City Schemes & Country Dreams
Whether home is an urban abode or a rustic dwelling, your chosen bathroom scheme should complement its surroundings and help achieve a luxurious lifestyle.
Whether you live in the heart of the city or have a rural home, there’s a bathroom style for you. Be bowled over by a cool, cosmopolitan design ideal for a chic, open-plan residence, thanks to its clean, sleek lines. Or, opt for a country look, enhanced by organic materials and plentiful space to unwind in utmost comfort.
Penthouse living
Even though some urban pads may have limited room, together with challenging layout issues, that’s certainly no reason to plan anything less than a five-star escape. So, take inspiration from the world’s most elite boutique hotels. Unfussy, key pieces should be your starting point, such as a generous, floor sunken tub or a freestanding, statement-making basin – doubled up for impact.
Plus, when sanitaryware is teamed with the latest lighting and fixtures, adding a real touch of instant grown-up glamour, you’ll create a luxe haven to return to after a day hitting the shops.
Added attraction
Don’t be afraid to reflect your personality when choosing a colour palette. Monochrome themes are still popular for a clean, uniform look while an earthy effect is achieved with natural materials and rich hues. Plus, shiny and reflective finishes can enhance the sheer brilliance of an all-white sanctuary for a crisp, knock-out ‘wow’ interior.
If natural light is limited and you crave the sort of brightness afforded by floor to ceiling windows, then create the illusion of space with some large mirrors, which are also great for daily grooming and preparing before a night out on the tiles. Invest in ceiling spotlights and consider plinth LEDs to form a relaxing spa-like ambience at home. What’s more, you can really show off that flair for fashion with a careful injection of tint, via accessories and furnishings. Then, why not add individuality with some contemporary, luxe finishing touches such as a display of favourite beauty products, specially commissioned artwork and bold, iconic seating?
A slice of charm
While city pads might be on the small side, larger, period houses out of town may also offer some complications. Uneven walls, irregularly shaped rooms and low ceilings provide a design challenge. However, you can remedy any layout issues with softening elements such as curvy sanitaryware, or invest in a tailor-made design for that perfect fit.
A freestanding roll-top bath is the ultimate addition within a classic retreat, but, remember, that placement is key. So, consider positioning your statement-making tub under the eaves to make the most of a tricky space, for example. A traditional cast iron bath is a shrewd investment, as it will be built to last and exude timeless beauty.
If your home boasts original features, then you’ve the ideal excuse to further complement the room by introducing natural wood and stone. Warm hues work well in a rustic scheme, so embrace copper pieces to inject a sense of individuality and richness.
Hayley Tarrington, Senior Designer at C.P. Hart, says, “Be creative when planning a country-style bathroom. By opting for a mix ‘n’ match look, you’ll achieve an elegant theme that effortlessly blends different pieces and textures to personalise your wash zone. The result will just ooze uniqueness.”
However, with a little imagination, some vintage buys, organic accents and carefully thought-out planning, new-build properties can certainly work this popular period theme to the maximum effect. 
Balancing act
Simply can’t decide between a country-inspired retreat and an urban-style wash space? Well, rest assured...with a dash of vision and creativity, it’s possible to meld both looks and form a striking, statement-making scheme full of individuality. Since the bathroom is top of the list when it comes to functionality, high tech elements such as chromatherapy lighting and wellbeing whirlpools will not only make you feel fabulous, they can be just the job for any abode – even if it still boasts its original walls and has exposed oak beams too!
On the other hand, why not bring a touch of glamour and character to a more metropolitan scheme with a classic roll-top or bateau bath and glitzy chandelier alongside the most innovative of showering solutions? Either way, ensure you make the most of any views, whether of the city or countryside, with careful placement of products. Just remember that this fusion of styles is only going be a success if it expresses your personality, design desires and daily practical needs. It’s a fun and creative option for those really wanting to shun run-of-the-mill in favour of some eclectic elegance.
Go to town with flamboyant upholstery, ornate mirrors and the most cutting-edge of innovations to really get the ultimate classic vs. contemporary outcome. So, now you’ve seen the most exciting choices available...which will be your favourite?
