P Shaped Shower Bath, from BathEmpire

Regardless of the actual size of your bathroom, all modern bathroom furniture has been designed not only for a practical implementation, but also to provide stylish options to suit all spaces.

Space is a key issue when planning a new bathroom and it is especially important to maximise the storage room by purchasing the right bathroom furniture. Although this may seem like a daunting task, the first thing to apply some thought, initially, is which pieces would best suit your current lifestyle.

Scenario 1:

Lifestyle: Family.
Bathroom Size: Medium.
Bathroom Units and Design: One tiled P-Shaped Shower Bath; white painted walls.

If you are constantly on the go, and go and have a bustling family commitments, it would be handy for your bathroom to accommodate all the essentials. The P-Shaped or L-Shaped shower baths are great, versatile pieces. Not only can they accommodate an adult 5 minute shower, they are great for the kids as well. Next to this, any basin furniture unit would be ideal. BathEmpire stock a range of counter top basin units, either as cabinets or drawers. The internal shelving provides ample space to stock the essentials. Above the sink, you could also opt for a tall, wall hanging cabinet. To complete the contemporary look, you could also install a back to wall toilet unit, instead of a close coupled toilet.

Scenario 2:

Lifestyle: Urban.
Bathroom Size: Small.
Bathroom Units and Design: One 800mm Quadrant Shower Enclosure; magnolia walls.

As space is limited in most urban developments, it makes sense to opt for a Combined Vanity Furniture. These units combine the basin and toilet into one seamless unit, and provide the best blend of practicality and storage. As the units and walls are of a plain tone, add some personality with the bathroom towels and other decorative items.

Scenario 3:

Lifestyle: Country.
Bathroom Size: Medium.
Bathroom Units and Design: One contemporary freestanding bath; white painted walls and tiled black floor.

Quadrant Shower Enclosure, with centre opening, from BathEmpire

Even though the bath takes most of the space here, it would not suit the style to add any combined vanity units. Along with the bath, it makes sense to add a stylish, modern close coupled toilet and pedestal basin. As there would only be exposed storage here, wall hanging cabinets could be added to store the essentials. Alternatively, consider a stainless steel mirror cabinet, for added functionality.

The same styling can be adapted for traditionally roll top baths. Traditional baths can also combine well with pieces of period styled furniture. Stools and wicker storage baskets come instantly to mind, that can be sourced easily and cheaply, and can transform the look of a room.

Bathroom accessories from Asda, www.asda.co.uk

Forget white, white and more white, the most elegant bathrooms this year will have splashes of vibrant turquoise, amethyst, ruby and emerald.

The trend is all about making your bathroom seem like a precious space, alive with colour and really inviting. Mixing the jewel shades makes for the most dramatic effect – giving a look that’s reminiscent of a Moroccan spa or an Indian temple.

If that’s not the look you want though, then just introducing a hint of bright purple, hot pink or vivid green will bring your bathroom up to date.

Make sure your bathroom doesn't date by opting for a white suite: Ropar freestanding bath from BathEmpire

Savvy home owners can invest in classic white baths, sinks, shower cubicles and toilets, simply adding the colour and atmosphere using colourful mosaic tiles, towels and mats in vibrant shades and accessorising the room with jewel-coloured vases, trinkets and storage containers.

Here at BathEmpire we’re really smitten with this look because it’s both up-beat (probably a reaction to the rather depressing economic climate that we still have in the UK) and also really luxurious.

A bathroom filled with jewel colours will certainly inspire you in the mornings and will be the perfect spot to relax in the evenings with the lights dimmed and some candles lit.

Fortunately, although this look has a high-end feel, there’s no need for it to cost you too much. BathEmpire has some exceptionally good value modern baths, sinks and shower enclosures which can be the building blocks for your new bathroom.

Accessories can be picked up cheaply on the high street or on-line, and you can finish the room with mosaic tiles, which can be sourced from discount suppliers and used creatively so they look a lot more expensive than they were! Here are just a few we’ve spotted that will give your bathroom the jewel accent…

Frilly chair by Kartell, £145, www.lifestylebazaar.com

Orange pendant light, £25, Bhs, www.bhs.co.uk

Yellow accessories by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

We hope you have fun dreaming up ways of introducing the jewel trend to your bathroom. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the beautiful baths, showers and heated towel rails available from BathEmpire.