Bathroom design is key to a beautiful home, but how do you create a well-functioning room that has interiors that will wow? Kara O’Reilly gives her top tips
1Interiors ideas and inspiration
Before you begin, do some research. ‘Brochures and magazines are a rich source of ideas. Create a mood board made up of some of your favourite images,’ advises Leila Roberts of Fired Earth. Diane Martin, design consultant at Roca London Gallery, agrees: ‘Take a scrapbook of ideas you like along to a bathroom showroom. There you will be able to see, touch and even try out the products.’
2Where to start?
‘The shape and size of the space will influence whether you choose freestanding or fitted elements,’ says Paola Ciarmatori Tanini, Art Director for Devon & Devon. ‘Choose designs that reflect your personal style and work sympathetically with the architecture of the room.’
3The space issue
Think about what you can realistically achieve with the space you have. ‘Even if your actual space is limited, it is important to create a sense of space,’ says Diane. ‘Revealing as much floor as possible gives the sense of a larger room,’ adds Rachel Martin, designer at C.P. Hart.
4The colour story
All our experts are agreed that colour can work in a bathroom if used judiciously. ‘Too much colour will dominate a room and could have the potential to date,’ advises Rachel.
5Try something different
If space allows, why not try an unexpected layout or combination of fittings? ‘Consider positioning a free-standing bath at an unusual angle and match it with a stylish sofa or armchair,’ suggests Paola.
6Be aware of trends
‘Opt for a timeless look, rather than something that is uber-contemporary and is therefore likely to date. A mixture of classic and modern is often a good compromise,’ says Diane. Leila agrees: ‘Freestanding baths, marble-topped washstands and tactile stone bowls are perennially popular.’
7Material mix
‘Certain materials will always work well, such as high quality porcelain, marble, granite, cast iron, brass, steel, chrome, copper and nickel plating,’ advises Paola. ‘Marble is incredibly popular, undeniably glamorous and yet it can be surprisingly affordable,’ says Leila.
8Call in the experts
‘Ask your plumber to boost your water pressure if necessary to ensure that your new shower and taps work at optimum capacity; always call in the professionals for more complex jobs such as fitting a wet room,’ advises Leila. ‘And if you’re thinking about having a freestanding bath, remember to check that the floor will be able to cope with the weight, particularly if you’re opting for a traditional cast-iron bath.’
Scroll through our gallery of beautiful bathrooms for inspiration
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