Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to interior design. But Brits do spend a significant proportion of their day in the bathroom! Bathrooms that don’t work on a practical level need redesigning, as well as ones with outdated décor and features.
Here is how to have a classic and timeless bathroom without compromising on the functionality of the space.
Prioritise practical layout over aesthetics
The priority when designing a bathroom should be practicality. Being able to move smoothly from the toilet to the sink, for example, is important for all users.
Before you make any changes, create a scale floorplan on a bit of paper and use cutouts to position your toilet, sink, bath and shower if it is separate. This is really helpful for being able to visualise where everything sits and the spaces between them. You may feel you don’t need a separate bath and shower and could combine the two.
This technique is especially helpful if you are dealing with a smaller room which can easily feel cluttered and crowded.
Choose the right materials for durability
There is no escaping that bathrooms can be damp, high-traffic areas so you need to choose materials that can withstand that.
When it comes to flooring, ceramic tiles are a popular choice due to their water resistance and affordability. These tiles are also a great way to add design or colour to the room. An alternative is porcelain tiles which absorb less than 0.5% of water whereas ceramic tiles can absorb more.
Similar advice is given when it comes to the walls too. Condensation occurs a lot after showers so you want materials that can resist that like tiling.
Consider ventilation options
Mould and mildew are common problems in UK bathrooms and can damage your health and your home over time. Opening your bathroom window and investing in a dehumidifier are both tried and tested short-term solutions, but you may want to invest in something more substantial.
One option is to install an extractor fan in the bathroom. This is relatively simple, but make sure you use a professional tradesman to help you. Having this running whilst you are in the shower will help remove the damp air easily.
Avoid overly trendy fixtures and colours
When it comes to décor, you may be tempted to go with the latest designs and colours. This choice can result in an incredible bathroom, but trends are fleeting and change regularly. You need to decide whether you are happy to have an outdated bathroom, or if you want to change it to keep up with the fashions.
Instead, opt for classic and timeless designs. Monochrome or muted palettes are ones that always look great. You could base your design around chrome fixtures, for example. If you are struggling to decide, bathroom showrooms often showcase the latest styles alongside more classic options.
