Bathroom bliss

Give soft elegance a try and create the most calming layout with these expert styling tips.

- By SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

MADE to relax and unwind in... think mini spa treatments with indulgent body ranges and a place to pamper, our bathrooms have become a haven for wellbeing.

This is where the allure of soft elegance comes in, bringing your bathroom bang-up-to-date, and more characterful and charming than a minimalist approach which can sometimes feel clinical and harsh.

"Soft elegance focuses on creating spaces that feel inviting yet sophisticated, offering a softer lens through which to view minimalism," explains Emma Freeman, brand and communications manager for Hansgrohe UK.

"It's not about being showy or ornate, but rather subtle, luxurious, and warm - an ideal ambience for a bathroom that will help you end your day in a calmer way."

Start with colour

Soft elegance bathrooms are about serenity over statement, says Emma. "They're designed to make you feel relaxed and refreshed, using tactile materials, subdued colour schemes, and quietly luxurious finishes.

"This is where spa meets minimalism... soft elegance creates an aura that's calm and space-enhancing, ideal when you want a bathroom that embraces overall wellness."

What's great about this trend is it can work just as well in large bathrooms, as it can in cloakrooms and en suites, says Emma.