GAZELLE MAGAZINE October 2018 | Page 52

HEARTH & HOME Turn Your Bathroom Into a Luxury Retreat By Rhonda Shrum Bodnar W hen we think of relaxation and self-care, many of us head to the spa for some well-deserved pampering. While nobody can give you a massage like a professional, you can have luxurious, spa-like experiences in your own home with these trendy, glamorous bathroom updates. Quartz Counters Although granite has been around for years, its time in the spotlight has come to a close. Quartz is more durable and non-porous, which means no stains (haven’t we all had makeup stains on the bathroom counters?), and it won’t harbor bacteria, particularly 50 GAZELLE helpful for a bathroom. If you hear “quartz” and imagine the pebbled look you first saw a few years ago, it’s time to give it another look. You can now find it in a variety of patterns that easily mimic the natural- stone flow of granite, the industrial chic of soapstone, or even the luxe look of Carrara marble. Freestanding Bathtubs No spa bathroom is complete without a tub to soak in, and these days, a tub isn’t just a tub, it’s a room’s focal point, and quite possibly, a work of art. Whether it’s a classic clawfoot tub or a sleek contemporary design, this centerpiece can also be showcased with a chandelier above it for maximum glam.