Bathrooms used to be simply functional spaces that were designed for people to wash, brush teeth, and get in and out efficiently. Now they are evolving into a more sophisticated and personal space where we are spending more and more time, as we continue to understand the importance of self-care in a space that exudes a rejuvenating atmosphere.
Brands like Kohler Canada focus their efforts on technology and bringing innovative fixtures previously only seen in high end spas and hotels to regular homes. But there’s also design inspirations we can take from nature to create a relaxing bathroom that restores and balances our day. So, what can we do to design a bathroom that is in tune with the natural world around us on the Westcoast of Canada?
Mixing texture + natural elements
It’s proven that spending a little time in nature is great for your mental and physical health. Westcoast style takes the best colour palette from the Pacific North West shores and landscapes and brings the outside in. In this space, Layered woods and nature-inspired materials illuminate a proven relaxing colour pallet, including purple. The layered tones and tints of purple through the space, such as the vanity, vanity feature wall tile, countertop material and the feature tile throughout the shower and water closet, mimics a unique and exotic natural stone. Pro tip: Mixing subtle tones and tints of a colour will make a space feel cohesive and ensure the space will last the test of time and stay current. Bold colours can add a date stamp and possibly make a space feel dated over time.
Practical durability
Natural textures and shapes can add a timeless, relaxing touch to a space, and natural materials such as marble countertops and matte finish bathtubs evoke the Pacific North West environment, while being durable, and easy to clean. Pro tip: When selecting materials and finishes note how the textures will play off other materials, such as the polished mirror finish, the glass around your seamless shower, the porcelain of your toilet, and undermount sink. Playing with more matte, and three-dimensional textures will layer a good contrast between these polished items. Layering man-made materials such as large-format porcelain tile flooring and shower surround ensures an easy to maintain space.
Treat Yourself
The details make or break that expensive dining experience, or that fancy hotel that’s been on your bucket list. Create a space that brings a piece of that feeling we love from these settings. Don’t be afraid to splurge on some materials and see the value. Take a bathroom faucet; installing a piece with a bit more weight and scale can add a feel of sophistication and luxury, as well as being more functional and durable over time.
Form + Function
When creating your dream bathroom space, or updating your current bathroom, take some time and think over the layout of the space. Manufacturers are creating items such as free-standing bathtubs in a more of a compact size, so you can now work one into almost any bathroom space. Pro tip: Think of installing these tubs on an angle as it can take up less floor space. Pro tip: Wrapping materials such as tile from wall to wall, or floor to ceiling, will make any space feel larger.
Innovation + Technology
Brands like Kohler Canada have been investing in technology and ways for us all to bring those spa features we only see in professional settings home. Technologies like adding steam to a shower can assist with breathing issues or massaging those muscles after a long run. Other spa-like features, such as “real rain” shower heads mimic the real droplets of rain and will have you “singing in the rain” in the comfort of your home. What could be more Westcoast than that?
TILE Shower wall. Supplier Ramco, Distributor: Ceramex, Series: Agat, Product: CX-AGA-1C1, Polished, 18”x36” | Vanity backsplash. Distributor. Aeon Stone + Tile, Manufacture. Lunada Baytile, Series. Watercolours, Colour: Turner, Finish. Polished | Floor tile. Distributor. Ames Tile + Stone, Type. Glazed Porcelain, Series. Denmark, Product. DMPG2448H, Colour Pale Grey, Finished Honed, Size: 24”x48” LIGHTING Canelle Single Sconce by Kuzco.| Kuzco Lighting, Model #Vl17024, Finish Black , Contact Brittany Hayes @ Nuvo Lighting (604) 314-4210 PLUMBING Shower head. Kallista, One, Model P21513-AD, Size 12”, Finish Nickel Silver | Hand shower. Kallista, One, Model P24843-AD, Finish. Nickel Silver | Pressure balance Trim. Kallista, One, P24415-LV-AD, Finish Nickel Silver | Transfer value trim. Kallista, One, P24483-LV-AD, Finish Nickel Silver | Real rain. Kohler, Real Rain, 19”x19”, Model K-76728, Finish White | Tile grate Quartz Aco, Model 37416 Size 55” | Vanity faucet Restoration hardware, Modern Lever-handle 8” Wide spread, Model 10000518 PN, Finish Polish Nickel | Tub filler. Restoration hardware, Modern Floor-Mount tub filler + handheld shower Model 23670046 PN, Finish Polished Nickel | Bath tub. Blu Bathworks, Azure, Model BT0304N17, Size 66” x 34” 20” White Matte | Vanity sink. Kohler, iron Plains, Model K-5400-0, White Toilet: Kohler, Persuade Curv, Model K-75790-0, White