Bathrooms 'taking on natural look'

For those seeking properties for sale in Berkshire, the ideal home may have many factors that they cannot simply add on, like a large garden, an attractive location near the countryside, good local facilities or a railway station.

But of course, while a home will always have to be reasonably attractive for the purchaser to want to part with their money for the privilege of living in it to begin with, that does not mean those with the funds to do so will not want to make improvements.

Staying in touch with the latest trends is something many people will wish to do, not least if they use their home for entertaining frequently and wish to impress visitors. But, of course, one's own comfort matters too.

Discussing what makes for a contemporary look in a bathroom, assistant editor at Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Tanya Macpherson said: "There is a definite trend towards natural products. People are embracing a lot more stone and they are bringing the luxury elements in, but in an understated way.

"They are looking at tactile finishes and nice materials, such as wood. So it is interesting in that way, as opposed to frills, gold or anything like that."

She also suggested using LED lighting can be useful, with this increasingly being a feature of bathroom mirrors. While many opt for a traditional single light in the middle of the bathroom or spotlighting, she noted: "Functional lighting can add atmosphere as well".

Those who want to make their bathroom lighting arrangements look particularly grand might wish to take a very novel approach and go for a chandelier.

Karen Walker, founder of custom chandelier firm Roastdesigns.co.uk, recently explained how the development of smaller-scale chandeliers has meant it is now possible for them to be tailored to almost any room in the home.

Indeed, this has proved "very popular" with householders, she noted, suggesting that having chandeliers in various rooms of the home can add plenty of sparkle, particularly during the winter months.