Inside kbb Birmingham: key highlights from a landmark 40th edition

March 19, 2026

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.

Marking its 40th anniversary, kbb Birmingham returned to the NEC this month with a vibrant and well-attended show floor, showcasing the latest innovations across the bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms sector. The four-day event brought together leading brands, retailers, designers and installers, offering a valuable opportunity to explore new product launches, evolving design trends and fresh commercial prospects.

Attracting close to 16,000 visitors, the exhibition featured over 320 exhibitors spanning 26 product categories. From furniture and surfaces to appliances, fittings and materials, the show delivered a comprehensive snapshot of the technologies and styles currently influencing the KBB market, while also fostering networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the industry.

Diane Larner attended the exhibition and shares six standout highlights from this year’s event.

SIX T O P P I C K S from kbb Birmingham 2026

HiB returns to kbb Birmingham with ‘Wall of Mirrors’

HiB’s brought to life an evolved product direction with 96 new mirrors and cabinets, many of which appeared on a standout ‘Wall of Mirrors’.

REHAU highlights bathroom surface & edgeband excellence at kbb Birmingham

REHAU showcased its latest surface and edgeband innovations, inspiring bathroom designers specifying premium materials.

House of Rohl and Aqualisa preview new launches at kbb Birmingham

House of Rohl UK, comprising Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen and Victoria + Albert, alongside Aqualisa, showcased a series of new product launches.

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Acquabella showcases design and functionality with its new products

Acquabella welcomed visitors to the Acquabella Boutique: an elegant space inspired by the sophisticated interiors of contemporary ateliers.

VitrA unveils V-Care 3 & hosts networking brunch

VitrA hosted a networking brunch on the Take 5 area of kbb Birmingham and unveiled its latest V-Care 3 range to visitors.

BAGNODESIGN makes kbb Birmingham debut with new luxury collections

BAGNODESIGN made its first appearance at kbb Birmingham this March – using the platform to spotlight a curated selection of new and existing collections.

Informa-Sales-Director-Jon-Johnston — **Jon Johnston**

Jon Johnston, kbb sales director

The 40th edition of kbb Birmingham was very special, with such a strong legacy to celebrate. Four decades of inspiring conversations, deep industry relationships and kbb Birmingham’s role as a cornerstone of the KBB industry felt particularly resonant this year. We’re hugely appreciative of the support from visitors, exhibitors and partners who have helped shape the show into what it is today.

“The 2026 show delivered everything from show‑stopping stand design and a breadth of innovation, to four days of genuinely meaningful discussions between visitors and exhibitors who clearly care about the future of the industry. One of the aspects we’re most proud of is the diversity of product on display and the stories behind them, with exhibitors from over 20 countries and a growing European presence that continues to strengthen the show. Many international brands clearly recognise the value of kbb Birmingham as a direct route to engaging with UK high‑street studios and independent retailers. It was a reminder that while the KBB industry continues to evolve, quality, innovation and human connection remain at its core.”

Michael Bennett, head of commercialisation for House of Rohl and Aqualisa

Aqualisa-Michael-Bennet-Head-of-Commercialisation

kbb Birmingham has been a fantastic show for all of our brands. The energy across the halls has been incredibly positive, and our stand had a real buzz and was consistently busy across all four days. It’s been a brilliant platform to showcase House of Rohl and Aqualisa’s latest innovations, connect with both longstanding partners and new customers, and have meaningful conversations about the future of the sector.

“What’s really stood out this year is the quality of the leads, the depth of the conversations, and the level of press attendance. We’ve met with highly engaged visitors who are genuinely looking to do business, as well as key members of the media who are passionate about sharing innovation and design stories from the show. It’s been a hugely valuable and successful few days for our teams.”

About kbb Birmingham

kbb Birmingham is the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector, held at the NEC Birmingham and established in 1986. Taking place every two years, the event brings together manufacturers, retailers, designers, installers and developers to showcase the latest product innovations, materials and technologies shaping the KBB market. Featuring hundreds of exhibiting brands and attracting thousands of industry professionals, it serves as a key platform for sourcing new products, discovering emerging design trends and gaining valuable business insight, while also providing important opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry.

kbb Birmingham will return March 5–8, 2028

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GROHE expands Essence ceramics with new basin designs and enhanced hygiene

March 17, 2026

Blending organic design with advanced performance, GROHE’s latest additions to its Essence ceramic collection introduce ultra-slim basins and next-generation WC technology for a more refined, hygienic bathroom space.

