Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Cairn launches groundbreaking tech for Sensio Lighting

January 8, 2025

Specialist home interest agency Cairn has been appointed to launch an innovative new technology for Sensio Lighting.

Cairn was approached directly for the opportunity, thanks to the team’s knowledge and experience within the KBB sector. The agency was tasked with leading the six-figure project, to “set the gold standard” for how the company will launch future products into the UK market.

Sensio is a KBB lighting specialist that launched its new Lumino lithium-ion powered illuminated mirror range in 2024. The patented technology is a significant advancement as it’s better for the environment, doesn’t require mains connection and can be retrofitted into any bathroom.

Karl Hallam, head of marketing at Sensio, said: “We reached out to Cairn after receiving an industry recommendation and were immediately impressed with their market knowledge, fresh ideas and their full-service offering. They have supported us through every stage of the launch; from a big campaign idea, to messaging, visual assets, sales tools and video production.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work Cairn has delivered, and the team has absolutely nailed the brief. They have created a blueprint for how we will be running our future marketing campaigns in the UK.”

Manchester-based agency Cairn has a strong pedigree in the kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms sector, and it has a client portfolio that includes Kutchenhaus, Blum, Whirlpool, and nobilia.

Will English, Cairn’s co-founder and managing director said: “It’s a real testament to our industry experience to be approached by an progressive brand like Sensio. It’s rare to work on a campaign for a genuinely new, ground-breaking technology.

It’s allowed us to flex our creative muscles and build a multi-channel campaign which is already delivering results.”

Cairn offers strategic brand planning and channel-spanning creative comms, delivered by a team of activation specialists across digital, off-line, PR and web design and development.

Cairn’s purpose is to ‘take brands further’, whether that’s scale-ups focused on the next phase of growth, established brands pursuing new opportunities or businesses simply seeking a fresh approach to their communications.

For more information and an introduction to the team, please visit: wearecairn.com or call 0161 537 8780.

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Cosentino launches Silestone® Ukiyo: The latest in fluted surfaces

January 7, 2025

Cosentino, a global leader in surfaces, introduces its latest collection, Silestone® Ukiyo. Following the successful launch in 2023 of Dekton® Ukiyo, the first collection of ready-to-install fluted tiles in the industry, this collection extension brings nuanced texture to Silestone® surfaces to create depth, dimension and character.

Designed for contemporary residential and commercial interiors, Silestone® Ukiyo will be available in matte or polished finishes and two fluted options: GV2 with grooves set 25 mm apart and measuring 5mm wide and 3 mm deep; and GV3 with grooves set 11 mm apart and 4mm wide and deep. Silestone® Ukiyo’s large format facilitates its use in broader applications, minimising joints to create a more seamless finish. Its slimline weight also opens the way to multiple tiling and decorative applications due to its lightness and practicality.

Designed to add texture and interest, most colours in the wider portfolio are now available with Ukiyo, including the recent EARTHIC and Le Chic Boheme collections by Silestone®XM.

Silestone®XM is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporates a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition and contains less than 10% of crystalline silica belonging to the category introduced this year.

The collection includes:

Raw D from EARTHIC – A dark natural stone-effect backdrop that creates a mood of tranquillity and elegance. Featuring diffused scattered streaks of bronze woven through a charcoal landscape, Ukiyo enhances Raw D’s drama and contemporary style.

Bohemian Flame from Le Chic – This colour presents subtle sinuous veins with metallic inlays in copper shades. It is inspired by the movement of the golden flows of lava that generate scars on volcanic soil and is reminiscent of the calmly moving golden flame of candles accentuating tiny metallic pieces.

Parisien Bleu from Le Chic – Taking inspiration from the French Capital, this colourway boasts a deep bluish tone with a strong personality and powerful character. Inspired by the shades seen in famous Imperial Roman stones, combined with fine veins in ochre tones.

Versailles Ivory from Le Chic – Very subtle two-toned marbling in the background – the gradient effects mesmerise with the flickering lights of its golden sparkle. Bringing warmth and glamour, Versailles Ivory speaks luxury and elegance reminiscent of the exuberance of the Palace of Versailles.

