Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Celebrating its 16th edition, Clerkenwell Design Week returned to the creative heart of London this May, transforming the capital’s leading design district into a vibrant showcase of innovation, craftsmanship and design. The three-day festival brought together leading brands with architects, designers and specifiers, providing an opportunity to discover new products and emerging trends.
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the event spanned multiple exhibition venues and more than 160 showrooms across sectors including furniture, lighting, surfaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Alongside product launches and immersive displays, Clerkenwell Design Week hosted networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as one of the premier events on the global calendar.
Diane Larner attended the event and shines a spotlight on six standout bathroom highlights.
SIX T O P P I C K S from Clerkenwell Design Week
Duravit highlights Balcoon at Clerkenwell Design showroom event
Marking over seven at years at Clerkewell Design Week, since its showroom first opened, Duravit once again showcased its design-led ranges.
Villeroy & Boch & Ideal Standard bring Design Continuum to CDW
First introduced during Milan Design Week, Design Continuum explores how design shapes perception.
Bette presents BetteUltra Space & new BetteAlva at CDW
The showcase took place at the historic Charterhouse, where the company introduced its two key highlights.
BAGNODESIGN launches Tokyo inspired Ginza
Bagnodesign introduced Ginza – a striking new collection that reflects the dynamic spirit of contemporary urban living in the bathroom space.
KALDEWEI experiences first time success at CDW
Making its debut at Clerkenwell Design Week, Kaldewei participated in the festival from a stand within The Charterhouse, a remarkable Grade 1 listed building.
VitrA welcomes visitors to Clerkenwell Design Week
VitrA welcomed architects, designers and specifiers to its London Specification & Design Hub for three days of product launches, design conversations and networking.
Marlon Cera-Marle, director Media 10
What sets Clerkenwell Design Week apart from other design events is the character of the neighbourhood itself and the incredible design community within it. The historic streets, industrial buildings and hidden courtyards create an amazing backdrop for installations and exhibitions. The festival doesn’t take place in a single venue — it unfolds across the whole district, with showrooms, galleries, historic buildings and public spaces all becoming part of the experience. That integration with the neighbourhood is what gives Clerkenwell Design Week its distinctive atmosphere and energy.“And of course many international brands have showrooms here, and the area is home to an extremely high concentration of architects, designers and specifiers from across the UK and internationally. At the same time, the neighbourhood has seen significant growth, with new creative workplaces, restaurants and cultural spaces opening up alongside its historic buildings. The festival brings tens of thousands of visitors to the district each year and shines a spotlight on these creative businesses based here, reinforcing Clerkenwell’s position as one of the most important design destinations in the world.”
Adam Teal, country manager Kaldewei
We were absolutely delighted by the response to Kaldewei’s debut at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026. The Charterhouse was a truly special setting in which to share our latest designs, and it was so good to see so much enthusiasm for products including the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval, AVELLINO washbasin, NUEVA and our new CALIMA shower trays.
“It was especially rewarding to connect with architects, designers and specifiers in person, and to hear such positive feedback on both the design and sustainability of the collection. The event was a wonderful first experience for Kaldewei at CDW, and we’re thrilled to have been part of it.”
19/05/2026 – Photograph by Sam Frost ©2026 – www.samfrostphotos.com
About Clerkenwell Design Week
CDW is a UK design festival held annually in the heart of London’s design district, one of the world’s most important hubs for architecture and design. Bringing together leading brands, designers, architects, specifiers and industry professionals, the event showcases the latest innovations in interiors through a programme of showroom events, exhibitions, installations, product launches and talks, attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK and the world.
Clerkenwell Design Week will return 25th – 27th May, 2027