In the first few days of the New Year, we have been talking about the hot color trends and interior design patterns that are predicted to hold sway in the next 12 months. While many of these popular predictions pertain to the living room, bedroom and kitchen, there is one major style statement that is aimed at revitalizing your chic bathroom. The freestanding bathtub is expected to make a big splash in the year ahead! Architects and homeowners are starting to warm up to these luxurious bathtubs that are now more accessible than at any time in the past.A renewed interest in the freestanding tub has seen design firms rolling out an array of amazing bathtubs that are aesthetic and economically viable. Bringing along with it an aura of luxury, elegance and affluence, the standalone bathtub is all about revving up the style quotient of your bathroom while you enjoy a refreshing soak! But before you decide on which one to bring home, here is some stirring inspiration to get you started on the right track –by Dean Herald-Rolling Stone LandscapesThere are plenty of reasons to opt for the freestanding tub, and aesthetics are definitely on top of that list.

Apart from the sculptural beauty that these striking tubs seem to almost inherently posses, they also give you the convenience of being placed pretty much anywhere. You are no longer boxed in by concrete walls, and this gives you the freedom to enjoy that amazing view outside. Hot Tub Cover Heat LossJust place a luxurious standalone bathtub next to the large glass window or sliding glass doors and take in the many sights and sounds of the world around you.Best Detergent For Washer Dryer ComboSpectacular mountain views, the soothing sight of crashing waves in the distance, and lovely tropical green canopies are increasingly becoming a part of interior design! Wedding Dress Stores Fall River MaWith a freestanding bathtub, you can combine that refreshing soak and that amazing view to create a truly spa-like setting that is enhanced by the touch of nature!by Tyrrell and Laing Internationalby Charles Cunniffe Architects Aspenby Amelie de Gaulle InteriorsDo not think of the standalone tub as just another addition to the bathroom.

In fact, use it to add an element of textural contrast to a space that is largely dominated by concrete and glass. Dashing and at times visually startling, the freestanding bathtub can uplift the aura of your bathroom instantly and give it an entirely different dimension. Modern standalone tubs are available in glittering metal such as copper and nickel. These tubs are a touch more costly than regular bathtubs, but they are well worth the dough if you are looking to add an instant showstopper to your bathroom.Metallic bathtubs also keep the water warmer for a longer period of time, and while they do demand extra care and attention, they are an ideal choice for those opting for a vintage, period theme. Do not be afraid to bring home bathtubs in natural walnut either, as they are pretty durable nowadays thanks to the extremely resistant coating and finishes that are currently available. Natural stone like basalt is another great option for those thinking of a bathtub crafted from something beyond marble.by Gibson Gimpel Interior Designby Lori Gentile Interior DesignWhile some prefer the exotic and the unusual, many would love to stick to the tried and tested.

One of the biggest reasons for the sudden surge in popularity of the freestanding bathtub is the desire among homeowners to create a spa-like retreat right at home. Why take that long drive to the spa on weekends when your own bathroom is spacious enough to feature its own tranquil nook? The freestanding tub is designed to drive home this ‘spa style’ that so many crave. And the sleek bathtub in white is the perfect choice for this look. It is simple, minimalist in design, space-conscious and reminiscent of the luxurious spa setting.by alene workman interior designBut the trendy contemporary bathtub also comes in plenty of different finishes, geometric shapes and sizes. Pick something that perfectly fits into the design plan that you have for your own bathroom. If you are trying to fit the tub in a small corner, then look for a design that features angular edges and makes up for lack of length with sufficient depth. Those who are not too concerned about space are much better served with the popular elongated-oval models.by KohlMark Architects and Buildersby Yaniv Schwartz – Photographerby Zack de Vito Architecture + ConstructionCall it elegance, style, sophistication or grandeur;

the freestanding tub is all about showing off your bathroom with panache! If you are surrounded by too much of the ‘same thing,’ the tub is a fabulous way to create a focal point that creates a rich visual. If you are not too high on bringing contrast through texture, then try a colorful change of pace with a bathtub in tangy orange or stoic grey. At times, the tub can be used to accentuate the existing theme without being too overwhelming.by Susan E. Brown Interior DesignConsidering the busy urban lifestyle that we get caught up in on a daily basis, designing an inviting, restful and rejuvenating sanctuary at our own home seems like an absolute must. Freestanding bathtubs do this with inimitable style. The fact that they are more fashionable and affordable in 2014 than ever before is just an added bonus! So, are you ready to embrace this tranquil and glamorous trend?With the highly stressful lives most of us live nowadays, it is not surprising that people are becoming increasingly wiling to shell out extra cash to pamper themselves.

