Essential Bathroom Design Tips for Your Ideal Space

Kitchen and bathroom design is fascinating because it involves creating the room's architecture. You are essentially crafting the form of the space. Take a bathtub, for example. A bath can be inset against the wall, require tiling around it, or even be a freestanding or sunken model. Once installed, moving it can be costly and can permanently affect your entire space.

The Challenges of Bathroom Design

Then, there's the question of tile selection: where to tile, how many different tiles to use, and whether that would be too much. The bathroom is arguably the most challenging room to design in the house. This blog is inspired by the various challenges I have heard about in the industry. Here are my bathroom design tips.

1. Open Sesame: Accessing Your Vanity

When selecting a vanity, consider whether it has doors or drawers and if there is enough space to comfortably access its contents. Evaluate not only the depth of the vanity but also the area in front of it. The same logic applies to shower doors. While a shower may occupy a specific space on the floor plan, have you thought about how the door opens? Not everyone does.

2. The Building Stage: Planning Matters

Your builder needs to understand your plans before he starts working. For example, if you want a niche in the shower, the wall must be framed to support this feature. You need a clear plan about the size and location of the niche before the framework is constructed. This allows the builder to know exactly what needs to be done.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting

Don’t skip on lighting! Downlights are good, but they won’t adequately illuminate your face in the mirror. A vanity light or a lit mirror is essential for seeing yourself clearly without shadows. This helps avoid makeup mishaps or missing spots while shaving. After all, your bathroom is a space for personal grooming, supporting you in being your best self.

4. Tiling Decisions: The TilemmA

Tiles can be challenging due to the myriad of options available. Even if you choose a simple rectangular tile, you have choices about how to lay them—vertically stacked, herringbone, crosshatch, stepped, or knit. The key is to return to your brief: How do you want your bathroom to feel? A simple vertical stack creates a sense of order and calmness. Conversely, herringbone adds dynamism and energy because of the shape's movement. An initial design brief helps streamline decisions and results in a cohesive outcome.

5. Storage Solutions

To maintain a clean and healthy bathroom, you need ample storage. While a well-sized vanity is a common solution, sometimes the layout can challenge this option. So, what are some alternate ways to create additional storage? Inset mirrors, niches, and wall-hung shelves are excellent choices. And as noted earlier, ensure your builder is aware of these plans!

Additional Elements to Consider

Now that you have an elevated understanding of designing a practical bathroom, let’s dream about your ideal space. What would be your favorite feature? Personally, I love the idea of a window with a beautiful garden view next to the bathtub. It offers a peaceful escape and a chance to unwind while soaking amidst greenery.

The Value of Professional Help

I hope this post has you ready with a checklist for your bathroom design journey. If you need further assistance, consider investing in an interior designer. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Have a fabulous day designing your life!

Lauren Shiels - The Healing Spaces Project.

The phrase "kitchen and bathroom design" is essential in this discussion, as it encapsulates the intricacies involved.

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