Bathrooms At Large
Much more than just a practical pit-stop, today’s super-size sanctuaries are big on relaxation and palatial opulence.
Gone are the days of bijou bathrooms where a basin and tub alone would do the trick - the American influence of sizeable baths and king-size luxury has impacted upon Britain. We're embracing the big-is-best trend with gusto - it's now something for us to aspire to - and the smallest room is no exception.
Super-size schemes
It may be an essential element in every home, but the wet zone isn't simply there so we can carry out our daily ablutions - it provides a heavy dose of relaxation, a place to escape the trials and tribulations of the day and a sense of wellbeing. Today, we expect much more from our retreats and, with an extra-large one, we can have it all. An ordinary washing experience in a small room can be transformed into a cleansing ritual to rival that of Cleopatra with an enormous one. Space will exude a sense of calm, so it should come as no surprise that in our fast-paced world of hectic living, this area of the home has gone large on style and is no longer just a functional stop-gap.
A big bathing haven could prove to be a fabulous investment too. You can use your extra metres to create generous and clearly defined key zones for showering, washing and general pampering. But don't be tempted to install lots
of fitted furniture as it will make the room appear smaller. A much better choice is to carefully select freestanding items or wall-hung pieces that will supply structure and purpose in abundance.
Viva voluptuous
Petite might be preferable for a woman's shoe size, but not all good things come in small packages. Capacious retreats deserve sanitaryware to match, including big bowls and tubs for two to share. Offering quick, pick-me-up showers or soaks in the tub, super-large items are fast becoming an essential element of today's over-sized haven.
Indeed, over the past decade, our bathing area has grown into a luxurious space that's able to accommodate our feel-good needs at home, with spa-style whirlpool baths, huge Turkish steam cabins and matching his 'n' hers basins. Multifunction elements go hand-in-hand with a spacious layout, working to enhance the quality of our cleansing experiences as well as providing an oasis of calm in the epicentre of our lives.
Setting the style
In terms of look, there's no right or wrong. From contemporary chic to traditional charm - or even a bit of both - the main aim of a larger-than-life bathing area is to ensure a true feeling of inner peace. Unrestricted shapes and fuss-free design are equally at home in a roomy layout as ornate touches and classic detailing that will happily combine for an eye-catching, timeless appeal.
Whatever style you choose, be sure to keep it streamlined and uncluttered. After all, the impact of uncompromising space along with over-sized sanitaryware will speak volumes for itself.
Super-size bathroom ideas
From Heather-Joy Crawford, Marketing Director at Adamsez
- Incorporate a larger-than-standard bath - freestanding if possible - and a showering area that's big enough for two to cleanse in comfort.
- A really striking tub is hard to beat in terms of sheer glamour. An unusual model - perhaps one that sits on a wooden cradle or has a glossy lacquer finish - will look even more eye-catching.
- A large shower enclosure or wet zone that doesn't scrimp on space (and does away with a cold, body-sticking curtain) is a must-have. Frameless-style enclosures will also serve to add to the overall seamless look of the space.
- Ensure you keep all sightlines unobstructed from the doorway to the opposite wall, by positioning anything that is more than waist height on the same side that the door is on.
- Sinking a double-ended whirlpool bath just one or two feet into the floor, if it allows, will create a spa-like haven in your home.
- The key to dressing your sanctuary well is to do so without adding unnecessary clutter
- a big bathroom won't feel roomy if it's filled to bursting point with furniture and accessories. However, fluffy towels, organic pampering products and scented candles are all suitable additions to make for a sumptuous scheme.
