It seems that 'green' is the buzzword in interior design this season, with many of us keen to show off our eco-friendly credentials by installing energy efficient lighting, using water saving appliances and insulating our lofts.

However, according to Bernie Herlihy, deputy editor of Ideal Home Magazine, going green is about more than just being a friend to the environment, as the colour itself is set to make a splash on bathrooms across the UK this spring.

"Green is amazing - people don't use green very much in homes, and when they do they tend to use very pale, soft greens, often in bedrooms and things, which is felt to be calm and restful," she says.

"But a really bright, leaf green is actually a fantastic colour that goes with loads of things - it goes brilliantly with white and again works with black."

Therefore, when picking out new tiles or fitting new blinds in your bathroom, don't be afraid to experiment with different tones of green, from apples and leaves to turquoises and limes.

Try painting a single wall with a bright shade to create a bright backdrop or create bursts of colour by picking out bold green towels, cabinets and furnishings.

If you're planning on going bright and bold with colour then it's a good idea to tone it down with the fittings, so opt for subtle baths and basins with simple free standing or wall mounted taps.

Freestanding baths look set to be popular this season, but for understated style avoid anything with fancy fittings or flourishes and stick to simple and classy features.

Bernie adds: "Freestanding baths are a really big thing - usually you'll get people going for big roll top baths in the middle of the floor, but you can achieve a similar look with a cheaper, off the shelf bath by putting one end up against a wall."