TOOTHPASTE gets squirted, water gets splashed and clothes get thrown around in it.

Yet we really need our bathroom to be a little haven from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

It is the interchange section between sleeping and waking, activity and rest - whether we're taking a refreshing shower to prepare us for the day ahead or a long, relaxing soak after an exhausting one.

So what do we need from this all-important space?

Functionality obviously but thereafter there's no reason why you can't indulge your whims and fancies just as you would in any other room of the house.

If you are planning a bathroom makeover, this season's style is predominantly minimal. Soft and soothing lines with natural materials remain key. If your budget allows, go for products with longevity and high quality combined with traditional workmanship; a mix of contemporary classic design with a sense of luxury.

It sounds like a contradiction in terms but neutral colours are still strong. This year has seen the emergence of a sophisticated subtle palette of muted earthy tones in greys, grassy greens, aubergine and stone. But introduce a daring splash of vibrant colour for a modern twist on the spa-at-home theme.

As for bathroom furniture, modular remains the most popular choice and it can be pieced together to create the exact look you want. But there will always be a market for quality bespoke floor-standing pieces in warm woods or muted tones. If you're a sucker for a lovely hot bath before bed, free standing tubs remain strong contenders for that touch of luxury and relaxation

Part tiling is a strong trend; combine simple splash-backs with fully tiled feature walls in contrast to painting remaining walls in a complementary or statement colour.

LED lighting remains the top choice for ambience and boutique styling but consider light 'layers' - light from different sources - controlled separately to create different effects.

A warm, fluffy bath sheet, toasting nicely on a towel rail is bliss but for a funkier looking heat source designer radiators now come in amazing shapes and finishes including wood and glass and in colours that include soft greys, creams, white and metallic finishes.

Under floor heating is becoming more and more popular because it provides an efficient, silent, invisible and highly practical heating solution.

For a wonderful selection of contemporary and traditional furniture see Larkswood Furniture