Surfaces Archives

Acquabella affirms use of crystalline silica-free materials

May 20, 2026

Spanish bathroom specialist Acquabella has reaffirmed its commitment to health, safety and sustainability with a portfolio of premium mineral-based products that are entirely free from crystalline silica. Designed with wellbeing and environmental responsibility in mind, the company’s surfaces combine high-performance materials with independently certified credentials for indoor air quality, hygiene and recycled content.

As awareness continues to grow around the risks associated with crystalline silica and silicosis, a serious occupational lung disease linked to certain engineered stone products, Acquabella is highlighting its proactive approach to safer material specification. The manufacturer’s shower trays and countertops are deliberately formulated without crystalline silica, reflecting a long-term commitment to protecting installers, fabricators, employees and end users throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Instead, Acquabella’s products are manufactured using mineral fillers including calcium carbonate and dolomite, materials that differ fundamentally from crystalline silica-based engineered stone linked to silicosis cases globally. This considered material choice underlines the brand’s focus on creating safer bathroom solutions without compromising on design, durability or performance.

Certified materials designed for healthier living

Alongside being crystalline silica-free, Acquabella’s collections also deliver a range of independently certified environmental and wellbeing benefits. Its shower trays contain up to 74% pre-consumer recycled content, while countertops incorporate up to 57%, both verified by SCS Global Services.

The products also achieve an A+ classification for indoor air quality in accordance with ISO 16000-6, helping to support healthier residential and commercial interiors. In addition, Acquabella’s surfaces are certified antibacterial to ISO 22196:2011, offering enhanced hygiene performance for modern bathroom environments where cleanliness and ease of maintenance remain key priorities.

Further reinforcing its sustainability credentials, the company has registered both Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and FDES certifications for its Akron® shower trays and countertops, independently verified to provide greater transparency around environmental performance.

Sustainability embedded across operations

Acquabella’s environmental commitment extends beyond product development into its wider manufacturing operations. The company states that 100% of the electricity used across its facilities comes from certified renewable energy sources, supporting a more responsible production model aligned with evolving industry expectations.

The manufacturer also holds ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, demonstrating a structured approach to reducing environmental impact and continually improving sustainable performance throughout its operations.

As part of its wider climate strategy, Acquabella has also completed the calculation and registration of its corporate carbon footprint, strengthening its commitment to transparency and lower-impact manufacturing.

With growing demand for safer, more sustainable specification choices across the bathroom sector, Acquabella continues to position itself at the forefront of contemporary bathroom design with products engineered to support both wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

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CRL Stone introduces luxurious Ceralsio Lucca Oro

May 20, 2026

With delicate golden veining set against a soft, creamy base, Lucca Oro is the latest surface to be introduced into the Ceralsio ceramic collection from CRL Stone.

Effortlessly elegant, Lucca Oro adds a layer of quiet luxury to interior spaces, tapping into the trend for warm-toned surfaces with natural movement. The stone-effect finish works beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings, pairing equally well with wood, brass, concrete and soft metallics.

As with all Ceralsio surfaces, Lucca Oro has been developed to offer outstanding performance in residential and commercial environments. Completely non-porous and highly stain resistant, it also withstands scratches, heat and UV exposure, ensuring that its colour and texture remain stable even in the most demanding applications.

Lucca Oro is suitable for use across kitchen and bathroom countertops, wall cladding, flooring, facades, media walls and outdoor kitchens. With the growing demand for thin, large-format surfacing, its availability in 12 mm and 20 mm thicknesses ensures designers and fabricators can achieve a high-spec finish without compromise.

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

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REHAU highlights bathroom surface & edgeband excellence at kbb Birmingham

March 17, 2026

REHAU Interior Solutions UK presented its latest surface and edgeband innovations at stand W110, NEC Birmingham, inspiring bathroom designers seeking the very best materials for their upcoming projects.

