Bathrooms are becoming the jewel in the crown of home interiors, with luxurious looks that are a treat to design. Interior designerOlivia Outredenjoys the sheer variety they have to offer: ‘‘I love designing bathrooms, the myriad options in terms ofmaterials, the complexity of the design. The creation of a jewel-box room that’s serene and restful and a pleasure to be in.’’
Here, 14 bathroom design experts share their tips for creating the ultimate luxury bathroom.
Invest in a ‘spathroom’
‘Spathroom’, the coined term combining ‘spa’ with ‘bathroom’, is a growing trend that encourages the space to be designed for ample relaxation. Louise Ashdown, head of design atWest One Bathroomshas seen a shift toJapandiinfluences, with a clean aesthetic and people embracing the artisan nature of products.
‘‘With people still spending more time at home, the request for‘spa’ is popular. Me-time is something everyone needs and craves, and thus also more comfort inbaths.
We’re seeing more built-in baths makingthe crossover into freestanding baths andwellnessaspects being integrated. For example, steam generators to showers and larger showers with ‘spa’ shower heads for a truly luxury experience.’’
Incorporate jewel tones
Sahar Saffari, senior designer atHi-Spec Design, advises investing in high-quality materials, such as marble and granite, considering the daily levels offloortraffic. For colours, Saffari is also inspired by the jewel box: emerald green, sapphire blue and amethyst purple.
“A great option for such a luxury material is Dekton by Cosentino.It’s a Technical Ultracompany Stone made up of more than 20 minerals extracted fromnatureand blended with exclusive technology to form a surface that nature can only create itself over thousands of years. Water, scratch, heat, and stain resistance means that it keeps itsluxuriouslook over time.’’
Choose natural materials
The request for spa bathrooms has not gone unnoticed by Jane Landino, creative head of studio atTaylor Howes Designs, who has received repeated requests. For a project in Kensington, she usednatural tonesand materials using a ceramic installation from Vezzini & Chen to create a spa-like ambience. Also imperative to the project was storage that exudedtextureand warmth.
‘‘This can be through glazed tiles, timbers or introducingaccessoriessuch as woven baskets. Plants in a bathroom bringbiophilicproperties and naturally help to create a clean andcalmenvironment. Choosing light timber and warmer metals also creates warmth. Keep the colour tones and materials as natural and raw as possible.”
Layer your lighting
Lighting is a great way to take your bathroom to spa heights. When creating that intimate atmosphere, properly fitted lighting shouldn’t distract from any naturaldaylightand should enhance any statement features.
Tasklightinghas always been a sought-after option, especially when framing the washstand. Coming in a variety of styles from wall toart decoor globe, adding the right glow makes all the difference.
‘‘People are incorporating interestingand unexpected lighting features within bathrooms, including recessed tracklightsin the ceiling and under-glow steps, which give the effect that they’re floating,’’ remarks Jo Sangster, senior designer atRipples London.
‘‘Illuminatedmirrorsare another great way to add interesting lighting with back-lit, capsule-shaped wall mirrors proving to be an emerging trend.’’
Add expressive tiles
Getting creative with tiles is a way to incorporate bothcolourand style into a bathroom. Diane Hyde, marketing manager atCraven Dunnill, references the striking trend for small, rectangular tiles laid vertically, encouraging adding texture and tactility on walls through tiles.
“Insmaller bathrooms, highly reflective gloss tiles area great way to create a sense of space. Aslight beautifully reflects off theglazefinish, it creates a wonderful sense of openness, making the room appear wider.’’
Mix and match tiles
You can even use a three-way combination of tiles to zone a bathroom. “When there’s so much tile choice out there, don’t feel like you have to be limited with your selection,” says Louisa Morgan, creative director atMandarin Stone. “With careful design, tile combinations can create a space that is full of style and character.”
Go for a walk-in shower
Diane Hyde has noticed a trend continuation with large, and luxuriouswalk-in showers, pointing out that seamless flooring is the key to a well-designed one. Award-winning celebrity interior designerNaomi Astley Clarkenotes its practical design post-pandemic has seen her installing more at-home steam shower rooms than before, and adds that investing in astylishheated towel rail within reach, is a detail that goes a long way.
