Plan to perfection
Create a beautifully calm, relaxed and Focus on layout, storage and the latest designs clutter-free scheme for a practical and stylish room
Consider how your bathroom is used now and how it may need to adapt in the next few years. For instance, as children get older they may prefer a shower to a bath. With this in mind, jot down your wishlist of products. Also, says Robin Levien, designer at Ideal Standard, ‘There’s an increasing demand for smart technology, from LED lighting to digital bathfillers with preset water levels.’
Choose the layout
With the average bathroom in the UK not much bigger than a king-sized bed, your existing layout may be the best option. But it’s worth taking a look at other possibilities.
‘It’s usually quite easy to move a radiator or soil stack, and don’t let the thought of ugly pipework put you off a fabulous wet room. Installing a stud wall to hide pipes and wall-mounted furniture is also fairly simple,’ explains Sam Ball from Utopia Bathrooms. If your room is small, go for short-projection basins and units, shorter baths and wall-mounted pieces, as seeing the floor below furniture creates a sense of space.
Measure up carefully – draw up room dimensions, marking the door and windows, and the height of windowsills from the floor, and include the pieces you wish to buy. Baths, basins and WCs are available in many styles: baths are freestanding or inset, shower or straight; basins are pedestal, semi-countertop, countertop, wall-hung or bowl; pedestals are half or full, while most WCs are wall-hung, close-coupled or back-to-wall.
Storage matters
Designers have used ideas from all areas of the home for bathroom pieces. ‘Furniture associated with living rooms, bedrooms and hallways is now finding its way into the washroom, such as a side table next to the bath,’ says John Sims-Hilditch, co-founder of Neptune. Look out for curved-fronted units that echo the lines of a sleek basin, handleless styles and vanity units with open shelving, influenced by kitchen design. Just ensure there’s room to open doors and drawers fully.
Pick a feature
Decide if you want to make the bath or basin the focal point. ‘There’s a demand for basins and baths with gentle, rounded edges,’ says Anthony Smith from Waters Baths of Ashbourne. For shower fans, a walk-in version can be achieved quite simply. ‘Walk-in enclosures have the tray sunk at floor level,’ explains Robin Levien. Using one of these or just going for an enclosure with a minimal frame helps create a sense of luxury.
The finer details
Furniture is a great way to add colour and texture. ‘Classic, painted pieces are popular in on-trend tones such as grey,’ says Helen Shaw from Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection.
‘As well as being tactile and warm, natural wood finishes contrast beautifully with sleek sanitaryware.’
Deep hues and monochrome schemes are also a key trend. ‘With good lighting, dark colours on the walls and floor can make a small space seem bigger and bring a chic, spa-like feel,’ says Robin Levien. When it comes to flooring, tiles in stone, ceramic or porcelain are a practical choice. Victorianor Moroccan-inspired designs create wow-factor. Woodeffect flooring is available as bathroom-suitable laminates, porcelain or tile/sheet vinyl and can be laid to make the room appear bigger. Slate, rubber and even concrete (with underfloor heating) are other options.
In the right light
Getting the balance between function and atmosphere is crucial for bathroom lighting. It must also comply with the correct IP rating (how close lights can be placed to water). Ceiling spotlights above a bath or shower must be enclosed but stylish IP-rated pendants, chandeliers and wall lights are available. Large, well-lit mirrors are also essential.