Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

SONAS Bathrooms returns as Gold Sponsor for Connect Conference 2026

August 14, 2026

The Bathroom Association has announced that SONAS Bathrooms will be a Gold Sponsor of Connect Conference 2026 for a second year, taking place on Thursday 8 October at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

The Association’s flagship annual event will bring manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and industry partners together for a day of ideas, insight and connection under the theme ‘Stronger Together’.

SONAS Bathrooms is a long-established bathroom brand supplying retailers and merchants across the UK and Ireland. Known for its dependable service and wide range of high-quality, sustainable bathroom products, the business works closely with independent retailers to provide bathroom solutions that combine practicality, comfort and style across both residential and commercial projects.

Their continuing support as a Gold Sponsor reflects the principles behind this year’s conference theme. Successful partnerships between manufacturers, distributors and retailers are essential to creating a resilient bathroom market, responding to changing consumer expectations and ensuring businesses throughout the supply chain can grow with confidence.

The company has placed retailer relationships at the heart of its approach, supporting customers not only through its product portfolio but through service, reliability and a detailed understanding of the challenges faced by bathroom showrooms and merchants.

Further showcasing this commitment, SONAS have recently opened a UK distribution centre in Redditch, solidifying the investment in the UK market and bringing its products closer than ever to UK customers.

That commitment makes SONAS a natural partner for Connect Conference 2026, where delegates will explore how the industry can share expertise, strengthen commercial relationships and work collectively to address the opportunities and pressures shaping the sector.

Ger Fahy, chief commercial officer at Sonas Bathrooms, commented: “We are proud to once again be a Gold Sponsor of the Bathroom Association’s Connect Conference 2026.

“Our relationships with retailers and merchants are central to everything we do. We believe that listening to our partners, delivering consistently and developing products that meet the needs of both retailers and consumers are fundamental to long-term success.

“The ‘Stronger Together’ theme captures that approach perfectly. The Conference provides an important opportunity for the industry to exchange ideas, deepen relationships and consider how we can collectively build a stronger and more successful bathroom sector.”

Amy Kirk, marketing and events director at the Bathroom Association, said: “We are thrilled to welcome SONAS as a Gold Sponsor of Connect Conference 2026 for the second year. Their support will help us bring the wider industry together and create the conversations and connections needed to move the sector forward.

“The company’s partnership-led approach strongly reflects our ‘Stronger Together’ theme, and we look forward to welcoming the SONAS team to Birmingham again in October.”

Connect Conference 2026 will include keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities involving businesses from throughout the bathroom supply chain.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Jez Rose, who will deliver the morning keynote; Rebecca Larkin, Head of Construction Research, CPA, who will deliver an economic analysis; and entrepreneur and Trunki founder Rob Law MBE, who will speak during the afternoon programme.

The daytime conference will be followed by an exclusive gala dinner at the Grand Hotel, offering further opportunities for delegates, sponsors and Association members to connect.

For further information, the full agenda, and to book tickets, visit the Bathroom Association’s Connect Conference 2026 website.

Keep Reading

Villeroy & Boch expands Antao collection with Antao Earth

August 14, 2026

Villeroy & Boch has expanded its Antao collection with Antao Earth, a new range of surface-mounted washbasins designed by Cologne-based studio KASCHKASCH. Each basin is finished with a hand-applied Artisan Glaze, creating subtle variations in colour and texture that give every piece an individual appearance.

The organic form of Antao Earth is based on the existing Antao collection and takes its inspiration from the shape of a dewdrop. KASCHKASCH founders Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider developed the silhouette through the iterative process of photography, simplifying and translating forms into three dimensions before refining them further.

“It’s not a question of minimalism in its proper sense”, says Schneider. “It was more condensing design into its very essence” – the result is a timeless form that makes an impact but isn’t overpowering.

Artisan Glaze: Every washbasin a unique piece

The key feature of Antao Earth is the new Artisan Glaze. It is applied by hand and when fired, develops a chemical dynamic: The result is a surface that changes with light and water – an authentic feature of the craftsmanship.

The new technique was developed with Villeroy & Boch’s glazing lab in Mettlach. The development process placed significant demands on the material and the glaze needed to deliver a handcrafted, sculptural appearance while meeting the exacting standards required for large-scale production.

