Blissful bathing
It’s the place where we like to relax and unwind. LESLEY TAYLOR asks is it time to revamp your bathroom?
THE festivities of Christmas are a dim and distant memory and many of us will now be turning our attention to those jobs we neglected as celebrations took priority. And no doubt, we will all have a very personal list of what’s important.
But for me, there is one room which will always top the list – the bathroom.
A great bathroom will not only add value to the home and impress guests, but it’s also the room where we relax and unwind. For some, it’s the only spot in the house where they will ever have any peace. So it must feel the part as well as look it.
For some homeowners, the idea of undertaking a bathroom renovation can be terrifying – especially if you’ve never done one before.
There is no denying it’s a big job – especially if you’re starting from scratch. But it’s one that will pay dividends.
If your bathroom is already in tiptop condition – why not consider what new touches you could add to make it 2020-proof.
THINK BIG
A BATHROOM’S role in the home is no longer purely practical. And as a result, more emphasis is being placed on the aesthetics.
In previous years, function would reign supreme over style, but now these two elements very much work in partnership to ensure the space fulfils its role within the home and looks fabulous at the same time.
This is why we are seeing a return to lavish opulence; roll tops baths, mixed metal finishes and beautiful, ornate tiles.
Increasingly, we are also seeing furniture not traditionally associated with the bathroom taking centre stage. Bookshelves are taking over from clinical stainless steel to become the storage unit of choice while statement artwork is being used to add some ‘wow’.
Just remember to keep your bathroom well ventilated to protect any treasured possessions.
GO GREEN
CREATE the look of luxury by opting for a neutral colour palette teamed with natural materials such as slate, wood or stone.
Add interest by bringing the greenery of the outdoors in, albeit in an unconventional way.
Plants that are well suited to bathroom humidity and low levels of light include bamboo, orchids, snake plants, the aloe plant and spider plants.
What’s more, these plants aren’t only for aesthetic purposes, as they can purify the air and make your home a healthier environment in which to live.
NATURAL BEAUTY
A LITTLE bit of advice for anyone embarking on a bathroom project this season: don’t get too carried away with colour. You may feel the need to inject lots of vibrant shades into the scheme but it runs the risk of soon becoming outdated.
A better and more cost-effective way is to start with a neutral base on the walls and floor, such as timeless marble, then accessorise using the current season’s hottest patterns, hues and materials. Then, you can look forward to a bathroom that evolves with the times.
One way of achieving this would be to only tile where necessary, leaving the rest of the wall free to paint. This can be updated whenever the mood takes you.
Just remember to use a specialist bathroom paint which can cope with the humidity.
It’s currently a very exciting time to be involved in bathrooms, not just for designers but for you, the homeowner too.
So take your new found energy and put it to good use – give your bathroom a makeover to be proud of, even if it just means a lick of paint, a new set of bath towels and a few candles. The smallest of changes can sometimes make the biggest difference.