extraordinary to the touch and brings a warm yet elegant atmosphere into the bathroom, it can be perfectly combined with other materials such as wood and glass.
