Bathrooms on a budget
Want a touch of luxury without breaking the bank? SAM WYLIE-HARRIS gets expert advice
WHEN you want to indulge in some at-home relaxation, a dream bathroom is just the spot.
“The bathroom is increasingly seen as a place of sanctuary and self-care, a personal retreat to unwind, take time for you, and find peace away from the busyness of everyday life,” says Claire Logan, of fragrance brand ARRAN Sense of Scotland.
“With the stresses of modern living, particularly with the current cost of living crisis, creating a spaat-home is more important than ever, with regards to wellbeing.”
So, where should you start bringing your own bathroom bliss to life?
CALMING COLOURWAYS AND AROMATHERAPY
Claire advises that we channel spa vibes when thinking about bathroom decor.
“Neutrals, pale blues and serene greens are known to promote a soothing atmosphere. Natureinspired colours such as earthy browns, soft greys and sage greens give off an organic and calming effect.”
When it comes to indulging your olfactory senses, Claire recommends jasmine and lavender for their calming and sleep-enhancing properties, ylang-ylang for improving your mood, whilst bergamot is great for energising. Try invigorating eucalyptus, which is also a great decongestant in winter months.
EMBRACE THE JAPANDI LOOK
“This hybrid home decor trend combines the rustic charm of Japanese minimalism with the beauty of Scandinavian functionality,” says Parv Sangera, managing director of The Bathroom Showroom. “Japandi brings together eastern and western design to create spaces that ensure every surface flows harmoniously – and encourages functionality with hidden storage solutions.”
As for colour, Parv says homeowners looking to achieve this style should sway towards stone, oatmeal, rust, taupe and beige.
LUXURIOUS WALL EFFECTS
With a nod to the Japandi trend, Helen Ray-dennett of Mermaid Panels, says using texture on your walls creates a soft yet notable effect.
“Marble and slate are popular choices, as they add interest in a gentle way. Often, these raw materials come with a high price tag, so choosing panels that mimic these materials is a great way to keep costs low, whilst achieving your desired effect.”
BEING ECO-AWARE
“When creating your perfect bathroom sanctuary, it’s important to choose a shower that not only looks good, but gives you a cleaner conscience too,” notes Tina Simpson, marketing director for Triton Showers. “An electric model is a great option for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their relaxing retreat, without costing the earth.”
By heating water instantly and on demand, electric showers avoid unnecessary wastage, without compromising on performance.
“Every drop of water saved makes a difference, and by switching from mixer to electric shower, an average family of four could save up to 48,000 bottles of water over a year, which is the equivalent of 0.31 tonnes of carbon,” Tina adds.
VINYL FLOORING FOR THE WIN
With the look and feel of wood, tiles and even stone, vinyl flooring can elevate your space and harmonise with your fixtures and fittings, potentially saving money too. “Vinyl flooring is a great way of creating a stylish bathroom sanctuary without blowing the budget, and is highly waterresistant,” says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer for Carpetright.