Bathroom
ravertine “Travertine is a natural, luxurious stone with a high-end look,” Katherine says. “It comes in numerous textures, including etched, sandblasted, honed and tumbled, but for a bathroom, make sure you choose a slip-resistant finish.” Pros Hardwearing, easy to clean, compatible with underfloor heating, and cracks can be filled. Cons “Natural stone is expensive and generally higher maintenance than other flooring,” Katherine says. It’s heavy, so it needs a strong sub-floor, requires frequent sealing, can scratch, and can feel hard and cold underfoot. Maintenance “Use a neutral cleaner and plain water – no ammonia, acidic or alkaline cleaners,” Katherine says.
Ration pattern Patterned tiles are beautiful, but too many of them could make a small bathroom feel even more compact. This can be quite effective if you want to create a cosy feel, but not if you’re hoping to make your space look larger. Instead, use patterned tiles wisely by introducing them on smaller surfaces. Here, the geometric design is featured on the floor and in the recess, while the rest of the surfaces are clean white. There’s just enough pattern to add interest without making the room
Minimise grout lines You might think smaller tiles would work best in a compact bathroom, but in fact larger designs are a great option. Wide-format tiles result in fewer joints, and therefore show up less fussy grout lines, so the room feels less cluttered and more spacious. Here, the designers have laid large marble tiles on the floor and along the walls and surfaces to create a clean finish.
How do I create a feeling of space? Mirrors are a tried-and-tested way to increase the feeling of space, and even if the room is small the reflection from a large mirror will help to make the space feel bigger. Frameless designs fitted wall to wall, or even-floor-to-ceiling styles, look great and maximise this space-enhancing effect, while of course being practical too. Other tricks to try include using the same paint colour on walls, woodwork and the ceiling. And, no, it doesn’t have to be white! The absence of contrasting colours disguises the points where surfaces change, making the room feel larger and the ceiling taller. A natural light source also helps, along with good storage so the room is clear and uncluttered.
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.
Lay some honed limestone A classic pale limestone is a beautiful look in a bathroom. The pale colour adds an impression of light and space. Real limestone also feels lovely barefoot when you’re getting out of the bath: smooth and not too cold. However, as limestone is porous it will need to be carefully maintained and sealed to stop moisture getting in. A porcelain or ceramic option in a similar hue could be an alternative if this is a concern. Check the limestone you choose has a textured rather than ultra smooth finish to avoid slips and slides.
Tiles Add some pretty pattern We’re getting braver when it comes to pattern on our floors. A vintage- or Moroccan-style tile can look fantastic in a bathroom. It adds welcome contrast to an all-white suite, and means the rest of the room has to work less hard to look stylish. Here, a pretty vintage-look pattern has been matched with a black trim, which grounds the design and adds a traditional touch. Handmade cement encaustic tiles look gorgeous but can be super-pricey, not to mention harder to care for, but there are lots of great ceramic and porcelain patterned tiles around that create a similar effect.
TIles Be beige and tasteful Large fawn-coloured tiles create a classic look that’s neutral and restful. Bigger tiles not only help make small spaces look roomier, but light tones are also space-enhancing. And large tiles means fewer grout lines to maintain and keep mould-free. Combine with matching wall tiles for an easy style that doesn’t ever seem to date. Look for tumbled limestone, travertine or porcelain tiles in pinky-brown or yellow-brown tones – and always make sure they are slip-proof and suitable for bathrooms.
Be open Don’t like the feeling of being enclosed? A smart solution when window film might not be the best option is a magic screen blind. Never heard of it? It’s a blind made with a special polyscreen fabric that features a woven structure that allows you to see outside but nobody on the outside can see in. But there is a hitch. It only works in the day. At night, when lights are on, the reverse happens, so this is probably only for bathrooms that aren’t overlooked.
Wow with a walk-through cubicle A walk-through shower space can work wonders for an en suite that you want to feel integral to the bedroom –simply divide the shower area off from the rest of the room with two walls, which can be closed off with doors, as here. Different tiles on the facing walls make the space look more interesting, while the rainfall shower is pure luxury. Invest in good ventilation for a combined space.
