Words: Anne Schauffer | Images: Shutterstock
What makes a bathroom into the sanctuary you’d like it to be? “Lighting, comfort and functionality,” says Gareth Gee of Simply Bathrooms. “It’s one place where no one should disturb you, where you can let down your guard. So ideally you want it warm and cosy, not hard and cold.” He shares some trends he sees creeping in as we approach the winter months.
Essentials
There are certain elements which are always popular in bathrooms, like heated floors and heated towel rails. These little touches of luxury make the entire bathroom experience enjoyable, particularly in winter. Gareth suggests that every bathroom restoration should include top-quality fittings. “Don’t go cheap. Use superior hardware, so it functions well and the sight or sound of it doesn’t jar, like a loudly flushing loo or noisy taps – these elements break the calm, sensual mood which provides that relaxation.”
Accessories
Gareth says there are two distinct trends: contemporary and vintage. “The contemporary bathrooms tend to be minimalistic with sharp edges, glass and lighting. The others are more opulent, even over the top, with features such as chandeliers, plants, couches, even fireplaces.” It’s all about personal taste. He suggests a neutral bathroom shell, enabling you to vary colours and textures for the season, without conflicting with the bathroom fixtures.
“The trend towards authenticity is a strong one for bathrooms, and natural materials such as wood, stone and concrete are grounding,” Gareth says. Wood is naturally warm to the eye and touch, so it can be used anywhere in the bathrooms to give that earthy feeling, whether it’s a slatted bench or a shower floor. Well-chosen greenery can also enhance the quest for a natural feel.”
Colour
Bathroom hardware is going colourful and/or metallic. “Taps, baths, basins and accessories are leaning strongly towards colour or shine, with rose gold, pink, grey, mustard yellow, brushed brass and matte black the most popular,” Gareth says. Chrome is yesterday. Greys and blacks are still popular, but for winter, warm things up with colourful textured towels and a deep pile bathmat.
Hot hardware
For new floors, Gareth says most people choose oversized tiles, which aside from giving the bathroom a simple neutral look, also minimize the area of grout where mould can grow. Variations such as wood-look-alike tiles, are also being used. For shower lovers, it’s all about walk-in spaces with large overhead shower roses and channels, either with no glass or just a screen to keep it simplistic and easy to use.
