The modern bathroom performs many functions - as one of the most used rooms in the house, it sees everything from early morning splashes at the sink, to long evening baths for winding down at the end of a stressful week. Making sure your bathroom is well-designed to fulfill your needs is important, as is creating a timeless and stylish theme which blends well with your home for years to come.

Natural materials are very popular for bathrooms, giving off a calming and relaxing atmosphere which people instinctively respond to. Stone is solid and traditional, and used in bathrooms for centuries thanks to its durability and connection with water. Marble is particularly favored for its luxurious and classic look, but there is such a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes of stone available that there is something to suit everyone. Wood might not be seen so often in the bathroom, but is growing in popularity and is fantastic for creating a warm and organic feel. Try dark teak paired with white stone for a strong monochromatic look, or pale oak and pastel shades for a softer, more comforting feel.

Think about what takes place in your bathroom and what areas you need - a family bathroom will be quite different to an ensuite in a solo pad. Using different natural materials to break up and connect these spaces can be an excellent way to inject some interest and character into your bathroom. A walk-in shower helps to maintain flow in the room, particularly if you think carefully about how your tiling can be turned to this purpose. Not being restrained by a pre-sized tray means you can make the most of what space and shape you have available, and by following universal design principles, this means that your bathroom will be accessible and usable for people of all ages for years to come.

Fixtures and fittings should also be accessible and easy to use, but be in keeping with the theme you have created. Brass or copper plumbing in rounded shapes can bring a warm, heritage feel with a timeless quality, and set off both wood and stone beautifully. Square silver options have a sleeker, more modern feel, but can contrast equally well.

Plan your lighting carefully too, to make sure that there is plenty of bright and well directed light in places where you will be concentrating and paying attention to detail; but it’s also important to be able to create a softer ambience around the bath and shower. Your bathroom is functional and needs to fulfill its role, but also be comfortable and flexible to meet all of your needs.

Written by Jenny Holt