from My Home Magazine February 2005 Issue
People enjoy doing all sorts of things in the bathroom. Much like the multi-functional spaces in contemporary homes, the bath also provides for other activities besides maintaining good hygiene. Its calm seclusion and comfortable intimacy has transformed the bathroom into a much needed escape from the daily grind. Fortunately, bathing as a form of therapy has gained popularity in recent years, and as a result, the pleasure of bathing is finally being restored to our harried lives.
So, how does one transform the common bathroom into more than just another utilitarian space? The most versatile and responsive baths share a number of fundamental characteristics: ample space, light, air, water, and privacy. Together, these qualities contribute to a more holistic bathing experience, a far cry from the regular shower.
More Space
Added space, whether physically accessible or just the mere sight of it will surely enhance the bather’s sense of well-being in this often most claustrophobic of rooms.
In a spacious bath, one may stretch out comfortably without tipping bottles or striking fixtures by accident. Of course, not many bathrooms pass this criterion, but there are ways to transform seemingly small spaces into larger ones. One method is to simply reduce clutter by relocating items that do not contribute to the bathing experience. The remainder may then be stored inside built-ins, preferably beneath the sink or flush with the walls for a cleaner look. Another way is to use curtains instead of panels. Curtains allow the freedom of movement often lacking in small showers without sacrificing privacy. One more technique is to integrate curves into the design. Curved surfaces look more fluid, thus adding a sense of depth to an otherwise tiny space.
If practicable, the bathroom may be physically extended into an adjacent area, like a neighboring bath, closet, bedroom, garden wall, light well, balcony, or even part of the hall. A visual link between different areas and borrowed scenery will also add to the bather’s sense of space. If no adjoining rooms are available, an illusion of additional space may be fabricated through the clever use of mirrors or translucent surfaces.
More Light and Air
A well-lighted bathroom encourages activities usually overlooked in no-frills bathing like reading, appreciating art, and catching some rays. Windows, glass panel doors, skylights, reflective surfaces, and artificial lighting can help brighten up the room. However, indirect light is often favored over direct light to avoid heat and glare.
Since more time is to be spent inside the bathroom, the space must also be well ventilated like a regular room. Water makes the air humid, so if items such as art pieces or books are to find a place in the bath, items must be protected and humidity must be controlled by good ventilation usually through operable windows or quiet exhaust fans.
More Water
Tubs are notorious for consuming excessive amounts of water, but a mere dip need not be wasteful if done correctly. In traditional Japanese baths, bathers usually scrub themselves clean before a good soak. The Japanese-style tub is shorter yet deep enough to cover the shoulders of a seated person. Since the person is already clean, the water can be shared or reused for other purposes. People enjoy sensual contact with water and indulging in a warm soak every now and then is a sure way to relax.
In addition, one of the best ways to conserve water is to do so in the bathroom. Some bath arrangements and toilets make use of recycled water from the lavatory and tub for flushing and some new fixtures use even less water. Clean potable water is a luxury, and it is always wise to make the most of it.
More Personal Space
Despite the importance of spacious, bright and airy bathrooms, privacy must always be respected in the bath. This can be accomplished by defining several spaces within the bathroom according to varying levels of intimacy. In other words, the bath environment must allow a bather to go into different modes of seclusion depending on the need, especially if the room is shared between couples or among family members.
The most private space such as the toilet must be kept separate from the bath, if possible, in an adjacent room with its own door. At the very least, it must be hidden by a low partition and face away from the bathing area and circulation space. The shower must be enclosed as well to keep the bather out of clear sight. If there is a tub, it must likewise be hidden from view, at least in part, and located at the far end of the room. If the tub is meant to be used by more than one person at a time, racks for large towels are needed close by, possibly one for each bather. His and her sinks for couples are also becoming the norm, preferably with a table or enough space in between to avoid overlapping activity. All these features are meant to safeguard the personal space of bathers.