Lime Delight from Urban Crush: The textured beige tones of Lime Delight provide a versatile base for any interior, from calm and minimal spaces to unexpected, bold looks. Warm and bright, it replicates the beauty and luminosity of the renowned Marbella limestone.

Blanc Elysee from Le Chic Boheme – A delicate lattice of golden, grey, and copper veins run through a bright cream background that evokes the timeless elegance of classic Parisian palaces.

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PJH Partners Abode in Exclusive ‘FOCUS 60’ Bathroom Distribution Partnership

January 7, 2025

PJH, the UK’s leading distributor of bathrooms, appliances, sinks and taps, has announced an exclusive new distribution partnership with Abode for its brand new ‘FOCUS 60’ Bathroom Collection.

Having collaborated with Abode previously and remaining a major distributor of the Abode kitchen sink and tap portfolio, this move further strengthens the partnership, offering an even greater choice of Abode products to all PJH customers throughout the UK.

Exclusively available from 6^th January 2025 through PJH, the unique new Abode FOCUS 60 Bathroom Collection, centres around the 60cm wash zone, offering an inspiring suite of coordinated products that seamlessly blend luxury and functionality. This reimagined, ‘boutique’ bathroom range includes all the elements of the basin space, including meticulously crafted washbasins, countertop shelves, brassware, showering, mirrors and accessories.

Speaking about the new distribution partnership, Kim Cooper, PJH’s head of marketing & product, said: “We are delighted to partner with Abode once again to exclusively distribute this beautiful product collection, bolstering our own offer for our valued bathroom retailers and customers. The FOCUS 60 range brings a unique new choice to our own product offering, perfectly complementing our popular Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO brand collections.”

The new distribution alliance underscores PJH’s commitment to offering unparalleled choice and service excellence to its customers across the UK. Through its ‘FIRST CHOICE’ service promise, PJH offers a fast and reliable delivery service to both store and home addresses via its own fleet of vehicles, including real-time tracking, to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.

Peter Phelan, sales director at Abode, added: “Partnering with PJH yet again to distribute our brand-new FOCUS 60 Collection was a clear choice. We see PJH as a pivotal support to the retailer for quick availability, efficiency and a first-class service. Now thanks to PJH, UK retailers can provide their customers with a complete Abode bathroom where everything from the basin, bath and shower to the finishing touches are interlinked.”

All FOCUS 60 product lines are designed to complement each other, featuring on-trend finishes, innovative functionality and elegant new looks. ‘CAVA’ basins and ‘Tableau’ shelves in a Chalk or Pebble matt finish, are crafted from Abode’s exclusive new RemaStone – an eco-conscious material constructed from 35% recycled content and plant-based resin, making it 20% lighter in weight, as well as a sustainable choice. In perfect contrast, minimalist Black or Brass ‘IOX’ basins utilise 3mm gauge stainless steel and a premium PVD Nano coating making it water repellent for easier cleaning.

The full Abode FOCUS 60 Collection can now be ordered from PJH via the PJH Partners Portal™ website, www.partners.pjh.uk, or by contacting your regional PJH sales manager. Alternatively, contact PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or email sales@pjh.uk

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Saniflo’s Saniplus UP facilitates garden retreat by Shack Cabins

January 7, 2025

Thanks to a Saniplus UP from Saniflo, a new garden retreat in the capital has been elevated to a new level of comfort and convenience. The solution, expertly chosen by former DJ and TV presenter Sam Pinkham, owner of Shack Cabins, for one of his customers, facilitated the luxury of a fully functional WC in a stylish garden office and leisure space.

The garden building, which was supplied and built by Shack Cabin, sits slightly below the level of the main house, presenting a unique challenge for traditional waste drainage. The quiet Saniplus UP macerator system provided the ideal solution, efficiently pumping waste to the main soil stack. Installed discreetly behind a demountable panel, the unit is hidden yet accessible for maintenance. This seamless integration means visitors to the space would never know it was there.

