Getting your bathroom right is more important than you think. After all, our bathrooms act as more than just a room - they're dressing rooms for when you're perfecting your hair or makeup, the place where your kids have their first bath, and where you go to soak in the suds after a busy week at work.
In fact, adults spend a whopping 416 days of their lives in the bathroom, so creating a relaxing atmosphere is a must. With the help of our bathroom design tips and bathroom lighting ideas, you can create a spa-like sanctuary from the comfort of your own home.
Read on to find out how.
How to Design a Bathroom - Our Expert Tips
Consider Space
One thing that's all too often overlooked about your bathroom is the user journey. Moving through a cramped or cluttered bathroom can be uncomfortable, so consider how much space users have in every section of the room.
While there might be enough space to stand outside the shower, for example, have you considered whether there's enough space for somebody to dry off with a towel?
If you lack floor space, store upwards by putting conveniently placed shelves up the walls for toiletries and cleaning products.
Be realistic about the amount of space you have, too. While the free-standing tub of your dreams might sound great, if it's slightly too big for the room, it'll look hemmed in.
"In such scenarios, there are also slimmer bath tubs that can fit into such spaces," comments James Durr of prominent homebuyers Property Solvers.
Choose Your Lighting Carefully
While getting as much natural light as impossible is ideal, your fixtures and fittings matter just as much. To create that atmospheric vibe that's perfect for soaking in the tub, accent lighting should be your go-to.
Pendant lights, such as this one by Bomma, give your home a spa-like feel, allowing you to bask in a peaceful sanctuary where you can decompress at the end of a busy day. Spotlights look similarly stylish in a bathroom.
Often, just one light isn't enough - especially if your bathroom's exceptionally spacious - which is where wall lights come in, such as this stylish wall light from Schwung.
Where possible, opt for wall lights and spotlights in the same (or a similar) material to give your home a consistent feel. As they say, though, rules are meant to be broken, so if you want to blend contemporary with traditional, nothing is stopping you!
Not only do your fittings and fixtures make a big difference to the feel of your bathroom, but your bulbs can too. If your bathroom lacks natural light and you use the space for applying makeup or styling your hair, choose a bright white bulb and consider installing lighting around the mirror.
If you're more likely to use your bathroom for relaxing in the tub, a warmer bulb might be the better choice.
Add a Splash of Color
Bathrooms tend to be smaller than the rest of the rooms in your house, so opting for a dark color on all the walls can make the room look cramped instead of opening it up.
Likewise, painting every wall, either white or cream, can look too plain if you're looking for something more experimental.
One idea is to just include a splash of color in your bathroom rather than choosing one solid color for all your walls.
Having a feature color is one idea - this works exceptionally well if you have a bath set against just one wall - but colorful flooring or shower tiles can make a huge impact, too.
Matching that splash of color with accessories in the same color brings the room together nicely. If you opt for a forest green feature wall, for example, a toothbrush holder in the same color will create consistency.
Be careful about which colors you choose, too. Remember that your aim with any bathroom is to create a pleasant and relaxing space. Red, for example, which has been shown to increase blood pressure, might not be suitable for a bathroom, except for some choice accessories.
Whatever color you decide to add, one thing's for sure - with bathroom wallpaper and terrazzo tiles topping the charts of bathroom design searches, color isn't going away anytime soon.
Create an Exciting Focal Point
If possible, try to avoid making the toilet the aesthetic focal point of the room. Create something else that can draw the attention of inhabitants and visitors alike when they first walk in.
While a vintage-style free-standing bathtub is always a good option, not all bathrooms have adequate space for one, so consider a stylish dressing table or mirror instead.
If your shower area is a little plain and colorless, build out a pre-made shelf corner decorated in different colored tiles or decorate the shower door with colored tape.
Want to add a modern-art-style feature to your bathroom? Consider installing vessel sinks.
Build in Luxurious Features
When people think of bathroom design, they often consider functional details such as how the shower door opens or the type of toilet flush. While these are all important parts of a bathroom, if you're really looking for that spa-like vibe, consider more luxurious added extras.
Technology such as heated towel bars, underfloor heating, ring-light mirrors, and steam showers can transform your bathroom into a space worthy of a 5-star hotel and make time spent there all the more enjoyable.
Other Essential Design Tips for Your Bathroom
Even the most visually stunning bathroom can fall flat without certain considerations. It's important to remember that functionality, comfort, and safety should go hand-in-hand with aesthetics.
Here are some key tips to ensure your bathroom is both beautiful and practical.
- Ventilation is Key: No matter how beautifully designed, a poorly ventilated bathroom can breed mold and unpleasant odors. Ensure good airflow and consider investing in an exhaust fan.
- Mind Your Materials: Water-resistant materials are a must in bathrooms. When choosing fixtures, flooring, or decor, prioritize durability and ease of maintenance.
- Storage Matters: Keep clutter at bay with clever storage solutions. Utilize empty wall spaces and corners with shelves or baskets.
- Go Green: Incorporate indoor plants into your design for a natural, relaxing ambiance. Choose varieties that thrive in humidity, like ferns or bamboo.
- Keep Safety in Mind: Non-slip floor tiles and grab bars in the shower can prevent accidents. Always consider safety, especially in bathrooms used by children or the elderly.
Remember, a bathroom is a place of comfort. Your design choices should reflect this while balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Create the Perfect Ambience with Lighting that Transforms
Whether you're looking for a new spotlight for your bathroom or a standing lamp for your office, don't underestimate the power of lighting. It can brighten a smaller space, making it feel light and airy no matter the size, and create a spa-like serenity in your bathroom.
At Luminesy, we specialize in designer lighting with a difference. In our extensive bathroom lighting collection, you'll find contemporary pendant lights, stylish spotlights, and eye-catching wall lights, all crafted from the finest materials to take your bathroom's design to a new level.