An Interior Designer’s Guide to Designing Your Dream Bathroom

Find a design that complements the style of your home

Cohesive design creates a sense of visual harmony throughout the home. So when it comes to finding a style that would work for your bathroom, it’s worth looking at the existing style, materials palette, and/or colour palette of your home.

For example, Tim has used the same limewash paint from Bauwerk that features in the living areas of the home, and continued it into the bathrooms, wrapping the texture across the ceiling.

“In the past, the ‘all white’ bathroom trend meant we were creating sterile bathing boxes that didn’t hold any aesthetic resemblance to the rest of the home. I’m so glad that people are now seeing bathrooms as an extension of their home, breaking down the walls literally and flowing a cohesive style through open-plan ensuites for example.”

He stresses the importance of selecting colours that feature the same undertone as other rooms in your home. “If it’s a warm home and your bathroom colours have that same warm undertone they will always suit the style of the home, no matter what changes over time. Same with a cool palette, as long as there’s visual consistency it should feel ‘right’.

Opt for durable and stylish materials for surfaces

Choosing durable and stylish materials for surfaces in a bathroom is essential for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

Tiles are the backbone of a bathroom scheme, but trends and technologies are changing all the time.

"Most recently in our industry, natural stone is coming to the forefront and I’m so excited to see all of the individual options that nature has to offer – no two slabs of marble are ever the same! Bolder hues like onyx greens and rosa travertines are interesting choices to build a scheme around. And it’s no secret that Venetian Plaster and its more modern sister Microcement is having a moment. You can wrap a wet area in this material for a one-of-a-kind, seamless look that not only looks divine but is water-resistant and durable too."

Add design elements that can enhance the efficiency of daily routines

Your bathroom is where you’ll get ready for the day, and unwind at the end of a day. Efficiency in a bathroom can be greatly enhanced by incorporating thoughtful design elements that streamline these daily routines.

“I’m a fan of dual vanities and double showers if the layout allows, as not only do they look doubly visually impressive, but it means the space becomes multi-functional, perfect for a busy family home.”

It’s also smart to consider design choices that can make a bathroom easier to clean and maintain. This includes frameless glass shower doors or open-concept showers to minimise the areas where soap scum and water spots can accumulate. Ensure there is proper ventilation to minimise mould growth.

Tim also says to be aware of non-slip tiles. “They sound sensible but actually have a surface treatment that feels almost like fine sandpaper. This makes them not the most comfortable underfoot, and near-impossible to clean as it will pull the fibres from the mop or sponge onto the surface.”

Maximising space in a small bathroom

There's no denying small bathrooms present unique challenges. But there are some design choices you can take advantage of to maximise space.

“Vanities with curved corners take up less space and look attractive too. In a powder room, a wall-hung vanity with exposed plumbing is ideal for a small space as it doesn’t look visually heavy, literally floating so you can see all the floor space. You could also embrace a wet-area layout where a bath is placed behind the shower screen up one end of a room, creating clear zones and using your limited space more wisely.”