Just add water

IF there’s one room in the house where you should make a splash it’s the bathroom.

Bathrooms.com Vittone console basin and bath

This space should double as a practical area for the daily wash-and-go, and also as a sensual home spa to re-energise or de-stress.

‘‘Bathrooms are no longer regarded as utilitarian, purely functional spaces, but tend to be seen as havens of relaxation, taking inspiration from hotels and spas,’’ says Laura McCormack, bathroom category manager at Fired Earth.

‘‘There’s an increasing demand for luxurious, eye-catching finishes, such as marble, polished nickel and hand-decorated tiles.

Clever storage solutions really come into their own in the bathroom too, since unsightly clutter isn’t conducive to a spa-style environment and space is at a premium.’’ A recent survey by bathroom specialists Villeroy & Boch confirms that view, dubbing the space the “spathroom”.

Logic washstand £975. Above left: Raindance Select E300 overhead shower from £492 Hansgrohe

It found that nearly half of Britons say they consider their bathroom an important private space where they can relax, 18 per cent believe it’s the one room in the house which can boost wellbeing, and 42 per cent dream of a hotel-style spa washroom.

There’s no need to spend money like water to enjoy a wealth of innovative and luxury fittings and enhancements, as increasingly, these feature in collections offered by high street and online companies. They range from touch-pad controls for state-of-the-art showers and baths, to fibre optic lighting, built-in TVs and music systems.

Taking the plunge and redoing a bathroom is a sound investment, points out Trevor Kent, former president of the National Association of Estate Agents. ‘‘Alongside the kitchen, bathrooms are key to the sale potential of a property. Interestingly, these are also the rooms clients most remember after they’ve viewed a property. They often leave a far stronger impression than living rooms, and can add as much as £15,000 to a home’s value,’’ he says.

Tap into expert advice to achieve a bathroom to boast about...

Bring on the bling

SOFT shimmery gold and bronze tones will conjure gilded luxury in bathrooms this year, predicts Cheryl Gurner, creative director at Bathrooms International.

‘‘I believe minimalism, with cool white, chrome and stainless steel fittings, is waning, as people seek more cosseting, particularly as we battle tough economic times,’’ she says. ‘‘This year, a classical influence is making an impact on contemporary settings, featuring antique gold and bronze finishes in fittings.”

Najem taps from £1,082 from Bathrooms International

Less is more, she says, so subtle details will work well, such as a border of gold to enliven a wall of plain tiles, gilded taps or a gold mirror.

TIP: When planning your room, ensure you accurately measure the space and make sure the products you want will fit it. Some retailers offer a design service.

BATHING BEAUTIES: Bathrooms International gold Najem Taps, from £1,082.

Cupboard love

WOOD and stone and the beauty of grain and texture will reign supreme, forecasts designer Laurence Pidgeon (laurencepidgeon.com) ‘‘Wood tones combined with softly curved white sanitaryware has a simplicity which never dates. Grained woods, rather than glossy lacquers, are now more fashionable, and we’re using more stone than ever before, particularly limestone and marble.

Conical bell vessel basin with monochrome botannical design, £1,378 from Kohler

‘‘Increasingly, bathrooms are areas where owners express their personal taste in beautiful cabinetry, rather than the basic practical storage of yesteryear. We often use kitchen cabinetry because, in many cases, it’s more durable and water resistant.”

‘‘This is a room where we strip off and are at our most vulnerable, so whatever the choice, this room should fit you like a glove and suit your style and mood at different times of the day.’’

TIP: Always buy the best quality you can afford, as these fittings need to last. Even high-end manufacturers offer a basic model in their collection which will be the same quality as the expensive designer ranges.

BATHING BEAUTIES: The Acrylic Bath, £249, from Cooke & Lewis’ Rosalind range at B&Q, is a well-priced classic in white with curved lines.

Fired Earth’s impressive storage ranges include a free-standing oak Logic Washstand 1200 With Cupboard, currently on sale at £975.

Black is back

‘‘MONOCHROME palettes and geometric forms are a key trend for interiors and this look works to great effect in the bathroom,’’ says Kirsten Wain, design consultant at West One Bathrooms.

‘‘A traditional interpretation could be achieved by using geometric tile designs on a wall or floor.

Silvershine Quartzite tiles from Perfect Home and Garden, £54sq m.

For the more adventurous, black sanitaryware and fittings make a bold, dramatic impact. If that feels too clinical, temper the effect with sanitaryware with a monochrome pattern, and a colour palette of soft grey for walls and window blinds. Or, a dash of hot colour; red, citrus lemon or green, will spice things up.’’

TIP: Source last season bargains on the internet, or showroom models can often be picked up for reduced prices. Don’t be afraid to tell a store if another company is offering a deal which may encourage them to do the same.

BATHING BEAUTIES: A Conical Bell Vessels Basin with a monochrome Botanical Study design, £1,378, Kohler, is a stunner. Balineum’s Black Lacquer Bathroom Accessories, from £21 to £76, are an appropriate finishing touch.

Welcome showers

INCESSANT rainy weather outdoors may be unwelcome but indoor showers have never been more popular, as they’re our favourite way to wash, according to a survey by researchers at the universities of Manchester, Edinburgh, Lancaster and Southampton.

They found that more than half of us take a bath only as part of a pampering or relaxation regime, and because of time-poor lifestyles, opt for the convenience of a speedy daily shower at home or in the gym instead.

Cooke and Lewis Rosalind range, bath £249 and semi pedestal basin, £249, from B&Q

‘‘Showers are becoming more and more sophisticated, with steam showers one of the latest developments,’’ says Laurence Pidgeon. ‘‘There’s a lot of interest in ceiling showers, and water effects from rain to deluge and waterfall, as well as aromatherapy showers and those with light-changing effects.’’

TOP TIP: Always check your water pressure; without good pressure you’ll never get an optimal performance from your shower. Invest in the best solution, a pump, combination boiler, or pressurised water system.

BATHING BEAUTIES: Raindance Select E300 Overhead Shower, from £492, Hansgrohe.