INDUSTRY VIEWS
INDUSTRY VIEWS
Brassware that is built to last
How long will it last? That’s the first question all consumers ask when buying a bathroom. Of course, there’s the need to buy and live more sustainability but it’s mainly about cost – people want to buy once, in the knowledge that that product will endure. The hardest working part of the bathroom is undoubtedly the brassware. It needs to look
stylish when new and then retain that for the long-term with a durable and high-quality PVD finish. Behind the scenes, customers should look for long-lasting ceramic disc cartridges, which provide a watertight seal for decades. When it comes to showers specifically, a quality concealed system – such as the RocaBox –
allows easy access for maintenance or to change the front plate, if the bathroom’s colour scheme alters in the future, without disturbing the surrounding tiling. This is a definite long-term advantage. Finally, if manufacturers have faith in their own products then a generous warranty should come as standard – all our showering components have a 10-year guarantee.
Comment by Emma Mottram, Head of Brand and Communications, Roca UK & Ireland
Standing Out in a Flatter Market
The KBB market remains flat overall, though Blum has seen modest growth this year, which is encouraging, given the conditions many businesses are facing. Eurocucina
reinforced a continued shift towards warmer, more inviting kitchen spaces: natural materials, textured finishes and richer colours were everywhere, though black remains a strong choice, often used to create contrast and a premium feel. There was also a clear focus on furniture that’s both beautiful and highly functional, with smart storage helping homeowners make the most of every centimetre. Interestingly, premium ranges are performing best. In a tighter
Comment by Ben Muirhead, Head of Business Development, Blum
market, retailers are looking to stand out rather than compete purely on price, and customers seem willing to invest in products that offer something genuinely different. It suggests strong USPs, quality and user experience matter more than ever for winning business and protecting margins.
Seamless design aesthetic
The traditional “siloed” approach to room design is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today’s homeowners are looking for a seamless design aesthetic that flows through the entire property, from the kitchen island to the bathroom vanity and even into outdoor living areas. This desire for continuity is driving a demand for versatile, high-performance materials that can perform across multiple applications without a break in style. In the KBB sector,
we must think beyond the traditional worktop. Instead, we need to move towards a more architectural approach to surfaces, where large-format slabs and integrated designs allow for a cohesive, uninterrupted aesthetic. This evolution requires a deeper collaboration between manufacturers and designers to ensure that high-traffic areas remain practical while feeling part of the wider home. As we look ahead, the most successful brands will be those that provide the flexibility to bridge these different environments, offering unified design options that meet the demands of modern, open-plan living.
Comment by Paul Gidley, UK Regional Director, Cosentino
4 BKU AUGUST 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
