Trends in basin design have seen a shift over the last year or so, and I would say this is almost entirely due to the economy and consumers becoming more aware of choosing products that will stand the test of time; and ultimately will be more saleable when they come to put their home on the market.

German basin manufacturer, Alape, is a specialist in its field creating designs of any shape, size or configuration out of a single sheet of steel. This material is highly durable, tough, hygienic, impact and scratch-proof with a brilliant colour. The production process combines the precision of modern manufacturing with the experience of skilled workmanship. Glazed inside and out, the basins are given a high quality and long lasting design.

Beautiful basins in both freestanding and semi countertop designs are available from Mereway Bathrooms and have been carefully selected to complement their Infinity fitted and Synergy freestanding furniture ranges.

Bathroom specialist suppliers HiB have long been at the forefront of introducing new styles and innovations in basins and taps. Recently they have focused their attention on the compact bathroom and cloakroom with the introduction of the Rialto and Malo ranges which both offer a variety of contemporary styles along with excellent functionality while providing solutions where space limitations can pose problems.

Leading bathroom products VitrA have an extraordinary range of choice for the basins designed specifically for each collection in their repertoire.

New for 2010, Vero is the latest collection from Duravit to receive a fresh coat of paint with a new sophisticated high gloss black finish for the washbasin, toilet and bidet. With its unforgettable design and classically-angular basic form, Vero combines purism with a touch of nostalgia and looks completely at home in bathrooms of all styles.

Endon Lighting & Home has been established as one of the country’s leading and most innovative lighting suppliers to the lighting industry for the last 70 years, sourcing products from across the globe.

Hudson Reed launches the Lucio Infinity mirror, featuring an LED lighting system built into the mirror.

Duravit has launched a brand new furniture collection for 2010. The range is called Ketho and was created for Duravit by Christian Werner, in what is his first collaboration with Duravit.

Britain’s trend setting bathroom products innovator and supplier, HiB, has once again set the pace with new mirrors – an area which epitomises the company’s strength in design.

Schneider has introduced the FACELINE mirrored cabinet collection to the UK market. Offering a seamless reflection from a large mirror and capacious interior, FACELINE offers an intelligent sensor-controlled lighting system.

Mereway Bathrooms offer a broad choice of mirror options to suit different furniture styles, room designs and personal tastes.

Highlighting its long-standing commitment to design and innovation, Roca has incorporated advanced technology into a new mirror that allows you to see, touch and hear.

VADO’s new range of bathroom cabinets fuse elegant minimalist design with durable high quality construction and excellent functionality.

Essential by Ideal Bathrooms has recently launched its brand new collection of five delightful mirrors.

VitrA’s emphasis on contemporary design is reflected in a selection of illuminated mirrors that combine simplicity with technology to offer a choice of configurations:

Keeping the bathroom neat, tidy and clutter-free is made a much easier task with the Eden freestanding drawer unit from Croydex.

A bathroom without some form of storage or a mirror is inconvenient if not unpleasant to use. There may be some truth in the idea that the rise in popularity of bathing over the last 150 years has been paralleled by advances in mirror technology that have improved quality and reduced prices. Mirrors or mirrored cabinets are essential items in the bathroom. The first for preparing to face the world and the second to store everything that accumulates in bathrooms.

If like many people you're on a strict budget, changing your basin can go a long way to revitalizing and updating the look of your bathroom or en-suite.

Are you stuck for style and size when looking for a new bathroom basin, if so; Lecico could well have the answer. In their expanding portfolio of products, Lecico have basins in styles and sizes ranging from 45cm up to 65cm, with options of full-ped, semi-ped, vanity, under counter, corner, and the popular freestanding basins.

Retailers and designers can now offer customers complete bathroom co-ordination thanks to the introduction of beautiful new vessel basins from Victoria & Albert.

VitrA are premier international manufacturers of sanitary ware, baths, bathroom furniture, brassware, mirrors and lighting.

tc bathrooms offer a huge range of beautiful basin and bowls, to suit all tastes and trends, in both contemporary and traditional markets.

Duravit is continuously in search of a groundbreaking design - one that stands out by reflecting the spirit of what is to come. Based on this notion, PuraVida was introduced - a complete bathroom collection by Phoenix Design modifying pure geometry to create a sense of gentle movement.

The Birka porcelain wash basin, from Dansani, has beautiful soft flowing curves making it a visual treat. However, its both beautiful and practical since it features a deep bowl with contoured, sloping sides providing freedom of movement for the arms.

Basin design has evolved over the years. Now the focal point of a bathroom, the basin has become more design orientated, leading to a wider choice of styles on the market. Roca continues to push design boundaries with its basin ranges, and following on from the highly acclaimed Urbi collection, the company has launched Post and Com.

In today's uncertain economic climate there is little to be certain of and in these difficult times many retailers are assessing their businesses and in many instances reaching the decision that it is time to try something new.

Creative and innovative manufacturer of enameled steel basins, Alape, is once again at the top of its field by launching ‘Metaphor'.