A bathroom that completes the dream of relaxation is worth any effort required to make it come true. Are you dreaming of a cool, stylish bathroom to call your own, a real haven from the sweaty heat of our tropical climate?

You can create bathing spaces which relax the mind as well as the body.

The bathroom should be the place in which you remove not just dust and dirt, but also de-stress and collect the peace of mind that you will need for work and play.

The look of country

The country-style bathroom utilises wallpaper or beaded board for an instant vintage look, hooks for bathrobes and towels, wicker baskets for towels or toiletries storage and wooden cabinets - preferably old pine - on top of which you keep for personal care products. Fixtures are free-standing and include claw-footed, pedestal sinks, and old-fashion faucets.

Contemporary and classy

For the contemporary feel go for natural finishes including woods in neutral tones, marble or granite sink tops and stainless steel taps. The contemporary look needs lots of light, whether natural or artificial. Contemporary reflects clean, straight lines.

Go traditional

Traditional bathroom style is for the householder who enjoys the flourishes of gilded finishes and floral fabrics. The traditional emphasises sumptuous fittings and accents including porcelain, gold and silver.

If you have recognised our dream bathroom for the new year, the experts advise that you should budget carefully and include the costs of faucets, fixtures, light fittings, lumber, cabinets, finishing materials, pipes and fittings, curtains, flooring, accessories such as towels, spas, and hot and cold water fixtures.

They also suggest a thrift or second-hand store search before you pay less for fixtures which are brand new.

But, a bathroom that completes the dream of relaxation is worth any effort required to make it come true.

Partial information source: Better Homes and Gardens