Recognised for its leadership in decorative surface solutions, REHAU used kbb Birmingham to highlight its Surfaces Matter campaign, underlining the vital role surfaces play in shaping bathrooms that are both visually striking and built to last. Demonstrating a balance of durability and design flexibility, the initiative showcased how REHAU’s advanced materials combine refined aesthetics with high performance and sustainability, seamlessly complemented by its industry-leading edgeband solutions.

REHAU put the spotlight on its RAUVISIO crystal pure collection, a range of solid-colour polymer glass surfaces offered in both high-gloss and matt finishes, ideal for bathrooms due to their resistance to moisture and smooth, non-porous finish, which enables easier cleaning.

Also on display was the multi-award winning RAUVISIO cube, an architectural, concrete-inspired surface that combines an industrial aesthetic with impressive lightness and ease of processing. RAUVISIO cube’s engineered surface is easier to work with than cast concrete and brings more possibilities to bathrooms through its versatility.

Additionally, visitors discovered the super-matt RAUVISIO brilliant noble matt and noir ranges, featuring rich, sophisticated colours with a velvety touch and outstanding everyday durability, making them perfect for both residential and commercial high-traffic areas.

Complementing these surfaces were REHAU’s edgebands and tambour door systems, giving visitors an insight into how these products work seamlessly with surface collections, enabling cohesive, exceptional bathroom spaces.

For more information on REHAU products, visit interior.rehau.uk or contact us at UKinteriors@rehau.com.

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CRL Stone launches new Ceralsio Patagonia finish

March 17, 2026

Blending natural drama with modern durability, Patagonia is the latest surface to join the Ceralsio ceramic collection from CRL Stone. Inspired by the intricate beauty of natural stone, Patagonia makes an immediate visual impact with its layered pattern and tonal variation.

This distinctive surface evokes the textures and colours of raw earth and rock formations, creating a bold design statement. Whether used as a feature kitchen island, bathroom wall, or part of a commercial interior scheme, Patagonia brings a unique sense of character and movement to the space.

Alongside its strong design credentials, Patagonia delivers all the practical benefits that define the Ceralsio collection. The surface is completely non-porous, highly stain resistant and built to withstand scratches, heat and UV exposure — qualities that make it ideal for busy environments and long-term use.

Patagonia is suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring, media walls, facades and outdoor kitchens. The material’s colour and texture remain stable over time, even in areas exposed to direct sunlight or changing conditions.

Offered in 12 mm and 20 mm thicknesses, Patagonia is part of Ceralsio’s response to the growing demand for slim, large-format surfaces that offer both design versatility and technical resilience.

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

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Surfaces matter: Rehau RAUVISIO helps rethink kitchens & bathrooms in hospitality design

February 23, 2026

Contemporary hospitality design is increasingly shifting its focus from pure aesthetics to the creation of a cohesive guest experience. Kitchens and bathrooms – once treated as purely functional zones – have become key spaces that shape the identity of hotels, aparthotels and PRS concepts. Here, materials, light and detailing determine not only the first impression, but also the long-term performance of the investment.

In the premium segment, designers are turning to solutions that combine refined aesthetics with durability under intensive use. A compelling example is the RAUVISIO crystal collection by REHAU – a surface with an elegant glass-like effect that performs beautifully both on furniture fronts and as a splashback. It’s perfectly smooth finish reflects light, visually enlarging compact kitchenettes and hotel bathrooms alike. At the same time, it offers greater resistance to impact and everyday wear than traditional glass.

For projects with particularly high performance requirements, durability becomes paramount. This is where the RAUVISIO noir collection stands out – a surface engineered for enhanced scratch resistance and moisture stability, making it ideal for intensively used spaces. In hotel apartments and suite bathrooms, it ensures longevity without compromising on design. Its deep, matt black finish lends interiors a sense of sophistication and drama, aligning seamlessly with contemporary trends favouring bold contrasts and atmospheric palettes.

Complementing this concept is RAUVISIO cube – a surface inspired by architectural concrete. Its raw, mineral aesthetic pairs effortlessly with minimalist forms and natural materials. Within hospitality environments, it enables the creation of loft-style interiors that remain welcoming and comfortable.

