Big Ideas: A spa-style bathroom

I’m sure we’ve all had days where we’ve wished we’ve had a spa to walk into as soon as we step through the front door, and while that may not always be possible, and we may have to plan our spa visits in advance, there are some style tips we can adopt to make the most of our own bathrooms to make them a haven of relaxation.

The Big Ideas for this bathroom are:

1. Tactile finishes such as natural woods and limewash tiles

2. A neutral palette which enhances the hygge design, but is also easy to update

3. A relaxing vibe, as we all know a calming atmosphere promotes wellbeing.

For me in this bathroom, it’s the tiles that make it. I’m sure they’re the type of tiles that builders love to hate and will tell you how hard they are to put up, but if they can look this good, I think that’s worth it. And if they are hard to put up, then I think I’d recommend a builder than trying to do them yourselves. I’ve said before that MOH and I are DIY-incompatible, and these don’t look like materials that would help with that.

He’d be a big fan of the shower though, even if the tiles aren’t quite his thing.

The other thing about this bathroom is that it’s full of texture. The wood, the tiles, the mats, even the basket with the candles in on the bench. Texture is satisfying for our eyes, and our soul I think.

It’s unusual to have artwork in a bathroom, often because they’re small and steamy places, and so it’s not practical. But if you have the space, then it’s worth considering. I like the picture above even for a non-bathroom space - it’s the type of image that challenges your eyes and brain, but also rewards them with a pleasing image once you’ve really seen it.

Even if we can’t fit all of this into our own more normal sized bathrooms, some of the Big Ideas would be relatively easy to incorporate, and I’m sure the benefit would be ten-fold.

Big Ideas: A cocooning kitchen

I can always tell how much I like a room set by the number of photos I take, and you can tell from this post I was rather keen on this one, and I haven’t included all the ones I have.

The Big Ideas for this cocooning kitchen are:

1. Dark & Dreamy, with the refined textures and handcrafted feel

2. Timeless flooring, decorative parquet always has the maximum impact

3. Tropical elements, whether that’s focal point plants, or the wallpaper, but it’s a great way to personalise your space

4. Gold accents add a luxurious touch and bring a boutique look

5. Wine & Dine, the bench style seating is great for entertaining.

Just look at the darkness of the colours, the texture of the tiles, the pattern on the floor and the pop of colour from the chair. Hang on, at first I didn’t notice anything wrong, but looking again the chair looked a little unusual. Stepping back, it was reassuring to know that even for room sets there are hiccups.

SOMETHING’S MISSING…

Although the legless chair does have a certain air of comfort about it!

There’s wood flooring, on the cupboards and in the dining space, along with the touches of gold, on the table and hanging above it.

I think it’s the tiles that make this work, they reflect light, add texture and look simply gorgeous. Clearly it’s not a proper kitchen, I mean where’s the kettle?

The wallpaper too adds some quirkiness and even though it matches the dark and dreamy brief, it’s also colourful and quirky.

It might not be an obvious choice of wallpaper for a kitchen, but it works doesn’t it? Though you do have to be careful for the insects…

What do you think?

Big Ideas: A vintage bathroom

This is the first of the Big Ideas room sets from the 2019 Ideal Home Show, and I’m sure it’s a first in that I’m posting about the show while it’s still on. it’s amazing what an early-in-the-show visit can do isn’t it?

The Big Ideas to add glamour to a vintage bathroom are:

1. On-trend shades: using pinks and greens to create a Miami vibe

2. Roll-top bath: adding a bespoke finish or a freestanding finish, or both

3. Statement walls: using decorative wallpaper and a panelled effect

It’s quite a statement bathroom isn’t it?

And it’s totally got the Miami vibe. I’m not sure it’s for me, but it was one that was drawing the crowds and encouraging discussion from the strangers viewing it. Most of the comments when I was there was about the size of the roll-top bath. It is quite diddy.

And quite high up.

The conversation I had with four ladies I’ve never met before, centred around how we’d get in, and once in how we’d get out, as well as if it was possible to stretch out and relax in a bath like this. None of us were sure about any of those, although we seemed more convinced about getting in, than getting out. But only with a step ladder, which might spoil the look.

I’m not sure this roll-top bath is for me.

I do like the wallpaper though. Even now I’m trying to work out the pattern, and which birds have their wings up and which have them down. I think the overall effect, along with the pink clouds (?) give the sense of movement and I have to wonder where we’re flying off to.

Remember my trends from the Ideal Home Show? Well one of them was ‘wire furniture’ - well this bathroom, has one I didn’t clock until just now. Like the commenter on my earlier post, I’m not sure about the functional-ness (yes made up word alert) of this kind of furniture. The basket/stool above looks great, but put stuff in it and I’m sure it’s charm evaporates. It’s not ideal for a washing basket now, is it?

And how about that for a radiator and towel rail that’s in keeping with the style of the room? In fact, it’d look great in any kind of room, but what’s your view on this room set, and what about the bath, could you get in and out of it easily?