Restore calm to your bathroom

DOES YOUR bathroom secretly stress you out? It should be your personal haven — a little slice of spa heaven where you can unwind in the comfort of home.

In reality, your bathroom is probably not so idyllic. A high-sided tub that is a struggle to get into, or a slippery tray in the shower could be adding to your stress load, rather than subtracting from it.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to restore calm to your bathing space.

Better storage, fresh towels and good heating and lighting can all help create a relaxing, clutter-free ambience. A dimmer switch, for example, might help if you love a soak in the bath without the glare of bright lights lights. Introducing functional improvements, such as placing the towel rail close to the shower, is a good idea.

And making it safer by future-proofing with a walk-in bath or shower could be the best investment of all.

Accessible bathrooms are now designed to ensure you can create a stylish space that’s just right for you.

What’s more, there are always new innovations. A low-level walk-in bath with a door in the side can be stylishly recessed into the floor to make it even more accessible. There are glossy sink cabinets with a motion-activated illuminated strip below the washbasin washbasin, for safer night-time visits.

Showers often come with thermostatic mixers that ensure valves stay cool to touch, making them safer for all, including little ones who might be staying.

And there are showers approved by the Royal National Institute of Blind People, with easy, push-button controls that light up in blue so that they are easily seen.

It means that an accessible dream bathroom is now a real possibility for everyone — combining modern style and technology beautifully.