5 x TIPS FOR DESIGNING A NEW BATHROOM

Kitchen and bathroom design is interesting because what you're dealing with is in a way, interior architecture, you are creating the form of the room.

Think of a bathtub for example, a bath can be inset against the wall with the need for tiling around, freestanding or even sunken and that's it, moving it is quite the cost if it isn't well thought through and it effects the entire space permanently.

Then there is the tile question, where to tile, how many different tiles should I use, would this be too much?

I think the bathroom is the most challenging room to design in the house and this blog is inspired by the issues I have heard about in the industry.

So here are my bathroom design tips.

1. OPEN SESAME

   When selecting a vanity does the vanity have doors or drawers and is there enough space to comfortably access its contents. Consider not only the depth of the vanity but the space in front of it. Same for shower doors, the shower may occupy a space on the floor plan but have you considered the door opening? Not everybody did.

2. THE BUILDING STAGE

   The builder needs to know what your plans are before he gets to work - a niche in the shower? Framework in the wall needs to support this, so you need a plan on where and how big the niche is going to be before the framework is built so he knows what to do!

3. LIGHTING

   Do not skip this step, down lights are fine but they will not properly light your face in the mirror. A vanity light or lit mirror is a must to see yourself without shadows and avoid make up faux pas or miss a spot shaving, at the end of the day your bathroom is there to clean and groom to support you being your best self.

4. TILEMMAS

   Tiles are challenging because of the sheer amount of options there are, even if you select a simple rectangle, there are options to have them applied vertically stacked, herringbone, crosshatch, stepped or knit - to name a few. The key here is to return back to your brief - how do you want your bathroom to feel? A simple vertical stack is going to feel more orderly and calm, whereas a herringbone is more dynamic and energising because of the movement of the shape. This is part of why an initial brief of any design work is a must, it will keep your decisions cleaner and create a cohesive result.

   
   

5. STORAGE

   If you would like a clean, healthy bathroom, you need to ensure you have enough storage. The obvious answer here is to get a decent sized vanity but sometimes the layout will challenge this option - so how are some other ways you can get more storage? An inset mirror is a great option, niches and wall hung shelves too - as per number 2 on this list, make sure your builder knows your plans!

Now that you have an elevated knowledge base of designing a practical bathroom why not dream about your ideal bathroom space and let me know what your favourite thing about your ideal bathroom would be? For me, I adore a window with a beautiful garden next to the bath so I can switch off and soak with a greenery view.

I hope this post got you checklist ready and of course if you need any help an interior designer is a great investment in your project to help create and guide you through the process.

Have a fabulous day designing your life.

Lauren Shiels - The Healing Spaces Project.