Eastlife January 2019

available in a wide range of colours. Grey grout
will always be lower maintenance than white
so this might be something to consider when
choosing your tile colour.
Matt metallic gold, champagne and
bronze
If you are changing your taps or shower a key
trend is to deviate from shiny chrome and opt
for warmer matt gold and bronze metallic.
Bathroom accessories with the same metallic
work well with this look.
Tropical oasis
This is a fun trend and one that I love. Add
a tropical pot plant such as an orchid, palm,
rubber plants or a spider plant in a beautiful
pots to your bathroom to create a holiday vibe.
Choose a planter that works with your chosen
scheme. Maybe a black or white pot for a
monochrome scheme or a matt metallic. If you
don’t want to add plants then a simple vase
and some cut flowers can look very effective
and bring a feeling of luxury to your bathroom.
Who would not love to have their own
personal day spa?
You can achieve the look and feel easily with
the addition of carefully folded matching white
towels, scented candles in neutral colours,
white bath robes and beautifully displayed
bath products, also in neutral colours. Tidy all
the everyday clutter away into the bathroom
cupboards, get out the scented candles and
products that you have been saving, and you
have created your very own spa.
Freestanding furniture is big
Another stylish trend if you have a large
bathroom is to add some freestanding furniture
to your design. For example, an antique glass
fronted bookcase can be repurposed as towel
storage. A chest of drawers is great for storing
all those things you don’t necessarily want on
view. You can paint it to fit in with your colour
scheme. Go for neutrals if you want to stay on
trend or leave it as natural wood. Try a cocktail
table next to the bath to put your drinks and
toiletries on. You can have a lot of fun finding
suitable pieces if you visit your local auction
house or antiques centre.
Easy bathroom updates
A very easy and effective way to refresh your
bathroom and another trend for 2019, is to
add a feature mirror or a piece of artwork. A
matt gold or black frame can work very well
or a monochrome piece of art but really just
go with what you love. A good way to create
some texture and a pop of colour is to add a
cosy rug!
Treat yourself to some new towels
Changing your towels is a quick and
inexpensive way to refresh your bathroom on
a budget. Think of it in a similar way to getting
some new cushions for your sofa. If you want
to be on trend this winter go for dark grey or
black towels, and maybe swap them for light
grey or white in the spring to create a fresher
look. Soft fluffy white towels are always classy
and will go with any colour scheme.
Finishing touches
Turning your bathroom into a sanctuary does
not have to cost a fortune. It’s all in the detail.
Luxury bath items and accessories can be
purchased inexpensively at TK Maxx at a
fraction of their normal cost and will give your
bathroom the day spa or five star hotel feel.
Light the candles, turn down the lights, pour
yourself a glass of something lovely and slip
into a warm fragrant bubble bath and relax.
It’s just what the doctor ordered!
Kate lives in North Norfolk and is an owner of a holiday
cottage in Blakeney that she has renovated with her
husband and now rents as a holiday let. She is passionate
about vintage and antique furniture & china, upcycling,
gardening and Norfolk.www.blakeney-cottage.co.uk
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