As one of the most personal spaces in the home, the bathroom continues to evolve as a sanctuary for wellbeing, relaxation and self-expression. Reflecting this shift, GROHE has expanded its best-selling Essence ceramic range with new basin designs and upgraded technologies that balance aesthetics with performance.

Inspired by nature, the Essence collection is characterised by soft curves, slim proportions and a minimalist language that brings a sense of calm to contemporary bathroom schemes. Designed for those seeking both style and tranquillity, the range combines understated elegance with practical innovation.

Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Leader, product management, fixtures – GROHE UK, comments: “With our new Essence range we’re delighted to give customers a modern, yet timeless addition to the bathroom that provides style and functionality in equal parts. The new range focuses on sleek and slim silhouettes that lean into Essence’s nature-inspired shape, evoking feelings of simplicity, purity and ultimately calm.”

At the heart of the expansion are two new basin lines that respond to current design trends. The thin-rimmed basins deliver a sculptural aesthetic, defined by an ultra-slim 5mm edge. Available as both vessel and countertop options, the designs offer flexibility across a range of bathroom layouts. The vessel basins come in round formats (40cm and 45cm) alongside a 60cm oval option, while the countertop basins are offered in 50cm, 60cm and 80cm sizes, all featuring the collection’s signature lozenge shape.

Finished in GROHE’s White Alpine, both basin styles incorporate advanced surface technologies to support hygiene and ease of maintenance. GROHE AquaCeramic coating helps repel dirt and limescale, while HyperClean glazing delivers antibacterial properties for enhanced cleanliness.

The wider Essence collection has also been updated, with the wall-hung WC now featuring GROHE’s TripleVortex flush technology. Using three water outlets, the system creates a powerful yet quiet, splash-free flow that effectively cleans the entire bowl. Combined with a rimless design and integrated antibacterial and anti-stick finishes, the latest updates reinforce the brand’s focus on hygiene-led innovation.

With its latest additions, GROHE continues to evolve the Essence range, offering specifiers and homeowners a refined solution that brings together contemporary design, comfort and high-performance functionality.

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Quiet luxury – the longing for calm, warmth, and individuality

January 27, 2026

Quiet luxury is not a trend to make a brash entrance, but rather it enters slowly, quietly winning you over. No elaborate productions, the focus is on an aesthetic that exudes calmness and longevity creating a bathroom that will retain its allure for many years to come.

The space is brought alive by an enduring design that opens up space for refuge and wellbeing. It is against this backdrop that the Studio F. A. Porsche Collection from Duravit makes its impact, combining minimalist design with the highest quality to create rooms that will outlast shortlived trends.

“Nowadays we no longer understand luxury to be about outward representation, but rather treating ourselves well. The Studio F. A. Porsche Collection creates a personal place of retreat that fosters wellbeing and turns the bathroom into the most private area of the house,” explained Henning Rieseler, design director at Studio F. A. Porsche.

The Studio F. A. Porsche Collection – a bathroom range that creates benefits

The bathroom range from Duravit combines sleek lines with functional sophistication and an ageless design language. The products are characterised by sculptural precision, balanced proportions, and a minimalist aesthetic.

However, the collection’s approach to design goes way beyond pure aesthetics. “With the Studio F. A. Porsche Collection, we adopted the approach that our founder Ferdinand Alexander Porsche took when designing the legendary 911. It’s an iconic design that’s the product of rigorous simplicity, which gives rise to a sensual design language that can be experienced with the emotions,” explained Rieseler.

The range additionally represents a conscious investment in quality and durability. With durability being an essential factor, especially in the bathroom a space that is used frequently over a period of many years and also represents a contribution to sustainability. The Studio F. A. Porsche Collection creates rooms that are functional, have an emotional impact and outlast short-lived trends.

