Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Villeroy & Boch & Ideal Standard present Design Continuum at CDW 2026

The Villeroy & Boch Group will present Design Continuum: A Study in Sensory Experience during Clerkenwell Design Week, bringing together its two global power brands, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard, in an immersive exploration of contemporary bathroom design. The installation transforms the London showroom into a multi-sensory environment, demonstrating how the bathroom can be reimagined as a space of continuous evolution, innovation, and wellbeing.

An experience for the senses

For the duration of Clerkenwell Design Week, visitors will experience the showroom as a hub of design experimentation. The installation combines light, projection, texture, scent, and interactive displays to engage multiple senses, challenging traditional perceptions of the bathroom as a purely functional space. Through these immersive experiences, the project highlights how thoughtful design connects with materiality, technology, and spatial perception.

Innovation and design heritage

Design Continuum reflects the longstanding design culture of both brands. Villeroy & Boch is renowned for quality craftsmanship, meaningful innovation, and iconic design, while Ideal Standard offers smart, contemporary design solutions that make premium bathroom design accessible. Together, they explore the intersection of materials, technology, and sensory experience, positioning the bathroom as a space that continuously evolves with modern living.

Featured design highlights

Among the installations is the recently launched VEA Collection by designer Christian Haas. Inspired by classic modern interiors, the VEA series combines minimalist geometry, tactile materials, and a visual language designed for longevity. It embodies the core principle of the Design Continuum: a bathroom environment that evolves through material intelligence, sensory perception, and innovative design thinking.

“Design is in our DNA and has driven transformation since our founding,” explains Sven Ullrich, executive vice president product and marketing at Villeroy & Boch Group. “For Clerkenwell Design Week, we bring this concept to life in our London showroom, showcasing future-forward design and innovation from our two power brands, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard.”

Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 – Installation Details
Event: Clerkenwell Design Week 2026
Installation: Design Continuum: A Study in Sensory Experience
Location: Villeroy & Boch London Showroom
Experience: Interactive displays, immersive sensory environments, VEA Collection preview

The installation offers a glimpse into the future of bathroom design, where innovation, sensory engagement, and material intelligence converge to create spaces that are both functional and emotionally engaging.

Duravit and Patricia Urquiola present Balcoon-Scapes

Duravit will return to Milan Design Week 2026 with a dual presentation that combines an immersive design installation with a curated showroom exhibition, highlighting the brand’s ongoing collaboration with designer Patricia Urquiola and its wider premium bathroom portfolio.

At the centre of Duravit’s Milan presence will be Balcoon-Scapes, an immersive display created by Patricia Urquiola that reinterprets elements of the Balcoon bathroom range as an abstract, sculptural landscape. Presented as an artistic exploration rather than a traditional product display, the installation transforms familiar bathroom forms into architectural objects, encouraging visitors to experience design through form, materiality and spatial perception rather than function alone.

The installation will be staged at the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio in central Milan and is conceived as a dialogue between object, space and perception, reflecting the evolving role of the bathroom as a considered interior environment rather than purely a functional space.

Alongside the installation, Duravit will also present its premium bathroom collections at the brand’s Milan showroom on Via San Gregorio. The showroom exhibition will feature a curated interior setting showcasing collections by Philippe Starck, Cecilie Manz and Studio F. A. Porsche, as well as technological innovations from the SensoWash range. Visitors will also be given an exclusive preview of new additions to the Balcoon collection launching in 2026, demonstrating the continued evolution of the series.

To connect the two locations, a shuttle service will run every 30 minutes between the installation and the showroom from 21 to 24 April, creating a seamless visitor experience between the conceptual installation and the product exhibition.

Further information on Duravit’s Milan Design Week presentation will be announced closer to the event.

Fibo expands waterproof wall panel range with new stone-inspired decors

Fibo has launched a new collection of wall panel decors designed to support faster installation, reduced downtime and long-term durability across residential, hospitality, healthcare, education and commercial interiors.

Designed and manufactured in Norway since 1952, Fibo’s wall panel system provides a fully waterproof interior wall solution and is positioned as a practical alternative to traditional tiling, particularly in projects where programme time, lifecycle performance and ongoing maintenance are key considerations.

The new collection introduces a series of contemporary stone-inspired finishes, expanding the design flexibility available to architects, specifiers, contractors and installers. New decors include Arctic Onyx in Extreme Matt finishes, Pebble Granite in Microdot finishes, Rustic Granite in a Silk finish and Cloudy Onyx in an Extreme Matt finish, with both tile-effect and non-tile options available across selected designs.

Fibo wall panels are manufactured using a PEFC-certified seven-layer birch plywood core combined with a high-pressure laminate surface, creating a durable wall finish suitable for wet rooms and high-use environments. The panels feature Fibo’s Aqualock tongue-and-groove joint system, allowing panels to be sealed, clicked together and installed efficiently to create a fully waterproof wall surface when installed with the approved sealant.

