These days, bathroomware can change as often as you change loo paper. But if you want a bathroom that's going to look good and perform well for many years to come, then it's worth knowing which trends are likely to last the distance.
"A lot of the trends coming out of Europe have to do with making the bathroom more of a living space rather than a washing space," says Peta from bathroomware supplier Tradelink.
"So you'll have a practical area, which would include the toilet and the wash basin, but then you'll also have what we're calling a wellness area, which would include your bath and shower and the spaces surrounding them."
Bearing this in mind, here are a few hot hints for the kind of fittings and finishes that are likely to endure.
Shapes in bathroomware
According to Peta, the dominant theme in bathroomware is still organic shapes with flowing lines and asymmetry. "These create a much gentler and less utilitarian feel to the bathroom. I don't think the square look that's been really popular in the last two or three years will last," she says.
For those of us with period homes, in which these more contemporary shapes may not be appropriate, there are now some options that successfully combine tradition with modern convenience.
"What's happening is that a number of companies are actually creating modern heritage looks," says Peta. "Tapware based on French provincial looks is being coupled with modern features, and a number of baroque-style basins are coming through, which are actually quite trendy in modern homes but also meet that heritage market."
Colours
Say goodbye to stark white. According to Peta, while actual bathroom fittings like baths and toilet suites are staying neutral, we are seeing the introduction of colour either as details on vanity units, or on the inside of drawers and cupboards.
"We're also seeing colour come back into the walls and a move away from white tiles into specially treated wood-grain finishes," she says.
Bold colours like greens, oranges and even black are all the rage, and at the top end of the market coloured vitreous china is beginning to emerge.
Function
When it comes to the day-to-day performance of your bathroom, Peta says there are a few must-have products.
"Back-to-wall toilet suites, where the cistern and pan are flush with the wall, are quickly replacing the traditional suite because they're stylish, have clean lines and are easy to keep clean," she says. And forget three-piece tapware; elegant chrome mixers are neater, trendier and easy to use.
Finally, be warned that the pre-built, all-in-one vanity will soon be a relic of the past, with custom-made options now the norm.
"The move away from vanity units into bathroom furniture, whereby you simply add a basin to your storage space, will be a trend that will stay for good," says Peta.
Contact a bathroomware specialist in your area to find out which bathroom fittings would look great in your bathroom:
