Show restraint in decorating bathroom
Timeless Carrara tiles would go perfectly with cool ocean blue walls
We are redoing our ensuite with Carrara tiles, grey quartz countertop and white vanity. There is one small window, but not much natural light. We are looking for a spa-retreat look. The bathtub, toilet and wash basins are all white. Can you help?
Ah, the spa; an inviting place where you can relax and let the stress of everyday life melt away. The next best thing to going to the spa would be having that luxurious spa feeling right in your own home.
After a long hard day there is nothing I enjoy more than a long hot bath, good book and a glass of wine. I am passionate about colour, but the bathroom is where I show restraint. I favour a clean and soothing environment that fosters relaxation instead.
You have selected a timeless combination that just doesn’t go out of style. This classic marble has been a favourite for millennia and consistently makes the top 10 most luxuri- ous natural materials. Carrara can be either a white or blue-grey background with soft random grey veining.
The focal point of this bathroom should definitely be the tile. If you put too strong a colour it may compete with the marble. It should complement, not take over the room.
The colour of the ocean and sky, favoured by the vast majority, blue is seen as a constant in our lives. Using blue in a room gives a fresh and elegant vibe. It has a calming and soothing effect on our soul, and has the ability to slow our heart rate and lower blood pressure.
As blue is associated with calmness, it works well in all rooms where one goes to relax such as bedrooms and bathrooms. By painting a room a shade of blue, you can actually make it seem larger — it visually pushes the walls back. A ceiling can appear higher by painting an airy shade of light blue on the ceiling to mimic the sky.
For a spa feel, I would stick to the lighter shades with a bit of a grey undertone. You can even go blue/ green turquoise.
Pair with thick luxurious towels in crisp white. You can find lots of in- teresting textures and is definitely something worth splurging on.
Keep counters clear of clutter by using linen-lined baskets. Fill elegant glass apothecary jars with bath products such as bath salts, cotton balls, soaps and more.
Don’t forget your lighting. I am a huge fan of dimmers. I want to have a room bright and well lit when necessary, but have the option to tone down, creating a soft glow when desired. The final choice for the wall colour will depend on the Carrara tiles you have purchased, whether it’s white or blue-grey.