Bathroom design is one of those areas in home improvement which almost suffers from too much information. Take one well-intended individual, add hours of poring over catalogues, paint samples and bathroom fittings, and you’re left with frustration and renovation burn-out. How to conquer those decision-making blues? Give your project a definite overall vision by taking a squiz at these beautiful, yet vastly different, bathroom styles from three corners of the globe.
Of course,a traditional Japanese bathing ritual would have involved sitting on a stool with the use of a bucket, sponge and hand-shower - very good for saving water! But modern Japanese bathroom design, as it has swept the international market, is all about incorporating natural motifs and the artistic contrast between black, white, stone and timber. Hard, straight lines, repeated geometric patterns and partitioned rooms are all part-and-parcel of this look.
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to centre their bathroom perfectly between functionality and aesthetics.
Dominated by timbers, shades of brown and warmer colours, these bathrooms are highly atmospheric and ideal for creating that old-fashioned cottage feel. The main emphasis is on the walls, ceiling and larger pieces of furniture, which are often elegantly carved - but for more colour, try some statement wallpaper or splashback tiles. With simple fittings, Spanish bathrooms are reasonably dark, designed to offer respite from the hot, bright sun.
Who’s it for? Anyone who envisions a more traditional, cosy look for their home.Natural light abounds in these bathrooms, which are white, white, white! Bright colour can be used to highlight specific individual fittings, but otherwise still to whites and metallic. Tiles or concrete provide the flooring for this minimalist look which is designed to draw attention to the window - the gateway into the outside world.
Who’s it for? Anyone who likes a clean, simpler aesthetic for their no-nonsense bathroom.