KBB Birmingham was back with a bang last month as visitors flocked to the NEC for the 4-day trade show, and bathroom brands were out to impress with their inspiring displays highlighting the hottest trends – Nicola Hanley reports.
As ever, anticipation was high for the biennial KBB Birmingham exhibition, which took place at the NEC from 3rd - 6th March, and it’s fair to say it more than lived up to expectations. Show organisers Informa had hoped to see some 15,000 visitors walking through the doors but surpassed even its own expectations, with over 17,150 people attending over the 4 days – making 2024 the most-visited show in a decade.
Although there were some big-name brands missing – Roca and Laufen didn’t have a stand, despite being on the exhibitor list – visitors were in for a treat as bathroom suppliers went all-out with beautiful, eye-catching stands showcasing their latest launches. We bring you our round-up of the 6 most inspiring…
1. Sonas Bathrooms
Making its debut at KBB Birmingham, and marking its one-year anniversary in the UK market, Sonas Bathrooms, Ireland’s leading bathroom brand, set out to make a splash with a raft of new products drawing retailers onto its stand. The REED whirlpool bath, which features a fluted design and was seen in a custom burnt orange finish, and the freestanding GAIA bath, made from stone resin, were previewed alongside the colourful Scandinavian furniture collection with fluted finishes on display.
“The footfall and level of interest on the stand has been amazing,” said CEO Richard Sloan. “We’ve been really pleased with the number of retailers that have expressed an interest in the brand and we look forward to partnering with them and adding value to their business in the future.”
2. Showerwall and Frontline Bathrooms
Showerwall is renowned for pulling out all the stops with its award-winning stands at KBB Birmingham and this year was no exception. The recipient of the award for Best Bathroom stand over 30sq m, Showerwall brought 23 new wall panelling designs to the show as statement walls took centre stage. With sustainability a hot topic at KBB Birmingham, Showerwall recycled its stand from two years ago and collaborated with Frontline Bathrooms to create inspired roomsets that allowed both brands to shine. The star of the stand was the Japandi-inspired display, which featured Showerwall’s new Lagoon acrylic print and Frontline Bathrooms’ new fluted oak Kyoto Vanity unit. Other highlights included the botanical Blossom print and spa-inspired Onyx Crystal, which was shown with a custom acrylic panel in Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s 2024 Colour of the Year.
“KBB 2024 was a huge success for Showerwall – not only did we receive tons of positive feedback on our new design launches, but we were also named Best Bathroom Stand by organisers,” said product manager Steph Harris. “An event like this gives the whole industry a boost and really sets us up for a strong 2024.”
3. Acquabella
Spring was in the air on Acquabella’s stand with its elegant, Japanese-themed design, which embraced Sakura. The minimalist stand allowed the Spanish bathroom manufacturer’s new products to take centre stage, with its Alma Slate shower tray and Noon Slate bath, which was on show alongside a selection of freestanding tubs, proving particularly popular. A display starring the award-winning Delia Zero washbasin brought splashes of colour and further texture to the stand.
“I'm thrilled with Acquabella's successful participation in KBB Birmingham,” said UK area manager Ken Bowman. “We're grateful for the support and enthusiasm shown by all who visited our booth. Here's to continued growth, innovation, and excellence in the realm of bathroom design.”
4. House of Rohl
House of Rohl showcased upcoming Victoria + Albert launches including the sculptural Seros bath, which was previewed on a striking display that rotated 360°, a bold and blue version of Ledro, a luxurious and sustainable freestanding bath that uses just 180 litres of water, and the new Lussari in a back-to-wall format. Brassware from Perrin & Rowe and Riobel were also beautifully displayed and Aqualisa was presented at an exhibition for the first time since being acquired by House of Rohl in 2022. Its Smart shower displays were a hit with retailers keen to get to grips with the latest technology.
"This year’s KBB show felt busier and buzzier than 2022,” said Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at House of Rohl. “Given the downbeat economic news, the mood was extremely positive. Experienced retailers, designers and installers know the market is cyclical, and are planning for future growth.”
5. Ca' Pietra
Visitors were welcomed into ‘The House of Ca’ Pietra’ where the luxury tile specialist was exhibiting for the first time since its rebrand. There was an abundance of bold colour and pattern on display, with stripes making their mark alongside florals and geometrics, as Ca’ Pietra launched several new collections, which it says were ‘really well received.' Proving particularly popular was the ‘click no stick’ Minérale tile range, which the company describes as ‘game changing’. Also on show were the 19th Century-inspired Victorian Collection of floor tiles and wood-effect slat tiles.
“KBB Birmingham was a great show for us,” said marketing director Grazzie Wilson. “The general consensus from the Ca’ Pietra team was that there was enthusiasm and a more upbeat feeling across the industry over the course of the show.”
6. Vado
Vado, which hasn’t exhibited at KBB Birmingham for 10 years, returned to the show with its biggest launch yet – Cameo, which marks the brands move into furniture and sanitaryware. The new products were shown in beautiful displays, including this vibrant cloakroom featuring a 400mm floor-mounted unit. The collection includes beautiful brassware in four premium finishes: matt white, matt black, satin gold and chrome. Visitors were also keen to see the new brushed bronze finish, flush plates and Zone, an all-flush thermostatic shower valve with push button control.
“This years show was truly inspiring,” said product and marketing director Angela Neve. “The Vado stand was buzzing every day and the show has enabled us to connect with our brilliant network of retailers, as well as meeting potential new partners."
