For a fashionable bathroom with a timeless beauty go for a natural look, like this one shown from Villeroy and Boch's My Nature collection For a fashionable bathroom with a timeless beauty go for a natural look, like this one shown from Villeroy and Boch's My Nature collection

We asked five international bathroom suppliers for their advice on the trendiest fit-out materials for 2012 that will stand the test of time. 

Here's what they said...

 

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1.Ceramic, woods and glass

"Mix ceramic, wood, glass and mosaic for a timeless bathroom design. Natural-looking designs are the most requested in the Middle East." Thorsten Bies, sales director NMEA and India, bath, wellness and tiles, Villeroy & Boch

 


2. Contoured ceramic

"We have just introduced a new ceramic that is lighter, but also allows more precise contours while still being a natural ceramic and retaining the traditional production process." Ivan Zupanovic, head of international project sales & export, Laufen

 


3. Vibrantly-coloured glass

"New materials in the bathroom are providing designers with many options to bring warmth into a previously minimalist environment. The use of vibrantly-coloured glass tiles, glass mosaics, braided glass mosaics and stained glass for example, are becoming popular choices for introducing accented tones.

"For shower walls, we see more custom designs being used; specially-created mosaics or logos are very popular. For ceramics, we are seeing the return of colour such as bold metallics in black, gold and platinum. Classic monochrome is back too, with black and white sanitaryware and brassware available. The bathroom is being transformed into a softer space, offering more comfort and a far less clinical ambiance." Phillip Payne, general manager – Middle East, Dornbracht Aloys F. Dornbracht GmbH & Co. KG

 


4. Granite, marble and stone

"Granite, marble, natural stone and bronze all age beautifully over time and meet the needs of consumers looking for that natural finish." Ben Bryden, specification director, Sanipex

 


5. Concrete, oak and glass

"Raw materials such as concrete, oak and glass create a natural ambience through their honesty and simplicity. New directions are being explored through the use of materials such as Corian for its flexibility and versatility. It was traditionally used in sanitary ware but has evolved into furniture allowing designers to create holistic aesthetic concepts." Firas Ibrahim, project channel manager - lower Gulf, Grohe