The bathroom stands at KBB Birmingham 2024 were awash with colour and texture as leading brands made their mark at the NEC during the UK’s leading kitchen, bathroom and bedroom trade show – Nicola Hanley brings you some of the highlights.
Between 3rd - 6th March, over 17,150 visitors attended the biennial KBB Birmingham exhibition, but it wasn’t just the volume of visitors that made the show such a success. The quality of the stands and vibrant displays, alongside the enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors alike, created a positive vibe that was felt throughout the 4-day show. On the bathroom side, pops of colour and texture – think fluted finishes on baths, shower screens and furniture – brought the latest trends to life.
1. VITRA
The big news on VitrA’s stand was the launch of its new Vitality partner programme, which offers a range of benefits to help independent retailers boost business. Another talking point was its 100% recycled ceramic washbasins, which come in 5 shapes and were described by the company as a 'world first', highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Visitors also had the chance to see its new M-Line furniture, which comes in 2 styles – M-Line Edge, pictured, and M-Line Pure, as well its as popular Sento, Valarte and Root ranges. “KBB Birmingham came at the perfect time for us. It was extremely busy on all days and our stand was non-stop, so it was really good for us and we surpassed the targets we set ourselves,” said MD Steve Breen.
2. MERLYN
Irish shower enclosure manufacturer Merlyn’s 72sq m stand, designed by ADP x LOVEINTERIORS, was used to debut its new Wetroom Collection and fluted glass wetroom panel in brushed brass. Another highlight was the bespoke Arysto steam room in brushed bronze. Multipanel, a sister brand within the Norcros stable, was also on show with the wood-effect Naturepanel in Bleached Cuneo Oak and Pure panel in grey Mineral creating a beautiful, Japandi-style enclosure.
3. ST JAMES
British brassware brand St James, which was exhibiting following the unveiling of its new brand identity and refined portfolio, launched its new Living collection at the show. It consists of basin taps, bath mixers, concealed and exposed shower valves as well as shower slide rail kits, which are named after iconic London streets, including Bond, pictured in brushed brass, Fleet and Carnaby. Also on show were products from its Traditional and Distinction collections, shown alongside new POS material. "Our presence at KBB Birmingham reiterated our commitment to bricks and mortar retailers,” said divisional marketing manager Andy Burton. “The exhibition exceeded all expectations for us and we look forward to new partnerships with some incredible independent bathroom and kitchen specialists across the UK.”
4. FLAIR SHOWERS
Flair Showers brought a touch of rugged, natural beauty to KBB Birmingham with a striking waterfall display that starred its ORO sliding door enclosure with two inline panels. Part of the Harmony range of premium shower enclosures, wetrooms and bath screens, it is available in silver or matte black. Also making a splash was the new ILI shower door range, which is described as a ‘fusion of style and practical affordability’ and comes in silver, matte black and brushed brass. It is made from 6mm glass and has a unique handle with integrated towel hook. Visitors were also able to see the new Country Bronze finish on its AYO range and new Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze finishes, set to be a available on the ETO range soon. “The show has been a fantastic success for us at Flair,” said marketing manager Louise Huston. “We are excited now post-show to bring our fresh new brand chapter to life via a newly printed WATERFALL look-book that will be supplied to our retail partners in the coming weeks.”
5. HIDEALOO
Now you see it – now you don't. London-based startup company Hidealoo showcased what it describes as ‘the world’s first foldaway toilet mechanism’. The frame, which allows a toilet pan to be swivelled through 90°, allowing it to be hidden away in a cabinet or wall recess when not in use, was shown in 2 settings: a shower room and small bathroom/utility room. It picked up the People’s Choice KBB Innovation Award, which founder and inventor Monty Ravenscroft said was the icing on the cake. “When introducing a disruptor product like Hidealoo, which is a completely new concept that naturally generates a lot of questions, there is nothing as powerful as being able to get face-to-face with industry like this. We generated a lot of interest and the feedback from visitors was marvellous.”
6. FLOVA
Brassware manufacturer Flova UK brought 350 new products to the show, including the new Moonlight collection consisting of 232 products in five colour finishes and new finishes for its contemporary LEVO collection, seen here in brushed brass and gun metal. Other highlights included a preview of the patented GoSlide shower valve, set to be available in the summer, with the company saying it had a ‘phenomenal’ response.
7. IMEX UK
Taking centre stage on bathroom manufacturer Imex UK’s stand was the recently launched Arco 1600 slipper bath, which starred in an eye-catching waterfall display. Made from lucite acrylic, it is available in black and white finishes. Also turning heads was the new Ivan furniture collection, which was seen in Plum with brushed brass handles to complement the brassware and bath screen and create a seamless look.
8. SCUDO
Colour was the name of the game on Scudo’s stand, with the brand exhibiting under the strapline ‘One Colour, One Bathroom, One Brand’. The show gave the company the opportunity to showcase its Scudo 18 collection for the first time since its launch earlier this year. Other highlights included is BOHO freestanding furniture, which combines a matt Black frame with rustic oak accents, and Esme cloakroom unit. “KBB Birmingham was a a great success. Our stand was bustling with new and existing customers and there was a high level of interest in our unique colour-matched concept. We were thrilled by the incredible feedback from business owners and key decision-makers,” said Harrison Bathrooms’ commercial director Shaun Corcoran.
9. ADAMSEZ / AQUALLA
Northern Irish brassware manufacturer Aqualla used the show to launch 7 new mirrors, packed with features such as wireless charging pads, ambient colour change options and Bluetooth technology. It also marked the brand’s move into a new product category: WC frames and flush plates, available in 7 finishes and designed to complement its brassware ranges. “These products made their debut at KBB this year and received some very promising feedback, so we’re really looking forward to watching their potential unfold,” said marketing manager Julianna Andrews. There was also plenty to see on the Adamsez side as the bath manufacturer showcased a range of tubs including its Red Dot Design award-winning Geo stone bath and Mila stone bath which is available in Matt Black or White Gloss.
10. ORIGINS LIVING
Mirror, mirror: Origins Living returned to KBB Birmingham where it welcomed over 400 visitors onto its chic stand, which allowed its mirrors to really shine alongside its super-stylish accessories. Grab bar prototypes were seen in a variety of eye-catching finishes including gunmetal, brushed brass and black, reinforcing one of the company strap-lines: ‘everyone deserves good design’. The star of the stand was the new Oslo range, which lead the interior trend for organic, irregular shapes. Other highlights included the Lomax Light range and the classical Delphine mirrors. “Two weeks on since the curtains fell on our best show ever and we’re still buzzing with excitement,” said sales & marketing director Sofia Charalambous. “The feedback received exceeded our already high expectations. The presentation of our removable display accessory mood boards made an impressive impression and orders of these are rolling in. We have reserved the same space for 2026.”
