European and local kitchen and bathroom products on show at Mico Bathrooms stores

Planning a new bathroom provides a great opportunity to explore new ideas and products and you can be sure a lot has changed in the past few years.

It's not just the look of modern fixtures and fittings that is so very different, but their functionality. And that's just the start. Even the way master suites are arranged today is a far cry from the bathrooms of a decade ago.

Mico Bathrooms offers two easy ways to keep up with all the design trends you can visit one of the many stores around the country, or take a close look at the new Mico Bathroom Book. The book highlights all the latest trends, and showcases in situ bathrooms where it all comes together. The featured bathrooms have been especially selected to showcase Mico Bathroom products and the latest design trends. Products from Europe's leading manufacturers sit right alongside cutting-edge and established New Zealand brands.

The book also offers pages of handy hints to help you work out the best design solution for your bathroom.

Mico Bathrooms has its own team of specialist designers, who say the ideas that spring from international fairs determine the look of new bathrooms over the next few years.

They also say homeowners are far more aware of design trends than in years gone by, and are taking a much more proactive approach to their bathroom design.

"They are coming to us with a vision already in place, and it is exciting to be able to bring this to fruition."

The team says the role of the modern bathroom is also changing as people cope with busy schedules, multi-tasking and changing technology. It has become much more of a private sanctuary, not just a place to bathe.

"A well-designed bathroom can be a place for quiet contemplation an escape from the hectic demands of the real world. At the same time, high functionality is critical. When both these elements are in harmony, the bathroom experience is greatly improved."

Mico Bathrooms points to several key trends, including wet rooms, where the shower is open to the room, rather than in a stall. The company says that while it does require expansive tiling, a full wet room will likely increase the lifespan of a bathroom by at least five years.

Wallpaper for bathrooms and kitchens has also been singled out as one of the hottest trends to emerge from the international design fair in Milan.

The concept of a living wall, whereby greenery is brought into the bathroom, is another concept creating a lot of attention, in line with the demand for sustainable design and eco-friendly products.

In terms of colour, the moody blues are popular, with deep, dark blue tones taking over interior colour schemes. Monochromatic palettes, such as black and white, are also in vogue. These hues reflect the move towards simple, uncluttered looks. These shades work very well with more modern and minimalist tapware designs.

The experienced consultants at Mico Bathrooms can help you with your project, no matter whether you are working with a designer, architect or builder. A booking is recommended if you wish to talk to a bathroom specialist.

With 90 branches spread nationwide, Mico Bathrooms stores are within reach of virtually every household. For a copy of the Mico Bathroom Book, or to visit a showroom, phone 0800 844 448. Or visit the website: www.micobathrooms.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas