Hands up if you love looking at bathroom makeovers? I must confess that I'm a huge fan. When it comes to interiors, all of us have certain preferred styles, colours and combinations. But regardless of our individual tastes and personal preferences, we can always be educated and inspired by the vision and creativity of others. I learn so much from both major ‘before and after’ transformations, and simple, clever tips. Importantly, bathroom makeovers are such a good source of inspiration because they are real-life bathrooms. They are functional, as well as fabulous to look at. These bathrooms are realistic, and represent what can really be achieved. I am all for authenticity and keeping it real.
Of course, built sets and studio photography are wonderful to give bathroom ideas and showcase certain concepts.
Have you ever tried forest bathing? The term (known as shinrin-yoku) originated in Japan during the 1980s. Forest bathing is all about submerging yourself in a forest location, and using your senses to immerse yourself in the different sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. In fact, it represents a way to build a bridge between ourselves and the natural world. And its advocates believe that reconnecting with the great outdoors in this way can help to improve both physical and mental health. So, like biophilia, forest bathing strives to increase our connectivity with the natural environment.
The best medicine
Forest bathing has been proven to reduce stress, improve feelings of wellbeing, lower heart rate/blood pressure, and increase creativity. In other words, I think it’s one of the best medicines for modern living.
There's no doubt that every bathroom deserves a little luxury. And this has become a key trend in residential and commercial design. However, luxury bathrooms have taken on a whole new element. These days, they are embracing this notion with the concept of industrial design. Taking inspiration from warehouses and factories, this may seem a world away from the opulence and grandeur you would expect from a luxury bathroom. However, the two are blending together so well, they're offering a multitude of possibilities for bathroom and interior designers. Read on to discover how you can achieve this look in the modern bathroom:
Industrial design
This style, of course, is not new. As its name suggests, this emerged when former industrial buildings were converted to domestic housing, and owners chose to highlight – not hide – certain original