Good design should aim to create solutions for how we live everyday - both aesthetically and functionally. The bathroom has come a long way from the days when it was simply a practical space. Design is now a driving force and it's important that we recognise this and continue to strive to seek and create trends in the bathroom and bring unique solutions to a space that is constantly evolving.

At this year's 100% Design, Roca will present the 11 finalist projects for its 3rd International Design Contest, Jump the Gap. The final shortlist includes the winner whose name will be revealed by John Pawson, architect and president of the jury, on the Roca stand (G20) on 24th September.

The Shaws Classic Collection is a unique range of sinks designed to appeal to more contemporary styles, yet keeping to the heritage of handcrafted fireclay. All Shaws sinks are manufactured in England, available in white and biscuit finishes and work well with granite, slate or wood worksurfaces.

Abode launch STORM, their exciting new range of stainless steel, flat slimline showers aimed at the design conscious consumer. The stunningly designed showers are a feat of engineering excellence at only 3mm thick.

The arrival of spring sees Pegler Yorkshire going Loko for its latest selection of designer brassware. Several new ranges will be joining the luxury Francis Pegler portfolio in 2009, including the new Loko collection.

Fully thermostatic, the Digimix provides the ultimate in convenience and control through a wireless remote control, which can be used up to 10m away from the base unit. Incorporating an LCD display, there are three programmable memory options available, which can be set to an individual's preference, ensuring the perfect shower temperature and flow rate every time. The remote control which can be left in the bedroom or placed in a neat wall mounted docking station will signal when the shower has reached the desired temperature.

New from Jaga for 2009 are two products inspired by traditional column radiators, with a contemporary twist - the Jaga Pinch and Jaga Twine. Both new products work well with modern modulating condensing or heat pumps in a low water temperature system, using less than 50% of the energy required by traditional heating systems, and delivering a powerful EN442 rated output of 1000 Watt/m2 at a setting of 55/45.

As a manufacturer, Mereway Kitchens are continually developing and expanding their product offering, introducing new and unique pieces for the benefit of their customers. Their fantastic Feature End Units with a bespoke design exclusive to Mereway offers an attractive, traditional style unit that's now available in 6 ranges; the new Lincoln collection, Oakwood, Virginia, Carolina, Redmond and Hampshire.

With the style conscious consumer in mind, DR Cooker Hoods has launched Black Stream, a sultry, sculptural design from the ‘Elica' collection.

Specialists in showering solutions, Matki has a great range of space saving options. Not only do their sleek corner surrounds make the best possible use of space...but Matki has also developed a unique corner mounted shower mixer - giving masses of extra elbow space within the enclosure!

With 155 years of cast iron experience under their belt, British brand, Esse, know a thing or two about making range cookers!

Caramel, Chocolate and Black Sparkle are the three latest designs in Bushboard's Encore solid surfacing range. Incorporating subtle pearlescent particles, the new colours are as chic as they are luxurious.

Want a bespoke kitchen company that will build for you exactly what you want for your customer? Look no further than Loxley!

The importance of a bathroom in the home is not only as a practical and functional space but more of a relaxing and tranquil room. At MX we recognise this by continuing to develop innovative products that satisfy the market.

Designed in conjunction with the School of Architecture in Germany (PBSA) Ideos is a trendsetting heating product with striking visual effect.

VADO launches the v-touch basin mixer within their latest "innovations" catalogue, signifying the latest in digital technology and design. The smooth material makes this mixer highly pleasing to use, with a "touch-pad" to change the water flow and thermostatically-controlled temperature which is reflected in the digital display. The red and blue dots and numbers are easily visible and yet subtly glow through the white Tecnoril material. The sleek curves of the white body are complimented with a matt black spout arcing through the body, creating a "wow" factor shape that is unique to the industry.

Planit Fusion, a developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen and bathroom industry, has further extended its reach by incorporating Samsung's latest built-in appliance brochure into its software.

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

Ideal for cooks who want plenty of oven capacity but don't want to spoil the sleek lines of a contemporary linear kitchen with a double oven, CDA, s new 90cm model has enough space to cook three chickens side by side with room below for a second tray for roast potatoes, vegetables, stuffing etc.

Castello Luxury Baths offers a timeless range of stunning baths of sleek lines and soft curves to give a feeling of luxury and comfort.

From the cutting edge of contemporary European design, the Makura from MHS Radiators is a fusion of soft fabric and hard-edged heating.

Following the success of the Bemis ultra-hygienic range of seats, this latest model featuring a new hinge, has all the benefits of easy cleaning combined with minimal effort.