The system can be installed up to five times faster than traditional tiling and can be fitted onto timber frames, plasterboard or installed directly over existing tiles. This helps reduce installation time on site and minimise disruption, particularly in refurbishment projects and operational environments such as hotels, healthcare facilities, education buildings and residential developments where speed of installation is critical.

Tile-effect panels feature grout lines that are carved during the manufacturing process rather than printed onto the surface, creating a more realistic tile appearance while eliminating the need for grouting. This reduces maintenance requirements and makes surfaces easier to clean, which is particularly beneficial in environments where hygiene, durability and lifecycle performance are priorities.

Fibo’s wall panel system is supported by a full range of trims, sealants and accessories, providing a complete installation system designed to install, seal and finish waterproof walls efficiently and reliably. The result is a durable, easy-clean wall surface designed to perform over time while helping to reduce installation time, maintenance requirements and room downtime.

Danielle Kingswell, UK marketing manager at Fibo UK, said the new range was developed to respond to installer and contractor demand for faster installation and reliable performance. She explained that reducing installation time and minimising downtime helps projects stay on programme while still delivering a high-quality interior finish.

The new collection is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms in residential settings, as well as hospitality, healthcare, education, leisure and commercial environments where robust, hygienic and easy-to-maintain wall finishes are required.

Bathroom Association returns to InstallerSHOW 2026

The Bathroom Association has confirmed it will return to InstallerSHOW in June 2026 with a refreshed programme for its Bathroom Pavilion, curated to spark discussion, share best practice and help the industry respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Amy Kirk, marketing and events director at the Bathroom Association, said: “We’re excited to be bringing the Bathroom Pavilion back to InstallerSHOW in 2026. Our sector is at its strongest when the supply chain is working together: manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and installers learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and tackling the big issues collectively. After a very successful show in 2025, we’re returning with a programme that combines practical insights with forward-looking conversations and creates the space for the industry to connect.”

Day one, Tuesday 23 June, sets the tone for the week with a strong emphasis on the big conversations shaping the sector. Daphne Doody-Green, the Association’s CEO, will be speaking at the World Plumbing Council Conference at 11 am, and at 11.15 am, the Bathroom Pavilion programme turns to one of the defining issues facing the UK: meeting water demand. This will incorporate a technical session exploring Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Lab, chaired by the Association’s technical director, Andy McLean and led by Jude Noro (policy ead, Ofwat), who will share how the regulator is driving innovation through its wider Water Efficiency Fund, showcasing winning projects from the Lab’s first competition and outlining the theme and opportunities for the next round.

The day also includes the Bristan Race for Change drinks reception from 4 pm, connecting the Bathroom Pavilion to one of the most distinctive initiatives on the calendar. Race for Change 2026 is a new four-day European charity race designed specifically for construction professionals, built around teamwork, problem-solving and resilience.

Day two shifts towards practical growth and visibility for bathroom businesses, with a session from Troy Linehan, focused on how social media and paid advertising can generate sales and build momentum, which is particularly valuable for anyone looking to sharpen their digital approach. Then, at 4 pm, the Designers Disco returns with the excellent DJ, Ron Stephenson.

Day three brings the programme back to standards, technical direction and the international context, with a session featuring the International Code Council. With expert input from Tom Roberts and Mark Falcon, the session will examine how codes and standards shape outcomes and what UK audiences can learn from global best practice as the sector continues to evolve.

A feature across all three days will be the Association’s invite-only Members Networking Breakfast, with the first day reserved for managing directors. On days two and three, all invited members will be welcomed with tea and coffee plus breakfast rolls, offering a relaxed setting to reconnect, meet new contacts and strengthen ties across the supply chain.

The Bathroom Pavilion will once again provide a platform for shared learning and collaboration, helping attendees leave with practical insights, a stronger network, and a clearer sense of where the sector can go next when the supply chain moves forward together.

Register for free to attend InstallerSHOW 2026 and join the Association for another exciting and informative event.

Design without limits – where style meets simplicity

The bathroom is more than a functional space — it’s a personal retreat a room to breathe, reset, and unwind. With warm materials, calming colours, and elegant forms, Kaldewei explains how to turn the bathroom into a favourite place that evolves with you through every stage of life. Well‑being shouldn’t depend on age or physical vitality; it should feel intuitive, comforting, and beautifully timeless.