The Saniplus UP, part of Saniflo’s renowned macerator range, is designed for use with a full bathroom suite. It features a powerful motor capable of pumping waste up to 5 metres vertically or 100 metres horizontally, making it ideal for projects where gravity drainage isn’t an option. Its compact design and near-silent operation make it a practical and discreet solution for challenging installations.

Sam Pinkham explained why he chose the Saniplus UP: “The Saniplus UP was the perfect choice for this project. It’s incredibly easy to install and delivers reliable performance. My customer is over the moon with how it’s transformed their garden building into a versatile space with a fully functional bathroom. Without the Saniplus UP, this level of convenience wouldn’t have been possible.”

Sam’s journey to founding Shack Cabins is as unique as the garden buildings he creates. Sam entertained audiences across the UK for years as a radio DJ and home & holiday programme presenter. Inspired by the buildings he had seen whilst working on TV – and seeing how garden buildings could add value to a property as either a work from home or accommodation option – he launched Shack Cabins, where he brings bespoke, high-quality garden spaces to life.

The customer’s newly enhanced garden shack now serves as both an office and a relaxation area, complete with the modern convenience of a private WC thanks to the versatile and practical Saniflo solution.

Saniflo’s innovative range of macerators and pumps is designed to make bathroom and kitchen installations possible anywhere in the home or garden, regardless of the existing plumbing setup. The Saniplus UP, in particular, is renowned for its robust performance and quiet operation, making it a go-to choice for challenging projects like this one. For more information on Saniflo’s products and how they can help bring your dream spaces to life, visit www.saniflo.co.uk. To learn more about Shack Cabins and their bespoke building solutions, visit www.shackcabins.com

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Francesca Vianello joins SANIPEX GROUP as showroom design & specification assistant

January 7, 2025

SANIPEX GROUP has appointed Francesca Vianello as showroom design and specification assistant at its BAGNODESIGN A&D Gallery in Clerkenwell, London’s design capital.

With over 20 years of experience in the interiors industry, including expertise in lighting, mosaics, tiles, furniture, and, crucially, bathrooms, Francesca brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her new role.

Francesca’s appointment strengthens the team at the Clerkenwell showroom, which is at the heart of London’s thriving architectural and design community. The BAGNODESIGN A&D Gallery is an inspirational space, showcasing a curated selection of premium products, from innovative bathroom solutions to sophisticated outdoor furniture and lighting collections.

Commenting on her new role, Francesca said: “I am genuinely excited to explore the amazing potential of the SANIPEX brands, and to inspire the A&D community with our vast choice of products – not only for bathrooms! Our lighting and outdoor furniture are also superb.”

As SANIPEX GROUP continues to push the boundaries of design excellence, Francesca’s expertise and enthusiasm will help position the brand as a leading destination for architects and designers seeking high-quality, versatile solutions for both residential and commercial projects.

For more information about Sanipex Group UK, please visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

More news and product information from Sanipex

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HiB shares four bathroom design trends for 2025

January 6, 2025

Bathroom manufacturer, HiB, has detailed four key trends for 2025, combining functionality, aesthetics and cutting-edge style to transform interiors. Now an annual event, HiB’s Trends Guide explores what’s popular within the home interiors industry, while showcasing how these elements are incorporated into its upcoming bathroom collections.

HiB designer Jasmine Rowe explains: “The 2025 trends reflect HiB’s focus on blending innovation with timeless style. Whether creating calming retreats with natural elements or embracing bold, playful designs, these trends redefine how bathrooms can be both functional and beautiful.”

1. Natural minimalism

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This trend embraces Mediterranean-inspired minimalism, incorporating earthy tones like terracotta, olive, and taupe, along with textures such as stone, wood, and microcement. Rounded shapes, arched details, and natural light create a calming, spa-like atmosphere that feels both rustic and refined.