Go for architectural glamour Usually reserved for the French windows of modern conversions or authentic updates on 1930s houses, these Crittall aluminium-framed shower doors are the dramatic focal point of this shower room. Complemented by a mirror and lighting in a similar style, they are set off by wow-worthy pale mosaic flooring, simple shower fittings and subway-style wall tiles.
Continue a run In this practical wash space, the designers have used the area wisely by building a wall below the window. The construction helps to cover the pipework and cistern, while doubling up as a handy storage ledge. It runs the whole width of the window into the wet room area, so it acts as a very useful shower shelf as well.
Install luxurious lighting Nothing elevates the tone of a bathroom like a glittering chandelier. Sparkling crystals that send light bouncing around the room are a brilliant way to bring in some glamour. Large chandeliers, such as the one shown here, are most effective. As always with bathrooms, you need to ensure that you comply with the recommended electrical zone regulations. Source your fittings from a specialist bathroom lighting company, and ask an electrician to install it safely.
LOVE THE BACK WALL!!! Double up for the luxe effect One vanity unit and oval mirror in your bathroom? That sounds nice. But two? Now we’re embracing opulence. Doubling up has its practical side – if you share a bathroom, you’ll never have to bicker over the sink or how many shelves of storage you can claim – but it also takes the room from neat to grand. This bathroom has employed some meticulous symmetry to complete the effect, with mirrors, sinks, drawers and wall lights forming a neat reflection.
Love the continuation touches from the bedroom The en-suite bathroom is a continuation of the master bedroom with accents of colour and quirky pieces. “The painting of Peter Sellers is cherished by the client and they wanted to enjoy it, hence the idea to have it in the bathroom,” explains Bakhtiar-Bakhtiari. “I always try to treat bathrooms as other rooms and incorporate art into them.”
Optimise Design Save Email Think laterally Look for novel ways to finish your room. Here, timber panelling makes a real feature out of an otherwise ordinary space, while concealed lighting behind the mirror adds another layer of luxury. The panelling is simply flooring that’s been fitted to the wall and sealed with a matt lacquer.
Imitate a luxe look Don’t let your moodboard curation be held back by worries that everything you like seems to be outside your budget. It’s often the case that you can achieve a high-end look without blowing your budget. If you love the look of marble, for example, but your budget doesn’t stretch that far, there are some wonderful porcelain and ceramic marble-effect tiles that will create the same look at a lower cost.
Explore storage solutions When planning a bathroom, make storage a priority. The more you can hide away, the better. There are many ways to incorporate it; collecting images of ideas you like is a good way to start narrowing down the myriad options into solutions that will work in your space. Again, cast your net wide, picking out ideas at first simply because they appeal to you. Do also have a list of all the stuff your household needs to store in the bathroom and tailor your search to solutions that will accommodate those things. Then go through and refine, with your own space clearly in mind. Look, for example, for unused spaces in your bathroom/potential bathroom, such as a gap at the end of the bath that could simply be boxed out, fitted with a hinged lid and used as a laundry box. Here, the space at the end of the bath has been built out up to the ceiling to create a larder-style, pull-out storage unit.
Count the cost The most significant factor in the cost of your underfloor heating is simply the size of the floor: the bigger the space, the more expensive it will be. “The second most influential factor on cost would be how labour-intensive the installation is,” Seira says. Materials will affect your outlay, too. “The subfloor also comes into play when looking at the overall cost of installation. If the subfloor is floorboards, plyboard should be laid on top to stop any movement of individual boards. If the subfloor is concrete, the installer needs to ensure it’s level and flat, usually by adding self-levelling compound. Again, due to the extra labour, the costs may rise.”
Toughened glass is ideal for busy bathrooms because it’s durable and easy to keep clean. It’s also available in a variety of colours to create a real statement piece. “In addition, glass can be mirrored, which means it can double up as a great accessory,” says Birch.
“Mild steel isn’t recommended for rooms with high levels of moisture. Instead, opt for stainless steel, which is ideal for wet rooms and steamy bathrooms,” advises Barbara Payne of Bisque. “Aluminium options, meanwhile, have a high heat output, which allows for a slimmer profile, meaning they’re often a great space-saving option in compact bathrooms.”
