Suite dreams
Embrace the trend for open-plan living with a chic bedroom-cum-bathroom area in which to cleanse and relax.
Pioneered by boutique hotels like the Crazy Bear, placing a freestanding tub in the boudoir is now popular among style-savvy homeowners eager to achieve the ultimate five-star retreat. Ensuring a softer, more romantic setting for relaxing with a loved one, an integrated suite is the perfect way to achieve a seamless flow between sleep space and sanctuary. Why not enjoy
a tailor-made environment to prepare for the day ahead or unwind at the end of it?
If you lack room for an en suite, or you dream of having a second bathing zone, a fully functional bedroom-bathroom could be the answer. But, before you call on the experts, there are a few practical pointers to consider. First, is the spot you have in mind within easy access of the existing bathroom? Explains Jonathan Carter, Marketing Manager at Victoria & Albert; ‘By installing a bathtub in close proximity to the en suite or wet room, you can cut down on unsightly pipe work. It’s also essential that the floor can take the weight of the piece when it has been filled with water.’ Materials like Quarrycast are not as heavy as traditional cast iron, and are therefore great options for these areas. Some modern masterpieces have been crafted to blend in with other furniture. Or, perhaps you’d rather make a statement with a tub that’ll stand out from the crowd? Roll-top versions are the most sought-after for these special spots, but, of course, the choice is yours. Ask yourself, what’s your dream design? For those who wish to work the look to the max, a lone bathtub simply won’t do. 
Why not team with matching vanity units so you can carry out everyday ablutions in one fell swoop? By boosting the boudoir with a designated wash station, with mirror, efficient lighting and excellent storage, you’ll definitely save time on your morning routine. Says Alexandra Ross Skinner, Design Director at Smallbone of Devizes; ‘To blend state-of-the-art bathing with the daily beauty regime, dedicated furniture for housing clothes and accessories is key.’ Keep it clutter-free to bring the open-plan concept to the fore. Also opt for water-resistant wood flooring, as carpeting can become damp. If you prefer some privacy while soaking your skin in bubbles, you might like the idea of a classic en suite or a dedicated corner zone. Bring your old scheme bang up-to-date with a few finishing touches that wouldn’t look out of place in the boudoir itself. A chic chandelier, for instance. When doing hotel chic at home, it’s all in the detail – from a grand tub big enough for two to share, to an array of flickering candles.
If you’re lucky enough to live beside the sea or amid gorgeous British countryside, why not make the most of a spectacular view as you take a dip? Or, would you rather relax in your own retreat tucked away from the outside world? Either way, it’s all about conjuring up those memories of a much-loved holiday at a top resort, to enhance the mood. Feel free to echo all your own experiences and tastes – do you long for fluffy towels and his ‘n’ hers robes? Or would a statement mirror or clever storage tick your boxes?
It might be worth checking into a luxurious boutique hotel to gather inspiration – all in the name of research, of course! The Galgorm Resort & Spa in Belfast features suites with stunning slipper baths that look elegant in the bedroom as well as an adjoining wash zone. Whether you’re a fan of open-plan living or not, it’s a trend that’s set to stay. So, keep your eyes peeled for even more design innovations this year, as it’s evident that our sleeping quarters are being reinvented for 21st century living.
