Bathrooms, once upon a time, they were the most overlooked room in the house - a room used for basic cleansing needs and that was it.
Many of us remember the avocado green baths from the 1970s, many of which were ripped out of houses during the 90s.
Bathrooms are not just a room in which to wash, they are now used for serious relaxation and this is reflected in the fact that many more square feet in each house are devoted to the bathroom/s.
Bathrooms have become much more spacious and have plenty of room for a large walk in shower and separate bath.
Even the small master ensuite is no more and has become much larger in new build houses.
There was a phase for having an ensuite bathroom on each bedroom, some of which would have been quite small whereas there is now a move to a very large family bathroom, an ensuite to the spare bedroom and a large ensuite to the master bedroom.
Twin sinks were very popular too for a time - both for convenience and also imitating hotel bathrooms.
But now fewer people are now installing the double sinks.
What is becoming increasing popular are the inclusion of Vanity units for storage and Jacuzzi baths for the ultimate in relaxation.
As the stresses of modern life seems to increase with fewer job creations, there is a move to creating retreats and sanctuaries within the home - be it a comfortable reading area, or a sunroom where you can unwind or a comfortable relaxing bathroom.
This is why bathrooms have become a more important room within the home - it is viewed as a room in which to retreat to and recharge the batteries.
For the ultimate in relaxation, the installation of aqua coloured lights and up to eight jets in your Jacuzzi, along with the installation of a radio would add to the ultimate in relaxation.
The most popular showers are frameless, design-led, walk-in enclosures - creating the convenience and spaciousness of a wet room too.
The shower just blends into the background in some ways, which is especially effective if the bath is a more traditional type.
Freestanding baths create the most impact and the style of the bath will dictate that of the rest of the bathroom.
The claw foot baths are wonderful - generating a vintage, period style with the utmost in elegance.
Beige has been a very popular colour scheme for bathrooms for the last decade - tiles in all shades of beige with white sanitary ware.
There is now a move towards other colours, often introduced as highlights, for example, in selected areas of the bathroom so they are not overpowering yet add interest.
Don't forget about curtains or blinds for your bathrooms, even if you have frosted windows.
Fabric brings warmth and texture to the room and are often overlooked.
Wallpaper is also becoming popular and can really set the tone.
As long as the extractor fan is effective, wallpaper will be fine in a bathroom.
More interest and a homely atmosphere can be added with towels, soaps, pretty bottles, flowers, plants and other accessories.
Tips for Making your Bathroom a Relaxing Retreat

• Plenty of storage will eliminate clutter
• Ensure pretty bottles and accessories are on display
• Don't forget about the lighting - be it aqua lighting in a Jacuzzi or flickering candles
• A claw foot bath is the perfect bath for creating a vintage look.
  
• Curtains or roman blinds add that all important texture
• If it is a large bathroom, add a chair.
  Whether it is a wooden traditional kitchen type chair or a Lloyd loom chair, all it needs is a cushion to create that tone of relaxation.
  
• Artifical flowers can be very realistic now - bring the outside in with some flowers.