This Image: Visit Andrew James Bathrooms in Cambridge for a wide selection of premium bathroom brands (01223 211970, www.andrewjamesbathrooms.com )
The latest technology is also stretching to other areas in the bathroom – such as intelligent showers and taps.
Designers Dan Cook and Rachel Martin at CP Hart (08458 731 122, www.cphart.co.uk) give more detail: “Digital technology remains a key focus in the bathroom and is beginning to meet the needs of our technology-driven culture, creating a more liveable space that strikes the right balance between design and experience. Digital showers emerged onto the market with button controls, but are now starting to feature simple touchscreens that control the lighting, scents, varying water temperatures, and pressures. The Dornbracht Sensory Sky is the ultimate luxurious shower; it has different types of rain, mist, light and fragrances that complement each other, and it also provides a selection of three pre‑programmed choreographies.”
The way in which a bathroom is styled is also changing with the times – out are taupes and neutrals and in is an increase in dramatic colour schemes – think inky-blue walls, metallics and Moroccan‑inspired decor. Adding to this is the use of glamorous lighting – such as the shimmering chandeliers found at BHS (www.bhs.co.uk) – that were previously confined to living areas. Coloured feature radiators are also having a moment and add to the drama.
This Image: CP Hart’s Hoxton Grey range, POA, brings an elegant living-room feel into the bathroom (08458 731 122, www.cphart.co.uk )
“We have noticed that there is a growing trend for alternative designs in towel rails and radiators,” says Dave Thornback, UK sales manager at radiator specialists Vasco (01254 704420, www.vasco.eu). “Customers want to make more of a design statement. A trend is emerging for soft natural colours, earthy tones and metallics, such as bronze in a matt finish; these designs blend seamlessly with modern and traditional interiors and are definitely a popular trend. Texture is also something to look out for. A subtle, tactile finish to the radiator, especially when combined with colour, adds depth and interest to interiors.”
Finally, Charlie Surbey at Andrew James Bathrooms in Cambridge (01223 211970, www.andrewjamesbathrooms.com) gives us his insight into the modern‑day bathroom: “Feature bathrooms are all the rage right now. We are seeing people making real statements in what used to be the smallest, most-forgotten room in the house. Glamorous lighting, opulent tiling, touchscreen shower valves and stylish sanitaryware give a feeling of a bathroom as a true retreat. Some even have built-in televisions, circular baths and cabinets inspired by antique furniture. There is even an option to install an app on your mobile to correspond with your bath at home: you can fill your bath up at a set temperature with just a click of a button. You can even do this out of the house, so it is ready for you when you get home. The bathroom has truly come into its own.”
