Embracing the Spa Retreat Within
As an introvert through and through, I’ve always been fascinated by how our homes can become inner sanctuaries – soothing our souls and uplifting our wellbeing. And when it comes to carving out a true oasis of tranquility, the bathroom is perhaps the most important room in the house. For years, I’ve been dreaming of transforming my drab, poorly-designed bathroom into a spa-like retreat where I can truly escape the stresses of the day.
Well, the wait is finally over. As part of our home extension plans, I’ll be working with the experts at VitrA Bathrooms to bring my vision to life – a calming sanctuary that channels the serene energy of a high-end spa. Think soothing green tones, natural textures, and thoughtful design details that elevate the everyday ritual of bathing into a truly restorative experience.
Designing a Sanctuary from Scratch
When it comes to creating your dream bathroom, being your own client can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the possibilities are endless – you can shape the space exactly how you envision it. But on the other, you have to navigate the tricky balance of your personal design preferences and practical functionality.
Luckily, I had the expert guidance of VitrA’s specification executive, Shahnee Taylor-Brown, to help me strike that perfect harmony. Through several collaborative meetings, we developed a cohesive design that combines my love for calm, minimal aesthetics with VitrA’s technical know-how. And let me tell you, stepping into their Clerkenwell showroom was a game-changer. Being able to see, touch, and even virtually experience the products in person made all the difference in bringing my vision to life.
The starting point for the design? A simple yet striking soap dish that inspired the undulating lines and soothing sage green tones I wanted to weave throughout the space. From there, the concept evolved into a tranquil sanctuary anchored by VitrA’s Liquid tiles – a collaboration with designer Tom Dixon featuring his signature soft, rounded forms.
A Serene Oasis Brought to Life
As someone who thrives in minimalist, clutter-free environments, I knew I wanted to create a bathroom that felt like a true respite from the outside world. The key? Striking the perfect balance between elegant simplicity and thoughtful details that spark moments of delight.
Across the floor, we’ll have a beautiful natural stone-effect porcelain tile that adds warmth and texture underfoot. The walls, meanwhile, will be adorned with a mix of VitrA’s off-white matte tiles and the striking Liquid tiles, with dark green grout adding a subtle graphic punch. And to give the space a timeless, luxurious feel, we’re opting for brushed nickel brassware – a finish that’s both understated and elevated.
Of course, no spa-inspired bathroom would be complete without the perfect freestanding bathtub. Positioned right in front of the window, this sculptural centerpiece will offer the ultimate opportunity to sink in, unwind, and soak up the tranquil, natural surroundings. And to ensure I can truly indulge in the experience, we’ve cleverly tucked a discreet shower nook in the corner, leaving the main bathing area blissfully uninterrupted.
Balancing Form and Function
As much as I wanted to craft a serene oasis, I also had to consider the practical realities of daily life. After all, a bathroom isn’t just a place to escape – it’s also where we perform our most essential routines. That’s why we made the strategic decision to separate the toilet from the main bathroom, ensuring I can maintain that spa-like ambiance without sacrificing functionality.
In the adjacent WC room, we’ll keep things equally refined, with the same matte tiles and brushed nickel hardware tying the two spaces together. And when it comes to storage, the Voyage vanity units from VitrA’s Arik Levy collection will provide ample space for all my essentials, while their clean-lined silhouette echoes the overall design aesthetic.
By thoughtfully balancing form and function, I’m confident this bathroom will become a true sanctuary – a place to indulge in moments of pure relaxation, while also seamlessly accommodating the practical realities of everyday life. And with the expert team at ABC Home & Building Services on hand to bring the vision to life, I know the end result will be a calming oasis that soothes both my body and my mind.
Embracing the Journey
As excited as I am to finally have the bathroom of my dreams, I have to admit – the process hasn’t been without its challenges. After all, creating a cohesive, spa-like retreat from scratch is no easy feat. There have been countless mood boards, tile samples, and product comparisons to sift through. And let’s not forget the logistical hurdles of reconfiguring the floor plan to accommodate our needs.
But you know what they say – the journey is just as important as the destination. And in this case, I’ve found the design process to be both creatively fulfilling and emotionally restorative. It’s been a chance to really delve into what I value most in a bathroom space – the tactile materials, the thoughtful details, the overall sense of calm and clarity.
So while the reality of a full-scale renovation may seem daunting, I’m choosing to embrace the process, savor the excitement of seeing my vision come to life, and revel in the knowledge that I’m creating a true sanctuary for myself. After all, isn’t that what a spa-inspired bathroom is all about? A place to escape the noise, restore our senses, and simply…be.
I may have had to wait years for this dream bathroom, but I can already tell you – it’s going to be worth every second.
