Grant Westfield, the company behind leading wall panel brands Multipanel and Naturepanel, will return to InstallerSHOW 2026 to demonstrate how its wall panel systems can help installers save valuable time on site while delivering a high-quality, design-led finish.
Visitors to Stand 4D14 will be able to experience first-hand how the company’s waterproof wall panels offer a faster, cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional tiling and timber panelling. Grant Westfield will showcase how its Hydrolock tongue and groove systems help create a smooth, watertight finish with fewer joins, no grout and less mess, reducing time spent on preparation, fitting and clean-up.
With large-format panels, realistic tile and timber effects, and easy-to-fit designs, Multipanel and Naturepanel are engineered to support the needs of busy installers working across domestic and commercial projects. The ranges help reduce labour-intensive installation processes while still offering the premium look customers expect, from tile-effect bathroom walls to decorative feature panelling.
Among the ranges being showcased will be Naturepanel’s Shiplap and Wood Slat collections, alongside Multipanel’s XL Offset Tile Collection. Rather than relying on traditional tile-setting or timber construction methods, the panels are designed to deliver sought-after interior trends in a format that is quicker toinstall, easier to maintain and suitable for everyday use in areas including bathrooms, kitchens, shower rooms and living spaces.
Installers visiting the stand will also be encouraged to sign up to Installer Elite, Grant Westfield’s loyalty programme created to reward and recognise professional installers who choose Multipanel and Naturepanel products.
The programme allows registered installers to earn points on purchases of Grant Westfield panels, with every £1 spent equating to 10 points. Points can then be redeemed through the Installer Elite app for a wide range of rewards, including trade tools, tech gadgets, exclusive promotions and early product access.
As part of the programme, installers may also be invited to share feedback with the Grant Westfield team and take part in product testing, giving them a voice in future product development. Installer Elite reflects Grant Westfield’s continued investment in the trade community and its commitment to supporting installers beyond the products themselves.
Elliott Fairlie, product and marketing director at Grant Westfield, said: “InstallerSHOW is a fantastic opportunity for us to show trade professionals how our wall panel systems can make a real difference on site. Installers are under increasing pressure to work efficiently without compromising on finish, and our Multipanel and Naturepanel ranges are designed to help them do exactly that.
“By demonstrating the ease and speed of installation on the stand, we want installers to see how simple it can be to achieve a high-end result with less mess, fewer materials and reduced time on site.
In bathroom design and renovation, the drive towards seamless, design-led interiors continues to gain momentum. A key trend is the coordination of wall coverings with the shower tray, a solution that delivers both visual cohesion and enhanced technical performance.
Acquabella responds with a fully integrated approach, designed for specifiers and homeowners seeking a balance of aesthetics, durability and ease of installation.
The advantages of this “match” between shower tray and walls are numerous: visual coherence, perfect compatibility, easier cleaning, simpler installation and enhanced durability over time.
Seamless, coordinated design
Matching shower trays with wall panels creates a unified scheme where colour, texture and finish flow uninterrupted across surfaces. The result is a clean, architectural look that brings a sense of order and refinement to the space.
Acquabella’s Slim wall panel, just 3mm thick, is designed for large-format application and is available in high-definition Slate and Zero finishes, alongside a versatile colour palette from the Standard collection. It pairs with Livo Slate and Acqua Zero shower trays, as well as Halo Zero, enabling a fully coordinated bathroom scheme.
Simplified installation, precise results
Beyond aesthetics, this integrated solution streamlines installation. Using the same material across surfaces ensures accurate alignment and consistent adhesion, reducing on-site complexity.
Manufactured from Akron®, both panels and trays can be cut with millimetre precision, allowing for a tailored fit – even in non-standard layouts – while maintaining structural integrity and waterproof performance.
Hygiene and durability built in
Reducing joins between surfaces helps limit the build-up of dirt, limescale and moisture, supporting a more hygienic environment and lowering maintenance demands.
Available in large formats of up to 250cm, Slim panels create expansive, easy-to-clean surfaces that enhance both practicality and spatial perception.
Akron® also offers high resistance to scratches, impacts and stains, ensuring long-lasting performance and a consistent finish over time – key considerations in modern bathroom specification.
The heat of summer often brings a longing for distant shores: the salt air of the Atlantic, the sun-drenched stone of an Italian villa or the lush, tropical bird-call of a Balinese retreat. But what if the essence of your favourite getaway didn’t require a boarding pass?
