When you want to get away from the world and relax at home, a dream bathroom can work wonders.
“The bathroom is increasingly being viewed as a place of sanctuary and self-care, a personal sanctuary to unwind, take time for yourself and find tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” says Claire Logan of fragrance brand ARRAN Sense of Scotland.
“With the stresses of modern life, particularly the current cost of living crisis, creating a spa-at-home sanctuary is more important than ever when it comes to wellness.
“Think of soothing scents, luxe accessories and soothing shades – all from the comfort of your own home,” adds Logan.
So where do you start when it comes to bringing your own bathroom bliss to life?
“Right design from the start is key to creating a home sanctuary where you can truly unwind,” says Helen Ray-Dennett of Mermaid Panels. “It’s important to consider not just aesthetics, but functionality as well.”
She says color is key, with neutral hues like soft beiges, creams, whites, light grays and blues helping to create a sense of calm.
“These neutral hues, which naturally evoke a sense of calm, are not only pleasing to the eye but also easy to accessorize,” notes Ray-Dennett.
Atmosphere is everything when it comes to relaxation. As Logan puts it, “Less is definitely more when it comes to creating a bathroom. It’s much easier to fully unwind in a clutter-free room, so keep items like makeup, hair dryers, and toiletries out of sight under the sink or in storage baskets.
“A minimalist style is key to creating a calm and serene environment,” she adds.
Soothing color combinations and aromatherapy
Channel spa vibes when thinking about bathroom decor. “Neutral bright blues and calm greens are known to promote a calming atmosphere,” Logan continues. “Nature-inspired colors like earthy browns, soft grays and sage greens are organic and soothing.”
And when it comes to pampering your sense of smell, Logan recommends jasmine and lavender for their calming, stress-relieving and sleep-inducing properties, ylang-ylang to boost your mood, while bergamot is great for energizing. Besides being invigorating, eucalyptus is a great decongestant during the winter months, she adds.
“This hybrid interior trend combines the rustic charm of Japanese minimalism with the beauty of Scandinavian functionality,” explains Parv Sangera, Managing Director of The Bathroom Showroom.
“Japandi fuses Eastern and Western design to create spaces that ensure every surface flows harmoniously – and encourages functionality with hidden storage solutions.”
This allows the room’s natural shapes and lines to take center stage, she says, balancing form and function to create a unique space.
“Clean and aesthetic is the direction of this design, making it ideal for the bathroom space,” notes Sangera. “Neutral color palettes, simple features and natural elements such as stone, textiles, bamboo, wood, marble and hemp are key elements of the allure of Japandi’s interior design.”
When it comes to color, she says homeowners wanting to achieve this style should stagger to stone, oatmeal, rust, taupe, and beige.
Following the Japandi trend, Ray-Dennett says using texture on your walls creates a soft but noticeable effect. “Marble and slate are popular choices as they gently add interest. These raw materials often come at a high price, so choosing panels that mimic these materials is a great way to keep costs down while still achieving the desired effect,” she adds.
Wall panels that are easy to install throughout the bathroom can create a retreat that’s easy to maintain and clean — and ensure that all of the time you spend in the room is comfortable and stress-free, notes Ray-Dennett. “After all, no one wants to notice dirty grout when experiencing the bliss of a spa shower,” she adds.
“When creating your perfect bathroom, it’s important to choose a shower that not only looks good but also gives you a clearer conscience,” notes Tina Simpson, director of marketing at Triton Showers. “An electric model is a great option for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their relaxing retreat without costing the earth.”
She says by heating water instantly and on demand, electric showers eliminate unnecessary waste without compromising on performance.
“Every drop of water saved makes a difference, and by switching from a faucet to an electric shower, an average family of four could save up to 48,000 bottles of water over the course of a year, equivalent to 0.31 tonnes of carbon.”
Vinyl floor to win
With the look and feel of wood, tile and even stone, vinyl flooring can enhance your space and complement your décor, potentially saving you money as well.
“Vinyl floors are a great way to create a stylish bathroom without breaking the bank, and they’re extremely water resistant,” says As David Snazel, Hard Floor Buyer at Carpetright.
“There have been many developments in design and styles in recent years that mean the effects that vinyl can create – like tile or wood – are incredibly realistic, and at a fraction of the price. It’s also a great choice for busy families with kids as it’s durable yet softer and warmer underfoot than laminate.”
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