Bathrooms: blissful relaxation

Designer Roberto Lazzeroni created the Il Bagno collection for Antonio Lupi – a romantic reinterpretation of the classic form. Through meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, this collection shows an appreciation of the past that results in an outstanding design with contemporary elegance (www.antoniolupi.it).

BLISSFUL BATHROOMS

The bathroom has come a long way and is nowadays a place where people like to spend time relaxing and enjoying rather than just “using”. Today we have rain showers, jacuzzi baths, sculptural washbasins, and toilets that have more technology than we can wrap our heads around. Designing your bathroom can seem like quite a daunting task, but considering what requirements suit you is a good place to start. For example, if you find it difficult to get in and out of a bath, perhaps a wet room is a better option, offering easy entry access on a flat non-slip surface. If the area is small, consider rimless shower screens, large-scale tiles from floor to ceiling, a uniform colour (or a combination of neutral colours) and clever storage systems to give the room a sense of space and organisation. A quick and easy way to make a bathroom feel more homely is to add natural features such as a wooden stool or bath mat, wicker baskets for storing bath towels, and lush green botanicals. It is not difficult to give your bathroom some personality and make it an area where you can truly rejuvenate and enjoy the surroundings.

Icónico’s LR5M matt white circular basin made from solid surface has a raised base of 232 millimetres. Colours are applicable on the surfaces of the interior, exterior or both areas, and it can be installed as a vessel sink or semi-recessed. Shown here with their A-LE23 single lever mixer faucet in brushed gold (www.iconico.es).

The Paral collection designed by Victor Carrasco for Inbani has an understated look that speaks volumes and is perfect for a contemporarystyle home (www.inbani.com).

This stunning bathroom is highlighted by an elegant vanity cabinet and wall storage in refined oak wood, crafted by Ballingslöv’s own artisans. Combined with their porcelain (or composite stone) washbasin and contemporary illuminated mirror, the bathroom offers sophistication as well as practicality. Ballingslöv is situated in Centro Comercial Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.ballingslov-marbella.se).

Duravit’s White Tulip circular bath is made of impact-resistant and shockproof plastic with a smooth acrylic surface. It has two sloped backs for added comfort while bathing (www.duravit.com). Top Right The rectangular Kartell by Laufen free-standing bathtub is made from solid surface Sentec. It is shown here with the Max Beam stool, which also serves as a low table in transparent plastic (www.laufen.com).

Apaiser’s Sòl bathtub was named after the Norse goddess of the sun and a healer who presided over thermal springs, which were thought to be warmed by the sun’s energy and to possess magical healing properties. The design was inspired by this legend and was set out to represent the Nordic way of life, and their practical approach to high-quality design to achieve a harmonious way of living (www.apaiser.com).

The iconic Stand collection from Ex.t is inspired by the Modernist décor style of the 1920s and 1930s, featuring a touch of Nordic design. The purity of its geometry and authenticity gives this collection a wonderful aesthetic allure (www.ex-t.com).

BLACK ATTACK

Maison Valentina’s Darian bathtub and towel stand draw inspiration from Darius, the great Persian king. The black synthetic leather outer coating with gold-plated brass features adds a unique and luxurious look to the collection (www.maisonvalentina.net).

Woodio’s Soft60 collection features a contemporary and sophisticated design made from a wood composite that combines solid wood and resin-based adhesives (www.woodio.fi).

This elegant bathroom made from Nero Marquina, a compacted black rock with fine calcite grains, has a dynamic aesthetic which offers a luxurious feel to any countertop, wall or floor. Available from Mercado da Pedra in Avda. de Salamanca in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.mercadodapedra.com).

The Soho Electrical radiator from Tubes Radiatori has a manual on/off and temperature control, or it can be programmed with a digital wireless thermostat. Alternatively, it can be operated through touchcontrol using a device such as a smartphone via Bluetooth (www.tubesradiatori.com).

DINING AT HOME

Everyone takes pleasure in bringing loved ones together and enjoying a meal around a dinner table. After all, it is what unites the household and friends whilst, of course, savouring gastronomic delights cooked-up by the home cook(s) appointed for the occasion. As this area of the home is so socially important, it needs to be well-invested, not only to impress guests but also for long-lasting timeless beauty. Natural wood is currently very popular – and, actually, it always has been. A worn-in dining table takes its knocks and also writes a beautiful story in time, making it practically an heirloom with all the memories it holds. To veer onto a polar opposite design style, a stone table provides an extra-special and luxurious dining experience. Not everyone can necessarily afford it, as it is invariably much more expensive, but it is stunningly iconic and sometimes even a sculptural work of art within the overall home design.