With summer just around the corner, I’ve chosen the theme of bathrooms for our latest newsletter as these sanctuaries are ones that evoke blooming anew, washing ourselves clean, and taking on a new day with our spirits invigorated.
Bathrooms, like every room in our home, serve a function. Apart from a few of the most plain uses for which there is no need state the obvious, these spaces encourage rest, relaxation, and an opportunity to recharge. I’ve selected three bathrooms from my body of work that reflect the themes of WELLNESS, BEAUTIFICATION & RESTORATION to explore ways you can create a beautiful bathroom that encourages a state of total rejuvenation.
WELLNESS
Wellness should be at the centre of most things we do in our spare time, be it a day basking in the sun, spending time with loved ones that set us at ease, or reading in the conservatory, stealing a little respite before the week once again commences. These personal moments are some of the most important in our working week, and are arguably the most treasured part of our weekends too.
Here in this London home we created, there is a raw, all natural inspired bathroom. A huge (and ever growing) bird of paradise plant adds an element of tropical lusciousness while the large, walk-in shower encourages stretching out and slowing down. Adding accessories such as a glazed pottery stool and bamboo towel ladder reinforce the focus on natural, sustainable materials.
Never underestimate colour as a form of expression either– the copper and coral toned tiles and earthy walls create a warm and inviting energy with a little sultriness .
BEAUTIFICATION
In this delicate and feminine bathroom in London, the brief was simple: this was to be a room in which its occupants could beautify, rest and restore. Be it moving from a work outfit to a soft bathrobe or a slinky cocktail dress, a little pampering is a luxury in our busy lives and creating a bathroom geared towards spending some time alone making ourselves feel our best inside and out is a very nice thing indeed.
Glazed pink tiles set the scene with touches of black marble detailing adding depth and contrast to stop the space being too sugary. The antique moorish gilt mirror is a real jem too and has a voluptuousness that encourages titivation and self-care. Bone china wall lighting casts a soft glow across the room and onto the occupant, soothing after a long day and complementary when applying makeup or dressing for a dinner.
The addition of underfloor heating adds the invisible je n'ais quoi every bathroom needs.
RESTORATION
As well as being private and grown up spaces, bathrooms can also play a big role in family life, bringing the children together to have fun while bathing. This large family-centred bathroom in London encourages bath time splashing about with a large, deep tub in which to play and get clean at the same time.
The scalloped chest of drawers is an undeniable addition of character to the space and has lots of room for toiletries in the lower tiers. This room is functional and hardworking behind the scenes in other areas too; hidden behind the door is inbuilt joinery for towels and toys, plus a conveniently tucked away washer dryer. It’s a workhorse, yet pretty and inviting.
Of course adults are welcome to bathe (and splash!) too once the children are in bed and the addition of a small seascape transforms the space into a room that feels fit for grown ups – and not just a standard bathroom.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to set your bathroom free from being run of the mill and encourage embracing a function beyond mere utility– one of wellness, beautification or restoration. The question is, which one (or two, or three!) will you go for?
Anouska.x
1st DIBS- INTROSPECTIVE 🗝
In other news, what a treat it was having a candid chat with Introspective magazine’s Naomi for @1stdibs ‘Designers to Watch’ which went live on Sunday.
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“Anouska speaks with Introspective about sensual female art, her delight in an Art Deco palace and the person who has had the greatest impact on her style: her grandmother.”
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If that teaser and highlights such as juvenile octopus architecture and my father’s teenage crush tempt you to know more click the images below for the full story! 👁👁
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P.s. peruse their collections at your own risk…they’re a rabbit hole of beautiful things that will tempt you till you succumb before enticing you to return loyally to see their new delights. ❣️
