Big Decisions For Small Spaces
Rebecca Coulby Shares her ideas for transforming your bathroom
Over the years, we have come to value our bathrooms to a much greater extent and so bathroom design has evolved considerably.
Instead of a purely functional room, separate from the rest of the house, a bathroom has become a multi-functional space that is incorporated far more into the rest of the home. It is a place of sanctuary where we can prepare calmly for the day ahead or de-stress following a hectic day. A bathroom can make or break a house sale and so it is worth investing in them with good design, time and money. Designing a bathroom can be a real challenge. It is usually the smallest room of the house and so getting it to function effectively is absolutely key.
Many of my recent designs have involved features such as the continued use of the same flooring from the living rooms into the bathroom to create an all encompassing design that flows right through the house. Using similar colour pallets as other rooms can emphasis this. Soft, mood lighting and elegant fixtures and fittings such as crystal lighting and lit shelf recesses, beautiful bespoke vanity units and storage cabinets, furniture and even armchairs and sofas all work to afford the bathroom its elevated status. After all, who doesn't want their own bathroom to feel like a luxurious spa?
Of course, this is not always possible; in fact for the majority of us the bathroom is never quite big enough and this is where my design skills are tested. Often a client will say to me that they don't believe their bathroom can be designed in any other way. However, by fully exploring all the possible design options, I have been able to create large separate showers (currently highly desirable) and baths in a room that only appeared to have room for one or the other, or add large basins, mirrors and storage to make better use of the space.
The secret is to look at both the negative and positive space in the bathroom and rooms surrounding it - often there is far too much wasted space and not enough actually in use. A new bathroom will usually cost more than you think, as much of the cost is hidden in all the plumbing work required. However, this is not an area for cutting costs as a poorly plumbed and finished bathroom can lead to a lot of unnecessary cost and stress. Use a reputable company, ask for recommendations and be careful buying cheap sanitary ware online as this carries a higher risk of goods being damaged upon delivery and if you have already got your workmen booked in, this could be costly and you could be without a bathroom for longer. Having said that, you do not need to go for high-end sanitary ware or taps either, but British-made items will usually mean that parts can be replaced more quickly if required.
Bathrooms also allow freedom for fun and creativity. Mosaics or coloured glass splashbacks are a great way to add colour and create a unique look. Choose the best quality your budget will allow, such as Original Style Mother of Pearl or their stunning glass mosaics. Less is more and just a couple of sheets can add a sense of glamour and sophistication. A solid stone work surface on a bespoke vanity unit is also a good investment and will look beautiful for years to come. Bathroom lighting has come a long way and can really add a sumptuous, soothing mood, and clever use of large mirrors to reflect light and add a sense of space is always a good idea.
