Hot New Trends in Bathroom Design
No more a utilitarian water closet, today's trendiest bathroom designs create true personal relaxation sanctuaries. Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular renovation projects and with good reason. Besides the pleasure of creating a private retreat, they modernize the look of your home and can enhance its resale value. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, consider the following emerging trends:

Live large
Today’s master bathrooms are getting bigger all the time. Many come complete with furniture and entertainment systems. Recliners, chaises, decorative armoires and TVs are among the added features. Manufacturers are also starting to create bathroom fixtures that mimic the look and feel of furniture, such as two-person tubs encased in wood frames.

Divide and conquer
The latest trend in upscale bathroom renovations is to divide the bathroom tub and shower by installing an open whirlpool bath and separate glass-enclosed luxury massage or steam shower. Double sinks are a popular addition for bathrooms shared by two or more people, as are toilets physically separated from the rest of the bathroom, either hidden behind a wall divider or secreted away in an alcove with a door.

Replace old standards
In place of standard porcelain, non-traditional materials such as glass, rock, wood, chrome and china are leading the way in fixture and countertop design. Glass tiles in blue or grayish-green tints are a popular way to create a soothing, natural ambience.

Introduce color
Color is hot -- bold shades and warm earth tones are replacing bathroom white. Bright reds and blues, forest greens, terracotta and rust are among the more popular hues, as are relaxing chocolates and creams.

Go shiny and bright
Iridescent and reflective materials like pearlized glass tiles and mirrors are proving popular. Even stainless steel, long considered unacceptable in the bathroom, is starting to make inroads with renovators. Look for stainless steel medicine chests, bathtubs and shower walls, usually offset with natural stone to temper the metal’s clinical feel.

Unite form and function
Stylish wall-mounted taps are in and serve to reduce unsightly pipe work. Also, above-counter basin sinks set into wooden cabinetry are starting to take over from pedestal sinks and offer the added benefit of providing extra bathroom storage space.

Think green
Conservation is an important consideration in new bathroom renovations. Since 75 percent of all household water is used in the bathroom, there’s a growing trend towards eco-smart fixtures such as water-efficient taps, showers and low-flow toilets.

Indulge in luxuries
Heated towel racks, wall-recessed gas fireplaces and other high-end amenities are coming into vogue with homeowners looking for the complete home-spa experience. One of the most popular luxuries is radiant-heat flooring, which warms the floor tiles and significantly reduces the shock of early-morning cold floors. Most come equipped with a timer that can be set to heat the tiles in the early morning and late evening, when your bare feet are most likely to hit the bathroom floor.

Updating your bathroom with a good bathroom redesign will likely pay off not only in terms of your own personal enjoyment of your home but also as a popular feature to market at resale time.

Time for a bathroom update?
Transform your bathroom with these cheap and easy ideas. Bored with your bathroom? Tired of the way it looks? It may be time for a bathroom update. A few cheap and easy ideas can perk up your bathroom in no time – without having to do a complete bathroom remodel.

Start with the walls
Painting the walls is a great way to give the room a new look and really freshen it up. Paint is a very economical way to achieve a bathroom update, and, since bathrooms tend to not be that large, it won’t take that long, either. Again, since it is likely to be a small space, try a technique such as faux painting. It can give your bathroom a designer look.

Change the hardware
Another easy way to update your bathroom is to change the hardware. The home improvement store has many choices to fit a variety of different styles. Again, since the space is generally small, you can probably afford to splurge a bit. Choose new hardware that captures the theme of your new bathroom look.

Replace your faucet
Consider replacing the faucet for an easy bathroom update. Find one at the home improvement store that will creates a dramatic look. This is a DIY project that doesn’t take that long, but can really change the look of your bathroom.

Update your linens & accessories
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to perform a noticeable bathroom update is to change the towels, rugs and shower curtain. Choose a color or pattern that coordinates well with the walls and cabinetry. You can also get matching accessories such as a new toothbrush holder, soap dish and trash can. Find a nice piece of art that compliments your new selections.

A bathroom update does not have to involve thousands of dollars or weeks of renovations. It is easy to update the look of your bathroom in just a few hours -- even on a tight budget.