Combine colours and patterns
The use of colour in the home can affect the energy of the space and transform the individual mood. David Harris, design director atAndrew Martin,differentiates for small bathrooms. Hues of dark forest greens and deep blues create perception of depth, enhancing relaxation.
Contrastingly, forlarger bathrooms, light and fresh palettes are best. ‘‘Whites, creams, andclean, soft greys work with smart bathroom fittings andmarblesurfaces. Warmersetting plaster colours are also great, along with soft sky blues and greens.’’
Experiment with wallpaper
Wallpapersare another way to add richness and texture to a bathroom. Previously, the thought of wallpaper in the bathroom was not seen as an option. However, brands such as Hamilton Weston are creatingwall coveringsthat last and make a statement.
‘‘Our wallpapers have been frequently specified for bathrooms, with many clients using them to express personality and embrace bolderdesignchoices where they may not otherwise elsewhere in the home,’’ explains Ellie Iezzi, the brand’s design and marketing co-ordinator.
‘‘We recommend clients consult their decorator to decide whether wallpapers are right for their bathroom,” says Iezzi. “Rooms must be well ventilated and prepared before installation begins. Many wallpapers can also be protected once in situ, with considerate application of decorators’ varnishes.’’
Introduce focal points and accents
“I always start by looking at the space and the light. Then it’s the symmetry of the room; I love to add a focal point, be it a hand-painted feature wall or agorgeous fireplace,” reveals interior designerKatharine Pooley.
“Other favouritetechniques are beautifullycrafted joinery, design flourishes, layering the lighting and mixing finishes such as antiqued brass against marble, contrasting textures,and addingsingular accents. Theseall transform a bathroom into a very individual environment of much-needed wellbeing.”
Up the luxe factor with marble
Marble is a classic feature that instantly brightens any bathroom. As well as traditional white marble, there are other colours that can be used to zone in your basins,walls, or floor. “We’re now seeingdarker, richer coloursin the bathroom,” explains James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds.
“Our clients are increasingly opting for the richer, darkerVerde Guatemala marblewe now offer as an option on many of our products. Green marble works extremely well with brassware or dark antique finishes, helping to create a refined, luxurious look.”
Play with colour
“There’s a renewed interest inusing colour within the home, with particular attention being paid to how different hues can elevate the atmosphere, as well as how it looks. “Neutral shades for thebathroom are an all-too common choice.
“However, it doesn’t mean that adding a pop of colour is off limits. In a smaller space, it might seem too risky to attempt. Yet a visual accent can pull a room together. A modern option to make a visual impact is to add a colourful bathtub,” explains Louise Ashdown, head of design atWest One Bathrooms.
“However, colourful basins have been hitting the mark in recent years. You can choose from a variety of shades, but be sure to select a hue that you’ll be happy with for a long time to come. If you’re ready to take a risk, bright, rich or pastel shades can add new life to the space. Acolourful bathroomcould never be called dull. They’re a great way to create an eye-catching look.”
Richard Skeoch, director atHyperion Tilessays bold decor has become a key trend. “Tiles are an obvious choice if you want a striking finish: choose from a statement wall, floor or combine both with different patterns,” he says. Hyperion’s newCa’ Pietra Deck Chair porcelain tilein rose is super-stylish.
Add curved lines
Interiors using curved lines are the perfect accompaniment to natural materials. “Moulded surfaces inglassand composite stone create clean lines, with no hard edges between basin and countertop,” says Rebecca Milnes, senior designer atC.P.Hart. “Curvesare also useful for tight bathrooms, makingsmall spacesappear much larger.”
Be bold with a statement basin
Basins have also upgraded. “Recently more people are interested in adding personality to their bathroom or cloakroom,” comments Anna Callis, founder and designer at theLondon Basin Company.
“Decorative interiors have become a trend: coloured sanitaryware has seen a resurgence, wall and floor tiles have emerged with daring patterns and the introduction of statement washbasins is a simple way of creating a focal point while adding a touch of opulence and drama.”
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