“The challenge here lay in combining an emotionally appealing, highly tactile experience with full everyday functionality”, comments Florian Kallus. Sebastian Schneider goes on to explain, “The physical complexity in the kiln is enormous. To extend such a structure to an entire basin in a controlled and reproducible manner calls for maximum precision at the interface between design and high-end ceramics technology.”

A homage to nature

The Antao Earth colour palette is based on natural landscapes and features three carefully designed hues of Sand, Terra and Smoke which are designed to reflect the variety and depth found in nature. The special Artisan Glaze results in individual textures that interact with these hues to give surfaces a vital, authentic radiance. Inspired by natural landscapes, the shade Sand creates a light welcoming look that evokes a feeling of calm. A stronger, earthy accent is set by Terra, which was directly inspired by the elemental structured surface of the Earth and reflects a deep, unmistakable bond with nature in the bathroom. Completing the palette is Smoke, a contemporary shade that reveals layers of depth as light moves across its surface.

Designed to complement the existing Antao collection, Antao Earth offers designers and homeowners greater flexibility when creating cohesive bathroom schemes.

Keep Reading

Grant Westfield invests in sales team with two new promotions

August 14, 2026

Grant Westfield, manufacturer of Multipanel and Naturepanel, has strengthened its sales team with two more promotions as the company continues to expand its business.

Kin Wickes, who is Grant Westfield’s new key accounts manager – North, has worked for the company for three years and previously held the position of business development manager.

In her new role, Wickes will focus on building long-standing relationships with current and prospective customers. She will also be responsible for identifying new opportunities for growth.

Commenting on her promotion, Kim Wickes said: “I’m looking forward to taking on new challenges, building strong relationships with Key Accounts and colleagues whilst developing my skills and making an impact.Also taking on a new role within Grant Westfield is William Prime, who has been promoted from his position as business development manager Southeast to technical sales manager.

Prime, who joined the company in 2021, will play a pivotal role in developing Grant Westfield’s Installer Elite programme. He said: “I’m most excited about getting closer to our installers and building the Installer Elite programme.

“My key priority is to increase specification opportunities through trial installations and training sessions. I’ll also be supporting technical and installation in the US, as well as industry and customer events.”

Michael Dobson, Grant Westfield’s sales manager, said: “Kim and William are valued members of the Grant Westfield team and great assets to the company. We’re delighted to see their hard work recognised with these well-deserved promotions.”

For more information, please visit: www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 337 6262.

Keep Reading

PJH & Fibo sales growth leads to range expansion

August 13, 2026

PJH has expanded its choice of Fibo kitchen and bathroom wall panels following continued sales growth since becoming the brand’s sole UK distribution partner in February 2025.

Year-on-year sales of the Fibo collection through PJH increased by 40% in July, with the distributor now stocking over 300 SKU’s, compared with 225 when the partnership began.

The expanded range includes Fibo’s waterproof wall panel systems for kitchens and bathrooms, with availability across England, Scotland and Wales through PJH’s distribution network.

The partnership has also enabled retailers, installers and merchants to access next-day delivery to store or home, supporting faster ordering and installation of the Fibo collection.

Over the past year, the partnership expanded to include Fibo kitchen wall panels and splashback designs alongside further additions to the bathroom collections. In the Spring, PJH added new wall panel designs to both its Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO brands, offering customers an even better choice of the latest on-trend wall panel designs, profiles and accessories. Designs incllude Pebble Granite, Arctic Onyx and Rustic Granite.

Commenting on the growth, Tanna Molyneux, product manager at PJH, said: “Working alongside the Fibo team has been incredibly rewarding, with the relationship built on trust, shared goals and a mutual commitment to supporting customers throughout the UK. The latest design-led wall panel systems, such as those from Fibo, are fast becoming a popular choice in bathroom and kitchen projects. Fibo’s comprehensive choice of premium finishes is outstanding, making them a fantastic, easy-to-install, alternative to tiles.”

Jenny Gibson, head of new business development at Fibo, added: “Since PJH became our UK distribution partner in early 2025, the growth we’ve achieved together has been a real testament to what the right partnership can deliver. PJH’s nationwide reach and next-day delivery service has made it easier than ever for retailers, installers and merchants across England, Scotland and Wales to specify and fit Fibo’s waterproof wall panels. Expanding into kitchens and introducing our new stone-inspired designs is a direct response to that rising demand for a faster, low-maintenance alternative to tiling. We’re incredibly proud of what this partnership continues to achieve, and look forward to building on that momentum together.”

