What you need to know about bathroom trends for 2008

Higher aspirations, a strong housing market plus design and product info at our fingertips via the internet - now a stylish bathroom is at the centre of our homes.

A new report from the Bathroom Manufacturers' Association, the trade association for bathroom manufacturers, has highlighted the key trends for 2008 - and it's essential reading for anyone interested in bathroom design.

It highlights the importance of lifestyle and design changes in the way we view our bathroom - including wider horizons, cheaper borrowing; easier access to influences and information through methods including foreign travel and the internet; and an increased culture of brand awareness and loyalty.

It points out that "the bathroom is no longer the poor relation to the kitchen when it comes to improving and selling property. The market has accepted that it's not just a kitchen that clinches a sale but a bathroom too." And it stresses that potential is everything.

This report is a fascinating read and it's definitely worth looking through the full version. However, here is a summary of the key points - and, to download the report in full, all you need to do is visit the BMA website and click through to the Trends section. Get Adobe Reader here.

Key trends for 2008

Technology in the bathroom

Convenience lifestyles mean that we're demanding new gadgets in all areas of our lives - and the bathroom is no exception. Watch out for waterproof TVs, splash-proof radios, plus luxury items including bathroom furniture with built-in fridges and highly-customisable showers. Water-saving is another area that will benefit from technological advances.

'Designing for life'

Britain's population is ageing - and we're starting to look for bathrooms that will be just as comfortable in our 50s as they were in our 30s. However, no-one wants a bathroom that looks like it belongs in a hospital, and manufacturers are beginning to reflect that in their designs.

Water efficiency

This is the hot issue of the moment. Demographic and climate changes mean that water-saving is becoming more and more essential, and bathroom design is starting to reflect that - especially since two-thirds of our domestic water comes out through the bathroom taps. We all need to change our habits, but up-to-date bathroom products can help a lot. Check out http://www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk.

Colour, shape and materials

The matching suite and furniture is becoming a thing of the past as more of us go for mix-and-match. White sanitaryware has dominated for the last decade and the coloured suite is as good as extinct. However colour may be making a comeback, especially as accent colouring. Contemporary, rounded shapes, minimalist taps and fittings and natural materials are all highly desirable.

Designing homes and bathrooms

Building regulations have had an impact on home design with all new dwellings having a WC on the entrance storey and en-suite bathrooms more common than ever. But space considerations mean smaller bathrooms are very much the norm. Open-plan living spaces are popular but need to be combined with a need for bathroom privacy. When revamps are done the trend is now for a quality job rather than a quick fix.

Key products for 2008

Brassware

The trend towards chromium-plated taps and showers continues with quality and style top of shoppers' lists and modern, minimalist designs favourites. Designer taps and accessories are increasingly available at an affordable price and water-efficient taps increasingly in demand. Check out the MyBathroomFinder taps and fittings page here >>

Baths

Space-saving baths and shower baths are increasingly popular with shower rooms or wet-rooms sometimes replacing baths altogether. Baths are beginning to be regarded as a luxury item rather than an essential with the stress on wellness and relaxation. Check out the MyBathroomFinder baths and suites page here >>

Washbasins

The pedestal basin is still alive and well but is supplemented by back-to-wall, counter-top and vessel basins. Glass and stone are popular materials. Check out the MyBathroomFinder baths and suites page here >>

WCs

Water-saving is king in the WC market with water-efficient and dual flush models flourishing. There's also a strong market in wall-hung and back-to-wall designs. Check out the MyBathroomFinder baths and suites page here >>

Showering

Britain is a nation of shower lovers with a majority of both men and women preferring them to baths. This means the shower sector is a major growth area. Most buyers are in search of a luxury, sensory experience from their showers. Look out for both rainfall and steam showers. Check out the MyBathroomFinder showers and enclosures page here >>

Furniture

The popularity of furniture in the bathroom has dramatically increased with space considerations inspiring some innovative design solutions. Furniture is a popular way to introduce colour, texture and natural materials. Check out the MyBathroomFinder furniture and storage page here >>

Accessories

Chrome still leads the market in accessories with wood, ceramics and glass following its lead. The most popular bathroom accessory is a towel radiator - but keep an eye out for the impact of new technology on the range of available bathroom accessories. Check out the MyBathroomFinder bathroom accessories page here >>

In conclusion

The holistic approach is now much more popular in bathroom design with issues such as overall layout, room design and the needs of the user much more likely to be taken into account. This also applies on a practical level to systems like plumbing, heating, lighting and ventilation.

Rather than settling for an off-the-shelf bathroom solution the overriding message these days is one of quality - in information, design, materials and products.

Remember, you can check out and download the full report at the BMA website in the Trends section.

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