Designing tips

Bathrooms so often get relegated to tricky spaces with limited or no natural light and ventilation. This is exactly why the design process is so important: good spatial planning and functionality are the key to upgrade them in the way they (and you) deserve!

Why should you redesign your bathroom?

  • Well-designed and functional bathrooms add value to the home for many years
  • They are often one of the most highly used and lowly valued spaces in the home
  • A beautifully designed bathroom, well lit, ventilated, warm and cosy with good storage, will make you happy every time you use it.

Challenges you may come across

  • Depending on the age of the property, you may come across hidden problems like water damage, structural deficiencies, bad ventilation and corroded plumbing, not to mention poor waterproofing around bath and showers.
  • Working with a contractor will save you time and money. It can look like a DIY job, but it is actually very complex, involving many different operations like electrical work, tiling, plumbing, heating, etc.
  • Bathroom renovations can be very disruptive: there is lots of dust, water and heating cuts, and the removal of materials and large items like bathtubs could damage other areas of the house. You may even have to move out for the duration of the works, if there are no easy alternatives. It is fundamental to find a designer and contractor you can trust to run the renovation process as smoothly as possible.

Some solutions

Finishes: You can be as creative as you want with walls and floors, as long as they are waterproof. Try to go for long established, reliable brands and always choose the best quality you can afford: they get used and handled everyday after all.
Eco-friendly: If you want to be more ecofriendly, consider a low-flow loo that uses less water; use low- or non-VOC paints; purchase units made from recycled or sustainable materials, like recycled glass tiles and sustainable harvested wood.
Heating: electrical under floor heating mats can be easily installed under a new floor. Using a different heating zone from the rest of the house gives you more flexibility and can save money on gas and electricity bills. Heated towel rails should also be considered, as having a warm dry towel is an unbeatable little luxury.
Features: Give special attention to any important features, such as position of windows, doors, architraves and cornices and try to achieve a sense of order and symmetry.
Accessories: No renovation is complete without the final details! They might look insignificant but these small things can have a big impact, so don’t forget to budget for new towels, soap dishes, loo roll holders. Accessories can also help to make the space more personal and cosy: picture frames and vases, candles and plants can go a long way without spending too much.

If the size of the room allows, you could add that special piece of furniture that will make the space feel unique and yours. An armchair by the bath, an antique ladder to hang towels over, a handmade basket or decorative lighting can make your new bathroom feel just that little bit more special.