Featuring a minimalist super flat shower head, a fresh green spray face and Moon white handle, Icon, Solo and Eco hand showers herald the next generation of the GROHE Rainshower range. Practical, water-saving, robust with an iconic and fresh design approach, these hand showers are an exciting addition to the current product portfolio.

Hudson Reed is proud to announce that the new Rapport Dream Shower has achieved TMV2 and claims to be the first shower panel to be granted this safety approval under the ‘UKAS Buildcert' scheme.

Lakes Bathrooms has launched a new minimalist series of sliding shower doors as part of their Italia Range. S-LITE is new to the frameless range and it was designed at the famous Talocci Design house in Rome.

During these difficult economic times, you need to stand out from the rest. Raise your profile with the Rise and Fall range.

In keeping with the sculptural character of the fixture, the architecture of the Supernova Lead-bathroom is not a classical space but an accessible "sculpture", separated from the surrounding space by surfaces and materials. As a solitaire, the bath combines all water points. Without a space definition, the bathroom becomes lifestyle furniture that can be freely placed in the room. With its reflective surfaces and precise slants, the architecture reflects the progressive design of the fixture. In addition to the lead bathroom, three premium bathrooms and a total of five premium applications were also designed.

It's estimated that the average consumer expects a ten year lifespan out of his kitchen, so the choice of colour is very central to the whole decision-making process. Undoubtedly the most popular kitchen furniture colour is white. It's the colour that never goes out of fashion because we furniture manufacturers simply don't let it. It has tireless and timeless appeal with the consumer and so we breathe new life into it every year with a slightly different tonal shade, a new surface texture (this year its soft matt like baby's skin) and new door styles. It reigns as the colour of choice for the designer, contemporary look.

Normally noted for its overtly contemporary kitchen styles, Pronorm has rightly read the trend towards more dramatic and glamorous looks in the home with the launch of its new Dark Oak kitchen.

Launched at the recent ISH exhibition DIGA is an exciting new approach to shower enclosure design. The product features 2 foldaway panels which hinge through 180 degrees from the wall enabling them to fold away either internally or externally. When in use the panels close together with a full height magnetic seal ensuring watertight showering.

Valve distributor CQI offer the Original Traditional valve.

The arrival of spring sees Pegler Yorkshire going Loko for it's latest selection of designer brassware. Several new ranges will be joining the luxury Francis Pegler portfolio in 2009, including the new Loko collection.

Axor Urquiola is the latest collection from Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe, created by celebrated Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. As one of the few female designers in the sanitary sector and the first female designer in Hansgrohe's history, the company realises a very emotional approach with this collection; it brings a new sensuality to the bathroom as living space. This is because Axor Urquiola does not merely focus on innovative products; it also explores the interplay between intimacy and encounter, and a sense of security and warmth.

In a market where veneer, hot foils or MDF masquerade as wood, Oakland by Miller from Sweden is the real thing. This bathroom furniture is made in seasoned oak from ecologically managed, sustainable plantations and like most genuine materials, wears in, instead of wearing out, giving life long service and pleasure to the user. 

Myson has listened to its customers and reviewed market needs as part of a review of its towel warmer and designer heating products.

Faster and more energy-efficient than traditional hobs, induction cooker hobs are ideal in an eco-conscious world. Air Uno offers to the UK market a variety of sizes from the Italian maker Foster. The main benefit is that in induction cooking the energy is transferred to the pot and the food within whilst on a normal ceramic glass hob some of the energy is wasted heating the cooktop and the air around it. The other advantage is safety. The cooking surface has no open flames and is a great thermal insulator, so that it stays cool enough to touch without injury.

I-FLOW - SHOWERING AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

I-Flow from Hudson Reed provides remote control shower operation from up to 10 metres away. Bathers warm up the shower to the right temperature, beforehand with no more wet arms or freezing cold water. The remote control has a large read out screen and can start and stop the shower; raise or lower the water temperature and also alter the flow. In addition, three pre-sets allow different users to save their perfect shower setting and select it again at the touch of a button

The Waterside is a stylish, British made, contemporary fireclay kitchen sink manufactured by Shaws of Darwen. A large single bowl with classic curved bow front complete with central 3?" waste outlet to accommodate basket strainer or waste disposer and round overflow at the back of the sink.

Cucina Colore offers a stunning collection of Italian inspired, British manufactured kitchen furniture embracing the finest in contemporary designer kitchens, at an affordable price.

Coram Showers has expanded its collection of high performance bathscreens, with the launch of the Designer Hinged Bathscreen range. Combining the ultimate in minimalist styling with everyday practicality, the new range features four frameless styles, each developed to deliver exceptional durability and functionality for the modern bathroom.

Brand new from Roca is Nexo - a design led range of competitively priced sanitaryware offering contemporary styling at an affordable price point.

