INTERIORS: SPATHROOMS

Spathroom visions

So what is a‘spathroom’ then? Why, it’s a spot for mindfulness, meditation or just more high-quality me-time. If you’re no longer keen on sharing steam with others while mingling at hotels, health clubs and retreats, upgrading to one of these could be a decent investment...

Now, more than ever, we want a bathroom that can be our own personal sanctuary, agree the folks at Mandarin Stone. “If luxury hotel bathrooms and spas are but a distant memory, now’s the time to create your very own. From impressive large-format marble effects to retro-style terrazzo, allow yourself to indulge with no limitations. Using tiles like this will create the perfect ambience to the bathroom. The bathroom is also the perfect place to experiment with colour, pattern and texture. It’s all about creating a space with personality and individuality.”

Ursell Pools & Wellness have created one and two-person saunas and steam rooms that have fitted into some tight spaces to wonderful effect. The seasoned spathroom experts take projects from design to completion with their in-house designers, makers and builders, and fully equipped workshop where they build spa products such as small plunge pools and ‘experience’ showers. “Currently many people are focusing on developing and improving their homes as well as focusing on their health and wellbeing,” they say. “Creating the perfect home spa is a wise investment for both your health and wellness.”

Long gone are the days when a bathroom was simply a utilitarian space, one of function rather than enjoyment, says interior designer John Law. “Today the bathroom offers, in its place, more of a space for self-care and relaxation. During and following lockdown, as we navigate such uncertain times, this value of such a retreat has undoubtedly gained greater appreciation.

“In creating such a sanctuary within our own home, cues and inspiration might very well be taken from luxury spas, perhaps of Bristol’s best-known retreats, or indeed from spas further afield. Key elements such as materials, soothing colour tones and finishes for instance. A spa doesn’t necessarily have to look zen however, unless you want it to, of course.”

Whatever you are drawn to –and there’s a look for every taste, ranging from the rustic to the uber-glam –a spa environment is almost universally restful and calm.

“It’s all about choosing the right sanitary ware, carefully planned multi-functional lighting, using natural materials and adding relaxing aromas and luxurious accessories,” says west country interior designer Clair Strong. “To give your bathroom a unique spa-like feel, choose one feature that gives it a standout designer look; a rolltop bath, marble tiles, designer mirrors and his-and-her sinks will create a glamorous look. If you have space, start with a freestanding rolltop bath with double ends so you can really lie back and relax. Splash out and choose one with an in-built jacuzzi for the total spa experience. If you have the space, think about a sauna. Installing a prefabricated indoor sauna is pretty straightforward and it can be completed in a day. In smaller bathrooms, a walk-in shower or wetroom with an oversized rainfall showerhead is a stylish alternative. Look for a shower head that has multiple settings, including a massage head.

“Natural materials and earthy tones are essential to create a zen-like feeling in your bathroom. Choose white sanitary ware and muted shades of green, grey and brown and then add tiles. These bring colour, pattern, texture, a natural look or even a bit of glamour. Natural stone has character, marble looks opulent, and ceramic and porcelain tiles give a minimalist contemporary look.

“Your choice of lighting is very important. Think about how you will use the bathroom at different times of day. You want it bright and functional in the morning but you want to be able to relax in the evenings. The trick is to use multiple layers of light from a variety of sources. Direct lights above the key areas, layered with task lighting around bathroom mirrors for close-up activities, like putting on makeup or shaving, will give you options. Install a dimmer switch for mood lighting. You’ll instantly create the perfect ambience for late-night pamper sessions.

“It’s all about the right accessories, too. Think designer mirrors, greenery and immaculate white towels resting on a wooden stool. Mirrors come in so many different shapes and sizes and make a real statement. Round mirrors are very on trend, rectangular mirrors are timeless and oval mirrors elegant. For a really cool designer look, go for two round mirrors hanging by a chain or strap, over a pair of hisand-hers sinks. Think of mirrors in bathrooms as design elements that expand the room visually and add light to the room.

