Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Bathrooms to Love launches smarter flushing with new SWIRLUX™

May 14, 2026

Bathrooms to Love, by PJH, has expanded its sanitaryware portfolio with the introduction of new SWIRLUX™ rimless 360-degree flushing technology, now available across its design-led Cilantro WC collection.

The new SWIRLUX™ toilets feature a specially engineered vortex flushing system that creates a powerful swirling water flow around the bowl. The innovative rimless design ensures a more effective flush while helping to simplify cleaning and maintenance. See the SWIRLUX™ action here: BTL Swirlux

PJH_BTL_New-SWIRLUX-WC-Tech_Cilantro_Flush

Available in a choice of close coupled, back to wall and wall hung formats, the SWIRLUX™ toilets offer flexible specification options for retailers, installers and consumers. The range includes fully shrouded and open back close coupled WCs, plus back to wall and wall hung pans, all with short projection, space-saving designs – from as little as 490mm in depth.

Each model comes complete with a soft close toilet seat, with lift off seat design and top fix hinges for easier cleaning. Combined with dual flush cistern fittings, the SWIRLUX™ toilets can also help maximise toilet efficiency by reducing water usage.

Julie Lockwood, bathroom product manager, PJH, comments: “Toilets are sometimes overlooked in the overall bathroom design process, but they play a vital role in both the look and performance of the space. Our new SWIRLUX™ models bring together the clean, smooth styling of the Cilantro collection with an innovative rimless flushing design, helping to create a WC solution that is hygienic, efficient and easier to clean.”

To complete the overall look, the SWIRLUX™ collection can be paired with coordinating accessories and finishes from Bathrooms to Love, including toilet seat cover caps and dual push button covers available in Matt Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze and White.

The new SWIRLUX™ range is now available for ordering via the PJH Partners Portal with next day delivery availlable to store or home. Speak to your Regional PJH Sales Manager about the latest display deals and showroom sales support currently available.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0345 450 8932 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Duravit reports successful debut at Porsche Tennis GrandPrix

May 13, 2026

Duravit made its debut as a main partner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, using the internationally recognised sporting event to strengthen brand visibility and connect with customers in a premium environment.

Held in Stuttgart from 11–19 April, the prestigious WTA tournament brought together some of the world’s leading female tennis players for a week of elite competition, attracting thousands of spectators alongside millions of viewers through international TV and streaming coverage.

For Duravit, the partnership provided an opportunity to align the brand with values including precision, performance and excellence — qualities closely associated with both professional sport and high-end bathroom design.

Michael Demmer said: “In world-class tennis, success on court is decided by precision, timing and the ability to perform at one’s best under pressure. The sporting performances at this year’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix set standards of excellence such as also inform our understanding of quality and design at Duravit.”

As part of the sponsorship, the Black Forest-based manufacturer established a strong brand presence throughout the tournament venue, including activation spaces within Porsche Village and visibility around the arena.

The tournament welcomed around 34,000 spectators in total, with the Porsche Arena reaching full capacity on four separate days. Global television broadcasts and streaming platforms further extended the event’s international reach.

Alongside consumer-facing activity, Duravit also used the event to support customer engagement through a dedicated hospitality programme. Guests from more than 10 countries attended the tournament as part of an exclusive experience that included Centre Court access and visits to the company’s headquarters in Hornberg.

Factory tours offered customers and partners an insight into Duravit’s ceramics manufacturing processes and design expertise, helping reinforce the connection between craftsmanship, innovation and brand identity.

The partnership reflects the growing importance of experiential marketing within the premium interiors sector, where manufacturers are increasingly using high-profile sporting and lifestyle events to strengthen international brand positioning and deepen B2B relationships.

For more information, visit Duravit

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Fitzroy of London to showcase New Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack at CDW

May 13, 2026

Fitzroy of London will unveil its latest accessible washroom innovation at Clerkenwell Design Week, taking place from 19-21 May 2026.