Fibo’s waterproof panel systems are manufactured in Norway and backed by a 25-year warranty. The panels feature a 7-layer birch core, durable laminate surface, and Fibo’s patented Aqualock click system, enabling installers to complete projects significantly faster than conventional tiling while achieving a clean, virtually seamless finish.

For more information about the Fibo range available through PJH, contact PJH: T: 0345 450 8932 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Keep Reading

Harrison Bathrooms promotes Hayley Bowman to marketing director

August 13, 2026

Harrison Bathrooms has promoted Hayley Bowman to marketing director as the business continues to invest in its brands, product development and long-term growth plans.

The appointment will also see Hayley join the company’s board of directors, bringing marketing into the wider strategic direction of the business as Harrison Bathrooms builds on its growth and continues to develop its customer proposition.

Bowman joined Harrison Bathrooms in August 2025, bringing more than 15 years of marketing experience and extensive knowledge of the bathroom sector. Since joining, she has supported several key projects, including the expansion of the company’s fitted furniture collection, the launch of The Kitchen Collection, its presence at InstallerSHOW 2026 and the launch of its Edition 22 main catalogue.

In her new role, Bowman will work alongside the senior leadership team to ensure marketing remains closely aligned with the company’s wider commercial strategy, supporting sustainable growth while continuing to strengthen its brands and customer proposition.

Hayley Bowman said; “It’s been an incredible first year with Harrison Bathrooms. Harrison Bathrooms is an ambitious business with strong brands, a fantastic team, and a genuine commitment to its customers.

My focus will be on strengthening the positioning of our brands, supporting new product development and delivering marketing that responds to changing customer needs and creates real value for our retail and trade partners. There is significant momentum across the business, and I’m excited about what lies ahead at Harrison Bathrooms.”

Shaun Corcoran, Commercial Director at Harrison Bathrooms, said, “Hayley has made an outstanding contribution since joining Harrison Bathrooms, bringing a clear understanding of the market, our customers and the opportunities across our brands. Her appointment reflects the important role marketing will plan in our continued growth, and we’re delighted to have her as part of the leadership team.”

Keep Reading

VitrA presents Sugarcrete® at London Design Festival 2026

August 13, 2026

VitrA will present Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings at this year’s London Design Festival, showcasing the potential of material-led approaches to more sustainable construction. The exhibition will explore Sugarcrete®, a bio-based material developed from sugar-cane by-products, and its potential as a lower-carbon alternative to conventional materials such as concrete and brick.

Developed by researchers at the University of East London (UEL) Sustainability Research Institute, in collaboration with engineering consultancy AKT II and other industry partners, Sugarcrete® demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be repurposed as a resource in construction.

Visitors to the exhibition can explore material samples alongside wider research behind the project for further insight into the material’s development and performance. With a focus on the material’s potential to reduce environmental impact, the display will highlight its ability to open new possibilities for architectural design.

“We’re pleased to host ‘Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings’ during this year’s London Design Festival. We’re supporting the researchers and designers behind the project and giving visitors the opportunity to engage with their work. By showcasing new ideas and material innovation at VitrA, we hope to inspire creative thinking about the future of sustainable design,” comments Nicola Friel, manager of VitrA’s Specification & Design Hub.

The VitrA London Specification & Design Hub will be open to visitors during the London Design Festival from 14 – 18 September. As part of the programme, activity will be taking place on the following dates, and to attend please RSVP to london@vitra.co.uk

Monday 14 September – Friday 18 September
9:00 – 17:00: Exhibition on ground floor

Tuesday 15 September
13:00 – 17:00: Meet the Makers – Alan Chandler, UEL, and David Watson, AKT II
17:30 – 19:30: Presentation of research & Sugarcrete by Alan & David – Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings.

For more information on VitrA’s sustainability efforts, please visit https://www.vitra.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/

Keep Reading

Synergy Architecture + Interiors transforms former film location into tropical retreat

August 13, 2026

Synergy Architecture + Interiors has transformed a former Indian film location in Chennai into Villa Del Sol, a private holiday home that combines the character of the original property with a tropical, contemporary interior.

