Designing a Bathroom Sanctuary
Over the years I have designed all sorts of bathrooms for clients of all ages and styles. The one common phrase I always hear when interviewing my clients is, I want it to feel like my sanctuary. By definition, a sanctuary is “a place of refuge and security”. I laugh when I think that the master bedroom/bathroom is the only place in a house where people, including myself can hide and relax. In our house this is often the case, with 3 kids who like to be attached to my hip. After years of working as a designer this too seems to be the case with clients who have grown children! How did this concept of a master bathroom sanctuary come about?
Bathrooms weren’t originally created as a place of hygiene as we know it. Rather research shows that as early as 3000 B.C. baths were used as a place to purify the body and soul. Most are familiar with the Roman and Turkish baths, where communal bathing took place. With changes in technology particularly over the course of the 20th century, bathrooms have come to exist more or less to what you see today. However, the ‘sanctuary’ master bath as we know it, didn’t become commonplace until the last 30-40 years.
I don’t know about you, but when life gets really busy, there is nothing like a long shower, or a warm bath. Feeling like you are in a spa, can take even the biggest stresses away. I personally struggle sometimes with the practical and the romantic notions of the bathroom. For example, during our most recent renovation of our house over 6 years ago, I went on a practical tangent and removed the bathtub from my bathroom. At that stage in life I had 1 baby and two kids aged 7 and 9. Baths were an activity that I could only dream of. So, in the end the practical in me eliminated the tub and replaced it with shower. Due to the size of our bathroom, having both freestanding was not an option. I must admit I really miss my tub and having a soak in my kids bathroom, just doesn’t cut it.
Master bathroom sanctuaries can look different for everyone. Some might think that a clean Nordic design is more appealing than a sophisticated one with sparkly chandeliers. It is of personal preference. For my own purposes I tend to favour a more classic spa feel. After years of designing here are my sanctuary must haves that I will incorporate in my next master bathroom renovation.
A Tub: I made a mistake when not including a tub in our bath. Now when I have a chance to bathe when we are on vacation, I jump in. When the place has an air tub, or the tub has a heated back rest, I get downright giddy!! Tip: Bain Ultra is a leader in these tubs and their wide range of designs can suit any style of bathroom and application. They can be pricey, but are worth every penny for the tub connoisseur.
Finishes: I love feeling like I am in a fancy hotel. I love glass, all things shiny and natural stone is a must. There are so many beautiful finishes for fixtures from rose gold, to matte brass and polished nickel. Any of these finishes can make a bathroom feel luxurious. Tip: Not all finishes are the same in quality. Particularly some of the newer ones. Be sure to do research in picking the right company. Kohler is often my go to with newer finishes.
Lighting: I still love the sophisticated chandelier over the tub, to add elegance to the room. There is nothing like a little glitter in the bathroom to make you feel like you are being spoiled. As I get older and my eyesight seems to be diminishing, good lighting at the vanity is also a must. LED mirrors, and sconces are a great tool for tasks like putting on makeup and shaving. Tip: Just make sure that you have enough lighting in your bathroom. It's better to add extra lighting and put them on dimmers then not to have enough to see properly.
Vanity: If you are able to go the custom route for your master bathroom vanity, then please do. This way you can add dividers for makeup and other supplies and even storage solutions for your hot straightener and hairdryer. Custom paint finishes and unique hardware also add just the right touch to your sanctuary in any style that you are trying to achieve. Tip: If a custom vanity is not in your budget consider adding some of these features that I included above in a prefab one. Lee Valley is a great place to shop for items to customize your vanity.
Mirrors: Mirrors can add personality to your space, just like lighting. Go big, or go bold. You can tie the finish of the mirror to your vanity or lighting. Have fun with your mirrors. If storage is a problem consider a medicine cabinet from Restoration Hardware or Kohler. Tip: As I mentioned in lighting if you haven’t experienced the LED mirror, you must. As your eyesight starts to go, they are a game changer. If you want to save money, but still need a good mirror to see, consider a vanity mirror either battery operated or hardwired to the wall.
A master bathroom sanctuary can look different to everyone. One person’s place of refuge might not be the next person’s. All I know is my own experience. The ‘sanctuary’ I created for my husband and I has become our kids favourite place to unwind too. It must be genetic. Apparently, I need to find another place in the house, to call my ‘quiet place’. Oh no, I might have to do another renovation…