Luxury that quietly wins us over, guarantees long-term enjoyment, and creates genuine benefits thanks to its longevity. Two-bathroom installations that have an immediate impact show the Studio F. A. Porsche Collection blending harmoniously into a calm interior:

Clarity that creates a sense of calm – bathroom 1

This bathroom interior (pictured top) is brought alive by a calm underlying approach that consciously leaves room for individual personalities. Clean lines and elegant design touches add structure, which is offset by gentle accents.

The centerpiece is the washing area which makes a bold statement with its clear design language and interplay of white and anthracite. An anthracite coloured niche cuts between the generously proportioned ceramic washbasin
and white drawers to lend the ensemble depth and character. The illuminated mirrored cabinet and the tall cabinet with case door follow this logic consistently: on the inside they keep things tidy, while a vertical niche in anthracite on the outside sets a clear tonal contrast.

The design of the wall-mounted toilet is restrained, blending with the calm lines of the room. A half-open wall surrounds the bathtub offering space for essential items on its surface.

Semi-transparent curtains gently filter the light to create an airy ambience. Sinks and accessories with a matt
stainless steel surface underscore the design. The elegant, brushed effect lends the metal a striking
artisanal note. The end result – a room that is brought alive by elegant contrasts and impresses with its calm, sensual charm.

Colour harmony with perceptible depth – bathroom 2

Gentle beige, sand, and taupe shades dictate the atmosphere of this bathroom and lend it a calm, warm depth. Details in black create clear graphical accents and add structure to the interior without disrupting its harmony.

The muted centerpiece is the gently shaped above-counter basin – sensual in its contours, reserved in its expression. The floating, monochrome vanity unit creates visual calmness and functional clarity. The mirror element with its open shelf and integrated lighting rounds off the ensemble around the washing area.
The tall cabinet blends in elegantly to the side, offering space for personal items in the integrated niche.

Positioned in front of a half-open wall, the bathtub continues the gentle formal language of the washbasin and creates a silent connection in the room. Black taps and accessories create a continuous contrast that follows through to the toilet flush plate.

The shower area opens to the side, shielded by a wall that exudes structural stability and expansiveness. A strip made of glass bricks allows light and transparency without compromising privacy. Airy curtains gently diffuse the light for an intimate effect. The varying textures of fabrics and carefully positioned accessories lend the room depth, material presence, and a gentle sensuality.

A-Quiet-Luxury-Bathroom-the-second-option

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Celine range delivers period charm from Bathrooms to Love

January 12, 2026

Bathrooms to Love has enhanced its 2026 collection with the addition of the CELINE range, a period-inspired family of basin and washstands designed to complement classic bathroom schemes.

This elegant range features a ceramic console basin mounted on a sleek, slim washstand with tapered legs and integrated towel rails.

The Celine washstand is available in two generous sizes – 610mm or 810mm in width – making it ideal for various bathroom layouts. With a height of 820mm and a depth of 465mm, the design maximises floor space, contributing to an open and spacious atmosphere. The minimal footprint of the frame’s chrome or brass legs ensures your bathroom feels airy and uncluttered.

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Period-style washstand basins, such as Celine, blend traditional character with contemporary craftsmanship, creating a refined focal point for classically styled bathrooms. Elegance never goes out of fashion, and the Celine range certainly boasts an enduring charm with broad appeal.

The range pairs beautifully with other classic designs from Bathrooms to Love, including the Sherbourne High-level Cistern & WC and the Eterno² Radiator (pictured below). For a streamlined, coordinated look, consider matching the Brushed Brass or Chrome finish with complementary brassware, showers, and bathroom accessories.

To complete the look, Bathrooms to Love has teamed its new Celine range with its also new Dion floor-standing furniture, as shown here, to maintain the heritage theme for a truly sophisticated scheme.

Complete with a Lifetime Ceramics Guarantee, customers can be assured of a premium level of quality with the purchase of the new Celine range. Watch the video here: BTL-CELINE

Available now from PJH, online ordering is easy via the PJH Partners Portal™, backed by next-day delivery to store or home. For further information, including Bathrooms to Love’s comprehensive range of showroom support, contact PJH now:

Further information on Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the website – www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

For more news and product information from PJH, visit the PJH page on this website.

