BATHROOM RENOVATION - ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER
These days bathrooms are not just functional spaces but also serve as a sanctuary in busy and chaotic world, where we go to relax & unwind. I have designed quite a number of bathrooms both for myself and my clients over the years, so here are a few suggestions of key design elements that I would recommend considering as part of your renovation, so that you end up with a bathroom you love.
Heating - The number one luxury element that I would recommend beyond items like a large tiled shower, or a freestanding bath would be underfloor heating - there is nothing worse than a cold tile floor to diminish the spa experience! It can be relatively inexpensive feature and easy to install - every client who makes the investment absolutely loves it and will never go back to cold floors if they build again! Ideally, go for piped [wet] underfloor heating, but for a small space, electric [dry] with a good control system can work well. Heating is pretty key in any room but the addition of a heated towel rail in a bathroom, so that you have a warm fluffy towel to wrap yourself in, also adds that extra element of luxury!
Taps - Investing in high-quality plumbing fixtures is an absolute must - don’t judge taps and other plumbing fixtures on looks alone. The inner components are vital to how these pieces function and how long they’ll last. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down (especially important locations with hard water, like London), affecting water flow and other performance features, so it is worth investigating your options early on, in order to establish a realistic budget upfront.
Storage - A bathroom can’t function without proper storage and I would recommend a mix of open, closed, drawer, cabinet, niche or any other necessary solutions. You always need a lot of storage for towels and other bathroom accessories, and there are so many ways to include bathroom storage in a beautiful and functional way with gorgeous cabinetry.
I always suggest creating a recessed alcove above the bath or in the shower area as a dedicated space for shampoo bottles and other products.
There are many different alcove designs to consider, but you’ll want to make sure the dimensions can accommodate the height and amount of products you typically keep in the shower, and maybe a little extra room for overflow. It should be tiled with the fall towards the edge of the shelf to avoid a build up of water! A niche also offers an opportunity to introduce some extra style into the shower with a contrasting accent tile or other material and is also a good place to add some layered lighting.
Stunning wall hung vanity unit from Lusso Stone
Lighting is also a pretty fundamental feature when planning a bathroom and I would suggest a layered approach with a number of different light circuits so that you can adjust according to your mood/ requirements. Overhead spot lights are absolutely essential for illumination, especially in combination with good mirror light for when doing make-up etc so that you are not just lit from above, which creates shadows. Also consider accent lights such as sconces, LED strips in alcoves as well as decorative lighting such as chandeliers, so that you can create a spa-like atmosphere when bathing (especially on a dimmer switch). If you get up frequently during the night, don’t forget to include a nightlight, eg toe kick on the underside of a floating vanity, which can be set on a sensor so it’s only on at night or when the room is dark.
Fittings - A handheld showerhead might seem like a small detail, but its inclusion can have an enormous effect on the shower experience - they’re great for rinsing shaved legs, cleaning shower walls, children and pets! I would also suggest placing the shower controls close to where you enter the shower, rather than by the shower head to avoid getting sprayed with cold water when reaching in to turn it on. It may add some extra expense to a renovation, but it’s a feature you’ll appreciate every day!
Materials - Our bathrooms should be a haven of rest, relaxation and self care, therefore I recommend using natural materials whenever possible in these spaces – real stone, wood, plants, etc. The earthy elements balance with the water elements and together create that spa-like feel that’s so nourishing for the mind, body and soul.
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