Ripples designers return from ISH with future-focused insights
In March 2025, a team of Ripples designers travelled to Frankfurt to attend ISH – Europe’s leading bathroom design and technology trade show. With over 150,000 visitors from 140 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors, ISH is widely recognised as the most prestigious event of its kind, setting the tone for the future of the bathroom industry.
For Ripples, attending ISH is more than a design inspiration trip. It’s an investment in ensuring our designers stay ahead of emerging trends, innovative product developments, and industry best practices. Our team returned from Frankfurt with valuable insights, helping us continue to offer clients access to the latest products, suppliers, and market trends that will set them apart.
Why ISH matters
ISH is a key date in the Ripples calendar because it gives our designers direct access to the global stage of bathroom innovation. This year, our presence at ISH was one of the largest UK retailer contingents, and the visit underscores Ripples commitment to ensuring our franchisees and their in-house designers remain leaders in bathroom design expertise.
For our franchise network, the insights gathered on this trip will undoubtedly feed into our design direction, showroom displays, and client consultations. As a franchised business, we are proud to provide ongoing professional development opportunities like this that directly benefit both our franchisees and their clients.
As Paul Crow, Managing Director of Ripples, explains: "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. Our franchise partners can be confident that Ripples continues to lead the way in bathroom innovation."
The trends shaping the future of bathroom design
At ISH 2025, one overarching theme emerged: wellness. Bathrooms are being transformed into personal sanctuaries that prioritise relaxation, hygiene, and mindful living. Ripples designers noted a move towards softer, more natural finishes paired with intelligent functionality, trends that are already being reflected in our latest showroom concepts.
Neil Curtis, Senior Designer at Ripples Bath and Bristol, shared, "The biggest takeaway from ISH this year is that luxury is not just about aesthetics – it’s about how a space makes you feel. By incorporating natural textures, soft tones, and intuitive technology, anyone can create a spa-like retreat at home. And that’s what Ripples is all about – delivering beautiful spaces that enhance wellbeing."
Leanne Robey, Senior Designer at Ripples Newbury added, “"ISH was an inspiring showcase of beautifully executed design, with technological innovations and design concepts that will really resonate with what our clients. Trends like coloured brassware, deep soaking tubs, and nature-inspired finishes reaffirmed the growing focus on wellbeing and sustainability in bathroom design."
A commitment to success
This visit to ISH forms part of Ripples’ ongoing support and professional development programme for franchisees and their design teams. It ensures our showrooms are always offering clients the very latest in luxury bathroom design and innovation.