The synergy of these three collections allows designers to craft cohesive, modern kitchen and bathroom spaces that respond equally to investors’ expectations and to guests’ desire for quality, durability and an authentic design experience.

For more: interior.rehau.uk/surfaces

Free sample service: interior.rehau.uk/surface-select

UKinteriors@rehau.com

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Grant Westfield: transforming hotel bathrooms with style, speed and sustainability

February 20, 2026

With more than 140 years of experience in interior building design, Grant Westfield has become a trusted partner for the hospitality sector, delivering premium bathroom wall solutions that balance aesthetics, performance and efficiency. Manufactured in the UK, its award-winning brands Multipanel and Naturepanel are designed to meet the exacting demands of modern hotel environments.

Hotel bathrooms must withstand intensive daily use while delivering a high-end guest experience. Grant Westfield’s waterproof wall panel systems are engineered specifically for these conditions, offering durability, ease of maintenance and design flexibility across projects ranging from boutique hotels to large international chains.

Multipanel, the UK’s leading waterproof wall panel brand, provides a stylish, grout-free alternative to tiles. Its extensive décor range includes marble, stone, tile and wood-inspired finishes, allowing designers to create a luxury aesthetic with greater cost certainty. The patented Hydrolock® joint system ensures a seamless appearance and excellent water resistance, supporting long-term performance in high-traffic bathrooms.

Naturepanel, introduced in 2024, expands the portfolio with panels that authentically replicate the look and texture of real wood. Designed for commercial interiors, it brings warmth and natural character to hotel bathrooms, spas and wellness areas without the maintenance challenges of timber.

Speed of installation is a critical advantage. Grant Westfield’s panels can be installed up to five times faster than tiles, often over existing surfaces, with no grout or drying time. This minimises downtime, reduces labour costs and allows rooms to return to service quickly. Ongoing maintenance is equally efficient, as grout-free surfaces are easier to clean and keep hygienic.

Sustainability is integral to the offering. Both Multipanel and Naturepanel are FSC® certified, 100 percent recyclable and responsibly manufactured in the UK, supporting hotels in meeting environmental targets without compromising on design or durability.

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Ceralsio Armani Gris brings subtle sophistication to the surface

February 17, 2026

Bringing a calm, contemporary edge to modern interiors, Armani Gris is the latest finish to be added to the Ceralsio ceramic surface collection from CRL Stone.

Characterised by a soft, tonal grey base and gentle movement throughout, Armani Gris strikes a balance between minimalism and texture. Its natural finish enhances the surface’s organic feel, making it ideally suited to kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces where a neutral backdrop with design depth is desired.

Made using cutting-edge ceramic technology, Ceralsio is a high-performance surface material that combines aesthetic appeal with outstanding functionality. Its non-porous structure makes it completely impermeable and highly resistant to staining, while its dense composition protects against scratches, heat and UV exposure.

Whether specified for kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring, wall cladding or outdoor applications, Armani Gris offers durability and stability across every setting. Its low-maintenance finish ensures longevity without compromising on style, even in areas exposed to direct sunlight or high traffic.

Available in a 12 mm thickness and natural finish, Armani Gris reflects the growing demand for thin, large-format surfaces that offer both refinement and resilience.

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

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Why surfaces matter more than ever in busy bathrooms

January 20, 2026

The evolution of the bathroom is increasingly driven by material choice. Beyond fittings and finishes, surfaces now define how a space performs, endures and ultimately feels. In both residential and commercial bathrooms, users look for long-lasting solutions that use robust, dependable materials able to maintain their appearance through many years of intensive, high-traffic use.

As modern lifestyles grow busier and expectations rise, bathroom surfaces face new demands. Today’s homeowners seek more than just aesthetic appeal, instead they want materials that not only look great but are also low‑maintenance, hygienic, and durable enough to resist moisture and everyday wear. At the same time, sustainability has become a key consideration, making the choice of surface material more important than ever.

