Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, vice-president of design at Lixil Water Technology Asia, agrees that the elevated role of the once-humble bathroom has fuelled demand for wellness products that support our needs for living healthily, responsibly and beautifully.

Japan’s wabi-sabi philosophy is the interior decor trend of 2020

To meet that criteria, he says, the modern bathroom “must be easy to use and clean, ergonomic, safe, provide a sense of well-being, and express one’s personal style”.

Spatially, the designer points out, the bathroom is one more area of the home where traditional boundaries are dissolving. Just as the kitchen has merged with the living room to create a new social space, the bathroom blends more and more with the bedroom to form a private retreat. This requires more attention to be paid to the design, so that the lighting, colours and materials chosen reflect the room’s changing status.

If they have room, many people still want a bathtub so they can luxuriate uninterrupted in a long, hot soak. Baths with ergonomic designs provide the ultimate comfort, and there’s no doubting the visual appeal of a glamorous free-standing tub, like the sinuous Veil bath from Kohler, or the lure of a Japanese hot spring-inspired soak in INAX’s new S600 and S400 lines, launched globally at Milan Design Week 2019.

That’s not the only way to enjoy a restorative hydrotherapy session at home now that spa experiences are built into showers.

Grohe’s new Euphoria SmartControl shower system, for example, lets you tailor your own experience at the touch of a button. “Depending on your mood, or the time of day, you can choose a powerful, invigorating spray for an energising start to the morning, or unwind with a relaxing, ‘soft as summer rain’ spray in the evening,” Besseyre Des Horts says. The technology ensures that the water temperature stays precisely as you like it.

To achieve the desired relaxing ambience and cater to the need for more convenience and comfort in the bathroom, everything within the space should be intuitive and easy to use. “You don’t want to have to fiddle with different controls,” he points out.

5 hi-tech home appliances that will let you put your feet up

In terms of colours, white is clean, minimal, elegant and timeless. But with comfort an overarching goal of bathroom design, soft textures such as wood grain finishes, earthy tones and ceramics are emerging as homeowners seek to make a strong statement in their private retreat.

Meanwhile, Kohler is calling “the revival of colours” the major bathroom trend of the moment. The brand reports continued demand for its range of black toilets, tubs and vanities, but those who aren’t game to take such a big step can always dip their toe into colour by simply changing the tap ware.

Bedroom designs focus on sustainability and environmental concerns

Clutter is a passion-killer, and nowhere more so than in a bathroom. Convenient, in-drawer storage designed for make-up and hair or shaving accessories keeps daily necessities out of sight, while within easy reach. To streamline the look, conceal power points inside the cabinetry.

To finish, add the little things which will make a difference. High quality, fluffy towels, gorgeous hand soap and bathing products, pampering body creams and the use of scented candles and diffusers will all turn the home bathroom into a luxurious spa experience.

Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter .