ISH 2013

My Seventy Plus vanity from Idea Group - one of the exhibitors at ISH 2013.
My Seventy Plus vanity from Idea Group – one of the exhibitors at ISH 2013.

Arguably the world’s largest trade fair for bathroomware, bathroom fittings and sanitaryware is set to begin on 12th March and run for 4 consecutive days. As a showcase for innovative product and bathroom design, ISH is attended by bathroom industry representatives and media from all over the world.

TreEasy vanity from Idea Group - one of the exhibitors at ISH 2013.
TreEasy vanity from Idea Group – one of the exhibitors at ISH 2013.

Royston Wilson, from Royston Wilson Design in Melbourne, has attended ISH on a number of occasions and says the fair is the biggest show in the world for the bathroom industry. “Although it started out mainly focusing on plumbing and air conditioning, the bathroom side has grown tremendously,” he explains. “In terms of area, the whole show is the same size as iSalone (the Milan Furniture Fair) and the bathroom design section would be about the same size as Eurocucina”.

ISH is important because all the major players in the bathroomware and sanitation sectors attend and the main halls are packed with products and plenty of design ideas. For the bathroom industry in Europe, ISH is the major fair of the year and attendees expect exhibitors to put on a pretty special show. Of note is the expansion into other areas which Royston has noted over many trips to the fair. “Not only are we now seeing more bathrooms, but more walk-in robes, more bookcases – areas where companies are upsizing particularly with joinery work,” he says.

Another reason to attend, says Royston, are the events which are planned to co-incide with the main fair as well as the wider show area which often encompasses edgy design ideas and new products, and can often be the place where visitors find niche designs which push the boundaries. “It’s a real chance to see new products as they are released,” Royston adds.

Look out for a full wrap up on ISH once the fair closes later in March.

For more information on ISH visit http://ish.messefrankfurt.com

For more information on Royston Wilson Design visit www.roystonwilson.com.au

For more information on Idea Group visit www.ideagroup.it