Finishing Touches
As any interior designer will tell you,
it is all very well choosing the right fixtures and fittings,
but it is the finishing touches and how you dress the room
that can draw a scheme together.
Lighting
Consider a staged lighting
scheme so that you can choose lighting to suit your mood.
Bright halogen downlighters will flood a room with white light
creating a feeling of space. However, if you want a relaxing
bath you may want something a little more subtle.
Floor level lighting shining on tiling or
simple wall lights can help to create a subtle ambient light
perfect for creating the feeling of a sanctuary. And don’t
forget the mirror. Downlights can cast awkward shadows on
the face when you look at your reflection. Wall lights mounted
either side of a mirror create the ideal light for shaving
or applying makeup. A three staged lighting scheme will help
increase the versatility of your room.
For a more elaborate, period ambience your
lighting may need to be more flamboyant. A dramatic chandelier
in a large traditional bathroom is a real winner and will
help to create an instant feeling of opulence. However, if
you don’t have enough space, simple wall sconces can
give create a similar effect of sumptuousness.
Tiling
There are two styles which are particularly
prevalent in contemporary bathrooms at the moment. Mosaics
are a popular way to introduce colour into a bathroom and
they contrast beautifully with pristine white sanitaryware.
If you don’t want to completely adorn your bathroom
with mosaics, why not add blocks of colour by tiling a vanity
unit or the walls inside a glass shower enclosure in ice blue.
Combine this with reflective surfaces such as glass and chrome
and you will have a bright, modern haven.
For a tiled look that won’t date
natural materials such as limestone and slate are incredibly
popular. Slate creates a stark, bachelor-pad style, perfect
for contrasting with a white suite. But unless you have floods
or natural light, plenty of space or a clever lighting system,
you run the danger or the room feeling cramped. In a small
space use slate sparingly, perhaps just as a flooring option
or bath panel.
Floor to ceiling limestone or limestone
effect tiles can have the opposite effect, particularly if
the tiles are oversized. This will open out a room and give
a simple, uncluttered look that is sure to be in vogue for
many years to come. Consider mixing different sized floor
and wall tiles for to help break the uniformity of the look.
In a period bathroom you may decide to
minimise your tiling to create a richer appeal. Walls adorned
with patterned wallpaper or rich burgundy or dark green paint
help to create an authentic feeling of luxury. Tongue and
groove panelling is also extremely popular in a traditional
bathroom. But for that iconic art deco look, a black and white
chequerboard tiled floor is a must.
Dress for Success
Finally remember the smallest details. Matching
fluffy towel, slatted bathmats, toiletries decanted into simple
glass jars or steel baskets all help to draw your theme together.
Keep accessories
to a minimum in a modern bathroom opting for slatted blinds
and simple colours. In a period bathroom you can afford to
be a little more adventurous by introducing rich fabrics and
gilt mirrors.
Additional information
If you cannot find what you are looking
for or need further assistance with bathroom decoration, please
contact us.
Click on bathroom
suppliers for a list of your nearest local suppliers of
quality bathrooms and bathroom accessories throughout the
uk.
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