Gone are the days when your bathroom is simply somewhere to wash. It is a room where a tired mother can escape and a stressed bachelor can unwind - so it should not come as a surprise that many people aim to transform their bathrooms into a spa-like sanctuary in their homes.
Fusion bubbling under: Blend ultramodern elements, such as taps and bathtubs, with oversized baroque details, ornate moulding and panelling. Turn up the sophistication barometer with subtle shades of white and grey.
Wooed by wood: The rough-hewn weathered look of oak makes a splash in the bathroom. This rustic finish combines magically with the polished crispness of white porcelain. The use of indigenous wood and woven baskets results in a strikingly sophisticated look.
Creative colour: According to the project and design division at MGA Emporio, Bathrooms by Design, coloured sanware and bathroom furniture is a dramatic new trend. "To create a bold yet stylish effect, use a modern white vanity with a charcoal grey sit-on square basin and complete the look with a stylish silver framed mirror and a tall Drakkar basin mixer," says MGA Emporio director Angelo Giudice.
Fanciful and free: Other trends include freestanding baths, basins and white floating vanities, which will give your room a more modern look. Frameless showers are still popular, and to create a more spa-like environment choose showers with lots of jets, huge shower heads on horizontal arms and double showers. Although this sounds like a contradiction towards going green and saving water, all new showerheads must have a water-efficiency rating.
Trendy taps: The all-in-one tap continues to be popular, with its ease of use and streamlined appearance appealing to many people. Square-bodied taps will also become more prominent. There is a large range that varies from contemporary to Victorian, allowing you to select a style to suit your overall look.