The house, which previously provided a backdrop for Tamil film and television productions, has been remodelled for Nanditha Vikram’s family. The project retained key original features while adapting the property and grounds to meet the needs of a modern family home.

During the renovation, the design team uncovered solid teak beneath several layers of paint, revealing its original warm honey tone. Aged Mangalore roof tiles and original floor tiles were also retained, helping to preserve the character of the property. Ecru walls, terracotta tones and lush green accents form the basis of the interior palette, while large openings bring natural light into the rooms and strengthen the connection with the surrounding gardens.

Responding to the tropical climate

The grounds were redesigned to address the risk of flooding in Chennai. Additional soil was introduced, slope gradients were reworked and a new drainage system was installed. Pathways, dense planting, a swimming pool and seating areas provide structure to the landscape while creating a closer relationship between the house and garden.

A veranda runs around the property, providing a transition between the interior and exterior. As well as protecting the communal areas from sun and rain, it helps channel the sea breeze through the house.

Inside, latticed timber doors separate the living and dining areas while maintaining the property’s open-plan feel. Detailed lintels continue the latticework motif throughout the interiors. At the entrance, two columns reference traditional thinnai – raised platforms found on southern Indian homes that provide a shaded place to sit.

Consistent bathroom design

In the bathrooms, Synergy Architecture + Interiors specified Cape Cod above-counter basins and DuraStyle wall-mounted toilets by Duravit. The combination is used throughout the property to create a consistent design thread between the individual spaces, while allowing each bathroom to develop its own colour palette.

Grey IPS surfaces provide a common backdrop, complemented in the en suites by deep blue, rich green and cream tiles. In the guest WC, black pendant lighting and a round mirror introduce graphic contrast against the grey finish.

The result is a renovation that retains the architectural character and cultural references of the original property while adapting it for contemporary family life and the demands of its tropical coastal setting.

Keep Reading

Bathrooms2GO adds space-saving options to Tuscany Range

August 13, 2026

Bathrooms2GO by PJH has added compact basin options to its popular Tuscany Sanitaryware range, offering a practical solution for cloakrooms, ensuites and smaller bathrooms. The new additions give retailers, merchants and installers greater flexibility when specifying space-saving solutions, combining compact dimensions with the style of the wider Tuscany collection.

The expanded range comprises 550mm and 450mm Tuscany basins with semi pedestals, alomgside a 450mm Tuscany cloakroom basin with bottle trap. The latter is available with a choice of Chrome, Brushed Brass or Black bottle trap with coordinating overflow rings.

The 550mm Basin with Semi Pedestal, measuring W550 x H435 x D400mm, offers a generously proportioned basin in a streamlined format, while the smaller 450mm Basin with Semi Pedestal, measuring W450 x H435 x D400mm, provides a more compact alternative for smaller bathroom layouts.

Measuring W450 x H150 x D380 mm, the 550mm basin with semi-pedestal provides a generous wash space while maintaining a compact footprint. The 450mm version also measuring H435 x D400mm offers a more compact option for smaller layouts.

Julie Lockwood, product manager, Bathrooms2GO, comments; “By extending the Tuscany range with these practical new basin options, we are giving retailers, merchants and installers more design flexibility when specifying for smaller spaces. The different sized, semi-pedestal designs and coordinating finish choices make it easier than ever to select the best stylish solution for compact rooms, while retaining the highly competitive proposition that Bathrooms2GO is known for.” …

The new basins join the existing Tuscany Sanitaryware Range within the Bathrooms2GO Collection, which includes full-pedestal basins, a close coupled WC and a back to wall WC. The Tuscany ceramic range is also backed by a PJH Lifetime Guarantee.

As with the wider Bathrooms2GO Collection, by PJH, the new Tuscany products are supported by extensive stock availability, next-day delivery direct to store or home and PJH’s ‘First Choice’ customer service promise, helping trade customers keep bathroom projects moving with dependable supply and turnaround.

For further PJH information or to order Bathrooms2GO products, visit the PJH Partners Portal, www.partners.pjh.uk, or contact the PJH Sales Team at sales@pjh.uk / T: 0345 450 8932.

