Years ago, a preferred saying was that children should be seen and not heard. It seems that some safety devices are the opposite, with home owners wanting their sensors and detectors to be heard and not seen. So, where a smoke detector was once looked upon as a necessary bulge on the ceiling, it can now be found discreetly blending into the overall decor, providing the minimum distraction to the eye.

The same can arguably be said of electric shower units, which were once large, ugly boxes fixed to the wall of a shower. However, the importance of bathroom interior design has seen a surge in slender and discreet boxes that blend into the bright walls of the typical modern bathroom. Amongst the most popular brand names in this category are galaxy showers, which feature more than simply powerful jets of refreshing hot water, and models such as the Triton t100xr, which is designed to adorn even the most plush shower room.

While electric showers can perhaps be viewed as luxury items that have necessities to modern living, the fact that smoke alarms and detectors have become so stylishly designed is perhaps a little surprising. However, the importance of having such devices installed has resulted in a desire by manufacturers to make it more attractive to the home owner, to encourage them to purchase what could well save their lives. After all, feeling at home and enjoying a sense of calm and tranquillity, ranks highly for everyone, making the desirable option a fashionable box that can go unnoticed.

The detectors that are available on the market are slim, round and are encased in white plastic. The colour is quite logical given the fact that the vast majority of ceilings, to which the device will likely be fixed, are also white. However, it is the burger patty shape that makes the detector almost undetectable. The modern design also includes features that lend to its look and to its efficiency, ensuring that its role is not blurred by the affects of style.

For example, LED technology has meant that lights are used to indicate whether a detector has power or not, or if it is monitoring properly. This is detectable to the eye but is not overbearing. Also, false alarm or hush buttons have become standard, which are tasteful and easily accessible in the case of the alarm going off unnecessarily.

It is a somewhat similar situation with the range of electric showers offered by the galaxy brand. Modern bathroom designs include chrome features and in order to make their products more suitable, they boast chrome and satin chrome finishes. However, there are also showers offering digital displays resembling a remote control with no shower box to be seen.

This latest design is available with Galaxy Aqua Digitemp thermostatic base units, which are wire free and hidden above or behind the shower. Two kinds are available, with high and low water pressure systems dictating which is more appropriate. Low pressure systems are pumped, and the most appropriate design in this case includes a booster pump.

The remote control includes a digital display that gives all the information needed to set the shower just right, such as water temperature and jet strength and type. Personal settings can even be programmed into the system to ensure no more adjusting is necessary.

While Galaxy showers offer such an ultra modern option, the Triton t100xr is one of the most attractive on the market. It still uses a box unit on the wall but it is slender in design and features a brushed chrome fascia that complements the most contemporary bathroom designs. It also sports a curved riser rail and shower head, adding to its sense of the modern.

Of course, the established features are there too, though enhanced through Triton manufacturing and specifics that make high tech standard. These include a low pressure indicator and a phased shutdown button. It can also be easily installed as an upgrade to an existing shower, even those of other manufacturers.

Between the ultra modern electric shower and the slim and discreet smoke detector, functional appliances around the home and bathroom are now as much as part of the defining decor of a home as a hallway chandelier.