An essential checklist for redesigning your bathroom
Whether you’re designing a bathroom in a new home, or taking on a bathroom makeover project, it’s difficult to know where to start and what key elements you should be focusing on. Any design project takes problem solving, looking for inspiration and making decisions that will stand the test of time. Here are ten things to consider when designing a bathroom that will help your project stay on track, and most importantly, leave you with a result that you will love for years to come.
1. Tiles
Your bathroom wall or floor tiles set the tone for the entire room and can be make-or-break in achieving the result you want in a bathroom makeover. It’s always best to start with a plan of your space so you know the dimensions you’re working with. When you’re ready to pick suitable tiles for the space, try to balance interesting textures and colours that catch your eye with a sense of timelessness. Neutral tiles will last longer as fashions come and go, and remember you can always add the textures and colours that are more ‘out there’ with extra details (see tip 10).
2. Grout
Similarly to tiles, grout can have a huge impact on your space.. When designing a bathroom the size of the space and the mood you want to create are vital points to consider. The size of your grout will be dictated by the kind of tile you are using, but note that larger tiles are complimented best with a larger grout size, and the colour can blend or contrast to make the space seem larger. The minimum standard for grout width is 2mm for walls and 3mm for floors. With smaller tiles, a thinner grout that blends with the colour of the tile will avoid a cluttered look in smaller spaces.
3. Sealant
These principles that apply to choosing your grout and tiles are the same when picking a sealant. In any bathroom makeover it’s important to focus on longevity, to make sure your design stands the test of time. If your tile and grout combination has enough contrast for you, consider a translucent sealant that won’t intrude on your design. If you have a neutral, blended tile and grout combo, a coloured sealant can help tie elements of your design together.
4. Taps
Whether you’re looking for a modern style or a classic design for your taps, quality is the most important factor in making a choice that you will be happy with for years to come. When you start designing your bathroom, invest some time in getting to know the different manufacturers (this is a useful practice for most purchases). This will help you to make a quality tap purchase, or even steal a second-hand bargain if you know what you’re looking for when the opportunity strikes.
5. Lighting
Similarly to your tiles, lighting is dictated by the size of the space and the mood you want to set. If you have lots of natural light, consider the mood you want for an evening bath or nighttime routine. If your bathroom is small or dark, consider how much light you might practically need for different tasks. This doesn’t all have to be achieved by your main ceiling light - give yourself the flexibility to strike different moods with bright lighting above a mirror and candles or low lighting around a bath.
6. Paint
Most bathroom makeovers will involve a repaint. The main must-have for your bathroom paint selection is a mildew-resistant additive, which can be found in bathroom-specific paint with a higher percentage sheen finish (eggshell sheen or similar). Sheen finishes have a hard coat that blocks out water, whereas flatter finishes can absorb water. Whites and soft neutrals are a long-lasting choice, and you can paint bathroom cabinets and bath boards to add a splash of bold colour.
7. Mirrors and cabinets
Choosing a mirror or mirrored cabinet is a balance between practicality and design. If you need storage space a mirrored cabinet is the logical choice, but if this isn’t a concern and you need to inject some character to your space, a flat mirror may work best. Whether you’re looking for a modern or antique look, be mindful of any wood or other parts and any treatment it may need to survive a wet environment.
8. Temperature
Whether you’re designing a bathroom from scratch or giving your existing bathroom a makeover, consider where your radiators are (or will go) in the room and how that will affect the temperature throughout the day. Underfloor heating is becoming more and more common for bathrooms as it frees up wall space and distributes the heat evenly in your room, potentially saving you money in the long run.
9. Wet room
A wet room might be worth the investment for your bathroom design project. They are common features in Northern European bathrooms, and they bring simplicity to a room while adding the illusion of space. They also reduce the need for trip hazards and shower doors, so are the most accessible option. However they do require more planning and fitting as the floor must allow for the right gradient to avoid leaking.
10. Finishing details
Injecting colours and textures into your bathroom design with replaceable smaller details is a great way to keep the room fresh and exciting. Towels and bath mats, plants and framed pictures can set the mood you want and inject those bolder colours you might have skipped over when choosing tiles. They can also be affordably and easily refreshed as trends change and you want to make small refreshments to your design later on.
If you need some help and inspiration with your bathroom design you can book a consultation, or create a bespoke package to manage your bathroom design project.