BTL-by-PJH-NEW-Celine-Chrome_WC-and-radiator

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Nôsa unveils sculptural Acrylic & Resin Collections

December 4, 2025

British bathroom brand Nôsa has unveiled a new range of sculptural acrylic and resin pieces, designed around the biggest bathroom trends of 2026: luxury statement baths, bold colour, and wellness-led design

The collection features lightweight acrylic shapes and luminous resin centrepieces, reflecting the growing trend for sculptural forms, rich colour, and serene, spa-like spaces. With hues like Black, Blue, Amber, Red, and Turquoise, the designs offer a striking way to elevate any bathroom with a focus on both style and wellbeing.

Nôsa is positioning itself as a key player in contemporary bathroom design, with its first showroom opening in Harrogate in November 2025.

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Six timeless 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.

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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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Duravit’s Danish design meets boutique comfort at Color Hotel Skagen

October 6, 2025

The Color Hotel Skagen has opened a new wing featuring Duravit’s minimalist Luv and ME by Starck ranges. Designed by Arkitema Architects and inspired by Skagen’s dune landscape, the 32-room boutique hotel features state-of-the-art rooms, a restaurant with regional cuisine, a wellness area with sauna and outdoor pool, plus a wide range of leisure activities.

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Constructed to deliver new spaces for relaxation and togetherness, its two new wings draw inspiration from the landscape, lending the building a clean architectural style. The hotel is situated where the North Sea meets the Baltic and is the largest hotel in the city.

The robust and energy-efficient building features dark formwork, combined with warm wood accents. Large windows offer stunning views of the dune landscape and are offset by balconies that complement the clean architectural language, lending transparency and lightness to the design. This approach is carried through into the interior, where the bathrooms combine serenity with natural materials. Duravit’s bathroom solutions complete the holistic concept.

Calm tones, clean shapes in the bathroom

Light natural stone tiles in greige and sand emphasise the Scandinavian character of the building. The bathtubs and above-counter basins from the Luv range combine homely warmth with clean forms. The wall-mounted toilets and vanity units from the ME by Starck range are a perfect match for this interior.

Space to arrive

The clean design continues in the rooms. Bright tones, ample daylight, and natural materials create a tranquil environment. Upholstered beds, rattan and fabric seating, and well-placed details, such as lamps and plants, help create a tranquil retreat that combines state-of-the-art- art comfort with the individual flair of a boutique hotel.

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Innovative design for the accessible bathroom

October 2, 2025

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 industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.

Accessible bathroom design represents a growing trend as architects strive to create spaces that are barrier-free, visually compelling, and future-ready. In addition, manufacturers are promoting design-led aesthetics that ensure the sector is no longer limited to bland institutional looks, but deliver stunning, adaptable designs that create a compelling focal point.

Advancements in technology also mean today’s inclusive bathrooms offer architects an opportunity to merge inclusivity with innovation, addressing the needs of an ageing population alongside everyday bathroom design.

In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from touchless taps to slip-resistant surfaces.

The Magic Touch

Bathroom-Review-Gosfield-accessible-design — Fitzroy of London Gosfield Collection

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability.* This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. Rule 101 of accessible bathroom design is to specify products that are safe and easy to use. With this in mind, touchless taps with thermostatic controls are a desirable solution for preventing accidents and limiting the spread of disease. For hoteliers, housebuilders and the healthcare sectors, these fittings not only enhance hygiene and accessibility standards but also improve the user experience. Additionally, integrated sensors add an extra layer of safety, helping washrooms meet water-saving and compliance demands while delivering a clean, modern look.

Fitzroy of London’s head of product, Mark Shepherd, agrees, “There are a variety of innovations that we are seeing when it comes to the luxury bathroom environment. Thermostatic precision, enabled by modern valve technology, ensures the consistent delivery of water temperature, helping to prevent scalding or cold-water shock when there is a significant change in the incoming water pressure.

“There has also been a significant increase in the demand for touchless activation, whether it’s using infrared sensors on toilet cisterns or taps, or through voice activation and smart home application integration.”

