Bathrooms
Rethink traditional positionsThis is an interesting idea for a small-ish bathroom where you want both a bath and a shower. Here, building in a conventional cubicle would have been tricky without losing the bath, but by positioning a frameless screen strategically – enclosing both tub and shower – the space has been used extremely economically. Your floor in this context will almost certainly need to be fitted as it would do in a wet room, so ensure your contractor is tanking it and installing suitable floor drainage. Read expert advice on what you need to know when choosing a shower enclosure
Scale it upWith a bathroom as gloriously spacious as this, clean lines and lack of clutter help to create a tranquil, spa-like mood. Part of what really emphasises – in fact, boosts – the size of this wash space is the seamless join between the pale floor and walls. Going frameless for your shower screen in this aesthetic context really is the only answer, as you want to avoid adding any unnecessary lines or breaks. On that topic, note the inset (ie, invisible) shower tray: this, instead of a raised tray made from, say, acrylic or stone resin, gives a wet room effect. A fixed screen design is perfect, as there’s plenty of space to get in and out, plus you don’t want to be moving a sheet of glass that size around. Particularly as it’s fitted floor-to-ceiling, you’ll be looking at buying a bespoke piece of toughened glass – pricier than an off-the-shelf design, but it’ll look incredibly classy.
Create character with plantsJewellery and ceramics designer Amy Anderson added a two-storey extension to the east London maisonette she shares with her husband and young twins, but the result is anything but standard. Reclaimed materials, cross-lattice beams, antiques and masses of plants all create a unique, homely feel. In the new bathroom there are two skylights, including a huge octagonal one directly over the freestanding tub. “Kew Gardens was a big influence in terms of plants, but also the amazing glasshouses there,” says Anderson. “When we moved in, everything felt quite cold and we were trying to decide what artwork to put on the walls,” she adds. “Then I gradually started putting up plants instead of pictures.”See how plants have been used in the rest of this quirky Victorian maisonette
Create a feature wallWe’re all familiar with focal feature walls in living rooms and bedrooms, but they’re often overlooked in bathrooms, where they’re very useful for creating defined zones. Here, shiny hexagonal tiles transform what could be a plain shower area into one that’s as pretty as a picture – even the dividing wall has a touch of glamour.Which is your favourite way to use these teeny tiles? Share your pick in the Comments section.
Get creative with hexagons Square or rectangular aren’t the only options for tiles – how about going for a hexagonal shape instead? A subtle honeycomb pattern on your bathroom floor can have a modern Scandi appeal, and if you choose a neutral shade it won’t overwhelm the room. Choose more than one tone to add interest, or alternate two colours for a fun effect.Remember, too, that porcelain tiles are generally more water-resistant than normal ceramic ones.Enliven your home with hexagons
Crave consistencyMake decorating easier by sticking to two or three themes for each room. In this mesmerising basin area, cement tiles have been taken from floor to wall for a seamless splashback. Grey and brass are its other key elements. A more measured approach is especially important when factoring in a fantastic pattern, as here.Browse tiles for eclectic interiors in the Houzz Shop
Protect against leaksEven if you’re not planning a wet room-style shower, you’ll need to waterproof the walls around a shower or bath. Moisture-resistant plasterboard should be used to create any shower enclosures. Alternatively, fibreglass can be used to cover the entire area. Both of these methods are an additional cost, so even if you’re only replacing your existing sanitaryware, you should factor in your chosen material.
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