Ahead of renovation season, lifestyle expert at Contura provides tips to create a slick Swedish style bathroom.
The bathroom can often be the busiest room in the house, yet it is frequently over-looked when it comes to design. When used daily by lots of household members, it can also become cluttered and untidy very quickly.
To help keep the bathroom looking on-trend (and tidy), it’s worth considering a Swedish-style bathroom makeover.
The benefits of Swedish design are threefold: all available space is fully utilised; the look is modern and fresh and won’t date over time; and its minimalist and uncluttered nature encourages users to keep it clean and tidy.
For anyone looking for bathroom inspiration, planning a bathroom makeover, or renovating from scratch, Catharina Björkman, lifestyle expert at Swedish wood-burning stove brand, Contura, is sharing her tips on how to create the perfect Scandi bathroom-sanctuary.
“All too often we either neglect the bathroom or don’t use the space to its full potential,” says Catharina, “but implementing Swedish design can tackle both issues.
“Swedish bathrooms are naturally pared-back and devoid of clutter, with a focus on the functionality of the décor, meaning each aspect enhances the space and improves the overall layout. Because of this, Swedish design can be effective no matter the size of the bathroom.”
Read on for Catharina’s full tips.
Colour contrast
A typical Swedish bathroom uses darker flooring tiles and lighter coloured walls to create a striking contrast. A classic combination is black geometric floor tiles, with white wall tiles throughout the rest of the bathroom. Alternatively, try combining soft grey floor tiles and a geometric white wall pattern. The result is a modern and bold look that is also unique.
Utilise space fully
Swedish design is all about combining functionality with form, and the bathroom is no exception. This means ensuring that the space is used to its full potential, no matter the size, and ensuring all space is utilised.
To ensure the bathroom looks streamlined, use built-in storage units as this will help to keep clutter to a minimum. Be clever with the space and layout to minimise ‘dead’ space; this could include triangle shaped storage cupboards built into corners or installing a cupboard or shelving under the sink. Not only does this hide the pipework, but provides a place to store toothbrushes, bottles, make-up and hair products.
Swedish shower
Great emphasis is placed on the shower in a Swedish-style bathroom. To perfect the look, opt for a walk-in shower at floor level. Install a waterfall style shower head and ensure the shower unit is hidden or built directly into the wall. The floor should be level throughout with a drain installed in a corner, in flush with the floor.
Most bathrooms in Sweden have a shower rather than a bath, as showering is a more cost-effective and efficient use of water, plus it’s kinder to the planet and your wallet than running baths.
Bathroom shelves
Remember that less is always more when it comes to Swedish bathrooms, so resist the urge to put lots of items on the shelves as this will soon look cluttered and messy. Items should be tasteful and tie the whole look together. Think potted plants, a small piece of artwork, candles, and Scandi-style ornaments. Style these artfully in height order and remember that less is more.
Natural materials
Stick with wood, glass and wicker when adding design touches to the bathroom. A wooden, rustic style ladder can provide a great alternative to traditional bathroom shelving, and floating shelves also look great against a white wall. Choose a natural wood finish style, rather than polished or varnished. Scandinavian style is all about embracing an au natural look.
Plants & greenery
Greenery is a staple in Swedish bathrooms. Use both hanging plants and potted plants to add texture and interest and combine these with stone or wooden plant pots to further enhance the look. Easy to care for plant varieties that thrive in bathrooms include ferns, bamboo, spider plant, aloe vera, succulents, snake plant and peace lily. However, fake plants work just as well, particularly if your bathroom is dark or has little natural light – this also saves on watering.
For more information on Contura, please visit http://www.contura.eu
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
Rooster PR will coordinate comment, interview and profile opportunities for Contura UK Country Manager, Phil Wood. The Contura PR team will also arrange visits to the nearest Contura Design Centre dealerships or the Contura showroom in Doncaster to see the product range.
For further press information, please contact:
Elsa Findlay | Jo Kendall | Julie Aguilera
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8930
E: [email protected]
About Contura
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.
Starting at £1,095, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. Currently, 95% of Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
Contura stoves can be purchased through a network of 165 independent retailers nationwide.
Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Contura is a founding member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) in the UK.
For more information please visit www.contura.eu
