Perfect Fit
Creating a luxurious look for your bathroom has never been easier with so many fabulous freestanding or built-in options.
Finding the right bathroom for you can seem very daunting, but with so much choice on the market you'll enjoy the whole shopping adventure. Whether you go for statement pieces or the smooth flowing look of something built-in, there's a design to suit any style of property. So, will it be chic modular or dramatic freestanding?
Bathing Beauties
If opulent boudoir-inspired luxury is your thing, you may well lean towards the latter of the two options, via a shapely, graceful slipper-style bath.
To add a more contemporary air to your space, a tactile design in any one of the many textures and tones on offer today could work wonders. Says Jonathan Carter, Marketing Manager at Victoria & Albert, "In a large wet zone, a big bath can make for a real focal point, especially when placed centrally."
Plus, it also gives you the opportunity to be more adventurous. Freestanding pieces make you think about and perfectly plan the area available. With this type of style, you can allow yourself to be creative with the look desired, whether it be with a mix of colours, textures or totally diverse designs.
For a more traditional, fitted route, you may choose to arrange the suite around all corners of the bathroom to make sure every inch is utilised.
A built-in bath can be beneficial here, fitting snugly within the floor or nestling in a recess.
The neat lines will be perfect for a classic or contemporary scheme and you can make it your own by opting for panels and various finishes to suit. These can range from high gloss lacquer to painted options, or you could consider using natural stone and wood to add extra warmth and richness - all-important during the colder climes.
All In Proportion
Built-in design works very well with the growing trend for homeowners to have at least two or more smaller bathrooms instead of the traditional family room. You can find an appealing range of storage solutions and sanitaryware to suit your taste. Cleverly thought-out compact designs which make the most of every inch are both attractive and efficient. The popular belief that furniture
can swamp a small room needs to be rethought.
The good news is that this type of style need not be restricted to a bijou space - it can add a dramatic dimension to a larger room, whether it is classically traditional or über-contemporary.
Says Colin Wilson, General Manager at Scottwood of Nottingham, "It's a fact that people who visit luxury hotels come away with one or two decorative ideas. I've found that travellers are often inspired by dropped-in baths with pilasters and ornate cornices. They're also impressed by a wealth of useful cupboards and shelving together with clever lighting and a whole host of mirrors."
So, whether it's a set of wall-hung modular cabinetry or a totally tailor-made suite, the fitted bathroom offers a space for everything needed.
Piece By Piece
Awkward places can offer a challenge to try the patience of even the most experienced designer. But choosing a freestanding bathroom could be the key to making the very most of your precious bathing haven. Previously associated with period homes, this type of wet zone has taken on a fresh and dynamic identity as more homeowners are readily latching onto its enduring popularity.
Plus, you will find a host of great, cutting-edge schemes enabling you to dream up the ultimate modern-day sanctuary. And whilst fitted models provide neat, clean lines, choosing a freestanding option gives you greater scope to be individual.
What's more, you can mix and match pieces from different sources for a more interesting eclectic look and you'll find that moving away from walls need not mean your space is invaded.
But how do you decide between the two styles? Explains Laurence Pidgeon, Director at Alternative Plans, "Your main guide will be your own eye and personal sense of style. Ultimately, the choice is yours, so I'd advise you to follow your gut instinct. Only you know if you want each and every element of your bathroom to have some individuality, or whether you'd prefer a sleeker, more polished and coherent look on the whole."
Still unsure? You could ponder over fusing together the solidity of a built-in vanity unit with a discreet counter basin and copious storage, plus a dramatic freestanding bath for extra impact and indulgence. That way, you have the best of both worlds by fashioning a room perfect for you.
