PEOPLE tend to spend a lot of time in the bathroom. So why not make it an enjoyable space?
Candana Designs managing director, Marc Reed said he had noticed a shift in trend toward American-style bathrooms.
"The hot design scope currently is towards a 'Hampton' style of home," he said.
"We have seen people moving away from the standard polished chrome style of tapware, accessories and showers, and are now more confident in using other finishes.
"Popular examples include matte black, polished and satin nickel, bronze, copper and weathered brass.
"This trend, I believe, is here to stay."
Mr Reed said architects and designers were using a timeless-looking tap but changing the colour or finish.
"This gives the tapware a warmer feel in the home and also creates a timeless look, which more people are asking for in the case of resale down the track," he said.
"Also, the current trend seems to be not so much in design but how the product is manufactured.
"The buzz trend out of the European market is how the product is made in reference to its carbon footprint.
"It is not difficult for companies nowadays to make a water conservative product, but the real question is how energy conscious are the actual companies themselves."
With winter in full swing, warmth is very important.
"Heated towel rails are a great option as well as under floor heating," Mr Reed said.
"However, people need to keep in mind the energy used in doing this.
"Under floor heating can be a very cheap option at installation time, however it can also be very expensive to run, which can shock people once their electricity bill arrives.
Kohler national product manager Tom Caspar said soft furnishings were also finding their way into bathroom design.
"For those with the space the bathroom is taking on the role of 'relaxation area' with furniture and soft furnishings being added to the mix to increase the sense of luxury and comfort,'' he said.
''In some cases even the wall separating the bathroom and the master bedroom is being removed to further enhance the melding of relaxation and ablutions.
''Freestanding baths are the preference for this type of area with models such as the Askew lithocast and Escale BubbleMassage proving popular options within the Kohler portfolio, as much for their statement-making aesthetics as the deeply relaxing and rejuvenation therapy they offer."
Details: candana.com.au and au.kohler.com
More inspiration on Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/yourhomefairfax/bathrooms/
