Meet our finalists: Bathroom Designer of the Year: Project cost up to £15k
The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards are the biggest awards in the kitchen and bathroom independent retail industry. Here, we take a look at the finalists for the Bathroom Designer of the Year 2026: Project cost up to £15k.
Bathroom Designer of the Year: Project cost up to £15k.
Sponsored by Carysil.
Putting projects forward for an award is always a brave thing to do. It pits your skills against your fellow designers and lets a judging panel decide who has hit the mark more than another for their brief.
Because of this, we take the entry and judging process really seriously and we believe it’s unique to this industry and is designed to make sure that those who win have truly earned their trophy.
The winner will be announced at the gala black tie event on Monday, March 2 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Adam Freeland, Fyfield Design
Adam was commissioned by a professional couple passionate about fitness and wellness to design, supply, and manage the installation of five bathrooms in their newly refurbished family home. The project included a serene master ensuite, two bespoke ensuites for their daughters, a refined guest ensuite, and a stylish cloakroom. Each space balances functionality with aesthetic harmony, using natural materials, clean lines, and a soothing palette to create a cohesive, spa-like atmosphere.
The master ensuite was conceived as a calm, restorative retreat, inspired by boutique spa design. Large-format porcelain tiles, a striking book-matched feature wall, fluted brushed-brass brassware, a freestanding Waters stone bath, and a glass-fronted Duravit vanity unit ensure timeless elegance. Bespoke solutions addressed challenges such as a sloped ceiling, including a custom Majestic glass shower screen and recessed shelving behind the WC. Layered, dimmable lighting enhances the ambience, transitioning effortlessly from morning to evening.
The project demonstrates thoughtful spatial planning, material harmony, and attention to client needs, delivering a luxurious, personal bathroom experience within a carefully managed budget.
Joe Hurles, Tec Lifestyle
This project transformed a bathroom into a bold, design-led sanctuary that perfectly balanced dark, moody tones with a striking injection of nature. The client – an experienced upholsterer and interior designer – sought something truly unique and visually impactful.
The standout feature is a living wall, rarely seen in residential bathrooms, bringing organic texture and vibrancy into the space while fulfilling the brief in an unexpected way. Crystal black tiles create depth and drama, complemented by a walnut-finish Duravit vanity that adds warmth and natural texture. Premium Coalbrook brassware with durable PVD finishes ensures longevity, while the sculptural Bette Lux bath enhances relaxation and heat retention.
Clever bespoke shelving maximises unused space, seamlessly blending practicality with aesthetics. The result is a timeless, highly personalised bathroom that delivers impact, function, and exceptional value – exceeding even a design professional’s expectations.
Mariam Joseph, Simply Bathrooms & Interiors
Designer Mariam Joseph transformed their client’s ground-floor cloakroom into a sophisticated, spa-like retreat that feels seamlessly connected to the rest of their home. The brief called for bespoke craftsmanship, dark-cool tones, natural stone, and a premium finish that elevated what is often an overlooked space near the entrance.
Mariam introduced matte Venetian plaster walls to create a seamless, grout-free surface rich in depth and texture, enhancing both durability and visual impact. A bespoke Viola marble basin with a matching marble WC worktop forms the room’s striking focal point, reinforcing the handcrafted, high-end aesthetic the clients desired. Distressed limestone flooring adds warmth and character, balancing the darker palette while offering long-term practicality.
Brushed brass fixtures complement the marble beautifully, while subtle gunmetal details provide refined contrast. A Delphine curved mirror and traditional-style radiator enhance elegance without compromising functionality. Despite the narrow, windowless layout and divided hallway connection, Mariam cleverly used continuous flooring and plaster finishes to create flow and cohesion, discreetly integrating ventilation to maintain clean sightlines. The project demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and truly bespoke design.
Gurnaam Sharma, Ripples Bathrooms Solihull
For this top-floor shower room, Gurnaam created a highly practical yet visually exciting space tailored for a client’s three children aged 11–18. The key challenges were limited space, sloping ceilings, and the need for durability and easy cleaning. Through clever layout reconfiguration, the shower was deepened to improve head height, and a full bespoke enclosure was introduced to prevent water escape – resolving a long-standing issue.
A continuous full-length recessed niche with integrated LED lighting was engineered into existing voids, turning structural constraints into a standout design feature. Space-saving choices, including a compact WC, cut-to-size resin tray, and shallow-depth vanity with integrated charging, ensured every millimetre worked hard.
A marble-inspired Bellissimo tile was used across walls and floors to visually expand the room, with matte and polished finishes adding depth and safety. A bespoke backlit capsule mirror, custom-made when none existed on the market, became a striking focal point, complemented by IP-rated pendant lighting. Meticulous specification of brushed black chrome and anthracite metal finishes ensured total cohesion. The result is a bold, functional, and beautifully detailed family shower room that exceeds expectations.
If you want to be at the biggest industry party of the year then book your tickets now as there is a limited capacity. Tickets to the 2026 awards are available via the awards booking page.