Designed by star duo Yabu Pushelberg, this shower system — including handles shaped like boat cleats — is part of the Sailing series by Fantini, whose headquarters near Lake Orta provided the main inspiration. It comes in three PVD finishes: matte gunmetal, matte British gold and deep black.

Say goodbye to scalding sprays and icy blasts. Euphoria keeps temperatures under control, even as water pressure fluctuates, with its CoolTouch thermostat. The system consists of a 12-inch shower head (programmed with soothing PureRain) and a hand shower that offers a massage setting and luxurious yet water-conserving stream.

The Canadian start-up RainStick is riding a wave of water efficiency. Its Wi-Fi-enabled system saves 80 per cent of the energy and most of the water of an average set- up — it uses five to eight litres, compared to the typical 100 for a 10-minute shower. The company promises that it does all that while providing almost double the flow.

Available in myriad metallic and black finishes, the pleasingly graphic Hi-Fi Eclectic multifunctional shower control collection recalls — and is named after — the keys and knobs of classic stereo systems. Its thermostatic mixers have push-button functionality and can modulate everything from spray type to temperature.