popularised in Roman times and it was Emperor Tiberius who said: “Baths, wine and sex spoil our bodies, but baths wine and sex make up life”. These days, bathrooms are still places of indulgence and the ultimate refuge from time-poor lifestyles. You can create a sanctuary that is both visual, sensory and physically inviting, with soft lighting scenes for that ultimate bathing experience but be careful to avoid busy patterns and themes, as these will most certainly date. Perhaps in this room more any
other, an element of tradition adds that something special and the heritage look is enjoying a revival – if it ever went away. A company currently making waves is Imperial Bathrooms, whose success is largely down to its combination of British craftsmanship and classic styling. Its marketing manager Amy McCann says: “Making your bathroom stylish should be a priority thought. After all it’s one of the most-used rooms in a home so not only needs to be practical but also to have a relaxed, tranquil feel to it.” But everyday needs should be addressed, too, and you can never have enough storage – so be sure to have a ledge of some kind to place that book, candle or even that glass of wine… p110