The design-led accessible washroom specialist will introduce its new Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack, alongside an exclusive first look at its upcoming online configurator, designed to simplify compliant washroom specification for commercial projects.

Created to meet UK Building Regulations Doc M requirements, the Oxford Doc M Commercial Pack has been developed as a pre-configured solution that combines carefully considered components to streamline both specification and installation. Fixing heights, clearances, colour contrast and reach zones have all been designed to comply with Doc M regulations, helping reduce the risk of non-compliant layouts on commercial projects.

Developed for high-use hospitality, leisure, workplace and public environments, the collection combines accessibility with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Products are manufactured using durable materials, reinforced mounting points and non-porous surfaces to support hygiene, longevity and user confidence in busy washroom settings.

The Oxford Pack is available in five finishes — Satin, Polished, Dark Bronze, Matt Black and Satin Brass — enabling specifiers to coordinate accessible washrooms with wider interior schemes. Accessories including grab rails, dispensers and backrests have also been ergonomically designed and positioned to support comfortable, independent use while maintaining compliance.

As part of its Clerkenwell Design Week showcase, Fitzroy of London will also preview its new digital configurator ahead of its official launch in June 2026.

The online tool has been created to help architects and designers configure fully compliant, project-ready Doc M washroom solutions quickly and accurately. Users will be able to select component combinations, explore finish options and download specification-ready documents including technical drawings, visuals and BIM files.
The configurator is designed to support faster specification, improve design-stage accuracy and simplify collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams.

Targeted at architects, interior designers, developers and project managers working across commercial and hospitality sectors, the latest launch reflects growing demand for accessible washroom solutions that combine regulatory compliance with high-quality design.

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UK construction & design sector embraces AI

May 13, 2026

Houzz has published its first-ever UK State of AI in Construction and Design Report 2025, revealing increasing adoption of artificial intelligence across the industry, alongside strong optimism about its future impact.

The report, based on a survey of more than 145 UK construction and design professionals, highlights how businesses are beginning to integrate AI into everyday workflows to improve efficiency, save time and streamline operations.

According to the research, almost half of respondents (46%) are already using AI within their businesses. Those adopting the technology report saving an average of more than three hours every week, equating to an estimated annual productivity benefit of over £23,000 per company.

Industry awareness of AI is also continuing to grow. More than seven in 10 professionals surveyed (72%) said they are familiar with AI technology, while the same percentage are aware of AI tools created specifically for construction and design applications.

The findings suggest confidence in the technology is strengthening, with 60% of respondents believing AI will significantly reshape the sector over the next five years.

Alon Cohen commented: “AI innovation in construction and design is accelerating, creating a competitive advantage for pros who adopt it. As the report shows, pros in our industry are approaching this era with openness and a strong desire to learn.”

He added that AI is increasingly becoming an essential business tool for professionals looking to improve productivity and strengthen client relationships.

The report found administrative tasks are currently the most common use for AI tools, with 79% of professionals using the technology for activities such as note-taking, document editing and formatting.

Other key areas where AI is being used include:

Sales and marketing activities, including social media content and lead management
Planning and design tools for project visualisation and floor plans
Project management functions such as estimating, invoicing and task tracking
Business reporting and operational processes including expense tracking and financial management

While adoption is rising, the research also identified several ongoing concerns among professionals, including the accuracy of AI-generated content, data privacy and a lack of training.

Despite these challenges, nearly two-thirds of professionals currently using AI (61%) said they are satisfied with the technology, while 60% believe it is already having a meaningful impact on their day-to-day workflow.

Andrea Yorston Interior Design highlighted the importance of intuitive solutions integrated into existing systems: “We know AI could save us time, but most tools require a level of training and experimentation that just isn’t realistic when you’re running projects day to day. What makes the biggest difference is when those capabilities are built into the tools we already use, so you can start benefiting from them straight away.”

Houzz Pro continues to expand its AI-powered capabilities across project management and design software, helping construction and design professionals integrate emerging technology into daily operations more seamlessly.

