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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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Victoria + Albert’s Lussari collection, one of the brand’s best-selling ranges, is expanding to offer new built-in bath compact bath options in 1600mm and 1700mm sizes.

The drop-in or undermount additions retain Lussari’s distinctive sculptural form and ergonomic comfort, while offering greater flexibility for a wider range of bathroom layouts. Ideal for smaller bathrooms, the launch also supports demand from designers and homeowners for alcove bathtubs in a luxe material, which can be clad in marble, stone, antique mirrored glass or high polished tiles for a striking and sophisticated design.

Named after the majestic Mount Lussari in the North-eastern corner of Italy, the collection offers an ergonomic design that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation, while also providing a comfortable showering experience.

With an elegant, oval shape that complements the Lussari freestanding and back-to-wall basins, the new built in baths can be paired a Victoria + Albert bath filler and overflow, negating the need for bath taps.  Available in a gloss or velvety matt finish, which diffuses light beautifully, the new built-in baths offer levelling feet for perfect installation.

Victoria + Albert is a pioneer of contemporary freestanding bath design, having developed its own proprietary material, Quarrycast™ 30 years ago.  Made from a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins, the material is exceptionally strong and durable.  Resistant to hair dyes and bath oils, it is more than twice as hard as acrylic with no creaking or flexing, and easy to keep clean.  

Scratch, stain and UV resistant, the material is also a natural insulator, so less of the heat of the water is spent warming up the tub, and the bath water will stay warm for longer.  While the material is hardy, it is surprisingly lightweight for easy installation.

Made to last, Victoria + Albert baths benefit from a 25-year consumer guarantee.

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British cabinetry hardware designers and makers Hendel & Hendel introduce Scroll, a new solid-brass collection created for retailers, designers, and specifiers seeking hardware with a more sculptural presence across residential projects.

Inspired by the unfurling motion of a parchment roll or textile spool, Scroll is defined by its soft curvature, delicate taper and gently flared edge, creating the impression of movement held in brass. Crafted from solid brass, each handle is hand-finished to enhance the natural depth and variation of the material.

Scroll has been developed as a flexible collection suited to kitchens, wardrobes and utility spaces. Its clean, sculptural profile works across a wide range of cabinetry styles, offering a cohesive hardware solution that can be carried throughout the home. The range supports upsell opportunities through finish and size variation, while maintaining a consistent design language that is simple for customers to understand and adopt across multiple rooms.

Available in a range of sizes and finishes, including Burnished Brass and Dark Brushed Brass, Scroll supports a wide spectrum of interior palettes, from warmer, tonal schemes through to darker, more contrast-led spaces.

As part of Hendel & Hendel’s growing portfolio, Scroll reflects a continued focus on hardware that moves beyond purely functional requirements, offering designers an opportunity to introduce subtle sculptural elements into everyday cabinetry, while remaining practical for daily use.

For more information, visit www.hendelandhendel.co.uk

RRPs from £45–£120.

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Circular manufacturing, modular furniture and wellbeing-focused interiors are expected to shape the conversation at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, as brands across the design and specification sectors prepare to unveil their latest launches and installations.

Circular materials and low-impact production

One of the most talked-about projects this year is expected to be Brew House by Studio Egret West, created using innovative Brew Bricks manufactured with recycled coffee grounds collected from London cafés. Produced in collaboration with Simple Works and York Handmade, the bricks demonstrate how waste materials can be successfully integrated back into the construction process.

Sustainable material innovation continues elsewhere, with Parkside showcasing terrazzo surfaces produced using recycled quarry waste, while Moventi focuses on durable furniture solutions designed with longevity in mind. Bathroom specialist Laufen will also unveil its new VOLTA basin by designer Yves Béhar, manufactured using SaphirKeramik and produced in a solar-powered kiln process aimed at reducing environmental impact.