Flowing shapes, smooth transitions

Floor-level, spacious and elegantly refined. Kaldewei shower surfaces crafted from exquisite steel enamel blend harmoniously into any room architecture and create a feeling of spaciousness. Their purist design language makes a design statement, the surface a delight for the senses: skin-friendly, safe underfoot and permanently beautiful. Innovative technologies such as Invisible Grip and Secure Plus ensure maximum slip resistance, you can feel the difference. Floor-level installation enables design freedom whilst providing barrier-free capabilities resulting in a space that offers independence and choice at every stage of life.

Beautiful today. Comfortable tomorrow

Generous with space for movement, clean lines, and harmonious proportions it creates a sense of openness. And as life evolves, the bathroom adapts effortlessly, retaining its timeless character at every stage. Age-adapted elements, such as handles or adjustable seats, can be added with ease—without compromising on style. Redefining accessibility – where design takes precedence from the very start.

Luxury that is quiet

Kaldewei stands for design with attitude. Series such as the Superplan Zero, Cayonoplan Multispace and Calima shower surfaces introduce elegance and luxury to reliable comfort. The enamelled steel surface gently reflects the light, radiating understated style and natural sophistication. A wide range of colours – from a cosy Warm Beige to elegant Cool Grey and crisp pure White – opens up scope for individual design. The shower surfaces can either blend harmoniously into monochrome colour schemes or pose as striking eye-catchers. Contrasting designs can make orientation easier – this is particularly beneficial for people with dementia or impaired vision. Whatever colour scheme is chosen, be it a striking statement or harmonious subtlety, every detail of Kaldewei shower surfaces speaks of quality, durability, and a refined sense of beauty.

Kaldewei-bathroom-as-a-retreat-with Superplan_Zero

Form follows feeling

Small elements can make a difference: if you prefer a fully tiled shower area, Kaldewei’s awardwinning drainage systems including. FlowLine Zero and FlowPoint Zero prove that function and design go hand in hand. The patent-pending Click’n’Clean® mechanism ensures effortless cleaning, while stainless steel in modern colours promises a subtle, high-quality look.

A bathroom that evolves with life

Kaldewei takes bathrooms further – as spaces that inspire and provide a sense of security. Floor-level, elegant, durable. The result is a bathroom that offers comfort and enhances quality of life. Great design is more than just good looks – it accompanies us through life.

Kaldewei-the-bathroom-as-a-retreat-barrier-free-bathroom

Introducing the Aqualisa S Range: next-generation smart showers

Aqualisa has launched its new S Range, bringing smart technology into the bathroom for control, convenience and personalised comfort. Showers can be started via remote, app, or voice with Google Assistant or Alexa, while the SmartValve™ regulates water temperature 10 times a second for precise performance.

Personalised showering for all users

Households can save profiles for multiple users, monitor water use, and enjoy precise temperature control thanks to the concealed SmartValve™, which adjusts water 10 times per second.

The S Range includes three models: S1, S2 and S3, each catering to different levels of smart sophistication. The S1 offers intuitive, analogue-style controls for those new to smart showers. S2 adds an HD digital display, app-powered routines, and remote start for daily convenience. The flagship S3 combines a fully customisable glass display with advanced connected features, colour-changing mood lighting, and spa-like performance with its 400mm overhead drencher.

Available in four premium finishes – Brushed Brass, Chrome, Matt Black, and Gun Metal – the S Range fits a variety of bathroom styles, from family bathrooms to ensuite retreats. Additional features include handshowers, bath fillers, divert functions, timers, child locks, delayed start, and eco modes, offering both luxury and sustainability.

With smart technology increasingly part of the home, the S Range demonstrates how connected showers can enhance daily life, delivering precision, comfort, and style. Whether a quick morning blast or a relaxing evening soak, Aqualisa’s S Range ensures every shower is perfect, personalised, and effortless.

Installer Connect for exceptional installer support

Aqualisa prides itself on exceptional products backed by exceptional service. Its recently launched Installer Connect programme is the framework on which it will build and sustain installer engagement for many years to come. It delivers the support needed at the time it’s required, in the preferred format. Installers receive quick access to product and install content with a dedicated first-line phone number, video calls for trouble-shooting and site-specific challenges, dedicated field service engineer support with 1:1 support and pre-booked on-site consultations. There’s also an Installer Connect website forum with live Q&A.

Designed and built by Aqualisa in Westerham, Kent and supported by a UK-based customer services team, the S Range is covered with a 1-year guarantee, which can be extended to 5 years.

Gary Simpson rejoins the team at Kudos

Gary Simpson has rejoined the team at Kudos Showers as a senior business development manager for the company. This new appointment follows a seven-year spell working away from the business but still within the bathroom market. He returned to Kudos in January and will now be covering sales in the North of England and Scotland for Kudos, reporting to managing director Mark Hill.

