As life becomes increasingly busier and stress is an ever-present reality, it becomes more and more important to create a space for yourself which separates you from the demands of the outside world; a space which gives you time-out to reflect and replenish your reserves.

One such space is the Zen inspired bathroom style. The influence of this Japanese style started its impact on the western world during the mid-19th century, during the Victorian era, resulting from the increased trade between east and west. With its emphasis on a clutter free environment incorporating elements of streamlining, simplicity and serenity, the Zen bathroom becomes a special haven where you can relax, rejuvenate your senses, strengthening yourself to cope with the demands of the outside world.

Achieving the look invites creativity through the challenge of interpreting the main elements of this minimalist style in order to produce a bathroom that uniquely reflects the needs of it’s owners, while producing an ambience of peace, balance and serenity - the distinctive characteristics of the Zen style.

Here are 5 key elements to create a Zen inspired look for your bathroom:

1. Emphasise simplicity

● Declutter your space by sorting out what to keep and what you can get rid of, using the maxim ‘less is more’

● Introduce elements which make the bathroom fresh, clean and neat. This can include positioning furniture so that it creates an effortless balanced effect. For example, using a rectangular shaped standalone bath and carrying this shape through to the basins and other objects such as the mirror or window.

● A simple glass frame can be used to delineate the shower area while still being included as part of the bathroom as a whole

● The Zen design serves to create a style which is fresh, clean and neat, reducing everything except for the essentials which contribute both functionally and aesthetically to the style

2. Use natural earthy colours

● White is often used but any colour works well, particularly subdued colours as long as you focus on one feature paint colour

● It is generally best to favour a neutral palette which uses beige, gray or wheat and other earthy colours which contribute to the overall relaxing effect

● Interest can also be created using the dominant colour in complementary objects and textures. For example, having an inlaid wall design which carries through the colour of the bath or the tiling of the bath area, effectively using texture as a design element and colour as a unifying factor

● Using a gradient of a colour can also be effective and creates a feeling of serenity and cohesion

3. Storage

● Cabinets such as a bathroom vanity, composed of natural material, can be installed to provide a storage facility

● Using standardised containers for products such as body gel or shampoo and matching this colour to the the bath/shower ensures that everything blends in naturally together so that they are not easily noticed

● Work surfaces should be maximised by removing everything but the practical essentials such as the basin, taps and hand soap. This will also contribute to a feeling of spaciousness and enhance the design theme of order and uncluttered space

● If you need storage facilities outside of cabinets then rather choose containers with natural materials or fibres which are able to withstand moisture or steam

● Towel rails can be used effectively, placing them close to the bath and against the wall so that they are both easily accessible while contributing to the overall streamlined effect of the bathroom

4. Lighting

● The Zen style emphasises nature, so including natural lighting resources reinforces the style while facilitating a pervasive feeling of harmony

● Wide windows and even skylights provide the opportunity of enjoying the blue sky or bathing under the stars at night. In terms of privacy, this can be ensured, using window treatments such as stained glass and window films

● Lighting is deliberately understated, using recessed lights or cove lighting, so that the structures add to the overall simplicity of the bathroom, while subtly highlighting different areas or structures of interest and enhancing your quiet time as you soak in the bathtub

● Lights can be used to enhance the feeling of balance and serenity. Placing sconce lights on either side of your vanity mirror affects symmetry while providing the best, shadow free light for applying makeup or shaving.

● Dimmers work well in lowering the mood down a notch or two, while providing a diffuse tranquil lighting effect

5. Greenery and Nature

● The emphasis on nature inspires many elements emulating the natural world. This is particularly effective for water features such as a ceiling shower which simulates rainfall or special bath spouts like the curved waterfall spout which emulates the soothing sounds of a waterfall

● Greenery can be introduced by a glass wall or large window which includes the plant life from outside as part of the bathroom’s design or plants can be used inside the bathroom in strategic positions as part of the bathroom interior decor

● Natural materials such as rocks or pebbles also can be used for decorative purposes, creating the overall experience of the peace and harmony of nature

● Floral prints or paintings can serve to introduce colour and nature while being highlighted through the use of cove lighting

6. Flooring

● Flooring can introduce natural stone such as marble or natural materials such as wood or etched concrete

● Flooring can effectively carry through the colouring of the walls or ceiling - such as using wooden floors and continuing this material as a central theme of the bathroom, using amazing ceiling detail where the glass is butt jointed with wooden slits to bring in a beautiful view of the trees and sky.

● Bamboo is an ideal wood to use. It contributes to the overall natural effect while its waterproof attributes make it a perfect choice for bathroom conditions

7. Final Touches

● Displaying a few beautiful strategically placed candles enhances the contemplative ambience of the Japanese design

● Use natural materials wherever possible such as marble or travertine tiling for the floors and walls and wood for the countertops

● Grasscloth wallpaper is a lovely option having the added advantage of being environmentally friendly. Available in neutral colours, it adds texture to the room and contributes to the style’s homage to nature

● The traditional Japanese shoji screens contribute to the design authenticity of the Zen style. These can be laminated to ensure protection and durability against moisture

● Repeating materials can be used to provide unity and a link between different areas of the bathroom such as using the same tiling in a recessed space of a shower as that of a vanity wall, unifying the bathroom areas and contributing to the character of the bathroom Using these different elements creates a space in which you can enjoy a relaxing, meditative tranquility, soaking up the peace and quiet inherent in the Zen design style which mirrors the order and beauty found in nature.