Turn your Bathroom into a Spa!

We are already halfway through the year and it might feel to you like your last holiday was a century ago – and believe me that this is quite normal with the fast paced lives modern people are living. But what do you do to relax? And no ‘relaxation’ is not something you can eat! It is something that is absolutely necessary for your general health and wellbeing.

You might not have time or money to visit the spa every week, but did you know that you can transform your own bathroom into a tranquil haven where you can relax and recuperate after a long day at the office? Yes, you can and it does not have to cost you a fortune! By just changing a few basic things in your bathroom, you can transform it into the relaxing space you want and need. 

Peter Jefferson, from ON TAP, shared some wonderful tips and secrets with us on how to transform an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing spa-haven! 

Q: What are the latest innovations / trends as far as bathrooms are concerned?

A: “People tend to focus on mood lighting, freestanding baths, spa baths, open plan bathrooms, large open showers or wet rooms, natural wood vanities/flooring/counter tops at the moment”.

Q: Which sanitary items would you recommend for a tranquil ZEN spa-like bathroom and why?

A: “Basins, toilets and baths with clean lines and rounded finishes are best for a spa-like bathroom as this will exude comfort. Use sanitary ware that comfortably fits the space available - large items in a small space will make the bathroom feel cramped and small items in a large bathroom will make it feel too empty or unfurnished. Ensure that your sanitary ware is from one range and compliments the mixers you have chosen.”

Q: What must readers keep in mind when transforming their bathroom into a home spa?

A: “The key to designing a spa bathroom is to allow enough free flowing space.
There should be enough room to move freely through your spa bathroom without having to step over or navigate your way through tight spaces. A spa bathroom should be free from clutter and distractions. By installing vanities in the spa bathroom (like Duravit available from ON TAP), you will have storage space to keep items such as extra towels, toothpaste, toilet rolls and cleaning products out of sight. These days, the packaging of most bathroom products such as shampoos have busy and bright designs and placing them on show will affect the calming atmosphere you want to create. The more de-cluttered your space will be, the better. One should walk in to the spa bathroom and be welcomed by a clean, clutter free space where one can take in the colours; lighting and texture of the room without being distracted by mismatch colours on different bathroom products. De-clutter the space by rather storing bathroom products such as shampoos, conditioners, shower gel, toothbrushes and toothpaste in closed vanities - then only take them out when you use them and pack them away afterwards.”

Q: Which bathroom accessories would you recommend for a home spa bathroom and why?

A: Heated towel rails - The Jeeves or Bathroom Butler range of heated towel rails will warm and fluff up towels.
Shelving, hooks and other accessories - The Bathroom Butler Double Robe Hook is handy to put next to the shower and the wide range of accessories from Stunning bathroom accessories will leave you spoilt for choice. The Jeeves Zack range of glass shelving is perfect for candles and the Jeeves Zack range of towel hooks are ideal for hand towels.
Shower seat - the Stunning wooden shower seat is ideal for those who would like to relax under the shower.
Stainless steel toilet roll accessories - the Jeeves Zack free standing toilet roll dispenser with toilet brush is ideal for those who do not want to drill holes or install their toilet roll holder.
Soap dispensers - the wide range of bathroom accessories that ON TAP has on offer will compliment any spa bathroom décor theme. These items will ensure that you decant and keep your shampoos, conditioners and shower gel on-hand at all times. This way, it will unify the different products as you will only see stainless steel dispensers as opposed to bright and busy bathroom product packaging.
Taps - ON TAP has a wide range of basin mixers, bath mixers, shower mixers, shower heads and hand held showers that will add that sparkle and finishing touch to your Spa bathroom. There are a range of good quality brass taps and showerheads that are chrome plated and offer innovations such as temperature control, aerated water, pulsating/massaging shower heads and flow restrictors to save water without compromising on the quality of water flow.”

 
Q: Please give our readers some DIY tips (Do’s and Don’ts) on how to install their own bathroom accessories?

 
A: “- Do measure twice and drill/install once.
- Do visit ON TAP for advice on how to install your new tap/showerhead.
- Do switch off the water and have a bucket at the ready when installing new taps/showerheads.
- If you are installing a new bath/toilet/basin - ON TAP recommends that you hire a PIRB certified plumber to help you install it professionally.
- If you are unsure – don’t do it yourself and rather hire a qualified plumber/builder.”

 
Q: Which colour schemes and tones are ideal for tranquil home spa bathrooms and why?

A: “Use lighter, earthy colours for the walls such as pale greens, pinks or browns. Use white for bathroom ceramics and chrome for taps and showerheads. Avoid bright colours/patterns and rather stick to solid, clean colours that will encourage a relaxed mood. Natural wood is a trend at the moment by including it on the walls, floor or basin surround.
Cleaver lighting, candles and rugs will add to the ambiance and comfort of the room.”

 
Q: Which items should any basic spa bathroom have and why?

 
A: “● A luxurious shower head, like the Hansgrohe Raindance Classic or the Kludi Esprit Shower set, will make it feel like you are standing in a warm rain cloud.
● A large open shower or wet room like the Kludi Esprit shower concept.
● A large freestanding bath or spa bath, like the Victoria and Albert range of free standing baths or the Duravit Moon Bath spa. It will add to the décor appeal to the room as it can be installed just about anywhere, provided that there is room for plumbing. Spa baths with water jets are great for massaging muscle aches and pains.
● Large counter top basins, like the Victoria and Albert Ravello counter top basins or a basin from Cobra or Deca. Besides looking fantastic, they are also large enough to fill with water and soak one’s hands.
● Chrome single lever mixers, like the Kludi Esprit or the Isca Prestige, will add style and glam to your spa bathroom.
● A heated towel rail, like the Jeeves 7 bar heated towel rail in chrome finish, will warm and dry your towels for a luxurious feeling after stepping out of the shower or bath.”

Q: Please give us some budget friendly tips for transforming a regular bathroom into a spa haven?

A: “Just by fitting new shower/basin/bath mixers and a new shower rose, you will feel like you are visiting a new spa. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint and install some vanities to hide away that clutter!”