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Transform your bathroom into a spa sanctuary

You've only to step inside a spa environment to feel the stresses of life ebb away. Create this haven at home and you can be sure to enjoy a place to escape and unwind each and every day

Is the time you spend in your bathroom calm and collected, indulgent and relaxing? If it's more a frenzied get-ready quick zone, it's time you took a look at its surroundings.

If you long for a safe haven in which to wind down and get away from it all, here is all you need to turn your bathroom into a boutique-style spa. From natural wood shelves displaying luscious potions and fluffy towels, to organic looking stone floors and vibrant shiny mosaic tiles; a spa-style bathroom is designed to lift your spirits and calm your mind, body and soul.

Colour
The key to this look is the calming colour palette and natural, tactile materials that create a harmonious surrounding. White bathroom suites remain the preferred choice (although the addition of glass in its pale tinted natural state has made a huge impact in recent years.) Or try something a little different and create a cosy atmosphere with soft cocoa and coffee colours, with a little hint of pale blues and greens. Bathroom paint, £14.99, by Crown (www.crownpaints.co.uk)


Fixtures & Fittings
High street bathroom specialist, Bathstore.com has a fabulous range of walk-in showers with jet and steam room facilities. Consider transforming your space into a wet room, by enlisting a trusty builder to assess the potential of making it water-tight.

For suites and furniture, MFI have a large range of modern bathroom suites including basins, wall-hung WC's and baths enclosed in Zen-like wooden furniture. Available in Walnut, Oak, Cherry and Maple, the furniture is designed to create a tranquil bathroom that's both functional and beautiful.

A hand wash basin in an earthy shade sited on a wooden basin stand is a great way to introduce materials. Sinc black basin, £215, and Spa oak freestanding sink unit (left), £305, both Habitat (08444 991111, www.habitat.net).

B&Q have a competitive and beautiful collection of bathroom suites, including the Boxi square hand basin (above), £169, and the dramatic Zone freestanding bath (above), £699 (0845 850 0175, www.diy.com)


Tiles
Pale watery tiles in tiny mosaic or large format echo a smart boutique hotel spa - just be sure to stick to a palette of aqua, blue, green or turquoise. Flooring in pale limestone or slate is stunning and investing under-floor heating offers the ultimate luxury.


For a less expensive option, try the new stone composite tiles. Castle Travertine floor tiles, £18.98 and mosaic border (both left), £14.98, both from B&Q.

B&Q also do a fabulous range of mosaic tiles in marble, slate, ceramic, glass, luster and matt finishes. Montage luster glass mosaic tiles (above), £24.98 (0845 850 0175, www.diy.com)

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