The full report is available from Houzz UK

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Villeroy & Boch reports resilient Q1 result amid market pressures

May 12, 2026

The Villeroy & Boch Group has reported a satisfactory performance for the first quarter of 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures impacting global markets.

Group revenue for the period totalled €318.7 million, down 13.7% from €369.1 million in the same quarter last year. The company said performance was affected by the disposal of the northern European business operations of the Gustavsberg and Vatette brands, alongside adverse currency effects. Adjusted for these factors, revenue declined by 8.3

Despite softer sales, the Group reported a positive increase in its order book, which rose by €47.3 million to €197.7 million as of 31 March 2026. Operating EBIT reached €17.2 million for the quarter.

Dr Markus Warncke, chief financial officer of Villeroy & Boch AG, said: “The first quarter of 2026 was marked by a complex interplay of divestments and geopolitical tensions that affected our results. Despite these challenges, we were able to achieve positive developments in certain areas, such as the order book across both divisions and the e-commerce business in Dining & Lifestyle. This underscores the resilience of our business model and our strategic direction,” said

Bathroom & Wellness division affected by geopolitical pressures

The Bathroom & Wellness division achieved revenue of €248.0 million in Q1 2026, a year-on-year decline of 16.1% Adjusted for the divested Gustavsberg entities, revenue was down 9.9%.

Regionally, revenue fell by 15.6% across EMEA and by 23.2% in APAC/Americas, with the business citing divestments, economic weakness, the conflict in the Middle East and the slowdown in the Chinese construction sector as key factors. Operating EBIT for the division stood at €12.9 million.

Dining & Lifestyle division delivers stable result

The Dining & Lifestyle division delivered stable revenue of €70.0 million during the quarter. The company highlighted strong performances in e-commerce and its own retail stores, supported by Easter trading activity.

In Germany, revenue increased by 7.5%, driven primarily by e-commerce growth. Operating EBIT for the division rose slightly to €4.3 million.

Full-Year 2026 Outlook

Despite continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Villeroy & Boch has confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance. The company expects consolidated revenue to remain in the mid- to high-single-digit percentage range below the prior year.

However, the Executive Board now anticipates operating EBIT to be towards the lower end of its previously forecast range of €75 million to €85 million.

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The Bathroom Distribution Group launches Aqua Options fitted furniture

May 12, 2026

The Bathroom Distribution Group has launched Aqua Options, a new British-made fitted bathroom furniture collection developed to make specifying, selling and installing fitted furniture simpler for KBB retailers and merchant customers.

Manufactured in Britain, the collection gives retailers and merchants a strong service-led advantage, combining shorter supply routes and next day delivery. At a time when customers expect both choice and availability, Aqua Options has been designed to offer a straightforward fitted furniture solution with the reassurance of UK production behind it.

The new collection of Aqua furniture offers a concise, easy-to-sell range that brings together practical installation details, flexible specification options and a competitive product structure. Developed around the strapline “bathroom furniture made easy”, Aqua Options responds to the need for fitted bathroom furniture that can be presented with confidence in showrooms, merchant branches and trade counter environments, even where detailed furniture planning experience may be limited.

Each furniture pack is ordered and priced under a single product code, helping retailers and merchants present a complete run clearly while reducing the complexity often associated with specifying fitted bathroom furniture. This simplified ordering structure has been created to support faster conversations with customers and make the category easier to manage for busy trade teams.

The range is available in two door styles, with slab and Shaker fascias offered across six colour options. All furniture features Torino oak effect cabinets and oak-backed doors, an exclusive detail for Frontline Bathrooms that gives Aqua Options a clear point of difference within the fitted furniture market.

To support a wide range of bathroom layouts, Aqua Options is available in standard and reduced depth formats, with two run sizes of 1260mm and 1580mm. Each run can be specified with a left or right-hand basin option, giving retailers and merchants the flexibility to meet everyday customer requirements without overcomplicating the ordering process.