Keep Reading

Victoria + Albert introduces new sculptural Podium basin

August 8, 2026

Victoria + Albert’s in-house UK design team has developed a new floorstanding Podium basin model for its recently launched Kerid collection. Available in either a gloss or velvety matt finish, the new Kerid podium basin can also be specified in any of 200 RAL exterior colours.

Victoria-Albert-Kerid-Podium-Basin-Gloss-Finish

The minimalist podium basin features a sleek, one-piece form with a chamfered base detail, echoing the Kerid soaking bath, to create a subtle ‘floating’ effect. All finishes are multi-layered using a special catalysed paint and hand-polished between applications to achieve a deep lustre and long-lasting durability.

Developed 30 years ago, Victoria + Albert’s proprietary material, Quarrycast™, is crafted from a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins. The material is exceptionally strong and durable – twice as hard as acrylic, with no creaking or flexing. Scratch-, stain-, and UV-resistant, the material is also a natural insulator and easy to maintain.

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

About the Kerid Collection

The Kerid Collection from Victoria + Albert reimagines bathing as a restorative wellness ritual. At the heart of the collection is the Kerid soaking bath. Compact yet immersive, it is designed for both hot soaking and cold plunging. At just 1350mm long, the bath fits comfortably in modest bathrooms and outdoor spaces, while its elevated sides (700–850mm) create a cocooning full-body experience. A raised seat within the base ensures comfort, and a slim, angled rim naturally supports the neck and head.

The bath is complemented by an optional step, as well as two basin options, creating a cohesive design story for contemporary bathrooms and wellness-focused spaces.

Keep Reading

Frontline Bathrooms removes plastic from Aqua glass packaging

August 7, 2026

Frontline Bathrooms has removed plastic from the packaging used across its entire Aqua glass collection in a move to accelerate environmental improvements during 2026. It represents the first stage of a broader review of packaging throughout the company’s bathroom portfolio.

The new packaging replacies plastic components across Frontline’s shower enclosures and glass products. The environmentally responsible alternatives are part of Frontline Bathrooms’ sustainability strategy, which is organised around four pillars: People, Planet, Products and Principles. The framework covers company’s operations and products, as well as employee development, responsible sourcing and support for suppliers working to improve their own sustainability credentials.

Alongside the Aqua glass packaging change, Frontline has reported reductions across its wider group operations. Group-wide waste has fallen by 10%, while 98% of all waste generated has been diverted from landfill.

The company has also installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout its warehouses, which along with better working practices has resulted in annual reductions of 31% in both electricity and heating consumption.

Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, says: “Packaging may not be the most obvious part of a bathroom product, but it is an area where suppliers can make an immediate difference at scale. Removing plastic from every enclosure pack across the Aqua glass collection gives us a meaningful starting point for a much wider packaging programme.

“We have also seen how relatively straightforward operational changes can deliver substantial results. Installing LED lighting, looking more closely at how our warehouses use energy and involving employees in reducing unnecessary consumption have helped us achieve a 31% reduction in both electricity and heating.

“We are not presenting this as a finished piece of work. It is about making practical improvements now, measuring the results and using what we learn to shape the next stage.”

Frontline Bathrooms is also increasing its focus on products that can help households reduce water or energy use without compromising on bathroom design.

The company expanded its brassware portfolio during 2026, including the introduction of its award-winning Aqua Mineral Flute collection with cold-start technology.

Cold-start brassware helps to prevent a boiler from being activated unnecessarily when only cold water is required. By reducing the unintended use of hot water during everyday tasks, the technology can help households lower energy consumption and associated costs.

Allison continues: “A great deal of household energy can be used through small actions that people barely notice, such as turning on a basin tap and activating the hot-water system even when hot water is not needed. Cold-start technology addresses that without asking the customer to change the way they use their bathroom.

“That is the direction we want future product development to take. Environmental improvements have to work in real homes, remain accessible to customers and make sense for retailers and installers.”

Frontline Bathrooms is now exploring how sustainability can be incorporated into further product categories for 2027.

Projects currently at an early stage of development include more water-efficient shower kits and brassware, electric towel rails with improved energy controls, high-performance flushing technology and toilets designed to reduce water consumption.

The latest developments will form the basis of Frontline Bathrooms’ ongoing sustainability programme, with further packaging, operational and product updates expected as individual projects are completed.

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

Keep Reading