Bathroom trends change year on year, and 2012 brings a whole new set of popular styles. These days, bathrooms are not simply a place to have your daily shower, but they are a place to relax and unwind, surrounded by smart and stylish interiors. Let’s take a look at the best bathroom trends of 2012.

Eco friendly design. One big trend for bathrooms this year is eco friendly designs. This includes clean, sleek bathrooms that are free of clutter and mess. Drain channels will also be hidden from view in order to add to the clean design.

Going natural. The natural look, made up of wooden bathroom furniture and honed stones such as granite, soapstone and marble are likely to be a popular trend this year. If you want to look after the environment, choose FSC-certified woods, which help to maintain the warm and natural feel. Wooden flooring is also likely to rise in popularity.

Textured shower curtains. Lacklustre shower curtains are a thing of the past, and 2012 will see an increase in homeowners purchasing stylish cotton or linen curtains. These curtains can transform your bathroom, and are no longer simply a necessity for showering, but a fashion statement. They can scream luxury and make your bathroom seem romantic as well as lavish.

Stylish Bath Accessories. 2012 is the year of bath accessories – towel bars in particular will see a rise in popularity, as they become so much more than somewhere to hang towels, and grab bars (no-longer just for old people!) will become standard in many homes. Of course, they will be stylish and sleek in design – completely contemporary.

Quiet & neutral colours. Popular bathrooms colours for 2012 will include soft greens, creams, whites and browns. Gold and silver will also play a part, as well as black and white decorating ideas. Louder colours such as reds and oranges will be used for accents.

So there you have it – 2012 will see natural, eco friendly bathrooms with clean, smart lines. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, it may be worth keeping these points in mind, as viewers will want a modern, contemporary bathroom that they will not have to update. The quiet, soft colours that are popular this year will last you well into the future, and will always be appealing for potential buyers, as they are not too overwhelming.