Escapism & Tranquility...

Cherry Menlove is passionately dedicated to the lives of homemakers and in making life more simple and beautiful. Tune in weekly for her inspirational tips and advice that celebrate every aspect of the domestic arts, homemaking, cooking, crafting, gardening and decorating.

You’ll also find Cherry - the UK’s answer to Martha Stewart – online writing her blogs: Tales from Pixiewood, Cherrys English Kitchen and
L’Influence.

All self confessed bathers (I’m one of them) should know that it’s super important to create a feeling in one’s bathroom that enables escapism and tranquility - also known as hours on end spent wallowing in Jo Malone infused water.

If you’ve recently moved house or have long neglected this sacred space then make now the time to create a room that is conducive to relaxation and inspiration (some of the best thinking time is done bathing - with phones, faxes and emails well out of reach).

If you were ever to enter the four walls of my bathroom, you’d find a mixture of chic floral oil paintings and floral thrifty finds that, having been gathered up along the way, help me drift back to dreamy far off places.

Bathrooms needn’t be bland (whilst typically white, they lend themselves to all sorts of colour) and if thrifty finds aren’t for you then do add some character with Toile du Jouy wall paper (pictured right) above the skirting or, if your budget allows then for sheer luxe, some indulgent bathroom tiles from The Winchester Tile Company (pictured above).

A clear space means a clear mind so keep products to a minimum only displaying lovely looking jars and bottles. Soaps shouldn’t be left to turn to goo on the side (use a dispenser or dish) and razors need to be put away.

And do make sure bottle tops and lids that aren’t used regularly, are cleaned regularly (dusty bottled bubbles are rarely appealing).

Loo roll should ALWAYS be on hand and in plentiful supply (lest any guests you have find themselves wandering into your cupboards with trousers around their ankles). Stock extra rolls in a rattan or wicker basket and this need never be a problem.

And be sure to leave a box of matches (a blown out match disguises a multitude of odours!) and a discreet room freshener in clear view to save any blushes.

Finally, if you're entertaining guests overnight, provide them with fresh bath towels and bath mats (Cologne & Cotton are hard to beat) and remember that like guest rooms, the best bathrooms have good reading fodder.

(And please, if you only do one thing, ensure that stray hair, in any form, shape or size, is NEVER on display...)

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