Aqua Options will initially be stocked and distributed via Smiths Briten before being introduced into the main Frontline Aqua brochure, strengthening the wider Aqua offer with a British-made fitted furniture range designed around value, simplicity and trade-ready practicality.

For further information contact sales@smithsbriten.co.uk

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Supervisory Board confirms Michael Demmer as CEO of Duravit AG

May 11, 2026

At its meeting on April 29, 2026, the Supervisory Board of Duravit AG officially appointed Michael Demmer as CEO and chairman of the management board, following his period as interim CEO.

The appointment reflects the Supervisory Board’s confidence in Demmer’s strategic vision and leadership, as the premium bathroom brand continues to strengthen its global market position.

Gregor Greinert, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “In a very short time, Michael Demmer has provided decisive impetus and developed a compelling strategic vision for Duravit’s future. On this basis, we have decided to officially appoint him as CEO and to consistently continue on the path we have chosen.”

Strategic focus on premium positioning and sustainable growth

Under Demmer’s leadership, Duravit is sharpening its corporate strategy with a clear focus on sustainable value creation, operational excellence and premium brand positioning.

Key pillars of the strategic realignment include reinforcing Duravit’s reputation for timeless, high-quality designer bathrooms while further differentiating the premium brand on a global scale.

The company is also placing greater emphasis on sustainable efficiency and profitability through an organisational structure designed to support long-term growth and future development.

Alongside operational priorities, Duravit continues to place strong importance on company culture, with collaboration, accountability and transparency identified as central to future success. The business says employees and customers will remain at the heart of its long-term strategy.

Michael Demmer said: “Duravit has a strong brand, a long tradition, and great potential. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to taking the next steps together with the team and shaping the company’s future in a sustainable way.”

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New built-in baths extend Victoria + Albert’s popular Lussari Collection

May 11, 2026

Victoria + Albert has expanded its best-selling Lussari collection with the introduction of new built-in bath options in 1600mm and 1700mm sizes, offering greater flexibility for contemporary bathroom design projects.

Joining the existing freestanding, back-to-wall and corner bath models, alongside coordinating freestanding and back-to-wall basins, the new drop-in and undermount baths retain the collection’s signature sculptural aesthetic and ergonomic comfort, while catering to a broader range of bathroom layouts.

Designed for compact, family and multigenerational bathrooms, the latest additions respond to growing demand from designers and homeowners for alcove bathtubs manufactured in a premium material. The built-in baths can be clad in marble, natural stone, antique mirrored glass or polished tiles to create a sophisticated, bespoke bathroom scheme.

Named after Mount Lussari in the north-eastern corner of Italy, the Lussari collection has been designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, while also delivering a comfortable showering experience. Featuring an elegant oval silhouette, the new built-in models coordinate seamlessly with the Lussari freestanding and back-to-wall basins.

The baths can be paired with traditional brassware, including collections from Perrin & Rowe, or contemporary fittings such as showers from Aqualisa. Designers can also specify a Victoria + Albert bath filler and overflow, removing the need for deck or wall-mounted bath taps.

Available in either a gloss or matt finish, the new baths are designed to diffuse light softly for a refined appearance. Levelling feet are also included to support precise installation.

Victoria + Albert pioneered contemporary freestanding bath design with the development of its proprietary Quarrycast™ material more than 30 years ago. Made using a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins, the material is engineered for durability, strength and ease of maintenance.

More than twice as hard as acrylic, Quarrycast™ is resistant to scratches, stains, UV damage, hair dyes and bath oils, while preventing creaking or flexing. The naturally insulating material also helps retain water temperature for longer, enhancing bathing comfort while improving energy efficiency. Despite its strength, Quarrycast™ remains lightweight for easier installation on-site.

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Duravit at Milan Design Week 2026

May 11, 2026

Duravit presented its eclectic “Balcoon – Scapes” installation by Patricia Urquiola at Milan Design Week 2026, and hosted a rooftop cocktail event. The iconic bathroom brand also presented a selection of new products in its Milan-based showroom, while a well-placed presence around the city boosted visibility for throughout the week.

