Modern trends have seen neutral colours reign supreme in the bathroom. White, black and grey are elegant, timeless and versatile but can also make a bold statement. Matte surfaces rather than high-gloss finishes create a sense of texture and warmth. Adding a new countertop and bathroom cabinetry in a neutral, matte finish will up your bathroom’s “wow” factor instantly.

Elements from nature help people relax and are big in bathrooms this year. These include materials made of granite, marble, clay and wood or bamboo — or choose quartz and porcelain as non-porous alternatives that can look just like the real thing.

The heat and moisture in the bathroom create a great environment for plants to thrive. Invite nature in with built-in planters or a planted frame that covers an entire wall and will turn your bathroom into a tropical jungle (without the bugs).

Rather than lots of small tiles, more and more people are opting for large, single slabs, especially for flooring or as a shower wall. These give an uninterrupted finish and, best of all, you won’t have to spend half your life cleaning grout. Investing in high-quality, beautiful slab will create a beautiful statement that requires little additional decor.

A curbless shower, where the floor flows right into the shower, without a barrier, creates the sense that you’re in a spa. This kind of walk-in shower works especially well with the large single-slab tiles mentioned above.

The floating vanity is the ideal solution for a small bathroom, since it creates a sense of openness and space. Opt for a slim line and double basins for extra efficiency.

A freestanding bathtub is another way to make your bathroom feel bigger and more open, while adding a major dose of glam. Choose one made of quartz or granite and looks as if it was hewn from a single stone. Most importantly, opt for a deep tub for the perfect, relaxing soak.

Faucets and other fixtures made of brass add timeless glamour, and contrast beautifully against white, black, or navy blue — if you’re feeling bold! They’re versatile too, because they work equally well with a vintage, industrial or natural theme.

On a cold day, few things can spoil your bathroom experience quite like getting out of the tub and stepping on a freezing floor. Heated flooring can be easy to install and you can find great energy-efficient options. This is one of those renovations that might seem unnecessary, but you’ll enjoy for years to come.

The right music can perk you up during your morning shower or help you unwind while you soak in the tub. An increasingly popular element in bathroom design is to install Bluetooth speakers in the ceiling or even in the showerhead! If you’re building your dream bathroom, why not dream big?

Whether you invest in minor upgrades or a full fledged renovation – choices are many and your biggest challenge will be choosing between herringbone or subway tile. <em> <br><br>Brought to you by Scotiabank®. ® Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia. The opinions expressed in this article regarding home renovations are those of the author and not The Bank of Nova Scotia.