Freestanding baths have been a popular bathroom feature for a number of years. In addition to traditional roll top and clawfoot models, contemporary free standing baths are now using matte textures and clean uncluttered lines to integrate with modern bathroom design schemes.

Whilst chrome or steel have long been popular choices for bathroom hardware, this year sees a move to incorporating white, copper, bronze and gold for things like taps, plumbing and accessories. Used sparingly they offer a great way to bring a touch of high end understated luxury to the space.

Plants in the bathroom are expoected to be a big trend in 2015. Eye catching and unusual designs like vertical planting walls add modern design flair; plants also bring a sense of harmony to the space and help to clean the air, working well for those wanting to achieve a naturally relaxing atmosphere.

Walk in shower areas have been getting larger for a while now, and this is a trend that’s set to continue. People are more willing than ever to remove their bathtub entirely to free up a larger space for an extended luxury shower space.

Grey is the new default for those wanting a neutral colour palette and set to be the most popular choice in bathroom design over the next few years. From warm off white and brown-greys to cool greys and darker shades, a grey palette provides a clean and modern backdrop to the bathroom.

From custom made units to wall mounted cabinets and floating shelving, well designed storage not only provides ample space for all those essential items, it blends seamlessly with the rest of the design scheme for an uncluttered and tidy aesthetic.

Uncluttered designs provide a modern yet relaxing look in contemporary bathrooms and combine well with natural elements, which is a direction many people are going in. Think smooth surfaces, integrated storage, simple designs and unfussy materials for a modern interpretation of minimalism.

Integrated LED lighting is versatile, energy efficient and can let you change the look of the room at the touch of a button. Low level ambient lighting for relaxation, bright focused lighting for things like applying make-up, and a whole range of lighting colours to suit your mood are all features of contemporary LED systems.

Heated floors bring a real feeling of luxury to the bathroom and help achieve the comfortable, spa like environment that many people want from their modern bathroom.

Being low maintenance, hygienic and easy to clean are qualities high on most people’s bathroom wish list. Modern products and materials such as bathroom wall panels are hard wearing and reduce the need for cleaning, as well as providing a sleek and contemporary look.

As people look to bring a warm, individual and personal touch to the room there are no hard rules to follow; armchairs, wall art, fireplaces and chandeliers are all making their way into the modern bathroom which is increasingly becoming a central part of the home.

Darker colour palettes are moving into the bathroom with natural browns or greys popular for walls and flooring. Combined with different textures and materials they add a feeling of richness and warmth to the space.

Modern toilets and low-flow shower heads help to reduce the use of water and energy in the bathroom. Technology like motion sensing taps is also now becoming more common in domestic bathrooms, as environmentally aware consumers want to reduce water consumption, save resources and reduce bills.

The use of materials like wood or stone for flooring or accent walls brings a natural feel to the bathroom, helping to bring a sense of calm and relaxation to the space. Sustainable materials like wood also work well with an eco-friendly design criteria.

Statement patterns popular in the rest of the home have now moved into the bathroom, with people choosing to use bold colours, fabrics and wallpapers. Statement walls in eye popping designs inject personality and interest, allowing home owners to create an individual and unique look.