Bathroom Zen: Use Light and Space to Revamp Your Bathroom Retreat

In the past, bathrooms often got the short end of the stick when it came to home renovation.  Most homeowners would rather spend their hard earned dollar on a kitchen or living area project, not on a place unworthy of mention.

All that is beginning to change.  The home bathroom is experiencing a transformation from plain old lavatory to meditative Zen retreat. Bathroom renovation is growing more popular and moving up on the homeowner radar. 

If done well, your bathroom can become a refuge from the hustle and bustle of work and family, transforming you from a bundle of stress into a model of quietude.  Best of all, achieving your Zen retreat and serene enlightenment doesn’t have to cost you a roundtrip ticket to a monastery in Tibet.

Make Space

Another straightforward way to improve your bathroom is by using shoji dividers to create space and privacy. Shoji is the general term applied to traditional Japanese styled doors that incorporate rice paper facing. However, the shoji concept has been adapted and expanded in the American home to fit various styles of décor such as contemporary or craftsman.

Using shoji to partition areas in a bathroom is a functional way to let in light, while maintaining privacy. Room dividers on sliding tracks may be used to separate the sink area from the commode or shower space. You may also consider using shoji to hide that disorganized linen closet you’ve been meaning to sort out.

The traditional shoji rice paper facing, or grid inset material, is often replaced with a stronger reinforced or encapsulated paper, giving the shoji more durability, washability and a longer life.

You can choose the facing that best suits your décor, privacy and lighting needs. For example, a lighter, more translucent facing would allow increased light, while a darker, more opaque facing would augment privacy.

Click here to view Cherry Tree Design shoji options.

Creating your personal sanctuary doesn’t have to involve gutting your entire bathroom or dipping into your retirement fund. Just taking some small steps to transform light and space can make a world of difference.

Lighten Up

One simple and relatively low cost improvement with dramatic results is lighting. The right light can have a striking effect on your bathroom, providing warm and inviting illumination.

Many bathrooms are constructed with ceiling and overhead vanity lights. However, overhead lights can cast shadows on your face while standing at the mirror, creating improper lighting and an unflattering reflection.

A quick solution is placing vanity lights on each side of the mirror at eye level to ensure uniform lighting. Anterior lighting can reduce face shadows and contrast, making it easier to apply makeup, shave or perform other daily grooming rituals.

Light bars are a second sound option when it comes to bathroom lighting. Light bars are mounted above the mirror, and when combined with vanity lights, create a brighter, more uniform glow.

Click here to view Cherry Tree Design bath bars and vanity lights.