Are you looking to elevate the space to the next level? Sometimes it’s hard to get past the acres of porcelain sinks, ugly faucets and fittings that line your local bathroom retailers.

Here are the big trends in bathroom design for 2014 before you plan that renovation.

Shower curtains

Say it again? Shower curtains? Yes, the humble shower curtain is making a big comeback, and for good reason. It saves space, and if it’s properly integrated it won’t end up looking cheap. Spend money on the track system and curtain material and you may just give your self an extra two square metres in your bathroom.

Colour is back

And you thought the 70s were over! The hot trend for 2014 is for bathrooms to pop with explosions of colour. Use bright hues to contrast muted colour palates and you will invigorate your space. Go-to colours this season are bright greens, oranges and dusty teals.

Wood

And you though blonde wood was just for the Swedes? Nope. Natural timber is going to be huge in bathroom designs this year. Used as the key material for paneling of cabinetry, we predict wood will trend for the next few years.

Pastel tones

Combine pastel tiles, raw timbers and soft whites and you have the instant low cost bathroom update that will ensure that you are the envy of your design-savvy friends.

Round basins

We’re loving the round free standing pedestal basins, which are beautiful, space-saving and turn your bathroom into a shrine of worship.

The oversized trough

The trough is rough and ready and made to splash water over your grubby face without getting it all over the floor. Use stone and customise it to your bathroom dimensions and you will have sink to be proud of.

Coloured taps

Are you sick of stainless steel too? Coloured taps are huge right now and are only going to get more popular. Black will dominate, followed by copper, brass, then white, red and all the colours of the rainbow.

Industrial chic

Concrete, texture and that exposed warehouse look adds visual depth to your bathroom. Don’t be shy, let the copper pipes take centre stage.

This article first appeared in The Home Journal.