2. Elegant maximalism

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Balancing grandeur and restraint, this trend blends classical and modern styles. With rich, heritage colours like burgundy, deep greens, and browns, it sets a luxurious tone, enhanced by tactile materials such as marble, velvet, and brushed brass. The elegance is enhanced further, with sculptural furniture, bold architectural features, and large-format patterns delivering sophistication without excess.

3. Retrofuturism

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This trend blends mid-century modern design with playful postmodern influences, featuring soft curves, bold patterns, and warm, muted tones like Terracotta Peach, Henna Red, and Matt Blue. Combining glossy finishes with natural materials such as wood adds a sense of richness and individuality, encouraging eclectic and personalised interiors. Let’s not forget the resurgence of the avocado bathroom!

4. Reimagined industrialism

This reimagined industrial trend embraces raw materials like concrete, wood, and stone but softens them with smoother finishes and earthy colours such as olive, terracotta, and mushroom. Bold blacks, deep blues, and polished metallic accents, such as gunmetal and black chrome, add contemporary refinement, combining ruggedness with understated luxury. The industrial trend finds the fine balance between masculine and feminine, drawing the best parts of both and making it striking yet digestible.

Jasmine adds, “We are also expecting to see consumers gravitate towards bold colours and elegant metallic finishes. Across our four trends, we see a plethora of colours, allowing consumers to express their personality but still be quite understated – they are becoming more daring, but still want to keep it subtle.

“Combining that with the ability to add daring ascents in metallics helps to add a small amount, of opulence. Finishes such as brushed brass and black chrome are now appearing in more than just taps and handles, showing up in lighting and basins, amongst other accessories.

“These trends play a huge part in influencing our design and products that we are developing for future launches, as we are not just producing what consumers want now, but anticipating what they will really desire in years to come.”

Find out more about the trends here.

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Mission to address talent shortages in the bathroom sector

January 6, 2025

Bathroom manufacturers have warned that challenges in hiring talent are becoming business-critical. The industry body, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), has stepped in with several initiatives prioritising workforce development.

In late 2024, the association held a roundtable event to thrash out the challenges in the sector around recruitment. Recognising the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive marketplace, the BMA seeks to provide its members with the tools and partnerships necessary to identify and nurture the right candidates for long-term employer investment.

Recently, the BMA has strengthened its commitment by welcoming three esteemed recruitment organisations as affiliates:

SOS Executive Search Ltd is led by managing director Sean O’Sullivan, who brings over 20 years of expertise in recruitment for the building products, sales, marketing, and C-Suite sectors.
Wilson Brook Consulting Ltd, an executive search and consulting firm led by Neil Holloway, specialises in recruitment across the bathroom, plumbing, heating, and building materials markets.
Designer Recruitment, headed by Ben Paine, is a leading name in recruitment for the KBB and Merchant industries.

Speaking on the partnership, Sean O’Sullivan, managing director of SOS Exec, stated: “The BMA plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence within the bathroom industry. By collaborating with the association, we can ensure its members can access expert guidance in attracting and retaining the best executive talent—a critical investment for long-term success.”

Neil Holloway, founder and managing director of Wilson Brook, emphasised: “The bathroom manufacturing sector is brimming with potential. Our partnership with the BMA is about harnessing that potential by matching skilled professionals to roles that align with their talents and aspirations, ultimately driving the entire industry forward.”

Managing director and founder of Designer Recruitment, Ben Paine added: “Partnering with the BMA allows us to contribute to developing a thriving sector. Retention is just as important as attraction; focusing on career progression and employee satisfaction can help create organisations that people want to stay with and grow within.”

The BMA’s initiatives extend beyond recruitment. In 2024, it launched its inaugural Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, a prestigious accolade celebrating the remarkable achievements of young professionals in the bathroom manufacturing sector. The winners exemplify the passion, talent, and innovation fuelling the industry’s growth.

Additionally, the BMA continues its partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) to promote the Bathroom Building Blocks programme, a comprehensive training initiative. Designed for apprentices, new starters, and those refreshing their industry knowledge, the programme equips participants with the skills and insights needed to excel in their roles.