This season, Houzz Pro partnered with four interior design firms to prove that the ultimate summer escape is just a renovation away. Using the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner, these pros brought the essence of iconic holiday destinations into immersive, liveable home designs that can be enjoyed all year long.
“Houzz Pro’s 3D Floor Planner is a proven tool for building client confidence at every stage of the renovation process, from sharing early concepts to building detailed models,” says Liza Hausman, Houzz vice president of industry marketing. “Seeing these fun, holiday-themed homes in 3D shows the power of helping homeowners visualise their own ‘staycation’ long before construction begins.”
A popular feature of the Houzz Pro project management and design software, the 3D Floor Planner works together with the Selections tool so that clients can see how individual project decisions come together in a finished space. From there, professionals can use Takeoffs to calculate precise material needs and instantly convert approved designs into Estimates or Proposals, for a faster transition from design to construction.
From the breezy dunes of New England to the warm terracotta of an Italian villa, explore how these designers used 3D technology to bring the world home.
Seamless indoor-outdoor Florida living | Anna Gray Designs
Inspired by the waterways of Marco Island, Anna Gray Designs reimagined the iconic Florida screened lanai as an elevated architectural device. In this open-concept living room and garden, the boundary between inside and out virtually dissolves. By using the 3D Floor Planner to align the room’s layout with the garden, Parr effectively ‘anchors’ the home to the water, making the pool a central focal point from every angle. The interior transitions seamlessly from the kitchen to the low, sculptural furnishings and a custom built-in feature wall of the living room, mirroring the dedicated outdoor zones for lounging, entertaining and dining al fresco.
“This design is about the continuous experience of coastal living,” explains Kristin Parr of Anna Gray Designs. “Houzz Pro allowed me to build and communicate this vision with incredible precision. Using AI-powered product rendering, I wasn’t limited to a standard catalogue. I could instantly turn any real-world product or material into a 3D model, ensuring every selection felt cohesive. The resulting 3D floor plan lets clients truly experience the ease of a permanent coastal escape before a single stone is laid.”
Caroline Couzens’ Italian-inspired kitchen and dining room is a bold celebration of “good food and good company.” The design strikes a perfect chord between the historical grandeur of a Venetian palazzo and the high-functioning needs of a contemporary chef’s kitchen. The space features dramatic arched windows overlooking a turquoise pool, an ornate chandelier over a rustic wooden dining table and a hidden butler’s pantry for storage and prepwork. A vibrant golden half-wall divides the room, doubling as a design statement that hides the functional cooking area. Beyond it, a green-drenched tiled splashback and a bold red range cooker create a striking, high-contrast finish.
“In my design, I wanted to blend a sense of the old world grandeur of a Palazzo with contemporary livability,” says Caroline Couzens of Caroline Couzens Design. “Using the 3D floor planner is an invaluable tool for exploring layout, flow and visual impact.”
This light-filled primary bedroom suite captures the quiet elegance of a Nantucket retreat, where tailored design meets relaxed coastal living. Flourish Interiors by Vanessa C. Smith prioritised a palette of soft blues, crisp whites and layered neutrals to create an atmosphere that feels both airy and grounded, while woven textures and subtle striping evoke a timeless American East Coast sensibility.
“We wanted every stripe and natural fibre to feel intentional. The 3D tool was essential for refining the suite’s layout to feel both relaxed and sophisticated,” says Megan Vogeler-Lappan of Flourish Interiors by Vanessa C. Smith. “We love that we can share 3D Floor Plans through the Client Dashboard so our clients have everything in one place to visualise their future space, review detailed product information and submit approvals. It keeps them deeply connected to the vision and gives them total confidence in their daily routine.”
For those craving the serenity of a tropical escape, Bleu Canard Design created an immersive sanctuary inspired by a luxury Balinese villa (pictured top). Lush greenery is integrated directly into the floor plan, with a sunken planter box acting as a natural divider, while dark wood tones and layered textures create a restorative, spa-like retreat.
“Houzz Pro allowed me to quickly build a structural space with elaborate architectural features that stayed true to my vision,” says Camille Mongeon of Bleu Canard Design. Using the AI-powered 3D product rendering capabilities, she layered in curated styling, transforming real-world materials and objects into seamless 3D elements.