If you want the best of both worlds, opt for a dual fuel towel rail. “These are perfect for use in a bathroom, especially during the warmer months of the year,” explains Daniel Baker of Geyser Radiators. “They can be run on the central heating system during colder periods and then on electric when the weather is warmer, removing the need to heat the entire house through the central heating system.”
En Suite - There are pros and cons to each. Firstly, radiators or towel rails plugged into the central heating will only operate when the rest of the system is switched on. This means that in summer, damp towels won’t dry as quickly. The solution to this is an electric radiator, which can be switched on and off when needed – all year round if necessary. “Electric models are ideal if you want to avoid the expense associated with installing a new central heating system, as the heat source is independent,” says Steve Birch of Aestus. “The towel rails are filled with thermal transfer fluid, which is then heated by the electric element to produce a warm towel rail or radiator whenever you want it. But note: electric towel rails and radiators should be fitted by a suitably qualified installer to avoid costly mistakes.”
Paper House Project Save Email “We tried to keep everything uniform to help the space feel ordered and open,” says Davies. He chose large-format tiles for the bathroom. “They’re easier to lay and get right than small tiles or mosaics, especially if you have a tricky space with a lot to fit in,” he says. “It’s always easier to have big tiles in a complex layout and it’s also cheaper to lay them than cutting lots of smaller tiles.”
The en suite shower room is a light-filled space. “The intent was to make a room that feels both understated and luxurious,” explains Hawkins. The floor and walls are clad in polished marble tiles (305mm x 75mm). It’s a beautiful Italian marble with an off-white base colour and striking grey veining. The tiles are laid in different patterns on the walls and floor to create a subtle change of flow. The fully tanked wet room is specially designed for the suspended wooden floors found in period houses, and features a fully recessed, hidden tray.
3 Take it from the top – and bottom Roller blinds that roll up from the base of the window – bottom up blinds – are widely available. Teaming these with conventional rollers fitted at the top is a great way to provide flexible levels of privacy.
Fit an unusual seat A cloakroom can be a great place to have some fun. It’s a low-risk place in which to express yourself with opulent wallpaper, interesting artworks or a quirky toilet seat. In this monochrome and hot pink room, the skull motif adds a little attitude. You could even design your own transfer or paint your own design for a seat.
Be square Toilet bowls have traditionally been curvy, but a squarer shape can look edgier and more modern. This super-simple wall-hung design is sleek and minimal – and lets the artwork and bright walls do the talking.
Choose heritage style Modern isn’t for everyone. If you’re lusting after a period-look bathroom, then a traditional-style loo may be for you. This model has a wooden seat that tones with the floor, and works beautifully with the pedestal basin and Victorian-style towel radiator.
With this type of toilet, the cistern is concealed within the wall or a cabinet, along with a hidden frame to keep the loo securely in place. You’ll need to plan ahead, though, so it’s one to think about when you start designing your bathroom.
Wallpaper for kids bathroom?
Interesting layout for the bathroom
Glass shower with sky light
Build in storage for bathroom
Marble If it’s a touch of glamour you’re after, marble is your friend. “Marble gives a timeless, modern luxe feel that emanates natural beauty,” Sharon Lillywhite says. “It continues to be the stone of choice to create a dramatic finish in a bathroom. “Paler marbles such as Carrara are good for flooring and make smaller rooms look lighter and more spacious,” she says. “Large slabs (minimum 80 x 80cm) are best, even in small bathrooms, to give the illusion of more space.” Pros Compatible with underfloor heating, easy to clean, cracks can be filled, available in a wide range of patterns and colours, and each tile is unique. Cons Marble is porous, so it should be sealed before grouting and again afterwards. “Marble is very susceptible to stains, even with sealing,” Michelle says. “It can also scratch and chip, especially during installation. It will need sealing frequently.” “In a wet area, it can be a slip hazard,” Sharon adds. “It’s a high-value item, not just in terms of the cost of the stone, but because you need specialists to install it, otherwise it can crack.” Maintenance Frequent dry sweeping with a soft mop helps to remove any dirt that could scratch the floor. Mop with...
Q