When you think of the future of bathrooms, you probably think, like we all do, of hover toilets, touch-screen mirrors, and showers that talk to you in a robotic voice about your stocks and shares.
And although that is undoubtedly what we have to look forward to in the year 3000, before then we have to go through a couple of more conservative cycles of bathroom design. But, thankfully, Susan Quirke has been looking into her paint-splattered crystal ball and had a little peek at what's to come.
Susan is the brains and interior design flourishes behind Quirke McNamara Consultancy, an architectural and design practice working in the UK and abroad. With their vast collective experience of overseeing renovation and redecoration projects in homes and offices alike, they pretty much know everything there is to know about bathrooms past, present and future. And according to Susan, textures will soon be usurping smooth tiles as the next hot bathroom trend.
"There is a trend for textured walls like rough slate and more natural materials, as well as illuminated shower heads and taps," the expert said.
"As technology develops clients are getting very knowledgeable in terms of sanitary-ware and like to incorporate light features in this as well as sophisticated technology such as TVs in bathrooms and music systems.
"Also, instead of boxy heavy units, clients are looking at sleek floating units and storage that are more of a feature then just practical and also lots more mirrors - not just a standard mirror over the sink, but mirror walls and full length mirrors."
One interesting way of adding some crazy robotic future-style mirror innovation to your bathroom is with illuminated mirror lights. Much like those seen backstage in dressing rooms, such lights allow you to see that little extra clearer when undertaking fiddly jobs like plucking eyebrows or shaving, and add a little glamour to your bathroom.