Introducing the RAUVISIO crystal collection

Developed by REHAU, the RAUVISIO crystal collection is the elegant alternative to real glass, delivering the same visual brilliance with superior everyday practicality. Introduced this year, the new RAUVISIO crystal pure collection combines a refined, glass-like appearance with outstanding performance credentials.

Around 50% lighter than glass and up to ten times more impact-resistant, it is safer to handle, easier to install and compatible with standard woodworking tools. Available in both high-gloss and matt finishes, the collection is offered in timeless colours including crisp whites, soft neutrals and deep dark tones, supporting both understated minimalist schemes and more expressive bathroom interiors.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-bath

Crucially, its properties make RAUVISIO crystal pure suitable for private residential bathrooms, but also for large-scale commercial and hospitality projects, where durability, hygiene and long-term reliability are essential. Moisture resistance, colour stability and easy cleaning make the RAUVISIO crystal pure collection a low‑maintenance, high‑performance solution, offering an outstanding design choice for spaces subjected to frequent, everyday use.

REHAU will showcase its RAUVISIO crystal surface collection at the upcoming Surface Design Show 2026 at stand 364. In addition to its main collection, the brand will demonstrate creative applications and innovative fabrication techniques, including bespoke shapes and tailored design solutions that highlight the material’s flexibility and craftsmanship potential.

At REHAU, surfaces matter because they shape how spaces function every day. With RAUVISIO crystal pure, surfaces do not simply complement the bathroom – they define it.

Rehau-Glass-surfaces-for-bathrooms-with-a-radiator

For more information and free samples please visit: https://interior.rehau.com/uk-en/surfaces-matter or chat to us at stand 364, Surface Design Show 2026.

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CRL Stone introduces Taj Mahal to Quartz collection

November 18, 2025

Featuring warm, rich, earthy tones, Taj Mahal is an intriguing Quartz surface that radiates natural beauty. Aptly named after one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it embraces the trend for nature-inspired interiors to bring balance to darker colour schemes and intrigue to paler palettes.

Packed with charm and character, Taj Mahal is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms and will make an impressive style statement in every interior. From islands, work surfaces and splashbacks to furniture, floors and walls, Taj Mahal brings functional beauty to any residential or commercial setting.

Like all the finishes within CRL Stone’s bestselling Quartz collection, Taj Mahal is an infinitely versatile, non-porous surface that is stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant. Ideal for busy households, it is durable and strong and also benefits from being incredibly easy to keep clean as well as ultra-hygienic.

Part of CRL Stone’s Silica Free Collection, Taj Mahal has a shiny, polished finish and is available in slabs measuring 1600mm x 3200mm and thicknesses of 20mm or 30mm.

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

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Six autumn bathroom trends that deliver warmth & texture with Nôsa

October 27, 2025

This autumn, bathrooms are moving beyond ‘white’ towards inviting neutrals, tactile textures and beautifully engineered fixtures, choices that not only feel luxurious now but also stand the test of time and enhance resale value.

With Nôsa’s new Terra Tile range—and acclaimed products across freestanding baths, basins, and showers—creating a design-led home spa is simpler than you think.

These six editor-approved trends, each paired with specific Nôsa designs, help you build a bathroom that’s seasonal yet timeless, stylish yet practical, and undeniably luxurious.

1. Small Changes, Big Warmth: Autumnal Metals & Smart Water Use

If a full refurbishment isn’t on the cards, aim for design-led upgrades. Autumn’s mood is all about depth and glow, which you’ll get instantly from refined metal detailing.

Try Elche Metal porcelain tiles (pictured at the top) to add dramatic, light-catching accents to a splashback or feature wall. Layer with the Faro robe and towel accessory range, plus matching bathroom shelves.

Upgrade with eco-conscious technology: Nôsa’s thermostatic showers are not just sleek but excellent for smart water usage and a more stable, energy-efficient experience.

Why it adds value:

Quality brass and thermostatic controls read as “future proofed.” Buyers appreciate comfort and cost-savvy engineering.

2) Trade Stark White for Warm Neutrals

Swapping out cold whites for mineral-rich neutrals creates instant calm. For example, try out a hero vanity such as the Cappuccino Missoni for a warm, contemporary unit that anchors the room without shouting.

For compact cloakrooms: Nobu Crema Marfil wall-hung marble basin (pictured below), brings sculptural luxury in smaller bathroom or cloakroom spaces.

Bathroom-Review-Nosa-nobu-crema-marfil-marble-wall-hung-basin

Underfoot or on feature walls: Nôsa’s Alicante Macchia porcelain tiles deliver soft movement and warmth.

Design note: Warm neutrals give you longevity. They’re friendly to changing trends, fantastic for everyday use and future resale.

3) Go Large Format for a Seamless, Spa-Like Sanctuary

Large-format tiles reduce grout lines, making rooms feel bigger, calmer and easier to clean. A statement surface, such as the Madrid Gold porcelain tiles from the Terra Tiles collection (pictured below), adds sophisticated golden veining, warmth, and decorative detailing. Ideal for a master suite when you want a “hotel room” at home.

Value: Seamless surfaces and simple maintenance are perennial buyer pleasers; clean architecture never dates.

Bathroom-Review-Autumn-Bathroom-Trends-Nosa-madrid-gold-a-porcelain-tile

4) Add Tactile Texture and Instant Design Credibility

Luxury textures are how you turn ‘nice’ into designer-inspired, home spa environments. Nôsa’s Terrassa Rib Cut beige porcelain tiles introduce natural movement, perfect for a feature wall behind a vanity unit. The warm tactility reads bespoke, while staying neutral.

Why it works: Texture adds shadow play and depth, creating a softly lit “spa vibe” that feels premium all-year-round.

5) Dial Up the Drama with Deeper Tones & Sculptural Forms

Autumn is prime time for shadowy hues and statement pieces that elevate the everyday and, crucially, refresh dated bathrooms. The Senna Carbon Fibre freestanding bath, a limited-edition centrepiece featuring sleek, contemporary lines.

Graphic surfaces: Try Nôsa’s San Cristobal African Gold porcelain tiles, delivering layered, luxurious veining.

Architectural basin: The Rico Pietra Grey Marble wall-hung basin brings dramatic natural stone veining in a crisp silhouette.

Finish the picture: Add the Faro Matt Black wall-hung rimless toilet for a clean, modern profile.

Resale value: One or more memorable focal designs—i.e., a freestanding stone bath and architectural accessories – complemented by coherent dark hardware create a designer bathroom that photographs, feels, and sells beautifully.

6) Embrace Greens & Organic Woods for Grounded Calm.

Green is the serene neutral of 2025 and beyond, especially when paired with wood tones. Nôsa’s Vermont Olive Green freestanding stone bath is celebrated for its natural hue and heat-retaining properties for longer, more relaxing soaks.

Underfoot: Try the Pamplona Khaki Porcelain floor tiles, brings the warmth of timber with the practicality of porcelain.

Why it lasts: Nature-inspired palettes sidestep trend fatigue. They’re calming, photogenic and age gracefully with the rest of your home.

Bathroom-Review-Nosa-alicante-macchia-vecchia-porcelain-tile-600-

Timeless Bathroom Design Adds Real Value to Your Property

A beautiful bathroom is more than a mood; it’s a smart upgrade. Here’s what buyers notice:

Materials that age well: porcelain, engineered stone, and real marble details in calm palettes.

Water-smart engineering: thermostatic showers and quality brassware signal lower running costs and thoughtful specification.

Low-maintenance surfaces: large-format tiles and wall-hung fixtures read clean and modern.

One signature piece: a design-led freestanding bath or sculptural basin gives the room identity

Cohesive hardware: consistent metals (brass, copper, matt black) create a high-end finish without full renovation.

Ready to warm up your bathroom for autumn and future-proof it for years to come? Explore Nôsa ’s Terra Tile range and design-led baths, basins and showers, or book a design consultation to create a scheme tailored to your space.

Terra Tile Samples

Customers can order samples to test tone and texture in actual light.

www.nosa.co.uk

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