The beach can be as close as your bathroom

Above image courtesy of Kohler   No fantasy of a luxury holiday is complete without visions of an appropriately luxurious bathroom. The trouble with fantasy (and holidays) is they don’t last forever. But a real luxury bathroom at home is a definite possibility with a few simple or, depending on budget constraints, not-so-simple additions.   [caption id="attachment_2547" align="alignleft" width="690"] Image courtesy of Viega[/caption]  

A trip to Paris

If the bathroom’s big enough, consider putting a Louis-style armchair in the corner. Waiting for the tub to fill while curled up with a book will just enhance the whole bath time experience. If the bathroom has a clear glass window, don’t obscure the view with a curtain — enjoy it. Plant some greenery outside for privacy and let nature add to the relaxing ambience of bath time.   [caption id="attachment_2545" align="alignleft" width="690"] Image courtesy of Kohler[/caption]   Of course if some building is in order, why not replace that solid wall with floor to ceiling glass in the form of windows or even French doors. A freestanding bath coupled with wall-hung toilet and basins is another way to get the resort look, but it’s the accessories that will really finish things off. Starting at the top, hang a gorgeous chandelier or other glamorous light fitting. Hang artworks on the walls or create a feature from wallpaper. If you prefer paint, think carefully about the colour scheme. A soft grey-blue teamed with white will give a Parisian charm to the room. And why keep all those lovely gift soaps hidden? Put them on display in a crystal bowl, then finish off with scented candles.   [caption id="attachment_2544" align="alignleft" width="690"] Image courtesy of Kohler[/caption]  

Life’s a beach

For some of us, the ideal place to get away from it all is the beach. Few of us can ever hope to live near the water, but we can bring the feel of a coastal resort to that room where we relax the most. Blue and white is the key, and getting the look can be as simple as a lick of sky blue paint, along with white towels, bath mats and a jar of shells on the vanity. However, if you’re planning a bathroom a renovation, look no further than the bathroom pictured on this page. The fittings and fixtures are from Kohler. If construction is going to happen anyway, consider replacing the outer wall with glass, so you can gaze into a walled courtyard painted the same shade of blue as the bathroom walls. (That’s your sky.) White pebbles on the ground are the “sand”. Teamed with a white pot planted with a dracaena, the bathroom appears to flow into the great outdoors.   [caption id="attachment_2546" align="alignleft" width="690"] Image courtesy of Viega[/caption]   Inside, the shower is concealed behind one wall, while the toilet is hidden behind another on the other side of the room. The vanity mirrors are, in fact, storage cabinets. Simple white pendant lights hang from the ceiling, while the chrome fittings and pale grey floor tiles blend unobtrusively into the background. The white wall-hung vanity and freestanding bath both have the clean simple lines of nature while spun glass basins allow an uninterrupted view of the water as it cascades from the taps. (There’s your tiny ocean.)   [caption id="attachment_2543" align="alignleft" width="690"] Image courtesy of Kohler[/caption]   [alert type="alert-success" dismissible="false"]

Hidden benefits

Plumbing components manufacturer Viega has noticed an increase in homeowners wanting concealed cisterns and designer flush plates (flush systems) including non-contact flush plates. This not only adds to the streamlined effect of the bathroom, but creates an easier to clean, more hygienic space. Accents such as these fit perfectly with the most popular pieces of the moment, including floating vanity units, frameless shower screens and, of course, the statement piece of the season, the free standing tub. [/alert]