Pampering includes facial treatments that promise a glowing complexion, radiant and younger looking skin, and relief from stress related problems. With the growing popularity of facials, a number of unconventional beauty treatments are being introduced in the market. And they come with a huge price tag too. Read on to find out about some of the most expensive facial treatments. Bird Poop Facial is an authentic Japanese beauty treatment that was originally practiced by geishas. It is available in a high-end spa in New York City. Bird poop allegedly has magical and special enzymes that take off dead skin cells and result in a glowing and polished looking skin. This facial treatment has been popularized by style and fashion icon Victoria Beckham who is said to be a loyal and big fan of this procedure. She reportedly applies this unique facial treatment twice a month. The UMO 24-Carat Gold Facial is being offered at The Beauty Clinic in London. When you undergo this facial treatment, your skin will be massaged with Gamma PGA, an intensely hydrating compound.

Afterwards, sheets of pure gold will be gently smoothed onto your face. After you undergo an intense massage, the gold sheets are promptly removed and discarded. This procedure leaves you with a 24-carat complexion. It promises to help reduce your wrinkles, bring you firm and bright skin, boost the production of skin cells, and get rid of toxins. The Triple Lift Luxury Facial is an anti-aging facial treatment being offered by The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula in New York. The procedure aims to boost cellular metabolism by means of two manual lift treatments that will be followed by an advanced bio-electrotherapy using the Remodeling Face Machine. This facial treatment claims that it can hydrate, lift, and shave off the years. The Grand Luxe Facial is being offered at the Spa Radiance in San Francisco. This three-hour procedure begins with the application of a combination of a cleansing diamond peel on  your face to exfoliate and deeply cleanse your skin and micro currents that give you all the benefits of a facelift minus the surgical procedure.

Afterwards, a rich caviar mask filled with amino acids is slathered on your face to plump the skin. The Grand Luxe Facial is capped with an LED light therapy. To further enhance your experience, another therapist is assigned to gently massage your whole body for the entire duration of the procedure. The White Caviar Illuminating Facial is being offered by the La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton in New York. This procedure uses golden caviar that promises to diminish age spots and brighten the skin. If you find the $1,000-worth White Caviar Illuminating Facial quite costly, you may opt to get the caviar spa package at $495. The package includes an hour-long caviar body massage that will be followed by a caviar-firming facial. This bizarre and odd facial treatment reportedly uses your own body’s platelet rich plasma to enhance your beautiful looks. A small quantity of your blood is extracted from the arm area. The extracted blood is spun inside a centrifuge to separate the platelets.

Afterwards, the blood is injected back to the face to give you a radiant and glowing complexion. This expensive facial treatment has been popularized by American reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who has drawn flak for introducing this extraordinary procedure. The L. Raphael Oxy Star Anti-Pigmentation Facial Treatment is being offered by the Palace Spa in Gstaad, Switzerland. This luxurious procedure involves a 50-minute treatment where you can get to try the L. Raphael collection of oxygen services like the L. Raphael Oxy Peel Perfection Elixir facial therapy. You can also try the L. Raphael Oxy Anti-Aging, Anti-Cellulite and Tightening body treatment that costs $1,057. L. Raphael is known for providing high-performance face and body treatments and advanced skin care products that combine proprietary ingredients and exclusive technology that appeal to all types of skin conditions. The company has more than 20 years of experience in scientific research and in the cosmetics and medical aesthetic services industry.

You will definitely have an unforgettable experience with this facial treatment that involves a refreshing, relaxing, and luxurious bath in 1,000 liters of Evian natural spring water with hundreds of gorgeous rose petals. This highly exclusive procedure is only available to selected special guests staying at the Hotel Victor, a high-end hotel in Miami. One of the purportedly lucky few who had the privilege of experiencing this treatment includes tennis super star Serena Williams. The package includes a couple of spa treatments, a bottle of champagne, and an exotic dessert. The HD Diamond and Ruby Peel was formulated by Scott-Vincent Borba, a well-known aesthetician. This expensive treatment involves scrubbing of the face with crushed rubies and diamonds. Subsequently, a lactic acid peel will be gradually applied to the face to reveal a glowing skin. This luxurious treatment was popularized by the beautiful American actress, Mila Kunis, who reportedly had it done before the premiere of her film Friends with Benefits.