Last week, 10 designers from Ripples travelled to Frankfurt to attend ISH 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC and water – we caught up with them to hear all about the new bathroom trends they spotted.
With over 2,000 exhibitors spread across 12 halls, ISH is a key event in the international calendar for bathroom design, energy technology, and sustainable bathroom solutions. Held biennially, it is renowned for setting the benchmark in Europe, showcasing pioneering technologies, the latest product design, and emerging trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead.
Representing one of the largest UK retailer contingents at ISH 2025, the Ripples team joined over 150,000 visitors from more than 140 countries to explore the future of bathroom design and innovation.
Ripples’ designers spent 2 full days immersing themselves in the latest collections from global brands, attending trend talks, and connecting with suppliers to ensure Ripples clients continue to benefit from the most innovative and inspiring bathroom solutions on the market.
Neil Curtis, senior designer from Ripples Bath and Bristol, shared his highlights from the show: “There was a clear continuation of some established trends, with colour-finished brassware, fluted cabinetry, resin basins, and shower toilets featuring heavily across the show. Accessibility in product design was another noticeable focus, with more manufacturers introducing solutions aimed at making luxury bathrooms more user-friendly and beautiful for all. But perhaps the biggest takeaway from ISH Frankfurt this year is that luxury is not just about aesthetics – it’s about how a space makes you feel. You don’t need an at-home steam room to create a spa-like retreat. By incorporating natural textures, soft tones, and intuitive technology, anyone can bring a sense of wellbeing into their bathroom.”
Other key trends noted by the designers included:
• Smart WCs – No longer a luxury reserved for high-end hotels, intelligent toilets with heated seats, deep-cleaning technology, and integrated dryers are making their way into everyday homes.
• Japanese soaking tubs – Deep, compact, and designed for full-body immersion, these tubs embrace the relaxation ritual while being space-efficient.
• Back-to-wall baths – Offering the aesthetic of a freestanding bath with a more practical footprint, these baths provide both beauty and functionality.
• Plaster-style basins – A shift towards handcrafted, textured finishes that add warmth and depth to bathroom spaces.
• Matte finishes – Glossy, high-shine surfaces are fading in favour of soft, muted, and natural-looking finishes.
• Brushed bronze and warm metallics – Chrome was a rarity at ISH, with warm brass, bronze, and soft gold tones bringing an inviting glow to brassware.
• Soft pastels and earthy neutrals – A move towards calming hues, such as muted greens, sage, and clay tones, creating a soothing atmosphere.
• Ultra-light shower trays – Thinner and more streamlined than ever, offering sleek, minimalist appeal without compromising durability.
Commenting on the experience, Paul Crow, managing director at Ripples, said: “ISH is where future design and technology come together. We are proud to have had such a strong presence at this year’s event, bringing back fresh ideas and insights to our showrooms and clients across the UK.”
The trip to ISH forms part of Ripples' ongoing commitment to professional development and design leadership, ensuring its award-winning designers remain at the forefront of bathroom innovation.
