Walk-ins welcome
Showers are the new baths, combining smart tech and
Insta-worthy style. Here’s how to join the splash pack
THE latest must-have for savvy homeowners looking to splash out on style are showers – not only do they reclaim precious space but they also save cash on water bills.
The bathroom has become our favourite self-care spot, with showers, being quicker to use and cheaper to run, stealing the spotlight from baths.
Pinterest is flooded with dreamy “shower aesthetics” and lush walk-ins, as cubicles get chic upgrades to rival even the fanciest freestanding tubs. Spa-like designs, clever tech and Insta-worthy fittings are making showers the hottest trend. Here’s what’s sizzling right now.
Make it personal
Customisation is key when it comes to the coolest shower designs, letting you tailor every detail to your own taste.
We’re talking everything from smart controls to relaxing steam options, mood-enhancing lighting and plenty of other fancy extras.
There are tons of accessibility options too, including grab rails, walk-in baths and shower seats.
The idea is to turn your bathroom into a self-care oasis, making shower time one of the day’s highlights.
From B&Q, the top-of-the-line Aqualisa Optic Q has presets that let every family member set their favourite shower experience at the touch of a button.
Better still, you can control everything easily from your mobile phone or via Alexa.
There’s also an optional eco mode, letting you save up to 33 per cent on your water use – it’s perfect for guilt-free indulgence, and puts an end to family arguments about who’s used all the hot water.
It’s also a great way to lock in all that upfront investment you’ve made to make future savings at your convenience.
Aqualisa Optic Q smart digital mixer shower
Discover more in store, via the app or at diy.com
Be bold and brave
Tap in to the colour-drenching trend and choose your shade – from soft pink to bold black. Take it wall to wall with matching tiles, paint, accessories and vanity units for serious impact.
Then get drenched in the more traditional sense by dialling up the drama with a sleek, multifunctional shower head in matte black, brushed bronze or high-shine chrome, with spray settings to suit every mood – from power blast to soothing rainfall.
Sensio Ivy colour-changing mirror; GoodHome Imandra cabinet; GoodHome Apanas basin
Step this way
What are the latest shower styles to covet? The walk-in is the way to go, according to insiders.
Gone are those cramped enclosures and rattling doors – now it’s all about sleek glass screens and flush trays that give the illusion of more space.
Not only does this max out every inch, making it ideal for tight bathrooms, but it also creates a luxe “spathroom” feel. Plus, it’s easier to access, drain and keep clean.
Make it count with a box-fresh twist on tradition.
Say goodbye to showers over baths with sticky curtains wrapped around you.
Instead, try something smart like the Ideal Standard Tempo Cube L-shaped “shower-bath” from B&Q. Its L-shaped arrangement gives you space to shower comfortably at one end – while leaving room to stretch your legs for a relaxing soak at the other.
Mira Atom dual head mixer shower
Fine-tune small details
Don’t forget the finishing touches, either. Think sculptural or statement shower heads – like the GoodHome Cavally or the AquaDry.
They’re things of beauty, more like pieces of modern art than functional fittings.
Storage is no longer just practical – built-in recesses for toiletries are all the rage, blending form and function for a sleek look.
For the walls, up your tile game and create a bit of Insta-worthy wow factor. Let loose your sense of daring with one of this season’s hottest shades.
Wrap the rest of your bathroom in wallpaper. Yes, really. It’s a myth that you shouldn’t paper this space, with plenty of moisture-resistant styles available.
Lights can excite too, with chic ceiling and wall fixtures, and even smart task lighting on mirrors or cabinets, to create a super modern feel.
Elsewhere, choose hardware in precious metals and tactile finishes that wouldn’t look out of place in your jewellery collection.
Finally, bring the outside in with natural colours, earthy materials and a pot plant or two.
GoodHome Dorres bathroom wall light; Stylepanel acrylic decorative panel