Mongeon used the Clipper tool to capture a panoramic wallpaper, incorporated a turquoise antique console from a trade show photo, and added bird of paradise greenery to bring the space to life. The final design can be explored in 3D and AR, delivering a highly immersive experience. “It’s a luxurious tropical retreat I would love to spend time in,” she says.
From coastal calm to Mediterranean warmth and tropical escape, each of these spaces demonstrates how design can transform everyday living into something extraordinary. With Houzz Pro’s 3D Floor Planner, professionals can bring these visions to life with clarity, helping clients see, feel and refine their future spaces before construction even begins.
Ready to plan your own summer escape at home? Explore Houzz for more inspiration and hire a pro using Houzz Pro who can bring your vision to life in 3D.
Bathroom Distribution Group (BDG), the company behind Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, has reported a strong start to 2026, with first-quarter sales growth underpinned by continued investment in product, service and trade support.
Across Q1, the group delivered consistent year-on-year gains, with Frontline Bathrooms up 22% and Smiths Briten up 21% compared with the same period last year.
The performance reflects steady demand in the trade bathroom sector, alongside a more focused proposition combining expanded product ranges, improved availability and strengthened customer support infrastructure.
Darren Allison, managing director at Bathroom Distribution Group, comments: “Q1 has given us a very encouraging start to the year, but what is most pleasing is that the growth is coming from the areas we have been actively investing in.
“The bathroom market remains competitive and customers are more selective, so this performance tells us that the changes we are making are landing well. Our focus now is on building on that momentum, supporting customers properly and continuing to make BDG easier to do business with.”
Alongside new product development, the Group continues to place emphasis on service and fulfilment. Frontline operates from an 85,000 sq ft warehouse in Yorkshire with its own delivery fleet, supporting next-day availability and direct-to-site delivery, an approach that has become increasingly important as customers look for both reliability and speed.
Allison adds: “The opportunity for BDG is not just about expanding the range, but about improving how customers work with us day to day. The next phase is about combining strong products with better digital access, faster support and the tools that genuinely help our customers run their businesses more effectively. That is where we see the greatest opportunity as we move through 2026.”
BDG will continue to roll out new product launches, brand support initiatives and digital developments throughout the year as it builds on its Q1 performance and strengthens its position across the UK bathroom distribution market.
Accessible shower design increasingly calls for solutions that combine ease of use, safety and visual consistency across the bathroom. Integrated collections that bring together showers, controls and brassware within a unified design language are helping specifiers achieve this balance more effectively.
Fitzroy of London’s Gosfield Collection responds to this demand with a coordinated range of shower and water controls designed to support accessible environments without compromising aesthetics. The collection includes handheld and overhead shower options, alongside precisely engineered mixers and controls, allowing for a flexible and user-focused approach to showering.
Ease of operation is central to accessible design, and this is reflected in the emphasis on intuitive controls and accurate temperature, supporting user safety in both residential and commercial settings. Controls are designed to be straightforward to operate, with consideration given to grip, reach and clarity of use.
Flexibility within the shower space is another key factor. The inclusion of adjustable handheld showers, paired with fixed overhead options, enables a more adaptable experience that can accommodate a range of mobility needs and preferences. This versatility makes the collection suitable for a variety of applications, from hospitality and workplace environments to private homes.
Material quality and finish also contribute to the overall accessibility of a space. Durable construction ensures long-term performance, while a choice of finishes allows designers to create cohesive schemes that align with contemporary interior styles. By integrating accessible functionality within a refined design framework, the collection avoids the clinical aesthetic often associated with inclusive bathrooms.
All products are designed to meet relevant compliance standards, including water efficiency and safety requirements, ensuring suitability for specification across a wide range of projects. The result is a considered approach to accessible shower design that supports both practicality and visual harmony.
Planning a bathroom is changing a functional shower tray specified late in the process, is becoming a thing of the past, as bathrooms become more of a living space in look and feel. In turn showering and the space to do this has become a design statement in its own right, resulting in a new emphasis on the shower surface: ultra-slim profiles, architectural lines, colour-matched finishes and materials engineered to perform beautifully over time.
Kaldewei’s new generation of shower surfaces, built around its Solidlite™ material technology, is a strong example of this shift. The promise is straightforward: make the shower surface easier to specify and to install—particularly in refurb projects. Solidlite™ delivers a shower tray that is notably lightweight yet impressively rigid, with high resistance to warping, cracking and day-to-day wear.