The association also participates in the Construction Inclusion Coalition, an initiative to widen the talent pool by ensuring the construction industry and its supply chain, such as bathroom manufacturing, appeal to people of all backgrounds.

Commenting on these efforts, Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, said: “Attracting and retaining the best talent is fundamental to the success of our industry. By partnering with top recruiters and launching initiatives like the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, we are actively fostering a culture of growth and development. Investing in people is not just a strategy—it’s necessary to build stronger organisations and a resilient sector.”

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GROHE unveils 2025 design trends shaping bathrooms & kitchens

January 2, 2025

As the design landscape continues to evolve, understanding consumer desires and expectations is key to developing innovative, human-centric solutions. Sanitaryware and kitchen fittings manufacturer GROHE has identified three key macro-trends that will define home interiors over the next year and beyond, as well as the microtrends influencing colours, textures, materials, and shapes.

Today Lewis Neathey, leader of product management for LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK, explains how experiential design, personalisation, and sustainability are shaping trends, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom spaces.

Experiential design

With a growing focus on well-being, the bathroom is evolving from a functional space to a sanctuary for relaxation and mindfulness. This shift emphasizes not just the product, but the experience itself. The introduction of GROHE’s Satin finish and products like the GROHE Rainshower Aqua Pure shower (which features an integrated filter to purify water), exemplify this shift towards wellness-focused designs.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains at the forefront of design trends. The “Evergreen” trend sees earthy greens, browns, and creams take centre stage, while biophilic designs and eco-conscious fittings are becoming a staple in homes. As we approach 2025, colour trends such as Pantone’s Mocha Mousse and WGSN’s ‘Transformative Teal’ will reflect the ongoing societal shift toward conscious living. Sustainability goes beyond colour, with a growing demand for eco-friendly features like water-efficient fixtures and recycled materials. GROHE’s Cubeo basin mixer, equipped with EcoJoy technology, is an example of such innovations.

Personalisation & customisation

Personalised design continues to gain prominence as consumers seek bathrooms and kitchens tailored to their needs and preferences. Customisable options for layout, fixtures, and finishes allow users to craft unique spaces that reflect their style and enhance daily living. Recent findings from a European GROHE study reveal that over 40% of respondents prioritise design and ambience in their bathrooms. GROHE’s Atrio and Allure Private Collections offer this trend with customisable finishes and handles in collaboration with premium quartz surface provider, Caesarstone.

Consumers are also looking for personalised experiences, with customisable shower settings and smart toilet systems offering tailored options that enhance comfort and convenience.

As we move into 2025, these trends underscore a shift towards thoughtful design that prioritises well-being, sustainability, and individuality, shaping the future of bathroom and kitchen interiors.

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Neolith announces SBTi has verified its science-based target for net-zero by 2050

January 2, 2025

Leader in sintered stone Neolith has announced its science-based targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for 2024 after the company adhered to the commitment a couple of years ago. This confirms Neolith is tackling global warming and is actively taking action towards decarbonisation as the main priority within its sustainability agenda.

Aware of the importance of preserving our natural resources, Neolith uses all-natural raw materials to manufacture its sintered stone architectural surfaces. The company also recognises the direct impact its business has on the environment. Given the urgency of eradicating global warming and avoiding the “code red for humanity,” as described by the UN, which warns against exceeding a global temperature rise of 1.5ºC, it is critical to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Direct emission reductions will be prioritised, and any residual emissions will be neutralised by SBTi criteria to reach net-zero emissions.

Neolith has also taken relevant steps in both endorsing the SBTi and earning prestigious certifications that reinforce the company’s efforts towards achieving its full decarbonisation goal.

Jesús Ayarza, CEO of Neolith Group, comments “we are honoured to have our science-based emission reduction targets approved by the SBTi. This truly demonstrates our absolute commitment to fully decarbonise our company by 2050 and positions us on the correct path to achieve it. From its inception, Neolith’s sustainability agenda has always been a priority, and we will continue to work towards achieving this goal.”

