The area around the basin is not only the focal point, but often requires that furniture is assembled around the bowl, establishing a zone that operates as a place of work and pleasure. Functional convenience meets art.

Wood it work?

The warmth and innate beauty of wood is hard to replicate with man-made fibres. The natural texture and luster makes any rooms sing with pride. Wooden cabinetry around a basin is no exception: turned cupboard doors and detailed edging complement the hard, solid shapes of bathroom fittings. For your choice of vanity and whether you decide on a set in basin or one that protrudes out of the countertop, wooden doors on concrete surrounds or a full wooden unit will be attractive.

Wooden cabinets are also great when assembled as a modular unit. This style makes the basin area look as it it is a moveable piece of furniture, giving the normally permanent feel of a bathroom a sense of transience. Wood can be enhanced with a paint treatment or stripped and varnished to recover its natural character.

Stone

The texture and natural charm of granite will always have a place in a bathroom, bringing a sense of calm to the busy atmosphere. Its characteristic traits also enhance the experience of maintaining it, allowing easy cleaning and minimal dirt buildup. The sheer weight of granite means that it should be supported by a built vanity area or solid cabinetry. Basins can be set into the stone or sit on top of it quite comfortably and be supported well by the heavy counter top.

Synthetic stone surfaces have also come a long way and today many pre-molded surface tops can be sourced in a number of fabrics. Terra cotta type pre-cast slabs and Corian resins are two synthetic materials that warrant consideration. These artificial surfaces offer a textured and alternative to products used over the past few decades, particularly in an earthy bathroom.

Vintage

The concept of bathroom cabinetry and making the usual fittings seem "built in" has its roots in an old-fashioned look that is specific in its application. The idea ties in with the country feel of an encumbered use of a room, filling a as much floor space as possible with furniture and solid, floor extended fittings. Accessories then reinforce the style with ornate detail and flashy materials.

Bathrooms that aspire to the modern day look of minimalism and pared down "built" fittings often achieve success in not using obvious furniture in the environment. They display a move away from cabinetry and herald a new age of floating fittings and expansive floor space. The result is a celebration of inviting style but storage room is still needed. The modular response has been boxed shelving on wheels or simply mounted on unobtrusive legs for a discreet look. Shelving takes on renewed importance when floor space is to be unrestricted.

Many bathroom guises like to expose piping beneath a basin as part of a simple and unpretentious facade. Glass may often be used to emphasize the depiction and create space, especially about the basin.

Putting stuff away

The bathroom function is notorious as a place where many lotions, shampoos and accessories are found. Room is needed to store all of this and there has been a surge in innovative nooks and crannies. Look out for smaller wall hung cupboards, funky shelving and space saving "tall boys" which can hold many towels and bottles in their deep drawers.