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Heritage influences and craftsmanship return

Traditional craftsmanship remains a strong design influence throughout the festival. Czech artist David Černý brings his Butterfly Effect installation to London, combining historical storytelling with advanced 3D-printing technology from Prusa Research.

Lighting and furniture brands are also revisiting classic influences, with companies including Minale, Tinker & Tallulah and Fritz Fryer introducing collections inspired by heritage craftsmanship and vintage styling.
Workplace wellbeing and adaptable interiors.

Wellbeing, acoustics and neuroinclusive design are continuing to influence workplace interiors. SPACEMANN will launch its acoustic-certified Odyssey pod system, while 2020 Furniture Design presents SOMA, created to support neurodiverse users in open-plan environments.

Meanwhile, modular and reconfigurable furniture remains a major trend, with brands including .mdd, Hawk Furniture and Workbench showcasing adaptable solutions for changing commercial spaces.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 takes place across Clerkenwell, London, from 19–21 May 2026.

Launching at the Clerkenwell Design Week at the RAK Ceramics Design Hub, I Sassi Borgogna by RAK Ceramics is a sophisticated new surface collection that combines heritage-inspired aesthetics with contemporary ceramic innovation.

Available in four versatile shades – greige, ivory, light grey and sand – the collection has been developed to complement a broad range of residential and commercial interiors. Large-format sizes including 90x180cm, 120x120cm and 60x120cm support continuous surface applications, helping architects and designers achieve a streamlined, cohesive aesthetic throughout a project.

Inspired by the extraordinary landscape of Sassi di Matera, the UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its ancient cave dwellings continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic era, the collection captures the enduring beauty of natural stone shaped over centuries by water, wind and time. The character of Matera’s calcarenite rock formations informs the collection’s layered textures and authentic material appearance, creating surfaces that feel both timeless and architectural.

Designed to sit alongside the existing I Sassi Matera collection, I Sassi Borgogna introduces a refined ceramic interpretation that balances visual depth with understated elegance. Both collections share a coordinated base palette, allowing designers to create seamless transitions across spaces while maintaining a cohesive interior scheme. Decorative flakes are subtly layered across the Borgogna surface to introduce movement and tonal variation, delivering an organic finish with a contemporary edge.

Blending historical influence with modern ceramic technology, I Sassi Borgogna reflects RAK Ceramics’ ongoing commitment to design-led innovation, craftsmanship and material excellence.

For more information visit RAK Ceramics UK or call 01730 237850.

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CRL Stone has launched its new 2026 CRL Quartz brochure, presenting its complete collection of engineered quartz surfaces alongside clearly identified Low Silica and Silica Free options.

Designed as a comprehensive source of inspiration and technical information for kitchen retailers, fabricators, designers, architects and specifiers, the new brochure showcases the full CRL Quartz range in an easy-to-browse, image-led format.

Under the theme “Modern Living. Made Easy.”, the brochure highlights CRL Stone’s extensive choice of quartz surfaces, with over 40 colours available across a wide variety of styles, from timeless whites and soft neutrals to dramatic marble-inspired designs, industrial greys, terrazzo effects and bold statement surfaces.

The brochure provides application guidance across kitchens, bathrooms, commercial spaces and walls, as well as information on backlighting quartz, care and maintenance, product features, warranties and certifications. CRL Quartz surfaces are non-porous, easy to clean and designed to offer long-lasting durability, making them suitable for demanding residential and commercial environments.

Simon Boocock, Managing Director at CRL Stone, said: “ The new 2026 CRL Quartz brochure has been designed to give our customers a complete and practical reference point for the full collection.  As demand continues to grow for surfaces that combine design impact, durability and practical performance, this brochure supports retailers, fabricators and specifiers with the inspiration and information they need to help customers choose the right surface for every project.”

The collection is supported by a 25-year residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty, giving trade professionals and their customers additional peace of mind.

For more details, call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk where a copy of the new brochure can be ordered or downloaded.

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

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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

Bathroomss to Love BTL-SWIRLUX_CILANTRO

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

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.



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