Transforming the Chilly Chaos into a Calming Oasis
For years, my bathroom has been a neglected corner of my home – a chilly, poorly-fitted space that was anything but a soothing sanctuary. The truth is, I’ve been dreading even setting foot in there, let alone inviting others to see its dull and uninviting state. But that’s all about to change.
As part of our home extension plans, I’ll finally be saying goodbye to that dingy downstairs bathroom and hello to a brand new, spa-inspired retreat upstairs. This has been a long-held dream of mine, and I can’t wait to share the journey of transforming this once-neglected space into a tranquil oasis.
Embracing the Blank Canvas
With a completely fresh start, I’ve had the freedom to design my dream bathroom from scratch. And let me tell you, it’s been both exhilarating and daunting. As Cate St Hill, an interiors writer and designer, aptly pointed out, “In a way it’s hard being your own client – you have so many options and so many different directions you could take.”
But I’m determined to create a space that not only meets my practical needs, but also soothes my soul. After all, as Cate notes, our homes have the power to become “inner sanctuaries, soothing our souls and uplifting our wellbeing.” And that’s exactly what I’m aiming for with this bathroom transformation.
Crafting a Calming Retreat
The concept for my new bathroom design started with a seemingly simple inspiration – a soap dish with its undulating lines and soothing sage green hue. From there, I’ve worked closely with the experts at VitrA Bathrooms to bring my vision to life.
The key? Cultivating a calm, spa-like sanctuary with soothing green tones, simple graphic lines, and natural textures. I want to create a space that envelops you in a sense of tranquility the moment you step inside.
Layering Texture and Interest
One of the ways I plan to achieve this serene ambiance is by incorporating a variety of textures and subtle points of interest. The hero of the design will be the Liquid tiles by VitrA Bathrooms and Tom Dixon, with their curved motifs that can be arranged in endless configurations. These will take center stage in the shower area, adding a touch of playfulness and visual intrigue.
Elsewhere, I’ll balance this with square, off-white matte tiles and brushed nickel brassware for a timeless, understated finish. The brushed nickel has a lovely, quiet quality that won’t overpower the space. And to add even more tactility, stone-effect porcelain tiles will grace the floors.
Striking the Right Balance
It’s all about finding the perfect balance – between neutral, calming tones and just enough visual interest to prevent the space from feeling flat or boring. I want my sanctuary to feel warm and inviting, with a material richness that soothes the senses.
And let’s not forget the all-important functional elements. With the bathroom being a completely new addition to our home, I’ve had the luxury of separating the toilet from the main bathroom to ensure the waste pipe is routed in the best possible way. This also means I can indulge in having a dedicated freestanding bath and a separate shower – pure bliss!
Bringing the Vision to Life
Of course, turning this concept into reality is no easy feat. But with the help of the talented team at VitrA Bathrooms, I’m confident that my dream bathroom will soon become a reality. Seeing the 3D visualizations and even stepping into the virtual reality rendering in their showroom has been invaluable in helping me truly envision the final result.
As Cate mentioned, “Even more so when I put the VR headset on in the showroom and could stand in the shower or open the vanity unit doors – I’d never even put a VR headset on before, so it was really an immersive experience.”
The Journey Ahead
This bathroom has been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to share the rest of the journey with you. From navigating the construction process to sourcing the perfect finishing touches, I’ll be taking you along for the ride. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good before-and-after reveal?
So, stay tuned as I embark on the mission to transform my once-neglected bathroom into a soothing sanctuary – a tranquil, spa-inspired escape that will transport me (and hopefully you) to a world of calm and relaxation. After all, as the experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest, our bathrooms should be “places of refuge, respite, and renewal.”
And that’s exactly what I’m set to create. Bring on the tranquility!
