Over the centuries, an individual’s wealth was often judged by the size of their properties or the number of rooms found within it. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and, in latter years, walk-in dressing rooms have also become an example of ones perceived success. However, leading European architects and designers are challenging this perception with a new trend that is literally ‘breaking down the boundaries’.

If someone was to ask me ‘what is the biggest trend in contemporary interior design?’ I wouldn’t answer with information about the newest colour combination to hit the interior design catwalk; or lecture on about a newly resurrected historical style due to take the decorative world by storm. Instead, I would voice my enthusiasm regards a new move to create truly multifunctional spaces within a modern home, spaces that offer the perfect layout to fulfil the demands of modern life.

In 2004 I was invited to attend a launch of a new range of products created by an Italian design group producing ranges for German manufacturers Duravit. The launch was held in a magnificent modern building designed by Phillippe Starck located in the depth of the Black Forest in Germany. The location was surprising in that each turn in the road uncovered yet another picture perfect ‘Hansel and Gretel’ village, full of traditional character and truly charismatic. However our final destination was an inspiring contemporary building offering the very best in modern styling and technology, nestled within a traditional German hamlet.

The presentation that followed was truly inspiring, designers were proposing a radical change in the way we layout the private rooms within our homes. No longer were rooms such as the en-suite or dressing room to be hidden behind closed doors…they were to become an integral part of the master suite layout.

Today, a few years on, the boundaries of design really are being pushed to the extreme. Not only are the styles, colours, materials and textures evolving to produce new and exciting options for consumers, there has been a dramatic shift towards creating combined wash and living areas.

By breaking down the joining walls of the bathroom and bedroom, a positive flow of energy is encouraged to travel through the newly created ‘suite’ of rooms as opposed to the traditional ‘en-suite’. Before you start to worry about the amount of structural work this is likely to involve, let me assure you, the benefits reaped will be truly rewarding and worthwhile.

Ultimately, the creation of a more expansive environment will give homeowners that extra freedom to relax and unwind. Over recent years, the bathroom has become an integral part of the home where consumers seek salvation from the stresses and pressures of a hectic lifestyle. More so now than ever, the practicalities of a bathroom are being overshadowed by the aesthetic and emotional benefits that can be achieved.It was only a matter of time before the bathroom took centre stage.

No longer locked away and hidden behind a door, the beautiful, lavish styling you so cleverly accomplished, can be given a new lease of life and enjoyed on a much larger scale. If it’s a design you are proud of, why not show it off and make it a significant part of your everyday life? If I was lucky enough to own a dazzling copper bathtub, I wouldn’t want it locked away, only to be enjoyed for a short while in the morning and evening. I would prefer the luxury of gazing in admiration from my bed or dresser table.

Thankfully, ‘opulence’ is back and with the introduction of intricate detail and ornate styling, homeowners can ensure a continual flow of luxury without needing to worry that the bathroom will look out of place. Much to my delight, consumers are now steering away from the stark, minimalist designs that seemed to flood the interiors market last season. Now, it’s all about the glitz and glamour where detail is key and colour is vital.Especially for the winter months, homeowners want to create a warm and inviting bathroom where they can comfortably spend hours bathing and unwinding. With the addition of pieces such as a chaise-lounge and rich curtain fabrics, the bathroom is becoming increasingly reminiscent of a living area which fits in perfectly with the combined living-bathing theme.

I’m thrilled that bathroom furniture is starting to take the form of 1950’s style furniture pieces! Not only does this pave the way for a sophisticated and elegant bathroom concept, it also conveniently allows you to match your bathroom and bedroom furniture.

The evolution of the tile manufacturing process also makes it far easier to co-ordinate the two separate areas so that a constant flow of colour and style is maintained. Technological advancements in this area are both innovative and exciting, allowing consumers the opportunity to purchase a unique tile arrangement that takes the form of a digitally designed layout .

With such wonderful options available, the tile theme or mosaic panel design can be extended from the bathroom into the bedroom area with ease and simplicity.

A number of my customers have requested a striking tile panel above the head of the bed that follows the same pattern as that in the wet room. Designs like this work really well, providing a level of continuity whilst simultaneously helping to add that all important personal style statement.

For me, this movement is as exhilarating as it is unusual. It gives designers more to play with, making our jobs much more diverse and essentially my job more enjoyable!

Text: Lesley Taylor – http://www.taylorsetc.co.uk

Lesley Taylor