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The Bathroom - A sanctuary at home

The Bigger, the Better, seems to be the prevailing trend along with being “open to the natural elements”. The bathroom these days, is becoming somewhat of a mini- retreat and the trend is for more spacious rooms, larger shower recesses with double headed, massage rail showers

or “rain” showers suspended from ceilings, fully enclosed with frameless shower screens, or open with no screens at all.

Bath tubs that are free standing, extra large or very deep, or roomy spas with lots of jets are the order of the day – but don’t forget the view!! If there is none, then to look out on nature via a well planted atrium, water feature or courtyard is what is most desired. Natural materials, such as marble, travertine, limestone and large oversize tiles are the look most wanted, as are large dark grey or mushroom floor tiles with even larger white gloss wall tiles. Feature tiles, whether used horizontally or vertically in a strip down the shower recess or wall, are a way of bringing variety into the bathroom and can even be used to separate different “zones”- such as bath area, shower area, vanity splashback etc.

Vanities are floating off the floor with double basins sitting atop- a look that is still highly appealing. Whether they be conical, bowl shaped, square or rectangle, or made from glass, ceramic, stone, or even stainless steel, the basin is still enjoying its day in the sun, and will be for some time. Tapware is going square- the boxy geometric look having the greatest aesthetic appeal and floor mounted, wall mounted or ceiling fixed fittings are a must. Tapware has taken on an architectural look all of its own, and one should not be afraid to invest in a well designed classic from the likes of Grohe, Rogerseller, Villeroy and Bosch and many Italian designs available. Whatever you choose, make sure you consider the AAA water saving feature, as this is becoming a building standard, to reduce water consumption in residential use. If you do not have AAA rated showers, toilets and taps, you may be required later,  to have them fitted anyway.

Wall hung toilets or those with concealed cisterns, wall hung vanities and heated towel rails are another item on the list. Wall alcoves for storage and open shelving, to attractively and conveniently store items, are big. Glass is huge, big frameless screens, windows with louvers, large ceiling height mirrors, frosted glass screens and splashbacks and colourful glass mosaic tiles all make an impact.

Add splashes of colour in the towels and accessories…….and for a relaxing day spa in your own home- don’t forget the candles, body scrub and bath salts. Heaven!