Immersing your body in water is one of life's greatest pleasures, while a long, leisurely soak is the perfect antidote to the stress of modern living. And with so little leisure time, we must make the most of every minute — especially the time spent in the bathroom.

At the upcoming Decorex Joburg, on at Gallagher Estate from 30 July to 3 August, the latest bathroom trends will be in the spotlight, with bling expected to reign supreme.

"Minimalism has receded, giving way to the neo-baroque bathroom," reckons Frida Tugnoli of Italtile, one of the high-end bathroom exhibitors at Decorex Joburg.

"Ceramic tiles in particular are reviving the splendour of the decorative arts of Europe's 17th century, with flamboyant colours, curvaceous patterns and extreme sizes... "

This is quite a turnaround for the bathroom, which underwent a purifying process of its own during the past decade, according to Cairey Slater, who heads up the Decorex exhibition.

The era of wellbeing...

"The era of wellbeing brought about a renewed interest in spas. With the emergence of boutique hotels, people experienced a new sense of indulgence — previously the domain of the rich and famous. Spoilt by these pamper palaces, we have come to expect no less of the en-suite suburban bathroom."

This comes as no surprise as the bathroom is often the last outpost — the only remaining sanctuary where we can experience solitude. After all, the shower is virtually the only place where the cellphone is a no-no. The yearning for all-out indulgence sees a return of more romantic styles.

Making a case for the classic white bathroom is Cape Town based Victorian Bathroom, winners of Decorex Cape Town's best stand on show for their luxurious white-on-white bathroom.

"The move is towards merging classic styling and modern features," remarks Lance Goodale who was responsible for both designing and building the display.

Victorian Bathrooms' winning depiction introduced the South African consumer to luxury bathroom products from the early 1900s. This included taps from the Cubist era, the Metro Tile originally introduced in New York early 1900s and then later in Paris, the Bateau (Boat) bath fashioned after the flat-bottomed boats used by the French Explorers in South America towards the end of the 18th century and a range of Console basins.

Timeless design

Being timeless in design, colour and luxury, the classic bathroom does not date.

"White especially is evergreen," believes Goodale.

"The classic white-on-white bathroom lends itself to the luxe treatment with the use of opulent textures. A modern take on classic details such as bevelled tiles and mirrors, mouldings such as cornices and skirtings and the combination of shiny and matt surfaces all creates a glamorous atmosphere. Luxury soft comforts such as a fluffy rug and a vintage table add warmth to the white room."

Slater recommends bringing glamour to the modern bathroom with crystal chandeliers and ornate mirrors, as the curves soften the linear lines of modern sanitaryware.

Tattoo-inspired patterns are sandblasted on shower doors and cabinets are clad in mirrors to add more opulence. Smoked glass, dark damask tiles and marble finishes ensure full on glamour.

"Team it with white accessories, natural stone — and a beautiful antique chair with button-detail even — for an on-trend eclectic look."

Size does count

The metallic look also makes it mark in the bathroom. The most desirable item according to Slater is a glowing copper bath.

"Gorgeous to look at, the copper also retains the heat. Add to that another bathroom must-have: the fireplace. With so many mobile bio-fire options available, this is luxury within easy reach."

Size does count. Bathrooms are becoming more spacious and so are showers.

"The shower is no longer an afterthought. Not only has it been improved to optimise comfort and relaxation, it has also become an aesthetic feature in its own right," says Tugnoli.

"Open space is the current trend throughout the home. Shower doors have become frameless, creating the illusion of a seamless space. Being more visible, decorative tiles in particular, are used to accentuate the shower area."

Also making waves are showerheads. Large and versatile, you can choose the type of jet that matches your mood, with the setting on a massage or rain. The more sophisticated models go as far as incorporating lights and music to complement the jets for a perfect result.

On the right side of green

While we now snub avocado green in the bathroom — the 1970's hangover green — a new green has entered the bathroom. Luckily, there are many water-wise bathroom products available which offer the luxury feeling of an indulgent bath or shower without compromising on eco-friendliness.

How to choose from the myriad new products claiming their eco-sensitivity?

According to Tugneli, European products take the lead in eco-friendly bathroom products due to the regulatory bodies ensuring sustainable development of the category. "Such regulations are still rarely enforced in Asian countries such as China, where a regulatory void still prevails."

Internationally recognised brands such Laufen bathrooms, Zucchetti taps and Kos baths and showers are at the forefront of environmentally friendly practices.

Other eco-friendly bathroom products at Decorex Joburg are thermostatic mixers, as well as taps that mix water and air such as Grohe's Watersave Mousseur.

Amy Holland of Grome, distributors of Grohe products, explains: "The Watersave Mousseur aerates the water, creating 'volume' while actually using less water, yet still giving the luxurious sensation of a strong jet of water. Showers fitted with Grohe's Dreamspray, with its perfectly distributed nozzles, saves up to 30 percent in water."

Mother Nature also acts as the on-tap muse for designers of these sculptural mod-art bathroom accessories. Launching at Italitile's stand at Decorex Joburg is the 'Fingerprint of Nature' bathroom collection which mimics nature. Designed by Roberto and Ludovica Palomba, and manufactured by Laufen Bathrooms, this range was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award of design at the last ISH exhibition in Frankfurt.

The washbasins are reminiscent of small bays carved out by the eternal ebb and flow of the sea and transposed in ceramic. The toilets and bidets have been created for a bathroom of modern design, where the emotional and functional aspects are treated on an equal footing. The shape of the new bathtubs: asymmetrical, natural, and consistent, was inspired by the sea.

The ultimate must-haves?

Tugneli's choice of the ultimate must-have's in a dream bathroom?

"It must be the 'Idrocolore' colour therapy system that can be incorporated in Kos bathtub and shower cabins. Every colour has a specific beneficial effect on psychophysical wellbeing. Thanks to Idrocolore taking a bath will be a really pleasant experience combined with the genuine benefits of chromo-therapy.

Solving the eternal problems of getting the boys to put down the seat, the removable seat with automatic lowering system from Laufen bathrooms allows lowering the toilet lid without bang! And it comes with an antibacterial coating from maximum hygiene, adds Tugnoli.

Slater heeds a warning: "After spending a small fortune on your bathroom don't take shortcuts on the finer details. Add the small boutique hotel touches — huge fluffy towels, really good soap, perfumed candles and brand new slippers… "

Celebrating fifteen years in the décor and design industry, Decorex Joburg 2008 marks this magical milestone with the most exceptional show features ever with an invigorating theme to match: 'Imagine. Innovate. Realise'. Visit Decorex Joburg at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, from 31 July to 3 August from 10am to 6pm daily. Tickets cost R60 at the door. For more information visit www.decorex.co.za