Homes & Interiors: Just Add Water!

There are two schools of thought when it comes to bathing, with brisk efficiency at one end of the spectrum and utter hedonism at the other. But why not enjoy both? The modern bathroom can be a well-appointed and agreeable place in which to cleanse both body and mind, a room which is perfectly functional and also a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax, reflect and refresh.When designing a new bathroom it’s essential to start with the practicalities before moving onto the aesthetics. Consider who will use the room and how frequently, what fixtures you’d like and how much space is available. In a small room, for example, you may need to install a shower-bath rather than a separate bath and walk-in shower, site the loo elsewhere and use specially designed, space-saving fittings. It is always a good idea to plan the room carefully on graph paper, noting the positions of pipes, windows and doors.Bathroom fittings are available in a multitude of styles and prices, but simplicity is often the best option: plain, inexpensive designs can look wonderful when teamed with interesting accessories, and a sensible option is to invest more in moving parts such as shower doors and taps, while saving (within reason) by buying simple white ceramics. How a bathroom feels is vital, in terms of textures and temperatures against bare skin, and underfloor heating gives an efficient, overall heat while freeing up space against the walls – perhaps for a statement towel warmer. Lighting is also vital in creating an efficient atmosphere for a quick morning shower, or a more relaxing ambience for an evening bath. You may need two types of lights: bright, directional spots for shaving or applying makeup, and gentle background lighting for relaxing in the tub. You can highlight certain features, shine lights up or down on different areas, and use colour-changing LEDs or a whole range of other effects. As for walls, by varying the colours, shapes or styles of tilework you can highlight or separate different areas, or you could use sheet materials such as Corian or Silestone for a seamless effect that’s pricey but beautiful.

Current trends in bathroom design include walk-in and extra-large showers, coloured baths and basins and sleek, minimal accessories. There’s also a growing demand for storage cabinets that co-ordinate with fitted bedroom furniture, giving a unified look, especially from a master bedroom to an en-suite, while hiding the clutter that you don’t really want to see. With some careful thought and planning, plus a little inspiration, you can combine furniture and fittings, walls and floor, lighting and heating, to create a room that reflects your individual style and offers an experience that is warm and welcoming, comfortable, clean and calm.

BOX Bathroom checklist

Consider all these points when planning a bathroom:

• How much space is available?

• Who will use the room and when?

• What fittings would you like to install and, if there isn’t room for all of them, what is the best way to compromise?

• What is your budget?

• What style would you like overall?

• What type of hot-water system do you have?

• Where will you place the water pipes, the soil pipe and the air extraction?

• What are your lighting and heating requirements?

• How much storage do you need, and do you prefer the fitted or unfitted look?

• How will you buy and fit the bathroom – purchase from the internet and do it yourself, co-ordinate the various tradespeople (electrician, plumber, carpenter, plasterer, tiler, painter etc), use a local fitter, or buy an all-in-one package from a showroom? Bear in mind that delivery times can be up to six weeks.