Finding Refuge in Your Bathroom

Photo courtesy Barbara Kaplan

BY BARBARA KAPLAN

HHave you ever just wanted to hide from the world and wondered where you could go? For many of us, it’s the bathroom.

It’s the room where most of us begin and end the day. We talk with spouses and family members as we get ready for the day. We answer phone calls, make shopping lists, daydream, pamper ourselves and face the realities we see in the mirror. The bathroom has become a place to indulge ourselves and find peace and refuge. If this sounds familiar, why not make it a place of beauty, support and healing? Today, many homes have the closet and bathroom together, creating a complete dressing area. It makes access to clothing more convenient and combines all our personal needs in one place. To begin creating this very personal space, visit a tile showroom to see the abundance of tiles that may inspire your future bathroom design. Tiles come in a huge array of colors and textures, with beautiful and interesting designs. It seems like there is no end to how you can surround yourself to express your innermost personality and style. Combining tile with area rugs and carpet adds warmth to the all-tile look and feel. A mix of lighting functions is a smart way to support the many different needs and desires you have in this one space. Ceiling light for overall lighting will not add to the heat of the room and can be hidden as part of the ceiling fan. For

makeup and shaving, it is best to have the light fixture in front of your face to eliminate shadows. Be sure the wall sconce is the appropriate light intensity for colors to help you perfectly apply makeup. A ceiling fan gives wonderful relief by circulating the air, and a heat lamp placed where you are dressing after a shower or bath provides warmth. Mood lighting can be joined with the functional lighting and put on rheostats. Lamps give a cozy and warm feel to the hard and cold materials used in bathrooms. And don’t forget the romantic and healing effects of candles. Plants add charm and a feeling of the outdoors. They should thrive very well due to the steam in the air,but be sure they have enough light, too. The containers you place them in are accessories and can add color and interest. All these items can also be incorporated in smaller spaces. Mirrors can be used to expand the area and create a more elegant look. Not only does a mirror make the space appear larger, but it also eliminates the need for accent paint, wallpaper, additional tile and pictures. If you prefer, smaller individual framed hanging mirrors over sinks are a fabulous fashion statement that add style and charm. Luxury and elegance are the words for our bathrooms today. And they are a place to hide away with your dreams, relieve stress and indulge yourself. In this most personal space, display your favorite lotions, perfumes and candles. Use floor mats and soft towels that caress your skin. Select colors that soothe you and compliment your skin tone. After all, that may be all you are wearing. Seating can be added for lounging as well as making the space more inviting. If it’s a make-up chair or chaise lounge, cover it in a fabric that speaks to you. The fabric and rugs will also add color, warmth and absorb sound in the room. And for those who have the space, include steam or sauna areas and mirrored rooms for exercise and equipment and maybe even a fireplace. Don’t forget to include speakers for a TV and music for relaxation. Your bathroom could be the most special place in your home for you!

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