The countdown is on and now KBB Birmingham 2024 is just around the corner – Nicola Hanley takes a look at some of the bathroom brands set to make a splash at the show.
Taking place from 3rd - 6th March, KBB Birmingham is returning to the NEC for a 4-day extravaganza where over 320 exhibitors across more than 25 product categories will be showcasing their latest launches. The biennial event continues to be the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms and is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors across the 4 days.
A number of leading bathroom suppliers are gearing up to wow visitors with an array of innovative new products and to share their latest company milestones. Show organisers Informa are aiming to make this ‘the most sustainable KBB Birmingham yet’, and have been working with exhibitors and the wider KBB industry to make it a greener, more socially responsible event. As well as sustainability, colour is also set to make its mark on many bathroom stands with eye-catching creative displays featuring brassware, furniture, surfaces and shower screens. Looking to inspire and inform visitors, the BMA will be hosting a series of talks covering bathroom design, trends, wellbeing and innovation.
“KBB Birmingham is just around the corner and will provide visitors with inspiration, knowledge and product innovations for the year ahead,” says Jon Johnston, KBB Birmingham’s sales director. “This year we’re delighted to welcome a large and varied range of exhibiting bathroom brands, including Acquabella, Merlyn, Vado, House Of Rohl and Flair Showers revealing some of the biggest bathroom design trends expected to make a splash in 2024.”
1. Vado is returning to KBB Birmingham after a 10-year absence on Stand B78, and plans to display a variety of products from its bestselling brassware collections, including its new Brushed Bronze finish, pictured. It will also unveil ‘a significant business milestone and an exciting step in its strategic development’.
2. Making its debut on Aqualla’s stand (Stand D64 and D70) will be a new Brushed Bronze finish, which will be seen on its popular Hanna range. The company is also unveiling its first ever Frames & Flush Plates, pictured.
3. Tile specialist Ca’ Pietra (Stand G50) is using the show to launch several new collections, including wood-effect slat tiles and its new 19th Century-inspired Victorian Collection of floor tiles, pictured, which are pre-scored and ready-to-grout for easier installation.
4. VitrA says it is looking to ‘inspire and excite’ visitors to its stand with a host of new launches on Stands D60 and C64. Making its UK debut will be what VitrA is is describing as the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin, which will be available in 5 shapes and a Matt Clay Beige finish. Other highlights look set to include its M-Line Edge and Pure furniture collections.
5. For its inaugural showcase at KBB Birmingham, Sonas Bathrooms will be displaying a variety of additions to its 2024 collection on Stand F30. Set to launch, the new Aspect Scandinavian Coloured Wetroom Panels, seen here in Ocean Blue, have been designed to complement its Scandinavian-inspired bathroom furniture collection. Also being unveiled will be the REED Whirlpool freestanding bath with a fluted design.
6. Spanish bathroom brand Acquabella is set to showcase an ‘innovative and avant-garde decorative concept of the shower space’ at the show on Stand D44. New products launching on its 90sq m stand include the semi-freestanding Noon Slate bath, pictured in Burgundy alongside the new Alma Slate shower tray.
7. On its 72sq m stand designed by ADP x LOVEINTERIORS design director Jo Love, Merlyn plans to ‘bring the colours of the ‘nature verse’ trend to life’ through its products. Launching will be its fluted glass wetroom panel in Brushed Brass, pictured, alongside its Wetroom collection, which will star in a colourful display on Stand D40.
8. Following its introduction at 2022’s show, House of Rohl is returning to KBB Birmingham where parent company Fortune Brands will be previewing new products from its Perrin & Rowe brassware and Victoria + Albert Baths alongside working displays of its Aqualisa digital smart showers, which will look to ‘bring technology to life’ on Stand D68.
9. Visitors to Flair’s stand (Stand F40) will able to get a preview of the new additions to its Harmony collection of premium shower enclosures, wetrooms and bath screens. The show will also be a launchpad for its ILI shower door range, which it says is a fusion of style and practical affordability. Seen here in Brushed Brass, it is made from 6mm glass and has a handle with integrated towel hook.
10. Vibrant displays are promised on Harrison Bathrooms’ stand (Stand E54) where the ‘Colour by Scudo’ theme aims to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Products from Scudo’s new Edition 18 collection will be seen for the first time with KOKO brassware, seen here in brushed bronze, set to impress alongside BOHO freestanding furniture.
11. Showerwall was keeping its cards fairly close to its chest but did reveal that it will be launching its 2024 collection, which consists of 25 new wall panelling designs, at the show on Stand D54. At the 2022 event it was named ‘Best Surfaces Stand’ by organisers so we’re eagerly waiting to see this year’s creative roomsets on its 104.50sq m stand.
12. Origins Living will be showcasing an array of its mirrors, storage products and accessories on Stand F72. Sales & marketing director Sofia Charalambous said: "We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our biggest and boldest stand yet. They can explore our latest launches including our Oslo and Lomax Light mirror collections and be among the first to see our exclusive prototypes."
