Bathrooms have come a long way from the tiny, dingy little cubicles that our ancestors rushed in and out of as fast as they could. Spending any thought or money on doing up these rooms was considered a sheer waste of time and money. The bathrooms of today are different in quality and style-ranging from the practical to luxurious.
Earlier the sink, WC and bathing area were placed just where they fitted inconveniently, often disturbing the user to take a long walk just to wash hands. However, today each accessory is chosen and placed conveniently with proper care.
A private luxurious hub
Every individual’s idea of luxury differs, as do the features they would like to include in their bathrooms. The possibilities are endless: His and Hers wash-basins, bidets, Jacuzzis with underwater lighting and adjustable slide jets with an option of water, heated air or both, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool or a reading nook with bookshelves and two comfy chairs! Then there are bathrooms located in a secluded corner of the house beside a glass wall that brings the outdoors with in.
Stylish Walls for nicer look
Dressing walls in the bathroom is easier, as much material can be used. A simple look requires just a coat of paint or ceramic tiles. However, water as well as soap suds are bound to splash on the walls in the bathing area and if the material is not well-selected, it will leave ugly stains with the passage of the time.
Surface and Flooring alterations
New and popular flooring options available today are more in terms of colour than any change in material used. Italian marble and ceramic tiles still hold the market, but the changes seen are in the colour and the ways of laying them. Basic earth shades are being mixed and contrasted with bolder shades to draw attention to the floor. Walls can also sport the new look of plain, patterned, embossed or marbled ceramic tiles which are offset by printed borders.
Lit up your bathe place
Lighting in the bathroom gives the whole space a charming look and the user may be more interested in bathing. Soft lights in bathrooms are most preferred today over the glowing bulbs. Fluorescent tube lights are accepted as a rule, but a couple of bulbs fitted near the mirror would produce a clearer image. You can also use CFL is your bathing area for soft lit up.
Apparatus layouts
A variety of WC’s are now available in different shapes, flushing styles and the capacity of the flush-which ranges from 5 to 7.5 litres. Wall mounted WCs Re available in two options: standard and concealed flushing apparatus.
Accessories for style
Wash basins, with pedestals or fitted into a counter, come in a host of shapes- be it the standard one or the triangular shape that fits perfectly into a corner of the bathroom and avoids wastage of space. Bathroom fixtures available in the market today have sleeker designs and come in a variety of power-coated colour of deep blue and vibrant red versus the chrome, black and ivory which were popular years ago. The designer taps may vary from a single tap to options like three tap hole basin mixers with pop-up systems and swivel spout mixers.
Bathroom accessories are colour coordinated with the rest of the like the soap trays, bathroom shelves, towel rails, toilet-paper holders, hooks and toothbrush holder. Walk in wardrobes adjacent to the bathroom are also a common feature. A lot of stress is also laid on exhaust and fresh air fans.
Select a funky color scheme
The colour schemes popular today are contrasts between a basic earthy shade like a fawn, beige or black, with a bolder colour like a deep maroon or forest green. If bathroom space permits, Jacuzzis and bath tubs find their way in.
Look out for funky bath tubs
Acrylic bath-tubs are now available in many shapes- from standard rectangular to the more unusual triangular, D-shape and the rounded variety. Readymade acrylic bath trays, another new entrant, come in the standard size of 3’X 3′ or 4’x 2.3′ in a square or rectangular shape.
Luxury options like Jacuzzis are popular with those who can afford the steep rise, while shower cabinets find very few takers in the market today. Jacuzzis made of acrylic and reinforced with fiber- glass are available in designs. Saunas are popular because they help the excess fat in the body to melt away.
