Rooms that allow us to escape and look after ourselves have become super-important over the last months and the bathroom is definitely a key space for self-care. To help us forget the stresses of the day, though, it needs to be a calming and soothing space but how do you go about creating this mood? We asked Rachel Loos, Grazia’s interiors expert.
"The tiles you choose for the room's surfaces, especially the floor and walls, are your starting point as they set the tone for the entire room," says Rachel. "This bathroom, for example, uses a neutral colour and tiles with an understated pattern and then layers in other elements to create a space that looks and feels utterly relaxing."
One of a Kind
"Sticking to just one tile for both the floor and walls creates a seamless look that instantly gives a sense of calm," says Rachel. "In this bathroom, the tiles are quite large too, 600mm x 300mm, reducing grouting lines which also adds to the relaxed feel and in a warm pale grey shade ensures the room doesn't feel cold."
Au Natural
"The look of natural materials such as stone are hugely sought after as we seek to have a connection with nature inside the home," says Rachel. "Stone-effect porcelain tiles are a great-looking and cost-effective way of getting the beautiful look of stone." These Callika Mist Grey tiles are from Wickes and one of a wide variety of beautiful stone-effect tiles.
Shelfie Style
"For a restful feel, a bathroom also needs to be uncluttered and a wall alcove is an excellent way of creating a tidy place for soap, shampoo bottles and other bathroom paraphernalia," says Rachel. "In this bathroom, the alcove is done in the same tile as the wall and so segues neatly into the space; it also forms the perfect shelf for plants and a few decorative accessories."
Bath Time
"A free-standing bathtub gives a real sense of luxury to a bathroom, especially a double-ended one which looks stylish and modern," says Rachel.
Final Flourish
"With such a neutral look you need to add a bit of drama and the perfect way to do that is with matt black taps and other accessories," says Rachel. "And a touch of wood also adds warmth and perfectly complements the natural stone-effect tiles."
Making It Yours
If you're looking to put together a fabulous bathroom - or kitchen, hallway, essentially anywhere you wish to use tiles, Wickes has everything you need. Their range of tiles includes real stone and marble as well as ceramic and porcelain in not just stone-effect but also marble, wood and concrete-effect too. They also have patterned, Victorian-style tiles and the iconic Metro tile in a variety of colours.
You can also buy the tools and extra materials you need to get your tiling job done from adhesive and grout to tile cutters.
For more inspiration, take a look at the latest tile trends. Wickes also offers plenty of advice on how to choose tiles and how to do the DIY from cutting tiles to fixing them.