Bathrooms have come a long way in the past five years, with many homeowners wanting to create a luxurious hotel-feel in their home.

Easy cleaning

Time poor people don't want to be stuck scrubbing grout or mildew-covered crevices, so look for sleek minimalist bathroom features.

"We get a lot of requests for walk-in showers for that open look and for the easy cleaning," says Eamonn Lowe, Customer Experience Manager at Hardings Hardware.

"We're also selling a lot of twin showers with the big rainfall overhead shower and the hand-held shower, which can be used to clean the shower or can be angled lower if you don't want to wet your hair. Using large slab tiles can reduce grout lines that need to be cleaned too."

Re-imagined toilets

Bidets and clean flush toilets are becoming more popular in Australian bathrooms.

"The clean flush toilet suites have no rim at all – the water just pushes around the inside of the pan. It's a much more hygienic way of presenting a toilet suite," Eamonn says.

"In our cooler climates, customers are also looking for Bidet style toilet seats that have heated seats and warm air."

Dark colour tones

When it comes to bathroom fixtures, Eamonn says black remains popular, but is slowly being overtaken by brushed nickel and gunmetal, with the odd statement piece in brass.

"A full bathroom in brass can be very polarising, so maybe use it on a mixer tap and hand towel holder in a powder room to give a bit of brightness without being too overwhelming, then use more muted tones in the rest of the bathroom," Eamonn suggests.

"With tiles, you might go for a dark grey on the floor with grey grout so it's not going to look dirty when it's walked on, then a mid-grey on the walls and feature tiles in a shower alcove."

Warm timber features are also proving popular.

"Distressed timber gives that beachy look, and those gunmetal and black and brushed nickel fixtures go well with wood," Eamonn adds.

Smart storage

From behind-mirror cupboards to deep vanity drawers, use space wisely to help customers keep their counters tidy.

"Wall-hung vanities remain on trend – if you have nice deep drawers you can put hairsprays and larger bottles in it and when it opens up, you get the full view," Eamonn says.

"Integrated handles that are recessed create a more streamlined look, or you can use touch handles that you push to open the drawer up."

From clever cabinetry to cool colour tones, there are so many ways to help your clients create a kitchen that not just makes food prep easy but creates a happy gathering place for family and friends.

Drawers everywhere

There's no need to lose Tupperware in the back recesses of kitchen cupboards – deep drawers mean every inch of space is available for use.

"Look for pot drawers, concealed stylish runners and soft close functionality," says Mark Farrugia, National Account Manager from Hafele who make Principal Kitchens that are available exclusively at Mitre 10.

Where possible, skip handles, opting for push-open pantries and overhead cupboards or recessed handles for a clean finish.

Wood features

From cabinetry to benchtops, timber features are making a big comeback in kitchens right now, used to soften the look and add natural texture to kitchen designs.

"Halfele's wood grain benchtops are represented with precision, clarity and depth," Farrugia says.

Clever functionality

Clutter does not belong in contemporary kitchens, so suggest smart storage ideas to keep equipment, utensils and pantry staples out of sight.

"Think pull-out storage, under-bench storage, clever corner solutions or waste management," Farrugia suggests.

"Things like carousels in the corner work well, as does the Kesseböhmer iMove; an innovative shelving system that allows you to pull a handle to lower the shelves down to you. Pantry cabinets with internal drawers and functional under-bench waste storage are all part of modern contemporary kitchens too."

Bright colours

Gone are the days of purely neutral kitchens – many homeowners are looking to add a pop of colour through their splashbacks or feature cabinetry.

Advise your customers think at least five years ahead so their colour choice doesn't date.

"Two tone kitchens are proving popular," Farrugia says.

"Black matte handles remain popular, as do quartz composite sinks that are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and stains."