Relaxing spa
Bring a touch of Zen to your bathroom with natural materials and a soft colour palette
The naturally warm and inviting textures and tones of materials such as timber and stone are the perfect building blocks for a spa-style bathroom. Follow the lead of boutique hotels and combine soft shades with luxury modern fixtures and fittings for a space that’s sure to soothe the soul as well as aching shoulders.
PUT THE BATH CENTRE STAGE
For a truly indulgent look, make your tub the focus of the room. If it’s in the centre of the space, partner with floor-mounted taps so you’ve plenty of room to stretch out without encountering chilly chrome. Make sure you have a free surface nearby – a chair or stool will do – for holding your towel, toiletries and a glass of bubbly if you’re in the mood. Alternatively, if you prefer a simple panel bath, then consider placing it on a podium with a shelf inset into the wall to hold your bath-time bits and bobs.
SET THE TONE
Ceramic or porcelain tiles in pale stone shades are the perfect way to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. Go for larger format tiles on both the walls and the floor so the effect isn’t compromised by lots of grouting lines. If you’re planning a wet room, then consider cladding in a natural, marble-look quartz composite, such as Caesarstone, to create an elegant shower cubicle. Accessorise with natural wicker baskets, timber duckboards and plenty of soft towels and snuggly bath robes. LUXURY TOUCHES Fitting underfloor heating will keep things nice and warm in the winter, particularly if you’ve gone for porcelain, ceramic or composite floor tiles. Add a wall-mounted heated towel rail and glossy, reflective surfaces such as gold or mirrored chrome for a little extra luxury. Investing in a few high-end toiletries to keep out on show will also help to maintain that hotel chic feel – nothing says boutique spa more than a few bottles of quality body-wash and lotion on display beside the bath.
LIGHT IT RIGHT
Add dimmer switches so you can easily control the atmosphere of the room. It may be a busy family bathroom by day, but being able to turn down the lights will help to generate the perfect warm glow for a peaceful night-time soak. Wow factor lighting, such as a showstopping pendant above the bath or LED spotlights around the base of a freestanding tub, will give your finished bathroom that extra-special edge.