The Hamilton Spectator

Luxe bathrooms all about details

Expert-approved tips for spa-like luxury in your home

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Busy schedules and long hours are pushing us to search for and create a little rest and relaxation at home — and a spa bathroom is the perfect place to start.

Working with experts will ensure your planning and effort lead to a beautiful renovation that’s powered to perform. Kimberley Seldon, design expert, recommends adding luxury five-star hotel features to your home bathroom. Consider in-floor heating and heated towel racks to keep the room cozy and plush towels warm.

“These features add to the spa feeling at home, but there are electrical considerat­ions to keep in mind, which is why proper planning and the right experts are required,” Seldon explains.

In-floor heating must be installed per the manufactur­er’s requiremen­ts and to Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards. The associated wall thermostat should be placed strategica­lly for ease of use without impeding the design of your ensuite and must be at least one metre from a bathtub or shower stall. If it can’t be a metre away, make sure it’s GFCI-protected. A licensed electrical contractor will ensure the work is done safely and to Code.

Traditiona­l or transition­al design features such as wainscotin­g and deep crown moulding will keep your ensuite looking timeless. Open-concept showers and modern-shaped tubs add a contempora­ry feeling to the space. Consider a bold colour to create drama and opt for artwork that does not need to be behind glass, where steam can impact the piece.

Lighting features need to be practical — allowing for up-close grooming and mood lighting — as well as decorative. Plan ahead for any electrical needs for high-tech items such as towel warming racks, or a digitally controlled steam shower, as extra circuits or power sources may be needed.

Working with a licensed electrical contractor and interior design profession­al is the surest way to achieve the ensuite of your dreams. Ask for a certificat­e of inspection when any electrical work is complete for insurance and resale purposes, not to mention peace of mind.

Find more tips online at poweryourl­ife. ca.

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 ??  ?? Features such as wainscotin­g and crown moulding will keep your ensuite looking timeless.
Features such as wainscotin­g and crown moulding will keep your ensuite looking timeless.
 ??  ?? Modern-shaped tubs add a contempora­ry feeling to the space.
Modern-shaped tubs add a contempora­ry feeling to the space.
 ??  ?? A heated towel rack keeps plush towels warm in a chilly bathroom.
A heated towel rack keeps plush towels warm in a chilly bathroom.

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