Material matters to the specifiers and consumers of today’s bathroom detail, source, functionality and sustainability are important. Kaldewei offers a stable core made from recycled glass this underpins the structure, and the surface is fully recyclable at end of life—helpful credentials for projects where product provenance is increasingly scrutinised. Additionally, the permanently sealed finish supports hygiene and quick cleaning, aligning with the industry’s ongoing demand for low-maintenance luxury.
Within the range, the Calima shower surface leans into the ‘quiet’ language of contemporary interiors. A step-free, flush-to-floor installation helps the shower integrate into the architecture rather than become an add-on, while an invisible water edge on three sides and precisely defined corner radii keep the geometry crisp—ideal for pairing with frameless enclosures, linear brassware and large-format wall finishes.
Practicalities haven’t been ignored. The waste outlet sits discreetly on the short side, framed by a subtle design line that balances the composition while supporting efficient drainage. With 44 sizes and five contemporary colours—Alpine White, Alpine White Matt, Warm Beige, Cool Grey and Black Matt—Calima gives designers and retailers flexibility ideal for compact ensuites, yet it can confidently scale up in larger wet rooms.
As clients invest in comfort, accessibility and visual calm within the bathroom with emphasis on the showering space products like Solidlite™ surfaces show how performance engineering can unlock a more cohesive bathroom plan. For the interior design industry, the message is clear: specify the shower surface early, treat it as a finishing material, and let the ritual of showering set the tone for the entire room.
PJH has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Macmillan Cancer Support through 2026 following another successful year of staff fundraising. In 2025, PJH colleagues raised £8,077 through a variety of charity initiatives, with the company matching the total pound for pound, bringing the overall contribution to £16,154.
Building on this momentum, PJH has confirmed that it will continue its partnership with Macmillan in 2026. The initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities and causes that matter to colleagues across the business.
Fundraising for the year is already underway, with Simon Fryer, Contracts Manager at PJH, recently completing a 12-hour charity darts marathon alongside members of his family. The challenge has already raised £450, providing an encouraging start to the company’s fundraising efforts for the year ahead.
Throughout the year PJH teams organise a range of activities to support the charity, from raffles and workplace events to personal challenges. These initiatives not only help raise vital funds for Macmillan’s services but also bring colleagues together in support of a cause that touches many families across the UK.
Lynn Statham, head of people at PJH, said: “Macmillan is a charity that means a great deal to many of our colleagues, so the support shown across the business each year is fantastic to see. From workplace fundraising events to personal challenges, our teams always show real enthusiasm and generosity. We are proud to continue our partnership with Macmillan in 2026 and to match the funds raised by our colleagues to help support the vital work the charity does for people living with cancer.”
PJH has supported Macmillan for several years, helping the charity continue its work providing practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer.
Lecico Bathrooms has announced the appointment of Dan Banks as managing director. Banks joined the business earlier this year as commercial director and has already made a strong impact across sales, customer engagement and commercial performance. He brings extensive experience across the building products sector, with a strong record of delivering profitable growth and commercial transformation.
His appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the next phase of growth. As managing director, Dan will focus on strengthening commercial execution, advancing the product and innovation roadmap, and driving sustainable growth across Lecico’s core markets.
Antony Thompson is stepping down after eight years leading the business. The Board would like to thank Antony for his leadership and significant contribution in growing market share and enriching Lecico’s market leading service levels.
Antony Thompson commented:“It has been a pleasure to lead Lecico Bathrooms over the past 8 years, and I have been fortunate to work with amazing employees, a supportive board, and loyal customers”.
Dan Banks commented: “I am delighted to take on the role of Managing Director. Lecico has strong foundations, a talented team and clear opportunities to grow. I look forward to building on this and working closely with our customers and partners.”
The Bathroom Association has announced that affiliate member EazyStock will be a Silver Sponsor for Connect Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, 8 October at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. EazyStock’s support for this year’s event marks its third consecutive year as a Silver Sponsor, underlining the company’s ongoing commitment to the bathroom industry and to one of the sector’s key annual gatherings.