The Gosfield Collection by Fitzroy of London features advanced infrared sensor taps, along with precise control over water flow and temperature, ensuring comfort and safety in both residential and commercial settings. All products are WRAS-approved and Regulation 4 certified, meeting stringent requirements for water efficiency and compliance.

The collection includes beautifully crafted deck and wall-mounted taps, contemporary handheld and overhead shower solutions, shower arms, and precise shower mixers.

Staying Grounded

Bathroom-Review-Kaldewei-Invisible-Grip — Kaldewei Invisible Grip

Incorporating a practical anti-slip shower floor into projects is a simple, forward-thinking solution that delivers safety and aesthetics without compromising looks. Anti-slip solutions are an ideal strategy when providing long-term support for clients as they improve durability, reduce liability risks, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment in hospitality and healthcare. It is all about fostering a sense of comfort and safety.

Adam Teal – country manager Kaldewei UK, explains, “When creating and crafting products that enable accessibility within the bathroom space, the design must also consider the dignity and autonomy of the end user. By doing this you can transform a daily ritual into an assertion of care, as well as making a positive design statement about inclusivity. In addition, this should not be about compliance; it’s about crafting spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered to move freely and safely.”

Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is certified to quality class C for wet barefoot areas (DIN EN 16165), making it particularly suitable for barrier-free bathroom planning. It’s a solution that speaks to both the practical and emotional needs of users, ensuring that safety doesn’t feel clinical and that design remains aspirational.

According to Kaldewei, when designing with both safety and style in mind, Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is a quiet revolution. It proves that accessible living can be beautiful, and that the future of bathroom design lies in seamless integration, not compromise.

Space & Time

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Concept-Freedom — Ideal Standard Concept Freedom Range

Accessible design is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise in hospitality and healthcare; considered choices such as barrier-free flooring and wheelchair-friendly sanitaryware help to deliver a seamless spatial experience. Incorporating ample room for manoeuvre at the planning stage ensures users benefit from generous clearance around sinks, WCs, and the shower room. When architects and designers prioritise space as a core design element, the result is a bathroom that supports independence, as well as the needs of caregivers.

Ideal Standard’s Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch, agrees: “Accessible and inclusive bathrooms no longer mean compromising on style. Thoughtful layouts, wall-mounted basins, walk-in showers, and lever taps ensure safety, comfort, and ease of use for everyone.”

Ideal Standard’s Concept Freedom range, in collaboration with the renowned Studio Levien, features clever design elements that make it easier for those with mobility impairments to use. Wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs include a design that is 25 per cent higher than average. This reduces pressure on users’ knees and helps to improve the user experience for those with mobility issues. The collection also features shower seats and chrome grab rails, giving a contemporary finish which enhances the overall design.

Love Language

Bathroom-Review-Keuco-Axess. — KEUCO AXESS Collection

Specifying products that are both beautifully designed and functional ensures the bathroom space fosters trust and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of comfort. High aesthetics, coupled with a welcoming design that celebrates diversity, help attract a broader customer base and increase profitability for hoteliers.

James Sketch – KEUCO UK country manager, comments: “Accessibility in the bathroom is not a trend, it’s a design imperative. When creating the bathroom, every element and fixture must be created to anticipate diversity. Although essential for practical purposes the products should be crafted with elegance and precision. True inclusivity means intuitive use without compromise: adaptive heights, tactile clarity.”

Developed in collaboration with the legendary Studio F. A. Porsche, the KEUCO AXESS collection brings a new aesthetic language to inclusive bathroom design. From the folding support rail and modular shower system to discreet grab rails and a freestanding stool, every element is pared back to its essentials, streamlined, sculptural, and purposefully unobtrusive. The result is a suite of products that integrate seamlessly into high-end hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments, without ever compromising on style.

Showered with Love

Grohe Sensia Pro LIXIL Dow Jones Index Sustainability — GROHE Sensia Pro

Shower toilets are the icing on the cake when it comes to inclusive planning. The latest ranges combine cleansing and drying functions, adjustable nozzles, and night lights, elevating hygeine standards whilst promoting greater user independence and a sense of wellbeing.