Simpson first joned Kudos in 2015 as an RSM (Engineer) for three years and then a hybrid role which included sales until he departed in 2019. He returns to the fold with increased experience and deeper customer insights and relationships that will undoubtedly benefit the Kudos brand. In this new role he will be supporting independent retailers and plumbing and heating merchant customers, working closely with these accounts to grow their Kudos sales.

Mark Hill said: “Gary has developed great relationships over the years with many of our customers and prospects, so it is great to have him back on board for this pivotal role in the business. The timing is great as 2026 will see many initiatives come to fruition at Kudos, we have lots of new products to be launched and Gary will be our link to ensure they are delivered acorss his region.”

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit its website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call 01539 564040, or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

Confidence gap widens in UK design sector, Houzz reveals 2026 Outlook

The UK residential construction and design sector enters 2026 on uneven footing, according to the 2026 Houzz UK State of the Industry report. While optimism is climbing among architects and interior designers, design and build firms remain more cautious, reflecting the varied experiences of 2025.

Architects and interior designers are showing renewed confidence, with 55% and 54% respectively reporting a good or very good outlook for the year ahead — a significant jump from 33% and 45% in 2025. By contrast, only 32% of design and build firms are similarly upbeat, with nearly half expecting a challenging year.

“The outlook for 2026 is far from uniform across the industry,” notes Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “Architects and interior designers are more optimistic than last year, but design and build firms continue to navigate uncertainty. Rising costs and fluctuating demand are driving many to focus on efficiency and stronger sales strategies.”

Revenue and profit trends signal gradual recovery

Although 2025 was tough for many, the report highlights signs of easing pressure. Revenue growth is picking up, with 38% of businesses reporting increases (up from 34% in 2024) and revenue declines slightly down to 45% (from 47%). Profitability also shows modest improvement: fewer firms reported losses (47% vs 62% in 2024), while 27% recorded higher profits.

Operational priorities for 2026

Across the sector, firms are investing in efficiency and operational improvements. Streamlining processes is top of the agenda, with 65% of design and build firms, 57% of interior designers, and 56% of architects dedicating resources to productivity.

Design and build firms are also prioritising cost and risk reduction, while architects and interior designers focus on enhancing client and team communication. Refining the sales process emerges as a priority for all groups, reflecting the need to win new business amid persistent market challenges.

Rising costs, client challenges and staffing trends

Costs remain a major pressure: 90% of design and build firms, 86% of architects, and 68% of interior designers reported higher operating expenses in 2025.

Key drivers: Material and product costs top the list (52%), followed by marketing (40%) and software expenses (30%).

Finding clients remains a central challenge, with 55% of design and build firms, 50% of interior designers, and 48% of architects citing difficulty attracting new customers.

Staffing growth slows: Only 9% of firms added staff, compared to 15% in 2024, while 72% reported no change in headcount.

Houzz Pro: Supporting the UK Design Community

Houzz Pro, the leading all-in-one software for home construction and design, continues to empower professionals with project management, CRM, estimates, takeoffs, selections, 3D visualisations, and client collaboration tools. More than 3 million UK and global professionals, from architects and interior designers to home builders and design and build firms, rely on Houzz to manage projects efficiently and profitably.

The full 2026 Houzz UK State of the Industry report is available online.

PJH celebrates CIPD apprenticeship success

March 23, 2026

PJH is celebrating the achievements of two colleagues from its Learning & Development team, Lauren Fergus and Justyna Prasek, who have each successfully completed their CIPD apprenticeships.

Their commitment to developing skills embodies the culture of continuous learning PJH is building across the business, and their success reflects the positive impact that professional growth can have on both individual confidence and the wider organisation.

Fergus (pictured right) has completed her Level 3 Learning & Development Practitioner Apprenticeship, gaining a strong understanding of how people learn and how to design training that genuinely supports different needs. As she explains, “Completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Learning & Development has been a really rewarding experience. The apprenticeship journey has given me a deeper understanding of how people learn, what motivates them, and how to design and deliver training that makes a real impact.”

Prasek (pictured left) has completed her Level 5 CIPD Learning & Development Business Partner Apprenticeship, further building her skills in both learning design and delivery. She has developed her confidence in coaching, working with stakeholders, and supporting management development, while continuing to align Learning & Development with the needs of the business.

Commenting on her acheivement she said: “Completing my apprenticeship has been one of the most valuable development opportunities in my career. The programme has strengthened both my strategic understanding of Learning & Development and my practical ability to deliver impact across the business.”

Dawn Kennedy, PJH’s learning & development manager, commented: “We are proud of both colleagues for their hard work and dedication to their professional development. Their success is a welcome reminder of the value of investing in people and the positive impact that learning has on the strength and capability of PJH as a whole.”

With more PJH colleagues taking responsibility for their development and exploring new training resources , these achievements underline the growth in Learning & Development engagement across PJH.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0345 450 8932.