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combatting the climate crisis. The organisation develops standards and guidance that help companies set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5ºC and transitioning to a net-zero economy.

The SBTi provides target validation services in line with SBTi standards, supporting organisations towards their decarbonisation journey.

Neolith’s approved targets can be consulted on the Science Based Targets initiative website. Neolith Group has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. Neolith commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2032 from a 2022 base year for the near-term targets and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% within the same timeframe. Near-term targets outline the amount by which organisations will reduce their emissions over the next 5-10 years. They are also a requirement for companies wishing to set net-zero targets. As per the long-term targets, which indicate the degree of emission reductions organisations need to achieve net zero according to the SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard criteria, the company commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by 2050 from 2022 base year.

The validation of these targets reaffirms Neolith’s strong commitment towards full decarbonisation, as its main goal set up on its sustainability agenda. Since its inception, Neolith has remained a global benchmark in the design and innovation of sintered stone surfaces. This reinforces the company’s dedication to integrating sustainable solutions with exceptional designs that inspire and transform spaces while minimising environmental impact.

In addition to Neolith’s near-term and net-zero science-based targets being validated by the SBTi during this year, Neolith has also obtained the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze certification for most of its products. Within 2024, the company has also improved its positioning of the EcoVadis Gold seal, increasing its percentile from 97 to 98, and has renewed its Zero Waste certification as excellent. During this period, Neolith has reaffirmed its continuity with the United Nations Global Compact by supporting its 10 principles for sustainable development to fully incorporate sustainability into its operations, thus contributing to creating safer and more sustainable products for the future.

You can follow the latest news from Neolith at www.neolith.com

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Roxor launches latest brochures for 2025

January 2, 2025

The Roxor Group has launched its brand-new Hudson Reed and nuie brochures for January 2025, perfect for inspiring those new-year bathroom renovations. The brochure showcases the extensive collections of all three brands, each brochure has a selection of new products.

New for this year, Hudson Reed is introducing stone basins across its Bexley and Lille ranges, expanding its sleek offering for homeowners and enhancing the already popular collection even further.

New colourways are also a key focus for Hudson Reed in 2025 as it expands its range of shades for its Lille range to include Coastal Grey, Fern Green, and Pebble Grey. The introduction of these three versatile shades gives homeowners more choice when pairing pieces, providing stylish solutions for modern spaces.

While these product launches bring exciting options for homeowners, Hudson Reed’s original iconic product lines remain, ensuring customers can continue to enjoy the timeless designs.

nuie’s 2025 offerings, meanwhile, blend practicality with sophistication, introducing products designed to enhance all bathrooms. Available in chrome, brushed brass, and black finishes, nuie’s latest collection of enclosures, Lucie, provides a sleek edge for those looking to elevate their bathroom and is fitted with 8mm glass, making it a durable selection.

Adding a touch of luxury, nuie now offers stone basins for its Arno and Classique ranges, perfectly complementing the elegant furniture lines. These new additions join nuie’s extensive range of porcelain basins, where a mix of new innovations and popular designs ensures something for every budget and design need.

Lastly, nuie Choice’s latest brochure sees further expansion across its ranges as well as an introduction of whirlpool baths. Its newest collection of waterproof furniture pieces includes versatile units and bath panels built to withstand high-moisture environments, while inset mirrors and indulgent whirlpool baths add a spa-like feel to any space.

For those smaller bathroom spaces, nuie Choice has launched the Eden furniture line which provides clever storage without compromising on style. Finally, the introduction of durable stone shower trays rounds out the collection, offering a sleek and practical foundation for any shower enclosure.

All new product launches can also be found through the nuie marketplace, so customers can simply log on to start browsing.

What’s more, to help customers visualise these eye-catching and exclusive products, Roxor has launched an innovative 3D design software. By inputting their bathroom’s dimensions and selecting their desired products and style, customers can visualise their dream bathroom as the advanced software plans and virtually builds it, bringing the space to life.

For more information or to order the 2025 brochures, visit: www.roxorgroup.com.

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