The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house but it can provide individuals in the home with not only a functional space but a personal haven where one can indulge in a relaxing bath, a bit of pampering or just some much-needed “me time” that can help drive the day’s stresses away.
Bathrooms come in different varieties, but they all come together in the choice of fixtures and furnishings. Bathrooms suites can have a traditional, classic or contemporary design, but the layout should be determined based on the following elements:
- Who will use the bathroom?
- When is it used?
- How is the space being used?
Using the answers to these questions, a bathroom designer can create a layout that will work best for a client.
One of the most commonly used layouts is the “universal design” that calls for a wider floor plan with bigger doorways, walk-in showers and taller toilets. It appeals to everyone, regardless of age or size and including those with disabilities and mobility issues, hence the name and its growing popularity. It is, therefore, a good investment in any home.
In addition to layout, the placement of different components is also important. The bathroom is probably one of the most highly furnished areas of the home. Quite often a bathroom has a mirror, vanity, storage units, lighting, bath, sink, shower, towel rails, toilet and other decorative assets. It is important that each of these elements has a place in the bathroom without causing the room to shrink, look cluttered or feel dark.
Most importantly, the bathroom must be appropriately lit, which means creating a lighting plan that covers different activities. Ambient lighting for when you want the entire bathroom illuminated. Task lighting for when you want to see clearly in the mirror while you shave or put on make-up. Decorative lighting brings out the beauty of the room. Accent lighting for when you want to draw attention to a particular architectural asset. Optimal lighting, on the other hand, is one that draws in natural light through a window.
With the design, furniture and fixtures to consider, creating or remodelling a bathroom should be done with professional input.