Patricia Urquiola’s “Balcoon – Scapes” was trasnformed into spatial presentation. The installation of abstracted shapes and warm colour moods was presented at the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio and saw washbasins and toilets presented as playful, totem-like elements.

Patricia Urquiola describes the approach: “We wanted to show how even such functional elements as a washbasin or a bidet can develop an expressiveness of their own. We worked on this installation for more than a year. The result is a little “teatrino” – a field of totems and objects which enter into dialog with one another and open up new perspectives on the bathroom as a designed living environment.”

An exclusive evening above the rooftops of Milan

At the start of the Design Week, Duravit hosted an exclusive cocktail event on the rooftop of the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio. Some 450 invited guests – including business partners from the fields of architecture and design, friends of the brand and international VIPs such as Kelly Rutherford and Angela Missoni – experienced the installation in an atmospheric evening mood. Patricia Urquiola and Duravit CMO Lüder Fromm welcomed the guests and offered insights into the collaboration and the design approach behind Balcoon – Scapes.

The limited-edition Balcoon stool: a sculptural collector’s item

A stool developed with Patricia Urquiola transformed the Balcoon range into a distinct sculptural item of furniture was on show as part of the installation. The limited edition comprises 26 numbered pieces – a reference to the year 2026 – and was produced at the Duravit plant in the Black Forest. The stool was on show to the public for the first time in Milan, as part of the overall presentation.

Product presentation in the Duravit showroom

In parallel with the installation, Duravit opened the doors of its showroom in Milan to Design Week visitors and was heavily frequented. On show were new additions to the 2026 Balcoon range, iconic bathroom ranges such as ME by Starck and Collection One, new washing area solutions such as Ocavo by Christian Werner and technological highlights such as the SensoWash showertoilets. The presentation offered a compact overview of the design and technology spectrum covered by the product range and complemented the installation with examples of specific products.

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Drummonds selected for riverside Queen Anne bathroom

May 7, 2026

Drummonds has been specified throughout a considered bathroom renovation at a Queen Anne house on a private stretch of the Thames in West London, the home of fashion designer and Wiggy Kit founder Wiggy Hindmarch.

The principal bathroom, previously charming but impractical, has been comprehensively reimagined. A roll-top bath beneath a large window had given the room its character, but with no shower, limited storage and daily routines spread across floors, the brief called for something more resolved. The result is a space that functions seamlessly without sacrificing ceremony.

At its centre, a marble-clad walk-in shower forms an architectural pivot, open on both sides and positioned to draw the eye across the full width of the room. Beyond it, a freestanding Meon bath from Drummonds sits before the original fireplace, reinstating the sense of occasion the layout once had. Bespoke commodes on either side serve as vanities, reinforcing Hindmarch’s instinct to treat the bathroom as a furnished room rather than a purely functional one. The WC is discreetly repositioned and recedes from view.

Drummonds fittings were chosen for their material integrity and classical language – solid brass construction and traditional casting methods that sit naturally within the house’s period bones. “They are the crème de la crème,” Hindmarch says simply.

The decorative scheme layers hand-painted wallpaper by Martyn Lawrence Bullard against book-matched marble, while walls are papered rather than tiled, rugs soften the floor underfoot, and lighting is kept deliberately domestic. Existing shutters are dressed with ladder-stitched linen, an upholstered chair, antique rug and birdcage lantern completing the effect.

Elsewhere, a compact cabin bathroom makes inventive use of a smaller footprint with a neat tub and cleverly concealed sanitaryware. In the powder room, unlacquered Drummonds brass fittings have been left entirely untreated, allowed to age and patina in place. “I like seeing the age,” Hindmarch explains. “The watermarks, the tarnish – that’s the beauty.”

It is a project that reflects a broader philosophy: bathrooms shaped not by trend, but by instinct, craft, and an understanding of how people inhabit the spaces around them.

Drumm onds

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