“Clever storage solutions are key to a tidy, uncluttered, spa-like bathroom. Keep your essentials at hand and everything else neatly tucked away. Give everything –makeup, cleaning products, bath linens –a home. Try using clear glass jars, wicker baskets and designer soaps and lotion in chic glass pumps.

“Look for natural wood cabinets, towel ladders and stools. Fluffy

PREVIOUS PAGE, from top left: Pigment Mocha Gloss Ceramic tiles combined with Cosmic Ivory Porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone give a real sense of escape; A sauna from Ursell Pools & Wellnesss, which can be fitted in small spaces like an understair cupboard; This steam room from Ursell Pools & Wellness is the ultimate in indulgence; An experience shower from Ursell Pools & Wellnesss; Paradise Green Gloss Porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone, with brass basin fittings reinvents the utilitarian white bathroom

Woodhouse and Law’s bathroom scheme combines marble effect floor tiles with a herringbone tile shower room –the occasional table allows the display of calming and selfindulgent elements

white towels are often associated with spas or boutique hotels and work with any scheme. They are classic, timeless and easy to replace. If you want to add colour, soft blues and greens are calming and dark grey towels look sophisticated and chic. A towel-warmer is essential for the luxury of toasty towels to wrap up in anytime.

“House plants create a healthy, tranquil environment and one big designer plant by the bath or a group of hanging plants will add an exotic touch. Finally, aromatherapy. Essential oils, scented soap and candles set the mood: choose scents like lavender, lemon or jasmine to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.” n

Form Russet Wall Decor Porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone create a sultry space for a bathing experience WOODHOUSE AND LAW’S GUIDE TO SPATHROOMS

1. Keep calm and carry on

Introduce calm, relaxing colours and materials. Spas often incorporate natural materials such as timber, stone and marble, reconnecting with the natural and creating a sense of calm.

2. Just add large plants

The addition of large plants to a bathroom scheme or several smaller plants in wall-mounted containers or on shelves can instantly make a space feel more relaxing.

3. Reduce the clutter

Revel in self-care treatments but keep the space clutter-free. Invest in clever storage –a bespoke vanity that can be adapted or use a shallow drawer for cosmetics. Refillable dispensers make the bathroom look stylish and reduce waste.

4. Scale up

When selecting a shower head, scale up so your day-to-day experience feels more decadent. If a rain shower isn’t an option, add a wider fixed shower head.

5. Focus on comfort

Consider incorporating de-misters on mirrors and underfloor heating to keep the room warm and cosy, even on the coldest nights. Dual fuel radiators allow you to dry towels in summer.

6. Take it easy with the tiles Don’t tile every surface. Paint walls and introduce wallpaper to individualise the space and add artwork to create interest and make the space more atmospheric.

7. Avoid the conventional

Set out to design a room you wish to spend time in. For example, in place of standard bathroom furniture, you could use an antique chest to adapt for a washbasin, or a stool that could sit by the bath for your reading book or glass of wine? If you have space, consider adding a chair, chaise or sofa to the room; somewhere you can relax while you draw a bath.

8. All the feels

Introduce texture to help the space feel tactile, more relaxed and decadent. Perhaps the fronds of a fern, a rug or fluffy towels. A spa is all about being pampered, which involves a sensory experience. Light a candle infused with relaxing scents and include space for bath oils, loofahs and a bath pillow.

9. Let’s get lit

Invest in good lighting, key to creating a spa environment; add, for instance, additional circuits on dimmers so you can control the level of light. Always introduce lighting within niches and at low level so that you can quickly create a softer ambience.

10. Hybrid theory

If you have space, incorporate your bathroom into the bedroom to create a suite. The WC can be separated off, while the bathtub and shower become decorative features. We have recently designed two spa bathrooms with a wet and dry space, separated by a large glass wall. The shower and bathtub sit side by side in a wet room environment, making the bathroom warm, inviting and easy to maintain. It also adds a sense of decadence as you step into a glass enclosure to bathe.

Woodhouse & Law: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Other companies featured: Ursell Pools & Wellness (ursell.com); Mandarin Stone (mandarinstone.com) and Clair Strong (clairstrong.co.uk)