Platform about design and technology in the kitchen, home, and bathroom industry
Design, sustainability and experience: three keywords that once again set the rhythm in bathroom land.
Shower fittings are no different, either. This was proven by the refreshing innovations that caught our eye at the last edition of ISH and Milan Design Week.
Just when you think everything has already been done, more comes along. More durability, more unseen design and more personalization: from colors and finishes to a unique wellness experience, tailored to the person and the moment.
Sustainability in the bathroom, meanwhile, transcends the familiar story of water conservation. Circular and responsible materials are also contributing to a greener future. One example is Alu+, a water-saving shower solution from Ideal Standard, made of 84 percent high-quality recycled aluminum and completely free of chrome and nickel. Alu+ is finished in satin shades such as Silk Black, Rose, Silver and the newly introduced Bronze version. In addition to matching beauty bars with mirror, the Alu+ range also includes sink taps and other accessories, including a tissue holder and toilet brush holder. This allows the choice of materials and colors to continue throughout the bathroom interior, for a cohesive look.
This durable range has since won several international design awards, including a recent German Design Award 2025. As befits a shower system of this caliber, the Alu+ shower head also features two different spray modes, with a normal Rain jet and the SilkRain mode with ultra-fine water droplets.
The trend toward individualization also continues in the shower. For example, Hotbath unpacks the M320 hand shower with four jet types: soft Rain, Pulse Spray with powerful pulsation, Spa Pellet with precise spray and Mist with soothing mist. Through the intuitive slider, the shower spray can be adjusted as desired. Even more personalization with the Hotbath head shower with adjustable angle from fifteen to thirty-six degrees. This brings us to AXOR ShowerSphere, the new shower collection with design signature by Antonio Citterio. The showpiece of this series: the wall-mounted 2-jet shower with elliptical design and with adjustable shower arm. The Flexpower technology - a system of elastic nozzles that adjust to different levels of water flow - enhances the wellness feeling, while significantly reducing water consumption. At hansgrohe's ISH stand, the focus was on the new edition of the popular Raindance Alive shower collection with up to three different jet types. Optionally available with EcoSmart technology that saves up to forty percent water. The new anodized aluminum spray disc with mesh design subtly hides the nozzles in the surface. Also new within this Raindance Alive shower system: the geometrically designed thermostat whose ultra-flat structure gives the impression of a recessed module. Ideal for bathroom renovations, with an eye on the sleek overall picture without unnecessary breaking.
Lots of new shower solutions promise more experience and a further upgrade of the shower ritual. Such as GROHE Purefoam, a surprising shower technology that transforms a special type of soap into a warm foam cloud, directly from the hand shower. A new form of self-care, with a choice of five Kinuami soaps, each with their aroma. The system, which works with easily replaceable soap cartridges, can be integrated into any existing shower with a thermostatic faucet. The foaming technology can be turned on at the touch of a button and has a function to stop automatically, with five presets from four to 15 seconds. The device, available in white or black and finished with a glass top, comes with a rechargeable battery and an efficient self-cleaning mode. GROHE Purefoam is available both individually and bundled with a GROHE built-in or surface-mounted shower.
Visiting trade fairs is also, of course, design spotting. Organic shapes are still doing very well in interior design, and this is no different in the bathroom. In some cases, shower fittings are also enthusiastically joining in. Eye-catcher at ISH was the shower column Silia by Polish company Deante, previously good for a reddot winner 2024 award. The design - thermostatic valve, column and shower head in one - nods to the shape of a pipe or pipeline with simple form and flowing curves. Despite its minimalist look, the shower head offers a generous jet of water, similar to a standard rain shower. Antonio Lupi also takes inspiration from the tube concept with Tubo. The wall-mounted version, fixed at two points, is combined with an external control for the water supply. We also note a freestanding version, with an integrated mixer tap. Executed in AISI 326L stainless steel and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In summary, we see the shower further evolving from a purely functional element to a luxurious, personalized wellness zone, where durability and design go hand in hand. Not only the faucets and thermostats, but also the shower fittings are doing their part.
