As usual the KBB Exhibition 2026, celebrating its 40^th birthday, was full of new designs and new inspiration. There were clever ideas and many creative opportunities for designers, buyers, manufacturers and innovators. Here are just a few of our picks and we will be featuring more over the next few weeks…

Abode included a good mix of new and existing products, presented within four lifestyle ‘pods’ capturing four kitchen design trends – traditional, personalisation, contemporary and Scandi/Japandi. Products were paired together to show visitors design solutions that could meet each kitchen style. Above, Althia Single Lever Kitchen Mixer in dark bronze, with Synchronist 1.25 Bowl Compact Sink in metallic grey granite with colander.

Abode also presented a new relaunch of their boiling water tap collection, using advanced boiler technology. This is the new Persona boiling water tap featuring fluted dual lever handles. It will pair with the Optima Belfast Sink which features a fluted front.

Blanco displayed some rather impressive taps, including the new LUNEOO-S, which does away with a standard lever style and utilises a control unit beside the tap. Functions are a spray head for hand washing/rinsing produce or pre-rinsing pans, and the standard hot-cold stream. The CHOICE LUNEOO-S option is a drinks system providing filtered water, connected to the BLANCO UNIT APP to monitor levels and filter change requirements.

Cata Appliances displays featured matt black design themes in a response to industry trends that include integrated living, advanced induction technology and the desire for quieter and more energy-efficient motors. The new products focus on glass surfaces, touch controls and flexible zoning for hobs and statement cooker hoods. Built in appliances are designed to integrate perfectly into the latest cabinetry designs.

Clearwater Products showed an expanding collection of Kettle hot water taps, including the Longdon 4 in 1 and Madra 4 in 1. Features include multifunctional steaming water tap delivering domestic hot and cold options as a standard tap then 98 deg C filtered and cold filtered. The spout is always Cool Touch and four finishes available – chrome, brushed nickel and brushed brass.

Dune Ceramics had plenty of new and inspirational products, including 100% waterproof SPC (stone plastic composite) rigid core vinyl flooring suited to both kitchens and bathrooms, plus plenty of tile options for all surfaces. Shown here, new light reactive Terraluz Porcelain Tiles in Canvas.

Hacker Kitchens displayed both light and dark finishes, their design-led kitchens feature refined detailing and the new colour selections that are put together specifically for the UK market. Displays include Blaupunkt appliances. Shown yere, Hacker AV3050 in Granite Beige and Natural Umber.

Hansgrohe presented the rather fun and spectacular Avalegra washbasin, which includes an integrated shower spray. The tap blends with the basin, providing a shower spray element for spa-like face washing and rinsing. Definitely one for any new bathroom wish-list!

Hendel & Hendel showed the beautiful Harleston collection, first launched at Decorex last year. There are cabinet fittings for every scenario, including plenty for boot rooms and living spaces. The solid brass handles include pulls, knobs and cup handles for all styles of kitchen cabinetry.

There was also a preview of the new LEDefense sink flange, due to be launched later in 2026 by  Insinkerator. The concept is that the always-on, purple-blue LED light kills 99% of odour-causing bacteria and viruses. Also available on the stand, plenty of info for retailers and consumers regarding food waste separation and the latest household Simpler Recycling schemes.

Liebherr have expanded the under counter range with fully integrated for both food and drinks. In response to the demand for versatile kitchen layouts the range now includes a Prime integrated built-under beverage fridge – ideal as an extra in the kitchen, as well as for family rooms and so on. Shown here, the UBCpr 376i.

Quooker UK showed the new Flex 2.0 boiling-water tap, shown here in the new patinated brass finish which is available throughout the whole Flex collection. Flex Square has a pull-out hose and the tap provides boiling, hot and cold water. Purchasers can also decide to add the option of chilled and sparkling water with the CUBE addition.

REHAU showed impressive surfaces that balance aesthetics with performance. Two ranges stand out, RAUVISIO and RAUKANTEX. The stand featured RAUVISIO cube, with the appearance of concrete and natural stone as a lightweight surface suitable for a huge variety of applications.

Stokes Tiles took the opportunity to show interesting new arrivals, including Blend, which is available as large format plain tiles, 600mm x 600mm and also, as shown here, Milled Décor tiles, with a ribbed surface pattern, designe

WEX Trade, specialists in laminate, compact laminate and solid surfaces, showed an interesting selection of designs, featuring major brands including FENIX® and De Terra®. Shown here, the dark and dramatic high gloss F9482 Marbled Cappuccino by Formica®