Lewis Neathey, leader, marketing & product management UK at GROHE UK, LIXIL Europe, agrees: “In both healthcare and hotel settings, shower toilets deliver exceptional benefits by combining hygiene, comfort, sustainability, and a luxurious experience. Cleansing with water is an age-old tradition that is still favoured in many parts of the world; however, shower toilets bring this natural form of cleaning into the 21st century with features promoting improved personal hygiene, accessibility, app connectivity, and personalisation.”

GROHE has expanded its shower toilet offering with the new entry-level product, GROHE Sensia Pro. Designed to meet consumers’ hygiene needs in one streamlined solution, shower toilets combine the benefits of a regular toilet with those of a bidet.

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Visit the Bathroom Review features page for more like this. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review

*World Health Organization

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Ideal Standard launches i.life O collection designed by Roberto Palomba

July 28, 2025

Ideal Standard launches i.life O collection designed by Roberto Palomba. The collection features a selection of ceramics, including basins and WCs, with soft, flowing curves that bring a sense of fluidity and balance to the bathroom space.

Vessel basins, available in both round and oval shapes, feature a slim, tapered silhouette that fits even compact worktops. Options with or without deck-mounted taps and overflow further enhance design flexibility, bringing a spa-like experience into the home.

The i.life O collection is an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to create a timeless space with neutral tones and a minimalist aesthetic. The collection’s versatile components and lightweight design harmonise effortlessly. Coupled with veined marble tiling, it exudes quiet luxury whilst creating a calming and serene bathroom space. Or pair it with natural, textured walls or panelling in muted tones for an earthy, grounding effect.

Roberto Palomba commented: “The round shape is an evergreen choice in interior design, symbolising harmony and balance. With i.life O, we have reinterpreted this timeless form to create a modern look that brings a sense of softness and serenity to contemporary bathrooms.”

Paired with the elegant design is the HydroTwist advanced flushing technology, which redefines hygiene and efficiency by channelling water into a powerful vortex. This ensures maximum bowl coverage while using less water, helping to reduce overall consumption. Its completely rimless design, with no overhanging edges, makes cleaning effortless. The innovation reflects Ideal Standard’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, helping to reduce environmental impact in the home.

Sven Ullrich, executive vice president marketing, product management and R&D at Villeroy & Boch, added: “The i.life O range is a prime example of how the combined strength of Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard drives innovation. By merging our teams’ expertise, we have leveraged our vortex flushing technology platform to transform the success of Villeroy & Boch’s TwistFlush® into HydroTwist® for the i.life collection, bringing outstanding flushing performance and hygiene to an even wider selection of products.

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Villeroy & Boch launch new Octagon surface-mounted washbasins

July 15, 2025

Villeroy & Boch has introduced a surface-mounted version of its Octagon washbasin, bringing high-end design to private bathrooms. Originally created to meet the standards of the luxury hospitality sector, the updated Octagon now offers a premium option for residential spaces. Compact at 42cm in diameter, it serves as a striking centrepiece, ideal for guest bathrooms where impact matters.

Made in Europe, the Octagon basin showcases the manufacturer’s expertise in deep ceramic craftsmanship. The inner surface features intricate, facetted detailing that mirrors the precision of cut crystal. Shaped into a perfect octagon, the geometric interior is formed from Villeroy & Boch’s exclusive TitanCeram. This material enables ultra-fine edges and sharp contours while providing exceptional strength and durability.

The company has tailored its production process to capture the symbolic purity of the octagon — a form long associated with harmony and perfection. Every basin showcases the brand’s commitment to design precision and material innovation.

Available in two contemporary matt finishes, Stone White and Pure Black, the surface-mounted Octagon washbasin works in both classic and bold settings. It pairs seamlessly with high-end furniture collections such as Finion and also complements bespoke installations in wood or natural stone.

“This product reflects everything Villeroy & Boch stands for: design expertise, innovative strength and a deep understanding of ceramic.”

With its blend of form, function and finish, the Octagon surface-mounted basin offers a sophisticated solution for discerning homeowners and interior designers looking to make a statement.

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