Whether or not you have a standout bath or an opulent ceiling shower, the central focus of the bathroom is the vanity. It gets more use than any other feature, so it has to accommodate your needs and withstand plenty of daily wear and tear.

"Vanities can make or break the look of a bathroom," says Cibo Design's Jo Ingleton. They get plenty of attention from designers, too, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of both style and functionality. Vanities are one of the fastest items to make their way from trade shows to showrooms. As a result, you can access a virtually unlimited selection of up-to-the-minute styles and technological innovations.

Axor 'Bouroullec' basin, from $1485, Hansgrohe.

Echoing recent kitchen trends, natural - particularly pale - veneers reminiscent of Scandinavian style are also proving popular. While the recent fad for streamlined, minimal vanities persists, we are seeing a move towards more elaborate styling and luxurious functionality.

'Laufen Mimo' cabinets, $2170/single, $2599/double, basins, $399 each, all Candana Designs.

Personalisation is another current buzzword, and colour and texture are more prominent than ever before. "The possibilities for the design brave really are endless!" says Jo, which can deliver drawers in any hue from the Dulux paint range.