The materials that you choose to finish your bathroom with and the ensuing style that emerges from this go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Style is not only the way something looks; it is also the way that your bathroom feels. The great thing about style is that it is so personal. You can mix and match to your hearts content and you can also mix and match finish materials as well, whether they are natural or synthetic. Different periods in history, cultures and places all offer inspiration and you are sure to find plenty of examples to create the perfect bathroom setting.

First and foremost picture in your mind a place that you would feel comfortable and relaxed in. Ask yourself; what are your tastes and interests. Grab a pen and paper so that you can write down your thoughts. Close your eyes and imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile feeling (touch) of your perfect bathroom environment. Think about the architectural space and imagine it in a particular time and place. And if you can’t put your finger on the place just remember this is more of a stylistic interpretation and you are trying to recreate the mood and ambience of your ideal bathroom not a literal architectural replica. Take it all in, now open your eyes and quickly write it all down while it is still fresh in your head.

Capture the textures, lighting, shapes and colors. Was there earth tones or organic materials? Was the image warm and elegant or cool and formal? Now you can get out those clippings from magazines and try to find similar or related examples of your thoughts. From this exercise you currently have a general feeling of what you are looking for. If something you may have liked in the past doesn’t fit into the feeling you are trying to create then put it aside. Continue until you have gathered all the elements you need to create your vision. When you are done it is simply a matter of giving these examples to your interior designer so that she now knows what you want.

Whether traditional or contemporary your bathroom should reflect a particular look and quality that makes it a desirable place to be in and echo your own personality and imagination. And remember; don’t be afraid if your imagination mixes stylistic elements such as old and new materials or spans different styles and periods. The best style will ultimately be your own whether traditional or eclectic. Simply use this exercise as a guide to help you illustrate and bring to life your intuitive design ideas so you can paint a clear picture for the designers and contractors who will eventually build your bathroom masterpiece.

Don’t forget to check out our other categories on springtime bathroom renovation, summer bathroom design, autumn bathroom remodeling, are there winter bathroom trends? and ratings of bathroom products for the latest information.

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