Until recently, the greatest thing we had ever seen in a bathroom was a flat-screen TV but it turns out that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Bathroom technology is leaping forward as fast as cars, kitchens and gaming and most of us are rushing to keep up!

If you want to bring your bathroom into the 21st Century, here is a simple guide to ensure your bathroom is top of the line, functional and, above all, stylish.

Showers

Gone are the days when your shower came with two temperatures; lava hot and arctic cold. Nowadays you can have a touch sensitive shower control panel that adjusts the water to the exact degree that you want it. You can also alter flow rate, speed and even the pattern of the water as it comes out the showerhead.

Bathroom taps are also catching up with technology, as you are now able to buy touch sensitive taps that come on automatically to a pre-determined temperature. Electronic tapware from Enware-oras has been developed with auto-focus infrared technology for reliable touch-free operation and low power consumption.

The Bidet Shop in Australia's remote control seats.

Toilets

Every bathroom needs a toilet; this is pretty much a given fact. But why should you put up with a boring loo when you could have one that plays music and lights up? Japan has been ahead of the curve for some time, with loos that come with more buttons than your TV remote and have different functions for different users. They can even have an option to warm up the seat before you take to your throne. This comes in very handy during the winter months!

Companies like the Bidet Shop in Australia now offer remote control seats designed to provide hygienic solutions with soft closing lids and buttons for rear cleansing, air drying, automatic deodorisers and heated seat functionality. And don't forget Geberit's touchless flush plate.

Baths

Most of us love a good soak in the bath and the highlight of our occasional treat is the inclusion of fancy bath salts. However, if you are looking for more bang for your buck, why not invest in a Bath of the Future? Fitted with LED lights to create the perfect ambience, a built-in music player and spa-style water jets, these modern baths are made to give you the full relaxation experience.

Bathroom Tech

It’s not just TVs you can install in your bathroom – you can have virtually any gadget you want (waterproofed, of course). MP3 players can be installed and synched up to your devices around the home, so you can play music wherever you are. Or perhaps you would prefer a mirror that has a 19” TV built in, LED lights, Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, radio and a waterproof remote control. After all, who can put a price on style?

Electronic tapware Enware-oras has been developed with auto-focus infrared technology for reliable touch-free operation and low power consumption.

Luxury at Home

For those who can afford it, your bathroom can become more than a place to get clean. It can be your spa-at-home with your very own sauna, steam room or wet room. Modern designs allow for the technology used in these products to be smaller and easy-to-install, meaning they are ideal for home bathrooms. Fit a comfortable bench, the proper insulation and a hot rock bed and you’ve got the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard day at work.

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84

Captions and images supplied by Infolink.com.au