Not simply a utilitarian space, your bathroom is your private place to relax and unfetter your senses. Appealing to that sensation of the spa and introducing it into our everyday lives, is becoming a reality when building our dream homes or renovating to allow the home bath experience to be one of our creature delights.

Water. The quiet simplicity of water, we love it. We go to places where the changing forms of it inspire us. From the rain shower, to the steam bath, the turbulent waters of the whirlpool and the crashing surf of the sea. Take all of these and transform them into the home spa. Luxuriate in the warmth, tantalize our senses and relieve our stresses. Capturing the feeling and the art of water in motion will achieve all of this.

The variety of inspiring luxurious products designed to compliment each other will astound. Remember the day when having a bidet was representative of a beautiful bath. And should you have a shower separate from the bathtub, well that was everything. Not so today. The options, styles and variety is, while enticing can be very confusing. We will review some of the items and upgrades to introduce into your bath with some explanation as to some of the differences. Let your senses soar. Use your imagination and create the bath of your dreams.

Let’s start with that bidet. Let us start from the early beginnings of the luxurious bath. Think of a bidet as a miniature bath, at a comfortable sitting height, that provides partial bathing and soft sprays to soothe our human conditions. The style complements the toilet that is installed next to it. Sleek, contemporary to traditional and elegant. Convenient, clean and simple using a bidet for both men and women offer hygienic fresh water sprays that provide comforts beyond tissue.

The toilet, we think of it from its functional point of view and while that is important the style also represents the continuation of the overall look that the room will have. From sleek low style, traditional raised back with decorative bases to a “hat box” fashion that will have them guessing where the toilet really is. Flushing mechanisms are refined to provide low water consumption, with effective waste elimination. You can even add power to the flush with discrete motors that eliminate the need for any visible tank.

No toilet would be complete without the seat. Not just any seat will do. Add a slow closing seat that not only doesn’t slam, it provides additional safety and hygiene not to mention those late night ventures into the dark that often end with splash down and shock. For those who want the ultimate in potty comforts the heated French Curve toilet seat by Kohler is truly a luxury you will wonder how you lived without. With even heating across the surface of the seat that is maintained at a comfortable 25 degrees above normal room temperature, your sit will be most enjoyable.

Experience the whirlpool. No longer just the water jets, but air and water combine to provide variable speed effervescence and the ultimate in relaxation. Tubs come in every configuration you can imagine and work to fit your space. Whether a retrofit into an alcove or a tub centered in the room under the stars visible from the skylight above, every element of escape can be created in the privacy of your home.

Water is a natural way to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Bubblemassage, Aromatherapy, Chromatherapy are all part of a multi-sensory hydrotherapy treatments that have until now been obtainable only at the most exclusive spas. You can have them all in your home. Creating a space that permits the indulgence of a spa within your walls to use at your leisure and once you have it, there is no further cost.

The whirpool experience is one that creates a sense of well being, for a private escape and a time for true relaxation. With floating remote controls there is no need to change positions to alter the function desired. It is at your finger tips. Extra deep tubs envelop your whole body, caressing you with warmth and effervescing water from back jets and neck jets. Adjusting to every contour of your body to relax and invigorate. Experience gentle massage combined with the colours of calm. Chromatherapy concepts are introduced to seduce your body and mind into relaxation as full spectrum colour gently washes over you. Coloured lights follow a sequence or you can choose a single colour that provides you with the most in leisure.

Showers are no longer just a place to clean our bodies from the daily toils. They can be body massages, rain forests and steam baths. From beautiful tiled walls with clear glass enclosures to open showers that resemble roman baths and benches to enjoy an environment that delights the senses.
Showers cascade waterfalls, gently sprinkle rains and pound with body massage jets like the surf itself. Inspirational, relaxing and truly one of the most powerful moments of pleasure. Custom showers with adjustable jets, rain shower heads, waterfalls and steam baths are all available to create that spa like experience in your own home. Home hydro-massaging systems have integrated heating systems to maintain a constant water temperature while a recirculating pump keeps the water coming until every inch of your body is relaxed.

The basin is yet another area that presents opportunity to create style and function. Vessels that sit on beautiful glass bases. Hand painted works of art set into marble atop spectacularly carved cabinetry, all to create an environment of luxury. Kohler offers “Artists’ Editions” in basins and pedestals. They are a tribute to the time honoured traditions of fine raised enamel on bone china with platinum or gold bands as that of dinnerware. Truly a beautiful choice for any bathroom.

Faucets that range from sleek single levers that rise above vessel bowls to wide spread faucets with exquisite lever handles enhance the bath experience. Polished or brushed finishes complement the look. For those with more exotic tastes, gold and platinum replace chrome and brass.

To complete the overall bath experience, we must not forget to look at the base of it all. In floor heating systems take away any hint of cold. It warms the room and enhances the touch. No cold feet here. Towel warmers provide the final element of sophistication.

To complete the look, bath accessories from waste baskets, toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are additions that coordinate and give a refined look to any bath.

For the men in our lives, the bathroom holds a place of mystique. It is a reading room, a library and sanctuary in one. While technology is prevalent in our lives, it is not exempt from the bathroom either. Telephones and radios have long been in the bathroom, so today to add the iPod toilet tissue dispenser complete with docking station is not such an unusual thing to see. Televisions perched on extendable arms allow for nothing to be missed whether news, the stock market or sports.

Create the bath of your dreams. Use your imagination and leave nothing to chance. You will be amazed at the products available to tantalize and inspire. Ahhhh to the Bath.

Catherine Pulcine is Founder & President of CPI Interiors Inc., Ottawa’s leading Residential Interior Design firm. She can be reached at 613-599-5564 x 22 or by email to catherine@cpiinteriors.ca Their web site is www.cpiinteriors.ca