Bathrooms, once viewed entirely for their utility, are now also looked upon as places for quiet retreat, and interior designers around the world are taking a refreshing look at them, according to Ananth Narayan, regional manager of Alshaya Trading Company, a Dubai-based supplier of ceramics and sanitary ware products.

''Discerning customers now have an unprecedented range of options to consider in sanitary ware, ceramic tiles and accessories,'' he says.

He continues: ''Ceramic and sanitary ware companies realise they have to work hard at providing that impeccable quality demanded by today's market to meet customer satisfaction, which involves various aspects right from enhancing their showroom settings and designs to offering quality products and service.''

Alshaya Trading Company spares no effort in satisfying its customers and is a one-stop shop for home decor, he says.

The company represents several leading international suppliers including world-class brands of ceramics and sanitary ware in an extensive array of designs, shades and textures. Its bathroom suites and accessories, which are designed by the world's best, "provide all the right ingredients - ergonomics, technology and design", he points out.

Narayan adds that Alshaya combines an international perspective with local expertise to develop innovative solutions for consultants, contractors and retail customers and that with excellent sales know-how, width of distribution and reliable after-sales service combined with CAD designing of Alshaya's two showrooms, the company's aim is to generate total customer satisfaction.

''Customers now want bathrooms tailor-made to their requirements in keeping with fast-changing times. Some prefer individualised areas where they can immerse themselves in luxury or are interested in saving space by seeking alternatives in ingenious little ideas like shower enclosures and wall-hung water closes and bidets,'' he says.

''Alshaya brings to the UAE, the best the world has to offer - which all displayed in an idyllic ambience by the firm,'' he concludes.