Novellini UK Limited, until recently relatively quiet in the UK market despite being Europe's leading manufacturer of washrooms, shower enclosures and wet rooms is launching a compelling new range of grand luxury bathing products.

Quinn Radiators offer an extensive Towel Radiator range. The Crystal and Diamond include both Straight or Curved options and are available in a range of sizes and a white or chrome finish to complement modern and traditional room designs. The Pearl and Topaz are designed for ultimate heat output and come in three heights - 800mm, 1200mm and 1800mm to suit both bathrooms and kitchens.

Following the successful launch of the Celsius product range at ISH in Frankfurt earlier in the year, Carron Bathrooms are pleased to announce that the range is now in full production at their site in Falkirk, Scotland. "The initial reaction we have received from the market for Celsius has been extremely positive and provides encouraging signs during this difficult period for the bathroom industry."

Combining imaginative design with materials expertise, VitrA Bathtubs continues to take the lead in trendsetting products for ultimate bathing comfort and wellbeing. A brand new bathtub series as well as several innovative shower systems are launched at the ISH 2009.

Now stocked in the UK the Eden Black 1700x750 bath tub is the latest addition to the New Black range of Healey & Lord's extensive black sanitary ware collection.

The bathroom, the one room in the house that needs to offer the practicalities to suit today's busy lifestyle whilst doubling up as a private sanctuary to unwind in.

Robert Lee introduce the latest in uncompromising design from Steinberg...... The new Series 161 Black.

The Mini Hot Spring is a compact version of the award-winning Hot Spring radiator, designed by Paul Priestman for Bisque.

Westin are the only UK Company manufacturing and supplying custom-built domestic kitchen extractors. Westin has become synonymous with all that‘s best in Britain; outstanding craftsmanship, superb reliability, excellent performance and caring service.

Black is in vogue at the moment, because this neutral, timeless colour perfectly fits the trend for glamour and appeals to both sexes. It can be combined with white to achieve a classic monochrome look or rich tones like red or gold to create an adult and luxurious ambiance.

Hudson Reed announces the Orb bathroom furniture pack in an up to the minute black and white colour scheme.

Highly fashionable and exclusive, many of us are going for black as the design colour of our bathrooms. Regardless of whether the design contours are more classic, purist, ornate or extravagant: black combines perfectly with every individual style. Depending on the colour combination, black can be used to restrain or to place visual highlights and can thus reduce certain elements or accentuate them by use of stunning contrasts.

ASTRACAST, market leader in the manufacture of kitchens, sinks, taps and accessories continues to create innovative, stunningly visual yet practical solutions for today's homes and the Vortex sink is no exception. Leading in style and innovation, the Vortex round bowl and drainer in black composite, fits perfectly with the latest black kitchen designs.

If you're looking for a truly sleek and sexy designer radiator, the Volt from MHS Radiators will fit the bill. Volt radiators are a beautiful contemporary take on electric heating - and can be wirelessly linked throughout the home using a separate wireless temperature/time controller. They can even be zoned - so your settings can be different for bedrooms, bathrooms or living rooms.

Black as a bathroom colour is back in fashion says leading Bathroom Specialists HiB who have once again introduced a range of new and innovative products, particulary suited for the cloakroom or en-suite Cassino wall unit with Ripple basin and optional shelf

Offering a modern geometric design with a sleek and stylish black finish, RAK Ceramic's first ever foray into coloured fireclay sinks is the perfect choice for creating a smart contemporary kitchen. With black replacing stainless steel as the ‘must-have' finish in kitchen appliances these sinks are guaranteed to turn any kitchen into a talking point. Used with a dark granite or slate worktop, the sinks will give a seamless luxurious look or they can be used to provide a striking contrast when used with a paler work surface.

New from Roca is Cala, the company's latest basin and furniture series. Launched at KBB 2008, Cala is designed by Roca's in-house team and takes inspiration from geometric shapes and curves

It's this year's hottest interior trend and now Bristan is bringing black and white into the bathroom with the launch of a new high-fashion version of its Prism brassware.

Now stocked in the UK the Eden Black 1700x750 bath tub is the latest addition to the New Black range of Healey & Lord's extensive black sanitary ware collection.

Sleek, shiny black appliances are the perfect partner for contemporary high gloss kitchens and work especially well with the latest on trend exotic wood effects such as zebrano and macassar.

No paint, no varnish. Pure and natural stainless steel, dramatically black.

Beko, a leading UK appliance manufacturer, is to launch a range of Built-in ovens and hobs with the same high quality approach to products that has seen them enjoy rapid growth in the freestanding sectors.

Work a little magic and add some drama to the bathroom with the trend for all things black.