Bathrooms: the Details that Make all the Difference
Hello, and Happy October!
It feels strange to be saying that, how can it be the 10th month of the year already? It's still unseasonably warm, which seems to be adding to the daily confusion of what to wear and cook for dinner. Please tell me I'm not the only one finding it a bit odd, even if I am loving it?!
To complete the home renovation series we've been covering this year we're now turning our attention to another important spaces in any home, the bathroom.
Bathrooms: the details that make all the difference
A bathroom has to work hard. From the morning rush to winding down at the end of the day, it needs to accommodate a surprising amount while still feeling comfortable and inviting. When done well, these spaces can become spa-like sanctuaries, the perfect place to escape the hectic day-to-day. But with so many practical elements to accommodate, it’s easy for a bathroom to feel cold and clinical without thoughtful planning and a little personality. With that in mind, we’re sharing some of our favourite practical tips and design ideas for getting this often-overlooked space just right.
Start with your vision
As with any room in your home, we recommend starting by narrowing down your vision. There are so many stylish bathroom options out there, spanning a huge range of price points, and it only takes a five-minute scroll before you can find yourself overwhelmed by endless possibilities!
Try writing down a few key words to capture how you want the space to feel. Perhaps clean, tropical, industrial, moody, modern or calming. Whatever aesthetic you’re drawn to, there are ways to make it work, but investing a little time at the beginning to establish your overall direction will make the decisions that follow much easier.
Getting the layout right
Starting with your layout is essential. There will inevitably be some restrictions to work around, whether that’s existing plumbing, windows or simply the usually limited footprint of a bathroom. Getting the layout right and working with the existing pipework is therefore the first thing to nail down. Once you know how the space needs to function, you can start thinking about the finishes and details that will bring it to life.
Next, consider the practical requirements. Who will be using the bathroom? Is it primarily for you and your partner, a family bathroom for young children, or a guest bathroom that needs to work for a variety of people?
If you have young children or elderly family members using the space, accessibility may need more consideration, alongside increased storage requirements. Make a list of your non-negotiables before you start making aesthetic decisions - it will help ensure the finished room works for everyone who uses it.
Don’t underestimate storage
We all have our various lotions and potions that form part of our morning and evening routines. Having enough storage for these less-than-aesthetic essentials can make a huge difference to how the finished room feels. Where the footprint is limited, clever storage can help keep the space feeling calm and uncluttered. Fitted furniture can offer maximum storage, while a wall-hung vanity unit can create a greater sense of space by keeping more of the floor visible. Creating a niche in your shower for body wash and shampoo has become a fairly standard addition, but don't stop there. Custom cabinetry can be designed to blend seamlessly into the wall, helping to hide away everything from toiletries to towels.
Our practical bathroom tips
Having designed, supplied and fitted numerous bathrooms and cloakrooms over the years, here are some of our top practical tips:
Invest in quality fittings. Spend as much as your budget allows on good-quality taps, showers and fittings, ideally with a 10–15 year warranty. These are some of the hardest-working elements in your bathroom, and choosing cheaper fittings can prove a false economy if they need replacing after only a few years.
Fit a good extractor fan. Opening a window might seem like the obvious solution, but a good extractor fan is essential for managing moisture and condensation in a steamy bathroom.
Think about your lighting. Consider using a combination of lighting rather than relying solely on spotlights. Decorative wall lights can add another layer of design, while an illuminated mirror can be a more practical option depending on your space and aesthetic. Both can also be useful when using the bathroom at night, rather than switching on the full lighting scheme and waking yourself up!
Consider a rimless toilet. Newer rimless designs can make cleaning easier and offer a more streamlined look.
Choose your tile size carefully. Larger tiles can mean fewer grout lines and therefore less cleaning, but go too large and they can become more difficult to fit. Always check with your tiler before committing.
Think about grout colour. Matching your grout to your tiles creates a more seamless, textured look, rather than the stronger grid effect you get with contrasting white grout.
Bathrooms don’t have to be boring!
We’ve also been looking at some of the newer ideas and trends appearing in bathroom design and have picked out a few of our favourites. Perhaps one of these will inspire your next project…
Think beyond the double sink. If you have room for two sinks, consider whether you would rather use some of that space for a built-in vanity. Add a stool or chair and you have the perfect spot for hair, makeup and skincare.
Pocket doors are a clever way to maximise space, particularly in an ensuite or small bathroom, as they free up valuable floor space once you’re inside. There is a caveat, though: while they are space-saving, they don’t offer quite the same sense of privacy or acoustic separation as a traditional locking door.
Create your own spa moment. If you have the space, a walk-in shower with a built-in shower seat can add both comfort and a touch of luxury.
Make a statement with your splashback. A bold splashback can introduce colour and personality while creating a focal point and drawing attention away from some of the more practical elements of the room.
Bring in some personality. Plants, artwork and accessories can instantly soften a bathroom and make it feel more like part of the home rather than simply a functional space.
Go wild in the cloakroom! The smallest room in the house is the perfect place for an explosion of bonkers wallpaper. Even if you’re not someone who likes lots of pattern and colour elsewhere in your home, a cloakroom gives you the opportunity to let your wild side out for a few moments of joy - and it’s almost guaranteed to be a talking point with guests!
We hope this has given you some inspiration, whether you're planning a complete bathroom renovation or simply thinking about a few ways to make your existing space work a little harder. If you'd like help bringing your ideas together, do get in touch; we’d be happy to chat!
Macmillan Coffee Morning
And finally, a little update from closer to home…
Thank you to everyone who supported our Macmillan Coffee Morning last Friday. It was lovely to see so many of you… and have an excuse to eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
A huge thank you also goes to all the local businesses who kindly donated a fabulous selection of prizes for our raffle. I’m very proud to announce that, together, we raised a fantastic £866 for Macmillan. It’s become one of our favourite days of the year, and no doubt we’ll be doing it all again next year. As always, it’s so lovely to be reminded of what a strong community we have here in Chandler’s Ford.
We hope you enjoy the rest of October as the evenings draw in and we start to embrace those cosier months ahead. And perhaps we've given you a few ideas if a bathroom project is on your wish list!
Best wishes,
Becci