This year’s conference theme, ‘Stronger Together’, will spotlight the importance of collaboration, joined-up thinking and practical partnership across the bathroom sector. Bringing together manufacturers, the wider supply chain and industry partners, the conference will explore how businesses can strengthen resilience, improve performance and unlock new opportunities by working more closely together.
EazyStock provides AI-powered, cloud-based inventory optimisation and purchasing software designed to help businesses improve forecast accuracy, automate manual processes and enhance inventory management. Its platform integrates with ERP and business systems to support smarter stock control, stronger availability and more efficient purchasing decisions. That capability is especially relevant for manufacturers facing ongoing pressure on margins, stockholding, service levels and supply chain responsiveness.
As the bathroom sector continues to adapt to changing customer expectations and a more demanding operating environment, effective supply chain planning is critical to long-term success. EazyStock’s continued support for the conference reflects the value of solutions that help manufacturers make better decisions, reduce waste and build more agile, resilient operations.
Peter Drakeley, managing director at EazyStock said: “We are proud to support the Bathroom Association’s Connect Conference once again as a Silver Sponsor. For EazyStock, this event is an important opportunity to engage with manufacturers and industry partners on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Our focus is on helping businesses gain greater control, efficiency and confidence in their inventory and purchasing decisions, and Connect Conference provides the perfect setting for those conversations.”
Amy Kirk, marketing and events director at the Bathroom Association, said: “We’re delighted that EazyStock is returning as a Silver Sponsor for a third consecutive year. Their continued backing demonstrates a strong commitment to the bathroom sector and to the collaborative approach at the heart of Connect Conference 2026. As this year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’, makes clear, the industry’s future depends on how well we connect insight, expertise and practical action across the supply chain.”
Connect Conference 2026 will feature Jez Rose as the morning keynote speaker and Rob Law MBE as the afternoon keynote speaker, alongside panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the conference’s wider programme, including the gala dinner, the Thirty-under-Thirty Awards, and charity fundraising activities.
KBB distributor, PJH, has marked a major ‘One Year’ milestone at its flagship Wolverhampton Distribution Centre with a three-day VIP showroom event, welcoming retail customers to experience the site’s impressive 3,000 sq. ft. showroom.
The anniversary event gave guests the opportunity to explore the dedicated showroom within PJH’s 205,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art distribution centre in Wolverhampton, which has now been successfully operating for over a year. The event celebrated both the ongoing success of the new facility and the role it continues to play in strengthening PJH’s First Choice customer offer.
During the event, guests were able to see the latest Spring/Summer 2026 Bathrooms to Love collections first, showcased in inspiring room set displays, giving them the chance to see products up close, experience finishes and features first-hand, and speak directly with the PJH team about the latest styles, specifications and opportunities for their business. Customers were also able to take advantage of some exclusive Bathrooms to Love & Bathrooms2GO offers and display incentives, as well as win exciting prizes in PJH’s Spin the Wheel game.
The showroom event also provided an ideal platform for PJH to highlight the benefits the Wolverhampton site has delivered over the past year. Strategically located in the Midlands, the purpose-built distribution centre has significantly enhanced PJH’s warehousing, distribution, office and showroom capabilities, while supporting the company’s continued growth and commitment to its first class customer service.
Double the size of PJH’s previous Cannock site, the Wolverhampton facility has enabled greater stockholding and broader product choice, helping PJH extend its next day delivery service to 93% of UK postcodes. It also supports a wider choice of brands and categories across the business, including own-brands, Bathrooms to Love, Bathrooms2GO and Prima, alongside bathroom, appliance, sink & tap brand partnerships. These operational improvements have given customers even greater access to products, availability and service.
Kim Cooper, Product and Marketing Director, PJH said: “We were delighted to welcome customers to our Wolverhampton showroom for this special event. While the site has now been operational for a year, this was an excellent opportunity to officially showcase the showroom environment and everything the facility has helped us achieve over the last 12 months.
“The feedback from visiting customers was extremely positive. It was valuable for them to see our latest bathroom collections presented in a more immersive way, and to spend time with the PJH team discussing products, trends and opportunities for growth. The event also gave us the chance to reflect on the success of the Wolverhampton site so far, and the important role it is playing in supporting our customers with greater choice, stronger availability and outstanding service.”
The successful showroom event underlined the importance of the Wolverhampton facility not only as a distribution hub, but also as a destination where customers can engage more closely with PJH’s product offer, expertise and long-term vision.