More than Just a Bath
Indeed, the bathroom can be so much more than just a place for keeping the body clean. It can serve as a retreat for the mind, an intimate space and a wellspring of comfort, where day-to-day concerns are simply washed away. The bath is like an oasis for the weary, yet one does not need to travel far in order to find it. It may be waiting to be discovered right in your own home.
So, how does one transform the common bathroom into more than just another utilitarian space? The most versatile and responsive baths share a number of fundamental characteristics: ample space, light, air, water, and privacy. Together, these qualities contribute to a more holistic bathing experience, a far cry from the regular shower.
More Space
Added space, whether physically accessible or just the mere sight of it will surely enhance the bather’s sense of well-being in this often most claustrophobic of rooms.
In a spacious bath, one may stretch out comfortably without tipping bottles or striking fixtures by accident. Of course, not many bathrooms pass this criterion, but there are ways to transform seemingly small spaces into larger ones. One method is to simply reduce clutter by relocating items that do not contribute to the bathing experience. The remainder may then be stored inside built-ins, preferably beneath the sink or flush with the walls for a cleaner look. Another way is to use curtains instead of panels. Curtains allow the freedom of movement often lacking in small showers without sacrificing privacy. One more technique is to integrate curves into the design. Curved surfaces look more fluid, thus adding a sense of depth to an otherwise tiny space.
If practicable, the bathroom may be physically extended into an adjacent area, like a neighboring bath, closet, bedroom, garden wall, light well, balcony, or even part of the hall. A visual link between different areas and borrowed scenery will also add to the bather’s sense of space. If no adjoining rooms are available, an illusion of additional space may be fabricated through the clever use of mirrors or translucent surfaces.
More Light and Air
A well-lighted bathroom encourages activities usually overlooked in no-frills bathing like reading, appreciating art, and catching some rays. Windows, glass panel doors, skylights, reflective surfaces, and artificial lighting can help brighten up the room. However, indirect light is often favored over direct light to avoid heat and glare.
Since more time is to be spent inside the bathroom, the space must also be well ventilated like a regular room. Water makes the air humid, so if items such as art pieces or books are to find a place in the bath, items must be protected and humidity must be controlled by good ventilation usually through operable windows or quiet exhaust fans.
More Water
Tubs are notorious for consuming excessive amounts of water, but a mere dip need not be wasteful if done correctly. In traditional Japanese baths, bathers usually scrub themselves clean before a good soak. The Japanese-style tub is shorter yet deep enough to cover the shoulders of a seated person. Since the person is already clean, the water can be shared or reused for other purposes. People enjoy sensual contact with water and indulging in a warm soak every now and then is a sure way to relax.
In addition, one of the best ways to conserve water is to do so in the bathroom. Some bath arrangements and toilets make use of recycled water from the lavatory and tub for flushing and some new fixtures use even less water. Clean potable water is a luxury, and it is always wise to make the most of it.
More Personal Space
Despite the importance of spacious, bright and airy bathrooms, privacy must always be respected in the bath. This can be accomplished by defining several spaces within the bathroom according to varying levels of intimacy. In other words, the bath environment must allow a bather to go into different modes of seclusion depending on the need, especially if the room is shared between couples or among family members.
The most private space such as the toilet must be kept separate from the bath, if possible, in an adjacent room with its own door. At the very least, it must be hidden by a low partition and face away from the bathing area and circulation space. The shower must be enclosed as well to keep the bather out of clear sight. If there is a tub, it must likewise be hidden from view, at least in part, and located at the far end of the room. If the tub is meant to be used by more than one person at a time, racks for large towels are needed close by, possibly one for each bather. His and her sinks for couples are also becoming the norm, preferably with a table or enough space in between to avoid overlapping activity. All these features are meant to safeguard the personal space of bathers.
More than Just a Bath
Indeed, the bathroom can be so much more than just a place for keeping the body clean. It can serve as a retreat for the mind, an intimate space and a wellspring of comfort, where day-to-day concerns are simply washed away. The bath is like an oasis for the weary, yet one does not need to travel far in order to find it. It may be waiting to be discovered right in your own home.
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